UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One) | |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR | |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the fiscal year ended | |
OR | |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR | |
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
Date of event requiring this shell company report Commission file number: | |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
+44‑(0)
(Address of principal executive offices)
+44‑(0)
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
Ordinary Shares (nominal value of $0.01) |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ◻
Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Accelerated filer ◻ | Non-accelerated filer ◻ | |
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
† Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ◻ | Other ◻ | |
by the International Accounting Standards Board ⌧ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 ◻ Item 18 ◻
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 | ||
6 | ||
6 | ||
6 | ||
6 | ||
35 | ||
64 | ||
64 | ||
95 | ||
109 | ||
115 | ||
117 | ||
117 | ||
135 | ||
138 | ||
139 | ||
139 | ||
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS. | 139 | |
139 | ||
142 | ||
142 | ||
142 | ||
142 | ||
143 | ||
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. | 143 | |
143 | ||
143 | ||
144 | ||
145 | ||
145 | ||
145 | ||
145 | ||
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws of certain applicable jurisdictions. These forward-looking statements are made under the "safe harbor" provision under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this annual report, including, without limitation, those regarding our future financial position and results of operations, our strategy, plans, objectives, goals and targets, future developments in the markets in which we operate or are seeking to operate or anticipated regulatory changes in the markets in which we operate or intend to operate. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “may,” “would,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict(s),” “will,” “expect(s),” “estimate(s),” “project(s),” “positioned,” “strategy,” “outlook,” “aim,” “assume,” “continue,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “projected,” “risk” and similar expressions.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based on numerous assumptions. Our actual results of operations, financial condition and the development of events may differ materially from (and be more negative than) those made in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Investors should read the section entitled “Item 3.D.—Key Information—Risk Factors” and the description of our segments in the section entitled “Item 4.B.—Information on the Company—Business Overview” for a more complete discussion of the factors that could affect us. All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or suggested by, the statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following:
| ● | the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| ● | the impacts of the Ukraine-Russia conflict; |
| ● | increase in energy prices, disruptions in the supply of power and changes in governmental regulation of the power sector and the effect on costs of production; |
| ● | our ability to sucessfully manage our debt; |
| ● | the outcomes of pending or potential litigation; |
| ● | operating costs, customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, clients or suppliers) may be greater than expected; |
| ● | the retention of certain key employees; |
| ● | intense competition and expected increased competition in the future; |
| ● | our ability to adapt products and services to changes in technology or the marketplace; |
| ● | our ability to maintain and grow relationships with customers and clients; |
| ● | the historic cyclicality of the metals industry and the attendant swings in market price and demand; |
| ● | availability of raw materials and transportation; |
| ● | the cost of raw material inputs and the ability to pass along those costs to customers; |
| ● | costs associated with labor disputes and stoppages; |
1
| ● | our ability to maintain our liquidity and to generate sufficient cash to service indebtedness; |
| ● | integration and development of prior and future acquisitions; |
| ● | our ability to implement strategic initiatives and actions taken to increase sales growth; |
| ● | our ability to compete successfully; |
| ● | the availability and cost of maintaining adequate levels of insurance; |
| ● | our ability to protect trade secrets, trademarks and other intellectual property; |
| ● | equipment failures, delays in deliveries or catastrophic loss at any of our manufacturing facilities, which may not be covered under any insurance policy; |
| ● | exchange rate fluctuations; |
| ● | changes in laws protecting U.S., Canadian and European Union companies from unfair foreign competition (including antidumping and countervailing duty orders and laws) or the measures currently in place or expected to be imposed under those laws; |
| ● | compliance with, or potential liability under, environmental, health and safety laws and regulations (and changes in such laws and regulations, including in their enforcement or interpretation); |
| ● | risks from international operations, such as foreign exchange fluctuations, tariffs, duties and other taxation, inflation, increased costs, political risks and our ability to maintain and increase business in international markets; |
| ● | risks associated with mining operations, metallurgical smelting and other manufacturing activities; |
| ● | our ability to manage price and operational risks including industrial accidents and natural disasters; |
| ● | our ability to acquire or renew permits and approvals; |
| ● | potential losses due to unanticipated cancellations of service contracts; |
| ● | risks associated with potential unionization of employees or work stoppages that could adversely affect our operations; |
| ● | changes in tax laws (including under applicable tax treaties) and regulations or to the interpretation of such tax laws or regulations by governmental authorities; |
| ● | changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; |
| ● | uncertainties and challenges surrounding the implementation and development of new technologies; |
| ● | risks related to our capital structure; |
| ● | risks related to our ordinary shares; and |
| ● | our ability to achieve the intended results of our transformation plan. |
These and other factors are more fully discussed in the “Item 3.D.—Key Information—Risk Factors” and “Item 4.B.—Information on the Company—Business Overview” sections and elsewhere in this annual report.
2
The factors described above and set forth in “Item 3.D.—Key Information—Risk Factors” section are not exhaustive. Other sections of this annual report describe additional factors that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing commercial environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict or list all such risks, nor can we assess the impact of all possible risks on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained, or implied by, in any forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this annual report and the documents we reference herein carefully and completely, with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we anticipate.
CURRENCY PRESENTATION AND DEFINITIONS
In this annual report, references to “$,” “US$” and “U.S. Dollars” are to the lawful currency of the United States of America, references to “Euro” and “€” are to the single currency adopted by participating member states of the European Union relating to Economic and Monetary Union and references to “Pound Sterling” and “£” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.
Unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise, all financial information for the Company provided in this annual report is denominated in U.S. Dollars.
Definitions
Unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise in this annual report:
| ● | the terms (1) “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” “Ferroglobe,” and “our business” refer to Ferroglobe PLC and its subsidiaries, including Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (“Globe”) and its consolidated subsidiaries and Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. (“FerroAtlántica”) and its consolidated subsidiaries; (2) “Globe” refers solely to Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and (3) “FerroAtlántica” or the “FerroAtlántica Group” refers solely to FerroAtlántica and its consolidated subsidiaries; |
| ● | “Business Combination” refers to the business combination of Globe and FerroAtlántica as wholly-owned subsidiaries of Ferroglobe PLC on December 23, 2015; |
| ● | “Class A Ordinary Shares” refers to share capital issued in connection with the Business Combination, which was subsequently converted into ordinary shares of Ferroglobe PLC as a result of the distribution of beneficial interest units in the Ferroglobe Representation and Warranty Insurance Trust to certain Ferroglobe PLC shareholders on November 18, 2016; |
| ● | “Consolidated Financial Statements” refers to the audited consolidated financial statements of Ferroglobe PLC and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, including the related notes thereto, prepared in accordance with IFRS (as such terms are defined herein); |
| ● | “IFRS” refers to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board; |
| ● | “Indenture” refers to the indenture, dated as of February 15, 2017, among Ferroglobe PLC and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. as co-issuers, certain subsidiaries of Ferroglobe PLC as guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association as trustee, registrar, transfer agent and paying agent; |
3
| ● | “Notes” refer to the $350,000,000 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes bearing interest of 9.375% issued by Ferroglobe PLC and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., due March 1, 2022 (the “Notes”); |
| ● | “Reinstated Senior Notes” refer to the notes issued in exchange of 98.588% of the 9.375% Notes due 2022 issued by Ferroglobe Finance Company PLC and Globe due December 2025; |
| ● | “Super Senior Notes” refer to the 9% senior secured notes due 2025 issued by Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC; |
| ● | “Stub Notes” refer to the $4,942 thousand aggregate principal amount of 9.375% Notes due March 1, 2022; |
| ● | “Predecessor” refers to FerroAtlántica for all periods prior to the Business Combination; |
| ● | “Antecessor” refers to Globe for all periods prior to the Business Combination; |
| ● | “Revolving Credit Facility” refers to borrowings available under the credit agreement, dated as of February 27, 2018, as amended on or about October 31, 2018 and February 22, 2019, among Ferroglobe PLC, as borrower, certain subsidiaries of Ferroglobe PLC from time to time party thereto as guarantors, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as lenders, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, issuing lender and swing loan lender, PNC Capital Markets LLC, Citizens Bank, National Association and BMO Capital Markets Corp., as joint legal arrangers and bookrunners, Citizens Bank, National Association, as syndication agent, and BMO Capital Markets Corp., as documentation agent, as amended from time to time; |
| ● | “shares” or “ordinary shares” refer to the authorized share capital of Ferroglobe PLC; |
| ● | “tons” refer to metric tons (approximately 2,204.6 pounds or 1.1 short tons); |
| ● | “U.S. Exchange Act” refers to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
| ● | “U.S. Securities Act” refers to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
| ● | “ABL Revolver” refers to credit available under the credit agreement, dated as of October, 11, 2019, Ferroglobe subsidiaries Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., and QSIP Canada ULC, as borrowers, entered into a Credit and Security Agreement for a new $100 million north American asset-based revolving credit facility, with PNC Bank, N.A., as lender. |
| ● | “SPE” refers to Ferrous Receivables DAC, a special purpose entity domiciled and incorporated in Ireland to which trade receivables generated by the Company’s subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Spain and France were sold. |
| ● | “LIBOR” refers to the basic rate of interest used under the ABL Revolver, the interest to be paid will be LIBOR plus aplicable margin. |
| ● | “IBOR” refers to the basic rate of interest used under one of the tranches of the SEPI loan, the interest to be paid is calculated as IBOR plus a spread of 2.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second and third years and 5.0% in the fourth year, plus an additional 1.0% payable if the result before taxes of the Beneficiaries is positive. |
| ● | “Leasing and Factoring Agent” refers to the finance entity which signed, on October 2, 2020, a factoring agreement with Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Ferropem, Ferrgolobe’s subsidiaries, to anticipate the collection of accounts receivable. |
| ● | “ZAR” refers to the currency abbreviation in forex markets for the South African Rand, the official currency of South Africa. |
4
PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The selected financial information as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included elsewhere in this annual report and which are prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Certain numerical figures set out in this annual report, including financial data presented in millions or thousands and percentages describing market shares, have been subject to rounding adjustments, and, as a result, the totals of the data in this annual report may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such information. Percentages and amounts reflecting changes over time periods relating to financial and other data set forth in “Item 5.—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” are calculated using the numerical data in our Consolidated Financial Statements or the tabular presentation of other data (subject to rounding) contained in this annual report, as applicable, and not using the numerical data in the narrative description thereof.
5
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. Selected Financial Data
Reserved
B. Capitalization and indebtedness.
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds.
Not applicable.
D. Risk factors.
An investment in our ordinary shares carries a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks and all other information in this annual report, including our Consolidated Financial Statements elsewhere in the 20-F. Additional risks and uncertainties we are not presently aware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, could also affect our business operations and financial condition. If any of these risks are realized, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected to a material degree. As a result, the trading price of our ordinary shares could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our operations depend on industries including the aluminum, steel, polysilicon, silicone and photovoltaic/solar industries, which, in turn, rely on several end-markets. A downturn or change in these industries or end-markets could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Because we primarily sell silicon metal, silicon based alloys, manganese based alloys and other specialty alloys we produce to manufacturers of aluminum, steel, polysilicon, silicones, and photovoltaic products, our results are significantly affected by the economic trends in the steel, aluminum, polysilicon, silicone and photovoltaic industries. Primary end users that drive demand for steel and aluminum include construction companies, shipbuilders, electric appliance and car manufacturers, and companies operating in the rail and maritime industries. Primary end users that drive demand for polysilicon and silicones include the automotive, chemical, photovoltaic, pharmaceutical, construction and consumer products industries. Demand for steel, aluminum, polysilicon and silicones from such companies is strongly correlated with changes in gross domestic product and is affected by global economic conditions. Fluctuations in steel and aluminum prices may occur due to sustained price shifts reflecting underlying global economic and geopolitical factors, changes in industry supply-demand balances, the substitution of one product for another in times of scarcity, and changes in national tariffs. Lower demand for steel and aluminum can quickly cause a substantial build-up of steel and aluminum stocks, resulting in a decline in demand for silicon metal, silicon-based alloys, manganese-based alloys, and other specialty alloys. Polysilicon and silicone producers are subject to fluctuations in crude oil, platinum, methanol and natural gas prices, which could adversely affect their businesses. Changes in power regulations in different countries, fluctuations in the relative
6
costs of different sources of energy, and supply-demand balances in the different parts of the value chain, among other factors, may significantly affect the growth prospects of the photovoltaic industry. A significant and prolonged downturn in the end markets for steel, aluminum, polysilicon, silicone and photovoltaic products, could adversely affect these industries and, in turn, our business, results of operations and financial condition.
COVID-19 has had a material detrimental impact on our business and financial results, and such impact could continue and may worsen for an unknown period of time.
COVID-19 has been and continues to be a complex and evolving situation, with governments, public institutions and other organizations imposing or recommending, and businesses and individuals implementing, at various times and to varying degrees, restrictions on various activities or other actions to combat its spread, such as restrictions and bans on travel or transportation; limitations on the size of in-person gatherings, restrictions on freight transportations, closures of, or occupancy or other operating limitations on work facilities, and quarantines and lock-downs. COVID-19 and its consequences have significantly impacted and continue to impact our business, operations, and financial results. The extent to which COVID-19 impacts our business, operations, and financial results going forward will depend on the factors described above and numerous other evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic; the effectiveness of vaccines or treatments; COVID-19’s impact on global and regional economies and economic activity, including the duration and magnitude of its impact on unemployment rates; its short and longer-term impact on the demand for our products, group business, and levels of customer confidence; the ability of our owners to successfully navigate the impacts of COVID-19; and how quickly economies, and demand recovers after the pandemic subsides.
COVID-19 has negatively impacted, and in the future may negatively impact to an extent we are unable to predict, our revenues. In addition, COVID-19 and its impact on global and regional economies, and the specialty chemical industry in particular, has made it difficult to obtain financing and has increased the probability that we will be unable or unwilling to service, repay or refinance existing indebtedness. If a significant number of our sales volumes are terminated as a result of bankruptcies, sales or foreclosures, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Also, testing our intangible assets or goodwill for impairments could result in additional charges, which could be material. For the reasons set forth above, COVID-19 has had and may in the future will have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, and financial condition.
The metals industry is cyclical and has been subject in the past to swings in market price and demand which could lead to volatility in our revenues.
Our business has historically been subject to fluctuations in the price of our products and market demand for them, caused by general and regional economic cycles, raw material and energy price fluctuations, competition and other factors. The timing, magnitude and duration of these cycles and the resulting price fluctuations are difficult to predict. For example, we experienced a weakened economic environment in national and international metals markets, including a sharp decrease in silicon metal prices in all major markets, from late 2014 to late 2017. During the second half of 2018 and throughout 2019, we experienced the most dramatic decline in prevailing prices of our products, which adversely affected our results. In 2020, the business experienced a reduction in sales volumes as a result of lower customer demand and a decrease in prices variance.
Historically, Ferroglobe’s indirect subsidiary Globe Metallurgical Inc., has been affected by recessionary conditions in the end markets for its products, such as the automotive and construction industries. In April 2003, Globe Metallurgical Inc. sought protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code following its inability to restructure or refinance its indebtedness amidst a confluence of several negative economic and other factors, including an influx of low priced, dumped imports, which caused it to default on then outstanding indebtedness. A recurrence of such economic factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Additionally, as a result of unfavorable conditions in the end markets for its products, Globe Metales S.R.L. (“Globe Metales”) went through reorganization proceedings (“concurso preventivo”) in 1999, which ended in February 2019. While such reorganization proceedings were ongoing (until February 2019), Globe Metales could not dispose of or
7
encumber its registered assets (including its real estate) or perform any action outside its ordinary course of business without prior court approval.
In addition to the deterioration of market conditions for several of our products in the second half of 2018 and the whole of 2019, we also saw a contraction in sales volumes during 2020 which was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout 2021, COVID -19 and its consequences continue to impact our business, operations, and financial results. Such conditions, and any future decline in the global silicon metal, manganese-based alloys and silicon-based alloys industries could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, our business is directly related to the production levels of our customers, whose businesses are dependent on highly cyclical markets, such as the automotive, residential and non-residential construction, consumer durables, polysilicon, steel, and chemical industries. In response to unfavorable market conditions, customers may request delays in contract shipment dates or other contract modifications. If we grant modifications, these could adversely affect our anticipated revenues and results of operations. Also, many of our products are traded internationally at prices that are significantly affected by worldwide supply and demand. Consequently, our financial performance will fluctuate with the general economic cycle, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our business is particularly sensitive to increases in energy costs, which could materially increase our cost of production.
Electricity is one of our largest production components. The price of electricity is determined in the applicable domestic jurisdiction and is influenced both by supply and demand dynamics and by domestic regulations. Changes in local energy policy, increased costs due to scarcity of energy supply, climate conditions, the termination or non-renewal of any of our power purchase contracts and other factors may affect the price of electricity supplied to our plants and adversely affect our results of operations and financial conditions.
Because electricity is indispensable to our operations and accounts for a high percentage of our production costs, we are particularly vulnerable to supply limitations and cost fluctuations in energy markets. For example, at certain of our plants, production must be modulated to reduce consumption of energy in peak hours or in seasons with higher energy prices, in order for us to maintain profitability. Generation of electricity in France by our own hydroelectric power operations partially mitigates our exposure to price increases in that market. However, in the past we have pursued possibilities of disposing of those operations, and may do so in the future. Such a divestiture, if completed, may result in a greater exposure to increases in electricity prices. Similarly, the disposal in 2019 of our hydroelectric assets in Spain has resulted, and may result in the future, in a greater exposure to price fluctuations, for our Spanish ferroalloys business and therefore home impacted margins. In 2021 the cost of electricity in Spain has experienced extremely high volatility due to the fluctuations of natural gas in the European markets. Natural gas has experienced a progressive increase in price since April 2021, due to the low level of stocks in gas storages in Europe, and the reduction of supply from Russia, following the growing demand for Natural Gas from China. The risk of natural gas shortages due to a possible cold winter in Europe, caused in December 2021 an unprecedented increase in the price of gas reaching record prices in the market, which led to record prices in the Spanish electricity market of up to 400 €/Mwh. Spanish plants have tried to mitigate price rises by reducing furnace capacity during peak hours and increasing production at more competitive furnaces.
Electrical power to our U.S. and Canadian facilities is supplied mostly by American Electric Power Co., Alabama Power Co., Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. and Hydro-Québec, and the Tennessee Valley Authority through dedicated lines. Our Alloy, West Virginia facility obtains approximately 45% of its power needs under a fixed price power purchase agreement with a nearby hydroelectric facility owned by a Brookfield affiliate. This facility is over 70 years old and any breakdown could result in the Alloy facility having to purchase more grid power at higher rates. The hydropower contract with Brookfield for the Alloy plant was renewed in 2021 for a period of four years. The energy supply for our Mendoza, Argentina facility is supplied by the national network administrator Cammesa under a power agreement expiring in December 2024 with a special rate specifically approved for ultra electro intensive industries.
Energy supply to our facilities in South Africa is provided by Eskom (State-owned power utility) through rates that are approved annually by the national power regulator (NERSA). These rates have had an upward trend in the past years, due to the instability of available supply and are likely to continue increasing. Also, NERSA applies certain revisions to rates based on cost variances for Eskom that are not within our control.
8
In Spain, power is purchased in a competitive wholesale market. Our facilities have to pay access tariffs to the national grid and get a small compensation for having been recognized as electro-intensive consumers. The volatile nature of the wholesale market in Spain results in price uncertainty that can be only partially offset by long term power purchase agreements. Also, the payment we receive for the services provided to the grid are a major component of our power supply arrangements in Spain, and regulation for such services has been altered several times during the past years and the economic benefits of such services vary significantly from one year to the next, affecting our production cost and results from our operations.
In addition, France, South Africa and the U.S., our energy purchase arrangements depend to a certain extent on rebates or revenues that we get for providing different services to the grid (interruptibility, load shaving, off-peak consumption, etc.). These rebates may be significant, but such arrangements with relevant grid operators and/or regulators may vary over time, which may affect our production costs and results from our operations.
Losses caused by disruptions in the supply of power would reduce our profitability.
Large amounts of electricity are used to produce silicon metal, manganese and silicon-based alloys and other specialty alloys, and our operations are heavily dependent upon a reliable supply of electrical power. We may incur losses due to a temporary or prolonged interruption of the supply of electrical power to our facilities, which can be caused by unusually high demand, blackouts, equipment failure, natural disasters or other catastrophic events, including failure of the hydroelectric facilities that currently provide power under contract to our West Virginia, Québec and Argentina facilities. Additionally, on occasion, we have been instructed to suspend operations for several hours by the sole energy supplier in South Africa due to a general power shortage in the country. It is possible that this supplier may instruct us to suspend our operations for a similar or longer period in the future. Such interruptions or reductions in the supply of electrical power adversely affect production levels and may result in reduced profitability. Our insurance coverage does not cover all interruption events and may not be sufficient to cover losses incurred as a result.
In addition, investments in Argentina’s electricity generation and transmission systems have been lower than the increase in demand in recent years. If this trend is not reversed, there could be electricity supply shortages as the result of inadequate generation and transmission capacity. Given the heavy dependence on electricity of our manufacturing operations, any electricity shortages could adversely affect our financial results.
Government regulations of electricity in Argentina give priority of use of hydroelectric power to residential users and subject violators of these restrictions to significant penalties. This preference is particularly acute during Argentina’s winter months due to a lack of natural gas. We have previously successfully petitioned the government to exempt us from these restrictions given the demands of our business for continuous supply of electric power. If we are unsuccessful in our petitions or in any action we take to ensure a stable supply of electricity, our production levels may be adversely affected and our profitability reduced.
Any decrease in the availability, or increase in the cost, of raw materials or transportation could materially increase our costs.
Principal components in the production of silicon metal, silicon based alloys and manganese based alloys include coal, charcoal, graphite and carbon electrodes, manganese ore, quartzite, wood chips, steel scrap, and other metals. While we own certain sources of raw materials, we also buy raw materials on a spot or contracted basis. The availability of these raw materials and the prices at which we purchase them from third party suppliers depend on market supply and demand and may be volatile such as due to the COVID-19 pandemic or the Ukraine-Russia conflicts. Our ability to obtain these materials in a cost efficient and timely manner is dependent on certain suppliers, their labor union relationships, mining and lumbering regulations and output, pandemic, geopolitical and general local economic conditions.
Over the previous years, certain raw materials (particularly graphite electrodes, coal, manganese ore, and other electrode components) have experienced significant price increases and quick price moves in relatively short periods of time, and the recent conflict in Ukraine and resulting sanctions on Russia have led to supply limitations and interruptions. In some cases, this has been combined with certain shortage in the availability of such raw materials. While we try to anticipate
9
potential shortages in the supply of critical raw materials with longer term contracts and other purchasing strategies, these price swings and supply shortages may affect our cost of production or even cause interruptions in our operations, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We make extensive use of shipping by sea, rail and truck to obtain the raw materials used in our production and deliver our products to customers, depending on the geographic region and product or input. Raw materials and products often must be transported over long distances between mines and other production sites and the plants where raw materials are consumed, and between those sites and our customers. Any severe delay, interruption or other disruption in such transportation, any material damage to raw materials utilized by us or to our products while being transported, or a sharp rise in transportation prices, either relating to COVID-19, the Ukraine-Russia conflict or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, because we may not be able to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials from alternative sources on terms as favorable as our current arrangements, or at all, any disruption or shortfall in the production and delivery of raw materials could result in higher raw materials costs and likewise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Cost increases in raw material inputs may not be passed on to our customers, which could negatively impact our profitability.
The prices of our raw material inputs are determined by supply and demand, which may be influenced by, inter alia, economic growth and recession, changes in world politics, unstable governments in exporting nations, and inflation. The market prices of raw material inputs will thus fluctuate over time, and we may not be able to pass significant price increases on to our customers. If we do try to pass them on, we may lose sales and thereby revenue, in addition to having the higher costs. Additionally, decreases in the market prices of our products will not necessarily enable us to obtain lower prices from our suppliers.
Metallurgical manufacturing and mining are inherently dangerous activities and any accident resulting in injury or death of personnel or prolonged production shutdowns could adversely affect our business and operations.
Metallurgical manufacturing generally, and smelting in particular, is inherently dangerous and subject to risks of fire, explosion and sudden major equipment failure. Quartz and coal mining are also inherently dangerous and subject to numerous hazards, including collisions, equipment failure, accidents arising from the operation of large mining and rock transportation equipment, dust inhalation, flooding, collapse, blasting operations and operating in extreme climatic conditions. These hazards have led to accidents resulting in the serious injury and death of production personnel and prolonged production shutdowns in the past. We may experience fatal accidents or equipment malfunctions in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
We are heavily dependent on our mining operations, which are subject to certain risks that are beyond our control and which could result in materially increased expenses and decreased production levels.
We mine quartz and quartzite at open pit mining operations and coal at underground and surface mining operations. We are heavily dependent on these mining operations for our quartz and coal supplies. Certain risks beyond our control could disrupt our mining operations, adversely affect production and shipments, and increase our operating costs, such as: the closure of operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; a major incident at a mining site that causes all or part of the operations of the mine to cease for some period of time; mining, processing and plant equipment failures and unexpected maintenance problems; disruptions in the supply of fuel, power and/or water at the mine site; adverse changes in reclamation costs; the inability to renew mining concessions upon their expiration; the expropriation of territory subject to a valid concession without sufficient compensation; and adverse weather and natural disasters, such as heavy rains or snow, flooding and other natural events affecting operations, transportation or customers.
Regulatory agencies have the authority under certain circumstances following significant health and safety violations or incidents to order a mine to be temporarily or even permanently closed. If this occurs, we may be required to incur significant legal and capital expenditures to re-open the affected mine. In addition, environmental regulations and enforcement could impose unexpected costs on our mining operations, and future regulations could increase those costs
10
or limit our ability to produce quartz and sell coal. A failure to obtain and renew permits necessary for our mining operations could limit our production and negatively affect our business. It is also possible that we have extracted or may in the future extract quartz from territory beyond the boundary of our mining concession or mining right, which could result in penalties or other regulatory action or liabilities.
We are subject to environmental, health and safety regulations, including laws that impose substantial costs and the risk of material liabilities.
Our operations are subject to extensive foreign, federal, national, state, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations governing, among other things, the generation, discharge, emission, storage, handling, transportation, use, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances; land use, reclamation and remediation; waste management and pollution prevention measures; greenhouse gas emissions; and the health and safety of our employees. We are also required to obtain permits from governmental authorities for certain operations, and to comply with related laws and regulations. We may not have been and may not be at all times in full compliance with such permits and related laws and regulations. If we violate or fail to comply with these permits and related laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties, restrictions on operations or other sanctions, obligations to install or upgrade pollution control equipment and legal claims, including for alleged personal injury or property or environmental damages. Such liability could adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, in the context of an investigation, the government may impose obligations to make technology upgrades to our facilities that could result in our incurring material capital expenses. For example, in addition to notices received with respect to other plants, we have received two Notices and Findings of Violation (“NOV/FOV”) from the U.S. federal government, alleging numerous violations of the Clean Air Act relating to the Company’s Beverly, Ohio facility. Should the Company and the federal government be unable to reach a negotiated resolution of the NOV/FOVs, the U.S. government could file a formal lawsuit in U.S. federal court for injunctive relief, potentially requiring the Company to implement emission reduction measures, and for civil penalties. The statutory maximum penalty is $93,750 per day per violation, from April, 2013 to December 2021, and $109,024 per day thereafter. See “Item 8.A.—Financial Information—Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal proceedings” for additional information. The Beverly facility also is located in an area currently designated as Non-Attainment for the one hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (“NAAQS”). The Company has worked with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to develop a plan that ensures the facility is not causing exceedances of the one-hour NAAQS standard for SO2. The plan has received the necessary approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).
The metals and mining industry is generally subject to risks and hazards, including fire, explosion, toxic gas leaks, releases of other hazardous materials, rockfalls, and incidents involving mobile equipment, vehicles or machinery. These could occur by accident or by breach of operating and maintenance standards, and could result in personal injury, illness or death of employees or contractors, or in environmental damage, delays in production, monetary losses and possible legal liability.
Under certain environmental laws, we could be required to remediate or be held responsible for the costs relating to contamination at our or our antecessors’ past or present facilities and at third party waste disposal sites. We could also be held liable under these environmental laws for sending or arranging for hazardous substances to be sent to third party disposal or treatment facilities if such facilities are found to be contaminated. Under these laws we could be held liable even if we did not know of, or did not cause, such contamination, or even if we never owned or operated the contaminated disposal or treatment facility.
There are a variety of laws and regulations in place or being considered at the international, federal, regional, state and local levels of government that restrict or propose to restrict and impose costs on emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These legislative and regulatory developments may cause us to incur material costs if we are required to reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions, or to purchase emission credits or allowances, and may result in a material increase in our energy costs due to additional regulation of power generators. Environmental laws are complex, change frequently and are likely to become more stringent in the future. Because environmental laws and regulations are becoming more stringent and new environmental laws and regulations are continuously being enacted or proposed, such as those relating to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, the level of expenditures required for environmental matters could increase in the future. Future legislative action and regulatory initiatives could result in changes to operating permits,
11
additional remedial actions, material changes in operations, increased capital expenditures and operating costs, increased costs of the goods we sell, and decreased demand for our products that cannot be assessed with certainty at this time.
Therefore, our costs of complying with current and future environmental laws, and our liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Compliance with existing and proposed climate change laws and regulations could adversely affect our performance.
Under current European Union legislation, all industrial sites are subject to cap and trade programs, by which every facility with carbon emissions is required to purchase in the market emission rights for volumes of emission that exceed a certain allocated level. Until 2021, the allocated level of emissions had been practically sufficient for our business so the emissions rights purchases had a limited impact on our business. From 2022, new regulations reducing the allocation of free allowances require us to make significant purchases of emissions rights in the market. Also, certain Canadian provinces have implemented cap and trade programs. As a result, our facilities in Canada may be required to purchase emission credits in the future. The requirement to purchase emissions rights in the market could result in material costs to the Company, in addition to increased compliance costs, additional operating restrictions for our business, and an increase in the cost of the products we produce, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and liquidity.
In the United States, it is likely that the current administration will place a greater emphasis on regulating greenhouse gas emissions, although no proposed regulations have been outlined to date. However, carbon taxes, clean energy standards, carbon offsets, and/or the requirement to participate in a cap-and-trade program are being explored by the administration and US Congress. Although it is impossible to predict what form such action will take, any action may result in material increased compliance costs additional operating restrictions for our business, and an increase in the cost of the products we produce, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
In 2022 Ferroglobe is going to assess the Climate Change Risks & Opportunities and its related financial impact across our operations. The evaluation will follow the Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
We make a significant portion of our sales to a limited number of customers, and the loss of a portion of the sales to these customers could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profits.
In the year ended December 31, 2021, our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 48.1% of Ferroglobe’s consolidated revenue. We expect that we will continue to derive a significant portion of our business from sales to these customers.
Some contracts with our customers do not entail commitments from the customer to purchase specified or minimum volumes of products over time. Accordingly, we face a risk of unexpected reduced demand for our products from such customers as a result of, for instance, downturns in the industries in which they operate or any other factor affecting their business, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profits.
If we were to experience a significant reduction in the amount of sales we make to some or all of such customers and could not replace these sales with sales to other customers, this could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profits.
Our business benefits from antidumping and countervailing duty orders and laws that protect our products by imposing special duties on unfairly traded imports from certain countries. If these duties or laws change, certain foreign competitors might be able to compete more effectively.
Antidumping and countervailing duty orders are designed to provide relief from imports sold at unfairly low or subsidized prices by imposing special duties on such imports. Such orders normally benefit domestic suppliers and foreign suppliers not covered by the orders. In the United States, final antidumping or countervailing duties are in effect covering silicon
12
metal imports from China, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, and Kazakhstan. In July 2021 the International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to confirm that silicon metal imports from Malaysia had materially injured the U.S. industry. In response the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a form antidumping duty over covering all imports from Malaysia for five years. In the European Union, antidumping duties are in place covering silicon metal imports from China, ferrosilicon imports from China and Russia and calcium silicon imports from China. In Canada, antidumping and countervailing duties are in place covering silicon metal imports from China.
The current antidumping and countervailing duty orders may not remain in effect and continue to be enforced from year to year, the products and countries now covered by orders may no longer be covered, and duties may not continue to be assessed at the same rates. In the United States, rates of duty can change as a result of “administrative reviews” of antidumping and countervailing duty orders. These orders can also be revoked as a result of periodic “sunset reviews,” which determine whether the orders will continue to apply to imports from particular countries. Antidumping and countervailing duties in the European Union and Canada are also subject to periodic reviews. In the European Union and in Canada, such reviews can include interim reviews, expiry reviews and other types of proceedings that may result in changes in rates of duty or termination of the duties.
Similarly, export duties imposed by foreign governments that are currently in place may change. For example, duties on Chinese exports of types of ferroalloys produced by Ferroglobe could be reduced.
Changes in any of these factors could adversely affect our business and profitability. Finally, at times, in filing trade actions, we arguably act against the interests of our customers. Certain of our customers may not continue to do business with us as a result.
Products we manufacture may be subject to unfair import competition that may affect our profitability.
A number of the products we manufacture, including silicon metal and ferrosilicon, are globally-traded commodities that are sold primarily on the basis of price. As a result, our sales volumes and prices may be adversely affected by influxes of imports of these products that are dumped or are subsidized by foreign governments. Our silicon metal and ferrosilicon operations have been injured by such unfair import competition in the past. Applicable antidumping and countervailing duty laws and regulations may provide a remedy for unfairly traded imports in the form of special duties imposed to offset the unfairly low pricing or subsidization. However, the process for obtaining such relief is complex and uncertain. As a result, while we have sought and obtained such relief in the past, in some cases we have not been successful. Thus, there is no assurance that such relief will be obtained, and if it is not, unfair import competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Competitive pressure from Chinese steel, aluminum, polysilicon and silicone producers may adversely affect the business of our customers, reducing demand for our products. Our customers may relocate to China, where they may not continue purchasing from us.
China’s aluminum, polysilicon and steel producing capacity exceeds local demand and has made China an increasingly large net exporter of aluminum and steel, and the Chinese silicone manufacturing industry is growing. Chinese aluminum, polysilicon, steel and silicone producers — who are unlikely to purchase silicon metal, manganese and silicon based alloys and other specialty metals from our subsidiaries outside of China due to the ample availability of domestic Chinese production — may gain global market share at the expense of our customers. An increase in Chinese aluminum, steel, polysilicon and silicone industry market share could adversely affect the production volumes, revenue and profits of our customers, resulting in reduced purchases of our products.
Moreover, our customers might seek to relocate or refocus their operations to China or other countries with lower labor costs and higher growth rates. Any that do so might thereafter choose to purchase from other suppliers of silicon metal, manganese- and silicon-based alloys and other specialty metals which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
13
We are subject to the risk of union disputes and work stoppages at our facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A majority of our employees are members of labor unions. We experience protracted negotiations with labor unions, strikes, work stoppages or other industrial actions from time to time. Strikes called by employees or unions have in the past and could in the future materially disrupt our operations, including productions schedules and delivery times. We have experienced strikes by our employees at several of our facilities from time to time and a certain number of these strikes have been protracted and have resulted in protracted amounts of business. Any such work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
New labor contracts have to be negotiated to replace expiring contracts from time to time. It is possible that future collective bargaining agreements will contain terms less favorable than the current agreements. Any failure to negotiate renewals of labor contracts on terms acceptable to us, with or without work stoppages, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Many of our key customers or suppliers are similarly subject to union disputes and work stoppages, which may reduce their demand for our products or interrupt the supply of critical raw materials and impede their ability to fulfil their commitments under existing contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are dependent on key personnel.
Our success depends in part upon the retention of key employees. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense. Current and prospective employees may experience uncertainty about our business or industry, which may impair our ability to attract, retain and motivate key management, sales, technical and other personnel.
If key employees depart our overall business may be harmed. We also may have to incur significant costs in identifying, hiring and retaining replacements for departing employees, may lose significant expertise and talent relating to our business and our ability to further realize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination may be adversely affected. In addition, the departure of key employees could cause disruption or distractions for management and other personnel. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that we will be able to attract and retain replacements of a similar caliber as departing key employees.
The long term success of our operations depends to a significant degree on the continued employment of our core senior management team. In particular, we are dependent on the skills, knowledge and experience of Javier López Madrid, our Executive Chairman, Marco Levi, our Chief Executive Officer, and Beatriz García-Cos, our Chief Financial Officer. If these employees are unable to continue in their respective roles, or if we are unable to attract and retain other skilled employees, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. We currently have employment agreements with Mr. López Madrid, Dr. Levi and Ms. García-Cos. These agreements contain certain non-compete provisions, which may not be fully enforceable by us. Additionally, we are substantially dependent upon key personnel among our legal, financial and information technology staff, who enable us to meet our regulatory, contractual and financial reporting obligations, including reporting requirements under our credit facilities.
14
Shortages of skilled labor could adversely affect our operations.
We depend on skilled labor for the operation of our submerged arc furnaces and other facilities. Some of our facilities are located in areas where demand for skilled personnel often exceeds supply. Shortages of skilled furnace technicians and other skilled workers, including as a result of deaths, work stoppages or quarantines resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, could restrict our ability to maintain or increase production rates, lead to production inefficiencies and increase our labor costs.
In certain circumstances, the members of our Board may have interests that may conflict with yours as a holder of ordinary shares.
Our directors have no duty to us with respect to any information such directors may obtain (i) otherwise than as our directors and (ii) in respect of which directors owe a duty of confidentiality to another person, provided that where a director’s relationship with such other person gives rise to a conflict, such conflict has been authorized by our Board in accordance with our articles of association (“Articles”). Our Articles provide that a director shall not be in breach of the general duties directors owe to us pursuant to the UK Companies Act 2006 because such director:
| ● | fails to disclose any such information to our Board, directors or officers; or |
| ● | fails to use or apply any such information in performing such director’s duties as a director. |
In such circumstances, certain interests of the members of our Board may not be aligned with your interests as a holder of ordinary shares and the members of our Board may engage in certain business and other transactions without any accountability or obligation to us.
We may not realize the cost savings and other benefits that we expect to achieve from the strategic plan.
We are constantly looking for opportunities to improve our operations through changes in processes, technology, information systems, and management of best practices. These initiatives are complex and require skilled management and the support of our workforce to implement them.
In our efforts to improve our business fully and successfully, we may encounter material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of client relationships, and a resulting diversion of management’s attention. The challenges include, among others:
| ● | managing change throughout the company; |
| ● | coordinating geographically separate organizations; |
| ● | potential diversion of management focus and resources from ordinary operational matters and future strategic opportunities; |
| ● | retaining existing customers and attracting new customers; |
| ● | maintaining employee morale and retaining key management and other employees; |
| ● | integrating two unique business cultures that are not necessarily compatible; |
| ● | issues in achieving anticipated operating efficiencies, business opportunities and growth prospects; |
| ● | consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations; |
15
| ● | issues in integrating information technology, communications and other systems; |
| ● | changes in applicable laws and regulations; |
| ● | changes in tax laws (including under applicable tax treaties) and regulations or to the interpretation of such tax laws or regulations by the governmental authorities; and |
| ● | managing tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating our operations. |
Many of these factors are outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreased revenues and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could materially impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Any failure to integrate recently acquired businesses successfully or to complete future acquisitions successfully could be disruptive of our business and limit our future growth.
From time to time, we expect to pursue acquisitions in support of our strategic goals. In connection with any such acquisition, we could face significant challenges in managing and integrating our expanded or combined operations, including acquired assets, operations and personnel. For example, we have faced challenges in integrating Globe and Ferroatlantica following the merger in 2015, and more recently with the acquisitions of the Mo i Rana and Dunkirk plants, and have struggled to efficiently integrate the businesses and fully realize anticipated synergies. There can be no assurance that acquisition opportunities will be available on acceptable terms or at all or that we will be able to obtain necessary financing or regulatory approvals to complete potential acquisitions. Our ability to succeed in implementing our strategy will depend to some degree upon the ability of our management to identify, complete and successfully integrate commercially viable acquisitions. Acquisition transactions may disrupt our ongoing business and distract management from other responsibilities.
Grupo VM, our principal shareholder, has significant voting power with respect to corporate matters considered by our shareholders.
Our principal shareholder, Grupo VM, owns shares representing approximately 48.6% of the aggregate voting power of our capital stock. By virtue of Grupo VM’s voting power, as well as Grupo VM’s representation on the Board, Grupo VM will have significant influence over the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matters submitted to our shareholders for approval. Grupo VM will be able to block any such matter, including ordinary resolutions, which, under English law, require approval by a majority of outstanding shares cast in the vote. Grupo VM will also be able to block special resolutions, which, under English law, require approval by the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote and voting on the resolution, such as an amendment of the Articles or the exclusion of preemptive rights. Our principal shareholder has, and will continue to have, directly or indirectly, the power, among other things, to affect our legal and capital structure and our day-to-day operations, as well as the ability to elect and change our management and to approve other changes to our operations.
Grupo VM has pledged most of its shares in our company to secure a loan from Tyrus Capital.
Grupo VM has guaranteed its obligations pursuant to a credit agreement (the “GVM Credit Agreement”) with respect to a loan granted to GVM by Tyrus Capital (“GVM Loan”). In addition, Grupo VM has entered into a security and pledge agreement (the “GVM Pledge Agreement”), with Tyrus pursuant to which Grupo VM agreed to pledge most of its shares to Tyrus to secure the outstanding GVM Loan.
In the event Grupo VM defaults under the GVM Credit Agreement, Tyrus may foreclose on the shares subject to the pledge. The Reinstated Notes and the Super Senior Notes contain change of control definitions with significant exceptions compared with that contained in the indenture for the Old Notes. Under the revised change of control definitions, no change of control shall occur or be deemed to occur by reason of, among other matters, any enforcement or exercise of
16
remedies under the GVM Pledge Agreement or any disposal by Grupo VM of the Grupo VM shares for the purpose of repaying Grupo VM’s debt to Tyrus, provided that certain other conditions, as described below, are met.
A change of control will occur upon the acquisition of 35% or more of the total voting power of our shares by persons other than certain permitted holders including Grupo VM and such permitted holders “beneficially own” directly or indirectly in the aggregate the same or a lesser percentage of the total voting power of our shares than such other “person” or “group” of related persons. However, the Reinstated Notes Indenture states that no change of control shall occur or be deemed to occur by reason of:
| ● | any enforcement of rights or exercise of remedies under the GVM Share Pledge, including any sale, transfer or other disposal or disposition of the shares in Ferroglobe in connection therewith; |
| ● | any disposal by Grupo VM of its shares in Ferroglobe where the purpose of that transaction is to facilitate the repayment or discharge (in full or in part) of the GVM Loan and the proceeds of sale are promptly applied towards such repayment or discharge; or |
| ● | any mandatory offer (or analogous offer) required under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers or any analogous regulation applied in any jurisdiction as a consequence of a transaction under limbs (1) or (2) above. |
Provided that, if any transaction under paragraphs (1) to (3) above occurs which, but for such paragraph(s), would be a “Change of Control” as a consequence of any person or persons (other than Tyrus) (x) acquiring any voting stock of Ferroglobe PLC (or any other successor company) or (y) being or becoming the “beneficial owner” of the voting power of any voting stock of Ferroglobe PLC (or any other successor company) (such person(s), the “Controlling Shareholder”):
| ● | the Controlling Shareholder has within 60 days of that transaction and at its election: |
| o | paid to the Holders, on a pro rata basis, a fee in an aggregate amount equal to the product of(i) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes, (ii) 0.02 and (iii) the number of years (or part-thereof, with any part of a year calculated on the basis of the number of days divided by 360) from the payment date of such fee to June 30, 2025; or |
| o | made an offer to all Holders to purchase one-third of the Notes on a pro rata basis at a price equal to (A) in the first fifteen months after the Issue Date, 100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest or (B) at any time after the first fifteen months following the Issue Date, 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest; or |
| ● | either or both of the Issuers within 60 days of that transaction has made an offer to all Holders to repurchase or purchase (as applicable), or has otherwise redeemed, one-third of the Notes on a pro rata basis at a price equal to (A) in the first fifteen months after the Issue Date,100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest or (B) at anytime after the fifteen months following the Issue Date, 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, resulting in such repurchased, purchased or redeemed Notes being cancelled, and provided further that the Controlling Shareholder is not a Restricted Person. |
Where:
“GVM Loan” means any financing provided by Tyrus to Grupo VM or owing by Grupo VM to Tyrus, from time to time.
“GVM Share Pledge” means any share pledge or charge or other similar security over the shares in Ferroglobe PLC held by Grupo VM granted by Grupo VM in support of or as collateral for its obligations under any Grupo VM Loan from time to time.
17
“Restricted Person” means any person that: (a) is listed on the United States Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List; the European Union Consolidated List of Persons, Groups and Entities subject to EU Financial Sanctions; or the United Kingdom Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets (each a “Sanctions List”); (b) is owned or controlled by a person identified on a Sanctions List, to the extent that such ownership or control results in such person being subject to the same restrictions as if such person were themselves identified on the corresponding Sanctions List; (c) is located in or incorporated under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United States, which for the purposes of this Agreement, as at the date of signature of this Agreement by the last of its signatories are Iran, Syria, Cuba, the Crimea Region, and North Korea; (d) has, within the last five years, been prosecuted by a relevant authority in the United States, the United Kingdom or any member state of the European Union, in relation to a breach of securities laws (in so far as such prosecution relates to insider dealing, unlawful disclosure, market manipulation or prospectus liability) or criminal laws relating to fraud or anti-corruption, save for instances where the prosecution has concluded and did not result in any criminal or civil settlement or penalty being imposed in relation to such breaches; or (e) is a Subsidiary of a person described in (d) above.
If upon a change of control, we do not have sufficient funds available to repurchase the notes with our available cash, third party financing would be needed, yet may be impermissible under our other debt agreements. In addition, certain other contracts we are party to from time to time may contain change of control provisions. Upon a change in control, such provisions may be triggered, which could cause our contracts to be terminated or give rise to other obligations, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We engage in related party transactions with affiliates of Grupo VM, our principal shareholder.
Conflicts of interest may arise between our principal shareholder and your interests as a shareholder. Our principal shareholder has, and will continue to have, directly or indirectly, the power, among other things, to affect our day-to-day operations, including the pursuit of related party transactions. We have entered, and may in the future enter, into agreements with companies who are affiliates of Grupo VM, our principal shareholder. Such agreements have been approved by, or would be subject to the approval of, the Board or the Audit Committee, as its delegate. The terms of such agreements may present material risks to our business and results of operations. For example, we have entered into a number of agreements with affiliates of Grupo VM with respect to, among other things, the provision of information technology and data processing services and energy-related services. See “Item 7.B.—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions.”
We are exposed to significant risks in relation to compliance with anti-bribery and corruption laws, anti-money laundering laws and regulations, and economic sanctions programs.
Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of various jurisdictions. In particular, our international operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, most notably the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (“FCPA”) and the UK Bribery Act of 2010 (the “Bribery Act”), international trade sanctions programs, most notably those administered by the U.N., U.S. and European Union, anti-money laundering laws and regulations, and laws against human trafficking and slavery, most notably the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“Modern Slavery Act”).
The FCPA and Bribery Act prohibit offering or providing anything of value to foreign officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. We may deal from time to time with both governments and state-owned business enterprises, the employees of which are considered foreign officials for purposes of these laws. International trade sanctions programs restrict our business dealings with or relating to certain sanctioned countries and certain sanctioned entities and persons no matter where located.
As a result of doing business internationally, we are exposed to a risk of violating applicable anti-bribery and corruption (“ABC”) laws, international trade sanctions, and anti-money laundering (“AML”) laws and regulations. Some of our operations are located in developing countries that lack well-functioning legal systems and have high levels of corruption. Our worldwide operations and any expansion, including in developing countries, our development of joint venture relationships worldwide, and the engagement of local agents in the countries in which we operate tend to increase the risk of violations of such laws and regulations. Violations of ABC laws, AML laws and regulations, and trade sanctions are
18
punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures, debarment from government contracts (and termination of existing contracts) and revocations or restrictions of licenses, as well as criminal penalties including possible imprisonment. Moreover, any major violations could have a significant impact on our reputation and consequently on our ability to win future business.
For its part, the Modern Slavery Act requires any commercial organization that carries on a business or part of a business in the United Kingdom which (i) supplies goods or services and (ii) has an annual global turnover of £36 million to prepare a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year ending on or after March 31, 2016. In this statement, the commercial organization must set out the steps it has taken to ensure there is no modern slavery in its own business and its supply chain, or provide an appropriate negative statement. The UK Secretary of State may enforce this duty by means of civil proceedings. The nature of our operations and the regions in which we operate may make it difficult or impossible for us to detect all incidents of modern slavery in certain of our supply chains. Any failure in this regard would not violate the Modern Slavery Act per se, but could have a significant impact on our reputation and consequently on our ability to win future business.
We seek to build and continuously improve our systems of internal controls and to remedy any weaknesses identified. As part of our efforts to comply with all applicable law and regulation, we have introduced a global ethics and compliance program. We believe we are devoting appropriate time and resources to its implementation, related training, and to monitoring compliance. Despite these efforts, we cannot be certain that our policies and procedures will be followed at all times or that we will prevent or timely detect violations of applicable laws, regulations or policies by our personnel, partners or suppliers. Any actual or alleged failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could lead to material liabilities not covered by insurance or other significant losses, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We operate in a highly competitive industry.
The silicon metal market and the silicon-based and manganese-based alloys markets are global, capital intensive and highly competitive. Our competitors may have greater financial resources, as well as other strategic advantages, to maintain, improve and possibly expand their facilities, and, as a result, they may be better positioned than we are to adapt to changes in the industry or the global economy. Advantages that our competitors have over us from time to time, new entrants that increase competition in our industry, and increases in the use of substitutes for certain of our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Though we are not currently operating at full capacity, we have historically operated at near the maximum capacity of our operating facilities. Because the cost of increasing capacity may be prohibitively expensive, we may have difficulty increasing our production and profits.
Our facilities are able to manufacture, collectively, approximately 296,000 tons of silicon metal (including Dow’s portion of the capacity of our Alloy, West Virginia and Bécancour, Québec plants and excluding currently idled plants), 343,000 tons of silicon-based alloys and 562,000 tons of manganese-based alloys on an annual basis. Our ability to increase production and revenues will depend on expanding existing facilities, acquiring facilities or building new ones. Increasing capacity is difficult because:
| ● | adding 30,000 tons of new production capacity to an existing silicon manufacturing plant would cost approximately $120 million and take at least 12 to 18 months to complete once permits are obtained; |
| ● | a greenfield development project would take at least three to five years to complete and would require significant capital expenditure and, regulatory compliance costs; and |
| ● | obtaining sufficient and dependable electric power at competitive rates in areas near the required natural resources is extremely difficult. |
19
We may not have sufficient funds to expand existing facilities, acquire new facilities, or open new ones and may be required to incur significant debt to do so, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We are subject to restrictive covenants under our credit facilities and other financing agreements. These covenants could significantly affect the way in which we conduct our business. Our failure to comply with these covenants could lead to an acceleration of our debt.
We have in the past breached certain financial covenants under our credit facilities, including financial maintenance covenants for the three months ended September 30 and December 31, 2016 under our then existing revolving credit facility. Our ability to comply with applicable debt covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, potentially leading to future breaches. The breach of any of the covenants contained in our credit facilities, unless waived, would constitute an event of default, in turn permitting the lenders to terminate their commitments to extend credit under, and accelerate the maturity of, the credit facilities in question. If in such circumstances we were unable to repay lenders and holders, or obtain waivers from them on acceptable terms or at all, the lenders and holders could foreclose upon the collateral securing the credit facilities and exercise other rights. Such events, should they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “—Risks Related to Our Capital Structure—We are subject to restrictive covenants under our financing agreements, which could impair our ability to run our business” below.
Our insurance costs may increase materially, and insurance coverages may not be adequate to protect us against all risks and potential losses to which we may be subject.
We maintain various forms of insurance covering a number of specified and consequential risks and losses arising from insured events under the policies, including securities claims, certain business interruptions and claims for damage and loss caused by certain natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and windstorms. Our existing property and liability insurance coverage contains various exclusions and limitations on coverage. In some previous insurance policy renewals, we have acceded to larger premiums, self-insured retentions and deductibles. For example, as a result of the explosion at our facility in Chateau Feuillet, France, the applicable property insurance premium increased. We may also be subject to additional exclusions and limitations on coverage in future insurance policy renewals. There can be no assurance that the insurance policies we have in place are or will be sufficient to cover all potential losses we may incur. In addition, due to changes in our circumstances and in the global insurance market, insurance coverage may not continue to be available to us on terms we consider commercially reasonable or be sufficient to cover multiple large claims.
We have operations and assets in the United States, Spain, France, Canada, China, South Africa, Norway, Venezuela, Argentina and may have operations and assets in other countries in the future. Our international operations and assets may be subject to various economic, social and governmental risks.
Our international operations and sales may expose us to risks that are more significant in developing markets than in developed markets and which could negatively impact future revenue and profitability. Operations in developing countries may not operate or develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected in a country with an economy, government and legal system similar to western countries. The additional risks that we may be exposed to in such cases include, but are not limited to:
| ● | tariffs and trade barriers; |
| ● | sanctions and other restrictions in our ability to conduct business with certain countries, companies or individuals; |
| ● | recessionary trends, inflation or instability of financial markets; |
| ● | regulations related to customs and import/export matters; |
| ● | tax issues, such as tax law changes, changes in tax treaties and variations in tax laws; |
20
| ● | absence of a reliable legal or court system; |
| ● | changes in regulations that affect our business, such as new or more stringent environmental requirements or sudden and unexpected raises in power rates; |
| ● | limited access to qualified staff; |
| ● | inadequate infrastructure; |
| ● | cultural and language differences; |
| ● | inadequate banking systems; |
| ● | restrictions on the repatriation of profits or payment of dividends; |
| ● | crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks or wars; |
| ● | nationalization or expropriation of property; |
| ● | less access to urgent medical care for employees and key personnel in the case of severe illness; |
| ● | law enforcement authorities and courts that are weak or inexperienced in commercial matters; and |
| ● | deterioration of political relations among countries. |
In addition to the foregoing, exchange controls and restrictions on transfers abroad and capital inflow restrictions have limited, and can be expected to continue to limit, the availability of international credit.
The critical social, political and economic conditions in Venezuela have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our results of operations.
Among other policies in recent years, the Venezuelan government has continuously devalued the Bolívar. The resulting inflation has devastated the country, which is experiencing all manner of shortages of basic materials and other goods and difficulties in importing raw materials. In 2016, we idled our Venezuelan operations and sought to determine the recoverable value of the long lived assets there. We concluded that the costs to dispose of the facility exceeded the fair value of the assets, primarily due to political and financial instability in Venezuela. Accordingly, we wrote down the full value of our Venezuelan facilities. However, our inability to generate cash in that market may cause us to default on some of our obligations there in the future, which may result in administrative intervention or other consequences. In addition, in the recent past the Venezuelan government has threatened to nationalize certain businesses and industries, which could result in a loss of our Venezuelan facilities for no consideration. If the social, political and economic conditions in Venezuela continue as they are, or worsen, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Venezuela net assets value as of December 31, 2021 $708 thousand ($1,443 thousand as of December 31, 2020). Revenues during 2021 $11 thousand ($38 thousand during 2020).
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk and our business and results of operations may be negatively affected by the fluctuation of different currencies.
We transact business in numerous countries around the world and a significant portion of our business entails cross border purchasing and sales. Our sales made in a particular currency do not exactly match the amount of our purchases in such currency. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in U.S. Dollars, while the financial statements of each of our subsidiaries are prepared in the entities functional currency. Accordingly, our revenues and earnings are continuously affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. For example, our sales made in U.S. Dollars exceed the amount of our purchases made in U.S. Dollars, such that the appreciation of certain currencies (like the Euro or the South African
21
Rand) against the U.S. Dollar would tend to have an adverse effect on our costs. Such adverse movements in relevant exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for certain key raw materials. The loss of one of these suppliers or the failure of one of any of them to meet contractual obligations to us could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Colombia and the United States are among the preferred sources for the coal consumed in the production of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, and the vast majority of producers source coal from these two countries. In the year ended December 31, 2021, 62% of our coal came from a single mine in Colombia while the remaining 38% came from the United States, other Colombian mines, as well as from Kazakhstan and South Africa. Additionally, nearly all of the manganese ore we purchase comes from suppliers located in South Africa and Gabon. We do not control these third party suppliers and must rely on them to perform in accordance with the terms of their contracts. If these suppliers fail to provide us with the required raw materials in a timely manner, or at all, or if the quantity or quality of the materials they provide is lower than that contractually agreed, we may not be able to procure adequate supplies of raw materials from alternative sources on comparable terms, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, since many suppliers of these raw materials are located in the same region, if a natural disaster or event affected one of these regions it is likely alternative sources would also be similarly affected.
We are impacted by the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Our business may be materially adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy and capital markets resulting from the conflict in Ukraine or any other geopolitical tensions.
Global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the escalation of geopolitical tensions and the start of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported. Although the length and impact of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable, the conflict in Ukraine could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions.
Russia and Ukraine are meaningful producers of silicon metal, ferroalloys and manganese based alloys, and are also significant suppliers of raw materials for our business and industry. The inability of Russian and Ukrainian producers to meet their customer obligations could potentially create tightness in the market. Likewise, we rely on a number of inputs from Russia and the CIS region, including metallurgical coke, anthracite and carbon and graphite electrodes. Our inability to procure these material can adversely impact our operations.
Additionally, Russia’s prior annexation of Crimea, recent recognition of two separatist republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and subsequent military interventions in Ukraine have led to sanctions and other penalties being levied by the United States, European Union and other countries against Russia, Belarus, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, and the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, including agreement to remove certain Russian financial institutions from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) payment system, expansive ban on imports and exports of products to and from Russia and ban on exportation of U.S denominated banknotes to Russia or persons located there. Additional potential sanctions and penalties have also been proposed and/or threatened. Russian military actions and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity in capital markets, potentially making it more difficult for us to obtain additional funds. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial.
Management continually tracks developments in the nascent conflict in Ukraine and is committed to actively managing our response to potential distributions to the business, but can provide no assurance that the conflict in Ukraine or other ongoing headwinds will not have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial results.
Planned investments in the expansion and improvement of existing facilities and in the construction of new facilities may not be successful.
22
We may engage in significant capital improvements to our existing facilities to upgrade and add capacity to those facilities. We also may engage in the development and construction of new facilities. Should any such efforts not be completed in a timely manner and within budget, or be unsuccessful otherwise, we may incur additional costs or impairments which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Any delay or failure to procure, renew or maintain necessary governmental permits, including environmental permits and concessions to operate our hydropower plants would adversely affect our results of operations.
The operation of our hydropower plants is highly regulated, requires various governmental permits, including environmental permits and concessions, and may be subject to the imposition of conditions by government authorities. We cannot predict whether the conditions prescribed in such permits and concessions will be achievable. The denial of a permit essential to a hydropower plant or the imposition of impractical conditions would impair our ability to operate the plant. If we fail to satisfy the conditions or comply with the restrictions imposed by governmental permits or concessions, or restrictions imposed by other applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, we may face enforcement action and be subject to fines, penalties or additional costs or revocation of such permits or concessions. Any failure to procure, renew or abide by necessary permits and concessions would adversely affect the operation of our hydropower plants.
Equipment failures may lead to production curtailments or shutdowns and repairing any failure could require us to incur capital expenditures and other costs.
Many of our business activities are characterized by substantial investments in complex production facilities and manufacturing equipment. Because of the complex nature of our production facilities, any interruption in manufacturing resulting from fire, explosion, industrial accidents, natural disaster, equipment failures or otherwise could cause significant losses in operational capacity and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our hydropower generation assets and other equipment may not continue to perform as they have in the past or as they are expected. A major equipment failure due to wear and tear, latent defect, design error or operator error, early obsolescence, natural disaster or other force majeure event could cause significant losses in operational capacity. Repairs following such failures could require us to incur capital expenditures and other costs. Such major failures also could result in damage to the environment or damages and harm to third parties or the public, which could expose us to significant liability. Such costs and liabilities could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We depend on proprietary manufacturing processes and software. These processes may not yield the cost savings that we anticipate and our proprietary technology may be challenged.
We rely on proprietary technologies and technical capabilities in order to compete effectively and produce high quality silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, including:
| ● | computerized technology that monitors and controls production furnaces; |
| ● | electrode technology and operational know-how; |
| ● | metallurgical processes for the production of solar-grade silicon metal; |
| ● | production software that monitors the introduction of additives to alloys, allowing the precise formulation of the chemical composition of products; and |
| ● | flowcaster equipment, which maintains certain characteristics of silicon-based alloys as they are cast. |
23
We are subject to a risk that:
| ● | we may not have sufficient funds to develop new technology and to implement effectively our technologies as competitors improve their processes; |
| ● | if implemented, our technologies may not work as planned; and |
| ● | our proprietary technologies may be challenged and we may not be able to protect our rights to these technologies. |
Patent or other intellectual property infringement claims may be asserted against us by a competitor or others. Our intellectual property rights may not be enforceable and may not enable us to prevent others from developing and marketing competitive products or methods. An infringement action against us may require the diversion of substantial funds from our operations and may require management to expend efforts that might otherwise be devoted to operations. A successful challenge to the validity of any of our patents may subject us to a significant award of damages, and may oblige us to secure licenses of others’ intellectual property, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We also rely on trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological advancement to maintain our competitive position. We may not be able to effectively protect our rights to unpatented trade secrets and know-how.
Ferroglobe PLC is a holding company whose principal source of revenue is the income received from its subsidiaries.
Ferroglobe PLC is dependent on the income generated by its subsidiaries in order to earn distributable profits and pay dividends to shareholders. The amounts of distributions and dividends, if any, to be paid to us by any operating subsidiary will depend on many factors, including such subsidiary’s results of operations and financial condition, limits on dividends under applicable law, its constitutional documents, documents governing any indebtedness, applicability of tax treaties and other factors which may be outside our control. If our operating subsidiaries do not generate sufficient cash flow, we may be unable to earn distributable profits and pay dividends on our shares.
Our business operations may be impacted by various types of claims, lawsuits, and other contingent obligations.
We are involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings including those that arise in the ordinary course of our business. We estimate such potential claims and contingent liabilities and, where appropriate, record provisions to address these contingent liabilities. The ultimate outcome of the legal matters currently pending against our Company is uncertain, and although such claims, lawsuits and other legal matters are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect, such matters in the aggregate could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, we could, in the future, be subject to judgments or enter into settlements of lawsuits and claims that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any particular period. While we maintain insurance coverage in respect of certain risks and liabilities, we may not be able to obtain such insurance on acceptable terms in the future, if at all, and any such insurance may not provide adequate coverage against such claims. See “Item 8.A.—Financial Information—Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal proceedings” for additional information regarding legal proceedings to which we are party.
We are exposed to changes in economic and political conditions where we operate and globally that are beyond our control.
Our industry is affected by changing economic conditions, including changes in national, regional and local unemployment levels, changes in national, regional and local economic development plans and budgets, shifts in business investment and consumer spending patterns, credit availability, and business and consumer confidence. Disruptions in national economies and volatility in the financial markets may and often will reduce consumer confidence, negatively affecting business investment and consumer spending. The outlook for the global economy in the near to medium term is negative due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical risks and concerns about global growth and stability.
24
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, we may face risks associated with the current uncertainty and the consequences that may result from such exit, in particular with respect to tax, customs and duty laws and regulations, volatility in exchange rates and interest rates and our ability to sell and transport products from manufacturing facilities on the continent to our customers in the United Kingdom.
We are not able to predict the timing or duration of periods economic growth in the countries where we operate or sell products, nor are we able to predict the timing or duration of any economic downturn or recession that may occur in the future.
Cybersecurity breaches and threats could disrupt our business operations and result in the loss of critical and confidential information.
We rely on the effective functioning and availability of our information technology and communication systems and the security of such systems for the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential information. The sophistication and magnitude of cybersecurity incidents are increasing and include, among other things, unauthorized access, computer viruses, deceptive communications and malware. We have experienced minor incidents in the past, and information technology security processes may not effectively detect or prevent cybersecurity breaches or threats and the measures we have taken to protect against such incidents may not be sufficient to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Breaches of the security of our information technology and communication systems could result in destruction or corruption of data, the misappropriation, corruption or loss of critical or confidential information, business disruption, reputational damage, litigation and remediation costs.
Possible new tariffs and duties that might be imposed by certain governments, including the United States, the European Union and others, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
In March, 2018, the United States imposed import tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum. Exemptions from these tariffs were allowed for steel from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea, and aluminum from Argentina, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs were expanded to apply to steel and aluminum derivatives from most countries. China, the EU, and other countries imposed retaliatory duties on products from the United States.
In January, 2022, the tariffs on steel and aluminum from the EU were replaced by “tariff-rate quotas”, which allow a certain volume of imports to enter without the additional tariffs, but impose a 25% tariff on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminum imports exceeding the quota amount. Similar arrangements to replace the steel and aluminum tariffs are being negotiated with Japan and the UK.
Beginning in July 2018, the United States also imposed 25 percent tariffs on a wide array of Chinese products, including products produced and consumed by Ferroglobe, and 7.5 percent on a smaller range of products. In January 2020, the United States and China entered an initial “Phase 1” agreement to resolve the trade dispute between the two countries. The agreement resulted in the suspension of Chinese retaliatory duties on certain U.S. products and the commitment by China to purchase products from the United States. It is unclear whether and, if so, when the two countries will reach a Phase 2 agreement that would resolve the dispute more broadly.
There are indications that China has not fully complied with its Phase 1 commitments. If China were found to be in noncompliance, the United States could reimpose tariffs on Chinese products that are currently suspended or increase the existing tariffs.
Any “trade war” resulting from the imposition of tariffs could have a significant adverse effect on world trade and the world economy. To date, tariffs have not affected our business to a material degree.
25
Our suppliers, customers, agents or business partners may be subject to or affected by export controls or trade sanctions imposed by government authorities from time to time, which may restrict our ability to conduct business with them and potentially disrupt our production or our sales.
The United States, European Union, United Nations and other authorities have variously imposed export controls and trade sanctions on certain countries, companies, individuals and products, restricting our ability to trade normally with or in them. At present, compliance with such trade regulation is not affecting our business to a material degree. However, new trade regulations may be imposed at any time that target or otherwise affect our customers, suppliers, agents or business partners or their products. In particular, trade sanctions could be imposed that restrict our ability to do business with one or more critical suppliers and require special licenses to do so. Such events could potentially disrupt our production or sales and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We make significant investments in the development of new technologies and new products. The success of such technologies or products is inherently uncertain and the investments made may fail to render the desired increased in profitability.
In order to improve our processes and increase the margins in our products we have constantly invested significant amounts in the development of new technologies and in the development of new value added products. However, these developments are inherently uncertain, since they may fail to render the desired results when implemented at an industrial scale.
Specifically, we have invested in the construction of a factory to produce solar-grade silicon metal through a technology developed by the Company. We believe the technology presents several advantages when compared to current solar-grade silicon production processes since the technology has proven to render the desired technological and cost results at a laboratory scale. However, the implementation of the technology at an industrial scale is challenging especially in light of current market conditions. The current market for solar-grade silicon (or polysilicon) is very volatile and has suffered from declining prices in the past few years. Further investment in this project has been temporarily suspended and the future profitability of this project is uncertain.
Risks Related to Our Capital Structure
Our leverage may make it difficult for us to service our debt and operate our business.
We have significant outstanding indebtedness and debt service requirements. Our leverage has and in the future could have important consequences, including:
| ● | making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to all creditors; |
| ● | requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thus reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund internal growth through working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes; |
| ● | increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in our business or economic or industry conditions; |
| ● | placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness in relation to cash flow; |
| ● | limiting our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and our industry; |
| ● | restricting us from investing in growing our business, pursuing strategic acquisitions and exploiting certain business opportunities; and |
26
| ● | limiting, among other things, our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, including refinancing, or raise equity capital in the future and increasing the costs of such additional financings. |
Our ability to service our indebtedness will depend on our future performance, including an improvement on recent financial performance, and liquidity, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Many of these factors are beyond our control. We may not be able to generate enough cash flow from operations or obtain enough capital to service our indebtedness or fund our planned capital expenditures. If we cannot service our indebtedness and meet our other obligations and commitments, we might be required to refinance our indebtedness, obtain additional financing, delay planned capital expenditures or to dispose of assets to obtain funds for such purpose. We cannot assure you that any refinancing or asset dispositions could be effected on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms, if at all, or would be permitted by the terms of our outstanding debt instruments.
We have in the past experienced losses and cannot assure you that we will be profitable.
Our business has historically been subject to fluctuations in the prices of our products and the market demand for them, caused by general and regional economic cycles, raw material and energy price fluctuations, competition and other factors. Throughout 2019 and 2020 we experienced a significant decline in prevailing prices of our products, which adversely affected our results. In early 2020, the outbreak of coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) has been and continues to be a complex and evolving situation, with governments, public institutions and other organizations imposing or recommending, and businesses and individuals implementing, at various times and to varying degrees, restrictions on various activities or other actions to combat its spread, such as restrictions and bans on travel or transportation; limitations on the size of in-person gatherings, restrictions on freight transportations, closures of, or occupancy or other operating limitations on work facilities, and quarantines and lock-downs.
As a result of this pandemic and the strict confinement and other public health measures taken around the world, the demand for our products in the second and third quarters of 2020 was reduced significantly compared with the first and fourth quarters of the year. During the fourth quarter of 2020, demand level for our products increased to levels similar to those prior to the outbreak. During 2021, demand for our products has increased even further than in the fourth quarter of 2020. However, COVID-19 has negatively impacted, and will in the future negatively impact to an extent we are unable to predict, our revenues.
As a result, in part due to this pandemic and the strict confinement and other public health measures taken around the world, our sales decreased $470.8 million, or 29.1%, from $1,615.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $1,144.4 million for the year ended December 31 2020, resulting in a loss of $249.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. During 2021, our sales increased $634.5 million, or 55.4%, from $1,144.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $1,778.9 million for the year ended December 31 2021, resulting in a loss of $106.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
We are subject to restrictive covenants under our financing agreements, which could impair our ability to run our business.
Restrictive covenants under our financing agreements, including relating to our outstanding notes and the agreements for our SEPI financing, may restrict our ability to operate our business. Our failure to comply with these covenants, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The restrictions contained in our financing agreements could affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to react to market conditions or take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. For example, such restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, make strategic acquisitions, investments or alliances, restructure our organization or finance our capital needs. Additionally, our ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond our control. These include prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If we breach any of these covenants or restrictions, we could be in default under our financing agreements.
27
If there were an event of default under any of our debt instruments that is not cured or waived, the holders of the defaulted debt could terminate their commitments thereunder and declare all amounts outstanding with respect to such indebtedness due and payable immediately, which, in turn, could result in cross-defaults under our other outstanding debt instruments. Any such actions could force us into bankruptcy or liquidation.
To service our indebtedness, we require a significant amount of cash, and our ability to generate cash will depend on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, and to fund capital expenditures, depends in part on our ability to generate cash in the future, and increased cash flow than we have generated in recent periods. Debt service requirements due to increased debt and increased interest rates will increase our cash flow requirements. This depends on the success of our business strategy and on general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
The Restructuring has increased our leverage and so we will need to significantly improve our profitability and/or cash flow in order to be able to service our indebtedness. There can be no assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that we will realize operating improvements on schedule or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service and repay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Furthermore, applicable law and future contractual arrangements may impose restrictions on certain of our subsidiaries’ ability to make payments to Ferroglobe and other entities within the Group, which could impact our ability to service and pay our obligations as they mature or to fund our liquidity needs.
The Super Senior Notes mature in June 2025, the Reinstated Notes mature in December 2025 and the remaining Old Notes that were not exchanged mature in March 2022. Other debt instruments mature at various other dates. There can be no assurance that we will have the available liquidity or the ability to raise financing in order to repay these instruments at or ahead of their maturity.
If we are unable to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or further restructuring our indebtedness, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. There can be no assurance that any refinancing or debt restructuring would be possible, or if possible, that it would be on similar terms to those of our debt instruments existing at that time, that any assets could be sold or that, if sold, the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds realized from those sales would be favorable to us or that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms. As the Super Senior Notes and the Reinstated Notes will be secured by a significant portion of our assets that can be granted as collateral, our ability to refinance our existing debt or raise new debt may be limited to unsecured or lesser-secured debt. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets, as have been seen in recent years, could adversely affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs or to refinance our indebtedness.
We may not be able to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control.
The Reinstated Notes and the Super Senior Notes require us to offer to repurchase all or any part of each holder’s notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the respective indentures, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of purchase. If such an event were to occur, we may not have sufficient financial resources available to satisfy all of those obligations.
Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares
The market price of our ordinary shares may be volatile and may decline.
Our ordinary shares are admitted for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GSM”. The market price of our ordinary shares is subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among other things, actual or anticipated variations in our costs of doing business, operating results and cash flow, the nature and content of our earnings releases and our competitors’ earnings releases, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts, business conditions in our markets and the general state of the securities markets and the
28
market for other financial stocks, changes in capital markets that affect the perceived availability of capital to companies in our industry, and governmental legislation or regulation, as well as general economic and market conditions, such as downturns in our economy and recessions.
In recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price fluctuations that have often times been unrelated to the operating performance of the affected companies. Similarly, the market price of our ordinary shares may fluctuate significantly based upon factors unrelated or disproportionate to our operating performance.
These market fluctuations, as well as general economic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rates or international currency fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares.
Significant sales of our ordinary shares, or the perception that significant sales thereof may occur in the future, could adversely affect the market price for our ordinary shares.
The sale of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares could adversely affect the price of these securities. Sales of substantial amounts of our ordinary shares in the public market, and the availability of shares for future sale could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our ordinary shares and could cause the market price of our ordinary shares to remain low for a substantial amount of time.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, for use in our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of future dividends, if any, will depend, among other things, on our results of operations and financial condition and on such other factors as our Board of Directors may, in their discretion, consider relevant.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research reports about us, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ordinary shares, or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the price of our ordinary shares could decline.
The trading market for our ordinary shares will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If there is limited or no securities or industry analyst coverage of us, the market price and trading volume of our ordinary shares would likely be negatively impacted. Moreover, if any of the analysts who may cover us downgrade our ordinary shares or provide relatively more favorable recommendations concerning our competitors, or as we experienced in 2019 and 2020, if our operating results or prospects do not meet their expectations, the market price of our ordinary shares could decline. If any of the analysts who may cover us were to cease coverage or fail regularly to publish reports about our Company, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
As a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules of NASDAQ, we are subject to different U.S. securities laws and NASDAQ governance standards than domestic U.S. issuers of securities. These may afford relatively less protection to holders of our ordinary shares, who may not receive all corporate and company information and disclosures they are accustomed to receiving or in a manner to which they are accustomed.
As a foreign private issuer, the rules governing the information that we are required to disclose differ from those governing U.S. corporations pursuant to the U.S. Exchange Act. Although we intend to report periodic financial results and certain material events, we are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or provide current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four days of their occurrence. In addition, we are exempt from the SEC’s proxy rules, and proxy statements that we distribute will not be subject to review by the SEC. Our exemption from Section 16 rules requiring the reporting of beneficial ownership and sales of shares by insiders means that you will have less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to this part of the U.S. Exchange Act and that our insiders are not subject to short-swing profit rules. As a result, in deciding whether to purchase our shares, you may not have all the data that you are accustomed to having when making investment decisions with respect to domestic U.S. public companies.
29
Furthermore, NASDAQ Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer, such as our Company, may rely on home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules in the NASDAQ Rule 5600 Series and Rule 5250(d), provided that we nevertheless comply with NASDAQ’s Notification of Noncompliance requirement (Rule 5625), the Voting Rights requirement (Rule 5640) and that we have an audit committee that satisfies Rule 5605(c)(3), consisting of committee members that meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). We are permitted to follow certain corporate governance rules that conform to U.K. requirements in lieu of many of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, and we intend to comply with the NASDAQ corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of U.S. companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ.
We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses.
We could cease to be a foreign private issuer if a majority of our outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly held of record by U.S. residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. In that event, the regulatory and compliance costs we would incur as a domestic registrant may be significantly higher than we incur as a foreign private issuer, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
As an English public limited company, certain capital structure decisions require shareholder approval, which may limit our flexibility to manage our capital structure.
English law provides that a board of directors may only allot shares (or rights or convertible into shares) with the prior authorization of shareholders, such authorization being up to the aggregate nominal amount of shares and for a maximum period of five years, each as specified in the articles of association or relevant shareholder resolution. The Articles authorize the allotment of additional shares for a period of five years from October 26, 2017 (being the date of the adoption of the Articles), which authorization will need to be renewed upon expiration (i.e., at least every five years) but may be sought more frequently for additional five-year terms (or any shorter period).
English law also generally provides shareholders with preemptive rights when new shares are issued for cash. However, it is possible for the articles of association, or for shareholders acting in a general meeting, to exclude preemptive rights. Such an exclusion of preemptive rights may be for a maximum period of up to five years from the date of adoption of the articles of association, if the exclusion is contained in the articles of association, or from the date of the shareholder resolution, if the exclusion is by shareholder resolution. In either case, this exclusion would need to be renewed by our shareholders upon its expiration (i.e., at least every five years). The Articles exclude preemptive rights for a period of five years from October 26, 2017, which exclusion will need to be renewed upon expiration (i.e., at least every five years) to remain effective, but may be sought more frequently for additional five-year terms (or any shorter period).
English law also generally prohibits a public company from repurchasing its own shares without the prior approval of shareholders by ordinary resolution, such being a resolution passed by a simple majority of votes cast, and other formalities. As an English company listed on NASDAQ, we may not make on-market purchases of our shares and may make off-market purchases only for the purposes of or pursuant to an employees’ share scheme where our shareholders have approved our doing so by ordinary resolution (and with a maximum duration of such approval of five years) or with the prior consent of our shareholders by ordinary resolution to the proposed contract for the purchase of our shares.
English law requires that we meet certain financial requirements before we declare dividends or repurchases.
Under English law, we may only declare dividends, make distributions or repurchase shares out of distributable reserves of the Company or distributable profits. “Distributable profits” are a company’s accumulated, realized profits, so far as not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less its accumulated, realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital duly made, as reported to the Companies House. In addition, as a public company, we may only make a distribution if the amount of our net assets is not less than the aggregate amount of our called-up share capital and undistributable reserves and if, and to the extent that, the distribution does not reduce the
30
amount of those assets to less than that aggregate amount. The Articles permit declaration of dividends by ordinary resolution of the shareholders, provided that the directors have made a recommendation as to its amount. The dividend shall not exceed the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may also decide to pay interim dividends if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution justify the payment. When recommending or declaring the payment of a dividend, the directors will be required under English law to comply with their duties, including considering our future financial requirements.
The enforcement of shareholder judgments against us or certain of our directors may be more difficult.
Because we are a public limited company incorporated under English law, and because most of our directors and executive officers are non-residents of the United States and substantially all of the assets of such directors and executive officers are located outside of the United States, our shareholders could experience more difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against our Company or our directors in U.S. courts than would currently be the case for U.S. judgments obtained against a U.S. public company or U.S. resident directors. In addition, it may be more difficult (or impossible) to assert some types of claims against our Company or its directors in courts in England, or against certain of our directors in courts in Spain, than it would be to bring similar claims against a U.S. company or its directors in a U.S. court.
The United States is not currently bound by a treaty with Spain or the United Kingdom providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments rendered in civil and commercial matters with Spain or the United Kingdom, other than arbitral awards. There is, therefore, doubt as to the enforceability of civil liabilities based upon U.S. federal securities laws in an action to enforce a U.S. judgment in Spain or the United Kingdom. In addition, the enforcement in Spain or the United Kingdom of any judgment obtained in a U.S. court based on civil liabilities, whether or not predicated solely upon U.S. federal securities laws, will be subject to certain conditions. There is also doubt that a court in Spain or the United Kingdom would have the requisite power or authority to grant remedies in an original action brought in Spain or the United Kingdom on the basis of U.S. federal securities laws violations.
Risks Related to Tax Matters
The application of Section 7874 of the Code, including under recent IRS guidance, and changes in law could affect our status as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We believe that, under current law, we should be treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may assert that we should be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Under Section 7874 of the Code, we would be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if, after the Business Combination, (i) at least 80% of our ordinary shares (by vote or value) were considered to be held by former holders of common stock of Globe by reason of holding such common stock, as calculated for Section 7874 purposes, and (ii) our expanded affiliated group did not have substantial business activities in the United Kingdom (the “80% Test”). The percentage (by vote and value) of our ordinary shares considered to be held by former holders of common stock of Globe immediately after the Business Combination by reason of their holding common stock of Globe is referred to in this disclosure as the “Section 7874 Percentage.”
Determining the Section 7874 Percentage is complex and, with respect to the Business Combination, subject to legal uncertainties. In that regard, the IRS and U.S. Department of the Treasury (“U.S. Treasury”) issued temporary Regulations in April 2016 and finalized Regulations in July 2018 (collectively, the “Section 7874 Regulations”), which include a rule that applies to certain transactions in which the Section 7874 Percentage is at least 60% and the parent company is organized in a jurisdiction different from that of the foreign target corporation (the “Third Country Rule”). This rule applies to transactions occurring on or after November 19, 2015, which date is prior to the closing of the Business Combination. If the Third Country Rule were to apply to the Business Combination, the 80% Test would be deemed met and we would be treated as a U.S. corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While we believe the Section 7874 Percentage is less than 60% such that the Third Country Rule does not apply to us, we cannot assure you that the IRS will agree with this position and would not successfully challenge our status as a foreign corporation. If the IRS successfully challenged
31
our status as a foreign corporation, significant adverse tax consequences would result for us and could apply to our shareholders.
In addition, changes to Section 7874 of the Code, the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, or to other relevant tax laws (including under applicable tax treaties) could adversely affect our status or treatment as a foreign corporation, and the tax consequences to our affiliates, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and any such changes could have prospective or retroactive application. Recent legislative proposals have aimed to expand the scope of U.S. corporate tax residence, including by potentially causing us to be treated as a U.S. corporation if the management and control of us and our affiliates were determined to be located primarily in the United States, or by reducing the Section 7874 Percentage at or above which we would be treated as a U.S. corporation such that it would be lower than the threshold imposed under the 80% Test.
IRS guidance and changes in law could affect our ability to engage in certain acquisition strategies and certain internal restructurings.
Even if we are treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Section 7874 Regulations materially changed the manner in which the Section 7874 Percentage will be calculated in certain future acquisitions of U.S. businesses in exchange for our equity, which may affect the tax efficiencies that otherwise might be achieved in transactions with third parties. For example, the Section 7874 Regulations would impact certain acquisitions of U.S. companies for our Ordinary Shares (or other stock) in the 36-month period beginning December 23, 2015, by excluding from the Section 7874 Percentage the portion of Ordinary Shares that are allocable to former holders of common stock of Globe. This rule would generally have the effect of increasing the otherwise applicable Section 7874 Percentage with respect to our future acquisition of a U.S. business. The Section 7874 Regulations also may more generally limit the ability to restructure the non-U.S. members of our Company to achieve tax efficiencies, unless an exception applies. However, no such acquisition of a U.S. business was made during the 36 months period.
IRS proposed regulations and changes in laws or treaties could affect the expected financial synergies of the Business Combination.
The IRS and the U.S. Treasury also issued rules that provide that certain intercompany debt instruments issued on or after April 5, 2016, will be treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, therefore limiting U.S. tax benefits and resulting in possible U.S. withholding taxes. As a result of these rules, we may not be able to realize a portion of the financial synergies that were anticipated in connection with the Business Combination, and such rules may materially affect our future effective tax rate. While these new rules are not retroactive, they could impact our ability to engage in future restructurings if such transactions cause an existing debt instrument to be treated as reissued. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, recent treaty proposals by the U.S. Treasury, if ultimately adopted by the United States and relevant foreign jurisdictions, could reduce the potential tax benefits for us and our affiliates by imposing U.S. withholding taxes on certain payments from our U.S. affiliates to related and unrelated foreign persons.
We are subject to tax laws of numerous jurisdictions and our interpretation of those laws is subject to challenge by the relevant governmental authorities.
We and our subsidiaries are subject to tax laws and regulations in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Spain, South Africa and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws and regulations are inherently complex, and we and our subsidiaries are (and have been) obligated to make judgments and interpretations about the application of these laws and regulations to us and our subsidiaries and their operations and businesses. The interpretation and application of these laws and regulations could be challenged by the relevant governmental authority, which could result in administrative or judicial procedures, actions or sanctions, which could be material an effect our effective tax rate.
32
We intend to operate so as to be treated exclusively as a resident of the United Kingdom for tax purposes, but the relevant tax authorities may treat us as also being a resident of another jurisdiction for tax purposes.
We are a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. Current U.K. tax law provides that we will be regarded as being a U.K. resident for tax purposes from incorporation and shall remain so unless (i) we were concurrently resident of another jurisdiction (applying the tax residence rules of that jurisdiction) that has a double tax treaty with the United Kingdom and (ii) there is a tiebreaker provision in that tax treaty which allocates exclusive residence to that other jurisdiction.
Based upon our management and organizational structure, we believe that we should be regarded solely as resident in the United Kingdom from our incorporation for tax purposes. However, because this analysis is highly factual and may depend on changes in our management and organizational structure, there can be no assurance regarding the final determination of our tax residence. Should we be treated as resident in a country or jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom, we could be subject to taxation in that country or jurisdiction on our worldwide income and may be required to comply with a number of material and formal tax obligations, including withholding tax and reporting obligations provided under the relevant tax law, which could result in additional costs and expenses and an increase of our effective tax rate.
We may not qualify for benefits under the tax treaties entered into between the United Kingdom and other countries.
We intend to operate in a manner such that, when relevant, we are eligible for benefits under the tax treaties entered into between the United Kingdom and other countries. However, our ability to qualify and continue to qualify for such benefits will depend upon the requirements contained within each treaty and the applicable domestic laws, as the case may be, on the facts and circumstances surrounding our operations and management, and on the relevant interpretation of the tax authorities and courts.
Our or our subsidiaries’ failure to qualify for benefits under the tax treaties could result in adverse tax consequences to us and our subsidiaries and could result in certain tax consequences of owning or disposing of our ordinary shares differing from those discussed below.
Future changes to domestic or international tax laws or to the interpretation of these laws by the governmental authorities could adversely affect us and our subsidiaries.
The U.S. Congress, the U.K. Government, the European Union and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and other government agencies in jurisdictions where we and our affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations. One example is in the area of “base erosion and profit shifting” (or “BEPS”), in which payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. Thus, the tax laws in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union or other countries in which we and our affiliates do business are changing and any such changes could adversely affect us, mostly those related to interest limitation rules. Furthermore, the interpretation and application of domestic or international tax laws made by us and our subsidiaries could differ from that of the relevant governmental authority, which could result in administrative or judicial procedures, actions or sanctions, which could be material. On July 1, 2018, OECD’s so-called “Multi-Lateral Instrument” entered into force covering 87 jurisdictions and impacting over 1,200 double tax treaties. The adoption and transposition into domestic legislations of the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directives (known as “ATAD 1 and 2”) by the European Union is another key development that is impacting us, mostly when it comes to interest deduction limitation. On December 2021, the European Commission published a proposal for a Directive “laying down rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for improper tax purposes and amending Directive 2011/16/EU.” This Directive is also referred to as the ATAD 3 Directive. The implementation of this directive could affect us.
Further developments are to be seen in areas such as the “making tax digital - initiatives” allowing authorities to monitor multinationals’ tax position on a more real time basis and the contemplated introduction of new taxes, such as revenue-based digital services taxes aimed at technology companies, but which may impact traditional businesses as well in the sense of allocating a portion of the profitability of the given company to jurisdictions where it has significant sales even though it is not physically present. The latest development by the OECD in this field are the so-called Pillar One and Pillar Two. Under Pillar One, the OECD intends to set up the foundations for allocating to the market jurisdiction (i) non-routine
33
profit; (ii) a fixed remuneration based on the Arm´s length Principle for baseline distribution and marketing functions; and (iii) an additional profit where in-country functions exceed the base-line activity already compensated. In principle, our business is not in scope of this measure as it refers to raw materials and commodities and this kind of business is excluded under the current drafting of the paper. Then, Pillar Two, also called GloBE (Global Anti-Base Erosion Proposal) consist of setting the ground for a minimum taxation, giving the countries the right to “tax back” profit that is currently taxed below the minimum 15% rate. This goal is reached through several avenues, that is, (i) the inclusion of foreign income when taxed below the minimum rate; (ii) an undertaxed payment rule to related parties to deny deduction or impose taxation when payment was not subject to tax; (iii) switch over rule in the double tax treaties to allow the residence jurisdiction to switch from exemption to credit method when profit of permanent establishment is taxed below the minimum rate; and (iv) a subject to tax rule to allow withholding tax or other taxation or adjust eligibility to treaty benefits on payments not subject to the minimum rate. GloBE could affect our effective tax rate when implemented. In December 2021 the OECD released a report containing further details about the implementation of Pillar I. Likewise, also in December 2021 the European Union released a proposed Directive on minimum taxation in line with the OECD report. In both cases, it is proposed a minimum taxation of 15% that, when implemented, could impact our organization although not significantly since we are already based in high tax jurisdictions without significant tax exemptions or credits to reduce our effective tax rate.
We may become subject to income or other taxes in jurisdictions which would adversely affect our financial results.
We and our subsidiaries are subject to the income tax laws of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Spain, South Africa and the other jurisdictions in which we operate. Our effective tax rate in any period is impacted by the source and the amount of earnings among our different tax jurisdictions. A change in the division of our earnings among our tax jurisdictions could have a material impact on our effective tax rate and our financial results. In addition, we or our subsidiaries may be subject to additional income or other taxes in these and other jurisdictions by reason of the management and control of our subsidiaries, our activities and operations, where our production facilities are located or changes in tax laws, regulations or accounting principles like those referred to as to Pillar One and Pillar Two once fully developed and implemented. The OECD aims for a multilateral convention on Pillar One to be signed in 2022 and implemented in 2023. The aim for Pillar Two is for domestic legislation to be introduced during the course of 2022 and become effective in 2023 and for treaty changes to be implemented by a multilateral instrument in 2024. Changes in tax treaties, the introduction of new legislation, updates to existing legislation, or changes to regulatory interpretations of existing legislation as a result of these or similar proposals could impose additional taxes on businesses and increase the complexity, burden and cost of tax compliance in countries where we operate.
Although we have adopted guidelines and operating procedures to ensure our subsidiaries are appropriately managed and controlled, we may be subject to such taxes in the future and such taxes may be substantial. The imposition of such taxes could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
We may incur current tax liabilities in our primary operating jurisdictions in the future.
We expect to make current tax payments in some of the jurisdictions where we do business in the normal course of our operations. Our ability to defer the payment of some level of income taxes to future periods is dependent upon the continued benefit of accelerated tax depreciation on our plant and equipment in some jurisdictions, the continued deductibility of external and intercompany financing arrangements, the application of tax losses prior to their expiration in certain tax jurisdictions and the application of tax credits including R&D credits, among other factors. The level of current tax payments we make in any of our primary operating jurisdictions could adversely affect our cash flows and have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Changes in tax laws may result in additional taxes for us.
We cannot assure you that tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we reside or in which we conduct activities or operations will not be changed in the future. Such changes in tax law could result in additional taxes for us. As mentioned above, changes in tax treaties, the introduction of new legislation, updates to existing legislation, or changes to regulatory
34
interpretations of existing legislation as a result of future tax law changes could impose additional taxes on businesses and increase the complexity, burden and cost of tax compliance in countries where we operate.
U.S. federal income tax reform could adversely affect us.
Legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was enacted on December 22, 2017 in the United States. The TCJA made significant changes to the U.S. federal tax code, including a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% as well as the introduction of a base erosion minimum tax (BEAT). The TCJA also made changes to the U.S. federal taxation of foreign earnings and to the timing of recognition of certain revenue and expenses and the deductibility of certain business expenses. We examined the impact the TCJA may have on our business in detail since enactment. Although further guidance continues to be released by the IRS, so far we have concluded that tax reform should not have a material adverse impact on the taxation of our U.S. business, as of December 31, 2021. This annual report does not discuss in detail the TCJA or the manner in which it might affect us or our stockholders. We urge you to consult with your own legal and tax advisors with respect to the Tax Reform Act and the potential tax consequences of investing in our shares.
Our transfer pricing policies are open to challenge from taxation authorities internationally.
Tax authorities have become increasingly focused on transfer pricing in recent years. Due to our international operations and an increasing number of inter-company cross-border transactions, we are open to challenge from tax authorities with regards to the pricing of such transactions. A successful challenge by tax authorities may lead to a reallocation of taxable income to a different tax jurisdiction and may potentially lead to an increase of our effective tax rate.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company
Ferroglobe PLC
Ferroglobe PLC, initially named VeloNewco Limited, was incorporated under the U.K. Companies Act 2006 as a private limited liability company in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2015, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Grupo VM. On October 16, 2015 VeloNewco Limited re-registered as a public limited company. As a result of the Business Combination, which was completed on December 23, 2015, FerroAtlántica and Globe merged through corporate transactions to create Ferroglobe PLC, one of the largest producers worldwide of silicon metal and silicon and manganese-based alloys. To effect the Business Combination, Ferroglobe acquired from Grupo VM all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares, par value €1,000 per share, of Grupo FerroAtlántica, SAU in exchange for 98,078,161 newly issued Class A Ordinary Shares, nominal value $7.50 per share, of Ferroglobe, after which FerroAtlántica became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferroglobe. Immediately thereafter, Gordon Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferroglobe, merged with and into Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., and each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, was converted into the right to receive one newly-issued ordinary share, nominal value $7.50 per share, of Ferroglobe. After these steps, Ferroglobe issued, in total, 171,838,153 shares, out of which 98,078,161 shares were issued to Grupo VM and 73,759,992 were issued to the former Globe shareholders. Our ordinary shares are currently traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “GSM.”
On June 22, 2016, we completed a reduction of our share capital, as a result of which the nominal value of each share was reduced from $7.50 to $0.01, with the amount of the capital reduction being credited to distributable reserves.
On August 21, 2018, we announced a share repurchase program, which provided authorization to purchase up to $20 million of our ordinary shares in the period ending December 31, 2018. On November 7, 2018, we completed the repurchase program, resulting in the acquisition of a total of 2,894,049 ordinary shares for total consideration of $20,100 thousand, including applicable stamp duty. The average price paid per share was $6.89. The share repurchase program resulted in 1,152,958 ordinary shares purchased and cancelled and 1,741,091 ordinary shares purchased into treasury, all
35
of which remained held in treasury at December 31, 2018. See “Item 16.E.— Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.”
On July 29, 2021, upon the closing of the Refinancing, the company issued 8,918,618 new ordinary shares to Rubric Capital Management LP on behalf of certain managed or sub-managed funds and accounts and Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U for a total issued share capital of $40 million, 1,900,000 shares as a work fee and 7,013,872 shares to bondholder’s related to the financing transactions.
On October 6, 2021, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with B. Riley Securities, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. relating to the ordinary shares of Ferroglobe PLC. The Company may offer and sell ordinary shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000 from time to time through B. Riley Securities, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. as our sales agents. In 2021 The Company sold 186,053 ordinary shares under the Equity Distribution Agrement, for net proceeds of $1.4 million.
During the year under review, a small number of the ordinary shares held in treasury have been used to satisfy share awards made by the Company to its management team under the Ferroglobe PLC Equity Incentive Plan 2016. The number of ordinary shares held in Treasury as at December 31, 2021 was 1,568,854. See Note 13.
Significant milestones in our history are as follows:
| ● | 1996: acquisition of the Spanish company Hidro Nitro Española, S.A. (“Hidro Nitro Española”), operating in the ferroalloys and hydroelectric power businesses, and start of the quartz mining operations through the acquisition of Cuarzos Industriales S.A. from Portuguese cement manufacturer Cimpor; |
| ● | 1998: expansion of our manganese- and silicon-based alloy operations through the acquisition of 80% of the share capital of FerroAtlántica de Venezuela (currently FerroVen, S.A.) from the Government of Venezuela in a public auction; |
| ● | 2000: acquisition of 67% of the share capital of quartz mining company Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. from Elkem, a Norwegian silicon metal and manganese- and silicon-based alloy producer; |
| ● | 2005: acquisition of Pechiney Electrométallurgie, S.A., now renamed FerroPem, S.A.S., a silicon metal and silicon-based alloys producer with operations in France, along with its affiliate Silicon Smelters (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa; |
| ● | 2005: acquisition of the metallurgical manufacturing plant in Alloy, West Virginia, and Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc. in Billingsly, Alabama, both in the U.S.; |
| ● | 2006: acquisition of Globe Metallurgical Inc., the largest merchant manufacturer of silicon metal in North America and largest specialty ferroalloy manufacturer in the United States; |
| ● | 2006: acquisition of Stein Ferroaleaciones S.A., an Argentine producer of silicon-based specialty alloys, and its Polish affiliate, Ultracore Polska; |
| ● | 2007: creation of Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U., the holding company of our FerroAtlántica Group; |
| ● | 2007: acquisition of Camargo Correa Metais S.A., a major Brazilian silicon metal manufacturer; |
| ● | 2008: acquisition of Rand Carbide PLC, a ferrosilicon plant in South Africa, from South African mining and steel company Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium Limited, and creation of Silicio FerroSolar, S.L., which conducts research and development activities in the solar grade silicon sector; |
36
| ● | 2008: acquisition of 81% of Solsil, Inc., a producer of high-purity silicon for use in photovoltaic solar cells; |
| ● | 2008: acquisition of a majority stake in Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industry Co., Ltd., a producer of carbon electrodes (the remaining stake subsequently purchased in 2012); |
| ● | 2009: creation of French company Photosil Industries, S.A.S., which conducts research and development activities in the solar grade silicon sector; |
| ● | 2009: sale of interest in Camargo Correa Metais S.A. in Brazil to Dow Corning Corporation and formation of a joint venture with Dow Corning at the Alloy, West Virginia facility; |
| ● | 2010: acquisition of Core Metals Group LLC, one of North America’s largest and most efficient producers and marketers of high-purity ferrosilicon and other specialty metals; |
| ● | 2010: acquisition of Chinese silicon metal producer Mangshi Sinice Silicon Industry Company Limited; |
| ● | 2011: acquisition of Alden Resources LLC, North America’s leading miner, processor and supplier of specialty metallurgical coal to the silicon and silicon-based alloy industries; |
| ● | 2012: acquisition of SamQuarz (Pty) Ltd, a South African producer of silica, with quartz mining operations; |
| ● | 2012: acquisition of a majority stake (51%) in Bécancour Silicon, Inc., a silicon metal producer in Canada, operated as a joint venture with Dow Corning as the holder of the minority stake of 49%; |
| ● | 2014: acquisition of Silicon Technology (Pty) Ltd. (“Siltech”), a ferrosilicon producer in South Africa; |
| ● | 2018: acquisition from a subsidiary of Glencore PLC of a 100% interest in manganese alloys plants in Mo i Rana, Norway and Dunkirk, France, through newly-formed subsidiaries Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS and Ferroglobe Manganèse France, SAS; |
| ● | 2018: sale of the majority interest in Hidro Nitro Española to an entity sponsored by a Spanish renewable energies fund; |
| ● | 2019: sale of 100% interest in FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. (“FAU”), to investment vehicles affiliated with TPG Sixth Street Partners; |
| ● | 2019: sale of 100% interest in Ultra Core Polska, z.o.o, to Cedie, S.A; |
| ● | 2021: Sale of Niagara Falls silicon metal facility. |
Corporate and Other Information
Our registered office is located at 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD, our Board of Directors is based at our London Office at 13 Chesterfield Street, London W1J 5JN, United Kingdom and our management is based in London and also at Torre Emperador Castellana, Paseo de la Castellana, 259-D, P49, 28046 Madrid, Spain. The telephone number of our Spanish Office is +34 915 903 219. Our Internet address is http://www.ferroglobe.com. The information on our website is not a part of this document. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
37
B. Business Overview
Through its operating subsidiaries, Ferroglobe is one of the world’s largest producers of silicon metal, silicon-based alloys and manganese-based alloys. Additionally, Ferroglobe currently has quartz mining activities in Spain, the United States, Canada, and South Africa, low-ash metallurgical quality coal mining activities in the United States, and interests in hydroelectric power in France. Ferroglobe controls a meaningful portion of most of its raw materials and captures, recycles and sells most of the by-products generated in its production processes.
We sell our products to a diverse base of customers worldwide, in a varied range of industries. These industries include aluminum, silicone compounds used in the chemical industry, ductile iron, automotive parts, renewable energy, photovoltaic (solar) cells, electronic semiconductors and steel, all of which are key elements in the manufacturing of a wide range of industrial and consumer products.
We are able to supply our customers with the broadest range of specialty metals and alloys in the industry from our production centers in North America, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. Our broad manufacturing platform and flexible capabilities allow us to optimize production and focus on products most likely to enhance profitability, including the production of customized solutions and high purity metals to meet specific customer requirements. We also benefit from low operating costs, resulting from our ownership of sources of critical raw materials and the flexibility derived from our ability to alternate production at certain of our furnaces between silicon metal and silicon-based alloy products.
Industry and Market Data
The statements and other information contained below regarding Ferroglobe’s competitive position and market share are based on the reports periodically published by leading metals industry consultants and leading metals industry publications and information centers, as well as on the estimates of Ferroglobe’s management.
Competitive Strengths and Strategy of Ferroglobe
Competitive Strengths
Leading market positions in silicon metal, silicon-based alloys and manganese-based alloys
We are a leading global producer in our core products based on merchant production capacity and hold the leading market share in certain of our products. Specifically, in the case of silicon metal, with maximum global production capacity of approximately 296 thousand metric tons (which includes 51% of our attributable joint venture capacity, and excludes the 51 thousand metrics tons of currently idled capacity at the Polokwane facility in South Africa), we have approximately 75% of the active merchant production capacity market share in North America and approximately 23% of the global market share (all of the world excluding China), according to management estimates for our industry. In the case of manganese-based alloys, following the acquisition of the Dunkirk, France and Mo i Rana, Norway plants in 2018, our market share is approximately 15% in Europe, and we are among the three largest global producers of manganese alloys excluding China.
Our scale and global presence across five continents allows us to offer a wide range of products to serve a variety of end-markets, including those which we consider to be dynamic, such as the solar, automotive, consumer electronic products, semiconductors, construction and energy industries. As a result of our market leadership and breadth of products, we possess critical insight into market demand allowing for more efficient use of our resources and operating capacity. Our ability to supply critical sources of high-quality raw materials from within our Company group promotes operational and financial stability and reduces the need for us to compete with our competitors for supply. We believe this also provides a competitive advantage, allowing us to deliver an enhanced product offering with consistent quality on a cost-efficient basis to our customers.
38
Global production footprint and reach
Our diversified production base consists of production facilities across North America, Europe, South America, South Africa and Asia. We have the capability to produce our core products at multiple facilities, providing a competitive advantage when reacting to changing global demand trends and customer requirements. Furthermore, this broad base ensures reliability to our customers that value timely delivery and consistent product quality. Our diverse production base also enables us to optimize our production plans and shift production to the lowest cost facilities. Most of our production facilities are located close to sources of principal raw materials, key customers or major transport hubs to facilitate delivery of raw materials and distribution of finished products. This enables us to service our customers globally, while optimizing our working capital, as well as enabling our customers to optimize their inventory levels.
Diverse base of high-quality customers across growing industries
We sell our products to customers in over 30 countries, with our largest customer concentration in North America and in Europe. Our products are used in end products spanning a broad range of industries, including solar, personal care and healthcare products, automobile parts, carbon and stainless steel, water pipe, solar, semiconductor, oil and gas, infrastructure and construction. Although some of these end-markets have growth drivers similar to our own, others are less correlated and offer the benefits of diversification. This wide range of products, customers and end-markets provides significant diversity and stability to our business.
Many of our customers, we believe, are leaders in their end-markets and fields. We have built long-lasting relationships with customers based on the breadth and quality of our product offerings and our ability to produce products that meet specific customer requirements. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, Ferroglobe’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 48.1% and 50.7%, respectively, of Ferroglobe’s consolidated revenue. Our customer relationships provide us with stability and visibility into our future volumes and earnings, though we are not reliant on any individual customer or end-market. Our customer relationships, together with our diversified product portfolio, provide us with opportunities to cross sell new products; for example, by offering silicon-based or manganese-based alloys to existing steelmaking customers.
Flexible and low-cost structure
We believe we have an efficient cost structure, enhanced over time by vertical integration through strategic acquisitions. The largest components of our cost base are raw materials and power. Our relatively low operating costs are primarily a result of our ownership of, and proximity to, sources of raw materials, our access to attractively priced power supplies and skilled labor and our efficient production processes.
We believe our vertically integrated business model and ownership of sources of raw materials provides us with a cost advantage over our competitors. Moreover, such ownership and the fact that we are not reliant on any single supplier for the remainder of our raw materials needs generally ensures stable, long term supply of raw materials for our production processes, thereby enhancing operational and financial stability. Transportation costs can be significant in our business; our proximity to sources of raw materials and customers improves logistics and represents another cost advantage. The proximity of our facilities to our customers also allows us to provide just in time delivery of finished goods and reduces the need to store excess inventory, resulting in more efficient use of working capital.
We capture, recycle and sell most of the by-products generated in our production processes, which further reduces our costs.
We operate with a largely variable cost of production and our diversified production base allows us to shift our production and distribution between facilities and products in response to changes in market conditions over time. Additionally, the diversity of our currency and commodity exposures provides, to a degree, a natural hedge against foreign exchange and raw materials pricing volatility. Our production costs are mostly dependent on local factors while our product prices are influenced more by global factors. Depreciation of local, functional currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar, when it occurs, reduces the costs of our operations, offering an increased competitive edge in the international market.
39
We believe our scale and global presence enables us to sustain our operations throughout periods of economic downturn, volatile commodity prices and demand fluctuations.
Stable supply of critical, high quality raw materials
In order to ensure reliable supplies of high-quality raw materials for the production of our metallurgical products, we have invested in strategic acquisitions of sources that supply a meaningful portion of the inputs our manufacturing operations consume. Specifically, we own and operate specialty, low ash, metallurgical quality coal mines in the United States, high purity quartz quarries in the United States, Spain and South Africa, charcoal production units in South Africa, and our Yonvey production facility for carbon electrodes in Ningxia, China. For raw materials needs our subsidiaries cannot meet, we have qualified multiple suppliers in each operating region for each raw material, helping to ensure reliable access to high quality raw materials.
Efficient and environmentally friendly by-product usage
We utilize or sell most of the by-products of our manufacturing process, which reduces cost and the environmental impact of our operations. We have developed markets for the by-products generated by our production processes and have transformed our manufacturing operations so that little solid waste disposal is required. By-products not recycled in the manufacturing process are generally sold to companies, which process them for use in a variety of other applications. These materials include: silica fume (also known as microsilica), used as a concrete additive, refractory material and oil well conditioner; fines - the fine material resulting from crushing lumps; and dross, which results from the purification process during smelting.
Pioneer in innovation with focus on technological advances and development of next generation products
Our talented workforce has historically developed proprietary technological capabilities and next generation products in-house, which we believe give us a competitive advantage. In addition to a dedicated R&D division, we have cooperation agreements in place with various universities and research institutes in Spain, France and other countries around the world. Our R&D achievements include:
| ● | ELSA electrode — Ferroglobe has internally developed a patented technology for electrodes used in silicon metal furnaces, which it has been able to sell to several major silicon producers globally. This technology, known as the ELSA electrode, improves the energy efficiency in the production process of silicon metal and eliminates contamination from iron. Ferroglobe has granted these producers the right to use the ELSA electrode against payment to Ferroglobe of royalties. Continuous improvements are made to keep this invention state of the art. |
| ● | Solar Grade Silicon — Ferroglobe has sought to produce solar grade silicon metal with a purity above 99.9999% through a new, potentially cost effective, electrometallurgical process. The traditional chemical process tends to be costly and involves high energy consumption and potentially environmentally hazardous processes. The new technology entirely developed by Ferroglobe at an earlier stage at its research and development facilities aims to reduce the costs and energy consumption associated with the production of solar grade silicon. In connection with this project, FerroAtlántica obtained a loan, with a principal amount of approximately €45 million, from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Energy for the purpose of building the UMG silicon plant. Due to the market environment for solar grade silicon (or polysilicon) worldwide, at the end of 2018 the Company suspended the investment in the project while preserving the technology and know-how in order to be able to finalize the construction of the factory when market circumstances change. |
| ● | High Purity Silicon Powders — Ferroglobe has launched the High Purity Silicon Powders project, which aims at producing silicon-based, tailor made products for high end applications. An important part of the technology developed for the Solar grade silicon project is used in this new project allowing Ferroglobe to have advantages in obtaining customized solutions for this emerging business and to put products in the market with a very low carbon footprint. At the same time, new know-how linked to specific milling technologies has been developed in |
40
| the last years placing Ferroglobe in an excellent position in this new market. Among the various targeted applications, a specific project has been launched for Li-ion batteries. |
| ● | Li-ion batteries — The energy capacity of the anode in Li-ion batteries can be enhanced by adding silicon. This is a particularly attractive market because silicon not only can increase capacity of the Li-ion batteries but can contribute to reduce costs, to reduce carbon footprint and to ease fast charging. All these benefits will help to develop new mobility solutions. In this specific field, Ferroglobe has established several technical partnerships and collaborations in order to rapidly advance the research and development work that a market like this needs. |
New R&D works are being carried out by the Ferroglobe Innovation team to develop new products that could fit in the requirements of next generations of batteries.
Experienced management team in the metals and mining industry
We have a seasoned and experienced management team with extensive knowledge of the global metals and mining industry, operational and financial expertise and a track record of developing and managing large-scale operations. Our management team is committed to responding quickly and effectively to macroeconomic and industry developments, to identifying and delivering growth opportunities and to improving our performance by way of a continuous focus on operational cost control and a disciplined, value-based approach to capital allocation. Our management team is complemented by a skilled operating team with solid technical knowledge of production processes and strong relationships with key customers.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy
Sustainability has been identified by management as a top priority. First and foremost, we recognize the criticality of company’s to take an active role in leading and driving change for the betterment of society. Furthermore, given the growing focus on sustainability amongst our stakeholders we need to create more transparency around our performance and the action plan to drive the changes required to meet our goals. In 2022 we have issued the first ESG report for 2021 financial year as the commencement of our new approach to sustainability disclosure.
In 2021 we defined Ferroglobe’s ESG Strategy 2022-2026, a roadmap that will enable us to benchmark and assess ourselves on ESG matters, in alignment with the demands of our stakeholders and our industry trends. The current ESG Strategy will be implemented in phases commencing 2022 through 2026. This ESG Strategy has been defined based on four Strategic lines, critical for the development of Ferroglobe as a more sustainable Company:
| (i) | Strengthening our governance framework |
| (ii) | Promoting a solid & honest engagement with our people and local communities where we operate |
| (iii) | Reinforcing the role of sustainability through our value chain |
| (iv) | Improving our environmental footprint to enable materials which are vital for sustainable development. |
The progress on ESG performance and implementation of the ESG Strategy lines and accompanying measures will be included in the ESG reports to be issued on a yearly basis.
Business Strategy
In 2020 we conducted a deep and broad evaluation of our Company with the goal of designing a strategic plan focused on bolstering the long term competiteness of the business and returning the Company to profitability by fundamentally changing the way we operate, both operationaly and financially. The multi-year turnaround plan we developed essentially impacts all the functional areas of our Company as we seek to drive changes that ensure competitiveness throughout the cycle. Between 2021 and 2024, the Company set a target of achieving $180 million in cost savings, along with $70 million of cash release in working capital. 2021 was the first year of the execution phase of this turnaround plan. We surpassed our 2021 targets releasing $70 million of cash through the working capital workstream. The key value drivers of our strategic plan are the following:
41
• | Footprint optimization: One of the Company’s core advantages is our large and diverse production platform. While our asset footprint provides flexibility, at times we are restricted in our ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions due to inherent constraints in curtailing capacity, particularly for shorter durations. Going forward, our goal is to ensure that the operating platform is more flexible and modular so shifts in production, based on needs and relative costs, are incorporated swiftly. Through this value creation driver we aim to shift our capacity footprint by optimizing production to the most competitive assets. |
• | Continuous plant efficiency: We will continue to build on the success of our existing key technical metrics (KTM) program, which consists of specific initiatives aimed at enhancing our process, minimizing waste, and improving the overall efficiency to drive down costs. The Company maintains a pipeline of initiatives developed through the sharing of best practices amongst our numberous sites and through new improvements identified by our research and development team. Under the strategic plan we have formalized the manner in which we execute such initiatives by creating operational and technical teams with the expertise critical for implementation. Furthermore, we are developing tools to track our key performance indicators in an ongoing effort to improve furnace level performance. |
• | Commercial excellence: we are focused on the design and delivery of commercial best practices that maximize profitable revenue, including programs aimed at consistently improve pricing, salesforce effectiveness, product mix, customer selection and focus. By organizing and analyzing client profitability we seek to optimize commercial opportunities. Our focus will be on portfoilio and account management, ensuring we have the proper customer relationship management tools and clearly defined objectives for each of our customers. Front line management will require us to re-design our commercial coverage and operating model in-line with our product and customer priorities. On the pricing side, we seek to enhance communication and transparency amongst our internal teams to realize target margins on each sale. |
• | Centralized purchasing: we are reshaping the organization so that purchasing of many consumables can be done centrally and to support a procurement culture centered on buying better and spending better. This will enable us to improve its tracking of needs, enhance our ability to schedule purchases and enable us to benefit from bulk purchases. Buying better is a supply-led effort that focuses on price and volume allocation, negotiating prices and terms, managing price risks, pooling volumes and contracts, shifting volumes to best-price suppliers and leveraging procurement networks. Spending better is an operation-led effort to control demand, enforce compliance, reduce complexity, and perform value engineering to fost efficient spending. Through the principles of buying better and spending better, we aim to attain more than just cost reduction. Through the new organization, we seek to reduce supply chain risk, supporting continuous quality and service improvement, fostering better decision-making about suppliers and optimizing resource allocation. |
• | Selling, general and administration & corporate overhead reduction: during our corporate review, we identified significat opportunity for further cost improvement through permanent cost cutting at the our plants, as well as the corporate levels. By tracking these costs vigorously and increasing accountability, we aim to bolster the overall cost structure at various levels. Through this value creation driver, we aim to create a culture focused on cost control and disciplines for deploying best practices to drive sound spending decisions without compromising our overall performance. |
• | Working capital improvement: Improving net working capital performance requires cross-functional cooperation and alignment. By increasing the collaboration amongst the global team, and having oversight and controls at the corporate level, we aim to make a significant improvement in our overall cash conversion cycle on sustainable basis. This value creation area touches on inventory management of our raw materials and finished goods, as well as monitoring and improving terms with both our suppliers and customers, commensurate with market levels. |
42
With our strategic plan we aim to:
Maintain and leverage industry leading position in core businesses and pursue long-term growth
We intend to maintain and leverage our position as a leading global producer of silicon metal and one of the leading global producers of ferroalloys based on production capacity. We believe we will achieve our goals through the execution of our current strategic plan, which focuses on right-sizing our asset footprint, making continuous improvements to increase productivity and reducing our cost structure. We plan to achieve organic growth by continually enhancing our production capabilities as well as by developing new products to further diversify our portfolio of products and expand our customer base. We intend to focus our production and sales efforts on high-margin products and end-markets that we consider to have the highest potential for profitability and growth. We will continue to capitalize on our global reach and the diversity of our production base to adapt to changes in market demands, shifting our production and distribution across facilities and between different products as necessary in order to remain competitive and maximize profitability. We aim to obtain further direct control of key raw materials to secure our long-term access to scarce reserves, which we believe will allow us to continue delivering enhanced products while maintaining our low-cost position. Additionally, we will continue regularly to review our customer contracts in an effort to improve their terms and to optimize the balance between selling under long-term agreements and retaining some exposure to spot markets. We intent to maintain pricing that appropriately reflects the value of our products and our level of customer service and, in light of commodity prices and demand fluctuations, may decide to change the weighting of our mix of contracts that are set at fixed prices versus index-based prices, to capitalize on market opportunities and to ensure a profit throughout the cycles.
Maintain low cost position while controlling inputs
We believe we have an efficient cost structure and, going forward, we will seek to further reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through a number of initiatives. We plan to focus on controlling the cost of our raw materials through our captive sources and long-term supply contracts and on lowering our fixed costs in order to reduce the unit costs of our silicon metal and ferroalloy production. We aim to improve our internal processes and further integrate our global footprint, such as benefits from value chain optimization, including enhancements in raw materials procurement and materials management; adoption of best practices and technical and operational know how across our platform; reduced freight costs from improved logistics as well as savings through the standardization of monitoring and reporting procedures, technology, systems and controls. We intend to enhance our production process through R&D and targeted capital expenditure and leverage our geographic footprint to shift production to the most cost effective and appropriate facilities and regions for such products. We will continue to regularly review our power supply contracts with a view to improving their terms and more competitive tariff structures. In addition, we will seek to maximize the value derived from the utilization and sale of by-products generated in our production processes and continue to focus on innovation to develop next generation products.
We believe we differentiate ourselves from our competitors on the basis of our technical expertise and innovation, which allow us to deliver new high-quality products to meet our customers’ needs. We intend to keep using these capabilities in the future to retain existing customers and cultivate new business. We plan to leverage the expertise of our dedicated team of specialists to advance and to develop next generation products and technologies that fuel organic growth. In particular, we intend develop high value powders for high end applications, including silicon-based anodic materials for Li-ion batteries. We also aim to further develop our specialized foundry products, such as value-added inoculants and customized nodularizers, which are used in the production of iron to improve its tensile strength, ductility and impact properties, and to refine the homogeneity of the cast iron structure.
Maintain financial discipline to facilitate ongoing operations and support growth
We believe maintaining financial discipline will provide us with the ability to manage the volatility in our business resulting from changes in commodity prices and demand fluctuations. We intend to preserve a strong and conservative balance sheet, with sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility to facilitate all of our ongoing operations, to support organic and strategic growth and to finance prudent capital expenditure programs aimed at placing us in a better position to generate increased revenues and cash flows by delivering a more comprehensive product mix and optimized production in response
43
to market circumstances. We plan to become even more efficient in our working capital management through various initiatives aimed at optimizing inventory levels and accounts receivable. We will also seek to repay indebtedness from free cash flow and retain low leverage for maximum free cash flow generation.
Pursue strategic opportunities
We have a proven track record of disciplined acquisitions of complementary businesses and successfully integrating them into existing operations while retaining a targeted approach through appropriate asset divestitures. Our past acquisitions have increased the vertical integration of our activities, allowing us to deliver an enhanced product offering on a cost-efficient basis. We regularly consider and evaluate strategic opportunities for our business and will continue to do so in the future with the objective of expanding our capabilities and leveraging our products and operations. In particular, we intend to pursue complementary acquisitions and other investments at appropriate valuations for the purpose of increasing our capacity, increasing our access to raw materials and other inputs, further refining existing products, broadening our product portfolio and entering new markets. We will consider such strategic opportunities in a disciplined fashion while maintaining a conservative leverage position and strong balance sheet.
We will also seek to evaluate our core business strategy on an ongoing basis and may divest certain non-core and lower margin businesses to improve our financial and operational results.
Facilities and Production Capacity
The following chart shows, as of December 31, 2021, the location of our assets and our production capacity, including 51% of the capacity of our joint ventures (of which we own 51%), by geography, of silicon, silicon-based alloys and manganese-based alloys. It is important to note that certain facilities may and do switch from time to time among different families of products (for instance, from silicon metal to silicon-based alloys and vice-versa) or among different products within the same family (for instance from ferromanganese to silicomanganese). Such switches change the production capacity at each plant.
Our production facilities are strategically located throughout the world. We operate quartz mines located in Spain, South Africa, Canada, and the United States, and charcoal production in South Africa. Additionally, we operate low-ash, metallurgical grade coal mines in the United States.
From time to time, in response to market conditions and to manage operating expenses, facilities are fully or partially idled. As of December 31, 2021, certain production facilities in the United States, Spain, Venezuela and South Africa are partially or fully idled, as a result of current market conditions. As part of our strategic plan, we have decided to shutter the capacity at Niagara Falls facility in the United States and at Château-Feuillet facility in France permanently. Ferroglobe has no installed power capacity in Spain as of December 31, 2021. Ferroglobe subsidiaries own a total of 18.9 megawatts of hydro production capacity in France.
44
Products
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Ferroglobe’s consolidated sales by product were as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Silicon metal |
| 637,695 |
| 463,217 |
| 539,872 |
Manganese-based alloys |
| 469,138 |
| 267,469 |
| 447,311 |
Ferrosilicon |
| 337,833 |
| 176,447 |
| 275,368 |
Other silicon-based alloys | 161,750 | 126,817 | 181,736 | |||
Silica fume | 32,409 | 25,888 | 33,540 | |||
Other | 140,083 | 84,596 | 137,395 | |||
Total Sales | 1,778,908 |
| 1,144,434 |
| 1,615,222 | |
Shipments in metric tons: | ||||||
Silicon metal | 253,991 | 207,332 | 239,692 | |||
Manganese-based alloys | 314,439 | 261,605 | 392,456 | |||
Ferrosilicon | 166,268 | 134,849 | 203,761 | |||
Other silicon-based alloys | 76,498 | 65,362 | 91,668 | |||
Average Selling price ($/MT): |
| |||||
Silicon metal |
| 2.511 | 2.234 | 2,252 | ||
Manganese-based alloys | 1.492 | 1.022 | 1,140 | |||
Ferrosilicon |
| 2.032 | 1.308 | 1,351 | ||
Other silicon-based alloys |
| 2.114 | 1.940 | 1,983 | ||
45
Silicon metal
Ferroglobe is a leading global silicon metal producer with a total production capacity of approximately 296,160 tons (including 51% of the joint venture capacity attributable to us) per annum in several facilities in the United States, France, South Africa, Canada and Spain. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Ferroglobe’s revenues generated by silicon metal sales accounted for 35.8%, 40.5% and 33.4% respectively, of Ferroglobe’s total consolidated revenues.
Silicon metal is used by primary and secondary aluminum producers, who require silicon metal with certain requirements to produce aluminum alloys. For the year ended December 31, 2021, sales to aluminum producers represented approximately 45% of silicon metal revenues. The addition of silicon metal reduces shrinkage and the hot cracking tendencies of cast aluminum and improves the castability, hardness, corrosion resistance, tensile strength, wear resistance and weldability of the aluminum end products. Aluminum is used to manufacture a variety of automotive components, including engine pistons, housings, and cast aluminum wheels and trim, as well as high tension electrical wire, aircraft parts, beverage containers and other products which require aluminum properties.
Silicon metal is also used by several major silicone chemical producers. For the year ended December 31, 2021 sales to chemical producers represented approximately 43% of silicon metal revenues. Silicone chemicals are used in a broad range of applications, including personal care items, construction-related products, health care products and electronics. In construction and equipment applications, silicone chemicals promote adhesion, act as a sealer and have insulating properties. In personal care and health care products, silicone chemicals add a smooth texture, protect against ultraviolet rays and provide moisturizing and cleansing properties. Silicon metal is an essential component of the manufacture of silicone chemicals, accounting for approximately 20% of the cost of production.
In addition, silicon metal is the core material needed for the production of polysilicon, which is most widely used to manufacture solar cells and semiconductors. For the year ended December 31, 2021 sales to polysilicon producers represented approximately 10% of silicon metal revenues. Producers of polysilicon employ processes to further purify the silicon metal and grow ingots from which wafers are cut. These wafers are the base material to produce solar cells, to convert sunlight to electricity. Individual solar cells are soldered together to make solar modules.
Manganese-based alloys
Ferroglobe is among the leading global manganese-based alloys producers based on production capacity. As of December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe maintained approximately 289,500 tons of annual silicomanganese production capacity and approximately 272,000 tons of annual ferromanganese production capacity in our factories in Spain, Norway and France. During the year ended December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe sold 314,439 tons of manganese-based alloys. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Ferroglobe’s revenues generated by manganese-based alloys sales accounted for 26.3%, 23.4% and 27.7%, respectively, of Ferroglobe’s total consolidated revenues over 90% of the global manganese based alloys produced are used in steel production, and all steelmakers use manganese and manganese alloys in their production processes.
Silicomanganese is used as deoxidizing agent in the steel manufacturing process. Silicomanganese is also produced in the form of refined silicomanganese, or silicomanganese AF, and super-refined silicomanganese, or silicomanganese LC.
Ferromanganese is used as a deoxidizing, desulphurizing and degassing agent in steel to remove nitrogen and otherharmful elements that are present in steel in the initial smelting process, and to improve the mechanical properties, hardenability and resistance to abrasion of steel. The three types of ferromanganese that Ferroglobe produces are:
| ● | high-carbon ferromanganese used to improve the hardenability of steel; |
| ● | medium-carbon ferromanganese, used to manufacture flat and other steel products; and |
| ● | low-carbon ferromanganese used in the production of stainless steel, steel with very low carbon levels, rolled steel plates and pipes for the oil industry. |
46
Silicon-based alloys
Ferrosilicon
Ferroglobe is among the leading global ferrosilicon producers based on production output in recent years. During the year ended December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe sold 166,268 tons of ferrosilicon. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Ferroglobe’s revenues generated by ferrosilicon sales accounted for 19.0%, 15.4% and 17.0%, respectively, of Ferroglobe’s total consolidated revenues.
Ferrosilicon is an alloy of iron and silicon (normally approximately 75% silicon). Ferrosilicon products are used to produce stainless steel, carbon steel, and various other steel alloys and to manufacture electrodes and, to a lesser extent, in the production of aluminum. Approximately 88% of ferrosilicon produced is used in steel production.
Ferrosilicon is generally used to remove oxygen from the steel and as alloying element to improve the quality and strength of iron and steel products. Silicon increases steel’s strength and wear resistance, elasticity and scale resistance, and lowers the electrical conductivity and magnetostriction of steel.
Other silicon-based alloys
In addition to ferrosilicon, Ferroglobe produces various different silicon-based alloys, including calcium silicon and foundry products, which comprise inoculants and nodularizers. Ferroglobe produces more than 20 specialized varieties of foundry products, several of which are custom made for its customers. Demand for these specialty metals is increasing and, as such, they are becoming more important components of Ferroglobe’s product offering.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe sold 76,498 tons of silicon-based alloys (excluding ferrosilicon). For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Ferroglobe’s revenues generated by silicon-based alloys (excluding ferrosilicon) accounted for 9.1%, 11.1% and 11.3% respectively, of Ferroglobe’s total consolidated revenues.
The primary use for calcium silicon is the deoxidation and desulfurization of liquid steel. In addition, calcium silicon is used to control the shape, size and distribution of oxide and sulfide inclusions, improving fluidity, ductility, and the transverse mechanical and impact properties of the final product. Calcium silicon is also used in the production of coatings for cast iron pipes, in the welding process of powder metal and in pyrotechnics.
The foundry products that Ferroglobe manufactures include nodularizers and inoculants, which are used in the production of iron to improve its tensile strength, ductility and impact properties, and to refine the homogeneity of the cast iron structure.
Silica fume
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Ferroglobe’s revenues generated by silica fume sales accounted for 1.8%, 2.3% and 2.1% respectively, of Ferroglobe’s total consolidated sales.
Silica fume is a by-product of the electrometallurgical process of silicon metal and ferrosilicon. This dust-like material, collected through Ferroglobe factories’ air filtration systems, is mainly used in the production of high-performance concrete and mortar. The controlled addition of silica fume to these products results in increased durability, improving their impermeability from external agents, such as water. These types of concrete and mortar are used in large-scale projects such as bridges, viaducts, ports, skyscrapers and offshore platforms.
47
Services
Energy
The Company sold its Spanish hydroelectric business in 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Ferroglobe recognized a loss as a result of the Spanish hydroelectric operations, in the amount of $450 thousand.
Raw Materials, Logistics and Power Supply
The primary raw materials Ferroglobe uses to produce its electrometallurgy products are carbon reductants (primarily coal, but also charcoal, metallurgical and petroleum coke, anthracite and wood) and minerals (manganese ore and quartz). Other raw materials used to produce Ferroglobe’s electrometallurgy products include electrodes (consisting of graphite and carbon electrodes and electrode paste), slags and limestone, as well as certain specialty additive metals. Ferroglobe procures coal, manganese ore, quartz, petroleum and metallurgical coke, electrodes and most additive metals centrally under the responsibility of the corporate purchasing department. Some locally sourced raw materials are purchased at a decentralized level (country specific purchasers) under close cooperation with the corporate purchasing department.
Manganese ore
The global supply of manganese ore comprises standard- to high-grade manganese ore, with 35% to 56% manganese content, and low-grade manganese ore, with lower manganese content. Manganese ore sea-borne trade comes mainly from a limited number of countries including South Africa, Australia, Gabon, Brazil and Ghana. However, the production of high-grade manganese ore is mainly concentrated in Australia, Gabon and South Africa.
The vast majority of the manganese ore Ferroglobe purchased in 2021 came from suppliers located in South Africa (48% of total purchases) and Gabon (43% of total purchases). Global manganese ore prices are mainly driven by manganese demand from China and to a lower extent from India. Potential disruption of supply from South Africa, Australia, Brazil or Gabon due to logistical, labor or other reasons may have an impact on the availability and the pricing of manganese ore.
Coal
Coal is the major carbon reductant in silicon and silicon alloys production. Only washed and screened coal with ash content below 10% and with specific physical properties are used for production of silicon alloys. Colombia and the United States are the best source for the required type of coal and the vast majority of the silicon alloys industry, including Ferroglobe, is dependent on supply from these two countries.
Approximately 62% of the coal Ferroglobe purchased externally in 2021 for its facilities was sourced from one source in Colombia while the remaining 38% came from the United States, other Colombian mines, as well as from Kazakhstan and South Africa. Ferroglobe has a long standing relationship with the coal washing plants which price coal using spot, quarterly, semi annual or annual contracts, based on market outlook. European coal prices, which are denominated in U.S. Dollars, are mainly based on API 2, the benchmark price reference for coal imported into northwest Europe.
Ferroglobe also owns Alden Resources LLC (“Alden”) in the United States. Alden provides a stable and long term supply of low ash metallurgical grade coal by fulfilling a substantial portion of our requirements to our North American operations.
See “—Mining Operations” below for further information.
48
Quartz
Quartz, also known as quartzite, is a key raw material in the manufacture silicon metal and silicon-based alloys.
Ferroglobe has secured access to quartz from its quartz mines in Spain, South Africa, the United States and Canada (see “—Mining Operations”). For the year ended December 31, 2021 approximately 67,8% of Ferroglobe’s total consumption of quartz was self-supplied. Ferroglobe purchases quartz from third-party suppliers on the basis of annual contractual arrangements. Ferroglobe’s quartz suppliers typically have operations in the same countries where Ferroglobe factories are located, or in close proximity, which minimizes logistical costs.
Ferroglobe controls quartzite mining operations located in Alabama and a concession to mine quartzite in Saint-Urbain, Québec (operated by a third-party miner). These mines supply our North American operations with a substantial portion of their requirements for quartz.
Other raw materials
Wood is needed for the production of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. It is used directly in furnaces as woodchips or cut to produce charcoal, which is the major source of carbon reductant for Ferroglobe’s plants in South Africa. In South Africa, charcoal is a less expensive substitute for imported coal and provides desirable qualities to the silicon-based alloys it is used to produce. In the other countries where Ferroglobe operates, Ferroglobe purchases wood chips locally or logs for on site wood chipping operations from a variety of suppliers.
In 2021, the sourcing of the metallurgical coke was predominantly from Colombia, Russia and Spain, although some quantities were sourced in Poland, Colombia and United States of America.
Petroleum coke, electrode related products, slag, limestone and additive metals are other relevant raw materials Ferroglobe utilizes to manufacture its electrometallurgy products. Procurement of these raw materials is either managed centrally or with each country’s raw materials procurement manager or plant manager and the materials purchased at spot prices or under contracts of a year or less.
In 2021, Graphite electrodes volumes increased as a result of higher production level. The sourcing of graphite electrodes is diversified with supply from European Countries, India, Russia, Ukraine and China with a combination of spot and long-term agreements. Carbon electrodes supplies come from Russia, Poland and China, including from Ferroglobe´s own carbon electrode factory in Ningxia Province in China.
Cost of raw materials
The main raw materials sourced by Ferroglobe are quartz, manganese ore, coal, metallurgical coke, wood and charcoal. Manganese ore is the largest component of the cost base for manganese-based alloys. In 2021, more than 27% of Ferroglobe’s total $133.5 million expense with respect to manganese ore was supplied under an annual commitment, whilst the remaining was purchased on spot basis. Special coal is used as a major carbon reductant in silicon-based alloy production. In 2021, coal represented a $137.4 million expense for Ferroglobe. Metallurgical coke, which is used for Mn alloys production, represented a total expense of $47.5 million in 2021.
Wood is both an important element for the production of silicon alloys and used to produce charcoal, which is used as a carbon reductant at Ferroglobe’s South African subsidiary Silicon Smelters (Pty.), Ltd. Ferroglobe’s wood expense amounted to $36.8 million in 2021.
The FerroAtlántica subsidiaries of Ferroglobe source approximately 62% of their quartz needs from FerroAtlántica’s mines in Spain and South Africa, and Globe subsidiaries source approximately 75% of their quartz needs from Globe’s mines in the United States and Canada. Total quartz consumption in 2021 represented an expense of $87.8 million.
49
Logistics
Logistical operations are managed centrally. Sea freight operations are centralized at the corporate level, while rail logistics is centralized at country level. Road transportation is managed at plant level with centralized coordination in multi site countries. Contractual commitments in respect of transportation and logistics match, to the extent possible, Ferroglobe’s contracts for raw materials and customer contracts.
Power
In Spain, our plants have always purchased energy in the pool, as there was no clear competitive advantage with long-term contracts, and in addition, energy producers require very high guarantees.
In 2021 we have therefore been 100% to the market, which has experienced extremely high volatility due to the fluctuations of natural gas in the European markets. The energy market within the European Union is marginalist, so the most expensive technology that is sold each hour in the pool is the one that sets the final price. Natural gas has experienced a progressive increase in price since April 2021, due to the low level of stocks in gas storages in Europe, and the reduction of supply from Russia, following the growing demand for Natural Gas from China. The risk of natural gas shortages due to a possible cold winter in Europe, caused in December 2021 an unprecedented increase in the price of gas reaching record prices in the market, which led to record prices in the Spanish electricity market of up to 400 €/Mwh. Spanish plants have tried to mitigate the rise in prices with a great modulation, even paralyzing their activity during peak hours.
From November 2021, the Spanish government will provide up to 80% of the guarantees required by power generators for the signing of long-term contracts. The growing renewable generation in the coming years in Spain, causes Spain to have one of the most competitive energy futures prices in Europe in the medium and long term, so Ferroglobe is negotiating with several suppliers to sign a PPA contract, to ensure a competitive price of energy in Spain for the coming years.
In 2021, the energy market price in France followed the increasing trend as in the rest of European countries, reaching an all-time high in December 2021. The difference with other European markets is that the French government has maintained the Arhen tariff in France, which allows energy consumers to have a fixed energy price linked to the nuclear tariff for 60% of their consumption. In the case of Ferroglobe, the rest of the energy was closed in 2021 with hedges at a price well below the pool price, which allowed us to have a very competitive final energy price in France and unlinked to the pool price.
In 2021, a high percentage of the energy consumption of our plant in Norway, is made through a long-term contract at a very competitive price, the rest of the consumption is made in the Nord pool, but the high renewable generation in Norway and especially in the area where our plant is located, makes the pool price the most competitive in Europe, and has not been affected by the rise in the price of gas.
In the United States, we attempt to enter into long term electric supply contracts that value our ability to interrupt load to achieve reasonable rates. Our power supply contracts have, in the past, resulted in stable price structures. In West Virginia, we have a contract with Brookfield Renewable Partners, LP to provide, on average, 45% of our power needs, from a dedicated hydro-electric facility, through December 2025 at a fixed rate. Our needs for non-hydroelectric power in West Virginia and Alabama are primarily sourced through special contracts that provide competitive rates. In Ohio, electricity is sourced at market-based rates.
In South Africa, energy prices are regulated by the NERSA and price increases are publicly announced in advance and applicable as from April each year. Silicon Smelters participate in demand reductions during peak hours that are compensated against the monthly power account. Production during winter periods is significantly reduced during peak hours in order to maintain control over production costs for the full year.
The level of power consumption of our submerged electric arc furnaces is highly dependent on which products are being produced and typically fall in the following ranges: (i) manganese based alloys require between 1.5 and 5.5 megawatt hours to produce one ton of product, (ii) silicon based alloys require between 7 and 8 megawatt hours to produce one ton
50
of product and (iii) silicon metal requires approximately 12 megawatt hours to produce one ton of product. Accordingly, consistent access to low cost, reliable sources of electricity is essential to our business.
Mining Operations
Reserves
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) amendments to its disclosure rules modernizing the mineral property disclosure requirements for mining registrants became effective on January 1, 2021. The amendments include the adoption of S-K 1300, which governs disclosure for mining registrants (the “SEC Mining Modernization Rules”). The SEC Mining Modernization Rules replaced the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that were included in the SEC’s Industry Guide 7 and better align disclosure with international industry and regulatory practices.
A Mineral reserve is defined by S-K 1300 as an estimate of tonnage and grade or quality of indicated and measured mineral resources that, in the opinion of the qualified person, can be the basis of an economically viable project. More specifically, it is the economically mineable part of a measured or indicated mineral resource, which includes diluting materials and allowances for losses that may occur when the material is mined or extracted. A proven mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of a measured mineral resource and can only result from conversion of a measured mineral resource. A probable mineral reserve is the economically mineable part of an indicated and, in some cases, a measured mineral resource. Reserve estimates were made by independent third party consultants (qualified person), based primarily on dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches, detailed sampling and drilling studies performed. For a probable mineral reserve, the qualified person’s confidence in the results obtained from the application of the modifying factors and in the estimates of tonnage and grade or quality is lower than what is sufficient for a classification as a proven mineral reserve, but is still sufficient to demonstrate that, at the time of reporting, extraction of the mineral reserve is economically viable under reasonable investment and market assumptions. For a proven mineral reserve, the qualified person has a high degree of confidence in the results obtained from the application of the modifying factors and in the estimates of tonnage and grade or quality. These estimates are reviewed and reassessed from time to time. Reserve estimates are based on various assumptions, and any material changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on the accuracy of Ferroglobe’s reserve estimates.
51
The following table sets forth summary information on Ferroglobe’s mines as of December 31, 2021.
| ||||||||||||||
Annual | Production | Production | Production | Mining | ||||||||||
Mine | Location | Mineral | capacity kt | in 2021 kt | in 2020 kt | in 2019 kt | Recovery | |||||||
Sonia |
| Spain (Mañón) |
| Quartz |
| 150 |
| 125 |
| 89 |
| 108 | 0,4 | |
Esmeralda |
| Spain (Val do Dubra) |
| Quartz |
| 50 |
| 25 |
| 19 |
| 27 | 0,4 | |
Serrabal. |
| Spain (Vedra & Boqueixón) |
| Quartz |
| 330 |
| 300 |
| 184 |
| 219 | 0,2 | |
SamQuarz |
| South Africa (Delmas) |
| Quartzite |
| 1,000 |
| 601 |
| 586 |
| 787 | 0,7 | |
Mahale |
| South Africa (Limpopo) |
| Quartz |
| 80 |
| 24 |
| 25 |
| 88 | 0,5 | |
Roodepoort |
| South Africa (Limpopo) |
| Quartz |
| 50 |
| — |
| — |
| 7 | 0,5 | |
Fort Klipdam |
| South Africa (Limpopo) |
| Quartz |
| 50 |
| 30 |
| 34 |
| 362 | 0,6 | |
AS&G Meadows Pit |
| United States (Alabama) |
| Quartzite |
| 300 |
| 242 |
| 257 |
| 257 | 0,4 | |
|
|
|
|
| 2,010 |
| 1,346 |
| 1,194 |
| 1,855 |
| ||
Mosely Gap |
| United States (Kentucky) |
| Coal (active) |
| 400 |
| — |
| — |
| — | 0,7 | |
Davis Creek |
| United States (Kentucky) |
| Coal (active) |
| 240 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| — | 0,7 | |
Log Cabin No. 5 |
| United States (Kentucky) |
| Coal (active) |
| 168 |
| 156 |
| 156 |
| — | 0,6 | |
Brick Plant | United States (Kentucky) | Coal (inactive) | 200 | — | — | — | 0,7 | |||||||
Kimberly | United States (Kentucky) | Coal (inactive) | 100 | — | — | — | 0,6 | |||||||
Bennett's Branch | United States (Kentucky) | Coal (inactive) | 100 | — | — | — | 0,7 | |||||||
Bain Branch No. 3 | United States (Kentucky) | Coal (inactive) | 60 | — | — | — | 0,5 | |||||||
Harpes Creek 4A | United States (Kentucky) | Coal (inactive) | 100 | — | — | — | 0,6 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
| 1,368 |
| 159 |
| 159 |
| — |
| ||
Proven | Probable | |||||||||||||
reserves | reserves | Mining | Btus per | Expiry | ||||||||||
Mine | Mt(1) | Mt(1) | Method | Reserve grade | lb. | Life(2) | date(3) | |||||||
Sonia | 1.71 |
| 0.8 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 18 |
| 2069 | ||
Esmeralda | 0.05 |
| 0.13 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 7 |
| 2029 | ||
Serrabal. | 3.37 |
| 1.6 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 18 |
| 2038 | ||
SamQuarz | 7.03 |
| 19.5 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical & Glass |
| N/A |
| 37 |
| 2039 | ||
Mahale | — |
| 3.0 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 30 |
| 2035 | ||
Roodepoort | — |
| 0.02 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 1 |
| 2028 | ||
Fort Klipdam | — |
| 1.0 | Open-pit |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 2 |
| 2021 (4) | ||
AS&G Meadows Pit | 3.20 |
| — | Surface |
| Metallurgical |
| N/A |
| 10 |
| 2027 | ||
15.36 |
| 26.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Mosely Gap | 1.5 |
| — | Surface |
| Metallurgical |
| 14,000 |
| 4 |
| 2025 | ||
Davis Creek | 0.5 |
| — | Surface |
| Metallurgical |
| 14,000 |
| 3 |
| 2023 | ||
Log Cabin No. 5 | 0.6 |
| — | Underground |
| Metallurgical |
| 14,000 |
| 3 |
| 2023 | ||
Brick Plant | 0.4 | — | Surface | Metallurgical | 14,000 | 2 | 2023 | |||||||
Kimberly | 0.5 | — | Surface | Metallurgical | 14,000 | 5 | 2026 | |||||||
Bennett's Branch | 1.7 | — | Underground | Metallurgical | 14,000 | 15 | 2036 | |||||||
Bain Branch No. 3 | 3.6 | 2.9 | Underground | Metallurgical | 14,000 | 25 | 2042 | |||||||
Harpes Creek 4A | 1.2 | 1.3 | Underground | Metallurgical | 14,000 | 12 | 2029 | |||||||
10.00 | 4.20 |
| (1) | The estimated recoverable proven and probable reserves represent the tons of product that can be used internally or sold to metallurgical or glass grade customers. The mining recovery is based on historical yields at each particular site. We estimate our permitted mining life based on the number of years we can sustain average production rates under current circumstances. |
| (2) | Current estimated mine life in years. |
| (3) | Expiry date of Ferroglobe’s mining concession. |
| (4) | The expiry date relates to last approved mining permit relating to an area within Fort Klipdam farm. The application for a new Mining Right has not yet been approved and the last mining permit has been submitted for a 1-year renewal period until end 2022. |
Ferroglobe considers its Conchitina and Conchitina Segunda mines as a single mining project legally supported by the formation of Coto Minero, formally approved by the Mining Authority in March 2018. In addition, Ferroglobe currently holds all necessary permits to start production at its Conchitina mines. Although Ferroglobe has not received formal approval from the Spanish Mining Authority over its 2022 Annual Mining Plan, we are not legally prevented from commencing mining operations in the area based on the fully-authorized 2021 Annual Mining Plan.
52
Reserves for the Conchitina mine are, accordingly, considered to be probable reserves, and the following table sets forth summary information on the Conchitina and Conchitina Segunda mines:
Recoverable Reserves | ||||||||||||||
|
|
| Mining |
| Proven |
| Probable |
|
| Mining | ||||
Mine | Location | Mineralization | Recovery | MT(1) | MT(1) | Reserve Grade | Method | |||||||
Conchitina and Conchitina Segunda |
| Spain (O Vicedo) |
| Quartz |
| 0.35 |
| — |
| 0.97 |
| Metallurgical |
| Open-pit |
| (1) | Estimates of recoverable probable reserves represent the tons of product that can be used internally or which are of metallurgical grade and can be delivered to Ferroglobe’s customers. |
Ferroglobe has additional mining rights in Spain (Cristina and Merlán), but none of these mines are currently producing or undergoing mine development activities as the Spanish Mining Authority started cancelling mining rights for Merlán and Cristina in September 2015 and December 2017, respectively. The Spanish Mining Authority finished the cancellation process for our mining rights for Trasmonte. Ferroglobe does not consider certain Venezuelan mines to be mining assets (La Candelaria, El Manteco and El Merey) as the minerals are fully-depleted and because it will be difficult to obtain new mining rights at these locations given the current economic and political environment in Venezuela.
Spanish mining concessions
Conchitina
The Conchitina mining concession previously belonged to Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., which acquired the mining concession in 1979. Ferroglobe acquired this company, along with Conchitina mining concession, in 1996 from the Portuguese cement manufacturer Cimpor. The Conchitina Segunda mining concession was granted to Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. in 1997 for a 30-year term after proper mining research had been conducted and the mining potential of the area had been demonstrated. The Conchitina concession expired in 2009 and Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. applied for its renewal, also requesting the competent authority to consolidate the concession with that of Conchitina Segunda. The legal support for the consolidation request was that both mining rights apply over a unique quartz deposit. Approval was formally granted by the authority in March 2018. Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. is the owner of the properties currently mined at Conchitina. The surface area covered by Conchitina concessions is 497 hectares.
Sonia
The Sonia mining concession previously belonged to Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., which acquired the mining concession in 1979. Ferroglobe acquired Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., which is the owner of the properties currently mined at Sonia, along with the Sonia mining concession, in 1996 from the Portuguese cement manufacturer Cimpor. The surface area covered by the Sonia mining concession is 387 hectares. The concession is due to expire in 2069.
Esmeralda
The original Esmeralda mining concession was granted in 1999 to Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U., the owner of the properties currently mined at Esmeralda, after proper mining research had been conducted and the mining potential of the area had been demonstrated to the relevant public authority. The surface area covered by the Esmeralda mining concession is 84 hectares. The concession is due to expire in 2029.
Serrabal
The Serrabal mining concession was originally granted in 1978 to Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales S.A. Ferroglobe acquired control of this company, which is the owner of the properties currently mined at Serrabal, along with the Serrabal mining concession, in 2000. Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. has applied for the renewal of the concession. Pursuant to an interim measure approved by the applicable mining authority, Rocas Arcillas y Minerales S.A. is permitted to continue mining
53
operations in Serrabal indefinitely until a final decision on the renewal of the concession has been made. If the renewal is granted, the concession will expire in 2038. The surface area covered by Serrabal mining concession is 861 hectares.
Cabanetas
The mining right granting process and tax regulations applicable to the Cabanetas limestone quarry slightly differ from those applicable to other Ferroglobe mines in Spain because Cabanetas is classified as a quarry, rather than a mine. Ferroglobe is currently operating the Cabanetas quarry pursuant to a permit resolution, which authorized the extension of the original mining concession, issued in 2013 by the competent mining authority. The extension is for a period of 30 years and, consequently, the concession will expire in 2043. Limestone extracted from the Cabanetas quarry was intended to be used by the FerroAtlántica del Cinca S.L. Monzón electrometallurgy plant. However, because new metallurgical techniques require low consumption of this product, most of the Cabanetas limestone is generally sold to the civil engineering and construction industries. The production level of the Cabanetas quarry has fallen considerably in recent years, mainly due to difficulties in the local construction industry.
The land on which the mining property is located is owned by Mancomunidad de Propietarios de Fincas Las Sierras and the plot containing the mining property is leased to FerroAtlantica del Cinca S.L. pursuant to a lease agreement entered into in 1950, which was subsequently restated in 2000 and due to expire in 2020. The lease agreement has been extended to 2050. To retain the lease, FerroAtlantica del Cinca S.L. pays the landlord an annual fee currently equal to €0.15 per ton of limestone quarried out of the mine. The quarry covers a surface area of approximately 180 hectares. The area affected by the planned exploitation during the current extension of the concession area is 6.9 hectares.
For further information regarding Spanish regulations applicable to mining concessions, as well as environmental and other regulations, see “—Laws and regulations applicable to Ferroglobe’s mining operations—Spain.
South African mining rights
Thaba Chueu Mining Delmas Operation
The SamQuarz mining rights were transferred from the original owners, Glass South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Samancor Limited, to SamQuarz (Pty) Ltd. (“SamQuarz”) in 1997. In 2009, the Minister of Mineral Resources converted the then existing SamQuarz mining rights into new order mining rights due to expire after 30 years in 2039. In 2012, FerroAtlántica acquired control of SamQuarz along with the mining rights. At the end of 2014, SamQuarz mining rights were transferred from SamQuarz to its sole shareholder, Thaba Chueu Mining (Pty) Ltd (“TCM”). During 2017, ownership of the properties currently mined in Delmas were transferred from SamQuarz to TCM. The total surface area covered by SamQuarz mine is 118.1 hectares. The mine supplies some rock to Ferroglobe South African smelters, but mainly Flint Sand to the total South African Glass Manufacturing Industry and other Metallurgical operations locally.
Mahale
Mahale is state-owned land, lawfully occupied by the Mahale community. Thaba Chueue Mining currently leases the land pursuant to an agreement with the Majeje Traditional Authority and runs mining operations on the area with mining rights owned by Thaba Chueue Mining and licensed to it. The latest mining right license was granted by the Department of Mineral Resources in December 2014 and registered at the mining titles deeds office in early 2016. The license is for a 20-year period and will expire in 2035. The total surface area covered by Mahale mine is 329.7 hectares. The lease agreement between Thaba Chueue Mining and the Majeje Traditional Authority will be in force for the entire duration of the mining right or as long as it is economically viable for the lessee to mine. Under the lease agreement, a monthly rent of ZAR 10 per Ton is paid to the lessor in the form of a Royalty. Mining volumes has reduced significantly at the Mahale mine through the stoppage of the Polokwane smelter in July 2019, but activities are continuing at minimum viable production volumes to supply the eMalahleni smelter with low alkaline quartz.
54
Roodepoort
The Roodepoort mining right is held by Ferroglobe’s subsidiary, Silicon Smelters (Pty.), Ltd. (“Silicon Smelters”), and will expire in 2028. In 2009, Silicon Smelters applied for a conversion of the mining right into a new mining right under the South African Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (the “MPRDA”), which came into force in 2004. The new mining right has been granted and is valid for the continuation of our mining activities at the Roodeport mine until. Silicon Smelters is currently in the process of transferring this mining right to its mining subsidiary, Thaba Chueue Mining, in order that all licenses and permits in South Africa are held under this entity.
The total surface area covered by Roodepoort mine is 17.6 hectares. The mining area covers the cobble and block areas. The land in which Roodepoort mine is located is owned by Alpha Sand, which also conducts all mining operations as a contractor for Silicon Smelters. An agreement is in place whereby Alpha Sand operates the mine and Silicon Smelters purchases the quartz mined from Alpha Sand based on the quartz requirements of Silicon Smelters and at prices that are reviewed annually on the basis of increases in production costs and diesel fuel. The agreement with Alpha Sand will terminate at the expiry of the mining right or when it is no longer economically viable to mine quartz in the area. Mining activities were suspended in July 2019 when a decision was taken to stop production at the Polokwane smelter and agreement was reached with the authorities to suspend activities legally until such time when the silicon metal market recovers significantly in order to allow the restart of the Polokwane smelter. In the event that the smelter is not restarted in the near future, full rehabilitation operations must be engaged and approved by the DMRE.
Fort Klipdam
The land on which Fort Klipdam is located is owned by Silicon Smelters. The mining rights application filed by Silicon Smelters was rejected. Mining operations have been limited to mining permits that were approved for quartz mining, which includes block mine areas. As substantial block reserves have been established, a new application was launched in 2021 for a mining right and the current mining permit was extended to December 2022.
For further information regarding South African regulations applicable to mining concessions, as well as environmental and other regulations, see “—Laws and regulations applicable to Ferroglobe’s mining operations—South Africa.”
French mining rights
Soleyron
FerroPem, SAS, a subsidiary of Ferroglobe, owns 7.5 hectares of the overall Soleyron mine area. The Saint-Hippolyte de Montaigu Municipality owns the remaining 12.9 hectares. In February 2015, FerroPem, SA, entered into a lease and royalty agreement with the municipality, which is valid for five years. The effective date of the agreement and the relevant term coincide with the effective date and term of the prefectural authorization renewal, which was granted to FerroPem, SAS in March 2015. With the end of the reachable reserves, operation at the mine was terminated on December 2016 and no extension of the permit was requested. The lease and royalty agreement with the municipality was terminated on December 2016. Rehabilitation of the site is expected to be performed in 2022.
United States and Canadian mining rights
Coal
As of December 31, 2021, we had three active coal mines (two surface mines and one underground mine) located in Knox, Whitley and Bell County, Kentucky. We also had five inactive permitted coal mines available for extraction located in Kentucky and Alabama. All of our coal mines are leased and the remaining term of the leases range from 2 to 40 years. The majority of the coal production is consumed by the Company’s facilities in the production of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys. As of December 31, 2021, we estimate our proven and probable reserves to be approximately 14,200,000 tons with an average permitted life of approximately 35 years at present operating levels. Present operating levels are determined based on a three-year annual average production rate. Reserve estimates were made by our geologists,
55
engineers and third parties based primarily on drilling studies performed. These estimates are reviewed and reassessed from time to time. Reserve estimates are based on various assumptions, and any material changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on the accuracy of our reserve estimates.
We currently have two coal processing facilities in Kentucky, one of which is inactive. The active facility processes approximately 500,000 tons of coal annually, with a capacity of 2,500,000 tons. The average coal processing recovery rate is approximately 65%.
Quartzite
We have an open-pit quartz mining operation in Lowndesboro, Alabama. It has wash-plant facilities. We also have a concession to mine quartzite in Saint-Urbain, Québec (operated by a third party miner). These mines supply our North American operations with a substantial portion of their requirements for quartzite.
Laws and regulations applicable to Ferroglobe’s mining operations
Spain
In Spain, mining concessions have an average term of 30 years and are extendable for additional 30-year terms, up to a maximum of 90 years. In order to extend the concession term, the concessionaire must file an application with the competent public authority. The application, which must be filed three years prior to the expiration of the concession term, must be accompanied by a detailed report demonstrating the continuity of mineral deposits and the technical ability to extract such deposits, as well as reserve estimates, an overall mining plan for the term of the concession and a detailed description of extraction and treatment techniques. The renewal process is straightforward for a mining company that has been mining the concession regularly. The main impediments to renewal are a lack of mining activity and legal conflicts. Every year in January, in order to maintain the validity of the mining concession, an annual mining plan must be submitted to the competent public authority. This document must detail the work to be developed during the year.
Regarding the environmental requirements applicable to Ferroglobe’s mining operations in Spain, each of Serrabal, Esmeralda, Conchitina and Conchitina Segunda is subject to an “environmental impact statement” (or “EIS”), issued by the relevant environmental authority and specifically tailored to the environmental features of the relevant mine. The EIS requires compliance with high environmental standards and is based on the environmental impact study performed by the mining concession applicant in connection with each mining project. It is the result of a consultation process involving several public administrations, including cultural, archaeology, landscape, urbanistic, health, agriculture, water and industrial administrations. The EIS sets forth all conditions to be fulfilled by the applicant, including in connection with the protection of air, water, soil, flora and fauna, landscape, cultural heritage, restoration and the interaction of such elements. The EIS covers mining activities, auxiliary facilities and heaps carried out in a determined perimeter of each mine and includes a program of surveillance and environmental monitoring. The relevant authority regularly verifies compliance with it.
Sonia is subject to a “restoration plan” which provides for less stringent environmental requirements than an EIS and is mainly aimed at ensuring that the new areas generated as a result of the mining activity are properly restored in an environmentally friendly manner. The restoration plan is submitted by the mining concession applicant for the approval of the relevant authority together with the mining project for the area. Information about the exploitation project, including area of operation, annual production, method and operating system, and designed top and bottom level of the pit is included in the restoration plan.
All mines, with the exception of Cabanetas, also need to obtain from the relevant public administration an authorization for the discharge of the water used at the mine. This authorization is subject to certain conditions, including analyzing the water before any such discharge is made. In addition, when presenting to the competent mining authorities its annual mining plans, Ferroglobe must include an environmental report describing all environmental actions carried out during the year. Authorities are able to oversee such actions upon their annual inspections. Because Cabanetas is classified as a
56
quarry and not as a mine, environmental requirements are generally less stringent and an environmental report is not required. The environmental license for Cabanetas is included in the mining permit and is formalized in the annual work plan and the annual restoration plan approved by the mining authority.
The main recurring payment obligation in connection with Ferroglobe’s mines in Spain relates to a tax payable annually, calculated on the basis of the budget included in the relevant annual mining plan provided to the authority. In addition, with the exception of Cabanetas, a small surface tax is paid annually to the administration on the basis of the mine property extension. A levy also applies to water consumption at each mine property, which is paid at irregular intervals whenever the relevant public administration requires it.
South Africa
In South Africa, mining rights are valid for a maximum of 30 years and may be renewed for further periods of up to 30 years per renewal. Prior to granting and renewing a mining right, the competent authority must be satisfied with the technical and financial capacity of the intended mining operator and the mining work program according to which the operator intends to mine. In addition, a species rescue, relocation and re-introduction plan must be developed and implemented by a qualified person prior to the commencement of excavation, a detailed vegetation and habitat and rehabilitation plan must be developed by a qualified person and a permit must be obtained from the South African Heritage Resource Agency prior to the commencement of excavations. The mining right holder must also compile a labor and social plan for its mining operations and comply with certain additional regulatory requirements relating to, among other things, human resource development, employment equity, housing and living conditions and health and safety of employees, and the usage of water, which must be licensed.
It is a condition of the mining right that the holder disposes of all minerals and products derived from exploitation of the mineral at competitive market prices, which means, in all cases, non-discriminatory prices or non-export parity prices. If the minerals are sold to any entity which is an affiliate or non-affiliate agent or subsidy of the mining right holder, or is directly or indirectly controlled by the holder, such purchaser must unconditionally undertake in writing to dispose of the minerals and any products from the minerals and any products produced from the minerals, at competitive market prices. The mining right, a shareholding, an equity, an interest or participation in the right or joint venture, or a controlling interest in a company, close corporation or joint venture, may not be encumbered, ceded, transferred, mortgaged, let, sublet, assigned, alienated or otherwise disposed of without the written consent of the Minister of Mineral Resources, except in the case of a change of controlling interest in listed companies.
Environmental requirements applicable to mining operations in South Africa are mostly set out in the MPRDA. Pursuant to the MPRDA, in order to obtain reconnaissance permissions as well as actual mining rights, applicants must have in place an approved environmental management plan, pursuant to which, among other things, all boreholes, excavations and openings sunk or made during the duration of the mining right must be sealed, closed, fenced and made safe by the mining operator. Further environmental requirements apply in connection with health and safety matters, waste management and water usage. The MPRDA further requires mining right applicants to conduct an environmental impact assessment on the area of interest and submit an environmental management program setting forth, among other things, baseline information concerning the affected environment to determine protection, remedial measures and environmental management objectives, and describing the manner in which the applicant intends to modify, remedy, control or stop any action, activity or process which causes pollution or environmental degradation, contain or remedy the cause of pollution or degradation and migration of pollutants and comply with any prescribed waste standard or management standards or practices. In addition, applicants must provide sufficient insurance, bank guarantees, trust funds or cash to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to undertake the agreed work programs and for the rehabilitation, management and remediation of any negative environmental impact on the interested areas. Holders of a mining right must conduct continuous monitoring of the environmental management plan, conduct performance assessments of the plan and compile and submit a performance assessment report to the competent authority, the frequency of which must be as approved in the environmental management program, or every two years or as otherwise agreed by the authority in writing. Mine closure costs are evaluated and reported on an annual basis, but are typically only incurred at mine closure.
The mining right holder must also be in compliance with an important governmental regulation called Black Economic Empowerment (“BEE”), a program launched by the South African government to redress certain racial inequalities. In
57
order for a mining right to be granted, a mining company must agree on certain BEE-related conditions with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Such conditions relate to, among other things, the company’s ownership and employment equity and require the submission of a social and labor plan. Failure to comply with any of these BEE conditions may have an impact on, among other things, the ability of the mining company to retain the mining right or obtain its renewal upon expiry. In addition, companies subject to BEE must conduct, on an annual basis, a BEE rating audit on several aspects of the business, including black ownership, management control, employment equity, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development and socio-economic development. Poor performance on the BEE rating audit may have a negative impact on the company’s ability to do business with other companies, to the extent that a company’s low rating is likely to reduce the rating of its business partners.
Mining rights are subject to payments of royalties to the tax authority, the South African Revenue Services. Such payments are generally made by June 30 and December 31 each year and upon the approval of the concessionaire’s annual financial statements.
France
In France, mining rights are subject to a prefectural authorization. The authorization provides details of all requirements, including environmental requirements, which the mining operator and its subcontractors must comply with to operate the mine. Such requirements mainly concern archaeology, water protection, air pollution, control of noise, visual impact and safety matters. The authorization also contains the requirements relating to the remediation of the land after the end of the mining operations, including the provision of adequate financial guarantees by the mining operator. Mines are regularly inspected by the administration and local environmental commissions, comprising representatives of the relevant municipality, administration, several associations and the mining operator, which must meet at least once a year.
United States
The Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 impose stringent safety and health standards on all aspects of mining operations. Also, the state of Kentucky, in which we operate underground and surface coal mines, has state mine safety and health regulations. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (the “MSHA”) inspects mine sites and enforces safety regulations and the Company must comply with ongoing regulatory reporting to the MSHA. Numerous governmental permits, licenses or approvals are required for mining operations. In order to obtain mining permits and approvals from state regulatory authorities, we must submit a reclamation plan for restoring, upon the completion of mining operations, the mined property to its prior or better condition, productive use or other permitted condition. We are also required to establish performance bonds, consistent with state requirements, to secure our financial obligations for reclamation, including removal of mining structures and ponds, backfilling and regrading and revegetation.
58
Customers and Markets
The following table details the breakdown of Ferroglobe’s revenues by geographic end market for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
United States of America | 515,095 | 404,633 | 533,764 | |||
Europe |
|
|
| |||
Spain | 251,528 | 133,370 | 183,969 | |||
Germany | 292,774 | 191,107 | 249,911 | |||
France | 130,811 | 79,491 | 109,513 | |||
Italy | 76,721 | 42,067 | 99,796 | |||
Other EU Countries | 176,046 | 88,443 | 220,475 | |||
Total revenues in Europe | 927,880 | 534,478 | 863,664 | |||
Rest of the World | 335,933 | 205,323 | 217,794 | |||
Total | 1,778,908 | 1,144,434 | 1,615,222 | |||
Customer base
We have a diversified customer base across our key product categories. We have built long-lasting relationships with our customers based on the breadth and quality of our product offerings and our ability to frequently offer lower-cost and more reliable supply options than our competitors who do not have production facilities located near the customers’ facilities or production capabilities to meet specific customer requirements. We sell our products to customers in over 30 countries across six continents, though our largest customer concentration is in the United States and Europe. The average length of our relationships with our top 30 customers exceeds ten years and, in some cases, such relationships go back as far as 30 years.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 48.1% of Ferroglobe’s consolidated sales. During 2021, sales corresponding to Dow Silicones Corporation represented 12.2% of the Company’s sales. During the year ended December 31, 2020, Ferroglobe’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 50.7% of Ferroglobe’s consolidated sales. During 2020, sales corresponding to Dow Silicones Corporation represented 13.2% of the Company’s sales.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, approximately 59% of our metallurgical segment sales were to customers in Europe, approximately 28% were to customers in the United States and approximately 13% were to the rest of the world.
Customer contracts
Our contracting strategy seeks to lock in significant revenue while remaining flexible to benefit from any price increases. Our silicon metal, manganese-based ferroalloys and silicon-based ferroalloys are typically sold under annual and quarterly contracts. Historically, we have targeted to contract approximately 50-65% of our silicon metal, manganese-based ferroalloys production and silicon-based ferroalloy production in the fourth quarter for the following calendar year. Typically, approximately 40% of contracted production have fixed prices whereas the other 60% are indexed to benchmarks.
The remaining balance of our silicon metal, manganese-based ferroalloys and our silicon based ferroalloy production are sold under quarterly contracts or on a spot basis. By selling on a spot basis, we are able to take advantage of premiums for prompt delivery. We believe that our diversified contract portfolio allows us to lock in a significant amount of revenues while also allowing us to remain flexible and benefit from unexpected price and demand upticks. Given current spot price and current market dynamics, we are looking to enter into contracts for 2022 with shorter terms in order to benefit from expected price increases.
59
Sales and Marketing Activities
Ferroglobe generally sells the majority of its silicon products under annual or longer term contracts for silicone producers, and mainly between one month to six months for aluminum producing customers. All contracts generally include a volume framework and price formula based on the spot market price and other elements, including production costs and premiums. Ferroglobe also makes spot sales to customers with whom it does not have a contract as well as through quarterly agreements at prices that generally reflect market spot prices. In addition, Ferroglobe sells certain high quality products at prices that are not directly correlated with the market prices for the metals or alloys from which they are composed.
With the exception of the manganese-based business, the vast majority of Ferroglobe’s products are sold directly by its own sales force located in Spain, France, the United States and Germany, as well as in all of the countries in which Ferroglobe operates. For the manganese-based business, Glencore and Ferroglobe operates under exclusive agency agreements for the marketing of Ferroglobe's manganese alloys products worldwide, and for the procurement of manganese ores to supply Ferrogloble’s plants.
Competition
The most significant competitive factor in the silicon metal, manganese and silicon based alloys and specialty metals markets is price. Other factors include consistency of the chemical and physical specifications over time and reliability of supply.
The silicon metal, manganese- and silicon-based alloys and specialty metals markets are highly competitive, global markets, in which suppliers are able to reach customers across different geographies, and in which local presence is generally a minor advantage. In the silicon metal market, Ferroglobe’s primary competitors include Chinese producers, which have production capacity that exceeds total global demand. Aside from Chinese producers, Ferroglobe’s competitors include Elkem, a Norwegian manufacturer of silicon metal, ferrosilicon, foundry products, silica fumes, carbon products and energy, Dow Chemical, an American company specializing, inter alia, in silicone and silicon-based technology, Rusal, a Russian company that is a leading global aluminum and silicon metal producer, Rima, a Brazilian silicon metal and ferrosilicon producer, Liasa and Minas Ligas, Brazilian producers of silicon, Wacker, a German chemical business which manufactures silicon, Simcoa Operations, an Australian company specializing in the production of silicon as well as several other smaller companies in Bosnia Herzegovina, Iceland, Germany, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In the manganese and silicon alloys market, Ferroglobe’s competitors include Privat Group, a Ukrainian company with operations in Australia, Ghana and Ukraine, Eramet, a French mining and metallurgical group, CHEMK Industrial Group, a Russian conglomerate which is one of the largest silicon-based alloy producers in the world, South 32 (formerly BHP Billiton), a global mining company with operations in Australia and South Africa and Vale, a mining and metals group based in Brazil, Asia Minerals and OM Holdings in Malaysia and Elkem in Norway.
In the silica fumes market, Ferroglobe’s main competitor is Elkem.
Ferroglobe strives to be a highly efficient, low cost producer, offering competitive pricing and engaging in manufacturing processes that capture most of its production by-products for reuse or resale. Additionally, through the vertical integration of its quartz mines in Spain, the United States, Canada and South Africa and its metallurgical coal mines in the United States, Ferroglobe has ensured access to some of the high quality raw materials that are essential in silicon metal, manganese- and silicon-based alloys and specialty metals production processes and has been able to gain a competitive advantage over some of its competitors because it has reduced the contribution of these raw materials to its cost base
Research and Development (R&D)
Ferroglobe focuses on continually developing its technology in an effort to improve its products and production processes. Ferroglobe also has cooperation agreements in place with various universities and research institutes in Spain, France and other countries around the world. Set forth below is a description of Ferroglobe’s significant ongoing research and development projects.
60
ELSA electrode
Ferroglobe has internally developed a patented technology for electrodes used in silicon metal furnaces, which it has been able to sell to several major silicon producers globally. This technology, known as the ELSA electrode, improves the energy efficiency in the production process of silicon metal and eliminates contamination with iron. Ferroglobe has granted these producers the right to use the ELSA electrode against payment to Ferroglobe of royalties. Continuous improvements are made in an effort to keep this invention state of the art.
Solar grade silicon
Ferroglobe has sought to produce solar grade silicon metal with a purity above 99.9999% through a new, potentially cost-effective, electrometallurgical process. The traditional chemical process tends to be costly and involves high energy consumption and potentially environmentally hazardous processes. The new technology, entirely developed by Ferroglobe at an earlier stage at its research and development facilities aims to reduce the costs and energy consumption associated with the production of solar grade silicon.
In 2016, FerroAtlántica entered into a project with Aurinka Photovoltaic Group, S.L. (“Aurinka”) for a feasibility study and basic engineering for an upgraded metallurgical grade (“UMG”) solar silicon manufacturing plant. On December 20, 2016, Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U., along with certain of its subsidiaries, entered into a joint venture agreement (the “Solar JV Agreement”) with Blue Power Corporation, S.L. (“Blue Power”) and Aurinka providing for the formation and operation of a joint venture with the purpose of producing UMG solar silicon. In furtherance of this project, FerroAtlántica obtained a loan, with a principal amount of approximately €45 million, from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Energy for the purpose of building the UMG silicon plant. Due to the market environment for solar grade silicon (or polysilicon) worldwide, at the end of 2018 the Company suspended the investment in the project while preserving the technology and know-how in order to be able to finalize the construction of the factory when market circumstances change. In July 2019, the Solar JV Agreement was terminated. See “Item 7.B – Related Party Transactions – Aurinka and the Solar JV, below.
High value powders – Li-ion batteries
Ferroglobe has launched the High Value Powder project, which aims at producing silicon-based, tailor made products for high end applications. Among the various targeted applications, is a particularly attractive market in anodes for Li-ion batteries. In this specific field, Ferroglobe has developed several partnerships and technical collaborations to develop successful research and development solutions to enhance the energy capacity of the anode in Li-ion batteries by adding silicon.
An important part of the technology developed for the Solar grade silicon project is used in this new project allowing Ferroglobe to have advantages in obtaining tailor made solutions in this emerging business and to put in the market products with a very low carbon footprint. At the same time, new knowledge linked to specific milling technologies has been developed in the last years placing Ferroglobe in an excellent position in this new market.
Anyway, new R&D works are carrying out by the Ferroglobe innovation team to develop new products that could fit in the requirements of new generations of batteries.
Proprietary Rights and Licensing
The majority of Ferroglobe’s intellectual property consists of proprietary know-how and trade secrets. Ferroglobe’s intellectual property strategy is focused on developing and protecting proprietary know-how and trade secrets, which are maintained through employee and third-party confidentiality agreements and physical security measures. Although Ferroglobe owns some patented technology, we believe that the Company’s businesses and profitability do not rely fundamentally upon patented technology and that the publication implicit in the patenting process may in certain instances be detrimental to Ferroglobe’s ability to protect its proprietary information.
61
Regulatory Matters
Environmental and health and safety
Ferroglobe operates facilities worldwide, which are subject to foreign, national, regional, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including, among others, those requirements governing the discharge of materials into the environment, the generation, use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances, the extraction and use of water, land use, reclamation and remediation and the health and safety of Ferroglobe’s employees. These laws and regulations require Ferroglobe to obtain from governmental authorities permits to conduct its regulated activities, which permits may be subject to modification or revocation by such authorities.
Ferroglobe may not be at all times in full compliance with such laws, regulations and permits, although Ferroglobe is not aware of any material past or current noncompliance. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations and permits may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions by regulators, the imposition of obligations to conduct remediation or upgrade or install pollution or dust control equipment, the issuance of injunctions limiting or preventing Ferroglobe’s activities, legal claims for personal injury or property damages, and other liabilities.
Under these laws, regulations and permits, Ferroglobe could also be held liable for any consequences arising out of an industrial incident, human exposure to hazardous substances or environmental damage that relates to Ferroglobe’s current or former operations or properties. Environmental, health and safety laws are likely to become more stringent in the future. Ferroglobe purchases insurance to cover these potential liabilities, but the costs of complying with current and future environmental, health and safety laws, and its liabilities arising from past or future releases of, or exposure to, hazardous substances, may exceed insured, budgeted or reserved amounts and adversely affect Ferroglobe’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Some environmental laws assess liability on current or previous owners or operators of real property for the cost of removal or remediation of hazardous substances. In addition to cleanup, cost recovery or compensatory actions brought by foreign, national, provincial and local agencies, neighbors, employees or other third parties could make personal injury, property damage or other private claims relating to the presence or release of hazardous substances. Environmental laws often impose liability even if the owner or operator did not know of, or did not cause, the release of hazardous substances. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances also may be responsible for the cost of removal or remediation of these substances. Such persons can be responsible for removal and remediation costs even if they never owned or operated the disposal or treatment facility. In addition, such owners or operators of real property and persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances can be held responsible for damages to natural resources.
There are a variety of laws and regulations in place or being considered at the international, national, regional, provincial and local levels of government that restrict or are reasonably likely to result in limitations on, or additional costs related to, emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These legislative and regulatory developments may cause Ferroglobe to incur material costs to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from its operations (through additional environmental control equipment or retiring and replacing existing equipment) or to obtain emission allowance or credits, or result in the incurrence of material taxes, fees or other governmental impositions on account of such emissions. In addition, such developments may have indirect impacts on Ferroglobe’s operations, which could be material. For example, they may impose significant additional costs or limitations on electricity generators, which could result in a material increase in energy costs.
For a summary of regulatory matters applicable to Ferroglobe’s mining operations, see “—Laws and regulations applicable to Ferroglobe’s mining operations.”
62
Energy and electricity generation
Ferroglobe operates hydro-electric plants in France, which are subject to energy, environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those governing the generation of electricity and the use of water and river basins. These laws and regulations require Ferroglobe to obtain permits from governmental authorities, which may be subject to modification or revocation by these authorities.
Trade
Ferroglobe benefits from antidumping and countervailing duty orders and laws that protect its products by imposing special duties on unfairly traded imports from certain countries. These orders may be subject to revision, revocation or rescission as a result of periodic and five-year reviews.
In the United States, final antidumping or countervailing duties are in effect covering silicon metal imports from China, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, and Kazakhstan, and preliminary duties are in effect on imports from Malaysia.
In June 2020, Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. (“GSM”) petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) to stop silicon metal producers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Malaysia and Kazakhstan from selling dumped and unfairly subsidized silicon metal imports into the United States. These cases were successful, and in April 2021, Commerce issued formal antidumping orders on all imports from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland, and a formal countervailing duty order on all imports from Kazakhstan. A formal antidumping duty order was issued with respect to all imports from Malaysia in August 2021. These orders will remain in place for at least five years. Appeals of the Kazakhstan and Bosnia and Herzegovina determinations currently are pending before the United States Court of International Trade. Additionally, in June 2020, the Russia antidumping duty order was renewed for another five years after Commerce and the ITC determined that revocation of the order would lead to continued or recurrent dumping and injury to the U.S. industry. Similarly, in June 2018, the China antidumping duty order was renewed for an additional five years after the ITC and Commerce determined that revocation of the order on Chinese silicon metal imports would lead to continued or recurrent dumping and injury to the U.S. industry, respectively.
In Canada, antidumping and countervailing duties covering silicon metal imports from China are in effect. An expiry review of the Canadian antidumping/countervailing duty order covering silicon metal imports from China concluded on August 22, 2019. As a result of that proceeding, the order was continued for a further five-year period with the result that antidumping and countervailing duties continue to apply to imports of silicon metal from China into Canada.
In the European Union, antidumping duties are in place covering silicon metal imports from China and ferrosilicon imports from China and Russia. In April 2019, the European Commission initiated a review to determine whether to maintain the antidumping measures in place for ferrosilicon. In June 2020, and as a result of this proceeding, the European Commission renewed the orders on ferrosilicon from China and Russia for another five years. In 2021, the European Commission initiated a review to determine whether to maintain the antidumping measures in place for silicon metal. The final decision is expected by the end of June 2022. Also, in October 2021, the European Commission created a new provisional antidumping duty for calcium silicon imports from China for 6 months. On March 23, 2022, the European Commission imposed definitive antidumping duties on calcium silicon imports from China for a 5-year period.
Seasonality
Electrometallurgy
Due to the cyclicality of energy prices and the energy-intensive nature of the production processes for silicon metal, manganese- and silicon-based alloys and specialty metals, Ferroglobe does not operate its electrometallurgy plants during certain periods or times of day when energy prices are at their peak. Demand for Ferroglobe’s manganese- and silicon-based alloy and specialty metals products is lower during these periods as its customers also suspend their energy-intensive production processes involving Ferroglobe’s products. As a result, sales within particular geographic regions are subject to seasonality.
63
C. Organizational structure.
The organizational structure remains as follows as of December 31, 2021:
For a list of subsidiaries and ownership structure see Note 2 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
D. Property, Plant and Equipment.
See “Item 4.B.—Information on the Company—Business Overview.”
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A. Operating Results
Introduction
The following “management’s discussion and analysis” should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Ferroglobe as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, which are included in this annual report. This discussion includes forward-looking statements, which, although based on assumptions that Ferroglobe considers reasonable, are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or conditions to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” For a discussion of risks and uncertainties facing Ferroglobe, see “Item 3.D.—Key Information—Risk Factors.”
In accordance with IAS 21 — The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates, Ferroglobe’s consolidated income statements and consolidated statement of financial position have been translated from the functional currency of each subsidiary, which is determined by the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates, into the reporting currency of the Company that is U.S. Dollars.
Principal Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Sale prices
Ferroglobe’s operating performance is highly correlated to the demand for our products, market prices and cost to serve, in a global competitive environment. Ferroglobe follows a pricing policy aimed at maintaining balance between exposures to termed contracts, based on formula pricing, and exposure to the spot market. This approach allows Ferroglobe to remain flexible in adjusting its production and sales footprint depending on changing market conditions, which traditionally have been volatile. However, going into 2021 the Company had a higher weighting towards fixed priced contracts, particularly in silicon metal, given the demand uncertainty created by COVID-19. This capped our ability to realize the increase in
64
market prices during in 2021. These contracts expired at the end of 2021, resulting in a resetting of pricing at current market levels, per the underlying indices, at the beginning of 2022.
During 2021, demand across our segments was positively impacted due to the re-filling of value chains to pre-COVID levels and a recovery in the market demand across our core need markets. Furthermore, disruptions along the global chain, coupled with supply curtailments in China impacted global supply for our products. Collectively these factors resulted in steady market price increases for our products throughout 2021.
Silicon metal pricing appreciated steady throughout 2021, with a pronounced uptick in the second half, due to premiums placed on supply security into key sectors, like chemicals, along with increased demand in the aluminum and other commodity sectors.
Historically, manganese-based alloy prices have shown a significant correlation with the price of manganese ore, but from 2018 up to middle 2020, the correlation was disrupted, causing a margin squeeze for Ferroglobe as a non-integrated producer. Since 2020, alloy pricing spreads over ore have recovered. In 2021, further improvements in the spread of ore continue to increase due to the recovery in steel demand. We anticipate these improved dynamics to hold in 2022, driven by stable demand in the European steel sector and the supply availability of manganese ore.
Our ferrosilicon business pricing improved throughout 2021 from the historical lows of 2020. We expect these dynamics to sustain in 2022, supported by demand for steel industry, stimulated by the construction and auto sectors.
Cost of raw materials
The main raw materials sourced by Ferroglobe are quartz, manganese ore, coal, metallurgical coke, wood and charcoal. Manganese ore is the largest component of the cost base for manganese-based alloys. In 2021, more than 27% of Ferroglobe’s total $133.48 million expense with respect to manganese ore fell under an annual commitment, whilst the remaining was purchased on spot basis. Special coal is used as a major carbon reductant in silicon-based alloy production. In 2021, coal represented a $137.4 million expense for Ferroglobe. Metallurgical coke, which is used for Mn Alloys production, represented a total purchase volume of $47.5 million in 2021. Wood is both an important element for the production of silicon alloys and used to produce charcoal, which is used as a carbon reductant at Ferroglobe’s South African subsidiary Silicon Smelters (Pty.), Ltd. Ferroglobe’s wood expense amounted to $36.8 million in 2021. The Grupo FerroAtlántica subsidiaries of Ferroglobe source approximately 62% of their quartz needs from FerroAtlántica’s mines in Spain and South Africa, and Globe subsidiaries source approximately 75% of their quartz needs from Globe’s mines in the United States and Canada. Total quartz consumption in 2021 represented an expense of $ 87.8 million.
Power
Power constitutes one of the single largest expenses for most of Ferroglobe’s products. Ferroglobe focuses on minimizing energy prices and unit consumption throughout its operations by concentrating its silicon and manganese-based alloy production during periods when energy prices are lower. In 2021, Ferroglobe’s total power consumption was 7,358 gigawatt-hours, with power contracts that vary across its operations.
In Spain and France, FerroAtlántica receives a rebate on a portion of its energy costs in exchange for an agreement to interrupt production, and thus power usage, upon request. FerroAtlántica is negotiating to obtain power contracts to partly hedge risks related to energy price volatility in Spain.
In Spain, the compensations for production interruption were eliminated in 2021. The plants continue to receive compensation for indirect CO2 costs, as in the rest of Europe. We are in active discussions with potential Spanish energy partners to enter into power purchase agreements to cover a portion of our needs during the coming years.
In France, FerroPem S.A.S. has traditionally had access to relatively low power prices, as it benefited from Electricité de France’s green tariff (“Tarif Vert”), and a discount thereon. The green tariffs expired at the end of 2015 and Ferroglobe has negotiated supply contracts based on ARENH (historical nuclear energy at fixed price) and market prices with two
65
suppliers for years 2016 to 2019 and is currently negotiating long-term supply contracts with suppliers in the market place. A new contract based on ARENH and market covers 2020 to 2022. See also “Item 7.—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions”. Regulation enacted in 2015 enables FerroPem S.A.S. to benefit from reduced tariffs resulting from its agreeing to interrupt production and respond to surges in demand, as well as receiving compensation for indirect CO2 costs under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) regulation. These arrangements allow FerroPem S.A.S. to operate competitively on a 12-month basis, but also concentrate production during periods when energy prices are lower if needed.
In the United States, we attempt to enter into long-term electric supply contracts that value our ability to interrupt load to achieve reasonable rates. Our power supply contracts have, in the past, resulted in stable price structures. In West Virginia, we have a contract with Brookfield Renewable Power to provide, on average, 45% of our power needs, from a dedicated hydro-electric facility, through December 2025 at a fixed rate. Our power needs for the non-hydroelectric component of West Virginia, Ohio, and Alabama are primarily sourced through special contracts that provide competitive rates whereas a portion of the power is also priced at market rates.
In South Africa, we have an “evergreen” supply agreement with Eskom, the parastatal electricity supplier, for our Polokwane, eMalahleni, Newcastle (Siltech) and Thaba Chueu mining plants. Eskom’s energy prices are regulated by the National Energy Regulator (NERSA) and price increases are publicly announced in advance. Operational smelters in South Africa were operating on normal tariffs for the year 2020, with eMalahleni participating in a curtailment program. The Polokwane and Newcastle smelters remained in care & maintenance for the full year. In eMalahleni, focus remained on ferrosilicon production. Profitability was good with positive EBITDA figures for this plant, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The eMalahleni plant continued to participate in an interruptibility program where curtailments for power to Eskom is compensated on an hourly basis. This effectively has a positive contribution to the overall price paid for electricity. In addition, emphasis is placed to produce maximum products during summer months when power is cheaper and to reduce production over winter periods (June, July and August), to a minimum. Production during winter evening Peak Hours is also limited if there is no curtailment programmed.
Independent power production from private power producers increased during 2021 and assisted with the supply of the power demand within the country, this is expected to continue growing over the next years in order to counter Load Shedding Events due to insufficient supply from the governmental producer, Eskom. Discussions are continuing between Mining & Industry and Government for the implementation of an industrial tariff that must be beneficial for local beneficiation.
Foreign currency fluctuation
Ferroglobe has a diversified production base consisting of production facilities across the United States, Europe, South America, South Africa and Asia. Ferroglobe production costs are mostly dependent on local factors, with the exception of the cost of manganese ore and coal, which are dependent on global commodity prices. The relative strength of the functional currencies of Ferroglobe’s subsidiaries influences its competitiveness in the international market, most notably in the case of Ferroglobe’s South African operations, which have historically exported a majority of their production to the U.S. and the European Union. For additional information see “Item 11.—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Foreign Exchange Rate Risk.”
Regulatory changes
See “Item 4.B.—Business Overview—Regulatory Matters.”
66
Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Sales |
| 1,778,908 |
| 1,144,434 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (1,184,896) |
| (835,486) |
Other operating income |
| 110,085 |
| 33,627 |
Staff costs |
| (280,917) |
| (214,782) |
Other operating expense |
| (296,809) |
| (132,059) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (97,328) |
| (108,189) |
Impairment (loss) gain |
| 137 |
| (73,344) |
Net gain due to changes in the value of assets |
| 758 |
| 158 |
Gain on disposal of non-current assets |
| 1,386 |
| 1,292 |
Other (loss) gain |
| 62 |
| (1) |
Operating profit (loss) |
| 31,386 |
| (184,350) |
Finance income |
| 253 |
| 177 |
Finance costs |
| (149,189) |
| (66,968) |
Financial derivative gain | — | 3,168 | ||
Exchange differences |
| (2,386) |
| 25,553 |
(Loss) before tax |
| (119,936) |
| (222,420) |
Income tax (expense) benefit |
| 4,562 |
| (21,939) |
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations |
| (115,374) |
| (244,359) |
(Loss) for the year from discontinued operations | — | (5,399) | ||
(Loss) for the year | (115,374) | (249,758) | ||
Loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
| (4,750) |
| (3,419) |
(Loss) attributable to the Parent |
| (110,624) |
| (246,339) |
Sales
Sales increased $634,474 thousand, or 55.4%, from $1,144,434 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $1,778,908 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales is attributed to the increase in volumes and average realised price across all our products portfolio.
Sales volume increased across all major products. Silicon metal sales volume increased 22.5% and average selling prices of silicon metal increased by 12.4% to $2,511/MT in 2021, as compared to $2,234/MT in 2020. Total shipments of silicon metal increased primarily as a result of continued strength in chemicals and to a lesser extent, the aluminum market in Europe which continues to lag due to continued supply chain issues. Overall tightness in the market, attributable to strong end market demand and ongoing reforms in China, propelled U.S. and European index prices to unprecedented levels mainly during the fourth quarter.
Silicon-Based Alloys sales volume increased 21.3% and average selling prices increased by 35.8% to $2,058/MT in 2021, as compared to $1,899/MT in 2020. Total shipments increased due to the continued recovery in global steel production. Strong demand for ferrosilicon, coupled with low levels of inventory, sent the index higher in the US and Europe, contributing significantly to the increase in average realized prices across silicon-based alloy.
Manganese-Based Alloys sales volume increased 20.2% and average selling prices increased by 46% to $1,492/MT in 2021, as compared to $1,022/MT in 2020. Total shipments increased due to continued recovery in global steel production, and some seasonal spillover of orders.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production increased $349,410 thousand, or 41.8%, from $835,486 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $1,184,896 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to an
67
increase in sales volumes across all three product categories. For the full year 2021, raw materials and energy consumption for production as a percentage of sales was 66.6%, compared to 73.0% during full year 2020. In addition to the increase in sales, the improvement in the Raw Materials and energy consumption for production was primarily driven by improved utilization of our asset base, reallocation of orders to optimize economics, stronger operational performance at the furnace level, and continued cost cutting.
Other operating income
Other operating income increased $76,458 thousand, or 227.4%, from $33,627 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $110,085 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to CO2 emissions allowances (“rights held emit greenhouse gasses”). The Company has recognized emission rights (allowances) received at market value. Market value of the allowances has increased 130.5% from $39.3/allowance for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $90.6/allowance as of December 31, 2021.
Staff costs
Staff costs increased $66,135 thousand, or 30.8%, from $214,782 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $280,917 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase is mainly due to the recording of the restructuring provision in Spain and France amounting $27,367 thousand and higher variable consideration driven by the improved results in 2021 compared to 2020.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense increased $164,750 thousand, or 124.7%, from $132,059 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $296,809 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to CO2 emissions. As the Company emits CO2, it recognizes a provision for its obligation to deliver the CO2 allowances at the end of the compliance period. The provision is remeasured at the end of each reporting period at market value. Market value of the allowances increased 130.4% from $39.3/allowance for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $90.6/allowance as of December 31, 2021.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $10,861 thousand or 10.0%, from $108,189 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $97,328 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in depreciation is driven by a relevant number of the assets becoming fully depreciated.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses decreased $73,481 thousand, or 100.2%, from a loss of $73,344 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to a gain of $137 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. In 2020, the Company recognized an impairment of $73,344 thousand in relation to; our idled capacity at the Niagara facilities in the United States $35,685 thousand, at the Polokwane facility in South Africa $8,677 thousand, at Château Feuillet facility in Europe $17,941 thousand and an impairment of $11,041 thousand in relation to our solar-grade silicon metal project in Puertollano, Spain. In 2021, the Company has recorded a reversal of the impairment recorded at Polokwane facilities, amounting $2,681 thousand, an additional impairment at Château Feuillet facility, amounting $441 thousand, an impairment in relation to our quartz mine in Mauritania amounting $1,726 thousand.
Net loss (gain) due to changes in the value of assets
In 2021, the Company had a net gain of $758 thousand in the value of assets attributable to a higher valuation of shares in Pampa Energy in Argentina. This compares to a net loss of $158 thousand in 2020.
68
Loss (gain) on disposal of non-current assets
The gain on disposal of non-current assets of $1,386 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021 relates to the sale of the Niagara plant (fully impairment as of December 31, 2020) and certain assets in France.
Finance income
Finance income increased $76 thousand, or 42.9%, from $177 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $253 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is driven by the higher earnings in our collateral account balance held by the South African subsidiary.
Finance costs
Finance costs increased $82,221 thousand, or 122.7%, from $66,968 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $149,189 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is due to the accounting charge relating to the Senior Notes refinancing, amounting $90.8 million.
For accounting purposes the refinancing of the Senior Notes have been considered a debt extinguishment. As a consequence:
(i) The accounting rules do not allow to capitalize the fees incurred in the exchange of the notes, amounting to $31.7 million
(ii) Similarly to the transaction fees, the shares issued to the bondholders and the work fee were recognized as a one-off expense, amounting $51.6 million at market value.
(iii) In the case of an extinguishment, any outstanding upfront fees that had been capitalized at the issuance of the original notes needs to be recycled through profit and loss, this amounted $1 million. Additionally, as a result of the refinancing, the gross carrying amount of the amortized cost of the Reinstated Notes has been adjusted to reflect actual and revised estimated contractual cash flows. The gross carrying amount of the Reinstated Notes has been recalculated as the present value of the estimated future contractual cash flows that are discounted at the effective interest rate of 9.096%. The adjustment amounts to $6,462 and it was recognized as an expense in the income statement. After the exchange the Senior notes were accounted under the amortized cost method.
The transaction fees incurred in the issuance of the Super Senior Notes have been capitalized as required by the accounting rules (IFRS).
Financial derivative gain
Gains on financial derivatives declined from $3,168 thousand in 2020 to $0 in 2021. The currency swap hedging the senior unsecured bonds was cancelled in 2020.
Exchange differences
Exchange differences decreased $27,937 thousand, from income of $25,553 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to a loss of $2,386 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the exchange rate between the Euro and the U.S. Dollar.
Income tax (expense) benefit
Income tax expense variation amounting by $26,501 thousand, or 120.8%, from an income tax expense of $21,939 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to an income tax benefit of $4,562 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The variance is mainly due to the tax assets recorded in 2021 relating to a carryback credit of $ 6,408 thousand
69
in our French subsidiary. In France, when a company incurs a loss during a given fiscal year, they may carry it back to reduce the tax liability of the immediately previous fiscal year. This generates a deferred tax asset that can be offset against the corporate income tax for the following five fiscal years or claimed to the French Treasury at the end of that period.
Profit (loss) for the year from discontinued operations
The result from discontinued operations decreased from $5,399 thousand in 2020 to $0 in 2021, due to the adjustment of the sales price of assets in Spain registered in 2020.
Segment operations
In 2021, the company revised its operating segments to reflect the way its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is currently managing and viewing the business.
Operating segments are based upon the Company’s management reporting structure. As such, we report our results in accordance with the following segments since 2021:
| ● | North America – Silicon |
| ● | Europe – Manganese |
| ● | Europe – Silicon |
| ● | South Africa – Silicon |
| ● | Other segments |
North America - Silicon
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Sales |
| 524,808 |
| 425,277 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (323,316) |
| (280,858) |
Other operating income |
| 5,385 |
| 2,916 |
Staff costs |
| (82,463) |
| (73,988) |
Other operating expense |
| (43,070) |
| (34,315) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (55,770) |
| (61,664) |
Impairment (loss) gain | — | (35,685) | ||
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets | 394 | (869) | ||
Operating profit (loss) |
| 25,968 |
| (59,186) |
Sales
Sales increased $99,531 thousand, or 23.4%, from $425,277 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $524,808 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021.The increase in sales is attributed toan increase in the average realized price, resulting from a combination of higher market prices, and a different product and customer mix. Additionally, there was an increase in volumes resulting from strong customer demand.
70
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption increased $42,458 thousand, or 15.1%, from $280,858 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $323,316 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is consequence of the increase in sale volumes.
Other operating income
Other operating income increased $2,469 thousand, or 84.6%, from $2,916 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $5,385 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to the gain on the CO2 emission rights regulatory period settlement for Canada, and the increase in scrap sales.
Staff costs
Staff costs increased $8,475 thousand, or 11.5%, from $73,988 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $82,463 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is primarly due to a higher number of employees on payroll in 2021, needed for the increase in production, adjustments to the Pension Plan as part of the buyout in 2021, and higher employee health insurance claims.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense increased $8,755 thousand, or 25.5%, from $34,315 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $43,070 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase is attributable mainly to higher freight cost due to the higher sales volume; an increase in the property and liability insurance premium; and an increase in the royalty rate for the Right Fork surface mine royalty agreement.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $5,894 thousand, or 9.6%, from $61,664 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $55,770 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to the impairment of the Niagara plant write-off in 2020.
Impairment (loss) gain
There were no impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended December 2020, the Company recognised an impairment charge of $35,685 thousand related to the permanent shutdown of the Niagara plant.
Gain on disposal of non-current assets
The gain on disposal of non-current assets relates mainly to the disposal of fixed assets at Niagara.
Europe - Manganese
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Sales | 476,287 | 240,142 | ||
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (326,257) |
| (204,063) |
Other operating income |
| 34,142 |
| 9,199 |
Staff costs |
| (33,696) |
| (28,337) |
Other operating expense |
| (105,290) |
| (33,884) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (18,634) |
| (19,086) |
Impairment (loss) gain | (376) | 305 | ||
Gain on disposal of non-current assets | — | 1,154 | ||
Other gain | — | 4 | ||
Operating profit (loss) |
| 26,176 |
| (34,566) |
71
Sales
Sales increased $236,145 thousand or 98.3%, from $240,142 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $476,287 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to the increase of 20.2% in both domestic sales and exports. In addition, the increase of 46% in the average price has contributed to this increase in sales for the year.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption increased $122,194 thousand, or 59.9%, from $204,063 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $326,257 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. Raw Materials and energy consumption for production increased with the increase in overall volumes, as well as consequence of higher raw material costs and higher energy prices.
Other operating income
Other operating income increased $24,943 thousand, or 271.1%, from $9,199 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $34,142 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily attributable to the freely granted CO2 emission rights . These rights are remeasured at the end of each reporting period at market value until there is a confirmation on the rights being granted by each government, in that moment the accounting value of the rights are fixed and are not remeasured anymore. Market value of the allowances has increased 130.4% from $39.3/allowance for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $90.6/allowance as of December 31, 2021.
Staff costs
Staff costs increased $5,359 thousand or 18.9%, from $28,337 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $33,696 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase is mainly due to the recognition of the restructuring costs in Spain and a higher variable consideration driven by the improved results in 2021 compared to 2020.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense increased $71,406 thousand, or 210.7%, from $33,884 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $105,290 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily attributable to the freely granted CO2 emission rights. As commented in the Other operating income section the market value of the allowances has increased significantly in 2021.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating provisions and write-downs decreased $452 thousand, or 2.4%, from $19,086 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2020 to $18,634 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2021, due to the increase in the number of assets fully depreciated.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment gain decreased by $681 thousand, or 223.3%, from a gain of $305 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2020 to a loss of $376 thousand for the year ended 31 2021.
Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets
The amount reflected during the year ended 31 December 2020 driven by the sale of excess CO2 rights.
72
Europe – Silicon
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Sales | 665,337 | 467,728 | ||
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (473,884) |
| (369,130) |
Other operating income |
| 65,752 |
| 25,049 |
Staff costs |
| (120,287) |
| (84,300) |
Other operating expense |
| (128,755) |
| (51,812) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (16,852) |
| (19,252) |
Impairment (loss) gain | (441) | (17,941) | ||
Gain on disposal of non-current assets | 1,029 | 1,002 | ||
Other (loss) | (1) | — | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (8,102) |
| (48,656) |
Sales
Sales increased $197,629 thousand or 42.3%, from $467,728 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $665,337 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to the increase of 22.5% in both domestic sales and exports. In addition, the increase of 12.4% in the average price has contributed to this increase in sales for the year.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption increased $104,754 thousand, or 28.4%, from $369,130 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $473,884 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. Raw Materials and energy consumption for production increased with the increase in overall volumes, as well as consequence of higher raw material costs.
Other operating income
Other operating income increased $40,703 thousand, or 162.5%, from $25,049 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $65,752 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily attributable to the freely granted CO2 emission rights. These rights are remeasured at the end of each reporting period at market value until there is a confirmation on the rights being granted by each government, in that moment the accounting value of the rights are fixed and are not remeasured anymore. Market value of the allowances has increased 130.4% from $39.3/allowance for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $90.6/allowance as of December 31, 2021.
Staff costs
Staff costs increased $35,987 thousand or 42.7%, from $84,300 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $120,287 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase is mainly due to the recognition of the restructuring provision in France amounting $23,798 thousand and a higher variable consideration driven by the improved results in 2021 compared to 2020.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense increased $76,943 thousand, or 148.5%, from $51,812 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $128,755 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily attributable to the freely granted CO2 emission rights. As commented in the Other operating income section the market value of the allowances has increased significantly in 2021.
73
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating provisions and write-downs decreased $2,400 thousand, or 12.5%, from $19,252 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2020 to $16,852 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2021, due to the increase in the number of assets fully depreciated.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment loss decreased by $17,500 thousand, or 97.5%, from a loss of $17,941 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2020 to a loss of $441 thousand for the year ended 31 2021. During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Company recognized an impairment of $17,941 thousand at Château Feuillet facility in France.
Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets
Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets increased $27 thousand, or 2.7%, from a gain of $1,002 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $1,029 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2021, driven by the disposal of buildings at our Château Feuillet facility in France.
South Africa – Silicon
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Sales |
| 117,195 |
| 80,572 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (76,617) |
| (56,062) |
Other operating income |
| 763 |
| 131 |
Staff costs |
| (13,268) |
| (11,013) |
Other operating expense |
| (13,256) |
| (14,098) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (5,081) |
| (7,141) |
Impairment (loss) | 2,684 | (8,677) | ||
Operating profit (loss) |
| 12,420 |
| (16,288) |
Sales
Sales increased $36,623 thousand, or 45.5%, from $80,572 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $117,195 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. Our sales in South Africa were positively impacted by improved demand and market conditions, increasing both average price and sales volumes. Also, this increase translates into the recovery of sales after having gone through the impact of Covid-19 in 2020.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for increased $20,555 thousand, or 36.7%, from $56,062 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $76,617 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. Such variation is attributed to the increase in the electricity price as well as the improvement in sales tonnage.
Other operating income
Other operating income increased $632 thousand, or 482.4%, from $131 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $763 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly , due to all sundry sales from the idle Polokwane plant reported in other income.
74
Staff costs
Staff costs increased $2,255 thousand, or 20.5%, from $11,013 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $13,268 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in staff cost is primarily due to an inflationary adjustment made in 2021, and the incentive bonus accrued as of December 31, 2021.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $842 thousand, or 6.0%, from $14,098 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $13,256 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to the recovery of operating, selling and administrative expenses assumed in the 2020 financial year following the closure of the Polokwane facility in August 2019.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $2,060 thousand, or 28.8%, from $7,141 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $5,081 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The impairment of the Polokwane plant at the end of 2020 resulted in a lower depreciation charge at the end of 2021.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses decreased $11,361 thousand, or 130.9%, from a loss of $8,677 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to a gain of $2,684 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. This effect is due to the partial reversal of the 2020 impairment in the year ended December 2021.
Other segments
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Sales |
| 43,568 |
| 25,334 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (33,445) |
| (19,518) |
Other operating income |
| 49,901 |
| 24,587 |
Staff costs |
| (31,203) |
| (17,144) |
Other operating expense |
| (51,960) |
| (26,679) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (991) |
| (1,046) |
Impairment (loss) | (1,730) | (11,346) | ||
Net gain due to changes in the value of assets | 758 | 158 | ||
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets | (37) | 5 | ||
Other gain (loss) | 63 | (5) | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (25,076) |
| (25,654) |
Sales
Sales increased $18,234 thousand, or 72.0%, from $25,334 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $43,568 for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to an increase in demand and prices for all our products due to supply constraints from Europe and Asia. Also, sales are increased by the restart of the second furnace in our plant in Argentna.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production increased $13,927 thousand, or 71.4%, from $19,518 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $33,445 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, mainly due to increases in sales volumes. This increase is also due to an increase in the power tariff, and price increases in both local and imported raw materials.
75
Other operating income
Other operating income increased $25,314 thousand, or 103.1%, from $24,587 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $49,901 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to intercompany charges and a provision reversal.
Staff costs
Staff costs increased $14,059 thousand, or 82%, from $17,144 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $31,203 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to higher personnel needed on the reastart of the second furnace in Argentina. The increase was also attributable to wage adjustments in 2021, and a higher variable consideration driven by the improved results in 2021 compared to 2020.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense increased $25,281 thousand, or 94.8%, from $26,679 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $51,960 for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to intercompany charges.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $55 thousand, or 5.3%, from $1,046 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to $991 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses decreases $9,616 or 84.8%, from $11,346 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2020 to $1,730 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2021, mainly due to impaired intercompany loans. These items are eliminated in the consolidation adjustments column. During 2021 the Company registered an impairment related to quarz mine in Mauritania amounting $1,726 thousand.
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets
The gain due to changes in the value of assets in 2021 is mainly due to the increase in the valuation of Pampa Energy shares in Argentina.
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets
Disposal of non-current assets decreased by $42 thousand, or 825.7%, from a gain of $5 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2020 to a loss of $37 thousand for the year ended 31 December 2021, mainly due to the loss on the sale of fixed assets of the Puertollano plant.
Other gains and losses
Other gains and losses increased $63 thounsand, or 100%. This increase is due to obtaining a subsidy from the Mendoza provincial government to finance working capital at Globe Metales, S.A.
76
Results of Operations — Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Sales |
| 1,144,434 |
| 1,615,222 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (835,486) |
| (1,214,397) |
Other operating income |
| 33,627 |
| 54,213 |
Staff costs |
| (214,782) |
| (285,029) |
Other operating expense |
| (132,059) |
| (225,705) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (108,189) |
| (120,194) |
Impairment loss |
| (73,344) |
| (175,899) |
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets |
| 158 |
| (1,574) |
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets |
| 1,292 |
| (2,223) |
Other losses |
| (1) |
| — |
Operating profit (loss) |
| (184,350) |
| (355,586) |
Finance income |
| 177 |
| 1,380 |
Finance costs |
| (66,968) |
| (63,225) |
Financial derivative gain | 3,168 | 2,729 | ||
Exchange differences |
| 25,553 |
| 2,884 |
(Loss) before tax |
| (222,420) |
| (411,818) |
Income tax (expense) benefit |
| (21,939) |
| 41,541 |
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations |
| (244,359) |
| (370,277) |
(Loss) profit for the year from discontinued operations | (5,399) | 84,637 | ||
(Loss) for the year | (249,758) | (285,640) | ||
Loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
| (3,419) |
| (5,039) |
(Loss) attributable to the Parent |
| (246,339) |
| (280,601) |
Sales
Sales decreased $470,788 thousand, or 29.1%, from $1,615,222 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $1,144,434 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in sales is primarily attributable to the unexpected, adverse impact of COVID-19 on volumes and average realized pricing across all of our products.
Sales volume decreased across all major products. Silicon metal sales volume decreased 13.5%, silicon-based alloys sales volume decreased 32%, while manganese-based alloys sales volume decreased 33%, primarily due to significant drop in demand across the chemical, aluminum and steel end marjets as a result of the pandemic.
Average selling prices of silicon metal, silicon-based alloys and manganese-based alloys decreased year over year. The average selling price for silicon metal decreased by 0.8% to $2,234/MT in 2020, as compared to $2,252/MT in 2019; the average selling price for silicon-based alloys decreased by 4,2% to $1,899/MT in 2020, as compared to $1,983/MT in 2019 and the average selling price for manganese-based alloys decreased by 10.4% to $1,022/MT in 2020, as compared to $1,140/MT in 2019. The pressure on pricing throughout the year is primarily attributable to the deterioration in demand which outpaced the supply curtailments, resulting in the decline in the index pricing across these products.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased $378,911 thousand, or 35%, from $1,214,397 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $835,486 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in sales volumes, in silicon metal and manganese alloys, as well as lower unit costs for many of our key inputs.
Costs of sales for plants in North America, which produce silicon-metal and silicon-based alloys, were from 66.5% in 2019 to 62% in 2020, as a percentage of sales. Continued increases in energy costs and an increase in the purchase price of manganese ore impacted costs for manganese-based alloys in Europe.
77
Other operating income
Other operating income decreased $20,586 thousand, or 38.0%, from $54,213 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $33,627 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The main difference for this decrease is the consolidation of FAU as of December, 2019 with CO2 allowances granted of $12 million.
Staff costs
Staff costs decreased $70,247 thousand, or 24.6%, from $285,029 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $214,782 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year we continued our headcount reduction plan at both the corporate offices, as well as at the plant level. Furthermore, the temporary shut-down of plants during the first half of 2020 also had a positive impact on our staff costs. Additionally, a reduction in our bonus accrual for the year also contributed to the decrease in staff costs year-over-year.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $93,646 thousand, or 41.5%, from $225,705 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $132,059 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in distribution and logistics costs as well a decrease in corporate overhead expense in variable costs associated with sales. As a result, there is a decrease in commercial expenses. Additionally, other operating expenses decreased due to moving our London office. Considerable travel expenses and information technology fees had been reduced as a result of reduced staffing and fees related to advertising, public relations and financial consulting, audit and legal fees.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $12,005 thousand or 10.0%, from $120,194 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $108,189 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. This is primarily attributable to lower capital expenditure supported by a smaller operating footprint.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses decreased $102,555 thousand, or 63%, from a loss of $175,899 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to a loss of $73,344 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2019, the Company took a full write-down of goodwill relating to our facility in Canada, as well as write-down in the United States.
During year ended December 31, 2020 the Company recognized an impairment of $73,344 thousand in relation to; our idled capacity at the Niagara facilities in the United States $35,685 thousand, at the Polokwane facility in South Africa $8,677 thousand, at Château Feuillet facility in Europe $17,941 thousand and an impairment of $11,041 thousand in relation to our solar-grade silicon metal project in Puertollano, Spain.
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets
In 2020, the Company had a net gain of $158 thousand in the value of assets attributable to a higher valuation of shares in Pampa Energy in Argentina. This compares to a net loss of $1,044 thousand in 2019.
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets
The gain on disposal of non-current assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 relates primarily to a $1,292 thousand gain resulting from the sale of CO2 rights in Europe.
78
Finance income
Finance income decreased $1,203 thousand, or 87.2%, from $1,380 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $177 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. This is primarily due to the a lower volume of accounts receivables assets sold to securitization program in 2020 compared 2019. With the decline in overall volumes in 2020, the eligible accounts receivables sold into the securitization program also decreased.
Finance costs
Finance costs increased $3,743 thousand, or 5.9%, from $63,225 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $66,968 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. This relates to the financial fees and expense obligations resulting from the prior Accounts Receivable securitization facility.
Financial derivative gain (loss)
Financial derivative gains of $2,729 thousand in 2019 and financial derivative gain of $3,168 thousand in 2020. The gains are related to the prior cross-currency swap underlying the senior unsecured notes due 2022.
Exchange differences
Exchange differences increased $22,669 thousand, from income of $2,884 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to a gain of $25,553 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the weakening of the U.S. Dollar relative to the Euro.
Income tax (expense) benefit
Income tax expense $63,480 thousand, or 152.8%, from an income tax benefit of $41,541 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in 2020 is attributable to derecognition of deferred tax in Spain, France and Argentina.
Profit (loss) for the year from discontinued operations
Profit from discontinued operations decreased $90,036 thousand, or 106.4%, from an income of $84,637 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to a loss of $5,399 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, mainly due the adjustment registered on the Spain sale price in 2019.
Segment operations
Our operating segments has been revised in 2021 to reflect the way its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is currently managing and viewing the business. Accordingly, the results of 2020 and 2019 have been restated to report results according to the operating segments revised in 2021.
As such, we report our results in accordance with the following segments:
| ● | North America – Silicon |
| ● | Europe – Manganese |
| ● | Europe – Silicon |
| ● | South Africa – Silicon |
| ● | Other segments |
79
North America - Silicon
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Sales |
| 425,277 |
| 551,500 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (280,858) |
| (366,711) |
Other operating income |
| 2,916 |
| 10,418 |
Staff costs |
| (73,988) |
| (87,954) |
Other operating expense |
| (34,315) |
| (60,105) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (61,664) |
| (72,251) |
Impairment (loss) | (35,685) | (174,013) | ||
Loss on disposal of non-current assets | (869) | (1,601) | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (59,186) |
| (200,717) |
Sales
Sales decreased $126,223 thousand, or 22.9%, from $551,500 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $425,277 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a 15% decrease in the average selling price of silicon metal and a 72% decrease in sales volumes of silicon metal.
For the silicon-based alloys (calcium silicon, magnesium ferrosilicon, and different grades of ferrosilicon) portion of the business in North America, there was a 8% decrease in the average selling price, mainly due to decreased sales of ferrosilicon (FeSi 75%) in 2020, as well as a 31% decrease in sales volume across other siliconbased alloys. During 2020, we also reduced the sales of manganese based alloys into North America due to a weakening steel market and reduction in profitability.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased $85,853 thousand, or 23.4%, from $366,711 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $280,858 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The reduction in our Raw Materials and energy consumption for production is due to a decline in overall sales volumes for both silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, as well slightly lower raw material costs.
Staff costs
Staff costs decreased $13,966 thousand, or 15.9%, from $87,954 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $73,988 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. This is due to permanent and temporary headcount reduction as well as a decrease in bonus accruals for 2020.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $25,790 thousand, or 42.9%, from $60,105 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $34,315 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, as the business realized lower shipping, freight, and storage costs due to decrease in sales volume.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $10,587 thousand, or 14.7%, from $72,251 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $61,664 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to assets were fully depreciated at the beginning of the year.
80
Impairment losses
Impairment losses decreased $138,328 thousand, or 79.5%, from $174,013 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $35,685 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $35,685 relating to the permanent shutdown of Niagara facility.
Loss on disposal of non-current assets
The loss of $869 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 relates primarily to the disposal of certain property plant, and equipment in the United States.
Europe – Manganese
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Sales |
| 240,142 |
| 564,060 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (204,063) |
| (502,919) |
Other operating income |
| 9,199 |
| 12,828 |
Staff costs |
| (28,337) |
| (32,133) |
Other operating expense |
| (33,884) |
| (64,851) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (19,086) |
| (19,904) |
Impairment (loss) | 305 | 12 | ||
Gain on disposal of non-current assets | 1,154 | — | ||
Other gain | 4 | — | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (34,566) |
| (42,907) |
Sales
Sales decreased $323,918 thousand or 57.4%, from $564,060 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $240,142 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due decreases in both volume and average realized price.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased $298,856 thousand, or 59.4%, from $502,919 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $204,063 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased with the decline in overall volumes, as well as lower input costs.
Other operating income
Other operating income decreased $3,629 thousand, or 28.3%, from $12,828 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $9,199 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a reduction in the use of CO2 free allowances in the production process.
Staff costs
Staff costs decreased $3,796 thousand or 11.8%, from $32,133 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $28,337 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The improvement in the staff costs during the year is driven by a decrease due to lower overtime costs following the temporary idling of furnaces in a number of facilities, the reduction of the head count and the bonus provisions.
81
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $30,967 thousand, or 47.8%, from $64,851 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $33,884 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease is, primarily due to lower shipping, freight, and storage costs as a result of the slowdown in sales volumes.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write downs decreased $818 thousand, or 4.1%, from $19,904 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $19,086 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses increased $293 thousand, or 2441.7%, from $12 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $305 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets
The amount reflected during the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by the the sale of excess CO2 rights.
Europe – Silicon
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Sales |
| 467,728 |
| 593,907 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (369,130) |
| (474,993) |
Other operating income |
| 25,049 |
| 39,001 |
Staff costs |
| (84,300) |
| (106,681) |
Other operating expense |
| (51,812) |
| (83,917) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (19,252) |
| (19,667) |
Impairment (loss) | (17,941) | (1) | ||
Gain on disposal of non-current assets | 1,002 | 181 | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (48,656) |
| (52,170) |
Sales
Sales decreased $126,178 thousand or 21.2%, from $593,907 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $467,728 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due decreases in both volume and average realized price.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased $105,863 thousand, or 22.3%, from $474,993 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $369,130 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased with the decline in overall volumes, as well as lower input costs.
Other operating income
Other operating income decreased $13,952 thousand, or 35.8%, from $39,001 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $25,049 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a reduction in the use of CO2 free allowances in the production process.
82
Staff costs
Staff costs decreased $22,381 thousand or 21%, from $106,681 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $84,300 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The improvement in the staff costs during the year is driven by a decrease due to lower overtime costs following the temporary idling of furnaces in a number of facilities, the reduction of the head count and the bonus provisions.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $32,105 thousand, or 38.3%, from $83,917 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $51,812 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease is, primarily due to lower shipping, freight, and storage costs as a result of the slowdown in sales volumes.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write downs decreased $415 thousand, or 2.1%, from $19,667 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $19,252 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses increased $17,940 thousand, or 100%, from $1 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $17,941 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized this impairment charge relating to the Château Feuillet facility.
Gain (loss) on disposal of non-current assets
The amount reflected during the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by the disposal of two buildings at our Anglefort facility in France and the sale of excess CO2 rights.
South Africa - Silicon
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Sales |
| 80,572 |
| 136,292 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (56,062) |
| (108,823) |
Other operating income |
| 131 |
| 1,323 |
Staff costs |
| (11,013) |
| (20,333) |
Other operating expense |
| (14,098) |
| (19,457) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (7,141) |
| (6,459) |
Impairment (loss) | (8,677) | — | ||
Net (loss) due to changes in the value of assets | — | (530) | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (16,288) |
| (17,987) |
Sales
Sales decreased $55,720 thousand, or 40.9%, from $136,292 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $80,572 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our sales in South Africa were adversely impacted by the temporary shutdown of the Polokwane facility during the lockdown period due to COVID-19. Additionally, the average realized price for our sales volume in South Africa also declined during the year due to weak market conditions.
83
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased $52,761 thousand, or 48.5%, from $108,823 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $56,062 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, in-line with the decrease in sales volumes. A favorable movement in foreign exchange lowered our Raw Materials and energy consumption for production by $7,682 thousand.
Other operating income
Other operating income decreased $1,192 thousand, or 90.1%, from $1,323 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $131 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in sales of products.
Staff costs
Staff costs decreased $9,320 thousand, or 45.8%, from $20,333 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $11,013 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, due to the staffing adjustments and employee separation costs in connection with the shutdown of Polokwane plant during 2020. Furthermore, foreign exchange differences favoriably impacted staff costs, decreasing by $1,509 thousand.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $5,359 thousand, or 27.5%, from $19,457 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $14,098 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to operating, selling and administrative costs following the facility closure at Polokwane. Foreign exchange rate movements further decreased other operating expense by $1,765 thousand.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs increased $682 thousand, or 10.6%, from $6,459 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $7,141 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Impairment losses
Impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 2020 totalled $8,677 thousand, higher than the nil thousand for the prior year. The increase is related to the impairment registered in Polokwane facility.
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets
Net (loss) recorded for the full year ended December 31, 2020, due to the change in the value of assets in 2019 in the amount of $530 thousand, primarily relating to the remeasured fair value of the Company’s timber farms in South Africa as of December 31, 2019.
84
Other segments
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Sales |
| 25,334 |
| 43,147 |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| (19,518) |
| (35,939) |
Other operating income |
| 24,587 |
| 27,144 |
Staff costs |
| (17,144) |
| (37,928) |
Other operating expense |
| (26,679) |
| (32,572) |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| (1,046) |
| (1,913) |
Impairment (loss) | (11,346) | (1,897) | ||
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets | 158 | (1,044) | ||
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets | 5 | (803) | ||
Other losses | (5) | — | ||
Operating (loss) |
| (25,654) |
| (41,805) |
Sales
Sales decreased $17,813 thousand, or 41.3%, from $43,147 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $25,334 for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a $7,556 thousand decrease of sales of energy related to the sale of subsidiary UltraCore Polska Sp. Z o.o. Sales of silicon-based alloys at the Company’s Argentinian facility, Globe Metales S.A., decreased $9,031 thousand.
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production
Raw Materials and energy consumption for production decreased $16,421 thousand, or 45.7%, from $35,939 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $19,518 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in sales volumes of silicon-based alloys at the Company’s Argentinian facility, Globe Metales S.A.
Other operating income
Other operating income decreased $2,557 thousand, or 9.4%, from $27,144 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $24,587 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a chargeback of services by Ferroglobe to its subsidiaries.
Staff costs
Staff costs decreased $20,784 thousand, or 54.8%, from $37,928 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $17,144 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to redundancy payments linked with the headcount reduction plan at London corporate office and the departure costs of the prior Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer in the third and last quarters of 2019, respectively. Additionally we further reduced headcount in 2020.
Other operating expense
Other operating expense decreased $5,893 thousand, or 18.1%, from $32,572 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $26,679 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the reduction of activity at London corporate office. Considerable travel expenses and information technology related fees had been reduced as a result of reduced staffing and fees related to advertising, public relations and financial consulting, audit and legal fees.
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs decreased $867 thousand, or 45.3%, from $1,913 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $1,046 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, The decrease is due to impairment of the London office lease, which is not longer being deprecitated.
85
Impairment (loss) gain
Impairment losses increased $9,449 thousand, or 498.1%, from $1,897 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $11,346 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the value adjustment for the Puertollano plant in Spain.
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets
Net (loss) gain due to the changes in the value of assets in 2020 primarily due to the $158 thousand gain of the valuation of shares in Pampa Energy in Argentina.
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets
The gain on disposal of non-current assets for the year ended December 31, 2020 relates primarily to the sale of a Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. property in Mississippi, United States, $5 thousand. In 2019, the loss on disposal of non-current assets for the year ended December 31, 2019 relates primarily to the sale of Ultra Core Polska, Z.o.o., a subsidiary of the Company, for a net loss of $821 thousand.
Effect of Inflation
Management believes that the impact of inflation was not material to Ferroglobe’s results of operations in the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Cyclical Nature of the Industry and Movement in Market Prices, Raw Materials and Input Costs
Our business has historically been subject to fluctuations in the price of our products and market demand for them, caused by general and regional economic cycles, raw material and energy price fluctuations, competition and other factors. The timing, magnitude and duration of these cycles and the resulting price fluctuations are difficult to predict. For example, we experienced a weakened economic environment in national and international metals markets, including a sharp decrease in silicon metal prices in all major markets from late 2014 to late 2017. Throughout 2019 and 2020, we experienced the most dramatic decline in prevailing prices of our products, which adversely affected our results. During the fourth quarter of 2020, demand for our products increased to levels similar to those prior to the pandemic. During 2021, demand for our products has further increased; however, COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia conflict have negatively impacted, and will in the future negatively impact our business. The COVID pandemic and the Ukraine-Russia conflict have also impacted international logistics costs and have significantly impacted raw materials and commodities prices, external and unforeseeable factors have also contributed to extremely volatile and high spot electricity prices, in particular in Europe.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
Ferroglobe’s primary sources of long-term liquidity are its senior secured notes with a $345,058 thousand aggregate principal at an interest rate of 9.375%, due on June 30, 2025, (“the Reinstated Senior Notes”), its super senior secured notes with a $60,000 thousand aggregate principal at an interest rate of 9% due on June 2025 (“the Super Senior Notes”) and its primary source of short-term liquidity is its factoring agreement with a Leasing and Factoring Agent, for anticipating the collection of receivables of the Company’s European entities, which in 2021 provided upfront cash consideration of approximately $659,083.
On March 27, 2021, Ferroglobe and Globe and certain other members of our group entered into the Lock-Up Agreement with the Ad Hoc Group Noteholders, Grupo VM and affiliates of Tyrus Capital that set forth a plan to implement the restructuring. On July 30,2021 the company announced the occurrence of the “Transaction Effective Date” under the lock-up agreement dated March 27, 2021 (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) between the Company and the financial stakeholders.
86
The Issuers completed the exchange of 98.588% of the 9⅜% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Old Notes”) issued by the Company and Globe for a total consideration per $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes comprising (i) $1,000 aggregate principal amount of new 9⅜% senior secured notes due 2025 issued by the Issuers (the “New Notes”) plus (ii) a cash fee amounting to $51,611 thousand, which the Parent, at the direction of the qualifying noteholders, applied as cash consideration for a subscription of new ordinary shares of the Company. In addition the Company issued new ordinary shares for total gross proceeds of $40 million.
On October 11, 2019, Ferroglobe subsidiaries Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., and QSIP Canada ULC, as borrowers, entered into a Credit and Security Agreement for a $100,000 thousand North-American asset-based loan, (the “ABL Revolver”), with PNC Bank, as lender. On March 16, 2021, the Company repaid in its entirety the remaining balance at the date for an amount equal to $39,476 thousand, cancelling its obligations derived from the contract, as a condition of the lock-Up Agreement. See Note 16. On February 6, 2020, the Company entered an amended and restated accounts receivables securitization program. The senior lender’s commitments under the amended and restated securitization program were $150,000 thousand.
On October 2, 2020, the Company ended the receivables funding agreement and cancelled the securitization program, signing a new factoring agreement with a Leasing and Factoring Agent, for anticipating the collection of receivables of the Company’s European entities (Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. and FerroPem, S.A.S). As a result of the agreement, the Leasing and Factoring Agent provided a cash consideration of circa $48.8 million, repurchased the receivables portfolio sold to the SPE on September 28, and consequently assumed the loan tranche of the senior borrower to the SPE. Also, the Senior loan and intermediate subordinate loan tranches were paid with internal sources of funds. See Note 16.
The main characteristics of the agreement are the following:
| - | the maximum cash consideration advanced for the financing facility is up to €60,000 thousand; |
| - | over collateralization of 10% of accounts receivable as guarantee provided to the Agent until payment has been satisfied; |
| - | Annual fee of 0.15% applied to the annual revenues ceded to the Agent; |
| - | Financing commission of 1% charged annually; |
Other conditions are set in relation to credit insurance policy which has been structured in an excess of loss policy where the first €5,000 thousand of bad debt losses are not covered by the insurance provider. The Company has assumed the cash collateralization for the entire excess of loss, as agreed in contractual terms.
On September 8, 2016, FerroAtlántica, S.A.U., as borrower, and the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (the “Ministry”), as lender, entered into a loan agreements under which the Ministry made available to the borrower a loan in aggregate principal amount of €44.9 million, in connection with the industrial development projects relating to our solar grade silicon project. FAU transferred the loan to OPCO before its sale. See “Item 4.B.—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Research and Development (R&D)—Solar grade silicon.” The loan of €44.9 million is to be repaid in seven installments starting on 2023 and completed by 2030. On January 25, 2022, the Ministry opened a hearing to decide on reimbursement of the loan. The company presented its allegations on February 15, 2022. Based on those allegations, the reimbursement procedure has been suspended and a new final report is expected to be made by the Ministry by the end of 2022 ending the administrative procedure and establishing the definitive amount of the partial reimbursement to be made. Interest on outstanding amounts under each loan accrues at an annual rate of 3.55%. See Note 19.
On July 23, 2020, Ferroglobe subsidiary, Ferropem, S.A.S., as borrower, entered into a loan with BNP Paribas, as lender, amounting to €4,300 thousand, to finance Company’s activities in France. The loan is guaranteed by French government following special measurements taken on COVID-19 impact on businesses. Repayment of principal and payment of interest and accessories shall be made with the possibility for the Borrower to request the amortization of the amounts due
87
at maturity for an additional period of 1 to 5 years. Interest rate is zero percent and the borrower shall be liable to pay a fee equal to 0.50% equal to an amount of €22 thousand calculated on the total borrowed capital.
On June 2, 2020, Ferroglobe subsidiary, Silicium Québec, as borrower, agreed a $7,000 thousand loan with Investissement Québec, a regional government loan & investment agency, as lender, to finance its capital expenditures activities in Canada. The loan is to be repaid in 84 installments over a 10-year period with the first three years as a grace period. Interest rate on outstanding amounts is zero percent.
Ferroglobe’s primary short-term liquidity needs are to fund its capital expenditure commitments, fund specific initiatives underlying the strategic plan, service its existing debt and working capital. Ferroglobe’s long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to debt repayment. Ferroglobe’s core objective with respect to capital management is to maintain a balanced and sustainable capital structure through the economic cycles of the industries in which it participates, while keeping the cost of capital at competitive levels.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, operating activities generated a cash flow of ($1,341) thousand, compared to $154,268 thousand in 2020 and ($31,194) thousand in 2019, mainly due to the increase in inventories and trade and other receivables. Investing activities resulted in a total outflow of $23,848 thousand of cash in 2021, compared to an outflow of ($31,940) thousand in 2020 and an inflow of $165,910 thousand in 2019. Financing activities resulted in a total inflow of $10,452 thousand in cash in 2021, compared to an outflow of $113,333 thousand in 2020 and an outflow of $224,005 thousand in 2019. See “Cash Flow Analysis” below for additional information.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Ferroglobe had cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents of $116,663 (of which $2,272 thousand is restricted cash) and $131,557 (of which $28,843 thousand is restricted cash), respectively. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in U.S. Dollars and Euros.
As of December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe’s total gross financial debt was $618,552 thousand as compared to $551,547 thousand as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, gross financial debt comprised debt instruments of $440,297 thousand ($357,508 in 2020), bank borrowings of $98,967 thousand ($107,606 in 2020), $18,358 thousand of leases ($22,536 thousand in 2020), and other financial liabilities of $60,930 thousand ($63,896 thousand in 2020).
We believe our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements, and we anticipate generating sufficient cash to satisfy our short and long-term liquidity needs.
Availability of funds
At December 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and other restricted funds amounted to $116,663 million. This amount includes non-current restricted cash in relation to the guarantees taken over escrow amounting $2,272 thousand. The escrow was constituted in August 30, 2019, in consideration of previous FerroAtlántica. The Company also has certain restrictions for the disposal of the cash in Norway due to local requirements and in the joint ventures with Dow Corning amounting as of December 31, 2021 amounting to $53,453 thousand.
Ferroglobe PLC is the parent company of Ferroglobe Group and receives funding from its subsidiaries in the form of intercompany loans. Consequently, certain restrictions on the ability of the Group’s subsidiaries to transfer funds to Ferroglobe PLC would negatively affect our liquidity and thus our business.
Working Capital Position
As of December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe’s working capital position (defined as inventories and trade and other receivables less trade and other payables) was $464,870 thousand as compared to $339,610 thousand as of December 31, 2020, mainly due to an increase in inventories by $60,296 thousand and receivables by $161,434 thousand partially offset for an increase in payables by $64,382 thousand.
88
Capital Expenditures
Ferroglobe incurs capital expenditures in connection with expansion and productivity improvements, production plants maintenance and research and development projects. Capital expenditures are funded through cash generated from operations and financing activities. Ferroglobe’s capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $27,597 thousand, $30,257 thousand and $32,445 thousand, respectively.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth Ferroglobe’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments with definitive payment terms that will require significant cash outlays in the future, as of December 31, 2021.
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||
Less | More | |||||||||
($ thousands) |
| Total |
| 1 year |
| 1 - 3 years |
| 3 - 5 years |
| 5 years |
Long and short term debt obligations |
| 757,632 |
| 217,567 | 532,900 | 5,244 | 1,921 | |||
Capital expenditures |
| 3,834 |
| 3,834 | — | — | — | |||
Leases |
| 18,529 |
| 8,092 | 7,653 | 1,495 | 1,289 | |||
Power purchase commitments (1) | 294,557 | 183,936 | 43,464 | 40,294 | 26,863 | |||||
Purchase obligations (2) | 38,722 | 38,722 | — | — | — | |||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Company's Balance Sheet (3) | 59,837 | 15,612 | 15,215 | 10,632 | 18,379 | |||||
Total |
| 1,173,111 |
| 467,763 |
| 599,232 |
| 57,665 |
| 48,452 |
| (1) | Represents minimum charges that are enforceable and legally binding, and do not represent total anticipated purchases. Minimum charges requirements expire after providing one year notice of contract cancellation. |
| (2) | The Company has outstanding purchase obligations with suppliers for raw materials in the normal course of business. The disclosed purchase obligation amount represents commitments to suppliers that are enforceable and legally binding and do not represent total anticipated purchases of raw materials in the future. |
| (3) | Included tolling agreement with Cee-Dumbria facility and contingent consideration with Glencore. |
The table above also excludes certain other obligations reflected in our consolidated balance sheet, including estimated funding for pension obligations, for which the timing of payments may vary based on changes in the fair value of pension plan assets and actuarial assumptions. We expect to contribute approximately $861 thousand to our pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Further information regarding Ferrogloble’s contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2021, is set forth in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.
89
Cash Flow Analysis — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
The following table summarizes Ferroglobe’s primary sources (uses) of cash for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
| 131,557 |
| 123,175 |
Cash flows from operating activities |
| (1,341) |
| 154,268 |
Cash flows from investing activities |
| (23,848) |
| (31,940) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
| 10,452 |
| (113,333) |
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents in foreign currencies |
| (157) |
| (613) |
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
| 116,663 |
| 131,557 |
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period from statement of financial position |
| 116,663 |
| 131,557 |
Ferroglobe PLC paid nil dividends during the year ended December 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020.
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities decreased $155,609 thousand, from a positive cash generated of $154,268 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, to a negative $1,341 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrese is mainly driven by the investment in working capital, increasing from $340 million at December 31, 2020 to $470 million at December 31, 2021.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities increased $8,092 thousand from an outflow of $31,940 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to an outflow of $23,848 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. Capital expenditures decreased during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $27,597 thousand from $30,257 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2020. Additionally during the year ended December 31, 2021, cash inflows were the proceeds from the disposal of certain assets, including $1,370 thousand from the sale of Niagara assets.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities increased $123,785 thousand, from a net outflow of $113,333 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 to a net inflow of $10,452 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is mainly due to the refinancing process, the issuance of the Super Senior notes amounting $60 million and $40 millions of new equity.
90
Cash Flow Analysis — Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
The following table summarizes Ferroglobe’s primary sources (uses) of cash for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Year ended December 31, | ||||
($ thousands) |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
| 123,175 |
| 216,647 |
Cash flows from operating activities |
| 154,268 |
| (31,194) |
Cash flows from investing activities |
| (31,940) |
| 165,910 |
Cash flows from financing activities |
| (113,333) |
| (224,005) |
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents in foreign currencies |
| (613) |
| (4,183) |
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
| 131,557 |
| 123,175 |
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period from statement of financial position | 131,557 | 123,175 | ||
Ferroglobe paid nil dividends during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019.
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities increased $185,462 thousand, from a negative cash generated of $31,194 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019, to $154,268 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. Operating profits increased significantly, driven by an improve in operating profit and a reduction in working capital. Additionally, CO2 emission rights have been sold during 2020 with a positive impact in operating cash flow $34,209 thousand.
Income taxes paid had a postive balance mainly due to the refunds received from USA Tax Authorities. Interest decrease $5,121 thousand driven by cancellation of AR securitization program on October 2, 2020.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities 197,850 thousand from an outflow of $165,910 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to an inflow of $31,940 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. Capital expenditures decreased during the year ended December 31, 2020 to $30,257 thousand from $32,445 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the effect of consolidating the accounts receivable securitization entity meant that an amount equal to $9,088 was included in cash flows from investing activities. Additional cash inflows were the proceeds from the disposal of certain non-core assets, including $177,627 thousand from the sale of subsidiary FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. and $8,668 thousand from the sale of timber farm plantations in South Africa and $3,018 thousand from other asset sales.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities increased $110,672 thousand, from an outflow of $224,005 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 to an outflow of $113,333 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended 31 December 2020 there has been a decrease in bank borrowings. On October 11, 2019, the Revolving Credit Facility was repaid $134,570 and replaced with the ABL Revolver. The ABL Revolver had a balance of $62,835 thousand at December 31, 2019. The Company had no factoring without recourse arrangements for other receivables as of December, 31 2019. On August 30, 2019, the hydro-lease was repaid.
Capital resources
Ferroglobe’s core objective is to maintain a balanced and sustainable capital structure through the economic cycles of the industries in which it operates, while keeping the cost of capital at competitive levels. In addition to cash flows from continuing operations, the Company’s main sources of capital resources are its Reinstated Senior Notes with an aggregate
91
principal value of $345,058 thousand, the Super Senior Notes with an aggregate principal value of $60,000 thousand and the factoring agreement with a maximum cash consideration advanced up to €60,000 thousand. As of December 31, 2021, the Company exceeded the limit, the lender agreed a temporary increase of the limit.
Capital Raising and Extension of the Maturity of the Senior Notes
Details and description of Ferroglobe’s debt instrument and factoring agreement are described in Notes 16 and 18 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For additional information see also “Item 10.C.— Material Contracts”.
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
For additional information see “Item 4.B.—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Research and Development (R&D).”
D. Trend Information
We discuss in Item 5.A. above and elsewhere in this annual report, trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended December 31, 2021 that we believe are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources or to cause the disclosed financial information not to be necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E. Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of Ferroglobe’s financial condition and results of operations is based upon its Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of those financial statements requires Ferroglobe to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and related disclosure at the date of its financial statements. The estimates and related assumptions are based on available information at the date of preparation of the financial statements, on historical experience and on other relevant factors. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions. Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments of uncertainties and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. The principal items affected by estimates are business combinations, impairment of long-lived assets, inventories and income taxes. The following are Ferroglobe’s most critical accounting policies, because they generally involve a comparatively higher degree of judgment in their application. For a description of all of Ferroglobe’s principal accounting policies, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Ferroglobe included elsewhere in this annual report.
Business combinations
Ferroglobe subsidiaries have completed a number of significant business acquisitions over the past several years. Our business strategy contemplates that we may pursue additional acquisitions in the future. When we acquire a business, the purchase price is allocated based on the fair value of tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Goodwill as of the acquisition date is measured as the residual of the excess of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. If, after reassessment, the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the excess is recognized immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain. We generally engage independent third-party appraisal firms to assist in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Such a valuation requires management to make significant estimates, especially with respect to intangible assets. These estimates are based on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies. These estimates are
92
inherently uncertain and may impact reported depreciation and amortization in future periods, as well as any related impairment of goodwill or other long lived assets.
When the consideration transferred by the Company in a business combination includes an asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination. Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration that is classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value with the corresponding gain or loss being recognized in profit or loss. Changes in fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.
See Note 5 to the accompanying audited Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed disclosures related to our acquisitions.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price of acquired businesses over fair values attributed to underlying net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the Company’s cash-generating units (or groups of cash generating units) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. A cash-generating unit to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the cash-generating unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any impairment loss for goodwill is recognized directly in profit or loss. On disposal of the relevant cash-generating unit, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
The valuation of the Company’s cash generating units requires significant judgment in evaluation of, among other things, recent indicators of market activity and estimated future cash flows, discount rates and other factors. The estimates of cash flows, future earnings, and discount rate are subject to change due to the economic environment and business trends, including such factors as raw material and product pricing, interest rates, expected market returns and volatility of markets served, as well as our future manufacturing capabilities, government regulation, technological change and operational improvements and cost efficiencies driven by the implementation of the new strategy.
We believe that the estimates of future cash flows, future earnings, and fair value are reasonable; however, changes in estimates such as volumes, pricing, costs, discount rate, circumstances or conditions could have a significant impact on our fair valuation estimation, which could then result in an impairment charge in the future.
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has concluded that there are no impairment of goodwill.
Ferroglobe operates in a cyclical market, and silicon and silicon-based alloy index pricing and foreign import pressure into the U.S. and Canadian markets impact the future projected cash flows used in our impairment analysis.
Long-lived assets (excluding goodwill)
In order to ascertain whether its assets have become impaired, Ferroglobe compares their carrying amount with their recoverable amount if there are indications that the assets might have become impaired. Where the asset itself does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, Ferroglobe estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value and value in use, which is the present value of the future cash flows that are expected to be derived from continuing use of the asset and from its
93
ultimate disposal at the end of its useful life, discounted at a rate which reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the business to which the asset belongs.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognized as an expense under “net impairment losses” in the consolidated income statement. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment is recognized as “impairment gain (losses)” in the consolidated income statement. The basis for depreciation or amortization is the carrying amount of the assets, deemed to be the acquisition cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
During year ended December 31, 2021 the Company recognized an impairment reversal of $137 thousand in relation to; our idled capacity at the Polokwane facility in South Africa impairment reversal of $2,681 thousand, at Château Feuillet facility in Europe impairment of $441 thousand and in our quartz mine in Mauritania amounting $1,726 thousand. During 2020, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $73,344 thousand in relation to our idled capacity at the Niagara facilities in the United States by $35,685 thousand, at the Polokwane facility in South Africa by $8,677 thousand, at Château Feuillet facility in Europe by $17,941 thousand and an impairment of $11,041 thousand in relation to our solar-grade silicon metal project in Puertollano, Spain.
Inventories
Cost of inventories is determined by the average cost method. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or Net Realizable Value. Circumstances may arise (e.g., reductions in market pricing, obsolete, slow moving or defective inventory) that require the carrying amount of our inventory to be written down to net realizable value. We estimate market and net realizable value based on current and future expected selling prices, as well as expected costs to complete, including utilization of parts and supplies in our manufacturing process. We believe that these estimates are reasonable; however, future market price decreases caused by changing economic conditions, customer demand, or other factors could result in future inventory write-downs that could be material.
Determination of income taxes provision
The current income tax expense incurred by Ferroglobe subsidiaries on an individual basis is determined by applying the applicable tax rate to the taxable profit for the year, calculated on the basis of accounting profit before tax, increased or decreased, as appropriate, by the permanent differences arising from the application of tax legislation and by the elimination of any tax consolidation adjustments, taking into account tax relief and tax credits. The consolidated income tax expense is calculated by adding together the expense recognized by each of the consolidated subsidiaries, increased or decreased, as appropriate, as a result of the tax effect of consolidation adjustments for accounting purposes.
Ferroglobe’s deferred tax assets and liabilities include temporary differences measured at the amounts expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases, and tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. These amounts are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, except for those arising from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is considered probable that Ferroglobe will have taxable profits in the future against which the deferred tax assets can be utilized. The deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized are reassessed at each reporting date in order to ascertain whether they still exist, and the appropriate adjustments are made on the basis of the findings of the analyses performed.
Significant judgment is required in determining income tax provisions and tax positions. Ferroglobe may be challenged upon review by the applicable taxing authorities, and positions taken may not be sustained. The accounting for uncertain income tax positions requires consideration of timing and judgments about tax issues and potential outcomes and is a subjective estimate. In certain circumstances, the ultimate outcome of exposures and risks involves significant
94
uncertainties. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on Ferroglobe’s results of operations and financial condition. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in income tax expense.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
Certain of the Company's financial instruments are classified as Level 3 as they include unobservable inputs. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either: in the principal market for the asset or liability; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
G. Safe Harbor
This annual report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act and Section 21E of the U.S. Exchange Act and as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See “Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
The following table lists each of our executive officers and directors, their respective ages and positions as of the date of this annual report and their respective dates of appointment. The business address of all our directors and senior management is our business address as set forth in “Item 4.A.—Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company.”
Name |
| Age |
| Position | Date of appointment | |||
Javier López Madrid | 57 | Director and Executive Chairman | February 5, 2015 | |||||
Marco Levi | 62 | Director and Chief Executive Officer | January 10, 2020 | |||||
Beatriz García-Cos Muntañola | 58 | Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer | October 17, 2019 | |||||
Bruce L. Crockett | 78 | Director | December 23, 2015 | |||||
Stuart E. Eizenstat | 79 | Director | December 23, 2015 | |||||
Manuel Garrido y Ruano | 56 | Director | May 30, 2017 | |||||
Marta de Amusategui y Vergara | 57 | Director | Jun 12, 2020 | |||||
Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes | 60 | Director | December 23, 2015 | |||||
Belén Villalonga Morenés | 53 | Director | May 13, 2021 | |||||
Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes | 56 | Director | May 13, 2021 | |||||
Nicolas de Santis | 56 | Director | May 13, 2021 | |||||
Rafael Barrilero Yarnoz | 59 | Director | May 13, 2021 | |||||
Other than employment agreements between Ferroglobe and each of Javier López Madrid, Marco Levi and Beatriz García-Cos Muntañola, there are no service contracts between the officers and directors listed in the table above, on the one hand, and us or any of our subsidiaries on the other, providing for benefits upon termination of employment.
There are no family relationships between our executive officers and directors, except that Javier López Madrid is married to Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes, who is also the sister of Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes.
Set forth below is a brief biography of each of our executive officers and directors.
95
Javier López Madrid
Javier López Madrid has been Executive Chairman of the Company since December 31, 2016 and Chairman of our Nominations Committee since January 1, 2018. He was first appointed to the Board on February 5, 2015 and was the Company’s Executive Vice-Chairman from December 23, 2015 until December 31, 2016.
He has been Chief Executive Officer of Grupo VM since 2008, is a member of the World Economic Forum, Group of Fifty and a member of the Board of several non profit organizations. He is the founder and largest shareholder of Financiera Siacapital and founded Tressis, Spain’s largest independent private bank. Mr. López Madrid holds a Masters in law and business from ICADE University.
Marco Levi
Marco Levi was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company on January 10, 2020 and appointed to its Board of Directors on January 15, 2020. Dr Levi previously served as President and CEO of Alhstrom-Munksjö Oyj, a global fiber materials company listed in Finland, where he led a successful transformation of the business by refocusing its product portfolio towards value-added specialty products. Prior to that, Dr. Levi was Senior Vice President and Business President of the $3 billion emulsion polymers division of chemicals manufacturer Styron, including during the period in which Styron division was acquired by Bain Capital from Dow Chemical Company. Dr. Levi previously had spent over twenty-two years at Dow in various departments and roles, ultimately serving as general manager of the emulsion polymers business.
Dr Levi is also a Non-Executive Director of Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc, the leading global performance materials company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Dr Levi holds a doctorate in industrial chemistry from the Università degli Studi di Milano, Statale, in Italy.
Beatriz García-Cos Muntañola
Beatriz García-Cos Muntañola was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer on October 17, 2019.
Before joining Ferroglobe, Ms. García-Cos served as Group CFO at Bekaert NV, a leading, global steel wire transformation company, listed on the Brussels Stock Exchange, where she focused on setting and executing financial strategy, as well as leading numerous strategic projects centered on business growth and enhanced operational efficiency. Prior to Bekaert NV, she was the Chief Financial Officer of the mining division of Trafigura Beheer BV, one of the largest physical commodities trading groups. Before that, she was Finance Director, EMEA and LATAM, for Vestas Wind Systems A.S, the Danish publicly-listed multinational and world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer. Prior to that role, she was Finance Manager for PPG Industries Inc, a leading diversified manufacturing company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Ms García-Cos holds an M.A. in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Barcelona and graduated from the Advanced Management Program of IESE, in Spain.
Bruce L. Crockett
Bruce L. Crockett was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on December 23, 2015. He has been a member of our Audit Committee from that date and was Chair of the Audit Committee since June 4, 2020 and served on our Compensation Committee from January 1, 2018 until June 23, 2021. Mr. Crockett was appointed on May 13, 2021 as our Senior Independent Director and on June 23, 2021 as Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr. Crockett holds a number of other Board and governance roles. He has been Chairman of the Invesco Mutual Funds Group Board of Directors and a member of its Audit, Investment and Governance Committees, serving on the board since 1991, as Chair since 2003 and on the Board of predecessor companies from 1978. Since 2013, he has been a member of
96
the Board of Directors and, since 2014, Chair of the Audit Committee and since 2021 member of the Governance Committee of ALPS Property & Casualty Insurance Company. He has been Chairman of, and a private investor in, Crockett Technologies Associates since 1996. He is a life trustee of the University of Rochester.
Mr. Crockett was a member of the Board of Directors of Globe from April 2014 until the closing of the Business Combination, as well as a member of Globe’s Audit Committee. He was formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of COMSAT Corporation from 1992 until 1996 and its President and Chief Operating Officer from 1991 to 1992, holding a number of other operational and financial positions at COMSAT from 1980, including that of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Ace Limited from 1995 until 2012 and of Captaris, Inc. from 2001 until its acquisition in 2008 and its Chairman from 2003 to 2008.
Mr. Crockett holds an A.B. degree from the University of Rochester, B.S. degree from the University of Maryland, an MBA from Columbia University and an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Maryland.
Stuart E. Eizenstat
Stuart E. Eizenstat was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on December 23, 2015. He has been a member of the Company’s Corporate Governance Committee since January 1, 2018 and was appointed to our Nominations Committee on May 16, 2018.
Mr. Eizenstat has been a Senior Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington, D.C. and Head of its international practice since 2001. He has served as a member of the Advisory Boards of GML Ltd. since 2003 and of the Office of Cherifien de Phosphates since 2010. He was a trustee of BlackRock Funds from 2001 until 2018.
Mr. Eizenstat was a member of Board of Directors of Globe from 2008 until the closing of the Business Combination and Chair of its Nominating Committee. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Alcatel-Lucent from 2008 to 2016 and of United Parcel Service from 2005 to 2015. He has had an illustrious political and advisory career, including serving as Special Adviser to Secretary of State Kerry on Holocaust-Era Issues from 2009 to 2017 and Special Representative of the President and Secretary of State on Holocaust Issues during the Clinton administration from 1993 to 2001. He was Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury from July 1999 to January 2001, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs from 1997 to 1999, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade from 1996 to 1997, U.S. Ambassador to the European Union from 1993 to 1996 and Chief Domestic Policy Advisor in the White House to President Carter from 1977 to 1981. He is the author of “Imperfect Justice: Looted Assets, Slave Labor, and the Unfinished Business of World War II”; “The Future of the Jews: How Global Forces are Impacting the Jewish People, Israel, and its Relationship with the United States” and “President Carter: The White House Years.”
Mr. Eizenstat holds a B.A. in Political Science, cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and nine honorary doctorate degrees and awards from the United States, French, German, Austrian, Belgian and Israeli governments.
Manuel Garrido y Ruano
Manuel Garrido y Ruano was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on May 30, 2017. He was a member of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee from May 30, 2017 until December 31, 2017, when he was appointed to our Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr. Garrido y Ruano has been Chief Financial Officer of Grupo Villar Mir since 2003 and he is currently member of the Board of its subsidiary in the energy sector, and member of the steering Committee of its real estate subsidiary. In June 2021 he was appointed non executive Chairman of Fertial SPA the Algerian fertilizers subsidiary of the Group.
He is Professor of Corporate Finance of one Graduate Management Program at the Universidad de Navarra, and has also been Professor of Communication and Leadership of the Graduate Management Program at CUNEF in Spain.
97
Mr. Garrido y Ruano was a member of the steering committee of FerroAtlántica until 2015, having previously served as its Chief Financial Officer from 1996 to 2003. He worked with McKinsey & Company from 1991 to 1996, specializing in restructuring, business development and turnaround and cost efficiency projects globally.
Mr. Garrido y Ruano holds a Masters in Civil Engineering with honors from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and an MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.
Marta de Amusategui y Vergara
Marta de Amusategui y Vergara was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on June 12, 2020. She has been a member of our Audit Committee from that date and a member of the Compensation Committee since June 23, 2021.
Ms. Amusategui has substantial experience in executive and non-executive roles, with a background in business strategy, banking and finance. She is founder and partner of Abrego Capital S.L, providing strategic and financial advisory services, and co-founder of Observatorio Industria 4.0, the professional forum leveraging knowledge and experience to assist businesses, specifically those in the secondary sector, in their digital transformation. She began her career in management consulting and investment banking, serving as Country Executive Officer and General Manager with Bank of America in Spain from 2003 to 2008.
Ms. Amusategui has been a member of the Board of Eland Private Equity, S.G.E.I.C., S.A., a private equity management company specializing in renewable energies, since 2009. Since 2020, she has been a member of the board of directors of Eccocar Sharing S.L. She has also held other Board positions in the past, including that of Telvent GIT S.A. (NASDAQ TLVT), the global IT solutions and business information services provider, where she became an independent director from early 2010 until its de-listing following acquisition in December 2011. She is currently a member of the McKinsey Alumni Council in Spain.
Ms. Amusategui holds an Industrial Engineering degree (MSc equivalent) from Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Madrid, Spain, and an MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France. She holds a number of academic appointments, lecturing in Financing at the Three Points Digital Business School, Grupo Planeta, in Barcelona, in Managerial Competencies in CUNEF, in Madrid, and in Risk Management on the Non-Executive Directors Program at ICADE Business School, also in Madrid.
Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes
Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on December 23, 2015.
Mr. Villar-Mir de Fuentes has been Vice Chairman of Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A since 1996 and Vice Chairman of Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U. since 1999 and he is currently Chairman of both companies. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Obrascon Huarte Lain, S.A. since 1996, a member of the Audit Committee and, later, a member of its Compensation Committee. Currently he is Vice Chairman of the company. He was a Board director and member of the Compensation Committee of Inmobiliaria Colonial, S.A from June 2014 to May 2017. He also was a member of the Board of Directors and of the Compensation Committee of Abertis Infraestructuras, S.A. between 2013 and 2016.
Mr. Villar-Mir de Fuentes is Patron and member of the Patronage Council of Fundación Nantik Lum and of Fundación Santa María del Camino.
Mr. Villar-Mir holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Economics and Business Management from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.
98
Belen Villalonga Morenés
Belen Villalonga Morenés was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on May 13, 2021. She has been a member of the Audit Committee from that date and was appointed to the Corporate Governance Committee on June 23, 2021.
Ms. Villalonga is a Professor of Management and Organizations, a Yamaichi Faculty Fellow, and a Professor of Finance (by courtesy) at New York University’s Stern School of Business. Between 2001 and 2012 she was a faculty member at the Harvard Business School. Her teaching, research, and consulting activities are in the areas of corporate governance, strategy, and finance, with a special focus on family-controlled companies. Her award-winning research has been cited over 15,000 times in scholarly articles and international media outlets. Professor Villalonga is an independent director and audit committee member (and former chair) at Grifols, a global leader in hemoderivatives that is part of Spain’s IBEX35 blue-chip index and is also listed on NASDAQ. She is also a member of the board and of the risk, audit, and compensation & talent management committees at Banco Santander International, the Santander group’s private banking subsidiary in the United States. She was also an independent director for 13 years at Acciona, a leader in the renewable energy and infrastructure industries, as well as at Talgo, a high-speed train manufacturer, where she chaired the strategy committee.
Ms. Villalonga holds a Ph.D. in Management and an M.A. in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. She also holds a Ph.D. in Business Economics from the Complutense University of Madrid.
Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes
Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on May 13, 2021. She has been a member of the Compensation Committee since June 23, 2021. Ms. Villar-Mir de Fuentes currently serves on the board of directors of Grupo Villar Mir, a privately held Spanish group with investments across a broad range of diversified industries, which is the beneficial owner of approximately 49% of the Company’s share capital.
Mrs. Villar-Mir de Fuentes is a summa cum laude graduate in Economics and Business Studies, with concentration in finance and accounting, from The American College in London, United Kingdom.
Nicolas De Santis
Nicolas De Santis was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on May 13, 2021. He has been a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominations Committee since June 23, 2021. Mr. De Santis is a technology entrepreneur, strategist and author with substantial experience in executive and non-executive roles. Mr. De Santis is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Corporate Vision, a strategy and innovation consultancy and incubator. Corporate Vision advises multinational corporations and start-ups on digital business transformation (including artificial intelligence and machine learning), business strategy, branding, business model innovation, sustainability strategies and corporate culture change.
Previously Mr. De Santis served on the board of publicly traded Lyris Technologies (acquired by AUREA Software in 2015). He began his management career at Landor Associates (now WPP Group). As a technology entrepreneur, he co-founded several high-profile start-ups, including opodo.com, one of Europe’s most successful start-ups, reaching $1.5 billion in gross sales.
Mr. De Santis is a regular lecturer at business schools and universities on business strategy, global branding, business model innovation and culture transformation, including IE Business School, Madrid and the University of Wyoming. He is the author of Futurising Companies® - A systematic approach to win the future by managing culture as the operating system of organisations.
99
Rafael Barrilero Yarnoz
Rafael Barrilero Yarnoz was appointed to our Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director on May 13, 2021. He was appointed Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominations Committee on June 23, 2021.
Mr. Barrilero Yarnoz is a senior advisor at Mercer Consulting. Mr. Barrilero Yarnoz has developed his career as a partner of the firm and as a member of the executive committee, leading the advisory talent and reward service for the boards of the main companies and multinationals. He has also led the business throughout the EMEA. Previously, he led the Watson Wyatt consulting firm in Madrid. He began his career as a lawyer at Ebro Agricolas focused on labour law, before serving as Ebro’s head of human resources.
Mr. Barrilero Yarnoz has a law degree from Deusto and a Masters in Financial Economics from ICADE, as well as a masters in human resources by Euroforum-INSEAD.
B. Compensation
Compensation of executive officers and directors
The table below sets out the remuneration earned by our directors during the year ended December 31, 2021:
Long - Term | ||||||||||||
($ units) |
| Salary & Fees |
| Benefits |
| Pension |
| Annual Bonus |
| Incentives |
| Total |
Executive Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Javier López Madrid | 763,609 | 199,796 | 152,722 | 315,266 | — | 1,431,393 | ||||||
Marco Levi | 709,620 | 47,446 | 141,924 | 292,976 | — | 1,191,966 | ||||||
Non-Executive Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
José María Alapont 1 | 92,069 | 4,128 | — | — | — | 96,197 | ||||||
Rafael Barrilero Yarnoz 5 | 85,484 | 4,128 | — | — | — | 89,612 | ||||||
Bruce L. Crockett | 202,500 | 14,447 | — | — | — | 216,947 | ||||||
Stuart E. Eizenstat | 119,013 | — | — | — | — | 119,013 | ||||||
Manuel Garrido y Ruano | 112,822 | — | — | — | — | 112,822 | ||||||
Nicolas de Santis 4 | 74,406 | — | — | — | — | 74,406 | ||||||
Marta Amusategui | 131,467 | — | — | — | — | 131,467 | ||||||
Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes | 96,311 | — | — | — | — | 96,311 | ||||||
Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes 3 | 72,342 | — | — | — | — | 72,342 | ||||||
Belén Villanga Morenés 2 | 85,157 | 4,816 | — | — | — | 89,973 |
1 José María Alapont resigned from the Board on April 30, 2021
2 Ms. Villalonga Morénes was appointed to the Board on May 13, 2021
3 Ms. Villar-Mir de Fuentes was appointed to the Board on May 13, 2021
4 Mr. De Santis was appointed to the Board on May 13, 2021
5 Mr. Barrilero Yarnoz was appointed to the Board on May 13, 2021
Javier López Madrid holds 28,117 options granted on November 24, 2016 and vested in 2019, 70,464 options granted on June 1, 2017 and vested in 2020, and 46,777 options granted on March 21, 2018 (at target performance in each case). On March 14, 2019 Javier López Madrid was granted 342,329 options (at target performance). As with prior grants, the maximum opportunity for each award is twice target. The awards granted in 2019 were discounted by a significant percentage to take account of the fall in the Company’s share price in 2018 and 2019, with a discount of 50% applied to awards granted to executive directors, and a cap at 400% of each of the above participants’ “normal” award level was also introduced for all 2019 awards. On December 16, 2020, Javier López Madrid was granted 1,355,915 options and Marco Levi was granted 1,279,544 options (at maximum performance in each case). On September 9, 2021, Javier López Madrid was granted 385,611 options and Marco Levi was granted 359,105 options (at maximum performance in each case).
100
All of these options were granted under the rules of the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan 2016, are over ordinary shares in the capital of the Company and have a strike price of nil, except the options granted in 2021 which have a strike of 0.01. The options vest and become exercisable three years from the date of grant in the case of the options granted in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and four years from the date of grant in the case of the options granted in 2020, in each case to the extent that performance conditions are satisfied, and subject to continued service with the Company, remain exercisable until the tenth anniversary of their grant date. In the case of the options granted in 2021 the options vest on January 1, 2024.
Remuneration policy
In June 2020, our shareholders approved the remuneration policy applicable to executive directors and non-executive directors of the Company as set out in the directors’ remuneration report within our U.K. annual report for the year ended December 31, 2019 (the “Policy”), as required by the UK Companies Act 2006 and the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013. The Policy was approved on June 30, 2020 and applied with immediate effect.
The overall aim of our remuneration strategy is to provide appropriate incentives that reflect our high-performance culture and values to maximize returns for our shareholders. In summary, we aim to:
| ● | attract, retain and motivate high-caliber, high-performing employees; |
| ● | encourage strong performance and engagement, both in the short and the long term, to enable us to achieve our strategic objectives; |
| ● | link a very significant proportion of pay to performance conditions measured over both the short-term and longer term; |
| ● | set fixed pay levels at or around market norms to allow for a greater proportion of total remuneration opportunity to be in variable pay; and |
| ● | create strong alignment between the interests of shareholders and executives through both the use of equity in variable incentive plans and the setting of shareholding guidelines for directors. |
Consistent with this remuneration strategy, in relation to the Company’s executive directors, the Policy provides, in summary, that:
| ● | executive director salaries are set at a rate commensurate with the individual’s role, responsibilities and experience, having regard to broader market rates. Salaries are reviewed annually, when Company performance, individual performance, changes in responsibility, levels of increase for the broader employee population and market salary levels will be taken into account. No maximum salary is set under the Policy; |
| ● | executive directors may receive a cash allowance in lieu of contribution to a pension, up to a maximum of 20% of base salary per annum, which may include contributions to a U.S. tax-qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan; |
| ● | executive directors may receive other market competitive benefits such as medical cover, life assurance and income protection insurance and, where appropriate, relocation allowances (with the Compensation Committee to review relocation allowances annually); |
| ● | executive directors are provided with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and an indemnity to the fullest extent permitted by the UK Companies Act 2006; |
| ● | executive directors are eligible for an annual bonus, which normally has a maximum bonus opportunity of 200% of annual base salary but could have a maximum bonus opportunity of up to 500% of annual base salary in |
101
| exceptional circumstances. No more than 25% of the maximum bonus payable for each performance condition will be payable for threshold performance. Any bonus award will be subject to the achievement of quantitative and qualitative performance conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee each year (at least two-thirds of the bonus will be based on financial metrics with the balance based on non-financial metrics). Normally any bonus earned in excess of the target amount will be deferred for three years into shares in the Company and the executive director may be granted an additional long-term incentive award of equal value (at maximum) to the amount of annual bonus deferred. Recovery and recoupment provisions apply to all bonus awards for misstatement, error or gross misconduct. The Company may also award retention bonuses, payable in addition to or instead of any annual bonus, if it considers it necessary to retain key executives in situations where the individual might otherwise leave and his or her retention is critical. The grant, terms and payment of any retention bonus are at the discretion of the Committee. Any retention bonus would normally count towards the 500% salary limit referred to above; |
| ● | executive directors are eligible to be granted an award under the Company’s long-term incentive plan, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Any awards granted would normally vest three years after the date of grant. All long-term incentive awards granted are subject to the achievement of performance targets, determined by the Compensation Committee for each grant. If an award is granted, the annual target award limit will not normally be higher than 300% of salary (save that, in recruitment, appointment and retention situations, it could be up to 500% of salary) and maximum vesting is normally 200% of target (both measures based on the face value of shares at the date of grant). Recovery and recoupment provisions apply to all long-term incentive awards for misstatement, error or gross misconduct; |
| ● | the Company has share ownership guidelines in place under which it recommends that executive directors hold a number of shares in the Company equivalent to 200% of base salary; and |
| ● | when determining the remuneration package for a new executive director, the Compensation Committee expects to apply the Policy set out above but may, in some circumstances, need to take account of other relevant factors, such as that individual’s existing employment and their personal circumstances. |
The Company’s executive directors are Mr. López Madrid, who has served as Executive Chairman since December 2017 and as a Director since December 2015, and receives a base salary of £555,000 per annum, and Dr. Marco Levi who serves as Chief Executive Officer and Director and receives a base salary of €600,000 per annum. The salary of Mr. López Madrid has remained unchanged since his executive appointment. On March 2, 2022 the base salary of Dr Levi was increased to €800,000 per annum.
In relation to the Company’s non-executive directors, the Policy provides, in summary, that:
| ● | Non-executive directors are paid a basic fee. Supplementary fees are paid for additional responsibilities and activities such as membership of a main Board committee or assuming chairmanship of a committee. Travel fees may be paid to reflect additional time incurred in travelling to meetings; |
| ● | Currently, non-executive directors receive a base fee of £70 thousand per annum, with supplemental fees being payable if that non-executive director is also the senior independent director (£35,000 per annum), a member of the Audit Committee (£17,500 per annum), a member of the Compensation Committee (£15,500 per annum), a member of the Corporate Governance Committee (£12,000 per annum) or a Committee Chairman (two times membership fee). Non-executive directors receive a travel fee of either £3,500 (for intercontinental travel) or £1,500 (for continental travel) per meeting. Members of the Nominations Committee receive a fee of £1,500 for each meeting, with a maximum set at £10,000 per annum. Where the Chair of the Nominations Committee is also an executive director, he or she is paid no fee for their chairmanship. Non-executive director fee levels are reviewed periodically, with reference to time commitment, knowledge, experience and responsibilities of the role as well as market levels in comparable companies both in terms of size and sector. No maximum fee level or prescribed annual increase is set under the Policy; |
102
| ● | reasonable expenses incurred by the non-executive directors in carrying out their duties may be reimbursed by the Company including any personal tax payable by the non-executive director as a result of reimbursement of those expenses. The Company may also pay an allowance in lieu of expenses if it deems this appropriate; |
| ● | non-executive directors are provided with directors’ and officers’ liability insurance and an indemnity to the fullest extent permitted by the UK Companies Act 2006. |
C. Board Practices
Board composition and election of Directors
As of the date of this annual report, our Board of Directors consists of eleven directors, of whom two are executive directors and nine are non-executive directors. The maximum and minimum number of directors is eleven and two respectively. Subject to the approval of the Nominations Committee, the Chief Executive Officer is nominated as a director by the Board of Directors. Of the directors, three are Grupo VM nominees, namely Javier López Madrid, Manuel Garrido y Ruano and Juan Villar Mir de Fuentes. Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes was appointed to the Board on May 13, 2021 as a non-executive director who is affiliated with Grupo VM. The remaining non-executive directors are independent.
All directors will stand for re-election at the Company’s annual general meeting in June, 2022. Any director not so elected or re-elected will stand down. No new executive directors may be appointed without the approval of a majority of Grupo VM nominees and a majority of independent directors.
Director independence
Under the Articles of Association, as in effect since October 26, 2017, a director is considered independent if he or she is “independent” as defined in the NASDAQ rules and, while Grupo VM and its Affiliates own 10% or more of the Company’s shares, is independent from Grupo VM and its Affiliates. The Board reviewed the independence of its then directors in December 2015 and concluded that each of Messrs. Crockett and Eizenstat met the independence requirements of the NASDAQ rules. Messrs. López Madrid, Garrido y Ruano and Villar Mir are GVM Nominees and are not considered to be independent. Ms. Villar Mir is associated with Grupo VM and is not considered to be independent. The independence of Ms. Amusategui was confirmed by the Nominations Committee in 2020 and the independence of Ms. Villalonga, Mr. de Santis and Mr. Barrilero was confirmed by the Nominations Committee in 2021 prior to their recommendation to the Board for appointment.
Certain approvals of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to the Articles of Association, as in effect since October 26, 2017, the approval of certain matters by our Board of Directors requires the approval of more than a simple majority of directors present.
So long as Grupo VM or its Affiliates owns 10% or more of our outstanding shares, any transaction, agreement or arrangement between Grupo VM or any of its Affiliates or Connected Persons (as defined in the articles of association) and the Company or any of its Affiliates (or any amendment, waiver or repeal of any such transaction, agreement or arrangement) requires the approval of a majority of independent, non-conflicted directors.
No new executive directors may be appointed without the approval of a majority of GVM Nominees and a majority of independent directors.
Committees of the Board of Directors
During the year ended December 31, 2021, our Board of Directors had four standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Corporate Governance Committee and a Nominations Committee.
103
Audit Committee
During the period from January 1, 2021 to the resignation of Mr Alapont on April 30, 2021, our Audit Committee consisted of three directors: Ms. Amusategui and Messrs. Alapont, and Crockett (as Chair). During the period from May 1, 2021 to May 12, 2021, our Audit Committee consisted of two directors: Ms. Amusategui and Mr. Crockett (as Chair). During the period from May 13, 2021 to December 31, 2021, our Audit Committee had three members: Mses. Amusategui and Villalonga and Mr. Crockett (as Chair). Mr. Crockett serves as Chairman of the Committee from May 31, 2020 and he meets the requirements as an “audit committee financial expert” under the rules of the SEC and qualify as a financially sophisticated audit committee member as required by the NASDAQ rules relating to audit committees. Mr. Alapont resigned from the Audit Committee on April 30, 2021. Our Board has determined that each of these directors satisfies the enhanced independence requirements for audit committee members required by Rule 10A-3 under the U.S. Exchange Act, and is financially literate as that phrase is used in the additional audit committee requirements of the NASDAQ rules.
Our Audit Committee has responsibility to: (1) oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements; (2) monitor and make recommendations to the Board regarding the auditing and integrity of our consolidated financial statements; (3) be directly responsible for the qualification, selection, retention, independence, performance and compensation of our independent auditors, including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting, for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for us, and have the auditors report directly to the Committee; and (4) provide oversight in respect of our internal audit and accounting and financial reporting processes. The Audit Committee meets at least four times a year. Additional meetings may occur as the Audit Committee or its chair deem advisable.
Compensation Committee
During the period from January 1, 2021 to the resignation of Mr Alapont on April 30, 2021, our Compensation Committee consisted of two directors: Messrs. Alapont (Chair) and Crockett. During the period from May 1, 2021 to June 22, 2021 our Compensation Committee has consisted of one director: Mr. Crockett (Chair). During the period from June 23, 2021 to December 31, 2021, our Compensation Committee has consisted of four directors: Mses. Amusategui and Villar-Mir de Fuentes and Messrs. Barrilero (Chair) and De Santis. With the exception of Ms. Villar-Mir de Fuentes, our Board has determined that each of these directors meets the heightened independence requirements of compensation committee members under SEC rules.
Our Compensation Committee has responsibility to: (1) evaluate and recommend to the Board for approval the compensation of our directors, executive officers and key employees; (2) oversee directly or indirectly all compensation programs involving the use of our stock; (3) produce a report annually on executive compensation for inclusion in our proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders; (4) produce a report annually in compliance with remuneration reporting requirements (i.e., a directors’ remuneration report), in each case in accordance with applicable rules and regulations; and (5) produce, review on an ongoing basis and update as needed, a directors’ remuneration policy. The Compensation Committee meets with such frequency, and at such times, and places and whether in person or electronically/telephonically as it determines is necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities, but shall meet at least four times annually.
Nominations Committee
From January 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021 our Nominations Committee consisted of three directors: Messrs. López Madrid (as Chair), Alapont and Eizenstat. Following the resignation of Mr. Alapont on April 30, 2021, our Nominations Committee consisted of two directors: Messrs. López Madrid (as Chair) and Eizenstat. Since June 23, 2021, our Nominations Committee has consisted of four directors: Messrs. López Madrid (as Chair), Eizenstat, Barrilero and De Santis.
Our Nominations Committee has responsibility to review and provide guidance to the Board about the composition of the Board as follows: (a) subject to the provisions of the Articles of Association where a different arrangement may be prescribed, identifying and recommending to the Board for nomination individuals qualified to become Board members,
104
consistent with qualification standards and other criteria approved by the Board for selecting directors; (b) reviewing and providing guidance on the independence of nominees, consistent with applicable laws, NASDAQ requirements and the Articles of Association, and monitoring and ensuring that independent non-executive directors continue to meet these applicable independence requirements; and (c) reviewing and providing guidance on other nominating issues that the Board desires to have reviewed by the Committee. Mr. Alapont resigned from the Nominations Committee on April 30, 2021.
Corporate Governance Committee
During the period from January 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021 our Corporate Governance Committee consisted of three directors: Messrs. Alapont (as Chair), Eizenstat and Garrido y Ruano. During the period from May 1, 2021 to June 2022 our Corporate Governance Committee consisted of two directors Messrs. Eizenstat (as Chair) and Garrido y Ruano. During the period from June 23, 2021 to December 31, 2021, our Corporate Governance Committee has consisted of four directors: Ms Villar-Mir de Fuentes and Messrs. Crockett (as Chair), Eizenstat and Garrido y Ruano.
Our Corporate Governance Committee has responsibility to review and provide guidance to the Board and respond to the Board’s requests about governance related matters including: (a) reviewing and providing guidance on the organization of the Board and its committee structure; (b) reviewing and providing guidance on the self-evaluation procedures of the Board and its committees; (c) reviewing and providing guidance on a conflicts register; (d) reviewing and providing guidance on the Company’s code of conduct; (e) reviewing and providing guidance on the Company’s insider trading policy; (f) reviewing and providing guidance on proposed changes to the Articles; (g) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board on non-executive directors’ compensation reviewing and agreeing the terms of non-executive directors’ letters of appointment; and (h) considering succession planning, taking into account the challenges and opportunities facing the Company and the skills and expertise needed on the Board in the future, recommending to the Board plans for succession for both executive and non-executive directors.
Senior Independent Director
In October 2017, the Board established the role of Senior Independent Director, to provide a sounding board for the Chairman and to serve as intermediary for the other directors where necessary. During the period from January 1, 2021 to April 30 2021, Mr. Alapont served as Senior Independent Director. Since May 13, 2021, Mr. Crockett has served as Senior Independent Director.
Corporate governance policy
In October 2017, the Board adopted a corporate governance policy (“the Corporate Governance Policy”) under which, while Grupo VM has the right under the shareholders agreement in place between it and the Company to require that at least three members of the Board shall be persons proposed by it to the Nominations Committee, there shall be at least five directors on the Board who are independent within the meaning of the Company’s Articles of Association. Under this policy the number of independent directors reduces as Grupo VM’s rights to propose persons for nomination to the Board also reduce, it being the Board’s policy that at all times, there is a majority of directors on the Board who are independent as so defined. The Corporate Governance Policy was most recently reviewed by the Board in November 2021 and renewed until 11 November 2023.
Board policy
In 2015, we adopted a Board policy which provides certain practical principles relating to (i) the functioning of the Board; and (ii) the principles under which we will undertake our core management and overall supervision tasks from our London headquarters (the “Board Policy”). As set out in the Board Policy, we provide management and other services (including, but not limited to, administration, financial, commercial and technical services) to Globe, FerroAtlántica and any other subsidiaries from time to time.
105
D. Employees
As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, on a consolidated basis, the number of employees, across the Ferroglobe Group was 3,425, 3,270 and 3,462 respectively, excluding temporary employees. We believe our relations with our employees are generally good and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or work stoppages.
The following table show the number of our full-time employees as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 on a consolidated basis broken down based on business segment and geographical location:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
North America |
| 924 |
| 820 |
| 847 |
Spain |
| 578 |
| 574 |
| 561 |
France |
| 1,075 |
| 1,041 |
| 1,119 |
South Africa |
| 306 |
| 314 |
| 358 |
Rest of the world |
| 542 |
| 521 |
| 577 |
Total number of employees |
| 3,425 |
| 3,270 |
| 3,462 |
Collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) are in force or in an extended period among our operations in Spain, France, South Africa, Norway, the United States, Canada and Venezuela. We have experienced union activity and strikes in the past. For example, in France from time to time. In 2017, there were two one-day strikes at one of our Spanish plants (Cee) without any significant impact on production volume. In France there have been several strikes in 2021 mainly against the restructuring plan. See “Item 3.D.—Key Information—Risk Factors—We are subject to the risk of union disputes and work stoppages at our facilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.”
To improve the structure of our labor relations in Spain, a national collective agreement (“NCA”) was entered into on February 2, 2018 with four out of the five trade unions representing over 70% of our workforce there. This NCA regulates matters such as wage increases, annual working time, professional training, gender equality and disciplinary actions until December 31, 2020 and was put into effect at the Boo, Monzón and Sabón plants, the Madrid office and the mining facilities in Spain, where it operates in conjunction with the relevant site-specific CBAs. The NCA provides a labor relation framework which establishes common parameters for all the work sites and is complementary to the site specific CBAs. The manufacturing plant at Sabón entered into a site-specific CBA on March 20, 2018; the Boo plant did so on March 22, 2018; subsidiary Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. did so on April 13, 2018; subsidiary Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. on April 13, 2018; subsidiary Hidro Nitro Española S.A. (now Ferratlántica del Cinca S.L.) did so on May 4, 2018; the Madrid office did so on June 27, 2018. All the aforementioned local CBAs will expire at the same time as the NCA for reasons of consistency. A renewal of this NCA is under negotiation. In the meantime, all the clauses are in force, except the salary review as well as the specific CBAs.
Our research and development employees based in Sabón and employed by FerroAtlántica I+D (now Ferroglobe Innovation S.L.U.) have no site-specific collective bargaining agreement, being governed instead by that in force at of the Sabón plant.
The collective bargaining agreement for Silicio Ferrosolar (now Ferroglobe Innovation S.L.U.) expired on December 31, 2017. Nevertheless, this legal entity has been involved in the NCA negotiation to unify all the Spanish units under a sole NCA and afterwards its specific CBA is expected to be renewed. All the clauses of the last CBA are in force except the salary review.
In France, all employees at FerroPem SAS plants at Anglefort, Chateau-Feuillet, Les Clavaux, Laudun, Montricher, and Pierrefitte and the Chambéry office are covered by the French national Collective Chemistry Agreement. This agreement has no expiration date. The “Accord d´intéressement,” which is an employee incentive bonus scheme whereby an incentive bonus is distributed according to a profit-sharing formula defined in the agreement, was signed on June 7, 2016 and the “Accord de participation,” which is a compulsory profit-sharing agreement under French law, was signed on December 13, 2017; a new agreement is due to be negotiated when the company generates a profit. The economic results of 2021 did not allow to generate any profit-sharing. No amount of profit-sharing was paid for 2019, 2020 and 2021. In France there
106
is an obligatory annual negotiation with the Company work council, mainly to set the salary increases. Other relevant subjects could be also addressed by this negotiation, if necessary. The 2021 salary negotiations meetings took place in February 2021 and December 2021; there was a salary freeze in 2020 and 2021. The next mandatory negotiations are scheduled for 2022.
Since April 2021 a restructuring plan has been announced and a social plan project is underway. Initially, the project concerned two plants plus the laboratory (355 FTE reduction and 4 FTE transferred). The project has been modified and now concerns one plant plus the laboratory (196 FTE reduction and 34 FTE transferred). In April 2022 the Company reached an agreement with the French work council. The Chateau Feuillet factory no longer produces since the end of March 2021 but the employees continue to collect salaries.
Further, an agreement on professional equality was signed in May 2019 (equality between men and women, personal and professional life, right to digital disconnection, employability of disabled workers).
Employees at Ferroglobe Manganèse France SAS are also covered by the French national Collective Chemistry Agreement. An “Accord d’intéressement” was entered into in January 2021, for three years until December 2023. Employees also benefit from an individual bonus scheme (called PN10) negotiated every year while “Négociations Annuelles Obligatoires” (obligatory annual negotiations). The salaries are also renegotiated each year during the “Négociations Annuelles Obligatoires”. A new agreement is due to be negotiated in 2022. At least, the plant benefits from a compulsory profit-sharing agreement (“Accord de participation”) signed in 2007, with three addendums signed in 2009 and in 2010 and 2020, and no expiration date.
At Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS (“FMN”), three trade unions are represented among the employees. There is a collective bargaining agreement in place for all trade unions. This agreement is due to be renegotiated in April 2022. However, annual salary negotiations will take place as using in May-June 2022. The unions represented at FMN are Industry and Energy (IE – for operators), Tekna (an engineers union), and FLT (a supervisors union).
In South Africa the wage agreements for both the TCM Delmas mine and the Emalahleni plant expired on 29 February 2021 and 30 June 2021 respectively. Both agreements were renegotiated for a further one year duration without any dispute. Negotiations to renew the agreements for the 2022/2023 period commenced in February 2022. The Polokwane plant was closed in July 2019 and all the employees were furloughed without any dispute. The care and maintenance team in Polokwane was successfully reduced to only 6 employees during 2021. As of December 31, 2021 the labour complement at Polokwane was 6 permanent employees.
Hourly employees at the Selma, Alabama facility are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America under a contract that will expire on April 30, 2022. Hourly employees at the Alloy, West Virginia and Bridgeport, Alabama facilities are covered by collective bargaining agreements with The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union under contracts running through March 13, 2022 and February 28, 2022, respectively. In 2021 the Niagara Facility was sold. In 2022 the Selma facility was restarted.
Union employees in Argentina work under an annual National contract valid from May 2021 to April 30, 2022.
Union employees at the Bécancour plant in Québec are covered by a Union Certification held by CEP, Local 184. The corresponding collective bargaining agreement at the Bécancour facility runs through April 30, 2024, following negotiations completed in 2021.
In the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”), at our Yonvey plant, where operations were restarted in 2017, there is a labor union committee, supervised by the local labor union and required by it to enter into annual agreements on matters such as collective representation, collective salary negotiation and the protection of women’s rights. The collective salary agreement in force at Yonvey remained in effect until March 2021, a new agreement is due to be negotiated in March, 2022. Labor dues at Yonvey have been paid by reference to actual headcount at the site.
107
A COVID-19 Committee was constituted in March 2020 and continues to meet periodically to review the evolution of the COVID-19 situation and take decisions regarding preventative and other measures.
E. Share Ownership
The following table and accompanying footnotes show information regarding the beneficial ownership of our shares as of March 8, 2022 by:
| ● | each named executive officer; |
| ● | each of our directors; and |
| ● | all executive officers and directors as a group. |
Shares that may be acquired by an individual or group within 60 days of March 11, 2021, pursuant to the exercise of options, are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table.
| Number of Shares |
| Percentage of | |
Beneficially Owned | Outstanding Shares | |||
Directors and Executive Officers: |
|
|
|
|
Javier López Madrid (1) |
| 168,424 |
| * |
Marco Levi |
| — |
| — |
Beatriz Garcia Cos Muntanola |
| — | — | |
Bruce L. Crockett |
| 41,000 |
| * |
Stuart E. Eizenstat |
| 56,632 |
| * |
Manuel Garrido y Ruano |
| 870 |
| * |
Marta de Amusategui y Vergara |
| 78,220 |
| — |
Juan Villar-Mir de Fuentes |
| — |
| — |
Rafael Barrilero Yarnoz | — | — | ||
Nicolas De Santis | — | — | ||
Belen Villalonga | — | — | ||
Silvia Villar-Mir de Fuentes | — | — | ||
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group |
| 345,146 |
|
* | Less than one percent (1%) |
108
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of shares by each stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Percentage of ownership is based on 187,313,460 shares outstanding (excluding those held in Treasury).
| Number of Shares |
| Percentage of |
| |
Beneficially Owned | Outstanding Shares |
| |||
Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U. |
| 91,125,519 |
| 48.6 | % |
Rubric Capital Management LP | 13,648,711 | 7.3 | % | ||
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 9,806,757 | 5.2 | % |
The Company’s shareholders do not have different voting rights.
As of April 29, 2022, Ferroglobe had four record holders in the United States, holding all of our outstanding shares. One of these shareholders is Cede & Co. The shares held by Cede & Co as record holder are held for underlying beneficial holders holding in ‘street name’.
B. Related Party Transactions
The following includes a summary of material transactions with any: (i) enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or are controlled by, or are under common control with us, (ii) associates, (iii) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the voting power of the Company, that gives them significant influence over us, and close members of any such individual’s family, (iv) key management personnel, including directors and senior management of such companies and close members of such individuals’ families or (v) enterprises in which a substantial interest in the voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (iii) or (iv) or over which such person is able to exercise significant influence.
Grupo VM shareholder agreement
On November 21, 2017, we entered into an amended and restated shareholder agreement with Grupo VM (the “Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement”), as amended on January 13, 2021, and July 29, 2021 that contains various rights and obligations with respect to Grupo VM’s Ordinary Shares, including in relation to the appointment of directors and dealings in the Company’s shares. It sets out a maximum number of directors (the “Maximum Number”) designated by Grupo VM (each, a “Grupo VM Director”) dependent on the percentage of share capital in the Company held by Grupo VM. The Maximum Number is three, if Grupo VM’s percentage of the Company’s shares is greater than 25%; two if the percentage is greater than 15% but less than 25%; and one if the percentage is greater than 10% but less than 15%. As at the date of the Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Company has three Grupo VM Directors.
Under the Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement, Grupo VM has the right to submit the names of one or more director candidates (a “Grupo VM Nominee”) to the Nominations Committee for consideration to be nominated or appointed as a director as long as it holds 10% or more of Company’s shares. If the Nominations Committee does not recommend a Grupo VM Nominee for nomination or appointment or if the requisite approval of the Board of Directors is not obtained in accordance with the Articles, Grupo VM shall, in good faith, and as promptly as possible but in all cases within thirty days, submit the names of one or more additional (but not the same) Grupo VM Nominees for approval. Grupo VM shall continue to submit the names of additional (but not the same) Grupo VM Nominees until such time as the favorable recommendation of the Nominations Committee and requisite approval of the Board of Directors are obtained. On December 23, 2015, Grupo VM designated Javier López Madrid to serve as the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. Upon the resignation of Alan Kestenbaum as Executive
109
Chairman of the Board, Mr. López Madrid was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board effective December 31, 2016. Mr. López Madrid is also the Chairman of the Nominations Committee.
The Board of Directors are prohibited from filling a vacancy created by the death, resignation, removal or failure to win re-election (a “Casual Vacancy”) of a Grupo VM Director other than with a Grupo VM Nominee. Grupo VM shall have the right to submit a Grupo VM Nominee for appointment to fill a Casual Vacancy only if the Casual Vacancy was created by the death, resignation, removal or failure to win re-election of a Grupo VM Director. Grupo VM does not have the right to submit a Grupo VM Nominee for appointment to fill a Casual Vacancy if the number of Grupo VM Directors equals or exceeds the Maximum Number. In connection with any meeting of shareholders to elect directors, the number of Grupo VM Nominees in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board of Directors must not exceed the Maximum Number.
Subject to certain exceptions, Grupo VM has preemptive rights to subscribe for up to its proportionate share of any shares issued in connection with any primary offerings. The Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement (i) also restricts the ability of Grupo VM and its affiliates to acquire additional shares and (ii) contains a standstill provision that limits certain proposals and other actions that can be taken by Grupo VM or its affiliates with respect to the Company, in each case, subject to certain exceptions, including prior Board approval. The Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement also restricts the manner by which, and persons to whom, Grupo VM or its affiliates may transfer shares. On February 3, 2016, during an in person meeting of our Board, the Board approved the purchase of up to 1% of the shares by Javier López Madrid in the open market pursuant to Section 5.01(b)(vi) of the Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement.
The Grupo VM Shareholder Agreement will terminate on the first date on which Grupo VM and its affiliates hold less than 10% of the outstanding Shares.
Agreements with executive officers and key employees
We have entered into agreements with our executive officers and key employees. See “Item 6.A.—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Directors, Senior Management and Employees.”
VM Energía and Energya VM
Under contracts entered into with FerroAtlántica S.A.U., (“FAU”) on June 22, 2010 and December 29, 2010 (assigned to FerroAtlántica de Boo, S.L.U. (“FAU Boo”) and to FerroAtlántica de Sabon, S.L.U. (“FAU Sabon”) in August 2019 in anticipation of the FAU Disposal), and with Hidro Nitro Española on December 27, 2012 (assigned to FerroAtlántica del Cinca when Hidro Nitro Española was sold in December 2018), VM Energía supplies the energy needs of the Boo, Sabón and Monzón electrometallurgy facilities, as a broker for FAU (FAU Boo or FAU Sabon, as appropriate) and Hidro Nitro Española (now FerroAtlántica del Cinca) in the wholesale power market. The contracts allow FAU (FAU Boo or FAU Sabon, as appropriate) and Hidro Nitro Española (now FerroAtlántica del Cinca) to buy energy from the grid at market conditions without incurring costs normally associated with operating in the complex wholesale power market, as well as to apply for fixed price arrangements in advance from VM Energía, based on the energy markets for the power, period and profile applied for. The contracts have a term of one year, which can be extended by the mutual consent of the parties to the contract. The contracts were renewed in January 2019 and will renew annually for up to three years unless terminated. The contracts were again renewed in January 2020. In January 2021, the contracts were renewed for two years with the possibility to extend it for additional one-year periods unless terminated with thirty days’ notice. On September 30, 2021 Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U absorbed its subsidiaries FAU Boo and FAU Sabón assuming all the rights and obligations derived from those contracts. The relevant contracting party within the Ferroglobe group pays VM Energía a service charge in addition to paying for the cost of energy purchase from the market. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U and FerroAtlantica del Cinca’s obligations to make payments to VM Energía under their respective agreements for the purchase of energy plus the service charge amounted to $102,065 thousand and $30,501 thousand, respectively. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, FAU Boo, FAU Sabon and FerroAtlantica del Cinca’s obligations to make payments to VM Energía under their respective agreements for the purchase of energy plus the service charge amounted to $16,924 thousand, $14,334 thousand and $8,643 thousand, respectively. These contracts are similar to contracts FerroAtlántica signs with other third-party brokers.
110
Under contracts entered into with Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales SA (“RAMSA”) on December 3, 2010 and with Cuarzos Industriales SA (“CISA”) on April 27, 2012, VM Energía supplied the energy needs of the mining facilities operated by those companies, as a broker for RAMSA and CISA in the wholesale power market. RAMSA and CISA are both subsidiaries of the Company operating in the mining sector. These agreements superseded in 2019 by agreements entered into as of 15 March 2019 between VM Energía and each of RAMSA and CISA pursuant to which VM Energía provides equivalent intermediary services for term of one year, renewing annually. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, RAMSA and CISA’s obligations to make payments to VM Energía under their respective agreements amounted to $1,012 thousand and $353 thousand respectively. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, RAMSA was obliged to make payments to VM Energía of $427 thousand under its agreements then in force with VM Energía and CISA was obliged to make payments to VM Energía of $220 thousand under its agreements then in force with VM Energía.
Additionally, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Enérgya VM invoiced other subsidiaries of FerroAtlántica for a total amount of $120 thousand, $79 thousand and $89 thousand, respectively.
On June 2020, FerroAtlántica del Cinca and VM Energía entered into a collaboration agreement by virtue of which VM Energía is allowed to use Monzon’s grid connection point and high voltage electrical assets for a PV installation project, electricity from which will be supplied to FerroAtlántica del Cinca.
On February 24, 2021, FerroAtlántica de Sabón and VM Energía entered into a collaboration agreement by virtue of which VM Energía is allowed to use Sabón’s grid connection point and high voltage electrical assets for a PV installation project, electricity from which will be supplied to FerroAtlántica de Sabón.
On November 10, 2021 Grupo FerroAtlántica entered into an agreement with VM Energía and Parque Eólico A Picota, S.L.U. (a VM Energía subsidiary) for a free assignment of 10% of the Guarantees of Origin of the total energy consumed by Grupo FerroAtlántica for five (5) years when the wind farms start to produce (in 2023 according to the estimation).
On December 14, 2021, Grupo FerroAtlántica entered into an agreement with VM Energía to assist in the identification of counterparties and intermediation for the closing of long-term power purchase agreements.
Espacio Information Technology, S.A.
Espacio Information Technology, S.A. (“Espacio I.T.”), a Spanish company wholly-owned by Grupo VM, provides information technology and data processing services to Ferroglobe PLC and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries: FAU (until shortly prior to the FAU Disposal when such services were assigned to Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. (“Servicios”)), FerroAtlántica de Mexico, Silicon Smelters (Pty), Ltd. and FerroPem, SAS pursuant to several contracts.
Under a contract entered into on January 1, 2004, Espacio I.T. provided FAU with information processing, data management, data security, communications, systems control and customer support services. The contract was assigned to Servicios shortly prior to the FAU Disposal; it has a one-year term, subject to automatic yearly renewal, unless terminated with notice provided three months prior to the scheduled renewal. The base yearly amount due under the contract for these services is $641 thousand, exclusive of VAT and subject to inflation adjustment. For the period from January 1, 2019 to August 13, 2019 when the contract was assigned to Servicios, FerroAtlántica’s obligations to make payments to Espacio I.T. under this agreement amounted to $1,101 thousand. For the period from August 14, 2019 to December 31, 2019, Servicios’s obligations to make payments to Espacio IT under this agreement amounted to $552 thousand. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, Servicios’s obligations to make payments to Espacio IT under this agreement amounted to $1,406 thousand and $1,427 thousand respectively.
Under a contract entered into on January 1, 2006, Espacio I.T. provides FerroPem, SAS with information processing, data management, data security, communications, systems control and customer support services. The contract has a one-year term, subject to automatic yearly renewal, unless terminated with notice provided three months prior to the scheduled renewal. The base yearly amount due under the contract for these services is $826 thousand, exclusive of VAT and subject to inflation adjustment. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, FerroPem, SAS’s obligations to
111
make payments to Espacio I.T. under this agreement amounted to $860 thousand, $823 thousand and $866 thousand, respectively.
Under a contract entered into on January 1, 2009, Espacio I.T. provides Silicon Smelters (Pty), Ltd. with services including the maintenance and monitoring of the company’s network, servers, applications, and user workstations, as well as standard software licenses. The contract has a one‑year term, subject to automatic yearly renewal, unless terminated with notice three months prior to the scheduled renewal. The base yearly amount due under the contact is $266 thousand, subject to inflation adjustment. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 Silicon Smelters (Pty), Ltd.’s obligations to make payments to Espacio I.T. under this agreement amounted to $274 thousand, $264 thousand, and $254 thousand, respectively.
Under a contract entered into on May 2, 2016, Espacio I.T. provides Quebec Silicon with services including the maintenance and monitoring of its network, servers, applications, and user workstations, as well as standard software licenses at Quebec Silicon. The contract has a one‑year term, subject to automatic yearly renewal, unless terminated with notice three months prior to the scheduled renewal. The base yearly amount due under the contract is $148 thousand, subject to inflation adjustment. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 payments made under this contract to Espacio I.T. were $147 thousand, $141 thousand and $138 thousand, respectively.
Espacio I.T. also provides development services to FerroAtlántica under a contract dated July 21, 2017 for enhancements to Gesindus, FerroAtlántica’s ERP system, and hosting services in connection with the company’s document management system under a contract dated February 22, 2017, both on an ongoing basis. FerroAtlántica had transactions with Espacio I.T. under the former contract for the Gesindus development services for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 of $9 thousand, and under the latter contract for the hosting services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 of $97 thousand, $101 thousand and $197 thousand, respectively.
Espacio I.T. also provides Grupo FerroAtlántica with IT outsourcing services in connection with the Mangshi facility in China and provided Hidro Nitro Española with IT services, for neither of which is there a formal contract in place. For the year ended December 31, 2020,Grupo FerroAtlántica’s obligations to make payments to Espacio IT in connection with the Mangshi facility in China amounted to $41 thousand. For the year ended December 31, 2020, FerroAtlántica del Cinca obligations to make payments to Espacio IT in connection with these services amounted to $232 thousand. For the year ended December 31, 2021,Grupo FerroAtlántica’s obligations to make payments to Espacio IT in connection with the Mangshi facility in China amounted to $30 thousand. For the year ended December 31, 2021, FerroAtlántica del Cinca obligations to make payments to Espacio IT in connection with these services amounted to $240 thousand.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, Espacio I.T. and other subsidiaries of Grupo VM involved in the provision of IT services invoiced FAU and other subsidiaries of Grupo FerroAtlántica and Ferroglobe PLC in a total amount of $190 thousand, $161 thousand, and $144 thousand, respectively.
On March 24, 2021, Servicios entered into an agreement with Espacio I.T., effective as from January 1, 2021, for the maintenance of the network electronics equipment (switches) that allow interconnection between all the user devices (computers and printers) on each of Ferroglobe floors (49th and 45th floors). The services include monitoring in order to detect eventual incidents in the network, 24x7 support, maintenance service, and spares to replace devices in the event of a breakdown.
Other agreements with other related parties
Under the terms of a loan agreement entered into on 24 July 2015 between FerroAtlántica and Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. (“IESA”), the ultimate parent of Grupo VM, FerroAtlántica extended to IESA a credit line for treasury purposes of up to $20 million, of which $3.1 million (the “Loan”) remains outstanding. The credit line runs year on year for a maximum period of 10 years and amounts outstanding under it (including the Loan) bear interest annually at the rate equal to the EURIBOR three month rate plus 2.75 percentage points. The availability of the credit line may be cancelled at the end of any year or at any time by IESA. On April 20, 2020 this agreement was amended so the credit line amount was reduced to approximately $2.5 million.
112
Calatrava RE, a Luxembourg affiliate of Grupo VM, is a reinsurer of the Company’s global marine and property insurance programs. The property and marine cargo insurances are placed with Mapfre Global Risks S.A. with whom the Company contracts for the provision of this insurance. There are no contracts directly in place between the Company and Calatrava RE.
Torre Espacio Gestión SLU, a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo VM, manages the premises which are the subject of the leases on behalf of Torre Espacio, including collecting rents and other payments under the terms of the leases from FerroAtlántica on behalf of Torre Espacio. On September 30, 2020 the contract between Torre Espacio Gestión, SLU and the owner of the premises was terminated so this transaction does not involve a Grupo VM subsidiary and should therefore not be considered a related-parties transaction anymore. For the period from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020, Servicios’ obligations to make payments under those agreements amounted to $1,235 thousand.
Aurinka and the Solar JV
Javier López Madrid, the Company’s Executive Chairman and a member of the Board, currently owns approximately 100% of the outstanding share capital of Financiera Siacapital which, in turn, holds a 31.33% interest in Aurinka International, S.L. (“Aurinka Int”) and a 31.33% interest in Blue Power. Blue Power is a party to the Solar JV entered into by FerroAtlántica group with Aurinka Photovoltaic Group, S.L. (“Aurinka PV”). Aurinka PV is almost 100% owned by Aurinka Value, S.L., a company which also owns a 31.66% interest in Aurinka Int. Blue Power owns certain intellectual property contributed to the joint venture and provided certain technology consulting services to it, as summarized below.
The remaining equity interests in Blue Power and Aurinka Value, S.L. are owned by third party outside investors. In July 2019 certain changes were made to the terms of the Solar JV to effect its unwinding, as a result of which FerroAtlántica group acquired 100% of the share capital of the operating company set up as part of the joint venture to build and operate the pilot plant for the Solar JV (“OpCo”) and FerroAtlántica group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Silicio Ferrosolar, S.L.U. (now renamed as Ferroglobe Innovation, S.L.) (“SFS”) disposed of 1% of its interest in the research and development company (“R&DCo”) formed to license or develop and own certain intellectual property used in connection with the Solar JV. These changes are described further below.
In 2016, FAU entered into a project with Aurinka PV for a feasibility study and basic engineering for a UMG solar silicon manufacturing plant. Purchases under this project were approximately $3.4 million for 2016.
On December 20, 2016, FerroAtlántica and its wholly owned subsidiaries, FAU and SFS entered into the Solar JV Agreement with Blue Power and Aurinka PV providing for the formation and operation of a joint venture with the purpose of producing UMG solar silicon. The entry into the joint venture pursuant to the Solar JV Agreement was subject to certain conditions precedent, including the satisfactory completion of an ex-ante verification procedure in relation to the ability of the technology to be contributed to the joint venture by Blue Power to meet certain technical and cost parameters and the authorization of the joint venture by Ferroglobe PLC, Blue Power and Aurinka PV’s management bodies. All these conditions precedent were met during 2017 and the Solar JV Agreement became fully binding.
Under the Solar JV Agreement, FerroAtlántica indirectly owned 75% of OpCo , which owns certain assets comprising, among others, constructions at Sabón and a UMG solar silicon plant at Puertollano, Spain. SFS owned 51% of R&DCo, the company formed as part of the joint venture to hold certain intellectual property rights and know-how contributed by Blue Power and SFS. R&DCo licensed such intellectual property rights and know-how to OpCo. Pursuant to the Solar JV Agreement, FerroAtlántica and other subsidiaries committed to incur capital expenditure, subject to the approval of the joint venture board, in connection with the joint venture of up to a maximum of $133,000 thousand over an initial phase of up to 2 years. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, FerroAtlántica and other subsidiaries paid Aurinka PV $4,252 thousand and $3,611 thousand, respectively, in connection with the project. Further investment in the joint venture was to be determined as the joint venture progressed. In connection with the Solar JV Agreement, FAU obtained a loan of approximately $50,000 thousand (“the REINDUS Loan”) from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Energy (“the Ministry”) for the purpose of building and operating the UMG solar silicon plant. In November 2018, FAU agreed to transfer to OpCo certain assets which had been acquired with the proceeds of the REINDUS Loan and used exclusively by OpCo in connection with the joint venture in consideration of OpCo assuming liability for the REINDUS
113
Loan. The request for this novation was formally submitted to the Ministry in November 2018. On September 25, 2017, OpCo entered into an agreement with Caiz Salceda SLU (“Salceda”), a company ultimately owned by members of the Villar Mir family (who are related to Javier Lopez Madrid by marriage), under which Salceda agrees to construct on its land and lease to the OpCo and to operate and maintain for a term of 25 years a pilot plant for power generation from photovoltaic panels produced with UMG solar silicon, in return for ownership of all power generated at the plant. On June 13, 2016, SFS entered into a loan agreement with Blue Power under which SFS advanced a principal sum of over $9,000 thousand to Blue Power in connection with the project. As at December 31, 2016 the amount outstanding under the loan agreement was $9,845 thousand. On February 24, 2017, the loan was novated to OpCo as part of a capital injection by Blue Power to OpCo and on August 1, 2019 the loan was novated to FerroAtlantica.
In July 2019, the Solar JV was unwound on the following terms:
| ● | FerroAtlántica acquired the whole of the share capital of OpCo for €1; |
| ● | Aurinka PV acquired 1% of SFS’s interest in the share capital of R&DCo for €1, such that, following such disposal, R&DCo is owned as to 50% by SFS and, following the disposal of its 49% shareholding by Blue Power to Aurinka PV, 50% by Aurinka PV; |
| ● | SFS agreed to sell certain patents to R&DCo for €1; |
| ● | arrangements were made between; |
| o | Aurinka PV and OpCo pursuant to which Aurinka PV will continue to maintain the Puertollano plant for a monthly fee of $33.6 thousand and for a maximum term expiring on December 31, 2020. Amounts paid pursuant to these arrangements in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 totalled $404; |
| o | Aurinka PV and FerroAtlántica, FAU and Opco for the payment by the latter of the sum of $2,800 thousand and the grant by Opco to Aurinka of an option to purchase certain equipment with a book value of approximately $6,721 thousand for the sum of $1,120 thousand, in satisfaction of any claim Aurinka PV might otherwise have in relation to the termination of the Solar JV; |
| o | Aurinka PV and FerroAtlántica, SFS and Opco for the marketing and promotion of the sale of the OpCo and SFS’s rights in R&DCo, including a right of first refusal to Aurinka PV to purchase the 50% shares in R&DCo owned by SFS and a right of first refusal to Aurinka PV to acquire assets owned by Opco. This agreement was extended until June 30, 2021 and the purchase option was exercised on February 24, 2021. On March 10, 2021 the Parties partially executed the purchase option $111 Thousand. |
| ● | save as set out above, all arrangements in place with Blue Power or Aurinka PV in relation to OpCo or R&DCo and any rights or claims which Aurinka PV or Blue Power might have in relation thereto were brought to an end. |
Corporate Vision Strategists Ltd.
On September 20, 2020 Ferroglobe entered into a lease agreement with Corporate Vision Strategists Ltd for the provision of corporate and head office services for 13 Chesterfield Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5JN. Nicolas de Santis, a Ferroglobe Director, became a director of the Company on May 13, 2021 and exercises significant influence over Corporate Vision Strategists Ltd as the company is wholly owned by him. For the year ended December 31, 2021, Ferroglobe’s obligations to make payments to Corporate Vision Strategists Ltd under this agreement amounted to $68 thousand.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
114
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have included the Consolidated Financial Statements as part of this annual report. See “Item 18.—Financial Statements.”
Legal proceedings
In the ordinary course of our business, Ferroglobe is subject to lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes and employment, environmental, health and safety matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, we do not believe any currently-pending legal proceeding to which Ferroglobe is a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Asbestos-related claims
Certain employees of FerroPem, SAS, then known as Pechiney Electrometallurgie, S.A. (“PEM”), may have been exposed to asbestos at its plants in France in the decades prior to FerroAtlántica Group’s purchase of that business in December 2004. During the period in question, PEM was wholly-owned by Pechiney Bâtiments, S.A., which had certain indemnification obligations to FerroAtlántica pursuant to the 2004 Share Sale and Purchase Agreement under which our FerroAtlántica acquired PEM. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 100 such employees “declared” asbestos-related injury to the French social security agencies. Approximately, three quarters of these cases now have been closed. Of the remaining cases, approximately half include assertions of “inexcusable negligence” (“faute inexcusable”) which, if upheld, may lead to material liability in the aggregate on the part of FerroPem. Other employees may declare further asbestos-related injuries in the future, and may likewise assert inexcusable negligence. Litigation against, and material liability on the part of, FerroPem will not necessarily arise in each case, and to date a majority of such declared injuries have been minor and have not led to significant liability on Ferropem’s part. Whether liability for “inexcusable negligence” will be found is determined case-by-case, often over a period of years, depending on the evolution of the claimant’s asbestos-related condition, the possibility that the claimant was exposed while working for other employers and, where asserted, the claimant’s ability to prove inexcusable negligence on PEM’s part. Because of these and other uncertainties, no reliable estimate can be made of FerroPem’s eventual liability in these matters, with exception of three grave cases that were litigated through the appeal process and in which claimants’ assertions of inexcusable negligence were upheld against FerroPem. Liabilities in respect to asbestos-related claims have been recorded at December 31, 2021 at an estimated amount of $1,143 thousand.
Environmental matters
Since 2016, GMI has been negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) to resolve two Notices of Violation/Findings of Violation (“NOV/FOV”) that the EPA issued to the Beverly facility. The first NOV/FOV was issued on July 1, 2015 and alleges certain violations of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) and New Source Performance Standards provisions of the Clean Air Act associated with a 2013 project performed at GMI’s Beverly facility. Specifically, the July 2015 NOV/FOV alleges violations of the facility’s existing operating and construction permits, including allegations related to opacity emissions, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter emissions, and failure to keep necessary records and properly monitor certain equipment. The second NOV/FOV was issued on December 6, 2016, and arose from the same facts as the July 2015 NOV/FOV and subsequent EPA inspections. The second NOV/FOV alleges opacity exceedances at certain units, failure to prevent the release of particulate emissions through the use of furnace hoods at a certain unit, and the failure to install Reasonably Available Control Measures (as defined) at certain emission units at the Beverly facility. Since that time, GMI and the authorities have continued negotiations regarding potential resolution of the NOV/FOVs, which negotiations are ongoing. As part of the ongoing consent process to resolve the NOVs/FOVs, the authorities could demand that GMI install additional pollution control equipment or implement other measures to reduce emissions from the facility, as well as pay a civil penalty. At this time, however, GMI is unable to determine the extent of potential injunctive relief or the amount
115
of civil penalty a negotiated resolution of this matter may entail. Should the DOJ and GMI be unable to reach a negotiated resolution of the NOVs/FOVs, the authorities could institute formal legal proceedings for injunctive relief and civil penalties. The statutory maximum penalty is $93,750 per day per violation, from April, 2013 to December 2021, and $109,024 per day thereafter.
Matters pertaining to Mr. López Madrid
The legal proceedings described below are pending in Spain in which Mr. López Madrid has been called as “investigado” by a Spanish criminal investigative court. At the conclusion of criminal investigatory proceedings, the relevant Spanish court may determine to withdraw the investigation without issuing formal charges, excuse certain parties previously called “investigado” on the basis that there is insufficient evidence to issue formal charges, or issue formal charges or indictments against specific named parties.
In February 2016, Mr. López Madrid was called as “investigado” by a Spanish investigative court in connection with the “Púnica” investigation into possible bribery relating to awards of public contracts. This investigation, in which numerous individuals have been called as “investigado” thus far, has been pending since October 2014. He remains as “investigado” and no formal charges have been filed.
In connection with this matter, a further investigation (the “Lezo” investigation) was initiated and, in April 2017, Mr. López Madrid was questioned in relation to an alleged payment in 2007 of €1.4 million in favor of public officials by Obrascón Huarte Lain, S.A. (“OHL”), a company listed in Spain and partially owned by Grupo VM. Mr. López Madrid was a non-executive director of OHL at the time of the alleged payment and has never held executive responsibility at OHL. Charges have been filed in connection with the “Lezo” investigations, and Mr. López Madrid has filed his defense brief vehemently denying the allegations against him.
In June 2014, Mr. López Madrid filed a criminal complaint in a Spanish court against a Dermatologist who had previously treated his family, alleging that she had harassed Mr. López Madrid, his family and associates through anonymous phone calls and messages making false accusations and serious threats, which were received daily over a period of several months. The Dermatologist was called as “investigado” and this case is currently in judicial proceedings.
In September 2014, the Dermatologist filed a criminal complaint in another Spanish court against Mr. López Madrid for harassment and in connection with which he was called as “investigado”. Currently the case is in the intermediate phase, in which it will be determined whether or not to proceed formally against him. In a subsequent expansion of the claim, the investigative court is investigating an accusation that Mr. López Madrid hired a former police commissioner to harass and physically assault the Dermatologist, which case is also in the intermediate phase. Mr. López Madrid vehemently denies the allegations against him in both cases.
Dividend policy
Our Board intends to declare annual (or final) dividends and interim dividends, payable quarterly, to be reviewed each year, but this will depend upon many factors, including the amount of our distributable profits as defined below. Pursuant to the Articles, and subject to applicable law, the Company may by ordinary resolution declare dividends (which shall not exceed the amounts recommended by the Board), and the Board may decide to pay interim dividends. The Articles provide that the Board may pay any dividend if it appears to them that the profits available for distribution permit the payment. Under English law, dividends may only be paid out of distributable reserves of the Company or distributable profits, defined as accumulated realized profits not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization less accumulated realized losses to the extent not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital duly made, as reported to Companies House, and not out of share capital, which includes the share premium account. Further, a U.K. public company may only make a distribution if the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called-up share capital and undistributable reserves, and if, and to the extent that, the distribution does not reduce the amount of those assets to less than such aggregate. Distributable profits are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles at the time the relevant accounts are prepared. The amount of Ferroglobe’s distributable profits is thus a cumulative calculation. Ferroglobe may be profitable in a single year but unable to pay a dividend if the profits of that year do not
116
offset all the previous years’ accumulated losses. The shareholders of Ferroglobe may by ordinary resolution on the recommendation of the Board decide that the payment of all or any part of a dividend shall be satisfied by transferring non-cash assets of equivalent value, including shares or securities in any corporation.
The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our shares will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend upon many factors, including, in addition to the amount of our distributable profits, our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, and restrictions in our debt agreements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. In addition, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our operating subsidiaries, the payment which may be restricted by the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, their respective agreements, and/or covenants under future indebtedness that we or they may incur.
B. Significant Changes
On February 16, 2022, the Company announced that the Spanish Fund for supporting strategic companies, on a proposal of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (“SEPI”), a Spanish state-owned industrial holding company affiliated with the Ministry of Finance and Administration, has approved €34.5 million in loans to Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. and Grupo Ferroátlantica de Servicios, S.L.U., wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. These loans are part of the SEPI fund intended to provide assistance to non-financial companies operating in strategically important sectors within Spain in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The €34.5M was funded using a dual-tranche loan, with €17.25M maturing in February 2025 and €17.25M maturing in June 2025. €16.9M of the loan carries a fixed interest rate of 2% per annum, and interest on the remaining €17.6M is calculated as IBOR plus a spread of 2.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second and third years and 5.0% in the fourth year, plus an additional 1.0% payable if the result before taxes of the Beneficiaries is positive. The loans are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
Our ordinary shares are listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Selected Market in U.S. Dollars under the symbol “GSM.”
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital.
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Composition and Nomination of the Board
Pursuant to the Articles, the Board will consist of at least two directors and no more than eleven directors. The directors are nominated by the Board, after being recommended to the Board by the Nominations Committee, for appointment at a general meeting or appointed by the Board where permitted to do so by law. When a person has been approved by the Board for nomination for election as a director at a general meeting of the Company, prior to the first date after the date of adoption of the Articles on which Grupo VM and its affiliates in the aggregate beneficially own less than 10% of the issued ordinary shares of the Company (the “Sunset Day”), Grupo VM and its affiliates shall not vote against the election of that director at the general meeting unless a majority of its nominees on the Board have voted against such nomination. At every annual general meeting, all the directors shall retire from office and will be eligible, subject to applicable law, for nomination for re-appointment in accordance with the Articles.
The board shall constitute a committee (the “Nominations Committee”) to perform the function of recommending a person for director. The Nominations Committee shall consist of three directors, a majority of whom shall be independent
117
directors, as such term is defined in the NASDAQ rules and applicable law. While Grupo VM and its Affiliates own at least 30% of the shares of the Company, the Grupo VM nominees will be entitled to nominate not more than two-fifths of the members of the Nominations Committee.
On December 23, 2015, Grupo VM designated Javier López Madrid to serve as the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Board in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. Upon the resignation of Alan Kestenbaum as Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. López Madrid was appointed as Executive Chairman of the Board effective December 31, 2016. Mr. López Madrid is also the Chairman of the Nominations Committee.
Board Powers and Function
The members of the Board, subject to the restrictions contained in the Articles, is responsible for the management of the Company’s business, for which purpose they may exercise all our powers whether relating to the management of the business or not. In exercising their powers, the members of the Board must perform their duties to us under English law. These duties include, among others:
| • |
| to act within their powers and in accordance with the Articles; |
| • |
| to act in a way that the directors consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote our success for the benefit of its members as a whole (having regard to a list of non-exhaustive factors); |
| • |
| to exercise independent judgment; |
| • |
| to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence; |
| • |
| to avoid conflicts of interest; |
| • |
| not to accept benefits from third parties; and |
| • |
| to declare interests in proposed transactions/arrangements. |
The Articles provide that the members of the Board may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the Articles to such committee or person, by such means (including by power of attorney), to such an extent and on such terms and conditions, as they think fit.
Share Qualification of Directors
A director is not required to hold any Shares by way of qualification.
Board and Decision Making
The Articles provide that any director may call a meeting of the Board. Subject to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the Executive Chairman may also call general meetings on behalf of the Board. The quorum for such a meeting will be at least a majority of the directors then in office.
Except as otherwise provided in the Articles, a decision may be taken at a duly convened Board meeting with the vote of a majority of the directors present at such meeting who are entitled to vote on such question and each director will have one vote.
A director shall not be counted in the quorum present in relation to a matter or resolution on which he is not entitled to vote (or when his vote cannot be counted) but shall be counted in the quorum present in relation to all other matters or resolutions considered or voted on at the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by the Articles, a director shall not vote at a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board on any resolution concerning a matter in which he has, directly or indirectly, an interest (other than an interest in shares, debentures or other securities of, or otherwise in or through, us) which could reasonably be regarded as likely to give rise to a conflict with our interests.
Unless otherwise determined by us by ordinary resolution, the remuneration of the non-executive directors for their services in the office of director shall be as the Board may from time to time determine. Any director who holds any executive office or who serves on any committee of the Board or who performs services which the Board considers go
118
beyond the ordinary duties of a director may be paid such special remuneration (by way of bonus, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) as the Board may determine. However, the U.K. Companies Act 2006 requires “quoted” companies, such as the Company, to obtain a binding vote of shareholders on the directors’ remuneration policy at least once every three years and an annual advisory (non-binding) shareholders’ vote on an on the directors’ remuneration in the financial year being reported on and how the directors’ remuneration policy will be implemented in the following financial year.
Directors’ Borrowing Powers
Under our Board’s general power to manage our business, our Board may exercise all the powers to borrow money.
Matters Requiring Majority of Independent Directors Approval
Prior to the Sunset Date, the approval of a majority of the independent directors (who are not conflicted in relation to the relevant matter) shall be required to authorize any transaction agreement or arrangement between Grupo VM or any of its affiliates or connected persons and the Company or any of its Affiliates, or the alteration amendment, repeal or waiver of any such agreement, including any shareholders’ agreement between the Company and Grupo VM.
Director Liability
Under English law, members of the Board may be liable to us for negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to us. Any provision that purports to exempt a director from such liability is void. Subject to certain exceptions, English law does not permit us to indemnify a director against any liability attaching to him in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to us. The exceptions allow us to:
| ● | purchase and maintain director and officer insurance against any liability attaching in connection with any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust owed to us; |
| ● | provide a qualifying third party indemnity provision which permits us to indemnify its directors (and directors of an “associated company” (i.e., a company that is a parent, subsidiary or sister company of Ferroglobe) in respect of proceedings brought by third parties (covering both legal costs and the amount of any adverse judgment), except for: (i) the legal costs of an unsuccessful defense of criminal proceedings or civil proceedings brought by us an associated company, or the legal costs incurred in connection with certain specified applications by the director for relief where the court refuses to grant the relief; (ii) fines imposed in criminal proceedings; and (iii) penalties imposed by regulatory bodies; |
| ● | loan funds to a director to meet expenditure incurred in defending civil and criminal proceedings against him or her (even if the action is brought by us), or expenditure incurred applying for certain specified relief, but subject to the requirement for the director or officer to reimburse us if the defense is unsuccessful; and |
| ● | provide a qualifying pension scheme indemnity provision, (which allows us to indemnify a director of a company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme against liability incurred in connection with such company’s activities as a trustee of the scheme (subject to certain exceptions). |
Indemnification Matters
Under the Articles, subject to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006 and applicable law, we will exercise all of our powers to (i) indemnify any person who is or was a director (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him or her) against any loss or liability, whether in connection with any proven or alleged negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust by him or her or otherwise, in relation to us or any associated company; and/or (ii) indemnify to any extent any person who is or was a director of an associated company that is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme (including by funding any expenditure incurred or to be incurred by him or her) against any liability, incurred by him or her in connection with our activities as trustee of an occupational pension scheme; including insurance
119
against any loss or liability or any expenditure he or she may incur, whether in connection with any proven or alleged act or omission in the actual or purported execution or discharge of his or her duties or in the exercise or purported exercise of his or her powers or otherwise in relation to his or her duties, power or offices, whether comprising negligence, default, breach of duty, breach of trust or otherwise, in relation to the relevant body or fund.
Under the Articles and subject to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, we may exercise all of our powers to purchase and maintain insurance for or for the benefit of any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of, or a trustee of any pension fund in which our employees are or have been interested, including insurance against any loss or liability or any expenditure he or she may incur, whether in connection with any proven or alleged act or omission in the actual or purported execution or discharge of his or her duties or in the exercise or purported exercise of his or her powers or otherwise in relation to his or her duties, power or offices, whether comprising negligence, default, breach of duty, breach of trust or otherwise, in relation to the relevant body or fund.
No director or former director shall be accountable to us or the members for any benefit provided pursuant to the Articles. The receipt of any such benefit shall not disqualify any person from being or becoming a director.
Director Removal or Termination of Appointment
The general meeting of shareholders will, at all times, have the power to remove a member of the Board by an ordinary resolution, being a resolution passed by a simple majority of votes cast. The Articles also provide that a member of the Board will cease to be a director as soon as:
| ● | the director ceases to be a director by virtue of any provision of the U.K. Companies Act 2006 (including, without limitation, section 168) or he becomes prohibited by applicable law from being a director; |
| ● | the director becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with the director’s creditors generally; |
| ● | a registered medical practitioner who is treating that person gives a written opinion to us stating that that person has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a director and may remain so for more than three months; |
| ● | by reason of the director’s mental health a court makes an order which wholly or partly prevents the director from personally exercising any powers or rights he would otherwise have; |
| ● | the director resigns from office by notice in writing to us; |
| ● | in the case of a director who holds any executive office, the director’s appointment as such is terminated or expires and the Board resolves that he should cease to be a director; |
| ● | the director is absent for more than six consecutive months, without permission of the Board, from meetings of the Board held during that period and the Board resolves that the director should cease to be a director; or |
| ● | the director dies. |
Committees
Subject to the provisions of the Articles, the directors may delegate any of the powers which are conferred on them under the Articles:
| ● | to a committee consisting of one or more directors and (if thought fit) one or more other persons, to such an extent and on such terms and conditions as the Board thinks fit (and such ability of the directors to delegate applies to all powers and discretions and will not be limited because certain articles refer to powers and discretions being exercised by committees authorized by directors while other articles do not); |
120
| ● | to such person by such means (including by power of attorney), to such an extent, and on such terms and conditions, as they think fit including delegation to any director holding any executive office, any manager or agent such of its powers as the Board considers desirable to be exercised by him; or |
| ● | to any specific director or directors (with power to sub-delegate). These powers can be given on terms and conditions decided on by the directors either in parallel with, or in place of, the powers of the directors acting jointly. |
Any such delegation shall, in the absence of express provision to the contrary in the terms of delegation, be deemed to include authority to sub-delegate to one or more directors (whether or not acting as a committee) or to any employee or agent all or any of the powers delegated and may be made subject to such conditions as the Board may specify, and may be revoked or altered. The directors can remove any people they have appointed in any of these ways and cancel or change anything that they have delegated, although this will not affect anybody who acts in good faith who has not has any notice of any cancellation or change.
General Meeting
The Board shall convene and the Company shall hold general meetings as annual general meetings in accordance with the U.K. Companies Act 2006. The Board may call general meetings whenever and at such times and places as it shall determine. Subject to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the executive chairman of the Company may also call general meetings on behalf of the Board. On requisition of members pursuant to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, the Board shall promptly convene a general meeting in accordance with the requirements of the U.K. Companies Act 2006.
Subject to the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, an annual general meeting and all other general meetings shall be called by at least such minimum period of notice as is prescribed or permitted under the U.K. Companies Act 2006.
All provisions of the Articles relating to general meetings of the Company shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to every separate general meeting of the holders of any class of shares in the capital of the Company.
C. Material Contracts
Asset-Based Loan
On October, 11, 2019, Ferroglobe subsidiaries Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., and QSIP Canada ULC, as borrowers, entered into a Credit and Security Agreement for a new $100 million north American asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Revolver”), with PNC Bank, N.A., as lender.
The maximum advances granted by the lender are up to the lesser of (a) $100 million and (b) the Formula Amount. The Formula Amount at any time will be determined by referent to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to PNC Bank, N.A. (the Agent), and is equal to (a) up to 85% of Eligible Receivables plus (b) the lesser of:
| ● | up to 75% of the cost of Eligible Inventory and eligible foreign-in transit inventory; |
| ● | up to 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of Eligible inventory, minus (c) Reserves, if any. |
The Formula Amount is subject to the following limits:
| ● | inventory to account for up to 65% of the Formula Amount; |
| ● | Canadian inventory up to $20 million; |
| ● | eligible in-transit inventory of up to $10 million; |
121
| ● | consigned inventory of up to $7.5 million; |
| ● | stores and spare parts inventory of up to $2 million; |
| ● | packaging materials inventory of up to $500 thousand; and |
| ● | receivables aged 90 to 120 days due of up to $5 million. |
Subject to certain exceptions, loans under the ABL Revolver may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed at any time until the facility’s expiration date. The legal maturity date of the ABL Revolver is October 11, 2024, which was five years after the initial drawdown under the facility. Notwithstanding this, the terms of the facility provided a spring forward provision which required the ABL Revolver to be repaid on the date which was three (3) months prior to the maturity date of the senior Notes (March 1, 2022), which would currently imply a facility repayment date of December 1, 2021. This spring forward provision would adjust in respect of a refinancing of the senior Notes to be the date which was three (3) months prior to the date of any permitted refinancing of the Notes. There was a provision in the ABL Revolver credit agreement which requires the approval of PNC Bank, as agent on behalf of the lender, to the terms of any refinancing of the senior unsecured notes and provides, inter alia, that the maturity date of such refinancing shall be no earlier than January 9, 2025.
Interest rates
Under the ABL Revolver, and in respect of LIBOR Rate Loans, the interest to be paid will be LIBOR plus aplicable margin, and in respect of Domestic Rate Loans, the interest will be ABR plus aplicable margin. ABR shall mean the highest of (i) the PNC Bank prime rate, (ii) overnight bank funding rate plus 0.5% and (iii) daily LIBOR plus 1.0%.
The aplicable margin is based on the average undrawn availability of the ABL Revolver. The undrawn availability is an amount equal to:
| ● | the lesser of (i) $100 million and (ii) the Formula Amount; minus |
| ● | the maximum undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit; minus |
| ● | the outstanding amount of revolving advances and swing loans. |
Therefore, three levels are established depending on the average undrawn availabity. The Level I means that the average undrawn availability is higher than 66.7%, the applicable LIBOR rate margin will be 2.50% and the aplicable Domestic rate margin will be 1.50%. The Level II means that the average undrawn availability is between 33.3% to 66.7%, the applicable LIBOR rate margin will be 2.75% and the applicable Domestic rate margin will be 1.75%. The Level III means if average undrawn availability is lower or equal to 33.3%, the applicable LIBOR rate margin will be 3.00% and the Domestic rate margin will be 2.00%. As a result, the applicable margin from the Closing date of the ABL Revolver to January 1, 2020, will be Level III rate. Thereafter, effective as of the first day of each calendar quarter, the rate corresponding to the average daily undrawn availability for the most recently completed calendar quarter.
Guarantees and security
Ferroglobe PLC was not required to provide a guarantee of the ABL Revolver, but entered into a Non-Recourse Pledge Agreement with lender in respect of its shares in Globe Specialty Metals, Inc..
Covenants
The ABL Revolver contains certain affirmative covenants relating to, among other things: (i) preservation of existence; (ii) payment of taxes; (iii) continuation of business; (iv) maintenance of insurance on its properties and assets; (v) maintenance and protection of rights of properties; (vi) visitation rights granted to the Administrative Agent and (vii) maintain and keep proper books of record and account. The ABL Revolver also contains certain negative covenants,
122
relating to, among other things: (i) debt; (ii) liens; (iii) liquidations, mergers or consolidation; (iv) amendment of organizational documents; (v) restricted payments (including dividends, distributions, issuances of equity interests, redemptions and repurchases of equity interests); (vi) sale and leaseback transactions and (vii) further negative pledges. The ABL Revolver does not contain any leverage-based or financial ratio-based covenants, but requires minimum undrawn availability of $10,000 thousand and a restricted cash reserve of $22,500 thousand.
Repayment of the ABL in March, 2021
On March 16, 2021, the Company has repaid in its entirety the remaining balance at the date for an amount equal to $39,476 thousand, cancelling its obligations derived from the contract.
Super Senior Notes
On May 17, 2021, Ferroglobe Finance Company, plc (the “UK Issuer”) issued a tranche of the Super Senior Notes, comprising an initial $40 million of an aggregate of $60 million 9.0% senior secured notes due 2025, in an offering that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Additional Super Senior Notes were issued on July 29, 2021 such that a total of $60 million in aggregate principal amount was outstanding on such date.
The Super Senior Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Super Senior Notes Indenture”) entered into by, among others, the UK Issuer, GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee, Global Loan Agency Services Limited, as paying agent, GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, as security agent, and the guarantors named therein (the “Super Senior Notes Guarantors”). The Super Senior Notes mature on June 30, 2025 and are secured by certain share pledges, bank account pledges, intercompany receivables pledges, inventory pledges and security over certain real property, leases and other assets.
The Super Senior Notes, and the guarantees thereof, are general secured, senior obligations of the UK Issuer and the Super Senior Notes Guarantors, as applicable, and rank senior in right of payment to any and all of the existing and future indebtedness of the UK Issuer and the Super Senior Notes Guarantors, as applicable, that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Super Senior Notes and such guarantees, as applicable.
At any time from July 29, 2021, the UK Issuer may redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Super Senior Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the holders, at the following redemption prices: (i) commencing on July 29, 2021 to the date falling 15 months after July 29, 2021, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Super Senior Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, (ii) commencing after the date falling 15 months after July 29, 2021 to the date falling nine (9) months after such date, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Super Senior Notes being redeemed plus the “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, (iii) commencing after the date falling 24 months after July 29, 2021 to the date falling 36 months after July 29, 2021, at a redemption price of 104.5% of the principal amount of the Super Senior Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts and (iv) commencing after the date falling 36 months after July 29, 2021 and thereafter, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Super Senior Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts.
The Super Senior Notes Indenture require us to offer to repurchase all or any part of each holder’s Super Senior Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Super Senior Notes Indenture, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of purchase. A change of control will occur upon the acquisition of 35% or more of the total voting power of our shares by persons other than certain permitted holders including Grupo VM and such permitted holders “beneficially own” directly or indirectly in the aggregate the same or a lesser percentage of the total voting power of our shares than such other “person” or “group” of related persons. However, the Super Senior Notes Indenture states that no change of control shall occur or be deemed to occur by reason of:
| 1. | any enforcement of rights or exercise of remedies under the GVM Share Pledge, including any sale, transfer or other disposal or disposition of the shares in Ferroglobe in connection there with; |
123
| 2. | any disposal by Grupo VM of its shares in Ferroglobe where the purpose of that transaction is to facilitate the repayment or discharge (in full or in part) of the GVM Loan and the proceeds of sale are promptly applied towards such repayment or discharge; or |
| 3. | any mandatory offer (or analogous offer) required under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers or any analogous regulation applied in any jurisdiction as a consequence of a transaction under limbs (1) or (2) above, |
provided that, if any transaction under paragraphs (1) to (3) above occurs which, but for such paragraph(s), would be a “Change of Control” as a consequence of any person or persons (other than Tyrus) (x) acquiring any voting stock of Ferroglobe PLC (or any other successor company) or (y) being or becoming the “beneficial owner” of the voting power of any voting stock of Ferroglobe PLC (or any other successor company) (such person(s), the “Controlling Shareholder”):
| ● | the Controlling Shareholder has within 60 days of that transaction and at its election: |
| o | paid to the Holders, on a pro rata basis, a fee in an aggregate amount equal to the product of(i) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes, (ii) 0.02 and (iii) the number of years (or part-thereof, with any part of a year calculated on the basis of the number of days divided by 360) from the payment date of such fee to June 30, 2025; or |
| o | made an offer to all Holders to purchase one-third of the Notes on a pro rata basis at a price equal to (A) in the first fifteen months after the Issue Date, 100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest or (B) at any time after the first fifteen months following the Issue Date, 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest; or |
| ● | either or both of the Issuers within 60 days of that transaction has made an offer to all Holders to repurchase or purchase (as applicable), or has otherwise redeemed, one-third of the Notes on a pro rata basis at a price equal to (A) in the first fifteen months after the Issue Date,100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest or (B) at anytime after the fifteen months following the Issue Date, 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, resulting in such repurchased, purchased or redeemed Notes being cancelled, and provided further that the Controlling Shareholder is not a Restricted Person. |
Where:
“GVM Loan” means any financing provided by Tyrus to Grupo VM or owing by Grupo VM to Tyrus, from time to time.
“GVM Share Pledge” means any share pledge or charge or other similar security over the shares in Ferroglobe PLC held by Grupo VM granted by Grupo VM in support of or as collateral for its obligations under any Grupo VM Loan from time to time.
“Restricted Person” means any person that: (a) is listed on the United States Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List; the European Union Consolidated List of Persons, Groups and Entities subject to EU Financial Sanctions; or the United Kingdom Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets (each a “Sanctions List”); (b) is owned or controlled by a person identified on a Sanctions List, to the extent that such ownership or control results in such person being subject to the same restrictions as if such person were themselves identified on the corresponding Sanctions List; (c) is located in or incorporated under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United States, which for the purposes of this Agreement, as at the date of signature of this Agreement by the last of its signatories are Iran, Syria, Cuba, the Crimea Region, and North Korea; (d) has, within the last five years, been prosecuted by a relevant authority in the United States, the United Kingdom or any member state of the European Union, in relation to a breach of securities laws (in so far as such prosecution relates to insider dealing, unlawful disclosure, market manipulation or prospectus liability) or criminal laws relating to fraud or anti-corruption, save for instances where the prosecution has concluded and did not result in any criminal or civil settlement or penalty being imposed in relation to such breaches; or (e) is a Subsidiary of a person described in (d) above.
124
The Super Senior Notes Indenture restricts, among other things, the ability of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries to:
| ● | borrow or guarantee additional indebtedness; |
| ● | pay dividends, repurchase shares and make distributions of certain other payments; |
| ● | make certain investments; |
| ● | create certain liens; |
| ● | merge or consolidate with other entities; |
| ● | Enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| ● | sell,lease or transfer certain assets, including shares of any restricted subsidiary of Ferroglobe; and |
| ● | guarantee certain types of other indebtedness of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries withoutalso guaranteeing the Super Senior Notes. |
Old Notes
On February 15, 2017, Ferroglobe PLC and Globe issued the Old Notes, comprising $350 million 9⅜% senior notes due 2022, in an offering that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Pursuant to a consent solicitation completed on July 29, 2021 relating to the exchange of the Old Notes, the proposed amendments eliminated substantially all of the restrictive covenants, all of the reporting covenants and certain of the events of default in the Old Notes Indenture. As of July 29, 2021 $4.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the Old Notes was outstanding.
The Old Notes are governed by the Old Notes Indenture entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe and Globe, as issuers, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, registrar and paying agent, and the guarantors named therein (the “Old Notes Guarantors”).
The Old Notes and the guarantees thereof are general unsecured, senior obligations of Ferroglobe and Globe and the Old Notes Guarantors, as applicable, and rank senior in right of payment to any and all of the existing and future indebtedness of Ferroglobe, Globe and the Old Notes Guarantors, as applicable, that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Old Notes and such guarantees, as applicable.
Ferroglobe and Globe may redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Old Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the holders, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Old Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date.
On March 1, 2022, Ferroglobe repaid in its entirety the old notes for an amount equal to $5,175 thousand cancelling its obligations derived from the old notes indenture.
Reinstated Notes
Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Ferroglobe PLC, the UK Issuer and Globe offered to eligible holders of the Old Notes the opportunity to exchange any and all of the Old Notes for new 9⅜% senior secured notes due 2025 issued by the UK Issuer and Globe.
The Reinstated Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Reinstated Notes Indenture”) entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe and Globe, as issuers, GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee, Global Loan Agency Services Limited, as paying agent, GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, as security agent, and the guarantors named therein. The Reinstated Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by Ferroglobe and each subsidiary of Ferroglobe that guarantees the UK Issuer’s obligations
125
under the Super Senior Notes (other than Globe) (the “Reinstated Notes Guarantors”). The Reinstated Notes mature on December 31, 2025 and are secured by the same collateral that secures the Super Senior Notes.
The Reinstated Notes, and the guarantees thereof, are general secured, senior obligations of Ferroglobe and Globe and the Reinstated Notes Guarantors, as applicable, and will rank senior in right of payment to any and all of the existing and future indebtedness of Ferroglobe, Globe and the Reinstated Notes Guarantors, as applicable, that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Reinstated Notes and such guarantees, as applicable.
Ferroglobe and Globe may redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Reinstated Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the holders, at the following redemption prices: (i) at any time prior to July 31, 2022, Ferroglobe and Globe may redeem all or part of the Reinstated Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, plus a “make whole” premium, (ii) during the twelve-month period beginning on July 31, 2022, at a redemption price of 104.6875% of the principal amount of the Reinstated Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, (iii) during the twelve-month period beginning on July 31, 2023, at a redemption price of 102.34375% of the principal amount of the Reinstated Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, (iv) during the twelve-month period beginning on July 31, 2024, at a redemption price of 101% of the principal amount of the Reinstated Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, and (v) from July 31, 2025, at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the Reinstated Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts.
The Reinstated Notes Indenture require us to offer to repurchase all or any part of each holder’s Reinstated Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Reinstated Notes Indenture, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the date of purchase. A change of control will occur upon the acquisition of 35% or more of the total voting power of our shares by persons other than certain permitted holders including Grupo VM and such permitted holders “beneficially own” directly or indirectly in the aggregate the same or a lesser percentage of the total voting power of our shares than such other “person” or “group” of related persons. However, the Reinstated Notes Indenture states that no change of control shall occur or be deemed to occur by reason of:
| 1. | any enforcement of rights or exerciseof remedies under the GVM Share Pledge, including any sale, transfer or other disposal ordisposition of the shares in Ferroglobe in connection there with; |
| 2. | any disposal by Grupo VM of its sharesin Ferroglobe where the purpose of that transaction is to facilitate the repayment or discharge(in full or in part) of the GVM Loan and the proceeds of sale are promptly applied towardssuch repayment or discharge; or |
| 3. | any mandatory offer (or analogous offer) required under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers or any analogous regulation applied in any jurisdiction as a consequence of a transaction under limb (1) or (2) above, |
provided that, if any transaction under paragraphs (1) to (3) above occurs which, but for such paragraph(s), would be a “Change of Control” as a consequence of any person or persons (other than Tyrus) (x) acquiring any voting stock of Ferroglobe PLC (or any other successor company) or (y) being or becoming the “beneficial owner” of the voting power of any voting stock of Ferroglobe PLC (or any other successor company) (such person(s), the “Controlling Shareholder”):
| ● | the Controlling Shareholder has within 60 days of that transaction and at its election: |
| o | paid to the Holders, on a pro rata basis, a fee in an aggregate amount equal to the product of(i) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Reinstated Notes, (ii) 0.02 and (iii)the number of years (or part-thereof, with any part of a year calculated on the basis of the number of days divided by 360) from the payment date of such fee to December 31, 2025; or |
| o | made an offer to all Holders to purchase one-third of the Notes on a pro rata basis at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest; or |
126
| ● | either or both of the Issuers within 60 days of that transaction has made an offer to all Holders to repurchase or purchase (as applicable), or has otherwise redeemed, one-third of the Note son a pro rata basis at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, resulting in such repurchased, purchased or redeemed Notes being cancelled, and provided further that the Controlling Shareholder is not a Restricted Person. |
Where:
“GVM Loan” means any financing provided by Tyrus to Grupo VM or owing by Grupo VM to Tyrus, from time to time.
“GVM Share Pledge” means any share pledge or charge or other similar security over the shares in Ferroglobe PLC held by Grupo VM granted by Grupo VM in support of or as collateral for its obligations under any Grupo VM Loan from time to time.
“Restricted Person” means any person that: (a) is listed on the United States Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List; the European Union Consolidated List of Persons, Groups and Entities subject to EU Financial Sanctions; or the United Kingdom Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets (each a “Sanctions List”); (b) is owned or controlled by a person identified on a Sanctions List, to the extent that such ownership or control results in such person being subject to the same restrictions as if such person were themselves identified on the corresponding Sanctions List; (c) is located in or incorporated under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United States, which for the purposes of this Agreement, as at the date of signature of this Agreement by the last of its signatories are Iran, Syria, Cuba, the Crimea Region, and North Korea; (d) has, within the last five years, been prosecuted by a relevant authority in the United States, the United Kingdom or any member state of the European Union, in relation to a breach of securities laws (in so far as such prosecution relates to insider dealing, unlawful disclosure, market manipulation or prospectus liability) or criminal laws relating to fraud or anti-corruption, save for instances where the prosecution has concluded and did not result in any criminal or civil settlement or penalty being imposed in relation to such breaches; or (e) is a Subsidiary of a person described in (d) above.
The Reinstated Notes Indenture restricts, among other things, the ability of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries to:
| ● | borrow or guarantee additional indebtedness; |
| ● | pay dividends, repurchase shares and make distributions of certain other payments; |
| ● | make certain investments; |
| ● | create certain liens; |
| ● | merge or consolidate with other entities; |
| ● | enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| ● | sell, lease or transfer certain assets, including shares of any restricted subsidiary of Ferroglobe; and |
| ● | guarantee certain types of other indebtedness of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries without also guaranteeing the Reinstated Notes. |
Compared to the Old Notes Indenture (prior to certain amendments on July 29, 2021) the Reinstated Notes Indenture have generally more stringent restrictive covenants. Some of these differences include, among others, the following:
| ● | the elimination of baskets or a reduction of basket sizes in the debt covenant, restricted payment covenant, permitted investments, permitted liens and asset disposition; |
127
| ● | the addition of a net leverage test in the debt covenant and reduced flexibility in financial calculations; |
| ● | requirement to apply certain excess proceeds to repay debt in accordance with the applicable intercreditor agreement; |
| ● | lower event of default thresholds; and |
| ● | a 90% guarantor coverage test. |
Intercreditor Agreement
In connection with the issuance of the Super Senior Notes, the UK Issuer, the Company and certain of its restricted subsidiaries entered into an intercreditor agreement (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) on May 17, 2021. Under the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, in the event of enforcement of certain collateral the holders of Reinstated Notes will receive proceeds from such collateral only after obligations under the Super Senior Notes have been repaid in full.
REINDUS Loan
On September 8, 2016, FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. (“FAU”), as borrower, and the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (the “Ministry”), as lender, entered into a loan agreements under which the Ministry made available to the borrower a loan in aggregate principal amount of €44.9 million, in connection with the industrial development projects relating to our solar grade silicon project. FAU transferred the loan to OPCO before its sale. See “Item 4.B.—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Research and Development (R&D)—Solar grade silicon.” The loan of €44.9 million was scheduled to be repaid in seven installments starting in 2023 and completing by 2030. Interest on outstanding amounts under each loan accrues at an annual rate of 3.55%. As of December 31, 2021, the balance of the remaining loan has been presented within Current liabilities.
Use of the proceeds of the outstanding loan was limited to the period between January 1, 2016 and May 24, 2019. On May 24, 2019, a report on uses of the loan was presented to the Ministry. As a result of this report, a partial early repayment of €16.5 million is to be made before the end of the administrative procedure. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on administrative procedures as well as bilateral meetings with the Ministry, no results have been received from the Ministry all procedures have been delayed.
On January 25, 2022, the Ministry opened a hearing to decide on reimbursement of the loan. The company presented its allegations on February 15, 2022. Based on those allegations, the reimbursement procedure has been suspended and a new final report is expected to be made by the Ministry by the end of 2022 ending the administrative procedure and establishing the definitive amount of the partial reimbursement to be made.
SEPI loan
On March 3, 2022, Grupo FerroAtlántica and Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios (together the “Beneficiaries”) and the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (“SEPI”), a Spanish state-owned industrial holding company affiliated with the Ministry of Finance and Administration, entered into a loan agreement of €34.5 million. This loan is part of the SEPI fund intended to provide assistance to non-financial companies operating in strategically important sectors within Spain in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The €34.5M was funded using a dual-tranche loan, with €17.25M maturing in February 2025 and €17.25M maturing in June 2025. €16.9M of the loan carries a fixed interest rate of 2% per annum, and interest on the remaining €17.6M is calculated as IBOR plus a spread of 2.5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second and third years and 5.0% in the fourth year, plus an additional 1.0% payable if the result before taxes of the Beneficiaries is positive. The loans are secured by corporate joint guarantees from Ferroglobe, Ferroglobe Holding Company and Ferroglobe Finance Company and certain share pledges, bank account pledges, intercompany receivables pledges, inventory pledges and security over certain real property, and other assets from Grupo FerroAtlántica and certain of its subsidiaries.
128
Until the loans have been fully repaid, the Beneficiaries are subject to several restrictions, including the following prohibited payments: (1) payment of dividends; (2) payment of management fee; (3) repayment of intra-group loans; (4) payment of intercompany net commercial balances as of June 30, 2021 (denominated “legacy”), with an exception of $20M of those balances. (Intercompany commercial balances generated after Jun-21 are permitted); and (5) payment of interest on intercompany loans corresponding to the years 2021 and 2022.
Other material contracts
See also “Item 7.B.—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions.” and “Item 5.B.—Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
D. Exchange Controls
See “Item 3.D.—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Ordinary Shares.”
E. Taxation.
U.S. federal income taxation
The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders (as defined below) of the ownership and disposition of ordinary shares. The discussion is based on and subject to the Internal Revenue Code, the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and court decisions in effect on the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, and to differing interpretations. The discussion applies only to U.S. shareholders that acquire ordinary shares in exchange for cash in this offering and hold ordinary shares as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). The discussion also assumes that we will not be treated as a U.S. corporation under Section 7874 of the Code. The discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular U.S. shareholders in light of their personal circumstances, including any tax consequences arising under the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income, or to such shareholders subject to special treatment under the Code, such as:
| ● | banks, thrifts, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other financial institutions, |
| ● | real estate investment trusts (REITs) and regulated investment companies (RICs), |
| ● | traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, |
| ● | brokers or dealers in securities or foreign currency, |
| ● | tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations, |
| ● | individual retirement and other deferred accounts, |
| ● | U.S. shareholders whose functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar, |
| ● | U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States, |
| ● | “passive foreign investment companies,” “controlled foreign corporations,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, |
| ● | persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, |
129
| ● | shareholders who hold ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedging, conversion, constructive sale or other risk reduction transaction, |
| ● | “S corporations,” partnerships or other entities or arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other pass-through entities (and investors therein), |
| ● | persons that actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting stock, and |
| ● | shareholders who received their ordinary shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan. |
The discussion does not address any non-income tax consequences or any foreign, state or local tax consequences. For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. shareholder means a beneficial owner of ordinary shares who is:
| ● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| ● | a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or any subdivision thereof, or that is otherwise treated as a U.S. tax resident under the Code; |
| ● | an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or |
| ● | a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
If a partnership, including for this purpose any entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A U.S. holder that is a partnership and the partners in such partnership should consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of ordinary shares.
Prospective purchasers are urged to consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, as well as the tax consequences to them arising under U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to income tax (including estate or gift tax laws), state, local and non-U.S. tax laws, as well as any applicable income tax treaty.
Dividends and other distributions on ordinary shares
Dividends will generally be taxed as ordinary income to U.S. shareholders to the extent that they are paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. As such, subject to the following discussion of special rules applicable to PFICs (as defined below) and, assuming that ordinary shares continue to be listed on the NASDAQ and certain holding-period requirements are met, the gross amount of the dividends paid to U.S. shareholders may be eligible to be taxed at lower rates applicable to dividends paid by a “qualified foreign corporation.” Dividends paid by us will not qualify for the dividends received deduction under Section 243 of the Code otherwise available to corporate shareholders. In general, and subject to the discussion below, the dividend income will be treated as foreign source passive income for U.S. federal foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The rules relating to the determination of the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex and U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent a credit would be available.
To the extent that the amount of any dividend exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year, the excess will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction in the U.S. shareholder’s adjusted basis
130
in ordinary shares. The balance of any excess will be taxed as capital gain, which would be long-term capital gain if the U.S. shareholder has held the ordinary shares for more than one year at the time the dividend is received.
It is possible that we are, or at some future time will be, at least 50% owned by U.S. persons. Dividends paid by a foreign corporation that is at least 50% owned by U.S. persons may be treated as U.S. source income (rather than foreign source passive income) for foreign tax credit purposes to the extent the foreign corporation has more than an insignificant amount of U.S. source income. The effect of this rule may be to treat a portion of any dividends paid by us as U.S. source income, which may limit a U.S. shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to foreign taxes payable or deemed payable in respect of the dividends or other foreign source passive income. The Code permits a U.S. shareholder entitled to benefits under the United Kingdom-United States Income Tax Treaty to elect to treat any dividends paid by us as foreign source income for foreign tax credit purposes if the dividend income is separated from other income items for purposes of calculating the U.S. shareholder’s foreign tax credit with respect to U.K. taxes withheld, if any, on the distribution of such dividend income. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors about the desirability and method of making such an election.
We generally intend to pay dividends in U.S. Dollars. If we were to pay dividends in a foreign currency or other property, the amount of any such dividend will be the U.S. Dollar equivalent value of the foreign currency or other property distributed by us, calculated, in the case of foreign currency, by reference to the exchange rate on the date the dividend is includible in the U.S. shareholder’s income, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. Dollars on the date of receipt. Generally, a U.S. shareholder should not recognize any foreign currency gain or loss if the foreign currency is converted into U.S. Dollars on the date the payment is received. However, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the U.S. shareholder includes the dividend payment in income to the date such U.S. shareholder actually converts the payment into U.S. Dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss. That currency exchange or loss (if any) generally will be income or loss from U.S. sources for foreign tax credit purposes.
Sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares
Subject to the following discussion of special rules applicable to PFICs, a U.S. shareholder will generally recognize taxable gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such taxable disposition and the U.S. shareholder’s tax basis in the ordinary shares. A U.S. shareholder’s initial tax basis in ordinary shares generally will equal the cost of such ordinary shares.
The source of any such gain or loss is generally determined by reference to the residence of the shareholder such that it generally will be treated as U.S. source income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes in the case of a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition by a U.S. shareholder. However, the Code permits a U.S. shareholder entitled to benefits under the United Kingdom-United States Income Tax Treaty to elect to treat any gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares as foreign source income for foreign tax credit purposes if the gain or loss is sourced outside of the United States under the United Kingdom-United States Income Tax Treaty and such gain or loss is separated from other income items for purposes of calculating the U.S. shareholder’s foreign tax credit. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors about the desirability and method of making such an election.
Gain or loss realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of ordinary shares generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the ordinary shares have been held for more than one year. Non-corporate U.S. shareholders (including individuals) generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gain at preferential rates. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Passive foreign investment company considerations
A foreign corporation is a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) if, after the application of certain “look-through” rules, (1) at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income” as that term is defined in the relevant provisions of the Code, or (2) at least 50% of the value of its assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) produce “passive income” or are held for the production of “passive income.” The determination as to PFIC status is made annually. If a
131
U.S. shareholder is treated as owning PFIC stock, the U.S. shareholder will be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate the benefit of the deferral of U.S. federal income tax that results from investing in a foreign corporation that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis. These rules may adversely affect the tax treatment to a U.S. shareholder of dividends paid by us and of sales, exchanges and other dispositions of ordinary shares, and may result in other adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.
We do not expect to be treated as a PFIC for the current taxable year, and we do not expect to become a PFIC in the future. However, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully challenge this position or that we will not become a PFIC at some future time as a result of changes in our assets, income or business operations. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors about the determination of our PFIC status and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding ordinary shares if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.
Information reporting and backup withholding
In general, information reporting requirements may apply to dividends received by U.S. shareholders of ordinary shares and the proceeds received on the disposition of ordinary shares effected within the United States (and, in certain cases, outside the United States), paid to U.S. shareholders other than certain exempt recipients (such as corporations). Backup withholding may apply to such amounts if the U.S. shareholder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number (generally on an IRS Form W-9) or is otherwise subject to backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. shareholder will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Individuals that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value of more than $50,000 (or higher threshold for some married individuals and individuals living abroad) may be required to file an information report (IRS Form 8938) with respect to such assets with their US tax returns. Ordinary shares generally will constitute specified foreign financial assets subject to these reporting requirements, unless the ordinary shares are held in an account at a financial institution (which, in the case of a foreign financial account, may also be subject to reporting). Additionally, under recently finalized regulations, a domestic corporation, domestic partnership, or trust (as described in Section 7701(a)(30)(E) of the Code) which is formed or availed of for purposes of holding, directly or indirectly, specified foreign financial assets may be treated as an individual for purposes of these rules. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding information reporting requirements relating to their ownership of ordinary shares, and the significant penalties to which they may be subject for failure to comply.
United Kingdom taxation
The following paragraphs are intended as a general guide to current U.K. tax law and HM Revenue & Customs published practice applying as at the date of this annual report (both of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retrospective effect) relating to the holding of ordinary shares. They do not constitute legal or tax advice and do not purport to be a complete analysis of all U.K. tax considerations relating to the holding of ordinary shares. They relate only to persons who are absolute beneficial owners of ordinary shares (and where the ordinary shares are not held through an Individual Savings Account or a Self-Invested Personal Pension) and who are resident for tax purposes in (and only in) the U.K. (except to the extent that the position of non-U.K. resident persons is expressly referred to).
These paragraphs may not relate to certain classes of holders of ordinary shares, such as (but not limited to):
| ● | persons who are connected with the Company; |
| ● | insurance companies; |
| ● | charities; |
| ● | collective investment schemes; |
132
| ● | pension schemes; |
| ● | brokers or dealers in securities or persons who hold ordinary shares otherwise than as an investment; |
| ● | persons who have (or are deemed to have) acquired their ordinary shares by virtue of an office or employment or who are or have been officers or employees of the Company or any of its affiliates; and |
| ● | individuals who are subject to U.K. taxation on a remittance basis. |
These paragraphs do not describe all of the circumstances in which holders of ordinary shares may benefit from an exemption or relief from U.K. taxation. It is recommended that all holders of ordinary shares obtain their own tax advice. In particular, non-U.K. resident or domiciled persons are advised to consider the potential impact of any relevant double tax agreements.
Dividends
Withholding tax
Dividends paid by the Company will not be subject to any withholding or deduction for or on account of U.K. tax, irrespective of the residence or particular circumstances of the shareholders.
Income tax
An individual holder of ordinary shares who is resident for tax purposes in the U.K. may, depending on his or her particular circumstances, be subject to U.K. tax on dividends received from the Company. An individual holder of ordinary shares who is not resident for tax purposes in the U.K. should not be chargeable to U.K. income tax on dividends received from the Company unless he or she carries on (whether solely or in partnership) any trade, profession or vocation in the U.K. through a branch or agency to which the ordinary shares are attributable (subject to certain exceptions for trading through independent agents, such as some brokers and investment managers).
A nil rate of income tax will currently apply to the first £2 thousand of dividend income received by an individual shareholder in a tax year (the “Nil Rate Amount”), regardless of what tax rate would otherwise apply to that dividend income. Any dividend income received by an individual shareholder in a tax year in excess of the Nil Rate Amount will be subject to income tax at dividend rates determined by thresholds of income, as follows:
| ● | at the rate of 7.5%, to the extent that the relevant dividend income falls below the threshold for the higher rate of income tax; |
| ● | at the rate of 32.5%, to the extent that the relevant dividend income falls above the threshold for the higher rate of income tax but below the threshold for the additional rate of income tax; and |
| ● | at the rate of 38.1%, to the extent that the relevant dividend income falls above the threshold for the additional rate of income tax. |
Dividend income that is within the dividend Nil Rate Amount counts towards an individual’s basic or higher rate limits and will therefore potentially affect the level of savings allowance to which an individual is entitled, and the rate of tax that is due on any dividend income in excess of the Nil Rate Amount. In calculating into which tax band any dividend income over the nil rate falls, savings and dividend income are treated as the highest part of an individual’s income. Where an individual has both savings and dividend income, the dividend income is treated as the top slice.
133
Corporation tax
Corporate holders of ordinary shares which are resident for tax purposes in the U.K. should not be subject to U.K. corporation tax on any dividend received from the Company so long as the dividends qualify for exemption (as is likely) and certain conditions are met (including anti-avoidance conditions).
Chargeable gains
A disposal of ordinary shares by a shareholder resident for tax purposes in the U.K. may, depending on the shareholder’s circumstances and subject to any available exemptions or reliefs, give rise to a chargeable gain or an allowable loss for the purposes of U.K. capital gains tax and corporation tax on chargeable gains.
If an individual holder of ordinary shares who is subject to U.K. income tax at either the higher or the additional rate becomes liable to U.K. capital gains tax on the disposal of ordinary shares, the applicable rate will be 20%. For an individual holder of ordinary shares who is subject to U.K. income tax at the basic rate and liable to U.K. capital gains tax on such disposal, the applicable rate would be 10%, save to the extent that any capital gains exceed the unused basic rate tax band. In that case, the rate applicable to the excess would be 20%. No indexation allowance will be available to an individual holder of ordinary shares in respect of any disposal of such shares. However, the capital gains tax annual exempt amount (which is £12,300 (2020/21) for individuals (2019/20: £12,000)) may be available to exempt any chargeable gain, to the extent that the exemption has not already been utilized.
If a corporate holder of ordinary shares becomes liable to U.K. corporation tax on the disposal of ordinary shares, the main rate of U.K. corporation tax (currently 19%) would apply. An indexation allowance may be available to such a holder to give an additional deduction based on the indexation of its base cost in the shares by reference to U.K. retail price inflation over its holding period. An indexation allowance can only reduce a gain on a future disposal, and cannot create a loss.
A holder of ordinary shares which is not resident for tax purposes in the U.K. should not normally be liable to U.K. capital gains tax or corporation tax on chargeable gains on a disposal of ordinary shares. However, an individual holder of ordinary shares who has ceased to be resident for tax purposes in the U.K. for a period of less than five years and who disposes of ordinary shares during that period may be liable on his or her return to the U.K. to U.K. tax on any capital gain realized (subject to any available exemption or relief).
Stamp duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (“SDRT”)
The discussion below relates to holders of ordinary shares wherever resident.
Transfers of ordinary shares within a clearance service or depositary receipt system should not give rise to a liability to U.K. stamp duty or SDRT, provided that no instrument of transfer is entered into and that no election that applies to the ordinary shares is or has been made by the clearance service or depositary receipt system under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986.
Transfers of ordinary shares within a clearance service where an election has been made by the clearance service under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986 will generally be subject to SDRT (rather than U.K. stamp duty) at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration.
Transfers of ordinary shares that are held in certificated form will generally be subject to U.K. stamp duty at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration given (rounded up to the nearest £5). An exemption from U.K. stamp duty is available for a written instrument transferring an interest in ordinary shares where the amount or value of the consideration is £1,000 or less, and it is certified on the instrument that the transaction effected by the instrument does not form part of a larger transaction or series of transactions for which the aggregate consideration exceeds £1,000. SDRT may be payable on an agreement to transfer such ordinary shares, generally at the rate of 0.5% of the consideration given in money or money’s worth under the agreement to transfer the ordinary shares. This charge to SDRT would be discharged if an instrument of transfer is executed pursuant to the agreement which gave rise to SDRT and U.K. stamp duty is duly paid on the instrument
134
transferring the ordinary shares within six years of the date on which the agreement was made or, if the agreement was conditional, the date on which the agreement became unconditional. The stamp duty would be duly accounted for if it is paid, an appropriate relief is claimed or the instrument is otherwise certified as exempt.
If ordinary shares (or interests therein) are subsequently transferred into a clearance service or depositary receipt system, U.K. stamp duty or SDRT will generally be payable at the rate of 1.5% of the amount or value of the consideration given (rounded up in the case of U.K. stamp duty to the nearest £5) or, in certain circumstances, the value of the shares (save to the extent that an election has been made under Section 97A of the U.K. Finance Act 1986). This liability for U.K. stamp duty or SDRT will strictly be accountable by the clearance service or depositary receipt system, as the case may be, but will, in practice, generally be reimbursed by participants in the clearance service or depositary receipt system.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents.
Not applicable.
G. Statements by Experts.
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display.
We previously filed with the SEC our registration statement on Form F-1 on March 15, 2016 with file number 333-209595.
We have filed this annual report on Form 20-F with the SEC under the U.S. Exchange Act. Statements made in this annual report as to the contents of any document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such document filed as an exhibit to this annual report, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act and file reports and other information with the SEC.
Electronic copies of this material may be obtained from the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. The Commission’s telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the U.S. Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements and will not be required to file proxy statements with the SEC, and its officers, directors and principal shareholders will be exempt from the reporting and “short swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the U.S. Exchange Act.
I. Subsidiary Information.
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Ferroglobe operates in an international and cyclical industry which exposes it to a variety of financial risks such as currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and risks relating to the price of finished goods, raw materials and power.
The Company’s management model aims to minimize the potential adverse impact of such risks upon the Company’s financial performance. Risk is managed by the Company’s executive management, supported by the Risk Management, Treasury and Finance functions. The risk management process includes identifying and evaluating financial risks in conjunction with the Company’s operations and quantifying them by project, region and subsidiary. Management provides
135
written policies for global risk management, as well as for specific areas such as foreign currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, the use of hedging instruments and derivatives, and investment of surplus liquidity.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the Company’s future cash flows or the fair value of its financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The primary market risks to which the Company is exposed comprise foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and risks related to prices of finished goods, raw materials (principally coal and manganese ore) and power.
Foreign exchange rate risk
Ferroglobe generates sales revenue and incurs operating costs in various currencies. The prices of finished goods are to a large extent determined in international markets, primarily in US dollars and Euros. Foreign currency risk is partly mitigated by the generation of sales revenue, the purchase of raw materials and other operating costs being denominated in the same currencies. Although it has done so on occasions in the past, and may decide to do so in the future, the Company does not generally enter into foreign currency derivatives in relation to its operating cash flows.
Notes and cross currency swap
The Parent Company has been historically exposed to exchange rate fluctuations as it had a Euro functional currency and future commitments to pay interest and principal in US dollars in respect of its outstanding debt instruments of $150,000 thousand (see Note 18). To manage this foreign currency risk, the Parent Company entered in 2017 into a cross currency swap and designated a portion of this as an effective cash flow hedge of the future interest and principal amounts due on its debt instruments. In March, 2020, the Company closed out the cross currency swap (see Note 19).
In 2021, due to an occurrence of events and conditions that reduce the number of transactions in euros, management conducted a review of the functional currency of the Parent Company and they concluded that there has been a change in its functional currency from Euro to US Dollars, effective since October 1, 2021 (see Note 3.3).
Interest rate risk
Ferroglobe is exposed to interest rate risk in respect of its financial liabilities that bear interest at floating rates. These primarily comprise credit facilities and leases commitments for lease agreements following IFRS 16 implementation.
At December 31, the Company’s interest-bearing financial liabilities were as follows:
2021 | ||||||
Fixed rate | Floating rate | Total | ||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Bank borrowings | — | 98,967 | 98,967 | |||
Obligations under finance leases | — | 18,358 | 18,358 | |||
Debt instruments | 440,297 | — | 440,297 | |||
Other financial liabilities (*) | 67,014 | — | 67,014 | |||
507,311 | 117,325 | 624,636 | ||||
(*) Other financial liabilities comprise loans from government agencies and exclude derivative financial instruments (see Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
136
2020 | ||||||
Fixed rate | Floating rate | Total | ||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Bank borrowings | — | 107,607 | 107,607 | |||
Obligations under finance leases | — | 22,537 | 22,537 | |||
Debt instruments | 357,508 | — | 357,508 | |||
Other financial liabilities (*) | 63,896 | — | 63,896 | |||
421,404 | 130,144 | 551,548 | ||||
(*) Other financial liabilities comprise loans from government agencies and exclude derivative financial instruments (see Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a customer or counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss. The Company’s main credit risk exposure related to financial assets is trade and other receivables.
Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. The Company has established policies, procedures and controls relating to customer credit risk management. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable and, where appropriate, the Company insures its trade receivables with reputable credit insurance companies.
Since October 2020, the Company entered into a factoring program where the receivables of some of the Company’s French and Spanish entities are advanced pursuant to a factoring arrangement.
Since December 2019, the Company entered into a forfaiting program where some of the Company’s French and Spanish entities may assign their rights to receive payments under the Contracts with the customer “ArcelorMittal Sourcing s.c.a.” in accordance with a forfaiting scheme.
Liquidity risk
The purpose of the Company’s liquidity and financing policy is to ensure that the Company keeps sufficient funds available to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company’s main sources of financing are as follows:
| ● | $345,058 thousand aggregate principal amount of 9.375% senior secured notes due March 1, 2025 (the “Reinstated Senior Notes”). The proceeds from the Reinstated Notes, issued by Ferroglobe and Globe (together, the “Issuers”) on July 30, 2021, were primarily used to repay certain existing indebtedness of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually on January 31 and July 31 of each year. |
| ● | $60,000 thousand aggregate principal amount of 9.300% super senior secured notes due March 1, 2025 (the “Super Senior Notes”). The proceeds from the Notes, issued by Ferroglobe on May 17, 2021, were primarily used to repay certain existing indebtedness of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries. Interest is payable semi-annually on January 31 and July 31 of each year. |
| ● | On September 8, 2016, FerroAtlántica, S.A.U, as borrower, and the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (the “Ministry”), as lender, entered into two loan agreements under which the Ministry made available to the borrower loans in aggregate principal amount of €44,999 thousand and €26,909 thousand, respectively, in connection with industrial development projects relating to the Company’s solar grade silicon project. The loan is contractually due to be repaid in 7 instalments over a 10-year period with the first three years as a grace period. The loan of €26,909 thousand was repaid in April 2018. Interest on outstanding amounts under each loan accrues at an annual rate of 3.55%. As of December 31, 2021, the amortized cost of the loan was €54,578 thousand (equivalent to $61,815 thousand) (2020: €44,824 thousand and $55,004 thousand), see Note 19. |
| ● | On February 1, 2018 the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding ordinary shares of Kintuck (France) SAS and Kintuck AS from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore International AG (“Glencore”) and obtained control |
137
| of both entities. Consideration included both cash and contingent consideration.The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay the former owners of Kintuck (France) SAS and Kintuck AS a sliding scale commission based on the silicomanganese and ferromanganese sales spreads of Ferroglobe Mangan Norge and Ferroglobe Manganèse France, up to a maximum amount of $60,000 thousand (undiscounted). The contingent consideration applies to sales made up to eight and a half years from the date of acquisition and if it applies, the payment is on annual basis. The potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that the Company could be required to make under the contingent consideration arrangement is between $nil thousand and $60,000 thousand. |
| ● | On October 2, 2020, the Company ended the receivables funding agreement and cancelled the securitization program, signing a new factoring agreement with a Factor, for anticipating the collection of receivables of the Company’s European entities (Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A. and FerroPem S.AS). As a result of the agreement, the Leasing and Factoring Agent provided a cash consideration of circa $48.8 million, repurchased the receivables portfolio sold to the SPE on September 28, 2020, and consequently assumed the loan tranche of the senior borrower to the SPE. Also, the Senior loan and intermediate subordinate loan tranches were paid with internal sources of funds, at closing, there was cash release of $18 million from restricted cash relating to a special purpose vehicle under prior securitization program (see Note 10). |
| ● | On July 23, 2020, Ferroglobe subsidiary, Ferropem, S.A.S., as borrower, contracted a loan with BNP Paribas, as lender, amounting to €4,456 thousand, to finance Company’s activities in France. The loan is guaranteed by the French government as part of the COVID-19 relief measures. Repayment of principal and payment of interest and accessories offer the possibility for the Borrower to extend the amortization of the amounts due at maturity for an additional period of 1 to 5 years. Interest rate is zero percent and the borrower is liable to pay a 0.50% fee calculated on the capital borrowed equivalent to an amount of €22 thousand. |
| ● | On June 2, 2020, Ferroglobe subsidiary, Silicium Québec, as borrower, contracted a $7,000 thousand loan with Investissement Québec, a regional government loan & investment agency, as lender, to finance its capital expenditures activities in Canada. The loan is to be repaid in 84 installments over a 10 year period with the first three years as a grace period. Interest rate on outstanding amounts is zero percent. |
| ● | On March 3, 2022, Grupo FerroAtlántica and Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios (together the “Beneficiaries”) and the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (“SEPI”), a Spanish state-owned industrial holding company affiliated with the Ministry of Finance and Administration, entered into a loan agreement of €34.5 million. This loan is part of the SEPI fund intended to provide assistance to non-financial companies operating in strategically important sectors within Spain in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. |
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.
A. Debt Securities.
Not applicable.
B. Warrants and Rights.
Not applicable.
C. Other Securities.
Not applicable.
D. American Depositary Shares.
Not applicable.
138
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.
None of these events occurred in any of the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
| A. | Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures |
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer (Chief Executive Officer) and principal financial officer (Chief Financial Officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
Our management, under the supervision and participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021. Based on that evaluation, we have concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to the existence of certain material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, as described below.
Notwithstanding the conclusion by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2021 were ineffective, and notwithstanding the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below, management has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report fairly present in all material respects our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates presented and for the periods ended on such dates in accordance with IFRS-IASB.
B. Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the U.S. Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed by management to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements.
An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error or overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
139
of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on those criteria, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective due to the existence of the material weaknesses described below.
Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
We previously identified and disclosed in our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2020, the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting.
-Control environment
We did not maintain an effective control environment to enable the identification and mitigation of the risk of the existence of potential material accounting errors. We have identified deficiencies in the principles associated with the control environment component of the COSO framework. Specifically, these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate, relating to the following principles: (i) our commitment to attract, develop, and retain competent individuals in alignment with objectives, and (ii) holding individuals accountable for their internal control related responsibilities in the pursuit of objectives.
-Information and Communication
We have identified deficiencies associated with the Information and Communication component of the COSO framework. Specifically, these control deficiencies constitute a material weakness either individually or in the aggregate, relating to the principle of obtaining, generating, and using relevant quality information used in our business process and related control activities which supports the function of internal control.
-Control Activities
We did not design and implement effective control activities based on the criteria established in the COSO framework. We have identified deficiencies in the principles associated with the control activities component of the COSO framework. Specifically, these control deficiencies constitute a material weakness either individually or in the aggregate, relating to the following principles: (i) selecting and developing control activities that contribute to the mitigation of risks to acceptable levels and (ii) deploys control activities through policies that establish what is expected and procedures that put policies into action.
We have also identified a significant number of deficiencies in the design and operating effectiveness of our internal controls which constitute a material weakness, either individually or in the aggregate, including:
| ● | Financial Closing and Reporting process: Controls over the oversight of the financial closing and reporting process, and controls over the review of manual journal entries, which did not operate effectively due in part to limited resources within our accounting and reporting team. |
| ● | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Controls over the assumptions and inputs used in our impairment evaluation of long-lived assets. |
C.Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
The report of Deloitte, S.L., our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on our internal control over financial reporting is included herein.
140
D.Remediation of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting for 2021
During 2021, Management designed the plan and started the process of designing corrective actions to remediate the material weaknesses identified in the previous year. Although the Company has dedicated a substantial effort to improve the internal control over financial reporting system, our remediation efforts are ongoing. We will continue the process of designing corrective actions to remediate the material weaknesses identified, and we will test the design and ongoing operating effectiveness of the new and existing controls in future periods.
We plan to continue with the implementation of the steps initiated in 2021 to remediate the material weaknesses described above, including:
| ● | Continue working on the enhancement and standardization of the financial closing and reporting process and the review of manual journal entries, including developing processes and procedures to enhance the precision of management review controls over financial statement information. |
| ● | Design and implement effective internal controls to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and quality of relevant information used to support the system of internal control. |
| ● | Design and implement effective internal controls over the financial reporting process, including controls over the impairment evaluation of long-lived assets. |
We believe these actions will be sufficient to remediate the identified material weaknesses and strengthen our internal control over financial reporting; however, there can be no guarantee that such remediation will be sufficient. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of our controls and will make any further changes management determines appropriate.
Management plans to implement these process improvements and internal controls in 2022. These process improvements and internal controls will be implemented in 2022 and subjected to the Company’s annual evaluation and assessment of internal control over financial reporting. We cannot consider the material weaknesses remediated until the controls described above have operated for a sufficient period of time. We will evaluate the results of our control assessments to determine whether these controls are operating effectively and whether the material weaknesses above have been remediated as of December 31, 2022.
E.Changes in internal control over financial reporting
After the evaluation as of December 31,2020, when the company’s Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, Management began the process of designing corrective actions to remediate the identified material weaknesses.
A substantial effort has been made throughout 2021, to address the material weaknesses relating the Control Environment Component:
| ● | Management hired additional personnel with the appropriate experience, certifications, education, and training to perform key financial reporting, internal control and accounting positions, including key personnel in one subsidiary Ferroglobe Manganèse France in Dunkirk where internal control deficiencies were identified. |
| ● | Management has recruited additional personnel to strength our Internal Control department and our Internal Audit departments, which has allowed changes in the design and implementation of controls that failed in 2020, formalize processes documentation, internal procedures and ICFR policies, a better monitoring and evaluation of |
141
| the operating effectiveness of internal controls and ensured execution of proper corrective actions in a timely manner. |
| ● | We have enhanced communications and trainings provided to employees regarding the importance of adhering to control procedures and maintaining proper documentation, including training control owners regarding internal control processes to mitigate identified risks and to maintain adequate documentation to evidence the effective design and operation of key processes and controls. |
Management believes the measures described above, have improved the control environment and strengthened our internal control over financial reporting during 2021. Further work is required and therefore, management continues to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may decide to take additional measures to address control deficiencies or determine to modify, or, in appropriate circumstances, not to complete, certain of the remediation measures described above.
Except for the changes in connection with our implementation of the remediation plan discussed above, there have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
See “Item 6.C.—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices—Committees of board of directors—Audit Committee.” Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Bruce Crockett qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under applicable SEC rules.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS.
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct for our employees, officers and directors to govern their relations with current and potential customers, fellow employees, competitors, government and regulatory agencies, the media, and anyone else with whom Ferroglobe PLC has contact. Our Code of Conduct is publicly available on our website at www.ferroglobe.com.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The following table provides information on the aggregate fees billed by our principal accountant Deloitte or by other firms, to Ferroglobe PLC and subsidiaries, classified by type of service rendered for the periods indicated, in thousands of U.S. Dollars:
($ thousands) |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
Audit Fees |
| 5,296 |
| 4,810 |
Audit-Related Fees |
| 770 |
| 38 |
Tax Fees |
| 37 |
| 3 |
All Other Fees | 13 | — | ||
Total |
| 6,116 |
| 4,851 |
142
Audit Fees are the aggregate fees billed for professional services in connection with the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements and statutory audits of our subsidiaries’ financial statements under the rules in which our subsidiaries are organized. Also included are quarterly limited reviews, audits of non-recurring transactions, consents and any audit services required for SEC or other regulatory filings.
Audit-Related Fees are fees charged for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, and are not restricted to those that can only be provided by the auditor signing the audit report. This category comprises fees billed for comfort letters and agreed upon procedures for grants and other financial compliance.
Tax Fees are fees billed for tax compliance, tax review and tax advice on actual or contemplated transactions.
All Other Fees comprises fees billed in relation to financial advisory services and other services not accounted for under other categories.
Audit Committee’s policy on pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services of the independent auditor
Subject to shareholder approval of the independent auditor, the Audit Committee has the sole authority to appoint, retain or replace the independent auditor. The Audit Committee is also directly responsible for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor. These policies generally provide that we will not engage our independent auditors to render audit or non-audit services unless the service is specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee’s pre-approval policy, which covers audit and non-audit services provided to us or to any of our subsidiaries, is as follows:
| ● | The Audit Committee shall review and approve in advance the annual plan and scope of work of the independent external auditor, including staffing of the audit, and shall (i) review with the independent external auditor any audit-related concerns and management’s response and (ii) confirm that any examination is performed in accordance with the relevant accounting standards. |
| ● | The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit services and all permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for us by the independent auditors, to the extent required by law. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more Committee members the authority to grant pre-approvals for audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by the independent auditor, provided that decisions of such members to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. |
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
As a “foreign private issuer,” as defined by the SEC, although we are permitted to follow certain corporate governance practices of England and Wales, instead of those otherwise required under NASDAQ rules for domestic issuers, we intend
143
to follow the NASDAQ corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers. While we voluntarily follow most NASDAQ corporate governance rules, we intend to take advantage of the following limited exemptions:
| ● | Exemption from filing quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or providing current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four days of their occurrence; |
| ● | Exemption from Section 16 rules regarding sales of ordinary shares by insiders, which will provide less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to the U.S. Exchange Act; |
| ● | Exemption from the NASDAQ rules applicable to domestic issuers requiring disclosure within four business days of any determination to grant a waiver of the code of business conduct and ethics to directors and officers. Although we will require board approval of any such waiver, we may choose not to disclose the waiver in the manner set forth in the NASDAQ rules, as permitted by the foreign private issuer exemption; |
| ● | Exemption from the requirement that our Board have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Currently, our Compensation Committee is composed of a majority of independent directors; and |
| ● | Exemption from the requirements that director nominees are selected, or recommended for selection by our Board, either by (1) independent directors constituting a majority of our Board’s independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate, or (2) a nominations committee composed solely of independent directors, and that a formal written charter or board resolution, as applicable, addressing the nominations process is adopted. |
Furthermore, NASDAQ Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer, such as us, may rely on home country corporate governance practices in lieu of certain of the rules in the NASDAQ Rule 5600 Series and Rule 5250(d), provided that we nevertheless comply with NASDAQ’s Notification of Noncompliance requirement (Rule 5625), the Voting Rights requirement (Rule 5640) and that we have an audit committee that satisfies Rule 5605(c)(3), consisting of committee members that meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). Although we are permitted to follow certain corporate governance rules that conform to England and Wales requirements in lieu of many of the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, we intend to comply with the NASDAQ corporate governance rules applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of NASDAQ. We may utilize these exemptions for as long as we continue to qualify as a foreign private issuer.
For additional information see “Item 6.C.—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices.”
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
The information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is included in Exhibit 16.1 to this annual report.
144
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included at the end of this annual report.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS.
Exhibit No. |
| Exhibit Description |
|---|---|---|
1.1 | ||
2.1 | ||
3.1 | ||
3.2 | Amendment No. 3, to the amended and restated shareholder agreement | |
4.1† | ||
4.2† | ||
4.3† | ||
4.4 | ||
145
Exhibit No. |
| Exhibit Description |
|---|---|---|
4.5 | ||
4.6 | ||
8.1 | ||
12.1 | ||
12.2 | ||
13.1 | ||
15.1 | Consent of Deloitte, S.L., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Ferroglobe PLC | |
16.1 | ||
101 | Interactive Data Files formatted in iXBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibits 101) |
† | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement |
146
SIGNATURE
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Date: May 2, 2022 | ||
Ferroglobe PLC | ||
(Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ Marco Levi | |
Marco Levi | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
By: | /s/ Beatriz García-Cos | |
Beatriz García-Cos | ||
Principal Accounting Officer | ||
147
FERROGLOBE PLC
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ferroglobe PLC
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Ferroglobe PLC and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated income statements, the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), the consolidated statements of changes in equity, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS-IASB”).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 2, 2022, expressed an adverse opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting because of material weaknesses.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Liquidity and Going concern — Refer to Note 3.1 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As described in Note 3.1, the Company´s management has concluded that the Company´s working capital is sufficient for its present requirements, and anticipates generating sufficient cash from operations to satisfy its short and long-term liquidity needs. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company reported net losses of $115 million, $250 million and $286 million, respectively. The business has historically been subject to fluctuations in the price of the products and market demand for them, caused by general and regional economic cycles, raw material and energy price fluctuations, competition and other factors. The Company’s primary short-term liquidity needs are to fund its capital expenditure commitments, fund specific initiatives underlying the strategic plan, service its existing debt, fund working
F-2
capital and comply with other contractual obligations. The Company is subject to certain restrictive covenants under the existing financing agreements, which limit, among other things, its ability to incur additional indebtedness. To assess liquidity risk, the Company has considered a model which considers revenues (including prices and volume assumptions), costs, net tax payments, capital expenditures and net working capital requirements.
We identified the evaluation of whether there is substantial doubt about the Company´s ability to continue as a going concern as a critical audit matter because of the subjectivity in assessing whether the Company will be able to meet its operational and finance commitments. A high degree of auditor judgment was required when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management's estimates and assumptions related to the forecasted future financial results and projected liquidity.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management's evaluation and disclosure of liquidity and going concern included the following, among others:
| • | We obtained information about management’s plans that are intended to mitigate the adverse effects of conditions or events indicative of substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. |
| • | We assessed the adequacy of support regarding the availability of financing, including existing arrangements for factoring receivables and the possible effects on management’s borrowing plans of existing restrictions on additional borrowing or the sufficiency of available collateral. |
| • | We considered external analyst reports, industry data and other external information to determine if it provided corroborative or contradictory evidence in relation to management's assumptions. |
| ● | We assessed the reasonableness of management’s key assumptions for preparing prospective cash flow information, including projected results and forecasted future cash flows, with particular attention to assumptions that are especially sensitive or inconsistent with historical trends. |
| ● | We inquired as to management´s knowledge of events or conditions beyond the period of management’s assessment that may cast substantial doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. |
| • | We evaluated the adequacy of the Company's disclosures on this matter. |
Refinancing – Refer to Note 18 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As described in Note 18 to the financial statements, on July 29, 2021 the Company completed a restructuring of its capital and debt by the Issuance of $60 million of new senior secured notes (the “Super Senior Notes”); the issuance of $40 million in new equity of Ferroglobe; and the exchange of $345.1 over the original $350 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.375% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Old Notes”) for the same principal amount of new 9.375% senior secured notes due 2025 (resulting in the “Reinstated notes”) and amendment of certain other terms (the “refinancing”). The refinancing has been accounted for as an extinguishment of the Old Notes and the Company has recognized a charge of $91 million in the income statement related mainly to the advisory fees and expenses related to the exchange and to equity granted to the noteholders.
We identified the accounting for the refinancing as a critical audit matter because of its significant accounting impact and because auditing the judgments made by management to determine the accounting for this transaction required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of audit effort.
F-3
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the accounting for the refinancing and management's judgements used to account for it included the following, among others:
| • | We evaluated management's conclusion regarding the accounting treatment by performing the following: |
| o | We obtained and evaluated the transaction contracts and other documentation, including terms with impact in the accounting evaluation. |
| o | We obtained and analyzed the Company's evaluation as to whether the exchange of the Old Notes by the Reinstated Notes was a substantial modification of the debt in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. |
| o | We evaluated the Company's conclusions over the accounting for the transaction fees and expenses, including equity granted to the noteholders and underwriters. |
| • | We evaluated the adequacy of the Company's disclosures on this matter. |
Impairment of goodwill and property, plant and equipment (PP&E) — Refer to Notes 4.4, 7 and 9 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As described in Notes 4.4, 7 and 9 to the financial statements, the Company´s consolidated goodwill balance was $29 million and the Company´s consolidated PP&E balance was $555 million as of December 31, 2021. As mentioned in Notes 7 and 9, no significant impairments were recorded during 2021. The Company’s evaluation of goodwill and PP&E for impairment involves the comparison of the carrying amounts of assets with their recoverable amount. The determination of the recoverable amount requires significant judgement in developing and applying key underlying assumptions concerning future market and conditions (volumes, sale prices, cost structure and capital expenditure - “capex”) for the periods projected, as well as the determination of an appropriate discount rate and terminal value. For certain assets, recoverable amount has been determined at fair value less cost of disposal, which determination is subject to significant judgement.
We identified impairment of goodwill and PP&E as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments involved in the assessment. A high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of audit effort, including the involvement of fair value specialists and an increase in the nature and extent of audit procedures as a result of the material weaknesses identified by the Company, was required to consider management’s estimates and assumptions.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to management´s assessment of goodwill and PP&E for impairment included the following, among others:
| • | We considered the accuracy of past forecasts developed by management to assess the reliability of the forecasting process. |
| • | We considered key assumptions applied in the development of the discounted future cash flows for the periods projected. |
| • | We evaluated the volumes and prices projected for the period 2022-2026 using independent sources of information (such as analyst and industry reports or prices reports, when available) and considered information that could be potentially contradictory to management's forecasts. |
| • | With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the discount rates (WACC), the long-term growth rates, the appropriate methodology for determination of terminal values and the underlying source information. Our fair value specialists also assisted in testing the mathematical accuracy of the calculations and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to management’s estimates. |
F-4
| • | We have performed sensitivity analysis over the goodwill impairment test by comparing the results of the impairment test with significant changes and modifications to the underlying inputs such as the net cash flows and the terminal value, the discount rates (WACC) and the long-term growth rate. |
| • | For those assets for which recoverable amount was determined at fair value less cost of disposal, we evaluated the main assumptions used by the Company with the assistance of our fair value specialists. |
/s/
May 2, 2022
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1992.
F-5
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ferroglobe PLC
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Ferroglobe PLC and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weaknesses identified below on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated May 02, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Material Weaknesses
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management's assessment:
F-6
Control Environment: The Company identified deficiencies in the principles associated with the control environment component of the COSO framework. Specifically, these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate, relating to the following principles: (i) the organization demonstrates a commitment to attract, develop, and retain competent individuals in alignment with objectives, and (ii) the organization holds individuals accountable for their internal control related responsibilities in the pursuit of objectives.
Information and Communication: The Company identified deficiencies in the principles associated with the information and communication component of the COSO framework. Specifically, these control deficiencies constitute a material weakness, either individually or in the aggregate, relating to the principle of obtaining, generating, and using relevant quality information to support the function of internal control.
Control Activities: The Company identified deficiencies in the principles associated with the control activities component of the COSO framework. Specifically, these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses, either individually or in the aggregate, relating to the following COSO principles: (i) the organization selects and develops control activities that contribute to the mitigation of risks to acceptable levels and (ii) the organization deploys control activities through policies that establish what is expected and procedures that put policies into action.
The COSO component material weaknesses described above contributed to the following material weaknesses within the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting at the control activity level.
| - | Financial Closing and Reporting process: The Company did not design and operate effectively controls over the oversight of the financial closing and reporting process, and controls over the review of manual journal entries, due to limited resources within its accounting and reporting team. |
| - | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company did not design controls over the assumptions and inputs used in the impairment evaluation of long-lived assets. |
These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company, and this report does not affect our report on such consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte, S.L.
Madrid, Spain
May 2, 2022
F-7
FERROGLOBE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 | ||
Notes | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
| Note 7 |
| |
| |
Other intangible assets |
| Note 8 |
| |
| |
Property, plant and equipment |
| Note 9 |
| |
| |
Other non-current financial assets |
| Note 10 |
| |
| |
Deferred tax assets |
| Note 23 |
| |
| — |
Non-current receivables from related parties |
| Note 24 |
| |
| |
Other non-current assets |
| Note 12 |
| |
| |
Non-current restricted cash and cash equivalents | Note 10 | | — | |||
Total non-current assets |
|
|
| |
| |
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
| Note 11 |
| |
| |
Trade and other receivables |
| Note 10 |
| |
| |
Current receivables from related parties |
| Note 24 |
| |
| |
Current income tax assets |
| Note 23 |
| |
| |
Other current financial assets |
| Note 10 |
| |
| |
Other current assets |
| Note 12 |
| |
| |
Current restricted cash and cash equivalents | Note 10 | — | | |||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| Note 10 |
| |
| |
Total current assets |
|
|
| |
| |
Total assets |
|
|
| |
| |
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||||||
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
|
| |
| |
Reserves |
|
|
| |
| |
Translation differences |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
Valuation adjustments |
|
|
| |
| |
Result attributable to the Parent |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
| |
| |
Total equity |
| Note 13 |
| |
| |
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income |
|
|
| |
| |
Provisions |
| Note 15 |
| |
| |
Bank borrowings |
| Note 16 |
| |
| |
Lease liabilities |
| Note 17 |
| |
| |
Debt instruments | Note 18 | | | |||
Other financial liabilities |
| Note 19 |
| |
| |
Other obligations | Note 21 | | | |||
Other non-current liabilities |
| Note 22 |
| |
| |
Deferred tax liabilities |
| Note 23 |
| |
| |
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
| |
| |
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions |
| Note 15 |
| |
| |
Bank borrowings |
| Note 16 |
| |
| |
Lease liabilities |
| Note 17 |
| |
| |
Debt instruments | Note 18 | | | |||
Other financial liabilities |
| Note 19 |
| |
| |
Payables to related parties |
| Note 24 |
| |
| |
Trade and other payables |
| Note 20 |
| |
| |
Current income tax liabilities |
| Note 23 |
| |
| |
Other obligations | Note 21 | | | |||
Other current liabilities |
| Note 22 |
| |
| |
Total current liabilities |
|
|
| |
| |
Total equity and liabilities |
|
|
| |
| |
Notes 1 to 31 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-8
FERROGLOBE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS 2021, 2020 AND 2019
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
|
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
Notes | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Sales |
| Note 26.1 |
| |
| |
| |
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other operating income |
| Note 4.21 |
| |
| |
| |
Staff costs |
| Note 26.2 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other operating expense |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| Note 26.3 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Impairment (loss) gain |
| Note 26.5 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets |
| Note 26.5 |
| |
| |
| ( |
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets |
| Note 26.6 |
| |
| |
| ( |
Other (loss) gain |
|
| |
| ( |
| — | |
Operating (loss) profit |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Finance income |
| Note 26.4 |
| |
| |
| |
Finance costs |
| Note 26.4 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Financial derivative gain | Note 19 | — | | | ||||
Exchange differences |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| |
(Loss) before tax |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax benefit (expense) |
| Note 23 |
| |
| ( |
| |
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
(Loss) profit for the year from discontinued operations | Note 30 | — | ( | | ||||
Total (Loss) for the year | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Attributable to the Parent |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
| Note 13 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Earnings per share | ||||||||
|
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(Loss) attributable to the Parent (US$'000) |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Weighted average basic and dilutive shares outstanding | |
| |
| | |||
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share (US$) | Note 14 | ( | ( | ( | ||||
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations attribuitable to the Parent (US$'000) |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Weighted average basic and dilutive shares outstanding | |
| |
| | |||
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share (US$) |
| Note 14 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
(Loss) profit for the year from discontinued operations (US$'000) | — | ( | | |||||
Weighted average basic and dilutive shares outstanding |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share (US$) | Note 14 | — |
| ( |
| | ||
Notes 1 to 31 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-9
FERROGLOBE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) FOR 2021, 2020 AND 2019
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Net (loss) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to income or loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined benefit obligation |
| |
| |
| ( |
Tax effect | | ( | — | |||
Total income and expense that will not be reclassified subsequently to income or loss |
| |
| |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income or loss: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arising from cash flow hedges |
| — |
| ( |
| |
Translation differences |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Tax effect |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Total income and expense that may be reclassified subsequently to income or loss |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Items that have been reclassified to income or loss in the period: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arising from cash flow hedges |
| ( |
| |
| |
Tax effect |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Total transfers to income or loss |
| ( |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year, net of income tax |
| ( |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Total comprehensive (loss) for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Attributable to the Parent |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Notes 1 to 31 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-10
FERROGLOBE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR 2021, 2020 AND 2019
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
Total Amounts Attributable to Owners | ||||||||||||||||||
Issued | Share | Translation | Valuation | Result for | Non-controlling | |||||||||||||
Shares | Capital | Share Premium | Reserves | Differences | Adjustments | the Year | Interests | Total | ||||||||||
(Thousands) | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2019 |
| |
| |
| — | |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| |
| | |
Comprehensive (loss) income for the year 2019 |
| — | — | — | — | ( | | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| — | — | — | | — | — | — | — | | ||||||||
Distribution of 2018 income |
| — | — | — | | — | — | ( | — | — | ||||||||
Dividends paid to joint venture partner |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||
Acquisition of non-controlling interests in Ferrosolar OPCO Group SL. and Rocas Arcillas and Minerales, S.A. | — | — | — | ( | | — | — | | ( | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2019 |
| |
| |
| — | |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| | |
Comprehensive (loss) income for the year 2020 | — | — | — | — | | | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||
Share-based compensation | — | — | — | | — | — | — | — | | |||||||||
Distribution of 2019 loss | — | — | — | ( | — | — | | — | — | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | | | — | | ( | | ( | | | |||||||||
Comprehensive (loss) income for the year 2021 | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||
Issue of share capital | | | | — | — | — | — | | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation | — | — | — | | — | — | — | — | | |||||||||
Distribution of 2020 (loss) | — | — | — | ( | — | — | | — | — | |||||||||
Dividends paid non-controlling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||
Other changes | — | — | — | | — | — | — | — | | |||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | | | | | ( | | ( | | | |||||||||
Notes 1 to 31 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-11
FERROGLOBE PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR 2021, 2020 AND 2019
Thousands of U.S. Dollars
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019* | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
| |||||
(Loss) for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Adjustments to reconcile net profit (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
| |||||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| |
| |
| |
Finance income (loss) |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Finance costs |
| |
| |
| |
Financial derivative (gain) loss | — | ( | ( | |||
Exchange differences |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Impairment (gain) loss |
| ( |
| |
| |
Loss (gain) on disposal of discontinued operations | — | | ( | |||
Loss (gain) due to changes in the value of assets |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Loss (gain) on disposal of non-current assets |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Share-based compensation | | | | |||
Other loss (gain) |
| ( |
| — |
| — |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
| |||||
(Increase) decrease in inventories |
| ( |
| |
| |
(Increase) decrease in trade and other receivables |
| ( |
| |
| |
Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Other changes in operating assets and liabilities |
| |
| |
| ( |
Income tax paid |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Net used cash provided (used) by operating activities | ( | | ( | |||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
| |||||
Interest and finance income received |
| |
| |
| |
Payments due to investments: |
| |||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries | — | — | | |||
Other intangible assets |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Property, plant and equipment |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Other financial assets |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Disposals: |
| |||||
Disposal of subsidiaries | — | — | | |||
Other non-current assets | | | | |||
Other |
| |
| — |
| |
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities | ( | ( | | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
| |||||
Payment for debt and equity issuance costs | ( | ( | ( | |||
Proceeds from equity issuance | | — | — | |||
Proceed from debt issuance | | — | — | |||
Repayment of hydro leases | — | — | ( | |||
Increase (decrease) in bank borrowings: |
| |||||
Borrowings |
| |
| |
| |
Payments |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Amounts paid due to leases | ( | ( | ( | |||
Other amounts (paid) due to financing activities |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Interest paid |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities | | ( | ( | |||
Total net cash flows for the year |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Beginning balance of cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| |
| |
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents in foreign currencies |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Ending balance of cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| |
| |
*
Notes 1 to 31 are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
F-12
Ferroglobe PLC and Subsidiaries
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(U.S. Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
1. General information
Ferroglobe PLC and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Ferroglobe”) is among the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and silicon-based alloys, important ingredients in a variety of industrial and consumer products. The Company’s customers include major silicone chemical, aluminum and steel manufacturers, auto companies and their suppliers, ductile iron foundries, manufacturers of photovoltaic solar cells and computer chips, and concrete producers. Additionally, the Company was operating hydroelectric plants (hereinafter “energy business”) in Spain until August 30, 2019 and is still operating hydroelectric plants in France.
Ferroglobe PLC (the “Parent Company” or “the Parent”) is a public limited company that was incorporated in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2015 (formerly named ‘Velonewco Limited’). The Parent’s registered office is 13 Chesterfield Street, London W1J 5JN (United Kingdom).
On December 23, 2015, Ferroglobe PLC consummated the acquisition (“Business Combination”) of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. and subsidiaries (“GSM” or “Globe”) and Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. (“FerroAtlántica”).
Presentation of results of Spanish energy business for the prior years
As described in Note 30 of these financial statements, on June 2, 2019 the Company entered into an agreement with Kehlen Industries Management, S.L., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSSP Adjacent Opportunities Partners, L.P., for the sale of the entire share capital of FerroAtlántica, S.A.U ("FAU"), the owner and operator of the Group's hydro-electric assets in Galicia, Spain (the “Spanish Hydro-electric Business”) and its smelting facility at Cee-Dumbria and effectively sold the Spanish Hydroelectric Business on August 30, 2019. The Spanish Hydroelectric Business was classified as a disposal group held for sale and accounted for as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2019.
2. Organization and Subsidiaries
Ferroglobe has a diversified production base consisting of production facilities across North America, Europe, South America, South Africa and Asia.
The subsidiaries of Ferroglobe PLC as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, classified by reporting segments, were as follows:
F-13
Percentage of Ownership |
| |||||||
| Direct |
| Total |
| Reporting Segment |
| Registered | |
Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Alden Resources, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Alden Sales Corporation, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
ARL Resources, LLC | — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||
ARL Services, LLC | — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||
Core Metals Group Holdings, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Core Metals Group, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
ECPI, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Gatliff Services, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Globe BG, LLC | — |
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||||
GBG Financial LLC | — |
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||||
GBG Holdings, LLC | — |
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||||
Globe Metallurgical Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Globe Metals Enterprises, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
GSM Alloys I, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
GSM Alloys II, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
GSM Enterprises Holdings, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
GSM Enterprises, LLC | — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||
GSM Sales, Inc. | — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||
Laurel Ford Resources, Inc. | — |
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||||
LF Resources, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Metallurgical Process Materials, LLC | — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||
Norchem, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Florida - USA | ||
QSIP Canada ULC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Canada | ||
Quebec Silicon General Partner | — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Canada | |||
Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Canada | ||
Tennessee Alloys Company, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
West Virginia Alloys, Inc. |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
WVA Manufacturing, LLC |
| — |
|
| North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | ||
Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. |
| — |
|
| Europe – Silicon | A Coruña - Spain | ||
FerroPem, S.A.S. |
| — |
|
| Europe – Silicon | France | ||
Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. |
| — |
|
| Europe – Silicon | A Coruña - Spain | ||
Ferroatlántica del Cinca, S.L. | — |
|
| Europe – Manganese | Madrid - Spain | |||
Ferroglobe Mangan Norge A.S. | — |
| Europe – Manganese | Norway | ||||
Ferroglobe Manganese France S.A.S. | — |
| Europe – Manganese | France | ||||
Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. |
| — |
|
| Europe – Manganese and Silicon | Madrid - Spain | ||
Kintuck (France) S.A.S. | — |
| Europe – Manganese | France | ||||
Kintuck A.S. | — |
| Europe – Manganese | Norway | ||||
Rebone Mining (Pty.), Ltd. |
| — |
|
| South Africa – Silicon | Polokwane - South Africa | ||
Silicon Smelters (Pty.), Ltd. |
| — |
|
| South Africa – Silicon | Polokwane - South Africa | ||
Silicon Technology (Pty.), Ltd. |
| — |
|
| South Africa – Silicon | South Africa | ||
Thaba Chueu Mining (Pty.), Ltd. |
| — |
|
| South Africa – Silicon | Polokwane - South Africa | ||
Cuarzos Indus. de Venezuela (Cuarzoven), S.A. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Venezuela | ||
Emix, S.A.S. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | France | ||
Ferroatlántica de México, S.A. de C.V. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Nueva León - Mexico | ||
Ferroatlántica Participaciones, S.L.U. | — |
|
| Other segments | Madrid - Spain | |||
Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. | — |
| Other segments | Madrid - Spain | ||||
Ferroatlántica de Venezuela (FerroVen), S.A. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Venezuela | ||
Ferroatlántica Deutschland, GmbH |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Germany | ||
Ferroatlántica do Brasil Mineraçao Ltda. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Brazil | ||
Ferroglobe Holding Company, LTD | |
|
| Other segments | United Kingdom | |||
Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC | — |
|
| Other segments | United Kingdom | |||
FerroManganese Mauritania S.A.R.L. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Mauritania | ||
Ferroquartz Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong) |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Hong Kong | ||
FerroQuartz Mauritania S.A.R.L. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Mauritania | ||
Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. | — | Other segments | Spain | |||||
Ferrosolar R&D S.L. | — | Other segments | Spain | |||||
FerroTambao, S.A.R.L. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Burkina Faso | ||
Globe Argentina Holdco, LLC | — |
| Other segments | Delaware - USA | ||||
Globe Metales S.R.L. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Argentina | ||
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | Delaware - USA | ||
GSM Financial, Inc. | — |
| Other segments | Delaware - USA | ||||
GSM Netherlands, B.V. | — |
| Other segments | Netherlands | ||||
Hidroelectricité de Saint Beron, S.A.S. | — |
| Other segments | France | ||||
Mangshi FerroAtlántica Mining Industry Service Company Limited | — | Other segments | Mangshi, Dehong - Yunnan - China | |||||
Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industrial Co., Ltd. |
| — |
|
| Other segments | China | ||
Photosil Industries, S.A.S. | — |
| Other segments | France | ||||
Ferroglobe Innovation, S.L.U | — |
| Other segments | Spain | ||||
Solsil, Inc. | — | Other segments | Delaware - USA | |||||
Ultracore Energy S.A. | — |
| Other segments | Argentina | ||||
F-14
2020 Subsidiaries
Percentage of Ownership |
| |||||||
Direct |
| Total |
| Reporting Segment |
| Registered | ||
Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Alden Resources, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Alden Sales Corporation, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
ARL Resources, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
ARL Services, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Core Metals Group Holdings, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Core Metals Group, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
ECPI, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Gatliff Services, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Globe BG, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GBG Financial LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GBG Holdings, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Globe Metallurgical Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Globe Metals Enterprises, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Alloys I, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Alloys II, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Enterprises Holdings, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Enterprises, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Sales, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Laurel Ford Resources, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
LF Resources, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Metallurgical Process Materials, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Norchem, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Florida - USA | |||||
QSIP Canada ULC | — | North America – Silicon | Canada | |||||
Quebec Silicon General Partner | — | North America – Silicon | Canada | |||||
Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership | — | North America – Silicon | Canada | |||||
Tennessee Alloys Company, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
West Virginia Alloys, Inc. | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
WVA Manufacturing, LLC | — | North America – Silicon | Delaware - USA | |||||
Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. | — | Europe – Silicon | A Coruña - Spain | |||||
Ferroatlántica del Cinca, S.L. | — | Europe – Manganese | Madrid - Spain | |||||
Ferroatlántica de Sabón, S.L.U. | — | Europe – Silicon | Madrid - Spain | |||||
Ferroatlántica de Boo, S.L.U. | — | Europe – Manganese | Madrid - Spain | |||||
Ferroatlántica Participaciones, S.L.U. | — | Other segments | Madrid - Spain | |||||
Ferroglobe Mangan Norge A.S. | — | Europe – Manganese | Norway | |||||
Ferroglobe Manganese France S.A.S. | — | Europe – Manganese | France | |||||
FerroPem, S.A.S. | — | Europe – Silicon | France | |||||
Ferrous Receivables DAC. | — | Other segments | Ireland | |||||
Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. | | Europe – Manganese | Madrid - Spain | |||||
Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. | — | Other segments | Madrid - Spain | |||||
Kintuck (France) S.A.S. | — | Europe – Manganese | France | |||||
Kintuck A.S. | — | Europe – Manganese | Norway | |||||
Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. | — | Europe – Silicon | A Coruña - Spain | |||||
Rebone Mining (Pty.), Ltd. | — | South Africa – Silicon | Polokwane - South Africa | |||||
Silicon Smelters (Pty.), Ltd. | — | South Africa – Silicon | Polokwane - South Africa | |||||
Silicon Technology (Pty.), Ltd. | — | South Africa – Silicon | South Africa | |||||
Thaba Chueu Mining (Pty.), Ltd. | — | South Africa – Silicon | Polokwane - South Africa | |||||
Cuarzos Indus. de Venezuela (Cuarzoven), S.A. | — | Other segments | Venezuela | |||||
Emix, S.A.S. | — | Other segments | France | |||||
Ferroatlántica de México, S.A. de C.V. | — | Other segments | Nueva León - Mexico | |||||
Ferroatlántica de Venezuela (FerroVen), S.A. | — | Other segments | Venezuela | |||||
Ferroatlántica Deutschland, GmbH | — | Other segments | Germany | |||||
Ferroatlántica do Brasil Mineraçao Ltda. | — | Other segments | Brazil | |||||
Ferroatlántica I+D, S.L.U. | — | Other segments | Madrid - Spain | |||||
FerroAtlántica International Ltd. | — | Other segments | United Kingdom | |||||
Ferroglobe Services (UK) Ltd. | | Other segments | United Kingdom | |||||
FerroManganese Mauritania S.A.R.L. | — | Other segments | Mauritania | |||||
Ferroquartz Holdings, Ltd. (Hong Kong) | — | Other segments | Hong Kong | |||||
FerroQuartz Mauritania S.A.R.L. | — | Other segments | Mauritania | |||||
Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. | — | Other segments | Spain | |||||
Ferrosolar R&D S.L. | — | Other segments | Spain | |||||
FerroTambao, S.A.R.L. | — | Other segments | Burkina Faso | |||||
Globe Argentina Holdco, LLC | — | Other segments | Delaware - USA | |||||
Globe Metales S.R.L. | — | Other segments | Argentina | |||||
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. | | Other segments | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Financial, Inc. | — | Other segments | Delaware - USA | |||||
GSM Netherlands, B.V. | — | Other segments | Netherlands | |||||
Hidroelectricité de Saint Beron, S.A.S. | — | Other segments | France | |||||
Mangshi FerroAtlántica Mining Industry Service Company Limited | — | Other segments | Mangshi, Dehong -Yunnan -China | |||||
Mangshi Sinice Silicon Industry Company Limited | — | Other segments | Mangshi, Dehong -Yunnan -China | |||||
Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industrial Co., Ltd. | — | Other segments | China | |||||
Photosil Industries, S.A.S. | — | Other segments | France | |||||
Silicio Ferrosolar, S.L.U. | — | Other segments | Spain | |||||
Solsil, Inc. | — | Other segments | Delaware - USA | |||||
Ultracore Energy S.A. | — | Other segments | Argentina | |||||
F-15
Subsidiaries are all companies over which Ferroglobe has control.
Control is achieved when the Company:
| ● | has power over the investee; |
| ● | is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and |
| ● | has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns. |
The Company has power over the investee when the voting rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. The Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the Company’s voting rights in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including:
| ● | the total voting rights held by the Company relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders; |
| ● | potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties; |
| ● | rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and |
| ● | any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the Company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the relevant activities at the time these decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings. |
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Company loses control of the subsidiary.
The Company uses the acquisition method to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. According to this method, the consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary corresponds to the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Company. The consideration transferred also includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Any contingent consideration transferred by the Company is recognized at fair value at the date of acquisition. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration classified as an asset or a liability are recognized in accordance with IFRS 9 in the income statement. The costs related to the acquisition are recognized as expenses in the years incurred. The identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are initially recognized at their fair value at the date of acquisition. The Company recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.
Profit or loss for the period and each component of other comprehensive (loss) income are attributed to the owners of the Company and to the non-controlling interests. The Company attributes total comprehensive (loss) income to the owners of the Company and to the non-controlling interests even if the profit or loss of the non-controlling interests gives rise to a balance receivable.
All assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between subsidiaries are eliminated in full in consolidation.
3. Basis of presentation and basis of consolidation
3.1 Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been issued in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (collectively “IFRS”).
F-16
The consolidated financial statements have been authorized for issuance on May 2, 2022.
All accounting policies and measurement bases with effect on the consolidated financial statements were applied in their preparation.
The consolidated financial statements were prepared on a historical cost basis, with the exceptions disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, where applicable, and in those situations where IFRS requires that financial assets and financial liabilities are valued at fair value.
For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company reported net losses of $
Throughout 2021, COVID -19 and its consequences continued to impact our business, operations, and financial results. Such conditions, and any future decline in the global silicon metal, manganese-based alloys and silicon-based alloys industries could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Also, many of our products are traded internationally at prices that are significantly affected by worldwide supply and demand, and our costs are particularly sensitive to increases in energy prices and raw material prices. Consequently, our financial performance will fluctuate with the general economic cycle, and our business is even more cyclical than the general economy.
With the significant change in performance during the second half of 2021, which has continued in the first quarter of 2022, our revenue and operating margins continued improving. Consistent with our strategic objectives, we seek to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet to ensure flexibility and competitiveness through the cycle.
In 2020 we developed a turnaround plan focused on improving our cost structure and bolstering the long-term competitiveness of the business. 2021 marked the first year of the execution of the plan spanning across a number of value creation areas, including commercial excellence, working capital optimization, footprint optimization, continuous plant efficiency, centralized procurement, and the reduction of corporate overheads.
During 2022, we will continue executing on various cost cutting initiatives, as well as focusing on capability building to improve our operating model and processes. Through these efforts we seek to improve our overall decision making, establishing a new culture focused on data-driven decision making under a centralized model.
The market momentum in customer demand and significantly improved pricing during 2021 has been captured in the order book for the first half of 2022, and the projections for the coming twelve months reflect a strong improvement in financial performance as a consequence of the benefit of our turnaround plan, coupled with the improvement in broader operating environment.
We have been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine since the war began. Russia is a key supplier of raw materials to Ferroglobe and other ferro-alloy producers. We have convened a committee that has met daily to monitor the situation, and this will continue for as long as the crisis persists. While our suppliers have not been specifically targeted by sanctions, Russia’s expulsion from Swift and sanctions on various Russian banks have presented difficulties in how we pay for raw materials from Russia, and transportation and other supply chain interruptions have impacted deliveries. We have been successful in implementing mitigating actions that we believe will alleviate these issues and allow us to continue production.
To support its assessment of the going concern basis of accounting, management has prepared a financial model which considers the revenues, expenditures, cash flows, net tax payments and capital expenditures for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these financial statements. The financial projections to determine these future cash flows are modelled considering the principal variables that determine the historic flows at a Group level including prices, volumes, costs, capital expenditures and net working capital. These projections are based on the 2022 annual
F-17
budget and management’s five-year financial model. Key assumptions include estimates on sale prices based on the order book and indexes. It has to be considered that sale prices are the variable to which the Company´s cash flows are more sensitive to. Sensitivities have been run, including stressed scenarios with reductions on the base case sale prices for the coming months, to reflect the key risks and uncertainties impacting the cash flow projections. The potential impact of the Ukranian war has also been considered in this analysis.
2021 marked an active year with regards to our capital markets activity. At the center of the comprehensive financing effort was the extension of the maturity of our Senior Notes to December 2025 (from March 1, 2022). In addition to extending the maturity profile of the debt of the Company, we also issued $
Also, the Company is subject to certain restrictive covenants under the existing financing agreements, which limit, among other things, its ability to incur certain additional indebtedness (see Note 18). In this respect we are currently discussing with financial institutions for new financing agreements within the limits of the covenants mentioned before. Additionally, the Company has increased liquidity through additional funding in early 2022 and through its own cash generation. In February 2022, the Spanish Fund for supporting strategic companies, on a proposal of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (“SEPI”), approved €
Ferroglobe’s primary short-term liquidity needs are to fund its capital expenditure commitments, fund specific initiatives underlying the strategic plan, service its existing debt, fund working capital and comply with other contractual obligations. Ferroglobe’s long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to debt servicing and repayment. Ferroglobe’s core objective with respect to capital management is to maintain a balanced and sustainable capital structure through the economic cycles, while keeping the cost of capital at competitive levels. We believe our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements, and we anticipate generating sufficient cash from operations to satisfy our short and long-term liquidity needs.
As a result of all the analysis performed, the Company has concluded that there is no substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
3.2 International financial reporting standards
Application of new accounting standards
New and amended standards and interpretations adopted by the Company
No new standards effective on January 1, 2021 have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The Company has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.
New and amended standards and interpretations not yet adopted
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for the reporting period ended December 31, 2021 and have not been early adopted by the Company. Standards, interpretations and amendments published by the IASB that will be effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022:
| ● | IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (issued on 18 May 2017); including Amendments to IFRS 17 (issued on June 2020) |
F-18
| ● | Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current - Deferral of Effective Date (issued on January 2020 and July 2020 respectively) |
| ● | Amendments to; |
IFRS 3 Business Combinations;
IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment;
IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets; and
Annual Improvements 2018-2020
| ● | Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2: Disclosure of Accounting policies (issued on February 2021) |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors: Definition of Accounting Estimates (issued on February 2021) |
| ● | Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes: Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (issued on May 2021) |
| ● | Amendments to initial application of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9: Comparative information (issued on December 2021) |
None of these standards or interpretations that are not yet effective are expected to have a material impact on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.
3.3 Currency
Until September 30, 2021, the Parent’s functional currency was the Euro. Due to an occurrence of events and conditions that reduce the number of transactions in euros, and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, management conducted a review of the functional currency of Ferroglobe PLC and they concluded that there has been a change in its functional currency from Euro to U.S. Dollars, effective since October 1, 2021.
Ferroglobe PLC is the parent company of Ferroglobe Group and its main assets and liabilities relate to intercompany transactions. Due to the new group structure, PLC has signed an agreement in which they agreed to convert all intercompany receivables and payables outstanding into US Dollars.. Additionally, PLC financing instruments (debt and equity instruments) are U.S. Dollars denominated.
The change in functional currency was implemented prospectively starting October 1, 2021. To give effect to this change, balances of the parent company as of October, 1, 2021 have been translated to USD in accordance with IAS 21 “The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates”. The functional currencies of subsidiaries are determined by the primary economic environment in which each subsidiary operates.
The reporting currency of the Company is U.S. Dollars and as such the accompanying results and financial position have been translated pursuant to the provisions indicated in IAS 21.
All differences arising from the aforementioned translation are recognized in equity under “Translation differences.”
F-19
Upon the disposal of a foreign operation, the translation differences relating to that operation deferred as a separate component of consolidated equity are recognized in the consolidated income statement when the gain or loss on disposal is recognized.
3.4 Responsibility for the information and use of estimates
The information in these consolidated financial statements is the responsibility of Ferroglobe’s Management.
Certain assumptions and estimates were made by management in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, including:
| ● | The impairment losses on goodwill, see Note 7; |
| ● | the assumptions taken over forecast recovery in trading activity and cash liquidity management that mitigates any substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, see Note 3.1; |
| ● | the useful life of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, see Note 4.3; |
| ● | the fair value valuation of the plants, impairment losses on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, determined by value in use or by fair value less cost of disposal methods, see Note 9; |
| ● | the fair value of certain unquoted financial assets, see Note 10; |
| ● | the fair value of financial instruments, see Note 29; |
| ● | the assumptions used in the actuarial calculation of pension liabilities, see Note 15; |
| ● | the discount rate used to calculate the present value of certain collection rights and payment obligations, see Note 15; |
| ● | provisions for contingencies and environmental liabilities, see Note 25; |
The Company based its estimates and judgments on historical experience, known or expected trends and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Changes in accounting estimates are applied in accordance with IAS 8.
At the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements no events had taken place that might constitute a significant source of uncertainty regarding the accounting effect that such events might have in future reporting periods.
3.5 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Company's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Critical judgements in applying the Company's accounting policies
F-20
The following are the critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations (which are dealt with separately below), that the directors have made in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in financial statements.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
Certain of the Company's financial instruments are classified as Level 3 as they include unobservable inputs. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either: in the principal market for the asset or liability; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
For those assets and liabilities measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, further information on fair value measurement is provided in Note 29.
Going concern
As required by the accounting rules, the Company performs an analysis to assess the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. In this analysis, management makes certain estimates. To assess the liquidity risk the Company has defined a financial model which considers the revenues, expenditures, cash flows, net tax payments, capital expenditures and net working capital requirements. The financial projections to determine future cash flows are modelled considering the principal variables that determine the historic flows at a Group level including prices, volumes, costs, capital expenditures and net working capital. These projections are based on the 2022 annual budget and management’s five-year financial model.
Debt restructuring
As described in Note 18, on July 29, 2021 the Company completed a restructuring of its capital and debt. To determine the accounting for this transaction, management considered the criteria for derecognition of financial liabilities set out in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and the guidance in IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments. Judgement was required to determine if the exchange of the Old Notes by the Reinstated Notes is a substantial modification of the debt, including what fees and transaction costs should be included in the quantitative test (the so called “10 per cent test¨) and to determine the accounting for fees and transaction costs related to the issuance of the new bonds and equity. We concluded that the exchange was a substantial modification and therefore it was accounted for as an extinguishment of the old debt. See Notes 4.5 and 18 for further details.
Impairment of assets
The Company’s evaluation of goodwill and PP&E for impairment involves the comparison of the carrying amounts of assets with their recoverable amount. The determination of the recoverable amount requires significant judgement in developing and applying key underlying assumptions concerning future market and conditions (volumes, sale prices, cost structure and capital expenditure - “capex”) for the periods projected, as well as the determination of an appropriate discount rate and terminal value. For certain assets, recoverable amount has been determined at fair value less cost of disposal, which determination is subject to significant judgement.
F-21
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimating uncertainty at the reporting period that may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are discussed below.
Impairment of assets
The Company reviews the carrying value of assets on a periodic basis, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Such circumstances or events could include: a pattern of losses involving the asset; a decline in the market value for the asset; and an adverse change in the business or market in which the asset is involved. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset’s residual value, if any. Estimates of future cash flows and the selection of appropriate discount rates relating to particular assets or groups of assets involve the exercise of a significant amount of judgement.
The key assumptions for the value in use calculation are those regarding the discount rate, growth rate, and cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on the Company’s five year internal forecast. Estimates of selling prices and direct costs are based on past experience, expectations of future changes in the market and historic trends. Sensitivities are disclosed in Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
3.6 Basis of consolidation
The financial statements of the subsidiaries are fully consolidated with those of the Parent. Accordingly, intercompany balances and transactions, including income, expenses and dividends, are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Gains and losses resulting from intercompany transactions are also eliminated.
Non-controlling interests are presented in “Equity – Non-controlling interests” in the consolidated statement of financial position, separately from the consolidated equity attributable to the Parent. The share of non-controlling interests in the profit or loss for the year is presented under “Loss attributable to non-controlling interests” in the consolidated income statement.
When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to align the accounting policies used to the accounting policies of the Company.
4. Accounting policies
The principal IFRS accounting policies applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements were in effect at the date of preparation are described below.
4.1 Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Company’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary at the date of acquisition.
On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the gain or loss on disposal.
F-22
4.2 Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets are assets without physical substance which can be individually identified either because they are separable or because they arise as a result of a legal or contractual right or of a legal transaction or were developed by the consolidated companies. Only intangible assets whose value can be measured reliably and from which the Company expects to obtain future economic benefits are recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Intangible assets are recognized initially at acquisition cost. The aforementioned cost is amortized systematically over each asset’s useful life. At each reporting date, these assets are measured at acquisition cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses, if any. The Company reviews amortization periods and amortization methods for finite-lived intangible assets at the end of each fiscal year.
The Company’s main intangible assets are as follows:
Development expenditures
Development expenditures are capitalized if they meet the requirements of identifiability, reliability in cost measurement and high probability that the assets created will generate economic benefits. Developmental expenditures are amortized on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets, which are between and
Expenditures on research activities are recognized as expenses in the years in which they are incurred.
Power supply agreements
Power supply agreements at rates below market acquired in business combinations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term in which the agreement is effective.
Rights of use
Rights of use granted are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term in which the right of use was granted from the date it is considered that use commenced. Rights of use are generally amortized over a period ranging from to
Computer software
Computer software includes the costs incurred in acquiring or developing computer software, including the related installation. Computer software is amortized on a straight-line basis over to
Computer system maintenance costs are recognized as expenses in the years in which they are incurred.
Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets include:
| ● | Supply agreements which are amortized in accordance with their estimated useful lives (see Note 8). |
| ● | CO2 emissions allowances (“rights held emit greenhouse gasses”) which are not amortized, but rather are expensed when used (see Note 4.22). |
F-23
4.3 Property, plant and equipment
Cost
Property, plant and equipment for our own use are initially recognized at acquisition or production cost and are subsequently measured at acquisition or production cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.
When the construction and start-up of non-current assets require a substantial period of time, the borrowing costs incurred over that period are capitalized. In 2021, 2020 and 2019 no material borrowing cost were capitalized.
The costs of expansion, modernization or improvements leading to increased productivity, capacity or efficiency or to a lengthening of the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Repair, upkeep and maintenance expenses are recognized in the consolidated income statement for the year in which they are incurred.
Mineral reserves are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. Depletion of mineral reserves is computed using the units-of-production method utilizing only proven and probable reserves (as adjusted for recoverability factors) in the depletion base.
Property, plant and equipment in the course of construction are transferred to property, plant and equipment in use at the end of the related development period.
Depreciation
The Company depreciates property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method at annual rates based on the following years of estimated useful life:
| Years of | |
Estimated | ||
Useful | ||
Life | ||
Properties for own use |
| |
Plant and machinery |
| |
Tools |
| |
Furniture and fixtures |
| |
Computer hardware |
| |
Transport equipment |
|
Land included within property, plant and equipment is considered to be an asset with an indefinite useful life and, as such, is not depreciated, but rather it is tested for impairment annually. The Company reviews residual value, useful lives, and the depreciation method for property, plant and equipment annually.
Environment
The costs arising from the activities aimed at protecting and improving the environment are accounted for as an expense for the year in which they are incurred. When they represent additions to property, plant and equipment aimed at minimizing the environmental impact and protecting and enhancing the environment, they are capitalized to non-current assets.
4.4 Impairment of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill
In order to ascertain whether its assets have become impaired, the Company compares their carrying amount with their recoverable amount; goodwill - the CGU been tested for impairment annually, and whenever there is an indication of impairment and property, plant and equipment and other - whenever there is an indication of
F-24
impairment. Where the asset itself does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of:
| ● | Fair value less costs of disposal: the price that would be agreed upon by two independent parties, less estimated costs to sell, and |
| ● | Value in use: the present value of the future cash flows that are expected to be derived from continuing use of the asset and from its ultimate disposal at the end of its useful life, discounted at a rate which reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the business to which the asset belongs. |
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognized as an expense under “Impairment losses” in the consolidated income statement.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses (not permitted in the case of goodwill), the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized as “Impairment (loss)/gain” in the consolidated income statement.
The basis for depreciation is the carrying amount of the assets, deemed to be the acquisition cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
4.5 Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized in the Company’s statement of financial position when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognized immediately in profit or loss.
Financial assets
From January 1, 2018, the Company classifies its financial assets into the following categories: those to be measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income or through profit or loss) and those to be measured at amortized cost. The classification depends on the entity’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.
Financial assets measured at amortized cost
Financial assets are classified as measured at amortized cost when they are held in a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specific dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. Such assets are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method if the time value of money is significant. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the assets are derecognized or impaired and when interest is recognized using the effective interest method. This category of financial assets includes trade receivables, receivables from related parties and cash and cash equivalents.
F-25
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
Debt instruments are classified as measured at fair value through other comprehensive income when they are held in a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling the financial assets, and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. All movements in the fair value of these financial assets are taken through other comprehensive income, except for the recognition of impairment gains or losses, interest income calculated using the effective interest method and foreign exchange gains and losses. When the financial asset is derecognized, the cumulative fair value gain or loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to the income statement.
Equity instruments are classified as measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if, on initial recognition, the Company makes an irrevocable election to designate the instrument as at fair value through other comprehensive income. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is not permitted if the equity investment is held for trading. Fair value gains or losses on revaluation of such equity investments are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the valuation adjustments reserve. When the equity investment is derecognized, there is no reclassification of fair value gains or losses previously recognized in other comprehensive income to the income statement. Dividends are recognized in the income statement when the right to receive payment is established.
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets are classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss when the asset does not meet the criteria to be measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income. Such assets are carried on the balance sheet at fair value with gains or losses recognized in the income statement.
Derecognition of financial assets
The Company derecognizes a financial asset when:
| - | the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or |
| - | the Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ‘pass-through’ arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset. |
On derecognition of a financial asset in its entirety, the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and receivable is recognized in profit or loss.
If the Company retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Company continues to recognize the financial asset and also recognizes a collateralized borrowing for the proceeds received.
Impairment of financial assets
The expected credit loss model is applied for recognition and measurement of impairments in financial assets measured at amortized cost and debt instruments held at fair value through other comprehensive income. The loss allowance for the financial asset is measured at an amount equal to the 12-month expected credit losses. If the credit risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition, the loss allowance for the financial asset is measured at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses. Changes in loss allowances are recognized in profit and loss. For trade receivables, a simplified impairment approach is applied recognizing expected lifetime losses from initial recognition. For this purpose, the Company has established a provision matrix
F-26
that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.
The Company writes off a financial asset when there is information indicating that the debtor is in severe financial difficulty and there is no realistic prospect of recovery, e.g. when the debtor has been placed under liquidation or has entered into bankruptcy proceedings, or in the case of trade receivables, when the amounts are over two years past due, whichever occurs sooner. Financial assets written off may still be subject to enforcement activities under the Company’s recovery procedures, considering legal advice where appropriate. Any recoveries made are recognized in profit or loss.
Financial liabilities
The subsequent measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:
Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities that meet the definition of held for trading are classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss. Such liabilities are carried on the balance sheet at fair value with gains or losses recognized in the income statement. This category includes contingent consideration and derivatives, other than those designated as hedging instruments in an effective hedge.
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost
This is the category most relevant to the Company and comprises all other financial liabilities, including bank borrowings, debt instruments, financial loans from government agencies, payables to related parties and trade and other payables.
After initial recognition, other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Amortized cost is calculated by considering any issue costs and any discount or premium on settlement.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when, and only when, the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognized and the consideration paid and payable is recognized in profit or loss. When the Company exchanges with the existing lender one debt instrument into another one with substantially different terms, such exchange is accounted for as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability. Similarly, the Company accounts for substantial modification of terms of an existing liability or part of it as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new liability. It is assumed that the terms are substantially different if the discounted present value of the cash flows under the new terms, including any fees paid net of any fees received and discounted using the original effective rate is at least 10 per cent different from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows of the original financial liability. If the modification is not substantial, the difference between the carrying amount of the liability before the modification and the present value of the cash flows after modification are recognized in profit or loss as a modification gain or loss.
4.6 Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
In order to mitigate the economic effects of exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations to which it is exposed as a result of its business activities, the Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps.
F-27
The Company’s derivative financial instruments are set out in Note 19 to these consolidated financial statements and the Company’s financial risk management policies are set out in Note 28.
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each balance sheet date. The resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition of profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. The gain or loss recognized in respect of derivatives that are not designated and effective as a hedging instrument is recognized in the consolidated income statement in the line item financial derivative gain (loss).
A derivative with a positive fair value is recognized as a financial asset within the line item other financial assets whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognized as a financial liability within the line item other financial liabilities. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months and it is not expected to be realized or settled within 12 months.
Hedge accounting
The Company designates certain derivatives as cash flow hedges. For further details, see Note 19 of the consolidated financial statements.
At the inception of the hedge relationship, the Company documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Company documents whether the hedging instrument is effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to any ineffective portion is recognized immediately in profit or loss and is included in the financial derivative gain (loss) line item.
Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity in the valuation adjustments reserve are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item is recognized in profit or loss, in the same line of the income statement as the recognized hedged item.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Company revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gain or loss recognized in other comprehensive income at that time is accumulated in equity and is recognized when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognized in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss accumulated in equity is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
4.7 Fair value measurement
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either: in the principal market for the asset or liability; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
F-28
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
| ● | Level 1 — Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| ● | Level 2 — Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable. |
| ● | Level 3 — Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable. |
For those assets and liabilities measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, further information on fair value measurement is provided in Note 29.
4.8 Inventories
Inventories comprise assets (goods) which:
| ● | Are held for sale in the ordinary course of business (finished goods); or |
| ● | Are in the process of production for such sale (work in progress); or |
| ● | Will be consumed in the production process or in the rendering of services (raw materials and spare parts). |
Inventories are stated at the lower of acquisition or production cost and net realizable value. The cost of each inventory item is generally calculated as follows:
| ● | Raw materials, spare parts and other consumables and replacement parts: the lower of weighted average acquisition cost and net realizable value. |
| ● | Work in progress, finished goods and semi-finished goods: the lower of production cost (which includes the cost of materials, labor costs, direct and indirect manufacturing expenses) or net realizable value in the market. |
Obsolete, defective or slow-moving inventories have been reduced to net realizable value.
Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less all the estimated costs of selling and distribution.
The amount of any write-down of inventories (as a result of damage, obsolescence or decrease in the selling price) to their net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as expenses in the year in which the write-down or loss occurs. Any subsequent reversals are recognized as income in the year in which they arise.
The consumption of inventories is recognized as an expense in “Raw Materials and energy consumption for production” in the consolidated income statement in the period in which the revenue from their sale is recognized.
4.9 Raw materials and energy consumption for production
Raw materials and energy consumption for production comprise raw materials, energy, other direct costs and changes in inventory.
F-29
4.10 Cash and cash equivalents
The Company classifies under “Cash and cash equivalents” any liquid financial assets, such as for example cash on hand and at banks, deposits and liquid investments, that can be converted into known amounts of cash within three months and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
4.11 Restricted cash and cash equivalents
The Company classifies under “restricted cash and cash equivalents” any liquid financial assets, which meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents but the use is resticted by financial agreements.
4.12 Provisions and contingencies
When preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Parent’s directors made a distinction between:
| ● | Provisions: present obligations, either legal, contractual, constructive or assumed by the Company, arising from past events, the settlement of which is expected to give rise to an outflow of economic benefits the amount or timing of which are uncertain; and |
| ● | Contingent liabilities: possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events not wholly within the control of the Company, or present obligations arising from past events the amount of which cannot be estimated reliably or whose settlement is not likely to give rise to an outflow of economic benefits. |
| ● | Contingent assets: possible assets that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the entity. |
The consolidated financial statements include all the material provisions with respect to which it is considered that it is probable that the obligation will have to be settled. Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements, but rather are disclosed, as required by IAS 37 (see Note 25).
Provisions are classified as current or non-current based on the estimated period of time in which the obligations covered by them will have to be met. They are recognized when the liability or obligation giving rise to the indemnity or payment arises, to the extent that its amount can be estimated reliably.
“Provisions” includes the provisions for pension and similar obligations assumed; provisions for contingencies and charges, such as for example those of an environmental nature and those arising from litigation in progress or from outstanding indemnity payments or obligations, and collateral and other similar guarantees provided by the Company; and provisions for medium- and long- term employee incentives.
Contingent assets are not recognized, but are disclosed where an inflow of economic benefits is probable. If it has become virtually certain that an inflow of economic benefits will arise, the asset and the related income are recognized in the financial statements in the period in which the change occurs.
Defined contribution plans
Certain employees have defined contribution plans which conform to the Spanish Pension Plans and Funds Law. The main features of these plans are as follows:
| ● | They are mixed plans covering the benefits for retirement, disability and death of the participants. |
F-30
| ● | The sponsor undertakes to make monthly contributions of certain percentages of current employees’ salaries to external pension funds. |
The annual cost of these plans is recognized under Staff costs in the consolidated income statement.
Defined benefit plans
IAS 19, Employee Benefits requires defined benefit plans to be accounted for:
| ● | Using actuarial techniques to make a reliable estimate of the amount of benefits that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. |
| ● | Discounting those benefits in order to determine the present value of the obligation. |
| ● | Determining the fair value of any plan assets. |
| ● | Determining the total amount of actuarial gains and losses and the amount of those actuarial gains and losses that must be recognized. |
The amount recognized as a benefit liability arising from a defined benefit plan is the total net sum of:
| ● | The present value of the obligations. |
| ● | Minus the fair value of plan assets (if any) out of which the obligations are to be settled directly. |
The Company recognizes provisions for these benefits as the related rights vest and on the basis of actuarial studies. These amounts are recognized under “Provisions” in the consolidated statement of financial position, on the basis of their expected due payment dates. All plan assets are separately held from the rest of the Company’s assets.
Environmental provisions
Provisions for environmental obligations are estimated by analyzing each case separately and observing the relevant legal provisions. The best possible estimate is made on the basis of the information available and a provision is recognized provided that the aforementioned information suggests that it is probable that the loss or expense will arise and it can be estimated in a sufficiently reliable manner.
The balance of provisions and disclosures disclosed in Notes 15 and 24 reflects management’s best estimation of the potential exposure as of the date of preparation of these financial statements.
4.13 Leases
The Company assesses if a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the minimum future lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, or, if not readily determinable, the incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments include fixed payments, variable payments that depend on an index or rate, as well as any extension or purchase options, if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise these options. The lease liability is
F-31
subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method and remeasured with a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset when there is a change in future lease payments.
The right-of-use asset comprises, at inception, the initial lease liability, any initial direct costs and, when applicable, the obligations to refurbish the asset, less any incentives granted by the lessors. The right-of-use asset is subsequently depreciated, on a straight-line basis, over the lease term or, if the lease transfers the ownership of the underlying asset to the Company at the end of the lease term or, if the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the lessee will exercise a purchase option, over the estimated useful life of the underlying asset. Right-of-use assets are also subject to testing for impairment if there is an indicator for impairment.
Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of the lease liabilities are expensed to the consolidated income statement in the period in which the events or conditions which trigger those payments occur.
In the statement of financial position, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are classified, respectively, as part of property, plant and equipment and current and non-current lease liabilities.
4.14 Current assets and liabilities
In general, assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current based on the Company’s operating cycle. However, in view of the diverse nature of the activities carried on by the Company, in which the duration of the operating cycle differs from one activity to the next, in general assets and liabilities expected to be settled or fall due within twelve months from the end of the reporting period are classified as current items and those which fall due or will be settled within more than twelve months are classified as non-current items.
4.15 Income taxes
Income tax expense represents the sum of current tax and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case the related tax is recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
The current income tax expense is based on domestic and international statutory income tax rates in the tax jurisdictions where the Company operates related to taxable profit for the period. The taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it is determined in accordance with the rules established by the applicable tax authorities which includes temporary differences, permanent differences, and available credits and incentives.
The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided on temporary differences at the balance sheet date between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities, then applying enacted tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and losses, to the extent that it is probable, that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary difference and carryforwards of unused tax credits and losses can be utilized. The deferred tax assets and liabilities that have been recognized are reassessed at the end of each closing period in order to ascertain whether they still exist, and adjustments are made on the basis of the findings of the analyses performed.
Income tax payable is the result of applying the applicable tax rate in force to each tax-paying entity, in accordance with the tax laws in force in the country in which the entity is registered. Additionally, tax deductions and credits are available to certain entities, primarily relating to inter-company trades and tax treaties between various countries to prevent double taxation.
Income tax expense is recognized in the consolidated income statement, except to the extent that it arises from a transaction which is recognized directly to “consolidated equity”, in which case the tax is recognized directly to “consolidated equity.”
F-32
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority or either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
4.16 Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are initially recognized in the functional currency of the subsidiary by applying the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction.
Subsequently, at each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to dollars at the rates prevailing on that date.
Any exchange differences arising on settlement or translation at the closing rates of monetary items are recognized in the consolidated income statement for the year.
Note 4.6 details the Company’s accounting policies for derivative financial instruments. Also, Note 28 to these consolidated financial statements details the financial risk policies of Ferroglobe.
4.17 Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes sales revenue related to the transfer of promised goods or services when control of the goods or services passes to the customer. The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company is or expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.
In the Company’s electrometallurgy business, revenue is principally generated from the sale of goods, including silicon metal and silicon- and manganese-based specialty alloys. The Company mainly satisfies its performance obligations at a point in time; the amounts of revenue recognized relating to performance obligations satisfied over time are not significant. The point in time at which control is transferred to the buyer is determined based on the agreed delivery terms, which follow Incoterms 2021 issued by International Chamber of Commerce.
In most instances, control passes and sales revenue is recognized when the product is delivered to the vessel or vehicle on which it will be transported, the destination port or the customer’s premises. There may be circumstances when judgment is required based on the five indicators of control below.
| ● | The customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership and has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from, the goods or service. |
| ● | The customer has a present obligation to pay in accordance with the terms of the sales contract. |
| ● | The customer has accepted the asset. Sales revenue may be subject to adjustment if the product specification does not conform to the terms specified in the sales contract, but this does not impact the passing of control. Specification adjustments have been immaterial historically. |
| ● | The customer has legal title to the asset. The Company may retain legal title until payment is received but this is for credit risk purposes only. |
| ● | The customer has physical possession of the asset. This indicator may be less important as the customer may obtain control of an asset prior to obtaining physical possession, which may be the case for goods in transit. |
Where the Company sells on ‘C’ terms (e.g., CIF, CIP, CFR and CPT), the Company is responsible (acts as principal) for providing shipping services and, in some instances, insurance after the date at which control of
F-33
goods passes to the customer at the loading point. The Company therefore has separate performance obligations for freight and insurance services that are provided solely to facilitate sale of the commodities it produces. Revenue attributable to freight and insurance services is not usually material.
Where the Company sells on ‘D’ terms (e.g., DDP, DAP and DAT), the Company arranges and pays for the carriage and retains the risk of the goods until delivery at an agreed destination, where ownership and control is transferred.
Where the Company sells on ‘F’ terms (e.g., FCA and FOB), the customer arranges and pays for the main transportation. Risk and control are transferred to the customer when the goods are handed to the carrier engaged by the customer.
The Company’s products are sold to customers under contracts which vary in tenure and pricing mechanisms. The majority of pricing terms are either fixed or index-based for monthly, quarterly or annual periods, with a smaller proportion of volumes being sold on the spot market.
Within each sales contract, each unit of product shipped is a separate performance obligation. Revenue is generally recognized at the contracted price as this reflects the stand-alone selling price. Sales revenue excludes any applicable sales taxes.
Physical exchanges with counterparties in the same line of business in order to facilitate sales to customers are reported net, as are sales and purchases made with a common counterparty, as part of an arrangement similar to a physical exchange.
Revenue from the energy business is based on the power generated and put on the market at regulated prices and is recognized when the energy produced is transferred to the power network.
Interest income is recognized as the interest accrues using the effective interest rate, the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.
Dividend income from investments is recognized when the shareholders’ right to receive the payment is established.
4.18 Expense recognition
Expenses are recognized on an accrual basis, i.e. when the actual flow of the related goods and services occurs, regardless of when the resulting monetary or financial flow arises.
An expense is recognized in the consolidated income statement when there is a decrease in the future economic benefits related to a reduction of an asset, or an increase in a liability, which can be measured reliably. This means that an expense is recognized simultaneously with the recognition of the increase in a liability or the reduction of an asset. Additionally, an expense is recognized immediately in the consolidated income statement when a disbursement does not give rise to future economic benefits or when the requirements for recognition as an asset are not met. Also, an expense is recognized when a liability is incurred and no asset is recognized, as in the case of a liability relating to a guarantee.
4.19 Grants
Government grants are recognized where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed.
F-34
When the grant relates to an asset, it is recognized as income in equal amounts over the expected useful life of the related asset.
4.20 Termination benefits
Under current labour legislation, the Company is required to pay termination benefits to employees whose employment relationship is terminated under certain conditions. The cost of providing employee benefits are recognised in the period in which the benefit is earned by the employee, rather than when it is paid or payable.
4.21 CO2 emission allowances
The Company recognizes emission rights (allowances) received, whether allocated by government or purchased, as intangible assets. The intangible asset recognized is initially measured at fair value, being the consideration paid (if purchased on the open market) or the current market value (if granted for less than fair value).
When allowances are granted for less than fair value, the difference between the fair value and the nominal amount paid is recognized as a government grant. The grant is initially recognized as deferred income in the statement of financial position and subsequently recognized as “other operating income” on a systematic basis on the proportion of the CO2 emitted over total CO2 expected to be emitted for the compliance period. In the case that a better estimate of the expected CO2 emissions for the compliance period is available, the deferred income to be recognized in the statement of financial position is adjusted prospectively.
As the Company emits CO2, it recognizes a provision for its obligation to deliver the CO2 allowances at the end of the compliance period. The provision is remeasured and recorded as an expense at the end of each reporting period at historical cost for the emission rights (allowances) received and at adquisition cost for the CO2 purchased and at fair value for the CO2 pending to be purchased.
Intangible assets recognized for emissions allowances are not amortized and remain valued at historical cost until either sold or surrendered in satisfaction of the Company’s obligation to deliver the allowances to the relevant authority.
Sale of emission rights
In those cases that it is decided to sell some or even all of its rights in the expectation of later buying rights equal to its actual emissions, the accounting will be as follows.
The emission rights sold would be derecognized from the balance sheet against the cash received. In those cases, where the price per emission right is different to the fair value per emission right at the time they were granted, a gain or a loss on the disposal of assets will be recognized. The deferred income originally recognized for the free emission rights granted at the beginning of the compliance period that still remain in the balance sheet at the time of sale, will continue to be amortized over the remaining compliance period.
4.22 Share-based compensation
The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value of share-based awards using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Prior to vesting, cumulative compensation cost equals the proportionate amount of the award earned to date. The Company has elected to treat each award as a single award and recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the entire award. If the terms of an award are modified in a manner that affects both the fair value and vesting of the award, the total amount of remaining unrecognized compensation cost (based on the grant-date fair value) and the incremental fair value of the modified award are recognized over the amended vesting period.
F-35
4.23 Assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale, liabilities associated with assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale include the carrying amount of individual items, disposal groups or items forming part of a business unit earmarked for disposal (discontinued operations), whose sale in their present condition is highly likely to be completed within one year from the reporting date. Therefore, the carrying amount of these items, which may or may not be of a financial nature, will likely be recovered through the proceeds from their disposal.
Liabilities associated with non-current assets held for sale include the balances payable arising from the assets held for sale or disposal groups and from discontinued operations.
Assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of fair value less costs to sell and their carrying amount at the date of classification in this category. Non-current assets held for sale are not depreciated as long as they remain in this category.
4.24 Consolidated statement of cash flows
The following terms are used in the consolidated statement of cash flows, prepared using the indirect method, with the meanings specified as follows:
| 1. | Cash flows: inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents, which are short-term, highly liquid investments that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. |
| 2. | Operating activities: activities constituting the object of the subsidiaries forming part of the consolidated Company and other activities that are not investing or financing activities. |
| 3. | Investing activities: the acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and other investments not included in cash and cash equivalents. |
| 4. | Financing activities: activities that result in changes in the size and composition of the equity and borrowings of the Company that are not operating or investing activities. Interest payments and principal payments are presented separately. |
F-36
5. Business Combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at their fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount recognized for any non-controlling interest and the acquisition-date fair values of any previously held interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. If, after reassessment, the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the excess is recognized immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.
When the consideration transferred by the Company in a business combination includes an asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition-date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination.
Contingent consideration that is classified as equity is not remeasured at subsequent reporting dates and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. Contingent consideration that is classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value with the corresponding gain or loss being recognized in profit or loss. Changes in fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional information obtained during the ‘measurement period’ (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date.
Ferroglobe has not recorded any business combination in 2021 and 2020.
6. Segment reporting
Operating segments are based upon the Company’s management reporting structure. During 2021, the Company has revised its operating segments to reflect the way its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) is currently managing the business. Our revised organizational structure includes the following
| ● | Canada – Silicon Metals |
| ● | US – Silicon Metals & Silicon Alloys |
| ● | Europe – Manganese Alloys |
| ● | Europe – Silicon Metals & Silicon Alloys, and |
| ● | South Africa – Silicon Alloys |
| ● | Other segments |
The operating segments described above are those components whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the entity’s Chief Operating Decision Maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. This is due to the integrated operations within each region and product family and the ability to reallocate production based on the individual capacity of each plant. Additionally, economic factors that may impact our results of operations, such as currency fluctuations and energy costs, are also assessed at a region and product level.
F-37
The Company’s North America- Silicon reportable segment is the result of the aggregation of the operating segments of the United States and Canada Silicon Metals & Silicon Alloys. These operating segments have been aggregated as they have similar long-term economic characteristics and there is similarity of competitive and operating risks and the political environment in the United States and Canada. The Europe-Silicon, the Europe -Manganese and South Africa – Silicon reportable segments are equal to each related Operating segment.
All other segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “Other segments”.
The consolidated income statements at December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, by reportable segment, are as follows:
2021 | ||||||||||||||
| North America |
| Europe |
| Europe | South Africa |
|
| Adjustments/ |
| ||||
Silicon | Manganese | Silicon | Silicon | Other segments | Eliminations (**) | Total | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Other operating income |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Staff costs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Other operating expense |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Impairment (loss) gain |
| — | ( | ( | | ( | — |
| | |||||
Net gain due to changes in the value of assets |
| — | — | — | — | | — |
| | |||||
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets |
| | — | | — | ( | — |
| | |||||
Other (loss) gain | — | — | ( | — | | — | | |||||||
Operating (loss) profit |
| | | ( | | ( | — |
| | |||||
Finance income |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Finance costs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Exchange differences |
| | | ( | | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
(Loss) Profit before tax |
| | | ( | |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
| ( | ( | | ( | | — |
| | |||||
(Loss) profit for the year | | | ( | | ( | — | ( | |||||||
Attributable to the Parent |
| | | ( | |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
| ( | — | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
(**) | The amounts correspond to transactions between segments that are eliminated in the consolidation process. |
F-38
2020(*) | ||||||||||||||
| North America |
| Europe |
| Europe | South Africa |
|
| Adjustments/ |
| ||||
Silicon | Manganese | Silicon | Silicon | Other segments | Eliminations (**) | Total | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Other operating income |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Staff costs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Other operating expense |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Impairment (loss) gain |
| ( | | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Net gain due to changes in the value of assets |
| — | — | — | — | | — |
| | |||||
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets |
| ( | | | — | | — |
| | |||||
Other (loss) gain | — | | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||
Operating (loss) |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Finance income |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Finance costs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Financial derivative gain | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Exchange differences |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | | — |
| | |||||
(Loss) before tax |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
| | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
(Loss) for the year from discontinued operations | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||
(Loss) for the year | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | |||||||
Attributable to the Parent |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
| ( | — | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
(*) Our operating segments have been revised in 2021 to reflect the way its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is currently managing and viewing the business. Accordingly, the results of 2020 and 2019 have been restated to report results according to the operating segments revised in 2021.
(**) | The amounts correspond to transactions between segments that are eliminated in the consolidation process. |
F-39
2019(*) | ||||||||||||||
| North America |
| Europe |
| Europe | South Africa |
|
| Adjustments/ |
| ||||
Silicon | Manganese | Silicon | Silicon | Other segments | Eliminations (**) | Total | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Raw materials and energy consumption for production |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Other operating income |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Staff costs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Other operating expense |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Impairment (loss) gain |
| ( | | ( | — | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Net (loss) due to changes in the value of assets |
| — | — | — | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
(Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets |
| ( | — | | — | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Operating (loss) |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Finance income |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Finance costs |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |
| ( | |||||
Financial derivative gain | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Exchange differences |
| ( | | | ( | | — |
| | |||||
(Loss) before tax |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Income tax benefit (expense) |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |||
Profit for the year from discontinued operations | — | — | | — | | — | | |||||||
Profit (loss) for the year | ( | ( | ( | ( | | — | ( | |||||||
Attributable to the Parent |
| ( | ( | ( | ( |
| |
| — |
| ( | |||
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
| ( | — | — | | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
(*) Our operating segments have been revised in 2021 to reflect the way its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is currently managing and viewing the business. Accordingly, the results of 2020 and 2019 have been restated to report results according to the operating segments revised in 2021.
(**) | The amounts correspond to transactions between segments that are eliminated in the consolidation process. |
F-40
The consolidated statements of financial position at December 31, 2021 and 2020, by reportable segment are as follows:
2021 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Consolidation |
| |||||||
North America | Europe | Europe | South Africa | Adjustments/ | ||||||||||
Silicon | Manganese | Silicon | Silicon | Other segments | Eliminations (*) | Total | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Goodwill |
| | — | — | — | — | — |
| | |||||
Other intangible assets |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Inventories |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Trade and other receivables (**) |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Other | ( | | | | | — | | |||||||
Total assets |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
| ( |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Equity |
| | | | | ( | — |
| | |||||
Provisions |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Bank borrowings |
| — | | | — | | — |
| | |||||
Obligations under finance leases |
| | | — | | | — |
| | |||||
Debt instruments | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Other financial liabilities | | | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Trade and other payables (***) |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Other |
| | ( | | | ( | |
| | |||||
Total equity and liabilities |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
| ( |
| | |
2020(*) | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
| Consolidation |
| ||||||||
North America | Europe | Europe | South Africa | Adjustments/ | ||||||||||
Silicon | Manganese | Silicon | Silicon | Other segments | Eliminations (**) | Total | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Goodwill |
| | — | — | — | — | — |
| | |||||
Other intangible assets |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Inventories |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Trade and other receivables (***) |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Other | ( | | | | | — | | |||||||
Total assets |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
| ( |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Equity |
| | | | | ( | — |
| | |||||
Provisions |
| | | | | | — |
| | |||||
Bank borrowings |
| — | | | — | | — |
| | |||||
Obligations under finance leases |
| | | — | | | — |
| | |||||
Debt instruments | — | — | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Other financial liabilities | | | — | — | | — | | |||||||
Trade and other payables (****) |
| | | | | | ( |
| | |||||
Other |
| | | | | | |
| | |||||
Total equity and liabilities |
| |
| |
| | |
| |
| ( |
| | |
(*) Our operating segments have been revised in 2021 to reflect the way its chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is currently managing and viewing the business. Accordingly, the results of 2020 have been restated to report results according to the operating segments revised in 2021.
(**) These amounts correspond to balances between segments that are eliminated at consolidation.
(***) Trade and other receivables includes non-current and current receivables from group that eliminated in the consolidated process.
(****) Trade and other payables includes non-current and current payables from group that are eliminated in the consolidated process.
F-41
Other disclosures
Sales by product line
Sales by product line are as follows:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Silicon metal |
| |
| |
| |
Manganese-based alloys |
| |
| |
| |
Ferrosilicon |
| |
| |
| |
Other silicon-based alloys |
| |
| |
| |
Silica fume |
| |
| |
| |
Other |
| |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
| |
Information about major customers
Total sales of $
Capital expenditures by reporting segment
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
2021 |
| 2020 | 2019 | |||
| US$´000 | US$´000 | US$´000 | |||
North America - Silicon | | | | |||
Europe Silicon | | | | |||
Europe Manganese | | | | |||
South Africa Silicon | | | | |||
Other Segments | | | | |||
Total | | | | |||
Non current assets by geographical area
The non-current assets (as defined in IFRS 8) attributable to the country of domicile and all foreign countries of operation are as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$´000 | US$´000 | |||
United States of America | | | ||
Europe |
|
| ||
Spain | | | ||
France | | | ||
Other EU Countries | | | ||
Total non-current assets in Europe | | | ||
Rest of the World | | | ||
Total | | | ||
F-42
7. Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, are as follows:
|
| January 1, |
| Impairment |
| Exchange |
| December 31, |
| Impairment |
| Exchange |
| December 31, |
2020 | (Note 26.5) | differences | 2020 | (Note 26.5) | differences | 2021 | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. |
| |
| | |
| |
| | |
| | ||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
On December 23, 2015, Ferroglobe PLC consummated the acquisition of
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, in connection with our annual goodwill impairment test, the Company did
Ferroglobe operates in a cyclical market, and silicon and silicon-based alloy index pricing and foreign import pressure into the U.S. markets impact the future projected cash flows used in our impairment analysis. Recoverable value was estimated based on discounted cash flows. Estimates under the Company’s discounted income based approach involve numerous variables including anticipated sales price and volumes, cost structure, discount rates and long term growth, and therefore could impact fair values in the future. As of December 31, 2021, and 2020 the remaining goodwill for the U.S cash-generating units is $
Key assumptions used in the determination of recoverable value
In determining the asset recoverability through value in use, management makes estimates, judgments and assumptions on uncertain matters. For each cash-generating unit, the value in use is determined based on economic assumptions and forecasted operating conditions as follows:
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| ||||||||||
| U.S. |
| Canada |
|
| U.S. |
| Canada |
| U.S. |
| Canada |
| ||
Weighted average cost of capital |
| | % | — | % |
| | % | — | % | | % | | % | |
Long-term growth rate |
| | % | — | % |
| | % | — | % | | % | | % | |
Normalized tax rate |
| | % | — | % |
| | % | — | % | | % | | % | |
Our approach in determining the recoverable amount utilises a discounted cash flow methodology, which necessarily involves making numerous estimates and assumptions regarding, operating costs, appropriate discount rates and working capital requirements. The key assumptions used for estimating cash flow projections in the Group’s impairment testing are those relating to revenue and operating costs. The key assumptions take account of the business’s expectations for the projection period. These expectations consider the macroeconomic environment, industry and market conditions, the CGU’s historical performance and any other circumstances particular to the unit, such as business strategy and product mix.
These estimates will likely differ from future actual results of operations and cash flows, and it is possible that these differences could be material. In addition, judgements are applied in determining the level of CGU identified for impairment testing and the criteria used to determine which assets should be aggregated. Changes in our business activities or structure may also result in additional changes to the level of testing in future periods. Further, future events could cause the Group to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the asset values associated with a given operation have become impaired.
F-43
The Company has defined a financial model which considers the revenues, expenditures, cash flows, pre tax payments and capital expenditures on a five year period (2022-2026), and perpetuity beyond this period. The financial projections to determine the net present value of future cash flows are modeled considering the principal variables that determine the historic flows of each group of cash-generating unit including prices, volumes, costs, CAPEX and net working capital.
The long-term growth rate is based on long-term average growth rate in the US.
8. Other intangible assets
Changes in the carrying amount of other intangible assets during the years ended December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
| Other |
| Accumulated |
|
| |||||||
Development | Power Supply | Computer | Intangible | Depreciation | Impairment | |||||||||||
Expenditure | Agreements | Rights of Use | Software | Assets | (Note 26.3) | (Note 26.5) | Total | |||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Additions |
| | — | — | — | | ( | — | | |||||||
Disposals |
| — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||
Exchange differences |
| | — | | | | ( | ( | | |||||||
Business disposal | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Additions | | — | | — | | ( | ( | | ||||||||
Disposals | — | — | ( | ( | ( | | | ( | ||||||||
Exchange differences | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | | | ( | ||||||||
Business disposal | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Additions and disposals in other intangible assets in 2021 and 2020 primarily relate to the acquisition, use and expiration of rights held to emit greenhouse gasses by certain Spanish, French and Canadian subsidiaries (see Note 4.21).
During 2021 the Company recognized an impairment of $
During 2021 the company has purchased rights to emit greenhouse gasses amounting $
During 2020 the Company disposed of rights held to emit greenhouse gasses $
As a result of the Business Combination, the Company acquired a power supply agreement which provides favorable below-market power rates to the Alloy, West Virginia facility, which terminates in December 2025.
At December 31, 2021, the Company has certain intangible assets pledged as collateral for debt instruments in Canada (see Note 18).
9. Property, plant and equipment
The detail of property, plant and equipment, net of the related accumulated depreciation and impairment in 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
F-44
Advances and | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Property, Plant | Other Items of | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other Fixtures, | and Equipment | Property, | Other Items | Other Items | ||||||||||||||||||
Land and | Plant and | Tools and | in the Course of | Mineral | Plant and | of Leased | of Leased | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||
| Buildings |
| Machinery |
| Furniture |
| Construction |
| Reserves |
| Equipment | Land and |
| Plant and |
| Depreciation |
| Impairment |
| Total | ||
Buildings | machinery | (Note 26.3) | (Note 26.5) | |||||||||||||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 | | | | | | | | | ( | ( | | |||||||||||
Additions | | | | | — | | | | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Disposals and other | ( | ( | ( | ( | — | — | — | — | | | ( | |||||||||||
Transfers from/(to) other accounts | | | — | ( | — | — | — | | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Exchange differences | | | ( | | ( | ( | | | ( | ( | | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 | | | | | | | | | ( | ( | | |||||||||||
Additions | | | | | — | — | | | ( | | ( | |||||||||||
Disposals and other | ( | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | — | — | | | ( | |||||||||||
Transfers from/(to) other accounts | | | | ( | — | ( | — | | | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Exchange differences | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | | ( | ( | | | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | ( | ( | |
In order to ascertain whether its assets have become impaired, Ferroglobe compares their carrying amount with their recoverable amount if there are indications that the assets might have become impaired. Where the asset itself does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, Ferroglobe estimates the recoverable amount of the asset unit to which the asset belongs. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less cost of disposal and value in use, which is the present value of the future cash flows that are expected to be derived from continuing use of the asset and from its ultimate disposal at the end of its useful life, discounted at a rate which reflects the time value of money and the risks specific to the business to which the asset belongs.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognized as an expense under “net impairment losses” in the consolidated income statement. The increased carrying amount of an asset due to a reversal of an impairment loss should not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortisation or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment is recognized as “impairment (loss) gain” in the consolidated income statement. The basis for depreciation or amortization is the carrying amount of the assets, deemed to be the acquisition cost less any accumulated impairment losses.
As at December 31, 2021 the Company tested property, plant and equipment for impairment related to our solar-grade silicon metal project based in Puertollano, Spain, Château-Feuillet plants in France and our silicon metal plant in Polokwane, South Africa for which the recoverable value was determined at fair value less cost of disposal.
During year ended December 31, 2021 the Company recognized an impairment reversal of $
Fair value for Polokwane facility as of December 31, 2021 was $
Fair value for Chateau Feuillet facility as of December 31, 2021 was $
During 2021, as a consequence of the sale of the Niagara facility, which had a net book value of
F-45
During 2021, as a consequence of the sale of certain OPCO assets which had a net book value of
During year ended December 31, 2020 the Company recognized an impairment of $
Transfer from (to) other accounts as of December 31, 2020 only includes $
During 2019 the Company disposed of FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. and Ultracore Polska Zoo, which resulted in a net reduction of property, plant and equipment of $
During 2019 the Company liquidated Ganzi Ferroatlántica Silicon Industry Company, Ltd. and started the process of liquidation of Mangshi Sinice Silicon Industry Company Limited, which resulted in the reduction of impairment of $
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has property, plant and equipment pledged as security for debt instruments in Canada, France, Norway, Spain and USA.
Commitments
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has capital expenditure commitments totaling $
10. Financial assets and other receivables
The company’s financial assets and their classification under IFRS 9 are as follows:
2021 classification | ||||||||||
Note | Amortised cost | Fair value through profit or loss - mandatorily measured | Fair value through other comprehensive income - designated | Total | ||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Other financial assets | 10.1 | | | — | | |||||
Receivables from related parties | 24 | | — | — | | |||||
Trade receivables | 10.2 | | — | — | | |||||
Other receivables | 10.2 | | — | — | | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | | — | — | | ||||||
Restricted cash | | — | — | | ||||||
Total financial assets | | | — | | ||||||
F-46
2020 classification | ||||||||||
Note | Amortised cost | Fair value through profit or loss - mandatorily measured | Fair value through other comprehensive income - designated | Total | ||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Other financial assets | 10.1 | | | — | | |||||
Receivables from related parties | 24 | | — | — | | |||||
Trade receivables | 10.2 | | — | — | | |||||
Other receivables | 10.2 | | — | — | | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | | — | — | | ||||||
Restricted cash | | — | — | | ||||||
Total financial assets | | | — | | ||||||
Restrictions on the use of group assets
As of year ended December 31, 2021, Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash comprise the following:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Cash and cash equivalents |
| | | |
Current/Non Current restricted cash presented as Cash |
| | | |
Escrow: Hydro sale | | | ||
ABL | — | | ||
Others | — | | ||
Total | |
| |
At December 31, 2021, non-current restricted cash comprises cash in relation to the guarantees taken over escrow amounting $
The Company has certain restrictions for the disposal of the cash in Norway recorded in “cash and cash equivalents” due to local requirements, amounting $
The Company has also restrictions for the disposal of the cash in the joint ventures with Dow Corning, when the Company want to access to the excess cash available in the joint ventures, it is necessary to organise a board meeting and approve a dividend payment. Each partner receives its dividend portion accordingly, amounting to $
On March 16, 2021, the Company repaid in its entirety the remaining balance at the date of the ABL and the restricted cash was offset with the payment.
F-47
10.1 Other financial assets
At December 31, 2021, other financial assets comprise the following:
2021 | ||||||
Non- | ||||||
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Other financial assets held with third parties: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial assets at amortised cost |
| | — | | ||
Equity securities | | | | |||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2020, other financial assets comprise the following:
2020 | ||||||
| Non- |
|
| |||
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Other financial assets held with third parties: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial assets at amortised cost |
| | — | | ||
Equity securities | | | | |||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
Other financial assets at amortized cost mainly comprises deposits given to French government by Ferropem ($
Listed equity securities comprises investments held by Globe Argentina Metales in Pampa Energía.
For those assets measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, further information on fair value measurement is provided in Note 29.
10.2 Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables comprise the following at December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Trade receivables |
| |
| |
Less – allowance for doubtful debts |
| ( |
| ( |
| | |||
Tax receivables(1) |
| |
| |
Government grant receivables |
| |
| |
Other receivables |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
| (1) | “Tax receivables” is primarily related to VAT receivables, which are recovered either by offsetting against VAT payables or are expected to be refunded by the tax authorities in the relevant jurisdictions. |
F-48
The trade and other receivables disclosed above are short-term in nature and therefore their carrying amount is considered to approximate their fair value.
The changes in the allowance for doubtful debts during 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| Allowance | |
US$'000 | ||
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
| |
Impairment losses recognized |
| |
Amounts written off as uncollectible |
| ( |
Changes in the scope of consolidation | — | |
Exchange differences |
| |
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
| |
Impairment losses recognized | ( | |
Amounts written off as uncollectible | — | |
Changes in the scope of consolidation | — | |
Exchange differences | ( | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
| |
Securization and factoring of trade receivables
On February 6, 2020, the Company entered into an amended and restated accounts receivables securitization program via which trade receivables generated by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in Spain and France are financed both directly through the existing Irish special purpose vehicle (“SPE”) and indirectly through a French “fonds commun de titrisation”. The incorporation of the “fonds commun de titirsation” into the program allowed for the sale of certain Euro-denominated receivables that were not eligible under the previous structure and increased the available funding. The senior lender’s commitments under the amended and restated securitization program were $
On October 2, 2020, the Company ended the receivables funding agreement over European receivables and cancelled the securitization program, signing a new factoring agreement with a Leasing and Factoring Agent, for anticipating the collection of receivables of the Company’s European entities (Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A. and FerroPem S.AS). As a result of the agreement, the Agent provided a cash consideration of circa $
The main characteristics of the factoring agreement are the following:
| - | the maximum cash consideration advanced for the financing facility is up to € |
| - | over collateralization of |
| - | Annual fee of |
| - | Financing commission of |
Other conditions are set in relation to credit insurance policy which has been structured in an excess of loss policy where the first €
F-49
During 2021, the factoring agreement provided upfront cash consideration of approximately $
At December 31, 2021, the Company held $
As of December 31, 2021, the Company exceeded the limit, the lender agreed a temporary increase of the limit (See Note 16).
Judgements relating to the accounting for the factoring agreement
The Company has assessed whether it has transferred substantially all risks and rewards, continuing to be exposed to the variable returns from its involvement in the factoring agreement as it is exposed to credit risk, so the conclusion is that the derecognition criteria is not met and therefore, the account receivables sold are not derecognized from the balance sheet and an obligation is recognized as bank borrowings for the amount of cash advanced by the Leasing and Factoring Agent. The amount repayable under the factoring agreement is presented as on-balance sheet factoring and the debt assigned to factoring is showed as bank borrowings. See Note 16.
Government grants
The Company has been awarded government grants in relation to its operations in France, Spain and Norway, including grants in relation to the compensation of costs associated with the emission of CO2.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized $
11. Inventories
Inventories comprise the following at December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Finished goods |
| |
| |
Raw materials in progress and industrial supplies |
| |
| |
Other inventories |
| |
| |
Advances to suppliers |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
During 2021 the Company recognised an expense of $
At December 31, 2021, inventories in the Company’s subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, Norway and Spain ($
F-50
12. Other assets
Other assets comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
| Non- |
|
|
|
|
| Non- |
|
|
|
| |
| Current |
| Current |
| Total |
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 |
| US$'000 |
| US$'000 |
| US$'000 |
| US$'000 |
| US$'000 | ||
Guarantees and deposits given |
| | | |
| | |
| | |||
Prepayments and accrued income |
| | | |
| — | |
| | |||
Other assets |
| | | |
| | |
| | |||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2021, the amount in Guarantees and deposits given increased due to a cash deposit made during the year with TAC (Tennessee Valley Authority) which supplies power to "Core Metals Group Holdings, LLC” and to letter of credits related to the insurance company in “Global Specialty Metals, Inc”.
At December 31, 2021, the figure in Prepayments and accrued income decreased due to prepayments recorded in “Grupo FerroAtántica S.A.U” as of December 31, 2020.
13. Equity
Share capital
Ferroglobe PLC was incorporated on February 5, 2015 and issued
On December 23, 2015, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares from Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U., par value €
Subsequently on December 23, 2015, Gordon Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, merged with Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., and all outstanding shares of GSM common stock, par value $
On June 22, 2016 the Company completed a reduction of the share capital and as such the nominal value of each share has been reduced from $
On November 18, 2016, Class A Ordinary Shares were converted into ordinary shares of Ferroglobe as a result of the distribution of beneficial interest units in the Ferroglobe Representation and Warranty Insurance Trust to certain Ferroglobe shareholders.
F-51
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, the Company did
Upon the closing of the financing transaction at July 29, 2021, the company issued
The transaction fees incurred in the issuance of the share capital of $
On October 6, 2021, the Company has entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with B. Riley Securities, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. relating to the ordinary shares, par value $
At December 31, 2021, there were
At December 31, 2021, the Company’s largest shareholders are as follows:
Number of Shares | Percentage of |
| |||
Name |
| Beneficially Owned |
| Outstanding Shares (*) |
|
Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U. |
| |
| % | |
Rubric Capital Management LP | | % | |||
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | % | |||
(*) | |||||
Valuation adjustments
Valuation adjustments comprise the following at December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Actuarial gains and losses |
| |
| |
Hedging instruments and other |
| — |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
Changes in actuarial gain and losses are due to remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, see Note 15.
Capital management
The Company’s primary objective is to maintain a balanced and sustainable capital structure through the industry’s economic cycles, while keeping the cost of capital at competitive levels so as to fund the Company’s growth. The main sources of financing are as follows:
| 1. | cash flow from operations; |
| 2. | bank borrowings, |
| 3. | debt instruments, including the Reinstated Senior Notes and the Super Senior Notes due 2025. |
| 4. | factoring and forfaiting of receivables |
F-52
Capital Raising and Extension of the Maturity of the Notes
On March 27, 2021, Ferroglobe and Globe and certain other members of our group entered into the Lock-Up Agreement with the Ad Hoc Group Noteholders, Grupo VM and affiliates of Tyrus Capital that set forth a plan to refinance the Notes and restructure our balance sheet. On July 30,2021 the company announced the occurrence of the “Transaction Effective Date” under the lock-up agreement dated March 27, 2021 (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) between the Parent and the financial stakeholders. The Transaction Effective Date marked the completion of the financing proposal.
The principal elements of the restructuring, are set forth below:
| ● | Issuance of $ |
| ● | Issuance of $ |
| ● | Extension of the maturity date of the Notes from March 31, 2022 to December 31, 2025 and amendment of certain other terms. |
The Company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may restructure or issue new borrowings or debt, make dividend payments, return capital to shareholders or issue new shares. Management’s review of the Company’s capital structure includes monitoring of the leverage ratio.
Dividends
There have
There were earnings distributed by a Joint Venture participated by a Globe Speciality Metals, Inc subsidiary to non-controlling interests during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Non-controlling interests
The changes in non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of financial position in 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| Balance | |
US$'000 | ||
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
| |
Loss for the year |
| ( |
Translation differences | ( | |
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
| |
Loss for the year | ( | |
Dividends paid to joint venture partner | ( | |
Translation differences | | |
Other | | |
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
| |
F-53
The stand-alone statutory information regarding the largest non-controlling interests, in accordance with IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, is as follows:
WVA Manufacturing, LLC (WVA) was formed on October 28, 2009 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe. On November 5, 2009, Globe sold a
Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership (QSLP), formed under the laws of the Province of Québec on August 20, 2010 is managed by its general partner, Quebec Silicon General Partner Inc., which is
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| WVA |
| QSLP | WVA |
| QSLP | WVA |
| QSLP | |||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Statements of Financial Position | ||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
| | | | | | | |||||
Current assets |
| | | | | | | |||||
Non-current liabilities |
| | | | | | | |||||
Current liabilities |
| | | | | | | |||||
Income Statements |
| |||||||||||
Sales |
| | | | | | | |||||
Operating profit |
| | | | | | | |||||
Profit before taxes |
| | | | | | ( | |||||
Net (loss) income |
| | | | | | ( | |||||
Cash Flow Statements |
| |||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
| | | | | | | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
| — | — | — | — | — | | |||||
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents in foreign currencies |
| — | | — | | — | | |||||
Beginning balance of cash and cash equivalents |
| | | | | | | |||||
Ending balance of cash and cash equivalents |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | ||
F-54
14. Earnings (loss) per ordinary share
Basic earnings (loss) per ordinary share are calculated by dividing the consolidated profit (loss) for the year attributable to the Parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, excluding the average number of treasury shares held in the year, if any. Dilutive earnings (loss) per share assumes the exercise of stock options, provided that the effect is dilutive.
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations | ( | ( |
| ( | ||
(Loss) profit for the year from discontinued operations | — | ( |
| | ||
Total (Loss) for the year | ( | ( | ( | |||
Attributable to the Parent | ( | ( | ( | |||
Attributable to non-controlling interests | ( | ( | ( | |||
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | ||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) attributable to the Parent (US$'000) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average basic and dilutive shares outstanding |
| |
| |
| |
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share (US$) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) for the year from continuing operations attribuitable to the Parent (US$'000) | ( | ( | ( | |||
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average basic and dilutive shares outstanding |
| |
| |
| |
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share (US$) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) profit for the year from discontinued operations (US$'000) | — | ( | | |||
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average basic and dilutive shares outstanding | |
| |
| | |
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per ordinary share (US$) |
| — |
| ( |
| |
Potential ordinary shares of
F-55
15. Provisions
Provisions comprise the following at December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |||||||||
Non- Current |
| Current |
| Total |
| Non- Current |
| Current |
| Total | ||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Provision for pensions |
| | | |
| | |
| | |||
Environmental provision |
| | | |
| | |
| | |||
Provisions for litigation |
| — | | |
| — | |
| | |||
Provisions for third-party liability |
| | — | |
| | — |
| | |||
Provisions for C02 emissions allowances | | | | — | | | ||||||
Provision for restructuring cost | — | | | — | | | ||||||
Other provisions |
| | | |
| | |
| | |||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
F-56
Restructuring provision is related to the restructuring process in Château-Feuillet facility in France amounting $
The changes in the various line items of provisions in 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
|
|
| Provisions for |
| Provisions for | Provisions for |
| Provisions for |
| |||||||
Provision for | Environmental | Litigation | Third | CO2 Emissions | Restructuring | Other | ||||||||||
Pensions | Provision | in Progress | Party Liability | Allowances | Cost | Provisions | Total | |||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | ||
Charges for the year |
| | | | | | — | | | |||||||
Provisions reversed with a credit to income |
| ( | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||
Amounts used |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||
Provision against equity |
| ( | — | — | | — | — | — | ( | |||||||
Exchange differences and others |
| | ( | | | | — | | | |||||||
Disposals from business divestitures | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | ||
Charges for the year | | | | | | | ( | | ||||||||
Provisions reversed with a credit to income | ( | ( | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ||||||||
Amounts used | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Provision against equity | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||
Transfers from/(to) other accounts | — | ( | — | — | — | | ( | ( | ||||||||
Exchange differences and others | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | — | ( | ( | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
F-57
The main provisions relating to employee pensions are as follows:
France
These relate to various obligations assumed by FerroPem, SAS with various groups of employees relate to long-service benefits, medical insurance supplements and retirement obligations, all of which are defined unfunded benefit obligations, whose changes in 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Obligations at the beginning of year |
| |
| |
Current service cost |
| |
| |
Borrowing costs |
| |
| |
Actuarial differences |
| ( |
| ( |
Benefits paid |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange differences |
| ( |
| |
Others | ( | — | ||
Obligations at the end of year |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2021 and 2020 the effect of a
The following table reflects the gross benefit payments that are expected to be paid for the benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2021:
|
| 2021 |
US$'000 | ||
2022 |
| |
2023 |
| |
2024 |
| |
2025 |
| |
2026 |
| |
Years 2027-2031 |
| |
The subsidiary recognized provisions in this connection based on an actuarial study performed by an independent expert.
South Africa
Defined benefit plans relate to Retirement medical aid obligations and Retirement benefits. Actuarial valuations are performed periodically by independent third parties and in the actuary’s opinion the fund was in a sound financial position. The valuation was based upon the amounts as per the latest valuation report received from third party experts.
Retirement medical aid obligations
The Company provides post-retirement benefits by way of medical aid contributions for employees and dependents.
Retirement benefits
It is the policy of the Company to provide retirement benefits to all its employees and therefore membership of the retirement fund is compulsory. The Company has both defined contribution and defined benefit plans. The pension fund obligation is recognized in current provisions as the Company will contribute the difference to the plan assets within the next 12 months.
F-58
In this regard, the changes of this provision in 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Obligations at beginning of year |
| |
| |
Current service cost |
| |
| |
Borrowing costs |
| |
| |
Actuarial differences |
| |
| ( |
Benefits paid |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange differences |
| ( |
| ( |
Obligations at end of year |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the effect of a
The breakdown, in percentage, of the plan assets are as follows:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
|
Cash |
| | % | | % |
Equity |
| | % | | % |
Bond |
| | % | | % |
Property |
| | % | | % |
International |
| | % | | % |
Others |
| | % | | % |
Total |
| | % | | % |
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 the Plan assets amounted to $
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year |
| |
| |
Interest income on assets |
| |
| |
Benefits paid |
| ( |
| — |
Actuarial differences |
| |
| ( |
Other |
| ( |
| ( |
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year |
| |
| |
Actual return on assets |
| |
| |
Venezuela
Benefit Plan
The company FerroVen has pension obligations to all of its employees who, once reaching retirement age, have accumulated at least
The most recent of the present value of the defined benefit obligation actuarial valuation was determined at December 31, 2021 by independent actuaries. The present value of the obligation for defined unfunded benefit cost, the current service cost and past service cost were determined using the projected unit credit method.
F-59
In this regards, the changes of this provision in 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Obligations at the beginning of year |
| |
| |
Current service cost |
| |
| |
Borrowing costs |
| |
| |
Benefits paid |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange differences |
| ( |
| ( |
Other | — | ( | ||
Obligations at the end of year |
| |
| |
The summary of the main actuarial assumptions used to calculate the aforementioned obligations is as follows:
France | South Africa | Venezuela |
| ||||||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| |
Salary increase |
| N/A | % | % | % | ||||||||
Discount rate |
| % | % | % | |||||||||
Expected inflation rate |
| % | % | % | |||||||||
Mortality |
| TGH05/TGF05 |
| TGH05/TGF05 |
| SA 85-90 / PA (90) |
| SA 85-90 / PA (90) |
| GAM 83 |
| GAM 83 | |
Retirement age |
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
High percentages are driven by hyperinflationary economy in Venezuela.
North America
a. Defined Benefit Retirement and Post-retirement Plans
Globe Metallurgical Inc. (“GMI”) sponsors
The Plan’s liabilities have been completely settled as a result of the amendment terminating the plan.
There are no remaining participants due to the plan termination effective September 30, 2021. All obligations have been satisfied due to the plan termination. The total settlement payment amounting to $
Quebec Silicon Limited partnership (“QSLP”) sponsors a contributory defined benefit pension plan and postretirement benefit plan for certain employees, based on length of service and remuneration. Post-retirement benefits consist of a group insurance plan covering plan members for life insurance, disability, hospital, medical, and dental benefits. The contributory defined benefit pension plan was closed to new participants in December 2013. On December 27, 2013, the Communications, Energy and Paper Workers Union of Canada (“CEP”) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, which resulted in a curtailment pertaining to the closure of the postretirement benefit plan for union employees retiring after January 31, 2016. The Company’s funding policy has been to contribute, as necessary, an amount in excess of the minimum requirements in order to achieve the Company’s long-term funding targets.
F-60
Benefit Obligations and Funded Status – The following provides a reconciliation of the benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the North American plans as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
USA | Canada | Total | USA | Canada | Total | |||||||||||
Post- | Post- | |||||||||||||||
| Pension |
| Pension |
| retirement |
|
| Pension |
| Pension |
| retirement |
| |||
Plans | Plans | Plans | Plans | Plans | Plans | |||||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||||
Benefit obligation |
| — | | | |
| | | |
| | |||||
Fair value of plan assets |
| ( | ( | — | ( |
| ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||||
Provision for pensions |
| ( |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
All North American pension and post-retirement plans are underfunded. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the accumulated benefit obligation was $
The assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2021 and 2020 for the North American plans are as follows:
North America – 2021 | North America – 2020 |
| |||||||||||
USA | Canada | USA | Canada |
| |||||||||
| Pension |
| Pension |
| Postretirement |
| Pension |
| Pension |
| Postretirement |
| |
Plan | Plan | Plan | Plan | Plan | Plan |
| |||||||
Salary increase |
| N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | |||||||
Discount rate |
| N/A | |||||||||||
Expected inflation rate |
| N/A | N/A |
| N/A |
| N/A | N/A |
| N/A | |||
Mortality |
| N/A | CPM2014-Private Scale CPM-B |
| CPM2014-Private Scale CPM-B |
| Pri-2012 Blue Collar Mortality | CPM2014-Private |
| CPM2014-Private Scale CPM-B | |||
Retirement age |
| N/A | - | - |
| - | - | ||||||
The discount rate used in calculating the present value of our pension plan obligations is developed based on the BPS&M Pension Discount Curve for 2021 and 2020 and the Mercer Proprietary Yield Curve for 2021 and 2020 for QSLP Pension and post-retirement benefit plans and the expected cash flows of the benefit payments.
The Company expects to make discretionary contributions of approximately $
The pension plan exposes the Company to the following risks:
(i) Investment risk: The defined benefit obligation is calculated using a discount rate. If the return on plan assets is below this rate, a plan deficit occurs.
(ii) Interest rate risk: Variation in bond rates will affect the value of the defined benefit obligation.
(iii) Inflation risk: The defined benefit obligation is calculated assuming a certain level of inflation. An actual inflation higher than expected will have the effect of increasing the value of the defined benefit obligation.
F-61
The following reflects the gross benefit payments that are expected to be paid in future years for the benefit plans for the year ended December 31:
|
|
| Non-pension | |
| Postretirement | |||
| Pension Plans | Plans | ||
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
2022 |
| | | |
2023 |
| | | |
2024 |
| | | |
2025 |
| | | |
Years 2026-2030 |
| | |
The accumulated non-pension post-retirement benefit obligation has been determined by application of the provisions of the Company’s health care and life insurance plans including established maximums, relevant actuarial assumptions and health care cost trend rates projected at
The changes to these obligations in the current year ended December 31, 2021 were as follows:
2021 | ||||||||
| USA |
| Canada | Total | ||||
Pension | Pension |
| Post-retirement |
| ||||
Plans | Plans | Plans | ||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Obligations at the beginning of year |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Service cost |
| | | | | |||
Borrowing cost |
| | | | | |||
Actuarial differences |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | |||
Benefits paid |
| ( | ( | ( | ( | |||
Exchange differences |
| | | | ||||
Expenses |
| ( | — | — | ( | |||
Plan settlement |
| ( |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Obligations at the end of year |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
The plan assets of the defined benefit and retirement and post-retirement plans in North America are comprised of assets that have quoted market prices in an active market. The breakdown as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 of the assets by class are:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
Cash |
| — | % | | % |
Equity Mutual Funds |
| | % | | % |
Fixed Income Securities |
| | % | | % |
Assets held by insurance company |
| | % | | % |
Total |
| | % | | % |
F-62
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the changes in plan assets were as follows:
2021 | ||||||
USA | Canada | |||||
Pension | Pension | |||||
| Plans |
| Plans |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year |
|
| ||||
Interest income on assets | | | | |||
Benefits paid |
| ( | ( |
| ( | |
Actuarial return on plan assets |
| ( | ( |
| ( | |
Exchange differences | — | | | |||
Other |
| | |
| | |
Plan Settelment | ( | — | ( | |||
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year |
| |
| |
| |
b. Other Benefit Plans
The Company administers healthcare benefits for certain retired employees through a separate welfare plan requiring reimbursement from the retirees.
The Company’s subsidiary, GMI, provides
Other benefit plans offered by the Company include a Section 125 cafeteria plan for the pretax payment of healthcare costs and flexible spending arrangements.
Environmental provision
Environmental provisions related to $
Provisions for litigation
Certain employees of FerroPem, SAS, then known as Pechiney Electrometallurgie, S.A., may have been exposed to asbestos at its plants in France in the decades prior to FerroAtlántica’s purchase of that business in December 2004. The Company has recognized a provision of $
The timing and amounts potential liabilities arising from such exposures is uncertain. The provision reflects the Company’s best estimate of the expenditure required to meet resulting obligations.
F-63
Provisions for third-party liability
Provisions for third-party liability presented as non-current obligations $
The following table reflects the gross benefit payments that are expected to be paid for the benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2021:
|
| 2021 |
US$'000 | ||
2022 | - | |
2023 | ||
2024 | ||
2025 | ||
2026 | ||
Years 2027-2031 | ||
The recognized provisions are based on an actuarial study performed by an independent expert.
Other provisions
Included in other provisions are current obligations arising from past actions that involve a probable outflow of resources that can be reliably estimated. Other provisions include taxes of $
16. Bank borrowings
Bank borrowings comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | ||||||||
|
| Non-Current |
| Current |
| |||
Limit | Amount | Amount | Total | |||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Borrowings carried at amortised cost: | ||||||||
Borrowings from receivable factoring facility | | — | | |||||
Other loans |
| — |
| | |
| | |
Total |
|
| |
| |
| | |
2020 | ||||||||
|
| Non-Current |
| Current |
| |||
Limit | Amount | Amount | Total | |||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Borrowings carried at amortised cost: | ||||||||
Credit facilities |
| |
| — |
| |
| |
Borrowings from receivable factoring facility | | — | | | ||||
Other loans |
|
| |
| |
| | |
Total |
|
| |
| |
| | |
F-64
Credit facilities
Credit facilities comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | ||
US$'000 | US$'000 | ||
Secured loans carried at amortised cost | |||
Principal amount | — | | |
Unamortised issuance costs | — | ( | |
Accrued interest | — | — | |
Total | — | | |
Amount due for settlement within 12 months | — | | |
Amount due for settlement after 12 months | — | — | |
Total | — | |
On October, 11, 2019, Ferroglobe subsidiaries Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., and QSIP Canada ULC, as borrowers, entered into a Credit and Security Agreement for a new $
On March 16, 2021, the Company has repaid in its entirety the remaining balance at the date for an amount equal to $
Borrowings from receivable factoring facility
On October 2, 2020, the Company ended the receivables funding agreement over European receivables, signing a new factoring agreement with a Leasing and Factoring Agent, for anticipating the collection of receivables of the Company’s European entities. As a result of the agreement, the Agent provided a cash consideration of circa $
The main characteristics of the agreement are the following:
| - | the maximum cash consideration advanced for the financing facility is up to EUR |
| - | over collateralization of |
| - | Annual fee of |
| - | Financing commission of |
Other conditions are set in relation to credit insurance policy which has been structured in an excess of loss policy where the first EUR
Judgements relating to the accounting for the factoring agreement
The Company has assessed whether it has transferred substantially all risks and rewards, continuing to be exposed to the variable returns from its involvement in the factoring agreement as it is exposed to credit risk, so the conclusion is that the derecognition criteria is not met and therefore, the account receivables sold are not derecognized from the
F-65
balance sheet and an obligation is recognized as bank borrowings for the amount of cash advanced by the Leasing and Factoring Agent.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company exceeded the limit, the lender agreed a temporary increase of the limit.
Other Loans
Include loans held by The Company to finance their current activities in France and Argentina. The loan related to France was signed in July 2020 for an amount of $
Since December 2019, the Company entered into a forfaiting program where some of the Company’s French and Spanish entities may assign their rights to receive payments under the Contracts with the customer “ArcelorMittal Sourcing s.c.a.” in accordance with a forfaiting scheme.
Foreign currency exposure of bank borrowings
The breakdown by currency of bank borrowings at December 31, is as follows:
2021 | ||||||
Non-Current | Current | |||||
| Principal |
| Principal |
| ||
Amount | Amount | Total | ||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Borrowings in US Dollars |
| — | |
| | |
Borrowings in Euros | | | | |||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
2020 | ||||||
Non-Current | Current | |||||
| Principal |
| Principal |
| ||
Amount | Amount | Total | ||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Borrowings in US Dollars |
| — |
| |
| |
Borrowings in other currencies |
| | |
| | |
Total |
| |
| |
| |
Contractual maturity of non-current bank borrowings
The contractual maturity of bank borrowings at December 31, 2021, was as follows:
2021 | ||||||
| 2022 | 2025 |
| Total | ||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Credit facilities |
| — | — | — | ||
Borrowings from supplier factoring facility | | — | | |||
Other loans |
| | | | ||
Total |
| | |
| | |
F-66
17. Leases
Lease obligations
Lease obligations as at December 31 are as follows:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
Non- | Non- | |||||||||||
| Current |
| Current |
| Total |
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Other leases | | | | | | | ||||||
Total | | | | | | | ||||||
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 Ferroglobe holds short-term leases and low-value leases for which it has elected to recognise right of use assets and lease liabilities. Each lease is reflected in the statement of financial position as a right of use asset and a lease liability.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020 Ferroglobe has not recorded any expense relating to variable lease payments.
The detail, by maturity, of the non-current payment obligations under leases as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| 2023 |
| 2024 |
| 2025 | 2026 |
| 2027 and after | Total | |||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Other leases | | | | | | | ||||||
Total | | | | | | |
IFRS 16 has had the following effect on components of the consolidated financial statements:
2021 | 2020 | |||
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Balance at December 31, | ( | ( | ||
Additions | ( | ( | ||
Disposals and other | | | ||
Interest | ( | ( | ||
Lease payments | | | ||
Exchange differences | | ( | ||
Balance at December 31, | ( | ( |
Lease liabilities were discounted at the average incremental borrowing rate of
Leases are presented as follows in the Statement of financial position:
2021 | 2020 | |||
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Non-current assets | ||||
Leased land and buildings | | | ||
Leased plant and machinery | | | ||
Accumulated depreciation | ( | ( | ||
Non-current liabilities | ||||
Lease liabilities | ( | ( | ||
Current liabilities | ||||
Lease liabilities | ( | ( |
F-67
Leases are presented as follows in the Consolidated income statement:
| 2021 | 2020 | ||
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs | ||||
Depreciation of right of use assets | | | ||
Finance costs | ||||
Interest expense on lease liabilities | | | ||
Exchange differences | ||||
Currency translation losses on lease liabilities | | ( | ||
Currency translation gains on right of use assets | ( | |
Leases are presented as follows in the Statement of cash flows:
2021 | 2020 | |||
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Payments for: | ||||
Principal | | | ||
Interest | | |
18. Debt instruments
Debt instruments comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | ||
US$'000 | US$'000 | ||
Notes carried at amortised cost | |||
Secured Super Senior Notes | | — | |
Secured Reinstated Senior Notes | | — | |
Unsecured Stub Notes | | | |
Unamortised issuance costs | ( | ( | |
Accrued coupon interest | | | |
Total | | | |
Amount due for settlement within 12 months | | | |
Amount due for settlement after 12 months | | | |
Total | | |
On February 15, 2017, Ferroglobe and Globe (together, the “Issuers”) co-issued $
On March 27, 2021, Ferroglobe and Globe and certain other members of our group entered into the Lock-Up Agreement with the Ad Hoc Group Noteholders, Grupo VM and affiliates of Tyrus Capital that set forth a plan to implement a debt restructuring plan.
F-68
On July 30,2021 the company announced the occurrence of the “Transaction Effective Date” under the lock-up agreement dated March 27, 2021 (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) between the Parent and the financial stakeholders. The Transaction Effective Date marks the completion of the financing process.
As part of the transaction:
| ● | The Company completed the exchange of |
| ● | Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC (a new, subsidiary of the Company) issued $ |
At the completion of the comprehensive refinancing, we recognized a charge of $
For accounting purposes the refinancing of the Senior Notes has been considered a debt extinguishment. As a consequence:
(i) We recognized a finance expense amounting to $
(ii) Similarly to the transaction fees, the shares issued to the bondholders and the work fee were recognized as a one-off expense, amounting $
(iii) In the case of an extinguishment, any outstanding upfront fees that had been capitalized at the issuance of the original notes needs to be recycled through profit and loss, this amounted $
The fair value of the Reinstated Senior Notes maturing on December 31, 2025, determined by reference to the closing market price on the last trading day of the year (Level 1), was $
The fair value of the Super Senior Notes maturing on June 30, 2025, determined by reference to the closing market price on the last trading day of the year (Level 1), was $
The fair value of the Stub Notes maturing on March 1, 2022, determined by reference to the closing market price on the last trading day of the year (Level 1), was $
Super Senior Notes
On May 17, 2021, Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC (a new, subsidiary of the Company, “The UK issuer”) issued a tranche of the Super Senior Notes, comprising an initial $
F-69
The Super Senior Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Super Senior Notes Indenture”) entered into by, among others, the UK Issuer, GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee, Global Loan Agency Services Limited, as paying agent, GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, as security agent, and the guarantors named therein (the “Super Senior Notes Guarantors”). The Super Senior Notes mature on June 30, 2025 and are secured by certain share pledges, bank account pledges, intercompany receivables pledges, inventory pledges and security over certain mine concessions, real property, leases and other assets.
The Super Senior Notes, and the guarantees thereof, are general secured, senior obligations of the UK Issuer and the Super Senior Notes Guarantors, as applicable, and rank senior in right of payment to any and all of the existing and future indebtedness of the UK Issuer and the Super Senior Notes Guarantors, as applicable, that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Super Senior Notes and such guarantees, as applicable.
The Super Senior Notes Indenture require us to offer to repurchase all or any part of each holder’s Super Senior Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Super Senior Notes Indenture, at a purchase price equal to
The Super Senior Notes Indenture restricts, among other things, the ability of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries to:
| o | borrow or guarantee additional indebtedness; |
| o | pay dividends, repurchase shares and make distributions of certain other payments; |
| o | make certain investments; |
| o | create certain liens; |
| o | merge or consolidate with other entities; |
| o | enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| o | sell, lease or transfer certain assets, including shares of any restricted subsidiary of Ferroglobe; and |
| o | guarantee certain types of other indebtedness of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries without also guaranteeing the Super Senior Notes. |
Reinstated Senior Notes
Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Ferroglobe PLC, the UK Issuer and Globe offered to eligible holders of the Old Notes the opportunity to exchange any and all of the Old Notes for new ⅜% senior secured notes due 2025 issued by the UK Issuer and Globe.
The Reinstated Notes are governed by an indenture (the “Reinstated Notes Indenture”) entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Finance Company PLC and Globe, as issuers, GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee, Global Loan Agency Services Limited, as paying agent, GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, as security agent, and the guarantors named therein. The Reinstated Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by Ferroglobe and each subsidiary of Ferroglobe that guarantees the UK Issuer’s obligations under the Super Senior Notes (other than Globe) (the “Reinstated Notes Guarantors”). The Reinstated Notes mature on December 31, 2025 and are secured by the same collateral that secures the Super Senior Notes.
The Reinstated Notes, and the guarantees thereof, are general secured, senior obligations of Ferroglobe Finance Company PLC and Globe and the Reinstated Notes Guarantors, as applicable, and will rank senior in right of payment to any and all of the existing and future indebtedness of Ferroglobe, Globe and the Reinstated Notes Guarantors, as applicable, that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Reinstated Notes and such guarantees, as applicable.
The Reinstated Notes Indenture require us to offer to repurchase all or any part of each holder’s Reinstated Notes upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the Reinstated Notes Indenture, at a purchase price equal to
F-70
The Reinstated Notes Indenture restricts, among other things, the ability of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries to:
| o | borrow or guarantee additional indebtedness; |
| o | pay dividends, repurchase shares and make distributions of certain other payments; |
| o | make certain investments; |
| o | create certain liens; |
| o | merge or consolidate with other entities; |
| o | enter into certain transactions with affiliates; |
| o | sell, lease or transfer certain assets, including shares of any restricted subsidiary of Ferroglobe; and |
| o | guarantee certain types of other indebtedness of Ferroglobe and its restricted subsidiaries without also guaranteeing the Reinstated Notes. |
Compared to the Old Notes Indenture (prior to certain amendments on July 29, 2021) the Reinstated Notes Indenture have generally more stringent restrictive covenants. Some of these differences include, among others, the following:
| o | the elimination of baskets or a reduction of basket sizes in the debt covenant, restricted payment covenant, permitted investments, |
| o | permitted liens and asset disposition; |
| o | the addition of a net leverage test in the debt covenant and reduced flexibility in financial calculations; |
| o | requirement to apply certain excess proceeds to repay debt in accordance with the applicable intercreditor agreement; |
| o | lower event of default thresholds; and |
| o | a |
Stub Notes
The Stub Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Issuers and are guaranteed on a senior basis by certain subsidiaries of Ferroglobe. The Notes are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2021 $
The Old Notes are governed by the Old Notes Indenture entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe and Globe, as issuers, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, registrar and paying agent, and the guarantors named therein (the “Old Notes Guarantors”).
The Old Notes and the guarantees thereof are general unsecured, senior obligations of Ferroglobe and Globe and the Old Notes Guarantors, as applicable, and rank senior in right of payment to any and all of the existing and future indebtedness of Ferroglobe, Globe and the Old Notes Guarantors, as applicable, that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Old Notes and such guarantees, as applicable.
Ferroglobe and Globe may redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Old Notes at a redemption price of
F-71
19. Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
Non- | Non- | |||||||||||
| Current |
| Current |
| Total |
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Financial loans from government agencies | | | | | | | ||||||
Derivative financial instruments | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
Total | | | | | | | ||||||
Financial loans from government agencies
On September 8, 2016, FerroAtlántica, S.A.U, as borrower, and the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (the “Ministry”), as lender, entered into
The agreements governing the loans contain the following limitations on the use of the proceeds of the outstanding loan: (1) the investment of the proceeds must occur between January 1, 2016 and February 24, 2019; (2) the allocation of the proceeds must adhere to certain approved budget categories; (3) if the final investment cost is lower than the budgeted amount, the borrower must reimburse the Ministry proportionally; and (4) the borrower must comply with certain statutory restrictions regarding related party transactions and the procurement of goods and services. On May 24, 2019, a report on uses of the loan was presented to the Ministry. On January 26, 2021, the Company received a decision from the Administration under which it was agreed to extend the grace period and the term of loan, and it will be completed by 2030.
On January 25, 2022, the Ministry opened a hearing to decide on reimbursement of the loan. The company presented its allegations on February 15, 2022. Based on those allegations, the reimbursement procedure has been suspended and a new final report is expected to be made by the Ministry by the end of 2022 ending the administrative procedure and establishing the definitive amount of the partial reimbursement to be made. Due to this event, the company has decided to reclassify the financial loan to the short term.
The remaining non-current and current balances are related to loans granted mainly by Canadian and Spanish government agencies.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company does not hold derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Cross currency swap
The Company's operations generate cash flows predominantly in Euros and US dollars. The Company is been exposed to exchange rate fluctuations between these currencies as it expected to convert Euros into US dollars to settle a proportion of the interest and principal of the Notes (see Note 18). To manage this currency risk, the Parent Company
F-72
entered a cross-currency swap (the “CCS”) on May 12, 2017 where on a semi-annual basis received interest of
In March, 2020, the Company closed out the cross currency swap resulting in the receipt of cash proceeds of $
The fair value of the CCS at December 31, 2020 was (2019: $
The Parent Company, which had an Euro functional currency, designated $
At December 31, 2020, the remaining $
Interest rate swaps
The Company previously entered into interest rate swaps to manage the risk of changes in interest rates on certain non-current and current obligations. Since June 30, 2015, the interest rate swaps have been considered as ineffective hedges and as a result the changes in fair value of these derivatives are recognized through profit or loss. During the year ended December, 31, 2019 the Company disposed of the swap relating to the lease of hydroelectrical installations as part of the sale of its
20. Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables comprise the following at December 31:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Payable to suppliers |
| |
| |
Trade notes and bills payable |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
F-73
21. Other Obligations
Other obligations comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
Non- | Non- | |||||||||||
| Current |
| Current |
| Total |
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Payable to non-current asset suppliers | | | | | | | ||||||
Guarantees and deposits | | | | | | | ||||||
Contingent consideration | | | | | | | ||||||
Tolling agreement liability | | | | — | — | — | ||||||
Total | | | | | | | ||||||
In 2021 we disaggregated “Other liabilities” into an additional line to the balance sheet “Other obligations“ to separately present certain contractual obligations whose nature and function differs from other items presented in the “Other liabilities line”, so as to allow a better understanding of the Company´s financial position.
Obligations contained in the new line Other obligations: “Tolling agreement liability”, which used to be presented within “Provisions”; “Glencore earn-out liability”, “Payable to non-current asset suppliers” and “Guarantees and deposits”, which were presented in prior periods within “Other liabilities”, and have been classified as Other obligations for all the years presented.
Contingent consideration
On February 1, 2018 the Company acquired
The contingent consideration arrangement requires the Company to pay the former owners of Kintuck (France) SAS and Kintuck AS a sliding scale commission based on the silicomanganese and ferromanganese sales spreads of Ferroglobe Mangan Norge and Ferroglobe Manganèse France, up to a maximum amount of $
The potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that the Company could be required to make under the contingent consideration arrangement is between thousand and $
The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement as at December, 31, 2021 of $
F-74
of contingent consideration are presented in the income statement Raw materials and energy consumption for production.
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Changing assumptions, could significantly affect the evaluation of the fair value of the contingent consideration. The following changes to the assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation could lead to the following changes in the fair value:
Sensibility on | ||||
discount rate | ||||
Contigent consideration | Decrease | Increase | ||
December 31, 2021 | by 10% | by 10% | ||
Fair value contingent consideration | | | | |
Tolling agreement liability
On August 30, 2019, Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. sold its
In November 2020, the Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Galicia dismissed the request of separation of the Cee-Dumbria's hydroelectric plants and the ferroalloys plants. Grupo FerroAtlantica, S.A.U. appealed to the Supreme Court, in 2021 the appeal was dismissed. At December 31, 2021, the liability recognized amounts to $
22. Other liabilities
Other liabilities comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
Non- | Non- | |||||||||||
| Current |
| Current |
| Total |
| Current |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Remuneration payable | — | | | | | | ||||||
Tax payables | — | | | — | | | ||||||
Other liabilities | | | | | | | ||||||
Total | | | | | | | ||||||
F-75
Tax payables
Tax payables comprise the following at December 31:
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Current |
| Total |
| Current |
| Total | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
VAT | | | | | ||||
Accrued social security taxes payable | | | | | ||||
Personal income tax withholding payable | | | | | ||||
Other | | | | | ||||
Total | | | | | ||||
Share-based compensation
a. Equity Incentive Plan
On May 29, 2016, the board of Ferroglobe PLC adopted the Ferroglobe PLC Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and on June 29, 2016 the Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Company. The Plan is a discretionary benefit offered by Ferroglobe PLC for the benefit of selected senior employees of Ferroglobe PLC and its subsidiaries. The Plan’s main purpose is to reward and foster performance through share ownership. Awards under the plan may be structured either as conditional share awards or options with a $nil exercise price (nil cost options). The awards are subject to a service condition of
Details of the Plan awards during the current and prior years are as follows:
Number of awards | ||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019 | | |
Granted during the period | | |
Exercised during the period | ( | |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020 |
| |
Granted during the period | | |
Exercised during the period | ( | |
Expired/forfeited during the period |
| ( |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021 |
| |
Exercisable as of December 31, 2021 |
| |
F-76
The awards outstanding under the Plan at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:
|
|
| Fair Value at | ||||||||||
Grant Date | Performance Period | Expiration Date | Exercise Price | Grant Date | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
September 9, 2021 | December 31, 2023 | September 9, 2031 | $ | | | — | |||||||
December 16, 2020 | December 31, 2024 | December 16, 2030 | $ | | | | |||||||
March 13, 2019 |
| December 31, 2022 | March 13, 2029 |
| $ | | | | |||||
June 14, 2018 |
| N/A | June 13, 2028 |
| $ | | | | |||||
March 21, 2018 | December 31, 2021 | March 20, 2028 | $ | | | | |||||||
June 20, 2017 | December 31, 2020 | June 20, 2027 | $ | | — | | |||||||
June 1, 2017 | N/A | June 1, 2027 | $ | | | | |||||||
June 1, 2017 |
| December 31, 2020 | June 1, 2027 |
| $ | | | | |||||
November 24, 2016 | December 31, 2019 | November 24, 2026 |
| $ | | | | ||||||
| | ||||||||||||
The awards outstanding as of December 31, 2021 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for stock options exercised in the year ended December 31, 2021 was $
At December 31, 2021,
Vesting Conditions |
There were no performance obligations linked to
Fair Value
The weighted average fair value of the awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $
F-77
The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the awards:
Grant date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 9, 2021 | December 16, 2020 | March 13, 2019 | March 21, 2018 | June 20, 2017 | June 01, 2017 | November 24, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value at grant date | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grant date share price | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected volatility | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Option life | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend yield | — | — | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Remaining performance period at grant date (years) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company TSR at grant date | NA | NA | ( | % | | % | ( | % | | % | % | ||||||||||||||||
Median comparator group TSR at grant date | NA | NA | ( | % | ( | % | ( | % | ( | % | % | ||||||||||||||||
Median index TSR at grant date | NA | NA | % | ( | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||
At the date of grant for these awards, all of the opening averaging period and some of the performance period had elapsed. The Company’s TSR relative to the median comparator group TSR and median index TSR at grant date may impact the grant date fair value; starting from an advantaged position increases the fair value and starting from a disadvantaged position decreases the fair value.
To model the impact of the TSR performance conditions, we have calculated the volatility of the comparator group using the same method used to calculate the Company’s volatility, using historical data, where available, which matches the length of the remaining performance period grant date.
The Company’s correlation with its comparator group was assessed on the basis of all comparator group correlations, regardless of the degree of correlation, have been incorporated into the valuation model.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, share-based compensation expense related to this stock plan amounted to $
Prior to the business combination, shares of Globe Specialty Metals common stock were registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and listed on NASDAQ. As a result of the business combination between Ferroglobe and Globe, each share of Globe common stock was converted into the right to receive one Ferroglobe ordinary share. The shares of Globe common stock were suspended from trading on NASDAQ effective as of the opening of trading on December 24, 2015. Ferroglobe ordinary shares were approved for listing on The NASDAQ Global Market. At the effective time of the business combination, GSM stock and stock-based awards were replaced with stock and stock-based awards of Ferroglobe in a
There were
F-78
A summary of options outstanding is as follows:
|
|
| Weighted- |
| ||||||
Average | ||||||||||
Weighted- | Remaining | |||||||||
Average | Contractual | Aggregate | ||||||||
Number of | Exercise | Term in | Intrinsic | |||||||
Options | Price | Years | Value | |||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2019 | | $ | | $ | — | |||||
Expired/forfeited during the period | ||||||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020 |
| | $ | |
|
| $ | — | ||
Expired/forfeited during the period |
|
| — |
|
|
|
| |||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2021 |
| | $ | |
| $ | — | |||
Exercisable as of December 31, 2021 |
| | $ | |
| $ | — | |||
For the year ended December 31, 2021, share based compensation expense related to stock options under this plan was $
b. Executive bonus plan assumed under business combination with Globe
Prior to the business combination, Globe also issued restricted stock units under the Company’s Executive Bonus Plan. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on quoted market prices of the Company’s stock at the end of each reporting period. These restricted stock units proportionally vest over
For the year ended December 31, 2021, share based compensation expense for these restricted stock units was $
c. Stock appreciation rights assumed under business combination with Globe
Globe issued cash-settled stock appreciation rights as an additional form of incentivized bonus. Stock appreciation rights vest and become exercisable in -third increments over
F-79
23. Tax matters
The components of current and deferred income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Consolidated income statement | ||||||
Current income tax | ||||||
Current income tax charge |
| |
| |
| |
Adjustments in current income tax in respect of prior years |
| — |
| |
| |
Adjustments in current income tax due to discounted operations | — | — | — | |||
Total |
| |
| |
| |
Deferred tax | ||||||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences | ( | ( | ( | |||
Impact of tax rate changes | - | — | ( | |||
Impairment of deferred tax assets | - | | — | |||
Adjustments in deferred tax in respect of prior years | | | | |||
Total | ( | | ( | |||
Income tax expense (benefit) | ( | | ( |
As the Company has significant business operations in Spain, France, South Africa and the United States, a weighted effective tax rate is considered to be appropriate in estimating the Company’s expected tax rate. The following is a reconciliation of tax expense based on a weighted blended statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Accounting profit/(loss) before income tax |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Adjustment for discontinued operations | — | ( | ( | |||
Accounting profit/(loss) before income tax | ( | ( | ( | |||
At weighted effective tax rate of |
| ( | ( | ( | ||
Non-taxable income/(expenses) |
| — | — | ( | ||
Non-deductible income/ (expenses) | ( | | | |||
Movements in unprovided deferred tax |
| — |
| — |
| |
Differing territorial tax rates | | | ( | |||
Adjustments in respect of prior periods | — | ( | | |||
Other items | | | | |||
Elimination of effect of interest in joint ventures | ( | | | |||
Other permanent differences |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
Incentives and deductions |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
US State taxes | |
| ( |
| ( | |
Taxable capital gains |
| — |
| — |
| |
Adjustments in current income tax due to discontinued operations | — | — | — | |||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Other items mainly comprise unrecognised temporary differences for tax losses.
F-80
Deferred tax assets and liabilities
For the year ended December 31, 2021:
Opening | Prior Year | Recognised in | Impairment of | Reclassifications | Exchange | Closing | ||||||||
Balance | Charge | P&L | Deferred Tax Assets | Differences | Balance | |||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Intangible assets |
| ( |
| |
| ( | — |
| — |
| |
| ( | |
Biological assets |
| ( |
| — |
| | — |
| — |
| — |
| — | |
Provisions |
| |
| ( |
| | — |
| ( |
| ( |
| | |
Property, plant & equipment |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | — |
| |
| |
| ( | |
Inventories |
| |
| — |
| ( | — |
| — |
|
| — | ||
Tax losses |
| |
| — |
| | — |
| ( |
| ( |
| | |
Incentives & credits | | — | | — | — | | | |||||||
Partnership interest |
| ( |
| — |
| | — |
| — |
| — |
| ( | |
Other |
| | — | ( | — | | | | ||||||
Total |
| ( | ( | | — | ( | | ( |
For the year ended December 31, 2020:
Opening | Prior Year | Recognised in | Impairment of | Reclassifications | Exchange | Closing | ||||||||
Balance | Charge | P&L | Deferred Tax Assets | Differences | Balance | |||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Intangible assets |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | — |
| — |
| — |
| ( | |
Biological assets |
| ( |
| — |
| — | — |
| — |
| — |
| ( | |
Provisions |
| |
| — |
| | ( |
| ( |
| |
| | |
Property, plant & equipment |
| ( |
| — |
| | ( |
| |
| |
| ( | |
Inventories |
| ( |
| — |
| | — |
| |
| ( |
| | |
Tax losses |
| |
| — |
| ( | ( |
| ( |
| |
| | |
Incentives & credits | | — | — | ( | | | | |||||||
Partnership interest |
| ( |
| — |
| | — |
| ( |
| — |
| ( | |
Other |
| | — | | — | | ( | | ||||||
Total |
| ( | — | | ( | | | ( |
Presented in the statement of financial position as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Deferred tax assets | | | ||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| ( | ( | |
Offset between deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities | | | ||
Total deferred tax assets due to temporary differences recognized in the statement of financial position | | — | ||
Total deferred tax liabilities due to temporary differences recognized in the statement of financial position | ( | ( |
F-81
Unrecognised deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | |||
Unused tax losses |
| | | |
Unused tax credits | | | ||
Unrecognised deductible temporary differences |
| | | |
Total |
| | |
In general terms, neither the NOLs nor the tax credits have an expiration date in the jurisdictions where they derive from.
Unused tax losses and unrecognized deductible temporary differences have increased in 2021 compared to 2020 due to the losses in most of the jusrisdictions during 2021.
Throughout 2021 a debt restructuring has been undertaken, being completed in July 2021. For the purpose of the debt restructuring, a group reorganization has been completed in order to attend the specific needs and requirements posed by the bondholders for the purpose of securing their investment. This group restructuring has consisted of the incorporation of
All the tax implications arising from the debt restructuring and group reorganization have been analysed and it has set forth guidelines for the operatives put in place as a result of these transactions.
For United States purposes, the main tax concern was the eventual triggering of cancellation of debt income as a result of the difference in carrying value of the original bonds compared to the new bonds at the time of first trading. For such reasons it was analysed the tax base of all assets and subsidiaries of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. since this type of income can be set off against property of the entity generating thereof. No taxable income of such nature was generated since the trading value of the new bonds was higher from inception compared to the trading value of the old bonds.
Likewise, it was concluded that the transfer of the shares of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. did not trigger any taxable event because Ferroglobe Holding Company Ltd was duly checked open for tax purposes and consequently this transfer of shares was disregarded for United States tax purposes.
From a United Kingdom perspective, also the main concern was the eventual taxable event resulting from the difference in carrying value of the exchanged debt instruments. No taxation arose in this regard.
The debt restructuring cost has been recharged to the entities of the group benefiting therefrom in line with arm’s length principles and following the accounting treatment of such type of costs.
The transfer of the shares of Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. and Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. should be treated as a tax neutral reorganization and thus non-taxable in the United Kingdom.
The equity issuance did not result in a change of control event for Ferroglobe PLC and consequently no limitation on its tax attributes resulted.
F-82
It was also a relevant topic the risk of falling into the pro-rata rule for value added tax purposes as a result of the intercompany financing put in place to allocate the bonds and the intercompany balances from Ferroglobe PLC to Ferroglobe Finance Company PLC and Ferroglobe Holding Company Limited respectively. To avoid this risk, a value add tax group was put in place in the United Kingdom amongst these three entities.
Additionally, it was analysed and concluded that no taxation arose neither in the United Kingdom nor in the respective jurisdiction of the subsidiaries of the Ferroglobe group as a result of the direct or indirect transfer of their shares when being contributed down by Ferroglobe PLC to Ferroglobe Holding Company Limited.
Management of tax risks
The Company is committed to conducting its tax affairs consistent with the following objectives:
| (i) | to comply with relevant laws, rules, regulations, and reporting and disclosure requirements in whichever jurisdiction it operates; |
| (ii) | to maintain mutual trust, transparency and respect in its dealings with all tax authorities; and |
| (iii) | to adhere with best practice and comply with the Company's internal corporate governance procedures, including but not limited to its Code of Conduct |
For further details please refer to the group's tax strategy which can be found here: http://investor.ferroglobe.com/corporate-governance.
The Group's tax department maintains a tax risk register on a jurisdictional basis.
In the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, tax returns cannot be deemed final until they have been audited by the tax authorities or until the statute-of-limitations has expired. The number of open tax years subject to examination varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. In general, the Company has the last
F-83
24. Related party transactions and balances
Continued operations
Balances with related parties at December 31 are as follows:
2021 | ||||||||
Receivables | Payables | |||||||
| Non-Current |
| Current |
| Non-Current |
| Current | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. | — | | — | — | ||||
Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. | | — | — | | ||||
Espacio Information Technology, S.A.U. | — | — | — | | ||||
Other related parties | — | — | — | — | ||||
Total | | | — | | ||||
2020 | ||||||||
Receivables | Payables | |||||||
| Non-Current |
| Current |
| Non-Current |
| Current | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. | — | | — | — | ||||
Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. | | — | — | | ||||
Espacio Information Technology, S.A.U. | — | — | — | | ||||
Other related parties | — | ( | — | | ||||
Total | | | — | | ||||
The loan granted to Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. accrues a market interest (EURIBOR three month rate plus
The balance with the other related parties arose as a result of the commercial transactions performed with them (see explanation of main transactions below).
Continuing operations
Transactions with related parties in 2021, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
2021 | ||||||||
Sales and | Raw materials | Other | Finance | |||||
Operating | and energy | Operating | Income | |||||
|
| Income |
| consumption for production |
| Expenses |
| (Note 26.4) |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. | — | — | — | — | ||||
Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. | — | | | — | ||||
Espacio Information Technology, S.A.U. | — | — | | — | ||||
Enérgya VM Gestión, S.L | — | — | | — | ||||
Aurinka | — | — | | — | ||||
Other related parties | — | — | | — | ||||
Total | — | | | — | ||||
F-84
2020 | ||||||||
Sales and | Raw materials | Other | Finance | |||||
Operating | and energy | Operating | Income | |||||
|
| Income |
| consumption for production |
| Expenses |
| (Note 26.4) |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. | — | — | — | | ||||
Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. | — | | | — | ||||
Espacio Information Technology, S.A.U. | — | — | | — | ||||
Enérgya VM Gestión, S.L | — | — | | — | ||||
Aurinka | — | | | — | ||||
Other related parties | — | — | | — | ||||
Total | — | | | | ||||
2019 | ||||||||
Sales and | Raw materials | Other | Finance | |||||
Operating | and energy | Operating | Income | |||||
|
| Income |
| consumption for production |
| Expenses |
| (Note 26.4) |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Inmobiliaria Espacio, S.A. | — | — | | | ||||
Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. | — | | | — | ||||
Espacio Information Technology, S.A.U. | — | — | | — | ||||
Enérgya VM Generación, S.L | | — | | — | ||||
Enérgya VM Gestión, S.L | — | | | — | ||||
Aurinka | — | — | | — | ||||
Other related parties | | — | | — | ||||
Total | | | | | ||||
“Raw Materials and energy consumption for production” of the related parties vis-à-vis Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. relates to the purchase of energy from the latter by the Company’s Europe – Manganese Alloys and Europe – Silicon Metals & Silicon Alloys segment. FerroAtlántica pays VM Energía a service charge in addition to paying for the cost of energy purchase from the market. Under contracts entered into with FAU on June 22, 2010 and December 29, 2010 (assigned to FerroAtlántica de Boo, S.L.U. (“FAU Boo”) and to FerroAtlántica de Sabon, S.L.U. (“FAU Sabon”) in August 2019 in anticipation of the FAU Disposal), and with Hidro Nitro Española on December 27, 2012 (assigned to FerroAtlántica del Cinca when Hidro Nitro Española was sold in December 2018), VM Energía supplies the energy needs of the Boo, Sabón and Monzón electrometallurgy facilities, as a broker for FAU BOO or FAU Sabon (now Grupo Ferroatlantica) and Hidro Nitro Española (now FerroAtlántica del Cinca) in the wholesale power market. The contracts allow FAU Boo or FAU Sabon (now Grupo Ferroatlantica) and Hidro Nitro Española (now FerroAtlántica del Cinca) to buy energy from the grid at market conditions without incurring costs normally associated with operating in the complex wholesale power market, as well as to apply for fixed price arrangements in advance from VM Energía, based on the energy markets for the power, period and profile applied for. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, Grupo Ferrotlantica and FerroAtlantica del Cinca’s obligations to make payments to VM Energía under their respective agreements for the purchase of energy plus the service charge amounted to $
“Other operating expenses" corresponds to the payment to Espacio Information Technology, S.A. (“Espacio I.T.”), provides information technology and data processing services to Ferroglobe PLC and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries: FAU (until shortly prior to the FAU Disposal when such services were assigned to Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. (“Servicios”)), FerroAtlántica de Mexico, Silicon Smelters (Pty), Ltd. and FerroPem, SAS pursuant to several contracts. Additionally corresponds to the Payment to Villar Mir Energia, S.L.U that provides the energy needs of the mining facilities operated by RAMSA and CISA in the wholesale power market.
F-85
Discontinued operations
At 31 December, 2020 and 2021, there were not discontinued transactions considered with Related Parties. Transactions with related parties in 2019 are as follows:
2019 | |||||||
Sales and | Raw materials | Other | |||||
Operating | and energy | Operating | |||||
|
| Income |
| consumption for production |
| Expenses |
|
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Villar Mir Energía, S.L.U. | — | — | | ||||
Enérgya VM Generación, S.L | | — | | ||||
Enérgya VM Gestión, S.L | — | | — | ||||
Total | | | | ||||
25. Guarantee commitments to third parties and contingent liabilities
Guarantee commitments to third parties
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has provided bank guarantees commitments to third parties amounting $
Contingent liabilities
In the ordinary course of its business, Ferroglobe is subject to lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings, including, but not limited to, contractual disputes and employment, environmental, health and safety matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, claims and proceedings asserted against it, we do not believe any currently pending legal proceeding to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations or liquidity.
Stamp Tax litigation procedure
On February 2021 the Central Economic-Administrative Court ruled against the interest of Ferroglobe in a stamp duty litigation procedure initiated in 2015, where the taxpayer is Abanca, the financial institution through which a sale and lease back of the electric production plants in Galicia was conducted in 2012. Ferroglobe has agreed with Abanca that it continues the litigation at the judiciary level by filing an appeal before the Audiencia Nacional. This filing has been completed in April 2021. As a result of the continuation of this litigation process, with the appropriate granting of bank guarantee by the taxpayer (Abanca), neither payment of the tax reassessment (circa
Asbestos-related claims
Certain employees of FerroPem, SAS, then known as Pechiney Electrometallurgie, S.A. (“PEM”), may have been exposed to asbestos at its plants in France in the decades prior to FerroAtlántica Group’s purchase of that business in December 2004. During the period in question, PEM was wholly-owned by Pechiney Bâtiments, S.A., which had certain indemnification obligations to FerroAtlántica pursuant to the 2004 Share Sale and Purchase Agreement under which our FerroAtlántica acquired PEM. As of December 31, 2021, approximately
F-86
now have been closed. Of the remaining cases, approximately half include assertions of “inexcusable negligence” (“faute inexcusable”) which, if upheld, may lead to material liability in the aggregate on the part of FerroPem. Other employees may declare further asbestos-related injuries in the future, and may likewise assert inexcusable negligence. Litigation against, and material liability on the part of, FerroPem will not necessarily arise in each case, and to date a majority of such declared injuries have been minor and have not led to significant liability on Ferropem’s part. Whether liability for “inexcusable negligence” will be found is determined case-by-case, often over a period of years, depending on the evolution of the claimant’s asbestos-related condition, the possibility that the claimant was exposed while working for other employers and, where asserted, the claimant’s ability to prove inexcusable negligence on PEM’s part. Because of these and other uncertainties, no reliable estimate can be made of FerroPem’s eventual liability in these matters, with exception of
Environmental matters
Since 2016, GMI has been negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) to resolve
26. Income and expenses
26.1 Sales
Sales by segment for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
North America - Silicon | | | | |||
Europe - Silicon | | | | |||
Europe - Manganese | | | | |||
South Africa - Silicon | | | | |||
Other segments | | | | |||
Eliminations | ( | ( | ( | |||
Total | | | |
F-87
Sales by geographical area for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Spain | | |||||
Germany | | |||||
Italy | | |||||
France | | |||||
Other EU Countries | | |||||
USA | | |||||
Rest of World | | |||||
Total | |
26.2 Staff costs
The average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) was:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
Directors | ||||||
Senior Managers | ||||||
Employees | ||||||
Total |
Staff costs are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Wages, salaries and similar expenses | ||||||
Pension plan contributions | ||||||
Employee benefit costs | ||||||
Total |
26.3 Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Amortization of intangible assets (Note 8) | | | | |||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 9) | | | | |||
Other write-downs and reversals | — | — | | |||
Total | | | |
F-88
26.4 Finance income and finance costs
Finance income is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Finance income of related parties (Note 24) | — | | | |||
Other finance income | | | | |||
Total | | | |
Finance costs are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Interest on debt instruments | | | | |||
Interest on loans and credit facilities | | | | |||
Interest on note and bill discounting | | | | |||
Interest on leases | | | | |||
Trade receivables securitization expense (Note 10) | | | | |||
Other finance costs | | | | |||
Total | | | |
At the completion of the comprehensive refinancing, the Company recorded a finance cost of $
F-89
26.5 Impairment losses and net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets
Impairment losses and net loss gain due to changes in the value of assets are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Impairment of goodwill (Note 7) |
| — | — | ( | ||
Impairment of intangible assets (Note 8) |
| ( | — | ( | ||
Impairment of property, plant and equipment (Note 9) |
| | ( | ( | ||
Impairment of non-current financial assets | ( | — | ( | |||
Impairment of other |
| — | ( | — | ||
Impairment (reversal)/losses |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Increase (decrease) in fair value of biological assets (Note 29) |
| — |
| — |
| ( |
Other (loss) / profit | | | ( | |||
Net (loss) gain due to changes in the value of assets |
| |
| |
| ( |
26.6 (Loss) gain on disposal of non-current assets
Loss (gain) on disposal of non-current assets is comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Gain on disposal of intangible assets | — | | — | |||
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment | | | | |||
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | ( | ( | ( | |||
Gain on disposal of other non-current assets | | — | | |||
Loss on disposal of other non-current assets | — | — | ||||
(Loss) gain on disposal of subsidiary | — | — | ( | |||
Total | | | ( |
During 2021, Ferroglobe has sold the assets related to Niagara facility, the Company received net cash proceeds of $
Loss on disposal during 2021 is mainaly due to asset disposals in American and Candian subsidieries.
During 2020, Ferroglobe sold CO2 emissions rights that were derecognized from the balance sheet against the cash received, as the carrying amount price per emission right was lower to the sales price per CO2 emission right, an income of $
On September 19, 2019, Ferroglobe closed on the sale of its subsidiary Ultracore Polska ZOO, which manufactures cored wire in Poland, recognized a loss on disposal of $
F-90
26.7 Contractual assets and liabilities
Contractual assets and liabilities are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Contractual Assets |
| | | | ||
Contractual Liabilities |
| |
| | | |
Total |
| |
| | |
Contractual assets are recorded within “trade and other receivables” and relate to unbilled services.
Contractual liabilities are recorded within “Trade an other payable” and relate to advances from customers.
27. Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of the key management personnel, which comprises the Company’s management committee, during the years ended December 31 is as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Fixed remuneration | | | | |||
Variable remuneration | | | | |||
Contributions to pension plans and insurance policies | | | | |||
Share-based compensation | | | | |||
Termination benefits | | | | |||
Other remuneration | | | | |||
Total | | | |
During 2021, 2020 and 2019,
28. Financial risk management
Ferroglobe operates in an international and cyclical industry which exposes it to a variety of financial risks such as currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and risks relating to the price of finished goods, raw materials and power.
The Company’s management model aims to minimize the potential adverse impact of such risks upon the Company’s financial performance. Risk is managed by the Company’s executive management, supported by the Risk Management, Treasury and Finance functions. The risk management process includes identifying and evaluating financial risks in conjunction with the Company’s operations and quantifying them by project, region and subsidiary. Management provides written policies for global risk management, as well as for specific areas such as foreign currency risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, the use of hedging instruments and derivatives, and investment of surplus liquidity.
The financial risks to which the Company is exposed in carrying out its business activities are as follows:
a) Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the Company’s future cash flows or the fair value of its financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The primary market risks to which the Company is exposed comprise foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and risks related to prices of finished goods, raw materials and power.
F-91
Foreign currency risk
Ferroglobe generates sales revenue and incurs operating costs in various currencies. The prices of finished goods are to a large extent determined in international markets, primarily in US dollars and Euros. Foreign currency risk is partly mitigated by the generation of sales revenue, the purchase of raw materials and other operating costs being denominated in the same currencies. Although it has done so on occasions in the past, and may decide to do so in the future, the Company does not generally enter into foreign currency derivatives in relation to its operating cash flows. At December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company was not party to any foreign currency forward contracts.
In July 2021 the Company completed a restructuring of its $
During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 the Company did not enter into any cross currency swaps.
Foreign currency Sensitivity analysis
The Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk arises from the translation of the foreign currency exchange gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventories that are denominated in foreign currency.
Depreciation or appreciation of the USD by
Interest rate risk
Ferroglobe is exposed to interest rate risk in respect of its financial liabilities that bear interest at floating rates. These primarily comprise credit facilities (see Note 16) and lease commitments (see Note 17).
During the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not enter into any interest rate derivatives in relation to its interest bearing credit facilities. At December 31, 2020, the Company had drawn down $
b) Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the risk that a customer or counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss. The Company’s main credit risk exposure related to financial assets is set out in Note 10 and includes trade receivables, other receivables and other financial assets.
Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across diverse industries and geographical areas. The Company has established policies, procedures and controls relating to customer credit risk management. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of accounts receivable and, where appropriate, the Company insures its trade receivables with reputable credit insurance companies.
F-92
Since October 2020, the Company entered into a factoring program where the receivables of some of the Company’s French and Spanish entities are prefinanced by a factor. (see Note 10 and 16).
Since December 2019, the Company entered into a forfaiting program where some of the Company’s French and Spanish entities may assign their rights to receive payments under the Contracts with the customer “ArcelorMittal Sourcing s.c.a.” in accordance with a forfaiting scheme.
c) Liquidity risk
The purpose of the Company’s liquidity and financing policy is to ensure that the Company keeps sufficient funds available to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company’s main sources of financing are as follows:
| ● | $ |
| ● | $ |
| ● | On September 8, 2016, FerroAtlántica, S.A.U, as borrower, and the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce (the “Ministry”), as lender, entered into |
| ● | On October 2, 2020, the Company ended the receivables funding agreement and cancelled the securitization program, signing a new factoring agreement with a Factor, for anticipating the collection of receivables of the Company’s European entities (Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A. and FerroPem S.AS). As a result of the agreement, the Leasing and Factoring Agent provided a cash consideration of circa $ |
| ● | $ |
| ● | On July 23, 2020, Ferroglobe subsidiary, Ferropem, S.A.S., as borrower, contracted a loan with BNP Paribas, as lender, amounting to € |
F-93
| interest and accessories offer the possibility for the Borrower to extend the amortization of the amounts due at maturity for an additional period of to |
| ● | On June 2, 2020, Ferroglobe subsidiary, Silicium Québec, as borrower, contracted a $ |
| ● | On March 3, 2022, Grupo FerroAtlántica and Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios (together the “Beneficiaries”) and the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (“SEPI”), a Spanish state-owned industrial holding company affiliated with the Ministry of Finance and Administration, entered into a loan agreement of € |
Quantitative information
| i. | Interest rate risk: |
At December 31, the Company’s interest-bearing financial liabilities were as follows:
2021 | ||||||
Fixed rate | Floating rate | Total | ||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Bank borrowings | — | | | |||
Obligations under leases | — | | | |||
Debt instruments | | — | | |||
Other financial liabilities (*) | | — | | |||
| | | ||||
(*) Other financial liabilities comprise loans from government agencies and exclude derivative financial instruments (see Note 19).
2020 | ||||||
Fixed rate | Floating rate | Total | ||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Bank borrowings | — | | | |||
Obligations under leases | — | | | |||
Debt instruments | | — | | |||
Other financial liabilities (*) | | — | | |||
| | | ||||
(*) Other financial liabilities comprise loans from government agencies and exclude derivative financial instruments (see Note 19).
Analysis of sensitivity to interest rates
At December 31, 2021, an increase of
F-94
| ii. | Foreign currency risk: |
Notes and cross currency swap
The Parent Company has been historically exposed to exchange rate fluctuations as it had a Euro functional currency and future commitments to pay interest and principal in US dollars in respect of its outstanding debt instruments of $
In 2021, due to an occurrence of events and conditions that reduce the number of transactions in euros, management conducted a review of the functional currency of the Parent Company and concluded that there has been a change in its functional currency from Euro to US Dollars, effective since October 1, 2021 (see Note 3.3). Therefore, The Parent Company is no longer exposed to exchange rate fluctuations.
Foreign currency swaps in relation to trade receivables and trade payables
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company has
| iii. | Liquidity risk: |
The table below summarizes the maturity profile of the Company’s financial liabilities at December 31, 2021, based on contractual undiscounted payments. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. The cash flows for debt instruments assume that principal of the Stub Notes is repaid at maturity in March 2022 and the principal of the Super Senior Notes and the Reinstated Senior Notes are repaid at maturity in June and December 2025 respectively (see Note 18).
2021 | |||||||||
Less than 1 year | Between 1-2 years | Between 2-5 years | After 5 years | Total | |||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Bank borrowings | | — | | — | | ||||
Leases | | | | | | ||||
Debt instruments | | | | — | | ||||
Financial loans from government agencies | | | | | |||||
Payables to related parties | | — | — | — | | ||||
Payable to non-current asset suppliers | | | — | — | | ||||
Contingent consideration | | | | — | | ||||
Tolling agreement liability | | | | | | ||||
Trade and other payables | | — | — | — | | ||||
| | | | | |||||
F-95
2020 | |||||||||
Less than 1 year | Between 1-2 years | Between 2-5 years | After 5 years | Total | |||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Bank borrowings | | | — | — | | ||||
Finance leases | | | | | | ||||
Debt instruments | | | — | — | | ||||
Financial loans from government agencies | | | | | | ||||
Payables to related parties | | — | — | — | | ||||
Payable to non-current asset suppliers | | | — | — | | ||||
Contingent consideration | | | | | | ||||
Trade and other payables | | — | — | — | | ||||
| | | | | |||||
Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities
The changes in liabilities arising from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
January 1, | Changes from financing cash flows | Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates | Changes in fair values | Interest expenses | Other changes | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||||||
Bank borrowings | | ( | | — | — | | | |||||||
Obligations under leases | | ( | ( | — | — | | | |||||||
Debt instruments (*) | | | — | | | ( | | |||||||
Financial loans from government agencies (Note 19) | | ( | ( | — | | — | | |||||||
Total liabilities from financing activities | | | | | | | | |||||||
Dividends paid | — | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from stock option exercises | — | |||||||||||||
Other amounts paid due to net financing activities (**) | ( | |||||||||||||
Payments to acquire or redeem own shares | — | |||||||||||||
Net cash (used) by financing activities | |
(*) Changes from financing cash flows in debt instruments include payments due to interest amounting to $
(**) Other amounts paid due to financing activities include payments due to equity issuance costs amounting to $
January 1, | Changes from financing cash flows | Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates | Changes in fair values | Other changes (*) | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||||
Bank borrowings | | ( | | — | | | ||||||
Obligations under leases | | ( | | — | | | ||||||
Debt instruments | | ( | — | | | |||||||
Financial loans from government agencies (Note 19) | | — | | — | | | ||||||
Derivative financial instruments (Note 19) | | | ( | ( | | — | ||||||
Total liabilities from financing activities | | ( | | ( | | | ||||||
Dividends paid | — | |||||||||||
Proceeds from stock option exercises | — | |||||||||||
Other amounts paid due to net financing activities | ( | |||||||||||
Payments to acquire or redeem own shares | — | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | ( |
(*) Other changes include interest expenses
F-96
29. Fair value measurement
Fair value of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value in the statement of financial position:
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
Quoted prices in active markets | Significant observable inputs | Significant unobservable inputs | ||||||
| Total |
| (Level 1) |
| (Level 2) |
| (Level 3) | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Other financial assets (Note 10): | ||||||||
Listed equity securities | | | — | — | ||||
Other obligations (Note 21) | ||||||||
Contingent consideration in a business combinations |
| ( | — | — | ( | |||
December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
Quoted prices in active markets | Significant observable inputs | Significant unobservable inputs | ||||||
| Total |
| (Level 1) |
| (Level 2) |
| (Level 3) | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | |||||
Other financial assets (Note 10): | ||||||||
Listed equity securities | | | — | — | ||||
Other obligations (Note 21) | ||||||||
Contingent consideration in a business combinations | ( | — | — | ( | ||||
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of all liabilities at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2021, presented as follows:
Total | ||
US$'000 | ||
Fair value at December 31, 2019 | ( | |
Changes in fair value through profit or loss | | |
Fair value at December 31, 2020 | ( | |
Changes in fair value through profit or loss | ( | |
Payments | | |
Fair value at December 31, 2021 | ( |
30. Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations
Discontinued operations
At 31 December, 2021, there were not discontinued operations.
For the year ended 31 December, 2020, the Company recorded $
F-97
On June 2, 2019 the Company entered into an agreement with Kehlen Industries Management, S.L., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSSP Adjacent Opportunities Partners, L.P., for the sale of the entire share capital of FerroAtlántica, S.A.U ("FAU"), the owner and operator of the Group's hydro-electric assets in Galicia (the “Spanish Hydroelectric Business”) and its smelting facility at Cee-Dumbria. The Spanish Hydroelectric Business was classified as disposal group held for sale in the second quarter of 2019 and has been accounted for as a discontinued operation. Prior to completion of the sale, all other assets of FAU unrelated to the Spanish Hydroelectric Business and the Cee-Dumbria smelting facility were transferred to other Group entities.
Following the satisfaction of conditions precedent, the sale of FAU completed on August 30, 2019, resulting in gross cash proceeds of $
Analysis of the result for the period from the discontinued operations
The results of the discontinued operations included in the (loss) profit after taxes from discontinued operations are set out below. The comparative results of the Spanish Hydroelectric Business at December 31, 2020 and 2019 have been represented them as profit (loss) from discontinued operations.
The profit and loss statement from discontinued operations is as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Sales | — | — | | |||
Raw materials and energy consumption for production | — | — | ( | |||
Other operating income | — | — | | |||
Staff costs | — | — | ( | |||
Other operating expense | — | — | ( | |||
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs | — | — | ( | |||
Impairment losses | — | — | — | |||
Operating Profit (loss) | — | — | | |||
Net finance expense | — | ( | ||||
(LOSS) PROFIT BEFORE TAXES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | — | — | | |||
Income tax expense | — | — | ( | |||
Gain on sale of discontinued operation | — | ( | | |||
(LOSS) PROFIT AFTER TAXES FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | — | ( | |
Basic earnings (loss) per ordinary share are calculated by dividing the consolidated profit (loss) for the year attributable to the Discontinued Operations by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during
F-98
the year, excluding the average number of treasury shares held in the year, if any. Dilutive earnings (loss) per share assumes the exercise of stock options, provided that the effect is dilutive. The Earnings per share is showed as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
Basic earnings (loss) per ordinary share computation |
|
|
| |||
Numerator: |
|
|
| |||
Profit (loss) attributable to Discontinued Operations (US$'000) | — | ( | | |||
Denominator: |
|
|
| |||
Weighted average basic shares outstanding | — | | | |||
Basic earnings (loss) per ordinary share (US$) | — | ( | | |||
Diluted earnings (loss) per ordinary share computation |
|
|
| |||
Numerator: |
|
|
| |||
Profit (loss) attributable to Discontinued Operations (US$'000) | — | ( | | |||
Denominator: |
|
|
| |||
Weighted average basic shares outstanding | — | | | |||
Effect of dilutive securities | | | | |||
Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding | — | | | |||
Diluted earnings (loss) per ordinary share (US$) | — | ( | |
F-99
The statement of cash flows from discontinued operations is showed as follows:
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
US$'000 | US$'000 | US$'000 | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||
Profit for the period | — | ( | | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) profit to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | — | — | | |||
Depreciation and amortization charges, operating allowances and write-downs | — | — | | |||
Net Finance expense | — | — | | |||
Gains on disposals of non-current and financial assets | — | | ( | |||
Changes in working capital | ||||||
Decrease / (increase) in accounts receivable | — | — | ( | |||
Decrease / (increase) in inventories | — | — | | |||
Increase / (Decrease) in accounts payable | — | — | | |||
Other changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||
Other, net | — | ( | | |||
Income tax paid | — | — | — | |||
Interest paid | — | — | ( | |||
Total cash flow from operating activities | — | ( | | |||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||
Payments due to investments: | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment | — | — | ( | |||
Disposals: | ||||||
Disposal of business, net of cash | — | — | — | |||
Total cash flow from investing activities | — | — | ( | |||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||
Other financing activities | — | — | ( | |||
Total cash flow from financing activities | — | — | ( | |||
INCREASE / (DECREASE) IN CASH | — | ( | ( | |||
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | - | | | |||
CASH AT END OF PERIOD | — | — | |
31. Events after the reporting period
SEPI Loan
On February 16, 2022, the Company announced that the Spanish Fund for supporting strategic companies, on a proposal of the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (“SEPI”), a Spanish state-owned industrial holding company affiliated with the Ministry of Finance and Administration, has approved €
The €
The funds are subject to certain governance conditions that imply, among others, the prohibition of distributing dividends, paying non-mandatory coupons or acquiring own shares and the prohibition of the use of the funds for financing economic activities of the group subsidiaries that are not beneficiaries.
F-100
Uncertainties caused by the Russo-Ukrainian War
The recent outbreak of war between Russia and the Ukraine has disrupted supply chains and caused instability in the global economy, while the United States and the European Union, among other countries, announced sanctions against Russia. The ongoing conflict could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions against Russia, and given Russia’s role as global exporter of metcoke, anthracite and electrodes, the Company’s business may be impacted. Currently, the Company’s charter contracts have not been affected by the events in Russia and Ukraine. However, it is possible that in the future thirdparties with whom the Company has or will have charter contracts may be impacted by such events. Rusia and Ukraine are meaningful producers of silicon metal, ferroalloys and manganese-based alloys, exporting into our markets. Management continually tracks developments in the conflict in Ukraine and actively manages our response to potential distributions to the business.
Agreement with the French Works Council
The Company reached a majority collective agreement with the French Works Council on March 30, 2022 relating to a process that was initiated in April 2021 when Ferroglobe engaged the French Works Councils to discuss proposals for its asset optimization program designed to safeguard its long-term future in Europe.
The formal consultation procedure concerning the restructuring project in France initially targeted
Collectively, this agreement results in
The project is subject to final approval from the French labor authority which is expected during the second quarter of 2022.
F-101
Exhibit 3.2
Execution version
AMENDMENT NO.3 TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT
This AMENDMENT NO.3 TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT is entered into as of this 29th day of July 2021 (this “Amendment”), between Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U., a public limited company (sociedad anónima) incorporated under the laws of Spain (“Grupo VM”), and Ferroglobe PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England (“Holdco”). Each of Grupo VM and Holdco is sometimes referred to herein as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties”.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS the Parties entered into an Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2017 and amended as of January 23, 2018 and May 13, 2021 (the “Shareholder Agreement”); and
WHEREAS the Parties desire to amend the Shareholder Agreement as set forth herein and for this Amendment to subsume in their entirety the amendments dated as of January 23, 2018 and May 13, 2021, respectively, to the Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2017;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows:
1. | Defined Terms. |
Save as otherwise expressly defined in this Amendment, capitalised terms shall have the meanings given to them in the Shareholder Agreement.
2. | Amendments. |
a. | In ARTICLE I of the Shareholder Agreement: |
i. | references to “Permitted Transfer” and “Transfer” under the header “Term” and their corresponding entries under the header “Defined in” shall be deleted and replaced with “Not Used”; and |
ii. | a new definition of “Transfer” shall be added as follows: |
1. | ““Transfer” shall mean (i) any offer, transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, gift or other disposal of any beneficial ownership of, legal title to, or pecuniary interest in, any Covered Equity Securities (whether by sale, merger, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution, dividend, distribution or otherwise), (ii) any hedging, swap, forward contract or other transaction which is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of beneficial ownership of, legal title to, or pecuniary interest in, any Covered Equity Securities, including any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including without limitation any put or call option) with respect to the Covered Equity Securities; or (iii) |
1
Execution version
any short sale of, or trade in, derivative securities representing the right to vote or economic benefits of, the Covered Equity Securities.”
iii. | a new definition of “Permitted Transfer” shall be added as follows: |
1. | ““Permitted Transfer” shall mean each of the following: |
a. | any Transfer to an Affiliate of Grupo VM, so long as such Affiliate, to the extent it has not already done so, executes a customary binding deed of adherence to this Agreement, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Holdco; |
b. | any Transfer to Holdco or a Subsidiary of Holdco; |
c. | any Transfer pursuant to a widely distributed public offering of Shares for cash; |
d. | any Transfer of Shares effected through a “brokers’ transaction” as defined in Rule 144(g) under the Securities Act; |
e. | any Transfer of Shares pursuant to a privately- negotiated transaction to any purchaser who, along with its Affiliates or any “group” (as defined under the Exchange Act) of which it is a member (to the extent Grupo VM has knowledge of the existence and composition of such group after reasonable inquiry), immediately after the consummation of such Transfer, would have beneficial ownership of less than 10% of outstanding Shares, provided, that after reasonable inquiry, Grupo VM has no reason to believe that such purchaser is, or has the intent to be, a Person who would be required to file a Schedule 13D (or successor form) under the Exchange Act disclosing an intent other than for investment; |
f. | any Transfer of Shares in connection with a public tender or similar takeover offer made to all holders of Shares for all Shares if such public tender or similar takeover offer (i) complies with all applicable requirements of the SEC, the Exchange and other applicable Law, (ii) is made on the same price per Share, with the same form of consideration per Share and otherwise on the same terms and conditions to all holders of Shares (provided, however, that if the holders of Shares are granted the right to elect to receive one of two or more alternative forms of consideration, the foregoing provision shall be deemed satisfied if each holder of Shares is granted identical election rights) and (iii) has a non-waivable condition that it be accepted by holders of a majority of the Shares not held by Grupo VM or its Affiliates; |
g. | any (i) pledge of (x) Covered Equity Securities or (y) depositary receipts issued by any depositary, custodian |
2
Execution version
or nominee in respect of Shares deposited with any depositary, custodian or nominee that holds legal title to the Shares for the purposes of facilitating beneficial ownership of the Shares by Grupo VM, (ii) assignment of such pledge and (iii) Transfer to the pledgee pursuant to the enforcement of such pledge if, in all such cases, such pledge or assignment, as applicable, is in favor of a bona fide independent financial institution that is not a “state-owned enterprise” (which term shall not include any publicly traded European financial institution in which some but not all of the equity interests therein are owned by a Governmental Authority), it being acknowledged and agreed that the rights of Grupo VM and its Affiliates under the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to such Covered Equity Securities shall inure to such pledgee; and
h. | any hedging, swap, forward or other derivative contract with respect to any Covered Equity Securities, provided that (i) at no time shall the aggregate number of Covered Equity Securities underlying such hedging, swap, forward or other derivative arrangements exceed 20% of the aggregate number of the Covered Equity Securities held by Grupo VM and its Affiliates and (ii) Grupo VM shall not lend, or permit or authorizing the lending of, any Covered Equity Security to any Person, |
provided, however, that in the event of a Transfer of Shares by a bona fide pledgee that is entitled to rely on Rule 144 under the Securities Act to publicly offer and sell such Shares without restriction under the Securities Act, such pledgee may rely on this clause (c) to Transfer such Shares with or without a registration statement if (x) such Transfer is for cash and effected on a securities exchange, or (y) such Transfer would be permitted under clause (e) above if the reference therein to “privately-negotiated” was omitted, the reference therein to “10%” was a reference to 15% and the references therein to “Grupo VM” were references to such pledgee, or (z) such Transfer is made with Holdco’s consent.”
b. | ARTICLE V of the Shareholder Agreement shall be amended to read “Standstill Provisions and Transfer”. |
c. | A new SECTION 5.03 shall be added to the Shareholder Agreement as follows: |
i. | “SECTION 5.03. Transfer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Grupo VM from entering into or effecting a Transfer of any Covered Equity Securities (including for the avoidance of doubt a Permitted Transfer) held by it to any other Person for any reason whatsoever.” |
3
Execution version
d. | ARTICLE VI of the Shareholder Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with “Not Used”. |
3. | Removal of transfer restrictions. |
a. | Grupo VM shall promptly and in any event within 10 days of the date of this Amendment deposit with Holdco, or if relevant with the transfer agent and registrar for the Covered Equity Securities, any certificates evidencing Covered Equity Securities held by Grupo VM which bear a legend restricting the transfer of such Covered Equity Securities. |
b. | Holdco shall promptly following the date of this Amendment: (i) cause any restricted transfer instructions it has noted in its records or given to the transfer agent and registrar in respect of any Covered Equity Securities held by Grupo VM to be removed, (ii) update its registry of members, and if relevant cause the transfer agent and registrar for the Covered Equity Securities to update its registry of members, to remove any transfer restriction in respect of any Covered Equity Securities held by Grupo VM, and (iii) subject to Grupo VM depositing any such certificates pursuant to Section 3a above, cause such certificates to be replaced, or if relevant cause the transfer agent and registrar for the Covered Equity Securities to replace such certificates, with certificates which do not bear a legend restricting the transfer of the Covered Equity Securities to which those certificates relate. |
4. | Effect of Amendment. This Amendment shall not constitute a waiver, amendment or modification of any other provision of the Shareholder Agreement not expressly referred to in Section 2 of this Amendment. Except as specifically modified and amended hereby, the Shareholder Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. References to the date of the Shareholder Agreement, and references to the “date hereof”, “the date of this Agreement” or words of similar meaning in the Shareholder Agreement shall continue to refer to November 21, 2017. The amendments dated as of January 23, 2018 and May 13, 2021, respectively, to the Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2017, are subsumed in their entirety by this Amendment. |
5. | Miscellaneous. The provisions of Sections 8.03 (Notices), 8.05 (Entire Agreement; Amendments and Waivers), 8.06 (Assignment), 8.07 (Parties in Interest), 8.09 (Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction), and 8.10 (Counterparts) of the Shareholder Agreement shall apply to this Amendment, mutatis mutandis, as though fully set forth herein. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment has been executed as a deed and delivered on the date first above written.
[Signatures follow]
4
Signature Page to Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement
Executed as a deed by GRUPO VILLAR MIR, S.A.U., a company incorporated in Spain, acting by |
| | |
| | | |
| | | |
|
| | |
(PRINT NAME) | Authorised Signatory | | |
| | | |
| | | |
who, in accordance with the laws of that territory, is acting under the authority of that company | | |
Signature Page to Amendment No.3 to the Amended and Restated Shareholder Agreement
Executed as a deed by FERROGLOBE PLC acting by | |
| | | |
| | | | ||
|
| | |||
(PRINT NAME) | Director | | |||
| | | | ||
in the presence of: | | | | ||
| | | | | |
Name: |
| | | | |
| (BLOCK CAPITALS) | | (SIGNATURE OF WITNESS) | | |
Address: |
| | | | |
|
| | | | |
|
| | | | |
| | | | | |
Occupation: |
| | | | |
Exhibit 4.4
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY, PLC
and
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.
as Issuers
Ferroglobe PLC
as Parent Guarantor
and the Guarantors party hereto
9.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
INDENTURE
Dated as of July 29, 2021
GLAS Trustees Limited,
as Trustee
Global Loan Agency Services Limited,
as Paying Agent
GLAS Americas LLC
as Registrar and Transfer Agent
GLAS Trust Corporation Limited,
as Security Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | Page |
Article I Definitions | 1 | |
Section 1.01. | Definitions | 1 |
Section 1.02. | Other Definitions | 43 |
Section 1.03. | Rules of Construction | 45 |
Article II The Notes | 46 | |
Section 2.01. | Issuable in Series | 46 |
Section 2.02. | Form and Dating | 47 |
Section 2.03. | Execution and Authentication | 48 |
Section 2.04. | Registrar and Paying Agent | 49 |
Section 2.05. | Paying Agent | 50 |
Section 2.06. | Holder Lists | 50 |
Section 2.07. | Transfer and Exchange | 51 |
Section 2.08. | Replacement Notes | 51 |
Section 2.09. | Outstanding Notes | 52 |
Section 2.10. | Temporary Notes | 52 |
Section 2.11. | Cancellation | 52 |
Section 2.12. | Common Code or ISIN Numbers | 53 |
Section 2.13. | Defaulted Interest | 53 |
Section 2.14. | Currency | 53 |
Article III Redemption | 54 | |
Section 3.01. | Notices to Trustee and Paying Agents | 54 |
Section 3.02. | Selection of Notes To Be Redeemed or Repurchased | 55 |
Section 3.03. | Notice of Redemption | 55 |
Section 3.04. | Effect of Notice of Redemption | 56 |
Section 3.05. | Deposit of Redemption Price | 57 |
Section 3.06. | Notes Redeemed in Part | 57 |
Article IV Covenants | 57 | |
Section 4.01. | Limitation on Indebtedness | 57 |
Section 4.02. | Limitation on Restricted Payments | 63 |
Section 4.03. | Limitation on Liens | 66 |
Section 4.04. | Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries | 66 |
Section 4.05. | Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock | 69 |
Section 4.06. | Limitation on Affiliate Transactions | 71 |
Section 4.07. | Guarantor Coverage Test | 74 |
Section 4.08. | Additional Note Guarantees | 75 |
Section 4.09. | Reports | 76 |
Section 4.10. | Suspension of Covenants on Achievement of Investment Grade Status | 78 |
-i-
Section 4.11. | Amendments to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and Additional Intercreditor Agreements | 78 |
Section 4.12. | Payment of Notes | 80 |
Section 4.13. | Withholding Taxes | 80 |
Section 4.14. | Change of Control | 83 |
Section 4.15. | Impairment of Security Interest | 85 |
Section 4.16. | Compliance Certificate | 87 |
Section 4.17. | Listing | 87 |
Section 4.18. | Financial Calculations for Limited Condition Acquisitions | 87 |
Section 4.19. | Stay, Extension and Usury Laws | 88 |
Section 4.20. | Taxes | 88 |
Section 4.21. | Corporate Existence | 88 |
Section 4.22. | Center of Main Interests and Establishments | 88 |
Section 4.23. | Ratings | 89 |
Article V Successor Company | 89 | |
Section 5.01. | Merger and Consolidation | 89 |
Article VI Defaults And Remedies | 91 | |
Section 6.01. | Events of Default | 91 |
Section 6.02. | Remedies Upon Event of Default | 94 |
Section 6.03. | Acceleration | 94 |
Section 6.04. | Other Remedies | 95 |
Section 6.05. | Waiver of Past Defaults | 95 |
Section 6.06. | Control by Majority | 95 |
Section 6.07. | Limitation on Suits | 95 |
Section 6.08. | Rights of Holders to Receive Payment | 96 |
Section 6.09. | Collection Suit by Trustee | 96 |
Section 6.10. | Trustee May File Proofs of Claim | 96 |
Section 6.11. | Priorities | 97 |
Section 6.12. | Undertaking for Costs | 97 |
Section 6.13. | Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws | 97 |
Section 6.14. | Restoration of Rights and Remedies | 98 |
Section 6.15. | Rights and Remedies Cumulative | 98 |
Section 6.16. | Delay or Omission Not Waiver | 98 |
Section 6.17. | Indemnification of Trustee | 98 |
Article VII Trustee | 98 | |
Section 7.01. | Duties of Trustee | 98 |
Section 7.02. | Rights of Trustee | 100 |
Section 7.03. | Individual Rights of Trustee | 104 |
Section 7.04. | Trustee’s Disclaimer | 104 |
Section 7.05. | Notice of Defaults | 104 |
Section 7.06. | Compensation and Indemnity | 104 |
Section 7.07. | Replacement of Trustee | 106 |
Section 7.08. | Successor Trustee by Merger | 107 |
-ii-
Section 7.09. | Certain Provisions | 107 |
Section 7.10. | Agents; General Provisions | 107 |
Section 7.11. | Eligibility; Disqualification | 109 |
Article VIII Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance | 110 | |
Section 8.01. | Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance | 110 |
Section 8.02. | Conditions to Defeasance | 111 |
Section 8.03. | Deposited Money and U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations to be held in Trust | 112 |
Section 8.04. | Repayment to Issuer | 112 |
Section 8.05. | Indemnity for Government Obligations | 112 |
Section 8.06. | Reinstatement | 113 |
Article IX Amendments and Waivers | 113 | |
Section 9.01. | Without Consent of Holders | 113 |
Section 9.02. | With Consent of Holders | 114 |
Section 9.03. | Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers | 116 |
Section 9.04. | Notation on or Exchange of Notes | 116 |
Section 9.05. | Trustee and Security Agent to Sign Amendments | 117 |
Article X Note Guarantees | 117 | |
Section 10.01. | Note Guarantees | 117 |
Section 10.02. | Successors and Assigns | 119 |
Section 10.03. | No Waiver | 119 |
Section 10.04. | Modification | 119 |
Section 10.05. | Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Guarantors | 120 |
Section 10.06. | Release of the Note Guarantees | 120 |
Section 10.07. | Limitations on Obligations of Guarantors | 120 |
Section 10.08. | Local Law Limitations | 121 |
Section 10.09. | Non-Impairment | 123 |
Article XI Collateral and Security | 123 | |
Section 11.01. | Security Documents | 123 |
Section 11.02. | Release of Collateral | 124 |
Section 11.03. | Authorization of Actions to Be Taken by the Trustee Under the Security Documents | 124 |
Section 11.04. | Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents | 125 |
Section 11.05. | Termination of Security Interest; Activity with Respect to Collateral | 125 |
Section 11.06. | Security Agent | 127 |
Article XII Miscellaneous | 127 | |
Section 12.01. | Notices | 127 |
Section 12.02. | Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent | 129 |
Section 12.03. | Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion | 129 |
Section 12.04. | When Notes are to be Disregarded | 130 |
-iii-
Section 12.05. | Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar | 130 |
Section 12.06. | Legal Holidays | 130 |
Section 12.07. | Governing Law | 130 |
Section 12.08. | Consent to Jurisdiction and Service | 130 |
Section 12.09. | No Recourse Against Others | 131 |
Section 12.10. | Successors | 131 |
Section 12.11. | Multiple Originals | 131 |
Section 12.12. | Table of Contents; Headings | 131 |
Section 12.13. | Prescription | 131 |
Section 12.14. | Severability | 131 |
Section 12.15. | Spanish Formalities | 131 |
-iv-
Exhibits
Exhibit AProvisions Relating to the Notes
Exhibit A-1Form of Note
Exhibit BForm of Supplemental Indenture
Exhibit CForm of ABL Intercreditor Agreement
Schedules
Schedule 1Certain Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 2Security Documents
Schedule 3Agreed Security Principles
-v-
INDENTURE dated as of July 29, 2021, among Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “UK Issuer”), and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “US Co-Issuer” and, together with the UK Issuer, the “Issuers”), Ferroglobe PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales as the parent guarantor (the “Parent”), the Guarantors (as defined herein) from time to time party hereto, and GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”), GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent (in such capacity, the “Security Agent”), Global Loan Agency Services Limited as paying agent (in such capacity, the “Paying Agent”) and GLAS Americas LLC as registrar (in such capacity, the “Registrar”) and transfer agent (in such capacity, the “Transfer Agent”).
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of (a) the Issuers’ U.S. dollar-denominated 9.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 issued on the Issue Date (the “Initial Notes”) and (b) additional securities having identical terms and conditions as the Notes that may be issued on any later issue date subject to the conditions and in compliance with the covenants set forth herein (the “Additional Notes”). Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Indenture references to the “Notes” include the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes that are actually issued.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions.
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement to be entered into after the Issue Date, among, inter alios, the Trustee, the Security Agent, the Parent, the Issuers, and the Guarantors party thereto, in the form attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C, as amended from time to time.
“ABL Guarantors” means the Guarantors party to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Priority Collateral” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Priority Obligations” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Facility” means an asset-based lending facility designated by an Issuer as an “ABL Facility” by written notice to the Trustee and which will be subject to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Acquired Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (1) of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, (2) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case whether or not Incurred by such Person in connection with such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such
-1-
acquisition or (3) of a Person at the time such Person merges with or into or consolidates or otherwise combines with the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary. Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to have been Incurred, with respect to clause (1) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, with respect to clause (2) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of assets and, with respect to clause (3) of the preceding sentence, on the date of the relevant merger, consolidation or other combination.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Agent” means any Registrar, co-registrar, Transfer Agent, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.
“Agreed Security Principles” means the agreed security principles set out in Schedule 3 hereto.
“Asset Disposition” means any direct or indirect sale, lease (other than an operating lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), transfer, issuance or other disposition, or a series of related sales, leases (other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business), transfers, issuances or dispositions that are part of a common plan, of shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares), property or other assets (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”) by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this definition, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Dispositions:
(1) | a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to which Collateral is disposed of (other than by way of an Investment pursuant to clause (1) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” by an Issuer or any Guarantor in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) shall grant or maintain the Lien on such Collateral securing the Notes; |
(2) | a disposition of cash, Cash Equivalents, Temporary Cash Investments or Investment Grade Securities; |
(3) | a disposition of inventory, trading stock, security equipment or other equipment or assets in the ordinary course of business; |
(4) | a disposition of obsolete, damaged, retired, surplus or worn out equipment or assets or equipment, facilities or other assets that are no longer useful in the conduct of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries and |
-2-
any transfer, termination, unwinding or other disposition of hedging instruments or arrangements not for speculative purposes;
(5) | transactions permitted under Section 5.01 or a transaction that constitutes a Change of Control; |
(6) | an issuance of Capital Stock by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or to another Restricted Subsidiary or as part of or pursuant to an equity incentive or compensation plan approved by the Board of Directors or the issuance of directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to individuals as required by applicable law; |
(7) | any dispositions of Capital Stock, properties or assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) of less than $10.0 million; |
(8) | any Restricted Payment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.02, and the making of any Permitted Payment or Permitted Investment; |
(9) | the granting of Liens not prohibited by Section 4.03; |
(10) | dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements or any sale of assets received by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary upon the foreclosure of a Lien granted in favor of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
(11) | the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles and licenses, sub-licenses, leases or subleases of other property, in each case, in the ordinary course of business; |
(12) | foreclosure, condemnation, taking by eminent domain or any similar action with respect to any property or other assets; |
(13) | the sale or discount (with or without recourse, and on customary or commercially reasonable terms) of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, or the conversion or exchange of accounts receivable for notes receivable; |
(14) | sales or dispositions of receivables in connection with any factoring, receivables or securitization financing, including any Qualified Securitization Financing, or in the ordinary course of business; |
(15) | [Reserved]; |
-3-
(16) | any disposition of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement or other obligation with or to a Person (other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) from whom such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired, or from whom such Restricted Subsidiary acquired its business and assets (having been newly formed in connection with such acquisition), made as part of such acquisition and in each case comprising all or a portion of the consideration in respect of such sale or acquisition; |
(17) | any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind; |
(18) | any disposition of assets to a Person who is providing services related to such assets, the provision of which have been or are to be outsourced by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to such Person; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall certify that in the opinion of the Board of Directors, the outsourcing transaction will be economically beneficial to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (considered as a whole); provided further that the fair market value of the assets disposed of, when taken together with all other dispositions made pursuant to this clause (18), does not exceed $25.0 million; |
(19) | an issuance of Capital Stock by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or to another Restricted Subsidiary, an issuance or sale by a Restricted Subsidiary of Preferred Stock or redeemable Capital Stock that is permitted by Section |
4.01 or an issuance of Capital Stock by the Parent pursuant to an equity incentive or compensation plan approved by the Board of Directors;
(20) | sales, transfers or other dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received in such sale, transfer or disposition is applied in accordance with Section 4.05; |
(21) | any disposition with respect to property built, owned or otherwise acquired by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to customary sale and lease-back transactions, asset securitizations and other similar financings permitted by this Indenture; and |
(22) | any disposition of Capital Stock, properties or assets of Ferroatlántica de Venezuela (Ferroven), S.A. and Cuarzos Industriales de Venezuela, S.A. |
“Associate” means (i) any Person engaged in a Similar Business of which the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries are the legal and beneficial owners of between 20% and 50% of all outstanding Voting Stock and (ii) any joint venture entered into by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary.
-4-
“Bankruptcy Law” means (a) the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, or any similar U.S. federal or state law for the relief of debtors and (b) any other bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar laws of any relevant jurisdiction that are of general application (including, without limitation, the laws of England and Wales relating to moratorium, bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors), and in each case, any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law.
“Board of Directors” means (1) with respect to an Issuer or any corporation or other body corporate, the board of directors or managers, as applicable, of the corporation or other body corporate, or any duly authorized committee thereof; (2) with respect to any partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of the partnership or any duly authorized committee thereof; and (3) with respect to any other Person, the board or any duly authorized committee of such Person serving a similar function. Whenever any provision of this Indenture requires any action or determination to be made by, or any approval of, a Board of Directors, such action, determination or approval shall be deemed to have been taken or made if approved by a majority of the directors (excluding employee representatives, if any) on any such Board of Directors (whether or not such action or approval is taken as part of a formal board meeting or as a formal board approval). The obligations of the “Board of Directors” of an Issuer under this Indenture may be exercised by the Board of Directors of a Restricted Subsidiary or a Parent Holdco pursuant to a delegation of powers of the Board of Directors of such Issuer.
“Business Day” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in London, United Kingdom, New York, United States, Madrid, Spain, Amsterdam, the Netherlands or Dublin, Ireland are authorized or required by law to close.
“Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares of, rights to purchase, warrants or options for, or other equivalents of or partnership or other interests in (however designated), equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.
“Capitalized Lease Obligations” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes on the basis of IFRS (as in effect on the Issue Date for purposes of determining whether a lease is a capitalized lease). The amount of Indebtedness will be, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of such obligation required to be capitalized on a balance sheet (excluding any notes thereto) prepared in accordance with IFRS, and the stated maturity thereof will be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date such lease may be terminated without penalty.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(1) | securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States or Canadian governments, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland or Norway or, in each case, any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of such country or such member state is pledged in support thereof), having maturities of not more than two years from the date of acquisition; |
-5-
(2) | certificates of deposit, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof (a “Deposit”) or cash in credit balance or deposit which are freely transferable or convertible within 90 days issued or held by any lender party to any ABL Facility or by any bank or trust company (a) if at any time since January 1, 2007 the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries held Deposits with such bank or trust company (or any branch or subsidiary thereof), (b) whose commercial paper is rated at least “A-3” or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least “P-3” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s (or if at the time neither is issuing comparable ratings, then a comparable rating of another Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) or (c) (in the event that the bank or trust company does not have commercial paper which is rated) having combined capital and surplus in excess of $250 million; |
(3) | repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (1) and (2) entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (2) above; |
(4) | commercial paper rated at the time of acquisition thereof at least “A-3” or the equivalent thereof by S&P or “P-3” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or carrying an equivalent rating by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments or, if no rating is available in respect of the commercial paper, the issuer of which has an equivalent rating in respect of its long-term debt, and in any case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition thereof; |
(5) | readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America, any province or territory of Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland or Norway or any political subdivision thereof, in each case, having one of the two highest rating categories obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at the time, neither is issuing comparable ratings, then a comparable rating of another Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) with maturities of not more than two years from the date of acquisition; |
(6) | Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “BBB-” or higher from S&P or “Baa3” or higher from Moody’s (or, if at the time, neither is issuing comparable ratings, then a comparable rating of another Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition; |
(7) | bills of exchange issued in the United States, Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland, Norway or Japan eligible for rediscount at the relevant central bank and accepted by a bank (or any dematerialized equivalent); |
-6-
(8) | interests in investment funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (7) of this definition; and |
(9) | for purposes of clause (2) of the definition of “Asset Disposition”, the marketable securities portfolio owned by the Parent and its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date. |
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) | the Parent becoming aware that (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) any “person” or “group” of related persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date), other than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent and the Permitted Holders “beneficially own” directly or indirectly in the aggregate the same or a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent than such other “person” or “group” of related persons; provided that for the purposes of this clause, (x) no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur by reason of the Parent becoming a Subsidiary of a Successor Parent; and (y) any Voting Stock of which any Permitted Holder is the “beneficial owner” (as so defined) shall not be included in any Voting Stock of which any such “person” or “group of related persons” is the “beneficial owner” (as so defined), unless such Permitted Holder is controlled by such “person” or “group” of related persons; |
(2) | the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to a Person, other than a Restricted Subsidiary or one or more Permitted Holders; |
(3) | the Parent ceases to directly or indirectly hold 100% of the Capital Stock of an Issuer; or |
(4) | the shareholders of the Parent or an Issuer approve any plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Parent or an Issuer. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Change of Control” shall occur or deemed to occur by reason of:
(1) | any enforcement of rights or exercise of remedies under the GVM Share Pledge, including any sale, transfer or other disposal or disposition of the shares in the Parent in connection therewith; |
-7-
(2) | any disposal by GVM of its shares in the Parent where the purpose of that transaction is to facilitate the repayment or discharge (in full or in part) of the GVM Loan and the proceeds of sale are promptly applied towards such repayment or discharge; or |
(3) | any mandatory offer (or analogous offer) required under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers or any analogous regulation applied in any jurisdiction as a consequence of a transaction under limbs (1) or (2) above, |
provided that, if any transaction under paragraphs (1) to (3) above occurs which, but for such paragraph(s), would be a “Change of Control” as a consequence of any Person or Persons (other than Tyrus) (x) acquiring any Voting Stock of the Parent or (y) being or becoming the “beneficial owner” of the voting power of any Voting Stock of the Parent (such Person(s), the “Controlling Shareholder”) either:
(A) | the Controlling Shareholder has, within 60 days of that transaction, and at its election: |
(x)paid to the Holders, on a pro rata basis, a fee in an aggregate amount equal to the product of (i) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes then outstanding, (ii) 0.02 and (iii) the number of years (or part- thereof, with any part of a year calculated on the basis of the number of days divided by 360) from the payment date of such fee to December 31, 2025; or
(y)made an offer to all Holders to purchase one-third of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes then outstanding on a pro rata basis at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such purchase; or
(B)an Issuer, within 60 days of that transaction, has made an offer to all Holders to repurchase or purchase (as applicable), or has otherwise redeemed, one-third of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes then outstanding on a pro rata basis at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such repurchase, purchase or redemption, resulting in such repurchased, purchased or redeemed Notes being cancelled,
and provided further that, the Controlling Shareholder is not a Restricted Person.
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A., as currently in effect or any successor securities clearing agency.
“Collateral” means (a) the collateral that secures the Notes and the obligations under this Indenture pursuant to the Security Documents set forth in Schedule 2 to this Indenture and (b) any other collateral that secures the Notes and the obligations under this Indenture from time to time.
-8-
“Commodity Hedging Agreements” means, in respect of a Person, any commodity purchase contract, commodity futures or forward contract, commodities option contract or other similar contract (including commodities derivative agreements or arrangements), to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.
“Consolidated EBITDA” for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters ending prior to the relevant date of measurement for which internal consolidated financial statements are available, means, without duplication, the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:
(1) | Consolidated Interest Expense; |
(2) | Consolidated Income Taxes; |
(3) | consolidated depreciation expense; |
(4) | consolidated amortization or impairment expense; |
(5) | any expenses, charges or other costs related to any issuance of Capital Stock, listing of Capital Stock, Investment, acquisition (including amounts paid in connection with the acquisition or retention of one or more individuals comprising part of a management team retained to manage the acquired business and any expenses, charges or other costs related to deferred or contingent payments), disposition, recapitalization or the Incurrence, issuance, redemption or refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted by this Indenture or any amendment, waiver, consent or modification to any document governing any such Indebtedness (whether or not successful), in each case, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent; |
(6) | any minority interest expense (whether paid or not) consisting of income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in such period or any prior period or any net earnings, income or share of profit of any Associates, associated company or undertaking; |
(7) | other non-cash charges, write-downs or items reducing Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-cash charge, write-down or item to the extent it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges expected to be paid in any future period) or other items classified by the Parent as special, extraordinary, exceptional, unusual or nonrecurring items less other non- cash items of income increasing Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-cash item of income to the extent it represents a receipt of cash expected to be paid in any future period); |
(8) | the proceeds of any business interruption insurance received or that become receivable during such period to the extent the associated losses arising out of the event that resulted in the payment of such business interruption insurance proceeds were included in computing Consolidated Net Income; |
-9-
(9) | payments received or that become receivable with respect to, expenses that are covered by the indemnification provisions in any agreement entered into by such Person in connection with an acquisition to the extent such expenses were included in computing Consolidated Net Income; |
(10) | any Securitization Fees and discounts on the sale of accounts receivables in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing representing, in the Parent’s reasonable determination, the implied interest component of such discount for such period, and any gains (or losses) on the sale of accounts receivables, Securitization Assets and related assets in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; |
(11) | any extraordinary, one-off, non-recurring, exceptional or unusual gain, loss, expense or charge, including any charges or reserves in respect of any restructuring, redundancy, relocation, refinancing, integration or severance or other post-employment arrangements, signing, retention or completion bonuses, transaction costs (including costs related to any investments), acquisition costs, business optimization, system establishment, software or information technology implementation or development, costs related to governmental investigations and curtailments or modifications to pension or post-retirement benefits schemes, litigation or any asset impairment charges or the financial impacts of natural disasters (including fire, flood and storm and related events); and |
(12) | any one-time non-cash charges or any amortization or depreciation, in each case to the extent related to any acquisition of another Person or business or resulting from any reorganization or restructuring or Incurrence of Indebtedness involving the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries. |
Unless otherwise specified, Consolidated EBITDA shall be determined on a pro forma basis, including the pro forma application of proceeds of Indebtedness being Incurred in connection with such determination, as per the most recent four fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available immediately preceding such determination.
“Consolidated Income Taxes” means taxes or other payments, including deferred Taxes, based on income, profits or capital of any of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries whether or not paid, estimated, accrued or required to be remitted to any governmental authority.
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period (in each case, determined on the basis of IFRS), the consolidated net interest income/expense of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries under IFRS, whether paid or accrued, plus or including (without duplication) any interest, costs and charges consisting of:
(1) | interest expense attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations; |
(2) | amortization of original issue discount but excluding amortization of debt issuance costs, fees and expenses and the expensing of any finance costs; |
-10-
(3) | non-cash interest expense; |
(4) | costs associated with Hedging Obligations (excluding amortization of fees or any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in mark-to- market valuation of such obligations); |
(5) | the product of (a) all dividends or other distributions in respect of all Disqualified Stock of the Parent and all Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent held by Persons other than the Parent or a subsidiary of the Parent, multiplied by (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined national, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, as estimated in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of the Parent; |
(6) | the consolidated interest expense that was capitalized during such period; and |
(7) | interest actually paid by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Guarantee of Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, |
minus (i) accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities other than Indebtedness, (ii) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition, (iii) interest with respect to Indebtedness of any Holding Company of such Person appearing upon the balance sheet of such Person solely by reason of push-down accounting under IFRS and (iv) any Additional Amounts with respect to the Notes included in interest expense under IFRS or other similar tax gross up on any Indebtedness included in interest expense under IFRS; and excluding amortization of debt discount, premium, issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, any commissions, discounts, yield or other fees and charges related to any Qualified Securitization Financing or other factoring, receivables or securitization financings that are non-recourse to the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis on the basis of IFRS; provided, however, that there will not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:
(1) | subject to the limitations contained in clause (3) below, any net income (loss) of any Person if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that the Parent’s equity in the net income of any such Person for such period will be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash or Cash Equivalents actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution or return on investment or could have been distributed, as reasonably determined by an Officer (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution or return on investment to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (2) below); |
(2) | [Reserved]; |
-11-
(3) | any net gain (or loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset or disposed operations of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any sale/leaseback transaction) which is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by an Officer or the Board of Directors of the Parent); |
(4) | [Reserved]; |
(5) | the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; |
(6) | any non-cash compensation charge or expense arising from any grant of stock, stock options or other equity based awards, any non-cash deemed finance charges in respect of any pension liabilities or other provisions, any non-cash net after tax gains or losses attributable to the termination or modification of any employee pension benefit plan and any charge or expense relating to any payment made to holders of equity based securities or rights in respect of any dividend sharing provisions of such securities or rights to the extent such payment was made pursuant to Section 4.02; |
(7) | all deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid or other expenses incurred directly in connection with any early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations and any net gain (loss) from any write-off or forgiveness of Indebtedness; |
(8) | any unrealized gains or losses in respect of Hedging Obligations or other financial instruments or any ineffectiveness recognized in earnings related to qualifying hedge transactions or the fair value or changes therein recognized in earnings for derivatives that do not qualify as hedge transactions, in each case, in respect of Hedging Obligations; |
(9) | any unrealized foreign currency transaction gains or losses in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of such Person and any unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from re- measuring assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; |
(10) | any unrealized foreign currency translation or transaction gains or losses in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
(11) | any one-time non-cash charges or any amortization or depreciation, in each case to the extent related to any acquisition of another Person or business; and |
(12) | any goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charge or write-off or write-down. |
-12-
“Consolidated Net Leverage” means the aggregate outstanding Indebtedness of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding Hedging Obligations) as of the relevant date of calculation minus cash and cash equivalents at such date, in each case on a consolidated basis and in accordance with IFRS.
“Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (x) Consolidated Net Leverage at such date to (y) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such determination for which internal consolidated financial statements of the Parent are available.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio:
(1) | acquisitions and Investments (each, a “Purchase”) that have been made by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or any Person or any of its Subsidiaries which are Restricted Subsidiaries acquired by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and including all related financing transactions and including increases in ownership of Subsidiaries which are Restricted Subsidiaries, during the reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the date on which the calculation of the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), or that are to be made on the Calculation Date, will be given pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of the Parent) as if they had occurred on the first day of the reference period; provided that if definitive documentation has been entered into with respect to a Purchase that is part of the transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, Consolidated EBITDA for such period will be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such Purchase as if such Purchase had occurred on the first day of such period, even if the Purchase has not yet been consummated as of the date of determination; |
(2) | the Consolidated EBITDA (whether positive or negative) attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations, businesses or group of assets constituting a business or operating unit (and ownership interests therein) disposed of during the reference period or subsequent to such reference period and prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded on a pro forma basis as if such disposition occurred on the first day of such period; |
(3) | the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations, businesses or group of assets constituting a business or operating unit (and ownership interests therein) disposed of during the reference period or subsequent to such reference period and prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded on a pro forma basis as if such disposition occurred on the first day of such period, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such |
-13-
Consolidated Interest Expense will not be obligations of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date;
(4) | any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such reference period; |
(5) | any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such reference period; and |
(6) | if any Indebtedness is not denominated in the Parent’s functional currency, that Indebtedness for purposes of the calculation of Consolidated Net Leverage shall be treated in accordance with IFRS. |
For the purposes of the definitions of Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Income Taxes, Consolidated Interest Expense and Consolidated Net Income, calculations will be determined in accordance with the terms set forth above.
“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the total amount of assets of the Parent on a consolidated basis (including deferred pension cost and deferred tax assets (without reducing such deferred tax assets by deferred tax liabilities), and less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items), after deducting therefrom:
(1) | all current liabilities (excluding any Indebtedness or obligations under capital leases classified as a current liability); and |
(2) | all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and financing costs and all similar intangible assets, |
all as set forth in the Parent’s most recent consolidated balance sheet internally available (but, in any event, as of a date within 150 days of the date of determination) and computed in accordance with IFRS.
“Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, any operating lease, dividend or other obligation that does not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”), including any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(1) | to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor; |
(2) | to advance or supply funds: |
(A) | for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or |
-14-
(B) | to maintain the working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or |
(3) | to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof. |
“Credit Facility” means, with respect to the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, arrangements, instruments or indentures (including any ABL Facility or commercial paper facilities and overdraft facilities) with banks, institutions or investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such institutions or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such institutions against such receivables), notes, letters of credit or other Indebtedness, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, refinanced, repaid, increased or extended in whole or in part from time to time (and whether in whole or in part and whether or not with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or other banks, institutions or investors and whether provided under any ABL Facility or one or more other credit or other agreements, indentures, financing agreements or otherwise) and in each case including all agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with the foregoing (including any notes and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any Guarantee and collateral agreement, patent and trademark security agreement, mortgages or letter of credit applications and other Guarantees, pledges, agreements, security agreements and collateral documents). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Credit Facility” shall include any agreement or instrument (1) changing the maturity of any Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby, (2) adding Subsidiaries of the Parent as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder, (3) increasing the amount of Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or available to be borrowed thereunder or (4) otherwise altering the terms and conditions thereof.
“Currency Agreement” means, in respect of a Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, currency futures contract, currency option contract, currency derivative or other similar agreement to which such Person is a party or beneficiary.
“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Designated Non-Cash Consideration” means the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) of non-cash consideration received by the Parent or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Disposition that is so designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash, Cash Equivalents or Temporary Cash Investments received in connection with a subsequent payment, redemption, retirement, sale or other disposition of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration. A particular item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration will no longer be considered to be outstanding when and to the extent it
-15-
has been paid, redeemed or otherwise retired or sold or otherwise disposed of in compliance with Section 4.05.
“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the date that is 90 days after the earlier of (a) the Stated Maturity of the Notes or (b) the date on which there are no Notes outstanding. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require the issuer thereof to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the issuer thereof may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.02. For purposes hereof, the amount of Disqualified Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Stock, such fair market value to be determined as set forth herein. Only the portion of Capital Stock which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date will be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.
“Dollar Equivalent” means, with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time of determination thereof by the Parent, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such currency other than U.S. dollars involved in such computation into U.S. dollars at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable currency other than U.S. dollars as published in The Financial Times in the “Currency Rates” section (or, if The Financial Times is no longer published, or if such information is no longer available in The Financial Times, such source as may be selected in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) on the date of such determination.
“EBITDA” for a Person for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters ending prior to the relevant date of measurement for which internal consolidated financial statements are available, means, without duplication earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, calculated on a basis consistent with Consolidated EBITDA.
“Equity Offering” means (x) a sale of Capital Stock of a Parent Holdco, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Disqualified Stock and other than offerings registered on Form S-8 (or any successor form) under the Securities Act or any similar offering in other jurisdictions and other than offerings to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary), or (y) the sale of Capital Stock or other securities by any Person (other than to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary), the proceeds of which are contributed to the equity (other than through the issuance of Disqualified Stock or through Excluded Contribution) of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
-16-
“Escrowed Proceeds” means the proceeds from the offering of any debt securities or other Indebtedness paid into escrow accounts with an independent escrow agent on the date of the applicable offering or Incurrence pursuant to escrow arrangements that permit the release of amounts on deposit in such escrow accounts upon satisfaction of certain conditions or the occurrence of certain events. The term “Escrowed Proceeds” shall include any interest earned on the amounts held in escrow.
“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.
“European Union” means all members of the European Union as of January 1, 2021.
“Excess ABL Debt” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Excess Junior Note Debt” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Excess Senior Note Debt” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Excluded Contribution” means Net Cash Proceeds or property or assets received by the Parent as capital contributions to the equity (other than through the issuance of Disqualified Stock) of the Parent after the Issue Date or from the issuance or sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Parent or any Subsidiary of the Parent for the benefit of its employees to the extent funded by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent after the Issue Date, in each case, to the extent designated as an Excluded Contribution pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate of the Parent. For the avoidance of doubt, the any proceeds received by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary from the issuance of ordinary shares of the Parent issued on the Issue Date in connection with the Transaction shall not constitute Excluded Contributions.
“Existing A/R Facility” means the facilities available under two Factoring Agreements dated as of October 2, 2020 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among, inter alios, Ferropem SAS, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A, and La Banque Postale Leasing & Factoring.
“fair market value” wherever such term is used in this Indenture (except as otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture), may be conclusively established by means of an Officer’s Certificate or a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Parent setting out such fair market value as determined by such Officer or such Board of Directors in good faith.
“Fairness Opinion” means a written opinion of an accounting, appraisal, or investment banking firm of international standing, or other recognized independent expert with experience appraising the terms and conditions of the type of transaction or series of related
-17-
transactions for which an opinion is required, stating that such transaction or series of related transactions is on terms not less favorable than might have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate.
“Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization.
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (x) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters prior to the date of such determination for which internal consolidated financial statements are available to (y) the Fixed Charges of such Person for such four fiscal quarters.
In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases, redeems, defeases, retires, extinguishes or otherwise discharges any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness Incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the four-quarter period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of such Person) to such Incurrence, assumption, guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement, extinguishment or other discharge of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided, however, that the pro forma calculation of Fixed Charges shall not give effect to (i) any Indebtedness Incurred on the Calculation Date pursuant to the provisions described in Section 4.01(b) or (ii) the discharge on the Calculation Date of any Indebtedness to the extent that such discharge results from the proceeds of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to the provisions described in Section 4.01(b).
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) | Purchases that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or by any Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acquired by the specified Person or any of its Subsidiaries which are Restricted Subsidiaries, and including all related financing transactions and including increases in ownership of Restricted Subsidiaries, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date, or that are to be made on the Calculation Date, will be given pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of such Person) as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period; provided that, if definitive documentation has been entered into with respect to a Purchase that is part of the transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, Consolidated |
-18-
EBITDA for such period will be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such Purchase as if such Purchase had occurred on the first day of such period, even if the Purchase has not yet been consummated as of the date of determination;
(2) | the Consolidated EBITDA attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded; |
(3) | the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date; |
(4) | any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such four- quarter period; |
(5) | any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such four-quarter period; |
(6) | if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the Calculation Date in excess of 12 months, or, if shorter, at least equal to the remaining term of such Indebtedness); and |
(7) | Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Parent to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with IFRS. |
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) | the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period; plus |
(2) | all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in cash, on or in respect of all Disqualified Stock of the Parent or any series of Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, other than dividends on equity interests payable to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary. |
-19-
“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person, including any such obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:
(1) | to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or |
(2) | entered into primarily for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), |
provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” will not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Government Loan” means a loan granted by the government or any department, division, agency or any other instrumentality of a government.
“Government Obligations” means any security that is (1) a direct obligation of the United States government, for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States government is pledged or (2) an obligation of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States government the payment of which is unconditionally Guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States, which, in either case under the preceding clause (1) or (2), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.
“Guarantor” means any Person that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture from time to time, and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
“GVM” means Grupo Villar Mir S.A.U. and its successors or assigns.
“GVM Share Pledge” means any share pledge or charge or other similar security over the shares in the Parent held by GVM granted by GVM in support of or as collateral for its obligations under any GVM Loan from time to time.
“GVM Loan” means any financing provided by Tyrus to GVM or owing by GVM to Tyrus, from time to time.
“Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or Commodity Hedging Agreement.
-20-
“Holder” means each Person in whose name the Notes are registered on the Registrar’s books.
“Holding Company” means, in relation to any Person, any other Person in respect of which it is a Subsidiary.
“IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards (formerly International Accounting Standards) endorsed from time to time by the European Union or any variation thereof with which the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries are, or may be, required to comply. All ratios and calculations contained in this Indenture shall be computed in accordance with IFRS.
“Incur” means issue, create, assume, enter into any Guarantee of, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) will be deemed to be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and the terms “Incurred” and “Incurrence” have meanings correlative to the foregoing and any Indebtedness pursuant to any revolving credit or similar facility shall only be “Incurred” at the time any funds are borrowed thereunder.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):
(1) | the principal of indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money; |
(2) | the principal of obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; |
(3) | all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments (the amount of such obligations being equal at any time to the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such letters of credit or other instruments plus the aggregate amount of drawings thereunder that have been reimbursed) (except to the extent such reimbursement obligations relate to trade payables or other obligations not constituting Indebtedness and such obligations are satisfied within 30 days of Incurrence), in each case only to the extent that the underlying obligation in respect of which the instrument was issued would be treated as Indebtedness; |
(4) | the principal component of all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property (except trade payables), where the deferred payment is arranged primarily as a means of raising finance, which purchase price is due more than one year after the date of placing such property in service or taking final delivery and title thereto; |
(5) | Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; |
(6) | the principal component of all obligations, or liquidation preference, of such Person with respect to any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any |
-21-
Restricted Subsidiary, any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);
(7) | the principal component of all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (a) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Persons; |
(8) | Guarantees by such Person of the principal component of Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person; and |
(9) | to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, net obligations of such Person under Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and Commodity Hedging Agreements (the amount of any such obligations to be equal at any time to the termination value of such agreement or arrangement giving rise to such obligation that would be payable by such Person at such time). |
The term “Indebtedness” shall not include (i) any lease, concession or license of property (or Guarantee thereof) which would be considered an operating lease under IFRS as in effect on the Issue Date, (ii) prepayments of deposits received from clients or customers in the ordinary course of business, (iii) obligations under any license, permit or other approval (or Guarantees given in respect of such obligations) Incurred prior to the Issue Date or in the ordinary course of business, (iv) any asset retirement obligations, or (v) obligations under or in respect of Qualified Securitization Financings.
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any time in the case of a revolving credit or similar facility shall be the total amounts of funds borrowed and then outstanding. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be determined as set forth above or otherwise provided in this Indenture, and (other than with respect to letters of credit or Guarantees or Indebtedness specified in clause (7) or (8) above) shall equal the amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person (excluding any notes thereto) prepared on the basis of IFRS.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, in no event shall the following constitute Indebtedness:
(i)Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business and accrued liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not more than 90 days past due;
(ii)in connection with the purchase by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of any business, any post-closing payment adjustments to which the seller may become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such payment depends on the performance of such business after the closing; provided, however, that, at the time of closing, the amount of any
-22-
such payment is not determinable and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and determined, the amount is paid within 30 days thereafter;
(iii)for the avoidance of doubt, any obligations in respect of workers’ compensation claims, early retirement or termination obligations, pension fund obligations or contributions or similar claims, obligations or contributions or social security or wage Taxes;
(iv)any “parallel debt” obligations (including any Guarantees with respect thereof); or
(v) | any Subordinated Shareholder Funding. |
“Independent Financial Advisor” means an investment banking or accounting firm of international standing or any third party appraiser of international standing; provided, however, that such firm or appraiser is not an Affiliate of the Parent.
“Intercreditor Agreement” means the Intercreditor Agreement dated on or about the Issue Date, among, inter alios, the Trustee, the Security Agent, the Parent, the Issuers, and the Guarantors, as amended from time to time.
“Interest Rate Agreement” means, with respect to any Person, any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.
“Investment” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of any advance, loan or other extensions of credit (other than advances or extensions of credit to customers, suppliers, directors, officers or employees of any Person in the ordinary course of business, and excluding any debt or extension of credit represented by a bank deposit other than a time deposit) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or the Incurrence of a Guarantee of any obligation of, or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by, such other Persons and all other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet (excluding any notes thereto) prepared on the basis of IFRS; provided, however, that endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business will not be deemed to be an Investment. If the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary issues, sells or otherwise disposes of any Capital Stock of a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect thereto, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, any Investment by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person remaining after giving effect thereto will be deemed to be a new Investment equal to the fair market value of the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.02(d).
The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced (at the Parent’s option) by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount or value received in respect of such Investment.
-23-
“Investment Grade Securities” means:
| (1) | securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States or Canadian government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents); |
| (2) | securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland or Norway or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents); |
| (3) | debt securities or debt instruments with a rating of “BBB-” or higher from S&P or “Baa3” or higher by Moody’s or the equivalent of such rating by such rating organization or, if no rating of Moody’s or S&P then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any other Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Parent and its Subsidiaries; |
| (4) | investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above which fund may also hold cash and Cash Equivalents pending investment or distribution; and |
| (5) | any investment in repurchase obligations with respect to any securities of the type described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above which are collateralized at par or over. |
“Investment Grade Status” shall occur when all of the Notes receive both of the following:
(1)a rating of “BBB-” or higher from Fitch; and
(2)a rating of “Baa3” or higher from Moody’s,
or the equivalent of such rating by either such rating organization or, if no rating of Moody’s or Fitch then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any other Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization.
“Issue Date” means July 29, 2021.
“Issuers” means the UK Issuer and the US Co-Issuer.
“Junior Note Obligations” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).
-24-
“Limited Condition Acquisition” means any acquisition, including by way of merger, amalgamation or consolidation, by the Parent or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries the consummation of which is not conditioned upon the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party financing; provided that Consolidated EBITDA, other than for purposes of calculating any ratios in connection with the Limited Condition Acquisition and the related transactions, shall not include any Consolidated EBITDA of or attributable to the target company or assets involved in any such Limited Condition Acquisition unless and until the closing of such Limited Condition Acquisition shall have actually occurred.
“Lock-Up Agreement” means the lock-up agreement dated March 27, 2021 (as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, modified or replaced), between, among others, the Parent and the Original Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein), to facilitate the restructuring of the Parent and its subsidiaries.
“Management Advances” means loans or advances made to, or Guarantees with respect to loans or advances made to, directors, officers, employees or consultants of any Parent Holdco, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary:
(1) | (a) in respect of travel, entertainment or moving related expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business or (b) for purposes of funding any such person’s purchase of Capital Stock of the Parent, its Subsidiaries or any Parent Holdco with (in the case of this sub-clause (b)) the approval of the Board of Directors; or |
(2) | in respect of moving related expenses incurred in connection with any closing or consolidation of any facility or office. |
“Material Company” means the Parent and any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets, sales or EBITDA on a standalone basis represents 5% of consolidated total assets, consolidated sales or Consolidated EBITDA (excluding intra-group items and investments in Subsidiaries) as of the relevant test date under Section 4.07(c).
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
“Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization” means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act.
“Net Available Cash” from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise and net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any securities received as consideration, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to the properties or assets that are the subject of such Asset Disposition or received in any other non-cash form) therefrom, in each case net of:
-25-
(1) | all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all Taxes paid or required to be paid or accrued as a liability under IFRS (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any Tax Sharing Agreements), as a consequence of such Asset Disposition; |
(2) | all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition; |
(3) | all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders (other than any Parent Holdco, the Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries) in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition; and |
(4) | the deduction of appropriate amounts required to be provided by the seller as a reserve, on the basis of IFRS, against any liabilities associated with the assets disposed of in such Asset Disposition and retained by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition. |
“Net Cash Proceeds”, with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, listing fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and charges actually Incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result of such issuance or sale (after taking into account any available tax credit or deductions and any Tax Sharing Agreements).
“Note Guarantee” means the Guarantee by any Guarantor of an Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes.
“Note Priority Collateral” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Notes Documents” means the Notes (including Additional Notes), this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreements.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, (1) any member of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary (a) of such Person or (b) if such Person is owned or managed by a single entity, of such entity, or (2) any other individual designated as an “Officer” for the purposes of this Indenture by the Board of Directors of such Person. The obligations of an “Officer of the Parent” may be exercised by the Officer of any Restricted Subsidiary who has been delegated such authority by the Board of Directors of the Parent.
-26-
“Officer’s Certificate” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed by one Officer of such Person.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Parent or its Subsidiaries.
“Parent” means Ferroglobe PLC or any other Successor Company in accordance with this Indenture.
“Parent Holdco” means any Person of which the Parent at any time is or becomes a Subsidiary after the Issue Date and any holding companies established by any Permitted Holder for purposes of holding its investment in the Parent.
“Pari Passu Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor which does not constitute Subordinated Indebtedness.
“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Parent to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Note on behalf of the Parent, which shall include the Paying Agent.
“Permissible Jurisdiction” means any member state of the European Union (excluding Greece) and the United Kingdom.
“Permitted Collateral Liens” means:
(1) | Liens on the Collateral to secure the Notes, including any Guarantee of such Notes, and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that each of the parties thereto will have entered into the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or an Additional Intercreditor Agreement; |
(2) | Liens on the Collateral that are described in one or more of clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (24), (27), (28) and (29), of the definition of “Permitted Liens”; |
(3) | Liens on the Collateral to secure any Indebtedness (including any Additional Notes) that is permitted to be Incurred under (x) Section 4.01(a), and (y) Section 4.01(b)(xi) and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness); |
(4) | Liens on the Collateral to secure any Indebtedness that is permitted to be Incurred under clauses (i), (ii) (in the case of clause (ii), to the extent such Guarantee is in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be secured and specified in clause (3) and this clause (4) of the definition of “Permitted Collateral Liens”), (iv)(B), (vi), (vii) and (xiii) of Section 4.01(b) and any |
-27-
Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness); and
(5) | any Lien securing Indebtedness (including any Guarantee thereof) on a basis junior to the Notes, |
provided, however, in the case of clauses (3), (4) and (5) above, that:
(A) | any such Indebtedness is subject to the Intercreditor Agreement or to an Additional Intercreditor Agreement and, if incurred under any ABL Facility, is subject to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or to an Additional Intercreditor Agreement with respect to such ABL Facility; and |
(B) | the Collateral securing such Indebtedness shall also secure the Notes or the Note Guarantees on a senior or pari passu basis; provided that (I) Indebtedness that is Incurred under clauses (i) (to the extent such Indebtedness does not constitute an ABL Facility) and (iv)(B) (and any refinancing and subsequent refinancings thereof covered under (iv)(D)) of Section 4.01(b) may receive priority with respect to distributions of proceeds of any enforcement of Collateral, in which case such Indebtedness shall constitute “Super Senior Liabilities” under the Intercreditor Agreement and (II) Indebtedness incurred under Section 4.01(b)(i) (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes an ABL Facility) shall constitute “ABL Obligations” under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. |
For purposes of determining compliance with this definition, in the event that a Permitted Collateral Lien meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Permitted Collateral Liens described above, the Issuer will be permitted to classify such Permitted Collateral Lien on the date of its Incurrence and reclassify such Permitted Collateral Lien at any time and in any manner that complies with this definition.
“Permitted Holders” means, collectively, (i) Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U., (ii) members of the senior management team of the Parent as of the Issue Date, (iii) Alan Kestenbaum and (iv) any Related Person of any Persons specified in clause (i) to (iii). Any person or group whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture will thereafter, together with its Affiliates, constitute an additional Permitted Holder.
“Permitted Investment” means (in each case, by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries):
(1) | Investments in (a) a Restricted Subsidiary (including the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary) or the Parent or (b) a Person that is engaged in any Similar Business (including the Capital Stock of any such Person) and such Person will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate of Investments in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors made pursuant to this clause (1) and |
-28-
clause (2) of this definition by the Issuers and the Guarantors shall not exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any one time;
(2) | Investments in another Person if such Person is engaged in any Similar Business and as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate of Investments in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors made pursuant to this clause (2) and clause (1) of this definition by the Issuers and the Guarantors shall not exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any one time; |
(3) | Investments in cash, Cash Equivalents, Temporary Cash Investments or Investment Grade Securities; |
(4) | Investments in receivables owing to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary created or acquired in the ordinary course of business; |
(5) | Investments in payroll, travel, relocation, entertainment and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business; |
(6) | Management Advances and any advances or loans not to exceed $10.0 million at any one time outstanding to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit or incentive plan or unit trust or the trustees of any such plan or trust to pay for the purchase or other acquisition for value of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent or a Parent Holdco; |
(7) | Investments in Capital Stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, or as a result of foreclosure, perfection or enforcement of any Lien, or in satisfaction of judgments or pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement including upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of a debtor; |
(8) | Investments made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from a sale or other disposition of property or assets, including an Asset Disposition, in each case, that was made in compliance with Section 4.05; |
(9) | Investments in existence on, or made pursuant to legally binding commitments in existence on, the Issue Date, and any extension, modification or renewal of any such Investment; provided that the amount of the Investment may be increased (a) as required by the terms of the Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or (b) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture; |
-29-
(10) | Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and related Hedging Obligations, which transactions or obligations are Incurred in compliance with Section 4.01; |
(11) | [Reserved]; |
(12) | pledges or deposits with respect to leases or utilities provided to third parties in the ordinary course of business or Liens otherwise described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or made in connection with Liens permitted under Section 4.03; |
(13) | any Investment to the extent made using Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock), or Capital Stock of any Parent Holdco as consideration; |
(14) | any transaction to the extent constituting an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with Section 4.06(b) (except those described in clauses (b)(i), (b)(iii), (b)(viii), (b)(ix) and (b)(xii) of Section 4.06); |
(15) | Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries not prohibited by Section 4.01 and (other than with respect to Indebtedness) guarantees, keepwells and similar arrangements in the ordinary course of business; |
(16) | [Reserved]; |
(17) | Investments in loans under any ABL Facility, the Stub Notes (including any related additional notes), the Super Senior Notes (including any related additional notes), the Notes and any Additional Notes; |
(18) | Investments acquired after the Issue Date as a result of the acquisition by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of another Person, including by way of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 5.01 to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation; |
(19) | Investments in licenses, concessions, authorizations, franchises, permits or similar arrangements that are related to the Parent’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s business; and |
(20) | Investments made in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing, including Investments in funds held in accounts required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Securitization Financing or any related Indebtedness. |
-30-
“Permitted Joint Venture” means any entity formed for purposes of implementing the joint venture agreement, dated as of December 20, 2016, among Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U., Silicio FerroSolar, S.L.U., FerroAtlántica, S.A., Blue Power Corporation, S.L. and Aurinka Photovoltaic Group, S.L., as the same may be amended, extended or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) | Liens on assets or property of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor securing Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor; |
(2) | pledges, deposits or Liens under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws, social security laws or similar legislation, or insurance related obligations (including pledges or deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements), or in connection with bids, tenders, completion guarantees, contracts (other than for borrowed money) or leases, or to secure utilities, licenses, public or statutory obligations, or to secure surety, indemnity, judgment, appeal or performance bonds, guarantees of government contracts (or other similar bonds, instruments or obligations), or as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, or other obligations of like nature, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business; |
(3) | Liens imposed by law, including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, landlords’, materialmens’ and repairmen’s or other similar Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 60 days or that are bonded or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; |
(4) | Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; provided that appropriate reserves required pursuant to IFRS have been made in respect thereof; |
(5) | Liens in favor of issuers of surety, performance or other bonds, guarantees or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances or similar arrangements (not issued to support Indebtedness for borrowed money) issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of its business; |
(6) | encumbrances, ground leases, easements (including reciprocal easement agreements), survey exceptions, or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the |
-31-
business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries or to the ownership of its properties which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(7) | Liens on assets or property of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary securing Hedging Obligations permitted under this Indenture relating to Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture and which is secured by a Lien on the same assets or property that secure such Indebtedness; |
(8) | leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including real property and intellectual property rights), in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business; |
(9) | Liens arising out of judgments, decrees, orders or awards not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment, decree, order or award have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired; |
(10) | Liens on assets or property of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of securing Capitalized Lease Obligations or Purchase Money Obligations, or securing the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of, or securing other Indebtedness Incurred to finance or refinance the acquisition, improvement or construction of, assets or property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business; provided that (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.01(b)(vii) and (b) any such Lien may not extend to any assets or property of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary other than assets or property acquired, improved, constructed or leased with the proceeds of such Indebtedness and any improvements or accessions to such assets and property; |
(11) | Liens arising by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies (including any Liens or right of set-off arising under the general banking conditions (algemene bankvoorwaarden) in respect of costs incurred in relation to administering the respective bank accounts) as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depositary or financial institution; |
(12) | Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings (or similar filings in other applicable jurisdictions) regarding operating leases entered into by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business; |
-32-
(13) | Liens existing on, or provided for or required to be granted under written agreements existing on, the Issue Date; |
(14) | [Reserved]; |
(15) | (i) Liens on assets or property of an Issuer or any Guarantor securing Indebtedness or other obligations of such Issuer or such Guarantor owing to an Issuer or any Guarantor, or (ii) Liens in favor of an Issuer or any Guarantor; |
(16) | Liens (other than Permitted Collateral Liens) securing Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refinance Indebtedness that was previously so secured, and permitted to be secured under this Indenture; provided that any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is or could be the security for or subject to a Permitted Lien hereunder; |
(17) | any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease Obligation or operating lease; |
(18) | (a) mortgages, liens, security interest, restrictions, encumbrances or any other matters of record that have been placed by any government, statutory or regulatory authority, developer, landlord or other third party on property over which the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary has easement rights or on any leased property and subordination or similar arrangements relating thereto and (b) any condemnation or eminent domain proceedings affecting any real property; |
(19) | any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of, or assets owned by, any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement; |
(20) | Liens on property or assets under construction (and related rights) in favor of a contractor or developer or arising from progress or partial payments by a third party relating to such property or assets; |
(21) | Liens arising under general business conditions in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation the general business conditions of any bank or financial institution with whom the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries maintains a banking relationship in the ordinary course of business (including arising by reason of any treasury or cash management, cash pooling, netting or set-off arrangement or other trading activities); |
-33-
(22) | Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, hire purchase, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business; |
(23) | [Reserved]; |
(24) | any security granted over the marketable securities portfolio described in clause (9) of the definition of “Cash Equivalents” in connection with the disposal thereof to a third party; |
(25) | (a) Liens created for the benefit of or to secure, directly or indirectly, the Notes and the Note Guarantees, and the Super Senior Notes and the guarantees of the Super Senior Notes as of the Issue Date, (b) Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.01(b)(i) (other than an ABL Facility); provided that (i) any Government Loan incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(i) prior to the Issue Date shall be unsecured, and (ii) any Qualified Securitization Financing (other than an ABL Facility) incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(i) shall not be secured by the Collateral and (c) Liens in respect of property and assets securing Indebtedness if the recovery in respect of such Liens is subject to loss-sharing or sharing of recoveries as among the Holders of the Notes and the creditors of such Indebtedness; |
(26) | [Reserved]; |
(27) | Liens on (a) Escrowed Proceeds for the benefit of the related holders of debt securities or other Indebtedness (or the underwriters or arrangers thereof) or (b) on cash set aside at the time of the Incurrence of any Indebtedness or government securities purchased with such cash, in either case to the extent such cash or government securities prefund the payment of interest on such Indebtedness and are held in escrow accounts or similar arrangement to be applied for such purpose; |
(28) | limited recourse Liens in respect of the ownership interests in, or assets owned by the Permitted Joint Venture and any joint ventures which are not Restricted Subsidiaries securing obligations of such joint ventures; and |
(29) | Liens on Securitization Assets and related assets incurred in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing. |
“Person” means any individual, corporation, other body corporate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
“Preferred Stock”, as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
-34-
“Public Debt” means any Indebtedness consisting of bonds, debentures, notes or other similar debt securities issued in (1) a public offering registered under the Securities Act or (2) a private placement to institutional investors that is underwritten for resale in accordance with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, whether or not it includes registration rights entitling the holders of such debt securities to registration thereof with the SEC for public resale.
“Purchase Money Obligations” means any Indebtedness Incurred to finance or refinance the acquisition, leasing, construction or improvement of property (real or personal) or assets (including Capital Stock), and whether acquired through the direct acquisition of such property or assets or the acquisition of the Capital Stock of any Person owning such property or assets, or otherwise.
“Qualified Securitization Financing” means any financing pursuant to which the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to any other Person or grant a security interest in any accounts receivable (and related assets) in an aggregate principal amount equivalent to the fair market value of such accounts receivable (and related assets) of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (a) the financing terms, covenants, events of default and other provisions applicable to such financing shall be in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries and all sales of accounts receivable (and related assets) are made on market terms (each as determined in good faith by the board of directors or a member of senior management of the Parent) at the time such financing is entered into and (b) such financing shall be non recourse to the Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries, except to the extent of any Securitization Repurchase Obligation or to the limited extent customary for such transactions.
“refinance” means refinance, refund, replace, renew, repay, modify, restate, defer, substitute, supplement, reissue, resell, extend or increase (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) and the terms “refinances”, “refinanced” and “refinancing” as used for any purpose in this Indenture shall have a correlative meaning.
“Refinancing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that is Incurred to refund, refinance, replace, exchange, renew, repay or extend (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) any Indebtedness existing on the date of this Indenture or Incurred in compliance with this Indenture (including Indebtedness of an Issuer that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of an Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) including Indebtedness that refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that:
(1) | if the Indebtedness being refinanced constitutes Subordinated Indebtedness, the Refinancing Indebtedness has a final stated maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is the same as or later than the final stated maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced or, if shorter, the Notes; |
(2) | such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the sum of the aggregate principal amount (or if issued |
-35-
with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Indebtedness being refinanced (plus, without duplication, any additional Indebtedness Incurred to pay interest or premiums required by the instruments governing such existing Indebtedness and costs, expenses and fees Incurred in connection therewith);
(3) | if the Indebtedness being refinanced is expressly subordinated to the Notes and the Super Senior Notes, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes and the Super Senior Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, |
provided, however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Guarantor.
“Stub Notes” means $4,943,000 aggregate principal amount of 93/8% Senior Notes due 2022, $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of which was originally issued on February 15, 2017.
“Super Senior Notes” means $60.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.0% senior secured notes due June 30, 2025.
“Related Fund” means:
(a) in relation to a fund (the “First Fund”), a fund which is managed or advised by the same investment manager or advisor as the First Fund or, if it is managed by a different investment manager or adviser, a fund whose investment manager or advisor is an Affiliate of the investment manager or advisor of the First Fund;
(b) in relation to any other person, any fund in respect of which such person or an Affiliate of such person is investment manager or investment adviser; and
(c) any Affiliate of any fund described in sub-paragraphs (a) or (b) above.
“Related Person” with respect to any Permitted Holder, means:
(1) | any controlling equity holder, majority (or more) owned Subsidiary or partner or member of such Person; or |
(2) | in the case of an individual, any spouse, family member or relative of such individual, any trust or partnership for the benefit of one or more of such individual and any such spouse, family member or relative, or the estate, executor, administrator, committee or beneficiaries of any thereof; or |
(3) | any trust, corporation, other body corporate, partnership or other Person for which one or more of the Permitted Holders and other Related Persons of any thereof constitute the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners or owners |
-36-
thereof, or Persons beneficially holding in the aggregate a majority (or more) controlling interest therein; or
(4) | any investment fund or vehicle managed, sponsored or advised by such Person or any successor thereto, or by any Affiliate of such Person or any such successor. |
“Related Taxes” means:
any Taxes, including sales, use, transfer, rental, ad valorem, value added, stamp, property, consumption, franchise, license, capital, registration, business, customs, net worth, gross receipts, excise, occupancy, intangibles or similar Taxes (other than (x) Taxes measured by income and (y) withholding imposed on payments made by any Parent Holdco), required to be paid (provided such Taxes are in fact paid) by any Parent Holdco by virtue of its:
(i) | being incorporated or otherwise being established or having Capital Stock outstanding (but not by virtue of owning stock or other equity interests of any corporation or other entity other than, directly or indirectly, the Parent or any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries); |
(ii) | being a holding company parent, directly or indirectly, of the Parent or any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries; |
(iii) | receiving dividends from or other distributions in respect of the Capital Stock of, directly or indirectly, the Parent or any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries; or |
(iv) | having made any payment with respect to any of the items for which the Parent is permitted to make payments to any Parent Holdco pursuant to Section 4.02. |
“Replacement Assets” means non-current properties and assets that replace the properties and assets that were the subject of an Asset Disposition or non-current properties and assets that will be used in the Parent’s business or in that of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any and all businesses that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors or any Officer of the Parent are reasonably related, in each case subject to the provisions of Section 11.05(a)(3).
“Representative” means any trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Indebtedness or the provider of Indebtedness (if provided on a bilateral basis), as the case may be.
“Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the applicable corporate trust services department of the Trustee, including any director, assistant director, trust manager, deputy trust manager, assistant trust manager, senior trust officer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
-37-
corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Restricted Investment” means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Person” means any Person that: (a) is listed on the United States Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List; the European Union Consolidated List of Persons, Groups and Entities subject to EU Financial Sanctions; or the United Kingdom Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets (each a “Sanctions List”); (b) is owned or controlled by a Person identified on a Sanctions List, to the extent that such ownership or control results in such Person being subject to the same restrictions as if such person were themselves identified on the corresponding Sanctions List; (c) is located in or incorporated under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United States, which for the purposes of this Indenture, as of the Issue Date are Iran, Syria, Cuba, the Crimea Region, and North Korea; (d) has, within the last five years, been prosecuted by a relevant authority in the United States, the United Kingdom or any member state of the European Union, in relation to a breach of securities laws (in so far as such prosecution relates to insider dealing, unlawful disclosure, market manipulation or prospectus liability) or criminal laws relating to fraud or anti- corruption, except for instances where the prosecution has concluded and did not result in any criminal or civil settlement or penalty being imposed in relation to such breaches; or (e) is a Subsidiary of a person described in (d) above.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Parent.
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings (formerly Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services) or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Securitization Assets” means any accounts receivable that are or will be subject to a Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Fees” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other commissions, discounts, charges or fees paid to a Person that is not the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Repurchase Obligation” means any obligation of a seller of Securitization Assets in a Qualified Securitization Financing to repurchase Securitization Assets arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a receivable or a portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off- set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.
-38-
“Security Agent” means GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, as security agent pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, or any successor or replacement security agent acting in such capacity.
“Security Documents” means each collateral pledge agreement or other document under which Collateral is pledged to secure the Notes.
“Spain” means the Kingdom of Spain;
“Spanish Civil Code” means the Spanish Civil Code published by virtue of the Royal Decree of 24 July 1889 (Real Decreto de 24 de Julio de 1889 por el que se publica el Código Civil), as amended from time to time;
“Spanish Civil Procedural Act” means the Spanish Law 1/2000 of 7 January on Civil Procedure (Ley 1/2000, de 7 de enero, de Enjuiciamiento Civil), as amended from time to time;
“Spanish Guarantor” means any Guarantor incorporated under the laws of Spain;
“Spanish Insolvency Act” means the Spanish Royal Legislative Decree 1/2020 dated 5 May 2020 approving the restated text of the Spanish Insolvency Act (Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2020, de 5 de mayo, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley Concursal), as amended from time to time;
“Spanish Public Document” means a documento público, being either an escritura pública or a póliza o efecto intervenido por fedatario público;
“Senior Note Obligations” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that meets any of the following conditions:
(1) | the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to the Restricted Subsidiary exceed 10% of the total assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; |
(2) | the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the Restricted Subsidiary exceeds 10% of the total assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or |
(3) | the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Restricted Subsidiary exceeds 10% of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed fiscal year. |
-39-
“Similar Business” means (a) any businesses, services or activities engaged in by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any Associates on the Issue Date and (b) any businesses, services and activities that are related, complementary, incidental, ancillary or similar to any of the foregoing or are extensions or developments of any thereof.
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision, but shall not include any Contingent Obligations, including those described Section 4.14 and Section 4.05, to repay, redeem or repurchase any such principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to any person, except for the Stub Notes, Government Loans and an ABL Facility,
(1)any Indebtedness (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and any Note Guarantee and the Super Senior Notes and the guarantees of the Super Senior Notes pursuant to a written agreement;
(2)for purposes of Section 4.02, any Indebtedness for borrowed money that is secured solely by a Lien that ranks junior to any Liens securing the Notes and the Note Guarantees and the Super Senior Notes and the guarantees of the Super Senior Notes; and
(3) | for purposes of Section 4.02, any unsecured Indebtedness for borrowed money. |
“Subordinated Shareholder Funding” means, any indebtedness that satisfies all of the following conditions: (1) it is provided by a shareholder of the Parent to the Parent (and not to any Restricted Subsidiary), (2) it is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes by being designated as “Subordinated Liabilities” under the Intercreditor Agreement, (3) it is unsecured and does not benefit from any guarantees from the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (4) it does not accrue interest payable in cash and (5) it provides that no repayment of principal may be made in cash until at least six months after the final maturity date of the Notes.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) | any corporation, other body corporate, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or |
(2) | any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which: |
-40-
(i) | more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise; and |
(ii) | such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity. |
“Successor Parent” with respect to any Person means any other Person with more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of which is, at the time the first Person becomes a Subsidiary of such other Person, “beneficially owned” (as defined below) by one or more Persons that “beneficially owned” (as defined below) more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the first Person immediately prior to the first Person becoming a Subsidiary of such other Person. For purposes hereof, “beneficially own” has the meaning correlative to the term “beneficial owner”, as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (as in effect on the Issue Date).
“Tax Sharing Agreement” means any tax sharing or profit and loss pooling or similar agreement with customary or arm’s-length terms entered into with any Parent Holdco or its Subsidiary, as the same may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and of this Indenture.
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, duties and withholdings and any similar charges in the nature of a tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) that are imposed by any government or other taxing authority.
“Temporary Cash Investments” means any of the following:
(1) | any investment in: |
(a) | direct obligations of, or obligations Guaranteed by, (i) the United States of America or Canada, (ii) a Permissible Jurisdiction, (iii) Switzerland or Norway, (iv) any country in whose currency funds are being held specifically pending application in the making of an investment or capital expenditure by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary in that country with such funds or (v) any agency or instrumentality of any such country or member state; or |
(b) | direct obligations of any country recognized by the United States of America rated at least “A” by S&P or “A-2” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization); |
-41-
(2) | overnight bank deposits, and investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and money market deposits (or, with respect to foreign banks, similar instruments) maturing not more than one year after the date of acquisition thereof issued by: |
(a) | any lender under an ABL Facility; |
(b) | any institution authorized to operate as a bank in any of the countries or member states referred to in sub-clause (1)(a) above; or |
(c) | any bank or trust company organized under the laws of any such country or member state or any political subdivision thereof, |
in each case, having capital and surplus aggregating in excess of $250 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and whose long-term debt is rated at least “A” by S&P or “A-2” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) at the time such Investment is made;
(3) | repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (1) or (2) above entered into with a Person meeting the qualifications described in clause (2) above; |
(4) | Investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 270 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a Person (other than the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries), with a rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of “P-2” (or higher) according to Moody’s or “A-2” (or higher) according to S&P (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization); |
(5) | Investments in securities maturing not more than one year after the date of acquisition issued or fully Guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction or Switzerland, Norway or by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth, territory, country or member state, and rated at least “BBB-” by S&P or “Baa3” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization); |
(6) | bills of exchange issued in the United States, Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland, Norway or Japan eligible for rediscount at the relevant central bank and accepted by a bank (or any dematerialized equivalent); |
-42-
(7) | any money market deposit accounts issued or offered by a commercial bank organized under the laws of a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, in each case, having capital and surplus in excess of $250 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) or whose long term debt is rated at least “A” by S&P or “A2” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) at the time such Investment is made; |
(8) | investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the type described in clauses (1) through (7) above (which funds may also hold reasonable amounts of cash pending investment or distribution); and |
(9) | investments in money market funds complying with the risk limiting conditions of Rule 2a-7 (or any successor rule) of the SEC under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. |
“Transaction” has the meaning given to it under the Lock-Up Agreement.
“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
“Tyrus” means Tyrus Capital Event S.à r.l. and any of its Affiliates and/or Related Funds.
“Uniform Commercial Code” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code.
“United States” and “U.S.” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
“Voting Stock” of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors.
Section 1.02. Other Definitions.
Term |
| Defined in Section |
“Additional Amounts” | | 4.13(a) |
“Additional Intercreditor Agreement” | | 4.11(a) |
“Additional Notes” | | Preamble |
“Affiliate Transaction” | | 4.06(a) |
“Agent Members” | | Exhibit A |
“Asset Disposition Offer” | | 4.05(c) |
“Asset Disposition Offer Amount” | | 4.05(g) |
“Asset Disposition Offer Period” | | 4.05(g) |
“Asset Disposition Purchase Date” | | 4.05(g) |
“Authenticating Agent” | | 2.03 |
-43-
“Authentication Order” | | 2.03 |
“Authorized Agent” | | 12.08 |
“Calculation Date” | | 1.01 |
“Change of Control Offer” | | 4.14(b) |
“Change of Control Payment” | | 4.14(b)(i) |
“Change of Control Payment Date” | | 4.14(b)(ii) |
“Code” | | 4.13(a)(ii) |
“Common Depositary” | | Exhibit A |
“Controlling Shareholder” | | 1.01 |
“covenant defeasance option” | | 8.01(b) |
“cross acceleration provision” | | 6.01(d)(ii) |
“defeasance trust” | | 8.02(i) |
“Definitive Registered Note” | | Exhibit A |
“Event of Default” | | 6.01 |
“Excess Proceeds” | | 4.05(c) |
“Excluded Amounts” | | 4.02(b) |
“Global Notes” | | Exhibit A |
“Global Notes Legend” | | Exhibit A |
“Guarantor Coverage Test” | | 4.07(a) |
“IAI Global Notes” | | Exhibit A |
“Initial Agreement” | | 4.04(b)(iii) |
“Initial Default” | | 6.02 |
“Initial Lien” | | 4.03 |
“Initial Notes” | | Preamble |
“Institutional Accredited Investor” | | Exhibit A |
“judgment default provision” | | 6.01(f) |
“legal defeasance option” | | 8.01(b) |
“Notes” | | Preamble |
“payment default” | | 6.01(d)(i) |
“Payor” | | 4.13(a) |
“Permitted Debt” | | 4.01(b) |
“Permitted Payments” | | 4.02(d) |
“protected purchaser” | | 2.08 |
“QIB” | | Exhibit A |
“Registrar” | | 2.04(i) |
“Regulation D” | | Exhibit A |
“Regulation S” | | Exhibit A |
“Regulation S Global Notes” | | Exhibit A |
“Regulation S Notes” | | Exhibit A |
“Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction” | | 4.13(a)(ii) |
“Restricted Global Notes” | | Exhibit A |
“Restricted Notes Legend” | | Exhibit A |
“Restricted Payment” | | 4.02(a) |
“Reversion Date” | | 4.10 |
“Rule 144A” | | Exhibit A |
“Rule 144A Notes” | | Exhibit A |
-44-
“Sanctions List” | | 1.01 |
“Securities Act” | | Exhibit A |
“Successor Company” | | 5.01(a)(i) |
“Suspension Event” | | 4.10 |
“Transfer Agent” | | Preamble |
“Transfer Restricted Notes” | | Exhibit A |
“Trustee” | | Preamble |
“US GAAP” | | 1.01 |
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:
(i) | a term has the meaning assigned to it; |
(ii)an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with IFRS as of the Issue Date;
(iii) | “or” is not exclusive; |
(iv) | “including” means including without limitation; |
(v)words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular; and
(vi)this Indenture is not qualified under, does not incorporate by reference and does not include, and is not subject to, any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act.
(vii)Where it relates to a Spanish Guarantor, or to Spanish law, a reference in this Agreement to:
(1)“insolvency” (concurso) or “insolvency proceeding” (procedimiento concursal) and any step or proceeding relating to it has the meaning attributed to them under the Spanish Insolvency Act, including a declaración de concurso con independecia de su carácter necesario o voluntario, any notice to a competent court pursuant to articles 583 or 631 of the Spanish Insolvency Act and its solicitud de inicio de procedimiento de concurso, auto de declaración de concurso, any judicial or out-of-court composition agreement (convenio de acreedores or propuesta anticipada de convenio), any workout homologation petition (solicitud de homologación de un acuerdo de refinanciación), any refinancing agreement (acuerdo de refinanciación) or an out-of-court payment agreement (acuerdo extrajudicial de pagos). A person being unable to pay its debts includes that person being in a state of insolvencia or in concurso according to Spanish Insolvency Act;
(2)“control” has the meaning stated under article 42 of the Spanish Commercial Code;
(3)“winding up”, “administration” or “dissolution” includes, without limitation, disolución, liquidación and procedimiento concursal;
-45-
(4)a “receiver”, “administrative receiver”, “administrator” or the like includes, without limitation, administración concursal or a liquidador or any other person performing the same function;
(5)a “composition”, “compromise”, “assignment” or “arrangement” with any creditor includes, without limitation, the execution of a convenio de acreedores within the context of a concurso or any agreement under Title II or Title III of the Second Book of the Spanish Insolvency Act;
(6)a “matured obligation” includes, without limitation, any importe or crédito vencido, líquido y exigible;
(7)“trustee”, “fiduciary” and “fiduciary duty” has in each case the meaning given to such term under any applicable law;
(8)“set-off” would include to the extent legally possible the rights to compensate under Spanish Royal Decree 5/2005;
(9)a “security” includes any mortgage (hipoteca), pledge (prenda) (with or without transfer of possession), financial collateral agreement (garantía financiera pignoraticia) and, in general, any in rem security right governed by Spanish law;
(10)a “guarantee” includes any accessory personal guarantee (fianza), performance bond (aval), joint and several guarantee (garantía solidaria) and first demand guarantee (garantía a primer requerimiento); and
(11) | “wilful misconduct” means dolo. |
ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
Section 2.01. Issuable in Series.
(a)The Notes may be issued in one or more series. All Notes of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination.
With respect to any Additional Notes issued after the Issue Date (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of, transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes pursuant to Section 2.08, Section 2.10, Section 2.11 or Section 3.06 or Exhibit A), there shall be (a) established in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuers and (b) (i) set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuers and (ii) established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of such Additional Notes:
-46-
(1)whether such Additional Notes shall be issued as part of a new or existing series of Notes and the title of such Additional Notes (which shall distinguish the Additional Notes of the series from Notes of any other series);
(2)the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of, transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes of the same series pursuant to Section 2.08, Section 2.10, Section 2.11 or Section 3.06 or Exhibit A and except for Notes which, pursuant to Section 2.06, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3)the issue price and issuance date of such Additional Notes, including the date from which interest on such Additional Notes shall accrue; and
(4)if applicable, that such Additional Notes shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Notes and, in such case, the Common Depositary or its nominees for such Global Notes, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by such Global Notes in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Exhibit A hereto and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 2.3 of Exhibit A in which any such Global Note may be exchanged in whole or in part for Additional Notes registered, or any transfer of such Global Note in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Common Depositary or its nominees for such Global Note or a nominee thereof.
(b)If any of the terms of any Additional Notes are established by action taken pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by an Officer’s Certificate and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate of the Issuers or this Indenture supplemental hereto setting forth the terms of the Additional Notes.
(c)This Indenture is unlimited in aggregate principal amount. The Issuers may, subject to applicable law and this Indenture, issue an unlimited principal amount of Additional Notes; provided, that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes issued as of the date of this Indenture for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Additional Notes will be issued with separate ISIN or Common Code numbers from such series of Notes. The Notes and, if issued, any related Additional Notes will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase, except with respect to right of payment and optional redemption, as the relevant amendment, waiver, consent, modification or similar action affects the rights of the Holders of the different series of Notes dissimilarly or as otherwise provided for herein. For the purposes of calculating the aggregate principal amount of Notes that have consented to or voted in favor of any amendment, waiver, consent, modification or other similar action, the Issuers (acting reasonably and in good faith) shall be entitled to select a record date as of which the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of any Notes shall be calculated in such consent or voting process.
Section 2.02. Form and Dating. Provisions relating to the Notes are set forth in Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The (a)
-47-
Notes and the Trustee’s or the Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication (as the case may be) and (b) any related Additional Notes (if issued as Transfer Restricted Notes) and the Trustee’s or the Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication (as the case may be) shall each be substantially in the form included in Exhibit A-1, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. Any Additional Notes issued other than as Transfer Restricted Notes and the Trustee’s or the Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication (as the case may be) shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 (without the Restricted Notes Legend), which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made part of this Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Issuers are subject, if any, or usage; provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Issuers, the Paying Agent and the Trustee. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without interest coupons and only in minimum denominations of $150,000 and whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
Section 2.03. Execution and Authentication. An Officer of each Issuer shall sign the Notes for the Issuers by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent (as the case may be) authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.
A Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent (as the case may be) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Note. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Note shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Issuers, the Issuers shall deliver such Note to the Trustee for cancellation as provided for in Section 2.11.
The Trustee or the Authenticating Agent (as the case may be) shall authenticate and make available for delivery Notes as set forth in Exhibit A following receipt of an authentication order signed by an Officer of each of the Issuers directing the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent to authenticate such Notes (the “Authentication Order”).
The Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents (each, an “Authenticating Agent”) to authenticate the Notes. The term “Authenticating Agent” includes any successor of any Authenticating Agent appointed hereunder and any additional Authenticating Agent appointed hereunder. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, the Authenticating Agent may authenticate the Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. The Authenticating Agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or any other Agent to deal with the Issuers or an Affiliate of an Issuer.
The Trustee or Authenticating Agent shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Notes under this Section 2.03 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines
-48-
that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee or Authenticating Agent in good faith shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee or Authenticating Agent to personal liability to existing Holders.
Section 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent.
(i)The Issuers will maintain one or more Paying Agents for the Notes. The initial Paying Agent will be Global Loan Agency Services Limited (the “Paying Agent”). The Issuers will also maintain one or more registrars (each, a “Registrar”) and a transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”). The initial Registrar and Transfer Agent will be GLAS Americas LLC. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations, the Registrar shall keep a register (the “Register”) reflecting ownership of the Notes outstanding from time to time and of their transfer and exchange. Global Loan Agency Services Limited, in its capacity as Paying Agent, and GLAS Americas LLC in its capacity as Registrar and Transfer Agent, hereby accept such appointment.
(ii)The Issuers shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. Such agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Issuers fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee may act, or may arrange for appropriate parties to act, as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.06. Each Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or Registrar in respect of the Notes.
(iii)The Issuers may change any Registrar, Paying Agent or Transfer Agent upon written notice to such Registrar, Paying Agent or Transfer Agent and to the Trustee, without prior notice to the Holders; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) acceptance of an appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuers and such successor Registrar, Paying Agent, or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall, to the extent that the Trustee determines that it is able and agrees to, serve as Registrar or Paying Agent or Transfer Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar, any Paying Agent or the Transfer Agent may resign by providing 30 days’ written notice to the Issuers and the Trustee. If a successor Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, resigns or is removed the retiring Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, may (after consulting with the Issuers) appoint a successor Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent, as applicable, at any time prior to the date on which a successor Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent takes office; provided that such appointment is reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers. If the successor Agent does not deliver its written acceptance within 30 days after the retiring Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Agent, the Issuers or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this
-49-
Indenture may, at the expense of the Issuers, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Agent. In addition, for so long as Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, the Issuers will publish notice of any change of Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times). Such notice of the change in a Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent may also be published on the official website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in a daily newspaper, to the extent and in the manner permitted by the rules of the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.
Section 2.05. Paying Agent. No later than 11:00 a.m. London time on each Business Day prior to the due date of the principal of, interest and premium (if any) on any Note, the Issuers shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or if an Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto) a sum in immediately available funds sufficient to pay such principal, interest and premium (if any) when so becoming due and, subject to receipt of such monies, the Paying Agent shall make payment on the Notes in accordance with this Indenture. The Paying Agent other than the Trustee, or an Affiliate of the Trustee, will hold for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuers in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Money held by a Paying Agent need not be segregated, except as required by law, and in no event shall any Paying Agent be liable for any money received by it hereunder. If an Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund. The Issuers at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee or such entity designated by the Trustee for this purpose and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section 2.05, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, the Paying Agent and the Trustee shall be held harmless and have no liability with respect to payments or disbursements to be made by the Paying Agent and Trustee (i) for which payment instructions are not made or that are not otherwise deposited by the respective times set forth in this Section 2.05, (ii) and until they have confirmed receipt of funds sufficient to make the relevant payment.
Section 2.06. Holder Lists. The Registrar shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders. Following the exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes for Definitive Registered Notes, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee, the Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent in writing at least five Business Days before each interest payment date, and at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably require, the names and addresses of Holders of such Definitive Registered Notes.
Neither the Trustee, the Agents nor any of their agents will have any responsibility or be liable for any aspect of the records in relation to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
-50-
Section 2.07. Transfer and Exchange. The Notes shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of transfer and in compliance with Exhibit A. When a Note is presented to the Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, shall register the transfer as requested if its requirements therefor are met. When Notes are presented to the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met. To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate Notes at the request of the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be. The Issuers, Registrar and Transfer Agent may require payment of a sum sufficient to pay all taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section 2.07. The Issuers are not required to register the transfer or exchange of any Notes (i) for a period of 15 days prior to any date fixed for the redemption of the Notes, (ii) for a period of 15 days immediately prior to the date fixed for selection of Notes to be redeemed in part (iii) for a period of 15 days prior to the record date with respect to any interest payment date, or (iv) which the Holder has tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase in connection with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Disposition Offer.
Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuers, the Trustee, each Agent, the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent and the Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and (subject to Section 2 of the Notes) interest, if any, on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuers, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
Any Holder of a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note, agree that transfers of beneficial interest in such Global Note may be effected only through a book-entry system maintained by (a) the Holder of such Global Note (or its agent) or (b) any Holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book-entry.
All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
Section 2.08. Replacement Notes. If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate a replacement Note, such that the Holder (a) notifies the Issuers or the Trustee within a reasonable time after such Holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar does not register a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuers or the Trustee prior to the Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the Uniform Commercial Code (a “protected purchaser”) and (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee. If required by the Trustee, each Agent or the Issuers, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond
-51-
sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuers to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, the Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent and the Registrar from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuers and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Note including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel.
In the event any such mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuers in their discretion may pay such Note instead of issuing a new Note in replacement thereof.
Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Issuers.
The provisions of this Section 2.08 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Notes.
Section 2.09. Outstanding Notes. Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes authenticated by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent except for those canceled by either of them, those delivered to either of them for cancellation and those described in this Section 2.09 as not outstanding. Subject to Section 12.04, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because an Issuer or an Affiliate of an Issuer holds the Note.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuers receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
If the Paying Agent receives (or an Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary is acting as Paying Agent and such Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust) in accordance with this Indenture, by 11:00 a.m. London time on each redemption date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal and interest and premium, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such amount to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.
Section 2.10. Temporary Notes. In the event that Definitive Registered Notes are to be issued under the terms of this Indenture, until such Definitive Registered Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuers may prepare and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of Definitive Registered Notes but may have variations that the Issuers consider appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuers shall prepare and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate Definitive Registered Notes and deliver them in exchange for temporary Notes upon surrender of such temporary Notes at the office or agency of the Issuers, without charge to the Holder.
Section 2.11. Cancellation. The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Registrar for cancellation. The Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and the Trustee shall forward to the Registrar any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Registrar or the Paying Agent (or an agent authorized by the Registrar) and no one else shall cancel
-52-
all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures or deliver canceled Notes to the Issuers pursuant to written direction by an Officer of an Issuer. Certification of the destruction of all canceled Notes shall be delivered to the Issuers. The Issuers may not issue new Notes to replace Notes they redeemed or delivered to the Registrar for cancellation. If an Issuer shall acquire any of the Notes, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Indebtedness represented by such Notes, unless and until the same are surrendered to the Registrar for cancellation pursuant to this Section 2.11. Neither the Trustee nor the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate Notes in place of canceled Notes other than pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
Section 2.12. Common Code or ISIN Numbers. The Issuers in issuing the Notes may use Common Code or ISIN numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee and Agents shall use Common Code or ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuers will promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of any change in the Common Code or ISIN numbers.
Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest. If the Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, they will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.12 hereof. The Issuers will notify the Trustee as soon as practicable in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Issuers will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuers (or, upon the written request of the Issuers, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuers) will mail or deliver or cause to be mailed or delivered to the Holders in accordance with Section 12.01 a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid. The Issuers undertake to promptly inform Euronext Dublin (for so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market thereof) of any such special record date.
Section 2.14. Currency. The U.S. dollar is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuers and the Guarantors under or in connection with this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees, including damages. Any amount received or recovered in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, whether as a result of, or the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the winding-up or dissolution of an Issuer, any Guarantor or otherwise by any Holder or by the Trustee, in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuers or a Guarantor will only constitute a discharge to the Issuers or such Guarantor, as applicable, to the extent of the U.S. dollar amount which the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so).
-53-
If that U.S. dollar amount is less than the U.S. dollar amount expressed to be due to the recipient or the Trustee under any Note, Note Guarantee, or this Indenture, the Issuers and the Guarantors will indemnify them against any loss sustained by such recipient or the Trustee as a result. In any event, the Issuers and the Guarantors will indemnify the recipient or the Trustee on a joint and several basis against the cost of making any such purchase. For the purposes of this Section 2.14, it will be prima facie evidence of the matter stated therein for the Holder of a Note or the Trustee to certify in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers (indicating the sources of information used) the loss it Incurred in making any such purchase. These indemnities constitute a separate and independent obligation from the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ other obligations, will give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any waiver granted by any Holder of a Note or the Trustee (other than a waiver of the indemnities set out herein) and will continue in full force and effect despite any other judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under any Note or any Note Guarantee, or to the Trustee.
Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction herein, the Dollar Equivalent amount for purposes hereof that is denominated in a non-U.S. dollar currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such non-U.S. dollar amount is Incurred or made, as the case may be.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
Section 3.01. Notices to Trustee and Paying Agents. If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 5 or Section 6 of the Notes, it shall notify, at least three Business Days before the publication, mailing or delivery of the notice of such redemption, the Trustee, the Registrar and the Paying Agent of the redemption date and the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the section of the Note pursuant to which the redemption will occur.
The Issuers shall give each notice to the Trustee, Registrar and the Paying Agent provided for in this Article III at least 10 days, but not more than 60 days, before the redemption date. In the case of a redemption pursuant to Section 5 of the Notes, such notice shall be accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers setting forth: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the ISIN, common code, CUSIP or other securities identification number of the Notes to be redeemed; (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed; (iv) the redemption price; (v) the paragraph of the Notes pursuant to which the redemption will occur and (vi) that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein.
In the case of a redemption pursuant to Section 6 of the Notes, at least three Business Days prior to the publication, mailing or delivery of any notice of redemption of Notes pursuant to the foregoing, the Issuers will deliver to the Trustee (a) an Officer’s Certificate stating that they are entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to their right so to redeem have been satisfied and (b) an opinion of an independent tax counsel of recognized standing to the effect that the Issuers have been or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law. The Trustee
-54-
will accept and shall be entitled to rely on such Officer’s Certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the conditions precedent described above, without further inquiry, in which event it will be conclusive and binding on the Holders. Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to notice of such redemption being published, mailed or delivered to any Holder and shall thereby be void and of no effect.
Section 3.02. Selection of Notes To Be Redeemed or Repurchased. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Paying Agent or the Registrar will select Notes for redemption in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed, and in compliance with the applicable procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream, or if the Notes are not so listed or such exchange prescribes no method of selection and the Notes are not held through Euroclear or Clearstream, or Euroclear or Clearstream prescribe no method of selection, on a pro rata basis; provided, however, that no Definitive Registered Note of $150,000 in aggregate principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part and only Notes in integral multiples of $1,000 will be redeemed. None of the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Registrar will be liable for any selections made in accordance with this Section 3.02.
Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption. Subject to Section 3.03(ii) below, not less than 10 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Notes, the Issuers shall transmit to each Holder (with a copy to the Trustee and Registrar) a notice of redemption in accordance with Section 12.01; provided, however, that any notice of redemption provided for by Section 6 of the Notes shall not be given (a) earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make a payment of Additional Amounts and (b) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. In addition, for so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, the Issuers shall publish notice of redemption in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be the Irish Times) and in addition to such publication, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, mail such notice to Holders by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at their respective addresses as they appear on the registration books of the Registrar. While in global form, notices to Holders may be delivered via Euroclear or Clearstream in lieu of notice via registered mail. Such notice of redemption may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in The Irish Times so long as the rules of the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin are complied with.
(i) | The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state: |
A. | the redemption date and the record date; |
B.the redemption price, and, if applicable, the appropriate calculation of such redemption price and the amount of accrued interest to the redemption date;
C. | the name and address of the Paying Agent; |
D.that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
-55-
E.if fewer than all the outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the certificate numbers and principal amounts of the particular Notes to be redeemed;
F.that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, interest on Notes (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
G.the Common Code or ISIN numbers, as applicable, if any, printed on the Notes being redeemed;
H.the paragraph of the Notes or section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes are being redeemed; and
I.that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the Common Code or ISIN numbers, as applicable, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.
(ii)At the Issuers’ written request, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at the Issuers’ expense. In such event, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent, with a copy to the Trustee, at least 5 Business Days prior to the date on which notice of redemption is to be delivered to the Holders (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Trustee), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and the information required and within the time periods specified by this Section.
Section 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is delivered, Notes called for redemption cease to accrue interest, and become due and payable, on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice; provided, however, that any redemption notice given in respect of the redemption referred to in Section 5 of the Notes may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent. If such redemption or notice is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuers’ discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed; provided that in no case shall the notice have been delivered less than 10 days or more than 60 days prior to the date on which such redemption (if any) occurs. In addition, the Issuers may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuers’ obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, the Notes shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date; provided, however, that if the redemption date is after a regular record date and on or prior to the interest payment date, the accrued interest shall be payable to the Holder of the redeemed Notes registered on the relevant record date. Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.
-56-
Section 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. No later than 11:00 a.m. London time on the Business Day prior to each redemption date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if an Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money in immediately available funds (denominated in U.S. dollars) sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued interest on all Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption that have been delivered by the Issuers to the Registrar for cancellation. On and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuers have deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on, the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture, unless the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture. For the avoidance of doubt, the Paying Agent and the Trustee shall be held harmless and have no liability with respect to payments or disbursements to be made by the Paying Agent and Trustee (i) for which payment instructions are not made or that are not otherwise deposited by the respective times set forth in this Section 3.05, and (ii) until they have confirmed receipt of funds sufficient to make the relevant payment. If the Issuers elect to redeem the Notes or portions thereof and request the Trustee to distribute to the Holders of the Notes any amounts deposited in trust (which, for the avoidance of doubt, will include accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date fixed for redemption) prior to the date fixed for redemption in accordance with Section 8.01, the applicable redemption notice will state that Holders of the Notes will receive such amounts deposited in trust prior to the date fixed for redemption and the relevant payment date.
Section 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part. Subject to the terms hereof, upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order from the Issuers, authenticate for the Holder (at the Issuers’ expense) a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.01. Limitation on Indebtedness.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness); provided, however, that an Issuer and any Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) if on the date of such Incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma application of the proceeds thereof), the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0 and the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been at least 3.0 to 1.0.
(b)Section 4.01(a) will not prohibit the Incurrence of the following Indebtedness (“Permitted Debt”):
-57-
(i)Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to any Credit Facility (including in respect of letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued or created thereunder), and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and Guarantees in respect of such Indebtedness in a maximum aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $100.0 million; plus in the case of any refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted under this Section 4.01(b)(i) or any portion thereof, the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors or an Issuer pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(i) shall not exceed $10.0 million at any time;
(ii)A. Guarantees by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor or guarantees by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor of Indebtedness of any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under the terms of this Indenture, provided, that if such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee, then such guarantees shall also be subordinated to the Note or such Note Guarantee on the same basis; or
B. without limiting the provisions of Section 4.03, Indebtedness arising by reason of any Lien granted by or applicable to any Person securing Indebtedness of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under the terms of this Indenture;
(iii)Indebtedness of the Parent owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that:
A.in the case of Indebtedness of the Parent, an Issuer or a Guarantor owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (or an Issuer) (except in respect of intercompany current liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with cash management positions of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries), such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations with respect to the Notes, in the case of an Issuer, and the respective Note Guarantee, in the case of a Guarantor; and
B.(i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Indebtedness being beneficially held by a Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary; and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this Section 4.01(b)(iii) by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be;
-58-
(iv)(A) Indebtedness represented by the Notes (other than any Additional Notes) issued on the Issue Date and the related Note Guarantees, (B) Indebtedness represented by the Super Senior Notes and the guarantees of the Super Senior Notes outstanding on the Issue Date, (C) any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in Section 4.01(b)(iii)) outstanding on the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transaction, consisting of the Indebtedness listed on Schedule 1 to the Indenture, including the Stub Notes, (D) Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect of any Indebtedness described in this Section 4.01(b)(iv) (other than clause (iv)(E)) or Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(a), (E) Management Advances and (F) any loan or other instrument contributing the proceeds of the Notes, the Stub Notes and/or the Super Senior Notes;
(v) | [Reserved]; |
(vi)Indebtedness under Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and Commodity Hedging Agreements not for speculative purposes (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent);
(vii)Indebtedness consisting of (A) Capitalized Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, Purchase Money Obligations or other financings, Incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in a Similar Business or (B) Indebtedness otherwise Incurred to finance the purchase, lease, rental or cost of design, construction, installation or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets, and any Indebtedness which refinances, replaces or refunds such Indebtedness, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(vii) and then outstanding, will not exceed at any time outstanding the greater of (i) $15.0 million and (ii) 1.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets;
(viii)Indebtedness in respect of (A) workers’ compensation claims, self- insurance obligations, performance, indemnity, surety, judgment, appeal, advance payment, customs, VAT or other tax or other guarantees or other similar bonds, instruments or obligations and completion guarantees and warranties provided by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or relating to liabilities, obligations or guarantees Incurred in the ordinary course of business or in respect of any governmental requirement, (B) letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, guarantees or other similar instruments or obligations issued or relating to liabilities or obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business or in respect of any governmental requirement; provided, however, that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or other similar instruments, the obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing, (C) the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business and (D) any customary treasury or cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit card processing, credit or debit card, purchase card, electronic funds transfer, the collection of checks and
-59-
direct debits, cash pooling and other cash management arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(ix)Indebtedness arising from agreements providing for customary guarantees, indemnification, obligations in respect of earn-outs or other adjustments of purchase price or, in each case, similar obligations, in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business or assets or Person or any Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any Person acquiring or disposing of such business or assets or such Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition or disposition); provided that, in the case of a disposition, the maximum liability of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds, including the fair market value of non-cash proceeds (measured at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value), actually received by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;
(x)(A) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within 30 Business Days of Incurrence;
(B)customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods or services purchased in the ordinary course of business;
(C)Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis of no longer than 30 days to banks and other financial institutions Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(D)Indebtedness Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management of bad debt purposes, in each case Incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business;
(xi)Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(xi) and then outstanding, will not exceed $25.0 million;
(xii)Indebtedness under daylight borrowing facilities Incurred in connection with any refinancing of Indebtedness (including by way of set-off or
-60-
exchange) so long as any such Indebtedness is repaid within three days of the date on which such Indebtedness is Incurred;
(xiii)Indebtedness Incurred under (i) the Existing A/R Facility, (ii) any Qualified Securitization Financing that refinances or replaces the Existing A/R Facility and (iii) any other Qualified Securitization Financing, for this clause (iii), in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25.0 million at any one time; and
(xiv)Indebtedness in respect of any letters of credit, indemnities, guarantees or other undertakings in connection with environmental assurances, reclamation or rehabilitation operations.
(c) | [Reserved]. |
(d)For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding principal amount of any particular Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to and in compliance with, this Section 4.01:
(i)in the event that Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in Section 4.01(a) and Section 4.01(b), the Parent, in its sole discretion, will classify, and may from time to time reclassify, such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the clauses under Section 4.01(a) and Section 4.01(b);
(ii) | [Reserved]; |
(iii)Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments or any similar “parallel debt” obligations relating to, or Liens securing, Indebtedness that is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included;
(iv)if obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments are Incurred pursuant to any Credit Facility and are being treated as Incurred pursuant to clause (i), (vii) or (xi) of Section 4.01(b) or Section 4.01(a) and the letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments relate to other Indebtedness, then such other Indebtedness shall not be included;
(v)the principal amount of any Disqualified Stock of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, will be equal to the greater of the maximum mandatory redemption or repurchase price (not including, in either case, any redemption or repurchase premium) or the liquidation preference thereof;
(vi)Indebtedness permitted by this Section 4.01 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this Section 4.01 permitting such Indebtedness; and
-61-
(vii)the amount of Indebtedness issued at a price that is less than the principal amount thereof will be equal to the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined on the basis of IFRS.
(e)Accrual of interest, accrual of dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness, the payment of dividends in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock or the reclassification of commitments or obligations not treated as Indebtedness due to a change in IFRS will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 4.01. Except as otherwise specified, the amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (a) the accreted value thereof in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount and (b) the principal amount, or liquidation preference thereof, in the case of any other Indebtedness.
(f) | [Reserved]. |
(g)For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in another currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term Indebtedness, or, at the option of the Parent, first committed, in the case of Indebtedness Incurred under a revolving credit facility; provided that (a) if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar- denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the amount set forth in clause (2) of the definition of Refinancing Indebtedness; (b) the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of any such Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the Issue Date; and (c) if any such Indebtedness that is denominated in a different currency is subject to a Currency Agreement (with respect to the U.S. dollar) covering principal amounts payable on such Indebtedness, the amount of such Indebtedness expressed in U.S. dollars will be adjusted to take into account the effect of such agreement.
(h)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.01, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary may Incur pursuant to this Section 4.01 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.
(i)Neither an Issuer nor any Guarantor will Incur any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment
-62-
to any other Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor solely by virtue of being unguaranteed or unsecured or by virtue of being secured with different collateral or by virtue of being secured on a junior priority basis or by virtue of the application of waterfall or other payment ordering provisions affecting different tranches of Indebtedness.
Section 4.02. Limitation on Restricted Payments.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to:
(i)declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on or in respect of the Parent’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) except:
A.dividends or distributions payable in Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Capital Stock of the Parent; and
B.dividends or distributions payable to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary (and, in the case of any such Restricted Subsidiary making such dividend or distribution, to holders of its Capital Stock other than the Parent or another Restricted Subsidiary on no more than a pro rata basis, measured by value);
(ii)purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Capital Stock of the Parent or any direct or indirect Parent Holdco held by Persons other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than in exchange for Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock));
(iii)make any principal payment on, or purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than (a) any such payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement or in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case, due within one year of the date of payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement and (b) any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(iii));
(iv)make any payment in cash on, or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for cash, any Subordinated Shareholder Funding; or
(v) | make any Restricted Investment in any Person, |
-63-
(any such dividend, distribution, payment, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement or Restricted Investment referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of this Section 4.02(a) are referred to herein as a “Restricted Payment”).
(b)The fair market value of property or assets other than cash covered by Section 4.02(a) shall be the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by an Officer of the Parent, or, if such fair market value exceeds the greater of (i) $10.0 million and (ii) 1.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, by the Board of Directors.
(c)The foregoing provisions will not prohibit any of the following (collectively, “Permitted Payments”):
(i)any Restricted Payment made by exchange (including any such exchange pursuant to the exercise of a conversion right or privilege in connection with which cash is paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares) for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Parent) of, Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock or an Excluded Contribution) or a substantially concurrent contribution to the equity (other than through the issuance of Disqualified Stock or through an Excluded Contribution) of the Parent;
(ii)any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01;
(iii)any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Preferred Stock of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Preferred Stock of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01, and that in each case, constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness;
(iv)any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness:
A.(i) from Net Available Cash to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 4.05, but only if the Parent shall have first complied with Section 4.05 and purchased all Notes tendered pursuant to any offer to repurchase all the Notes required thereby, prior to purchasing, repurchasing, redeeming, defeasing or otherwise acquiring or retiring such Subordinated Indebtedness and (ii) at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness plus accrued and unpaid interest; or
B.following the occurrence of a Change of Control (or other similar event described therein as a “change of control”), but only (i) if the Parent shall have first complied with Section 4.14 and purchased all Notes
-64-
tendered pursuant to the offer to repurchase all the Notes required thereby, prior to purchasing, repurchasing, redeeming, defeasing or otherwise acquiring or retiring such Subordinated Indebtedness and (ii) at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(v)any dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this Section 4.02;
(vi) | [Reserved]; |
(vii)the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock, or of any Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, Incurred in accordance with the terms of Section 4.01;
(viii)purchases, repurchases, redemptions, defeasances or other acquisitions or retirements of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options, warrants or other rights in respect thereof if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof;
(ix)dividends, loans, advances or distributions to any Parent Holdco or other payments by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in amounts equal to (without duplication):
A.the amounts required for any Parent Holdco to pay any Related Taxes; or
B.the amounts constituting or to be used for purposes of making payments to the extent specified in Section 4.06(b)(ii), Section 4.06(b)(iii), Section 4.06(b)(v) and Section 4.06(b)(vii);
(x) | [Reserved]; |
(xi)payments by the Parent, or loans, advances, dividends or distributions to any Parent Holdco to make payments, to holders of Capital Stock of the Parent or any Parent Holdco in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of such Capital Stock; provided, however, that any such payment, loan, advance, dividend or distribution shall not be for the purpose of evading any limitation of this Section 4.02 or otherwise to facilitate any dividend or other return of capital to the holders of such Capital Stock (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent);
(xii)Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the aggregate cash amount of Excluded Contributions, or consisting of non-cash Excluded Contributions, or Investments in exchange for or using as consideration Investments previously made under this Section 4.02(c)(xii);
(xiii) | [Reserved]; |
-65-
(xiv) | [Reserved]; |
(xv)the payment of any Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets and related assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; and
(xvi)payments made in connection with the use of proceeds from the offering of the Notes.
(d)The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount, and the fair market value of any non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined conclusively by the Board of Directors of the Parent acting in good faith.
Section 4.03. Limitation on Liens.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets (including Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary), whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after that date, or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom, which Lien is securing any Indebtedness (such Lien, the “Initial Lien”), except (i) in the case of property or asset that does not constitute Collateral (1) Permitted Liens or (2) Liens on property or assets that are not Permitted Liens if the Notes and this Indenture (or a Note Guarantee in the case of Liens of a Guarantor) are directly secured equally and ratably with, or prior to, the Indebtedness secured by such Initial Lien for so long as such Indebtedness is so secured and (ii) in the case of any property or asset that constitutes Collateral, Permitted Collateral Liens.
(b)Any such Lien created in favor of the Notes, the Guarantees, and the Indenture pursuant to Section 4.03(a)(i)(2) will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon (i) the release and discharge of the Initial Lien to which it relates, and (ii) otherwise as set forth under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, or under the relevant Security Document.
Section 4.04. Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(i)pay dividends or make any other distributions in cash or otherwise on its Capital Stock or pay any Indebtedness or other obligations owed to the Parent or any other Restricted Subsidiary, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits;
-66-
(ii)make any loans or advances to the Parent or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or
(iii)sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets to the Parent or any other Restricted Subsidiary,
provided that (x) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock and (y) the subordination of (including the application of any standstill requirements to) loans or advances made to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to constitute such an encumbrance or restriction.
(b) | The provisions of Section 4.04(a) will not prohibit: |
(i)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to (a) any Credit Facility, (b) the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, (c) any other agreement or instrument, in each case, in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date, (d) the indenture governing the Super Senior Notes or (e) the indenture governing the Stub Notes;
(ii)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement or instrument of a Person or relating to any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of a Person, entered into on or before the date on which such Person was acquired by or merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, or on which such agreement or instrument is assumed by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an acquisition of assets (other than Capital Stock or Indebtedness Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Parent or was merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary entered into or in connection with such transaction) and outstanding on such date; provided that, for the purposes of this Section 4.04(b)(ii), if another Person is the Successor Company (as defined in Section 5.01(a)(i)), any Subsidiary thereof or agreement or instrument of such Person or any such Subsidiary shall be deemed acquired or assumed by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary when such Person becomes the Successor Company;
(iii)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement or instrument effecting a refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to, or that otherwise refinances, an agreement or instrument referred to in Section 4.04(b)(i), Section 4.04(b)(ii) or this Section 4.04(b)(iii) (an “Initial Agreement”) or contained in any amendment, supplement or other modification to an agreement referred to in Section 4.04(b)(i), Section 4.04(b)(ii) or this Section 4.04(b)(iii); provided, however, that the encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in any such agreement or instrument are no less favorable in any material respect to the Holders taken as a whole than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the Initial Agreement or Initial Agreements to which such
-67-
refinancing or amendment, supplement or other modification relates (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent);
(iv) | any encumbrance or restriction: |
A.that restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, or the assignment or transfer of any lease, license or other contract;
B.contained in mortgages, charges, pledges or other security agreements permitted under this Indenture or securing Indebtedness of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary permitted under this Indenture to the extent such encumbrances or restrictions restrict the transfer of the property or assets subject to such mortgages, charges, pledges or other security agreements; or
C.pursuant to customary provisions restricting dispositions of real property interests set forth in any reciprocal easement agreements of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(v)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to Purchase Money Obligations and Capitalized Lease Obligations permitted under this Indenture, in each case, that impose encumbrances or restrictions on the property so acquired, or any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to a joint venture agreement that imposes restrictions on the distribution or transfer of the assets or Capital Stock of the joint venture;
(vi)any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary (or any of its property or assets) imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the direct or indirect sale or disposition to a Person of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the property or assets that are subject to such restriction) pending the closing of such sale or disposition;
(vii)customary provisions in leases, licenses, joint venture agreements and other similar agreements and instruments entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(viii)encumbrances or restrictions arising or existing by reason of applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order, or required by any regulatory authority;
(ix)any encumbrance or restriction on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
-68-
(x)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements, Commodity Hedging Agreements or in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing;
(xi)any encumbrance or restriction arising pursuant to an agreement or instrument relating to any Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.01 if the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such agreement or instrument taken as a whole are not materially less favorable to the Holders of the Notes than (i) the encumbrances and restrictions contained in this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement, together with the Security Documents associated therewith, in each case, as in effect on the Issue Date, or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or (ii) as is customary in comparable financings (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) or where the Parent determines that such encumbrance or restriction will not adversely affect, in any material respect, the Issuers’ ability to make principal or interest payments on the Notes; or
(xii)any encumbrance or restriction existing by reason of any lien permitted under Section 4.03.
Section 4.05. Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate any Asset Disposition unless:
(i)the consideration the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary receives for such Asset Disposition is not less than the fair market value of the assets sold (as determined by the Parent’s Board of Directors); and
(ii)at least 75% of the consideration the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary receives in respect of such Asset Disposition consists of:
A.cash (including any Net Cash Proceeds received from the conversion within 180 days of such Asset Disposition of securities, notes or other obligations received in consideration of such Asset Disposition);
B. | Cash Equivalents; |
C.the assumption by the purchaser of (x) any liabilities recorded on the Parent’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet or the notes thereto (or, if Incurred since the date of the latest balance sheet, that would be recorded on the next balance sheet) (other than Subordinated Indebtedness), as a result of which neither the Parent nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries remains obligated in respect of such liabilities or (y) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Disposition, if the Parent and each other Restricted Subsidiary is released from any guarantee of such Indebtedness as a result of such Asset Disposition;
-69-
D. | Replacement Assets; |
E.any Capital Stock of another Similar Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, the Similar Business is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
F.assets (other than Capital Stock and cash or Cash Equivalents) that are used or useful in a Similar Business; or
G.consideration consisting of Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Guarantor received from Persons who are not the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, but only to the extent that such Indebtedness (i) has been extinguished by the applicable Issuer or the applicable Guarantor and (ii) is not Subordinated Indebtedness of such Issuer or such Guarantor.
(b)If the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary consummates an Asset Disposition, the amount of Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition shall constitute “Excess Proceeds”.
(c)If the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $5.0 million, the Issuers shall, within 20 Business Days of receipt of such proceeds, apply the amount equal to the Excess Proceeds to, in the case of the Notes, the Super Senior Notes or the Stub Notes, offer to repurchase at par or, in the case of other Indebtedness, repay such Indebtedness at the required price therein, using the order such Indebtedness would be repaid with enforcement proceeds under the “Application of Proceeds” or similar waterfall provision included in the Intercreditor Agreement (an “Asset Disposition Offer”), provided that, if an ABL Facility is outstanding, the portion of the Excess Proceeds from the sale of ABL Priority Collateral or any asset held by an ABL Guarantor shall be applied as if they were enforcement proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
(d)To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of the Notes surrendered in any Asset Disposition Offer by Holders and other Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Excess Proceeds shall be allocated among the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be repaid or purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness. For the purposes of calculating the principal amount of any such Indebtedness not denominated in U.S. dollars, such Indebtedness shall be calculated by converting any such principal amounts into their Dollar Equivalent determined as of a date selected by the Issuers that is within the Asset Disposition Offer Period (as defined below). Upon completion of any Asset Disposition Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
(e)To the extent that any portion of Net Available Cash payable in respect of the Notes is denominated in a currency other than the currency in which the relevant Notes are
-70-
denominated, the amount thereof payable in respect of such Notes shall not exceed the net amount of funds in the currency in which such Notes are denominated that is actually received by the Issuers upon converting such portion of the Net Available Cash into such currency.
(f)The Asset Disposition Offer, in so far as it relates to the Notes, will remain open for a period of not less than 20 Business Days following its commencement (the “Asset Disposition Offer Period”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period (the “Asset Disposition Purchase Date”), the Issuers will purchase the principal amount of Notes and, to the extent they elect, Pari Passu Indebtedness required to be repaid or purchased by it pursuant to this Section 4.05 (the “Asset Disposition Offer Amount”) or, if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been so validly tendered, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness validly tendered in response to the Asset Disposition Offer.
(g)On or before the Asset Disposition Purchase Date, the Issuers will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Asset Disposition Offer Amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness or portions of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer, or if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn and in minimum denominations of $150,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Issuers will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuers in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.05. The Issuers or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than five Business Days after termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn by such Holder, and accepted by the Issuers for purchase, and the Issuers will promptly issue a new Note (or amend the applicable Global Note), and the Trustee (or an authenticating agent), upon delivery of an Officer’s Certificate from an Issuer, will authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount with a minimum denomination of $150,000. Any Note not so accepted will be promptly mailed or delivered (or transferred by book-entry) by the Issuers to the Holder thereof.
The Issuers will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Indenture. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.05, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue of such compliance.
Section 4.06. Limitation on Affiliate Transactions.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any transaction or series of related transactions (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service)
-71-
with any Affiliate of the Parent (any such transaction or series of related transactions being an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate value in excess of $2.0 million unless:
(i)the terms of such Affiliate Transaction taken as a whole are not materially less favorable to the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained in a comparable transaction at the time of such transaction or the execution of the agreement providing for such transaction in arm’s-length dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate;
(ii)in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate value in excess of $10.0 million, the terms of such transaction or series of related transactions have been approved by a resolution of the majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Parent resolving that such transaction complies with clause (i) of this Section 4.06(a); provided, that if a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are not disinterested with respect to the transaction, the Parent shall deliver a Fairness Opinion to the Trustee; and
(iii)in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate value in excess of $20.0 million, the Parent delivers to the Trustee a Fairness Opinion; provided that the liability of such accounting, appraisal, or investment banking firm or such other independent expert in giving such opinion may be limited in accordance with its engagement policies.
(b) | The provisions of Section 4.06(a) will not apply to: |
(i)any Restricted Payment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 4.02, any Permitted Payments (other than pursuant to Section 4.02(c)(ix)(B)) or any Permitted Investment (other than Permitted Investments as defined in paragraphs (1)(b), (2) and (15) of the definition thereof);
(ii)any purchase, issuance or sale of Capital Stock, options, other equity-related interests or other securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, or entering into, or maintenance of, any employment, consulting, collective bargaining or benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, related trust or other similar agreement and other compensation arrangements, options, warrants or other rights to purchase Capital Stock of the Parent, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Parent Holdco, restricted stock plans, long-term incentive plans, stock appreciation rights plans, participation plans or similar employee benefits or consultants’ plans (including valuation, health, insurance, deferred compensation, severance, retirement, savings or similar plans, programs or arrangements) or indemnities provided on behalf of officers, employees, directors or consultants approved by the Board of Directors of the Parent, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(iii)any Management Advances and any waiver or transaction with respect thereto;
-72-
(iv)any transaction between or among the Parent and any Restricted Subsidiary (or entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction), or between or among Restricted Subsidiaries;
(v)the payment of reasonable fees and reimbursement of expenses to, and customary indemnities (including under customary insurance policies) and employee benefit and pension expenses provided on behalf of, directors, officers, consultants or employees of the Parent, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Parent Holdco (whether directly or indirectly and including through any Person owned or controlled by any of such directors, officers or employees);
(vi)(a) the entry into and performance of obligations of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the terms of any transaction pursuant to or contemplated by, and any payments pursuant to or for purposes of funding, any agreement or instrument in effect as of the Issue Date, as these agreements and instruments may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, replaced or refinanced from time to time in accordance with the other terms of this Section 4.06 or to the extent not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect, and (b) the entry into and performance of any registration rights or other listing agreement;
(vii)the execution, delivery and performance of, including any payment to be made under, any Tax Sharing Agreement or any arrangement pursuant to which the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is required or permitted to file a consolidated tax return, or the formation and maintenance of any consolidated group for tax, accounting or cash pooling or management purposes in the ordinary course of business;
(viii)transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business, which are fair to the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary, or are on terms no less favorable than those that could reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;
(ix)any transaction in the ordinary course of business between or among the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Affiliate of the Parent or an Associate or similar entity that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or any Affiliate of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any Permitted Holder owns an equity interest in or otherwise controls such Affiliate, Associate or similar entity;
(x)issuances or sales of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent or options, warrants or other rights to acquire such Capital Stock;
-73-
(xi)payment of any Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation as part of or in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; and
(xii)any participation in a public tender or exchange offers for securities or debt instruments issued by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries that are conducted on arms’ length terms and provide for the same price or exchange ratio, as the case may be, to all holders accepting such tender or exchange offer.
Section 4.07. Guarantor Coverage Test.
(a)If, on the date on which the audited financial statements are required to be furnished to the Trustee under Section 4.09(a)(i) the aggregate (without double counting) total assets, sales, and EBITDA of the Issuers and the Guarantors (excluding intra-group items and on an unconsolidated basis) is less than 90% of the consolidated total assets, consolidated sales and Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Coverage Test”), then the Parent shall, within 90 days of such test date, cause such other Restricted Subsidiaries to accede as Guarantors, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, to ensure that the Guarantor Coverage Test is satisfied (calculated as if such Guarantors had been Guarantors for the purposes of the relevant test date).
(b) | For the purposes of calculating the Guarantor Coverage Test: |
(i)(for the purpose of calculating EBITDA only) any entity having negative EBITDA;
(ii)any entity which cannot, or pursuant to the Agreed Securities Principles is not required to, become a Guarantor; and
(iii)any entity which is not a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary (but only if minority shareholders of such entity require their consents to grant a Note Guarantee),
shall be excluded (x) as a Guarantor from the numerator; and (y) as a Restricted Subsidiary from the denominator.
(c) | The Parent shall ensure that, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, when tested on: |
(i)the date on which the audited financial statements are required to be furnished to the Trustee under Section 4.09(a)(i); and
(ii)the date on which the unaudited financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended June 30 of each year are required to be furnished to the Trustee under Section 4.09(a)(ii),
-74-
each Restricted Subsidiary which is a Material Company and which is not already a Guarantor shall accede as a Guarantor within 90 days of such test date (in the case of Section 4.07(c)(i)) or 60 days of such test date (in the case of Section 4.07(c)(ii)).
(d)Subject to the Agreed Security Principles, any Restricted Subsidiary acceding as a Guarantor pursuant to this Section 4.07 shall grant a Lien on its assets to secure the Notes by the time it must accede as a Guarantor, provided that (i) such Restricted Subsidiary that is incorporated in the same jurisdiction as any Guarantor as of the Issue Date shall provide a Lien on the same kind of assets as such Guarantor and (ii) such Restricted Subsidiary that is not incorporated in the same jurisdiction as any Guarantor as of the Issue Date shall provide “all- assets” security where available in the jurisdiction of such Restricted Subsidiary or will otherwise provide security in accordance with the Agreed Security Principles.
Section 4.08. Additional Note Guarantees.
(a) | [Reserved]. |
(b)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.08, no Restricted Subsidiary shall (x) Guarantee the Indebtedness outstanding under any ABL Facility, any Credit Facility replacing or refinancing any ABL Facility or any other Credit Facility or Public Debt, in each case of an Issuer or a Guarantor, or (y) Incur Indebtedness exceeding $10.0 million pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(i) and 4.01(b)(xi) or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof exceeding $10.0 million unless such Restricted Subsidiary is or becomes a Guarantor (or is an Issuer) on the date on which the Guarantee or such Indebtedness is Incurred and, if applicable, executes and delivers to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary will provide a Note Guarantee, which Note Guarantee will be senior to or pari passu with such Restricted Subsidiary’s Guarantee or Indebtedness described in clauses (x) or (y) of this Section 4.08(b), respectively; provided, however, that such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be obligated to become a Guarantor to the extent and for so long as the Incurrence of such Note Guarantee could give rise to or result in: (1) any breach or violation of statutory limitations, corporate benefit, financial assistance, fraudulent preference, thin capitalization rules, capital maintenance rules, guidance and coordination rules or the laws rules or regulations (or analogous restriction) of any applicable jurisdiction; (2) any risk or liability for the officers, directors or (except in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership) shareholders of such Restricted Subsidiary (or, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership, directors or shareholders of the partners of such partnership); or (3) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (including with respect to any Taxes) other than reasonable out of pocket expenses. At the option of the Parent, any Note Guarantee may contain limitations on Guarantor liability to the extent reasonably necessary.
(c)Note Guarantees shall be released as set forth under Section 10.06. In addition, a Note Guarantee of a future Guarantor may also be released at the option of the Parent if at the date of such release either (i) there is no Indebtedness of such Guarantor outstanding which was Incurred after the Issue Date and which could not have been Incurred in compliance with this Indenture if such Guarantor had not been designated as a Guarantor, or (ii) there is no Indebtedness of such Guarantor outstanding which was Incurred after the Issue Date and which could not have been Incurred in compliance with this Indenture as at the date of such release if such Guarantor were not designated as a Guarantor as at that date. The Trustee and the Security Agent shall take
-75-
all necessary actions, including the granting of releases or waivers under the Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, requested by the Parent to effectuate any release of a Note Guarantee in accordance with these provisions, subject to customary protections and indemnifications.
Section 4.09. Reports.
(a)So long as any Notes are outstanding, the Parent will furnish to the Trustee the following reports (provided that, to the extent any reports are filed on the SEC’s website, such reports shall be deemed to have been provided to the Trustee):
(i)within 120 days after the end of the Parent’s fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, annual reports containing, to the extent applicable, the following information: (a) audited consolidated balance sheets of the Parent as of the end of the two most recent fiscal years and audited consolidated income statements and statements of cash flow of the Parent for the two most recent fiscal years, including complete footnotes to such financial statements and the report of the independent auditors on the financial statements; (b) unaudited pro forma income statement information and balance sheet information of the Parent (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include the provision of a full income statement or balance sheet to the extent not reasonably available), together with explanatory footnotes, for any material acquisitions, dispositions or recapitalizations that have occurred since the beginning of the most recently completed fiscal year; (c) an operating and financial review of the audited financial statements, including a discussion of the results of operations, financial condition, EBITDA, and liquidity and capital resources of the Parent, and a discussion of material commitments and contingencies and critical accounting policies; (d) a summary description of the business and material affiliate transactions; (e) a description of material operational risk factors; and (f) a summary description of material recent developments;
(ii)within 60 days following the end of each fiscal quarter in each fiscal year of the Parent beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2021, quarterly financial statements containing the following information: (a) an unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such quarter and unaudited condensed statements of income and cash flow for the most recent quarter year-to-date period ending on the unaudited condensed balance sheet date, and the comparable prior year periods, together with condensed footnote disclosure; (b) unaudited pro forma income statement information and balance sheet information (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include the provision of a full income statement or balance sheet to the extent not reasonably available), together with explanatory footnotes, for any material acquisitions, dispositions or recapitalizations that have occurred since the beginning of the relevant quarter; (c) an operating and financial review of the unaudited financial statements, including a discussion of the results of operations, financial condition, EBITDA and material changes in liquidity and capital resources, and a discussion of material changes not
-76-
in the ordinary course of business in commitments and contingencies since the most recent report; and (d) material recent developments; and
(iii)promptly after the occurrence of any material acquisition, disposition or restructuring or any senior executive officer changes at the Parent or change in auditors of the Parent or any other material event that the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries announces publicly, a report containing a description of such event.
In addition, the Parent shall furnish to the Holders and to prospective investors, upon the request of such parties, any information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act for so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the Exchange Act by persons who are not “affiliates” under the Securities Act.
The Parent shall also make available to Holders and prospective holders of the Notes copies of all reports furnished to the Trustee or the SEC on the Parent’s website and if and so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and to the extent that the rules and regulations thereof so require, by posting such reports on the official website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin).
All financial statement information shall be prepared in accordance with IFRS as in effect on the date of such report or financial statement (or otherwise on the basis of IFRS as then in effect) and on a consistent basis for the periods presented, except as may otherwise be described in such information; provided, however, that the reports set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Section 4.09(a) may, in the event of a change in IFRS, present earlier periods on a basis that applied to such periods. No report need include separate financial statements for any Subsidiaries of the Parent or any disclosure with respect to the results of operations or any other financial or statistical disclosure not of a type included in the Parent’s previous SEC filings. In addition, the reports set forth above will not be required to contain any reconciliation to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. For the purposes of this covenant, IFRS shall be deemed to be IFRS as in effect from time to time, without giving effect to the proviso in the definition thereof.
All reports provided pursuant to this Section 4.09 shall be made in the English language. So long as Notes are outstanding, the Parent will, in connection with delivery of the annual and quarterly reports required by clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.09(a), hold a conference call to discuss such reports and the results of operations for the relevant reporting period.
While the Parent is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or elects to comply with such provisions on a voluntary basis, for so long as it continues to file with the SEC, within the time periods specified in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.09(a), annual reports required by Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and quarterly reports containing information with a level of detail that is substantially comparable in all material respects to the reports on Form 6 K filed with the SEC on November 24, 2020, August 31, 2020 and June 9, 2020, the reporting requirements set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.09(a) will be
-77-
deemed satisfied. Upon complying with the foregoing requirement, the Parent will be deemed to have complied with this Section 4.09.
Delivery of any information, documents and reports to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.09 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein, including the Issuers’ compliance with any of its covenants under this Indenture.
Section 4.10. Suspension of Covenants on Achievement of Investment Grade Status.
(a)If on any date following the Issue Date, the Notes have achieved Investment Grade Status and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (a “Suspension Event”), then, beginning on that day and continuing until such time, if any, at which the Notes cease to have Investment Grade Status (the “Reversion Date”), Section 4.01, Section 4.02, Section 4.04, Section 4.05, Section 4.06, Section 4.08 and Section 5.01(a)(iii) of this Indenture and, in each case, any related default provision of this Indenture will cease to be effective and will not be applicable to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b)Such sections and any related default provisions will again apply according to their terms from the first day on which a Suspension Event ceases to be in effect. Such sections will not, however, be of any effect with regard to actions of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries properly taken during the continuance of the Suspension Event, and no action taken in respect of the suspended covenants prior to the Reversion Date will constitute a Default or Event of Default. Section 4.02 will be interpreted as if it has been in effect since the date of this Indenture but not during the continuance of the Suspension Event. On the Reversion Date, all Indebtedness Incurred during the continuance of the Suspension Event will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 4.01(b)(iv)(B). In addition, the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default, to honor any contractual commitments or take actions in the future after any date on which the Notes cease to have an Investment Grade Status as long as the contractual commitments were entered into during the Suspension Event and not in anticipation of the Notes no longer having an Investment Grade Status. The Parent shall notify the Trustee that the conditions set forth in Section 4.10(a) have been satisfied or of any Reversion Date; provided that, no such notification shall be a condition for the suspension or reversion of the covenants described under this Section 4.10 to be effective and the Trustee shall not be obliged to notify the Holders of such event.
The Trustee shall have no duty to monitor the ratings of the Notes, shall not be deemed to have any knowledge of the ratings of the Notes and shall have no duty to notify Holders if the Notes achieve Investment Grade Status or upon the occurrence of the Reversion Date. The Parent shall notify the Trustee in writing that the conditions under this Section 4.10 have been satisfied, although such notification shall not be a condition for suspension of the applicable covenants to be effective.
Section 4.11. Amendments to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and Additional Intercreditor Agreements.
-78-
(a)In connection with the Incurrence of any Indebtedness by the Parent, an Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall, at the request of an Issuer, enter into with the Parent, the relevant Issuer, the relevant Restricted Subsidiaries and the holders of such Indebtedness (or their duly authorized Representatives), as applicable, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or one or more intercreditor agreements or deeds (including a restatement, replacement, amendment or other modification of the Intercreditor Agreement or ABL Intercreditor Agreement) (an “Additional Intercreditor Agreement”), on substantially the same terms as the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (or terms that are not materially less favorable to the holders of the Notes as compared to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) and substantially similar as applies to sharing of the proceeds of security and enforcement of security, priority and release of security; provided that such ABL Intercreditor Agreement or Additional Intercreditor Agreement will not impose any personal obligations on the Trustee or Security Agent or adversely affect the personal rights, duties, liabilities, indemnification or immunities of the Trustee or the Security Agent under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. In connection with the foregoing, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee and the Security Agent such documentation in relation thereto as it may reasonably require. As used in this Indenture, a reference to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement will also include any Additional Intercreditor Agreement.
(b)Without limiting the generality of Section 4.11(a), in connection with the Incurrence of any ABL Facility by the Parent, an Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall, at the request of an Issuer, enter into with the Parent, the relevant Issuer, the relevant Restricted Subsidiaries and the lenders under any ABL Facility (or their duly authorized Representatives), as applicable, (1) the ABL Intercreditor Agreement in substantially the same form as attached as Exhibit C to this Indenture, (2) an Additional Intercreditor Agreement in respect of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement on terms that are not materially less favorable to the holders of the Notes as compared to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and (3) amendments or replacements to the Security Documents to secure any ABL Priority Obligations, Senior Note Obligations, Junior Note Obligations, Excess ABL Debt, Excess Senior Note Debt and Excess Junior Note Debt in accordance with the relative priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, for the purpose of releasing and regranting Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral to grant a first-priority Lien securing the creditors under any ABL Facility). In connection with the foregoing, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee and the Security Agent such documentation in relation thereto as it may reasonably require.
(c)In relation to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, no consent on behalf of the Holders to the payment, repayment, purchase, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition, retirement or redemption of any obligations subordinated to the Notes thereby shall be required; provided, however, that such transaction would comply with Section 4.02.
(d)At the written direction of an Issuer and without the consent of holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall from time to time enter into one or more amendments to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement to: (1) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency of any such agreement, (2) increase the amount or
-79-
types of Indebtedness covered by any such Intercreditor Agreement or such ABL Intercreditor Agreement that may be Incurred by the Parent, an Issuer or other Restricted Subsidiaries that is subject to any such Intercreditor Agreement or such ABL Intercreditor Agreement (provided that such Indebtedness is Incurred in compliance with this Indenture), (3) add Guarantors or other Restricted Subsidiaries to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, (4) further secure the Notes (including Additional Notes), (5) make provision to implement any Permitted Collateral Liens in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, or (6) make any other change to any such agreement that does not adversely affect the holders of Notes in any material respect. The Issuers shall not otherwise direct the Trustee or Security Agent to enter into any amendment to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the form of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C) without the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, except as otherwise permitted under Article IX of this Indenture or as permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, and the Issuers may only direct the Trustee or Security Agent to enter into any amendment to the extent such amendment does not impose any personal obligations on the Trustee or Security Agent or, in the opinion of the Trustee or Security Agent, adversely affect their respective rights, duties, liabilities or immunities under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
(e)Each Holder, by accepting a Note, shall be deemed to have agreed to and accepted the terms and conditions of the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (whether then entered into or entered into in the future pursuant to the provisions described herein) and to have irrevocably appointed and authorized the Trustee and the Security Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement on each Holder’s behalf.
(f)A copy of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or an Additional Intercreditor Agreement shall be made available to the holders of the Notes upon request and will be made available for inspection during normal business hours on any Business Day upon prior written request at the office of the Issuers.
Section 4.12. Payment of Notes. The Issuers shall promptly pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. Principal and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
Section 4.13. Withholding Taxes.
(a)All payments made by or on behalf of an Issuer or any Guarantor (each, including any successor entities of an Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, a “Payor”) in respect of the Notes or with respect to any Guarantee, as applicable, will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any Taxes unless the withholding or deduction of such Taxes is then required by law. If any deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any Taxes imposed or levied by or on behalf of:
-80-
(i)any jurisdiction (other than the United States or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax) from or through which payment on any such Note is made, or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax; or
(ii)any other jurisdiction (other than the United States or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax) in which a Payor is incorporated, organized, engaged in business for tax purposes, or otherwise considered to be a resident for tax purposes, or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax (each of clause (i) and (ii), a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”),
will at any time be required by law to be made from any payments made by or on behalf of the Payor or the Paying Agent with respect to any Note, including payments of principal, redemption price, interest or premium, if any, the Payor will pay (together with such payments) such additional amounts (the “Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by each Holder in respect of such payments, after such withholding, or deduction (including any such deduction or withholding from such Additional Amounts), will not be less than the amounts which would have been received in respect of such payments on any such Note in the absence of such withholding or deduction; provided, however, that no such Additional Amounts will be payable for or on account of:
A.any Taxes that would not have been so imposed but for the existence of any present or former connection between the relevant Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, partner, member or shareholder of, or possessor of power over the relevant Holder, if the relevant Holder is an estate, nominee, trust, partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other body corporate) and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including, without limitation, being resident for tax purposes, or being a citizen or resident or national of, or carrying on a business or maintaining a permanent establishment in, or being physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction) but excluding, in each case, any connection arising solely from the acquisition, ownership or holding of such Note or the receipt of any payment or the exercise or enforcement of rights under such Note, this Indenture or a Guarantee;
B.any Tax that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure by the Holder or the beneficial owner of the Note to comply with a written request of the Payor addressed to the Holder, after reasonable notice (at least 30 days before any such withholding would be payable), to provide certification, information, documents or other evidence concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or to make any declaration or similar claim or satisfy any other reporting requirement relating to such matters, which is required by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such Tax but, only to the extent the Holder or
-81-
beneficial owner is legally entitled to provide such certification or documentation;
C.any Taxes, to the extent that such Taxes were imposed as a result of the presentation of the Note for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the relevant payment is first made available for payment to the Holder;
D.any Taxes that are payable otherwise than by withholding from a payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Notes or with respect to any Guarantee;
E.any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
F.any Taxes that are imposed or withheld pursuant to the Dutch Withholding Tax Act 2021 (Wet bronbelasting 2021) substantially in the form as published on December 18, 2019 in the Dutch Official Gazette;
G.any Taxes that are imposed or withheld pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as of the Issue Date (or any amended or successor version of such sections that are substantively comparable), any regulations promulgated thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, any similar law or regulation adopted pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the United States with respect to the foregoing or any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code; or
H. | any combination of the items (A) through (G) above. |
(b)In addition, no Additional Amounts shall be paid with respect to a Holder who is a fiduciary or a partnership or any person other than the beneficial owner of the Notes, to the extent that the beneficiary or settler with respect to such fiduciary, the member of such partnership or the beneficial owner would not have been entitled to Additional Amounts had such beneficiary, settler, member or beneficial owner held such Notes directly.
(c)The Payor will (i) make any required withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. The Payor will use all reasonable efforts to obtain certified copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment of any Taxes so deducted or withheld from each Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction imposing such Taxes and will provide such certified copies, or if, notwithstanding the Payor’s reasonable efforts to obtain such tax receipts, such tax receipts are not available, certified copies of other reasonable evidence of such payments as soon as reasonably practicable to the Trustee and the Paying Agent. Such copies shall be made available to the Holders upon request and will be made available at the offices of the Paying Agent.
-82-
(d)If any Payor is obligated to pay Additional Amounts under or with respect to any payment made on any Note or any Guarantee, at least 30 days prior to the date of such payment, the Payor will deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent an Officer’s Certificate stating the fact that Additional Amounts will be payable and the amount to be so payable and such other information necessary to enable the Paying Agent to pay Additional Amounts to Holders on the relevant payment date (unless such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises less than 45 days prior to the relevant payment date, in which case the Payor may deliver such Officer’s Certificate as promptly as practicable thereafter). The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall be entitled to rely solely on such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive proof that such payments are necessary.
(e) | Wherever in this Indenture or the Notes there is mentioned, in any context: |
(i) | the payment of principal; |
(ii) | purchase prices in connection with a redemption of Notes; |
(iii) | interest; or |
(iv)any other amount payable on or with respect to any of the Notes or any Guarantee, such reference shall be deemed to include payment of Additional Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof.
The Payor will pay (and will indemnify the Holder for) any present or future stamp, issue, registration, court or documentary Taxes or any other excise, property or similar Taxes that arise in a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction from the execution, delivery or registration of any Notes, any Guarantee, this Indenture, or any other document or instrument in relation thereto (other than in each case, in connection with a transfer of the Notes after the initial issuance of the Notes) or any such Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction as a result of, or in connection with, the enforcement of the Notes or any Guarantee (limited, solely in the case of any such Taxes imposed in a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction to any such Taxes that are not excluded under (A) through (D) and (F) of Section 4.13(a) or any combination thereof).
The foregoing obligations of this Section 4.13 will survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of this Indenture and will apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor to a Payor is organized, engaged in business for tax purposes or otherwise resident for tax purposes, or any jurisdiction from or through which any payment under, or with respect to the Notes is made by or on behalf of such Payor, or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.
Section 4.14. Change of Control.
(a)If a Change of Control occurs, subject to this Section 4.14, each Holder will have the right to require the Issuers to repurchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided, however, that the Issuers
-83-
shall not be obligated to repurchase the Notes under this Section 4.14 in the event and to the extent that they have unconditionally exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes under Section 5 of the Notes or all conditions to such redemption have been satisfied or waived.
(b)Unless the Issuers have unconditionally exercised their right to redeem all the Notes as described under Section 5 of the Notes or all conditions to such redemption have been satisfied or waived, no later than the date that is 60 days after any Change of Control, the Issuers will mail (or otherwise deliver) a notice (the “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder of any such Notes, with a copy to the Trustee:
(i)stating that a Change of Control has occurred or may occur and that such Holder has the right to require the Issuers to purchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date) (the “Change of Control Payment”);
(ii)stating the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed) and the record date (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(iii)stating that any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date unless the Change of Control Payment is not paid, and that any Notes or part thereof not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
(iv)describing the circumstances and relevant facts regarding the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control;
(v)describing the procedures determined by the Issuers, consistent with this Indenture, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes repurchased; and
(vi)if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control.
(c)On the Change of Control Payment Date, if the Change of Control shall have occurred, the Issuers will, to the extent lawful:
(i)accept for payment all Notes or portion thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
(ii)deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes so tendered;
-84-
(iii)deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of the Notes being purchased by the Issuers in the Change of Control Offer;
(iv)in the case of Global Notes, deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Paying Agent the Global Notes in order to reflect thereon the portion of such Notes or portions thereof that have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuers; and
(v)in the case of Definitive Registered Notes, deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the relevant Registrar for cancellation all Definitive Registered Notes accepted for purchase by the Issuers.
(d)If any Definitive Registered Notes have been issued, the Paying Agent will promptly pay each Holder of Definitive Registered Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) will, at the cost of the Issuers, promptly authenticate and mail to each Holder of Definitive Registered Notes a new Definitive Registered Note equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount that is at least $150,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
(e)For so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules of such exchange so require, the Issuers will publish notices relating to the Change of Control Offer in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times) or to the extent and in the manner permitted by such rules, post such notices on the official website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin).
(f)The Issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditioned upon the consummation of such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place providing for the Change of Control at the time the Change of Control Offer is made.
(g)The Issuers will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 4.14. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture by virtue of the conflict.
Section 4.15. Impairment of Security Interest.
(a)The Parent and the Issuers shall not, and the Parent shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, take or knowingly or negligently omit to take any action that would have the result of materially impairing the security interest with respect to the Collateral (it being understood that the Incurrence of Permitted Collateral Liens, or the confirmation or affirmation of
-85-
security interests in respect of the Collateral, shall under no circumstances be deemed to materially impair the security interest with respect to the Collateral) for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, and the Parent and the Issuers shall not, and the Issuers shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, grant to any Person other than the Security Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders and the other beneficiaries described in the Security Documents, any Lien over any of the Collateral that is prohibited by Section 4.03, provided, that the Parent, the Issuers and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur any Lien over any of the Collateral that is not prohibited by Section 4.03 including Permitted Collateral Liens, and the Collateral may be discharged, transferred or released in any circumstances not prohibited by this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the applicable Security Documents.
(b)Notwithstanding Section 4.15(a), nothing in this Section 4.15 shall restrict the discharge and release of any Lien in accordance with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, the Security Documents may be amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or released (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets) to (i) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency therein; (ii) provide for Permitted Collateral Liens; (iii) add to the Collateral or (iv) make any other change thereto that does not adversely affect the Holders in any material respect; provided, however, that (except where permitted by this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or to effect or facilitate the creation of Permitted Collateral Liens for the benefit of the Security Agent and holders of other Indebtedness Incurred in accordance with this Indenture), no Security Document may be amended, extended, renewed, restated, or otherwise modified or released (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets), unless contemporaneously with such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, or modification or release (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets) or with any such action in clauses (ii) and (iii) in this Section 4.15(b), the Issuers deliver to the Security Agent and the Trustee, either (1) a solvency opinion, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Security Agent and the Trustee, from an Independent Financial Advisor which confirms the solvency of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to any transactions related to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, modification or release (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same asset), (2) a certificate from the chief financial officer or the Board of Directors of the relevant Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Security Agent and the Trustee, which confirms the solvency of the person granting any such Lien after giving effect to any transactions related to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, modification or release, or (3) an Opinion of Counsel (subject to any qualifications customary for this type of Opinion of Counsel), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, confirming that, after giving effect to any transactions related to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, supplement, modification or release (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets), the Lien or Liens created under the Security Document, so amended, extended, renewed, restated, modified or released and replaced are valid and perfected Liens not otherwise subject to any limitation, imperfection or new hardening period, in equity or at law, that such Lien or Liens were not otherwise subject to immediately prior to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, supplement, modification or replacement and to which the new Indebtedness secured by the Permitted Collateral Lien is not subject.
-86-
(c)In the event that the Parent, the Issuers and the Restricted Subsidiaries comply with the requirements of this Section 4.15, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall (subject to customary protections and indemnifications and each of the Trustee and the Security Agent being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction) consent to such actions without the need for instructions from the Holders.
Section 4.16. Compliance Certificate. The Parent will deliver to the Trustee no later than the date on which the Parent is required to deliver annual reports pursuant to Section 4.09, an Officer’s Certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any Default or Event of Default that occurred during the previous year.
Section 4.17. Listing.
The Issuers and the Guarantors will (i) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Notes, subject to notice of issuance, to be admitted to the official list of Euronext Dublin and admitted to trading on the Global Exchange Market thereof; and (ii) maintain such listing for as long as any of the Notes are outstanding. If the Notes cease to be listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin, the Issuers and the Guarantors will use their commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly list the Notes on another “recognised stock exchange” (as defined in Section 1005 of the Income Tax Act 2007 of the United Kingdom).
Section 4.18. Financial Calculations for Limited Condition Acquisitions.
When calculating the availability under any basket or ratio under this Indenture, in each case in connection with a Limited Condition Acquisition (other than for purposes of making a Restricted Payment, a Permitted Payment or a Permitted Investment), the date of determination of such basket or ratio and of any Default or Event of Default shall, at the option of the Parent, be the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Acquisition are entered into and such baskets or ratios shall be calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Limited Condition Acquisition and the other transactions to be entered into in connection therewith (including any Incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) as if they occurred at the beginning of the applicable reference period for purposes of determining the ability to consummate any such Limited Condition Acquisition (and not for purposes of any subsequent availability of any basket or ratio). For the avoidance of doubt, (x) if any of such baskets or ratios are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in such basket or ratio (including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent or the target company) subsequent to such date of determination and at or prior to the consummation of the relevant Limited Condition Acquisition, such baskets or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations solely for purposes of determining whether the Limited Condition Acquisition and the related transactions are permitted hereunder and (y) such baskets or ratios shall not be tested at the time of consummation of such Limited Condition Acquisition or related transactions; provided, further, that if the Parent elects to have such determinations occur at the time of entry into such definitive agreement, any such transactions (including any Incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) shall be deemed to have occurred on the date the definitive agreements are entered and outstanding thereafter for purposes of calculating any baskets or ratios under this Indenture after the date of such agreement and before the consummation of such Limited Condition Acquisition.
-87-
Section 4.19. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. The Issuers and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuers and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenant that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
Section 4.20. Taxes. The Parent and the Issuers shall:
(a)pay, and shall cause each of their Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material Taxes of the Parent, Issuers and their subsidiaries, except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes; and
(b)be, and each other Guarantor shall be, at all times solely resident for Tax purposes in its place of incorporation and shall not have a permanent establishment or other taxable presence in any other jurisdiction and neither of the Issuers nor any of the Guarantors shall change its jurisdiction of residence for Tax purposes or establish a permanent establishment or other taxable presence in any jurisdiction other than its jurisdiction of incorporation.
Section 4.21. Corporate Existence. Subject to Article V, the Issuers and the Parent shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect:
(a)their corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of their Subsidiaries (save for a solvent liquidation, merger or winding-up of any such Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor), in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuers, the Parent, or any such Subsidiary; and
(b)the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Parent and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Parent shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of their Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors of the Parent shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.
Section 4.22. Center of Main Interests and Establishments. Each of the Parent and the Issuers (and any successor Person), for the purposes of the Insolvency (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/146), and each of the Guarantors, for the purposes of Council Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of May 20, 2015 on insolvency proceedings (recast) (the “EU Insolvency Regulation”) or otherwise, will ensure that its “centre of main interests” (as that term is used in Article 3(1) of the EU Insolvency Regulation) is situated in its original jurisdiction of incorporation and ensure that it has no “establishment” (as that term is used in Article 2(b) of the EU Insolvency Regulation) in any other jurisdiction.
-88-
Section 4.23. Ratings. The Issuers and the Guarantors will use their commercially reasonable efforts to maintain an instrument rating from one of Moody’s, Fitch or S&P.
ARTICLE V
SUCCESSOR COMPANY
Section 5.01. Merger and Consolidation.
(a)The Issuers. Neither Issuer nor the Parent will consolidate with or merge with or into, or assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, in one transaction or a series of related transactions to, any Person, unless:
(i)the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) will be a Person organized and existing under the laws of any member state of the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, any State of the United States or the District of Columbia, Canada or any province or territory of Canada, Norway or Switzerland and the Successor Company (if other than such Issuer or the Parent) will expressly assume, (a) by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of such Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and (b) all obligations of such Issuer under the Security Documents (and, to the extent required, by the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement);
(ii)immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary of the Successor Company as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(iii)immediately after giving effect to such transaction, only to the extent it involves the Parent, either (1) the Successor Company would be able to Incur at least an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio contained in Section 4.01(a) or (2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Successor Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries would not be less than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to giving effect to such transaction; and
(iv)such Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such supplemental indenture (if any) has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is a legal, valid and binding agreement enforceable against the Successor Company (in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee); provided that in giving
-89-
an Opinion of Counsel, counsel may rely on an Officer’s Certificate as to any matters of fact.
Any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (or that is deemed to be Incurred by any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) as a result of any such transaction undertaken in compliance with this Section 5.01, and any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto, shall be deemed to have been Incurred in compliance with Section 4.01.
For purposes of this Section 5.01, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of an Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by such Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Issuer.
The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, such Issuer under this Indenture but in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor company will not be released from its obligations under this Indenture or the Notes.
The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.01(a) (other than Section 5.01(a)(ii)) shall not apply to (i) any transactions which constitute an Asset Disposition if the Issuers have complied with Section 4.05 or (ii) the creation of a new subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary.
(b)Guarantors. No Guarantor (other than a Guarantor whose guarantee is to be released in accordance with the terms of this Indenture) may: (i) consolidate with or merge with or into any Person (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving corporation); (ii) sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of, all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to any Person; or (iii) permit any Person to merge with or into it unless:
A.the other Person is an Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent that is a Guarantor or becomes a Guarantor;
B.(1) either (x) a Guarantor is the continuing Person or (y) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Guarantor under its Guarantee, this Indenture (pursuant to a supplemental indenture executed and delivered in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee), and the Security Documents (and, to the extent required, by the Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreements); and (2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing; or
C.the transaction constitutes a sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of a Guarantor or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of a Guarantor (in each case
-90-
other than to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) otherwise permitted by this Indenture,
provided however, that the prohibition in Section 5.01(b)(i), Section 5.01(b)(ii) and Section 5.01(b)(iii) shall not apply to the extent that compliance with clauses (A) or (B)(1) could give rise to or result in: (1) any breach or violation of statutory limitations, corporate benefit, financial assistance, fraudulent preference, thin capitalization rules, capital maintenance rules, guidance and coordination rules or the laws rules or regulations (or analogous restriction) of any applicable jurisdiction; (2) any risk or liability for the officers, directors or (except in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership) shareholders of such Restricted Subsidiary (or, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership, directors or shareholders of the partners of such partnership); or (3) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (including with respect to any Taxes) other than reasonable out of pocket expenses.
(c)The provisions set forth in this Section 5.01 shall not restrict (and shall not apply to): (i) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (or an Issuer) from consolidating with, merging or liquidating into or transferring all or substantially all of its properties and assets to an Issuer, a Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor; (ii) a Guarantor from merging or liquidating into or transferring all or part of its properties and assets to an Issuer or another Guarantor; (iii) a Guarantor from transferring all or part of its properties and assets to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (or an Issuer) in order to comply with any law, rule, regulation or order, recommendation or directions of, or agreement with, any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; (iv) any consolidation or merger of an Issuer into any Guarantor; provided that, if such Issuer is not the surviving entity of such merger or consolidation, the relevant Guarantor will assume the obligations of such Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and Section 5.01(a)(i) and Section 5.01(a)(iv) shall apply to such transaction and (v) an Issuer or any Guarantor from consolidating into or merging or combining with an Affiliate incorporated or organized for the purpose of changing the legal domicile of such entity, reincorporating such entity in another jurisdiction, or changing the legal form of such entity; provided, however, that Section 5.01(a)(i), Section 5.01(a)(ii), Section 5.01(a)(iv) or Section 5.01(b)(iii)(A) and Section 5.01(b)(iii)(B), as the case may be, shall apply to any such transaction.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01. Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default” under this Indenture:
(a)default in any payment of interest on any Note issued under this Indenture when due and payable, continued for 30 days;
(b)default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note issued under this Indenture when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;
-91-
(c)failure by an Issuer or any Guarantor to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;
(d)failure by an Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 30 days after written notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its obligation to make a Change of Control Offer under Section 4.14;
(e)failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 60 days after notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its other agreements contained in this Indenture (in each case, other than a default in performance, or breach of, a covenant or agreement specifically addressed in clauses (a) to (d) of this Section 6.01);
(f)default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:
(i)is caused by a failure to pay principal at stated maturity on such Indebtedness, immediately upon the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (“payment default”); or
(ii)results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its maturity (the “cross acceleration provision”),
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more;
(g)the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(i) | commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent; |
(ii)consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;
(iii)consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;
(iv) | makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or |
-92-
(v) | admits in writing that it is unable to pay its debts as they become due; |
(h)a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i)is for relief against the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Issuers or any such other Restricted Subsidiary, that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;
(ii)appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or
(iii)orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary,
and, in the case of any of (i), (ii) or (iii) of this Section 6.01(h), the order or decree remains un- stayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(i)failure by an Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $10.0 million (exclusive of any amounts that a solvent insurance company has acknowledged liability for), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days after the judgment becomes final (the “judgment default provision”);
(j)any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee or this Indenture) or is declared invalid or unenforceable in a judicial proceeding or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms in writing its obligations under its Note Guarantee and any such Default continues for 10 days; or
(k)any security interest under the Security Documents on any Collateral having a fair market value in excess of $5.0 million shall, at any time, cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the relevant Security Document, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, and this Indenture) for any reason other than the satisfaction in full of all obligations under this Indenture or the release or amendment of any such security interest in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement or such Security Document or any such security interest
-93-
created thereunder shall be declared invalid or unenforceable or the Parent, an Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary shall assert in writing that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable and any such Default continues for 10 days.
However, a default under Section 6.01(c), Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e), Section 6.01(f), Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(k) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture notify the Parent of the default and, with respect to Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e), Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(k), the Parent does not cure such default within the time specified in Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e), Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(k), as applicable, after receipt of such notice.
The Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officers’ Certificate of any Event of Default or any event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would become an Event of Default, its status and what action the Issuers are taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 6.02. Remedies Upon Event of Default. Holders of the Notes may not enforce this Indenture or the Notes except as provided in this Indenture.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) if a Default occurs for a failure to deliver a required certificate in connection with another default (an “Initial Default”) then at the time such Initial Default is cured, such Default for a failure to report or deliver a required certificate in connection with the Initial Default will also be cured without any further action and (ii) any Default or Event of Default for the failure to comply with the time periods prescribed in Section 4.09, or otherwise to deliver any notice or certificate pursuant to any other provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to be cured upon the delivery (prior to acceleration in respect of the relevant breach) of any such report required by Section 4.09 or notice or certificate, as applicable, even though such delivery is not within the prescribed period specified in this Indenture.
Section 6.03. Acceleration. (a) If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(g) and Section 6.01(h)) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture may declare all the Notes under this Indenture to be due and payable by written notice to the Issuers (and to the Trustee if such notice is given by the Holders). Upon such a declaration, such principal, premium (including Applicable Premium, if such premium would have been payable if the Issuers had issued a notice of redemption of the Notes on the date of such declaration) and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately. In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes because an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(f) has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically annulled if the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.01(f) shall be remedied or cured, or waived by the holders of the Indebtedness, or the Indebtedness that gave rise to such Event of Default shall have been discharged in full, within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if (1) the annulment of the acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the Notes that became due solely because of the acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived.
-94-
(b)If an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(g) or Section 6.01(h) occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium (including Applicable Premium, if such premium would have been payable if the Issuers had issued a notice of redemption of the Notes on the date of such declaration), if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.
Section 6.04. Other Remedies. Subject to Articles XI and XII and to the duties of the Trustee as provided for in Article VII, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of, premium (including Applicable Premium, if such premium would have been payable if the Issuers had issued a notice of redemption of the Notes on the date of such declaration), if any, or interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
Section 6.05. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture may waive all past or existing Defaults or Events of Default (except with respect to nonpayment of principal, premium, interest or Additional Amounts, if any) and rescind any such acceleration with respect to such Notes and its consequences if rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and provided the fees and expenses of the Trustee have been paid.
Section 6.06. Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders or would involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee in its sole discretion against all fees, losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including attorney’s fees and expenses) caused by taking or not taking such action.
Section 6.07. Limitation on Suits. (i) Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:
A.such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
-95-
B.Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested in writing the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
C.such Holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, loss, liability or expense;
D.the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the written request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
E.the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a written direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.
(ii) A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder. The Trustee shall not have an obligation to ascertain whether Holders’ actions are unduly prejudicial to other Holders.
Section 6.08. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment. Subject to Section 9.02, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on the Notes held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the Notes, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected.
Section 6.09. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a) or Section 6.01(b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuers or any other obligor on the Notes for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.06.
Section 6.10. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents and take such actions as may be necessary or advisable (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuers (or any other obligor upon the Notes) or any Guarantor, their creditors or their property and, shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.06 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.06 hereof out of the estate in any such
-96-
proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes of any series or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
Section 6.11. Priorities. Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, if the Trustee or the Security Agent collects any money pursuant to this Article VI or from the enforcement of any Security Document, it shall pay out (or in the case of the Security Agent, it shall pay to the Trustee to pay out) the money in the following order:
FIRST: to the Trustee, the Security Agent and the Agents and their agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.02, Section 7.06 and Section 11.06, including payment of all fees, costs, compensation, disbursements, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee, the Agents and the Security Agent (as the case may be) and the costs and expenses of collection;
SECOND: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, respectively;
THIRD: to the Issuers, any Guarantor or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.
The Issuers shall provide the Trustee with any additional information in its possession necessary for the Trustee to make the payments mentioned above, upon request.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.11. At least 15 days before such record date, the Trustee shall mail or deliver to each Holder and the Issuers a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
Section 6.12. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as the Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.12 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee or a Paying Agent, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.08 or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
Section 6.13. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Issuers (to the extent they may lawfully do so) shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim
-97-
or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuers (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
Section 6.14. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or the Security Agent or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or the Security Agent or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Agent and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee, the Security Agent and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Section 6.15. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.11, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or the Security Agent or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
Section 6.16. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or the Security Agent or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article VI or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders, may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
Section 6.17. Indemnification of Trustee. Prior to taking any action under this Article VI, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification or other security satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses, liabilities and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee . (i) If an Event of Default, of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice, has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(ii) | Except during the continuance of an Event of Default: |
-98-
A.the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; provided that to the extent the duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and the Notes may be qualified, limited or otherwise affected by the provisions of the Notes Documents, the Trustee shall be required to perform those duties only as so qualified, limited or affected, and shall be held harmless and shall not incur any liability of any kind for so acting; and
B.the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, with respect to certificates or opinions specifically required to be furnished to it hereunder, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein) and shall be entitled to seek advice from legal counsel in relation thereto.
(iii)The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
A.this Section 7.01(iii) does not limit the effect of Section 7.01(ii);
B.the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
C.the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.03, Section 6.05 or Section 6.06.
(iv)Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to Section 7.01(i), Section 7.01(ii) and Section 7.01(iii).
(v)No provision of this Indenture or the other Notes Documents shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or under the other Notes Documents or to take or omit to take any action under this Indenture or under the other Notes Documents or take any action at the request or direction of Holders if it has grounds for believing that repayment of such funds is not assured to it or it does not receive indemnity or security satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against any loss, liability or expense which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction nor shall the Trustee be required to do anything which is illegal or contrary
-99-
to applicable laws. The Trustee will not be liable to the Holders if prevented or delayed in performing any of its obligations or discretionary functions under this Indenture by reason of any present or future law applicable to it, by any governmental or regulatory authority or by any circumstances beyond its control.
(vi)The Trustee shall not be liable for interest or investment income on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuers.
(vii)Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(viii)Each Holder, by its acceptance of any Notes and the Note Guarantees consents and agrees to the terms of the Notes Documents as the same may be in effect or as may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and authorizes and directs the Trustee to enter into and perform its obligations and exercise its rights under the Notes Documents in accordance therewith, to bind the Holders on the terms set forth in the Notes Documents and to execute any and all documents, amendments, waivers, consents, releases or other instruments authorized or required to be executed by it pursuant to the terms thereof.
(ix)The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any matter (including, without limitation, Events of Default) unless a Responsible Officer has written notice or actual knowledge.
Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee .
(i)The Trustee may refrain without liability from taking any action in any jurisdiction if the taking of such action in that jurisdiction would, in its opinion, based upon legal advice in the relevant jurisdiction, be contrary to any law of that jurisdiction or, to the extent applicable, the State of New York. Furthermore, the Trustee may also refrain without liability from taking such action if it would otherwise render it liable to any person in that jurisdiction, the State of New York or if, in its opinion based upon such legal advice, it would not have the power to take such action in that jurisdiction by virtue of any applicable law in that jurisdiction, in the State of New York or if it is determined by any court or other competent authority in that jurisdiction, in the State of New York that it does not have such power.
(ii)The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in relying on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(iii)Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be
-100-
liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(iv)The Trustee may act through attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney, delegate, depositary, or agent appointed with due care.
(v)The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture or any other Notes Document, subject to Section 7.01(iii).
(vi)The Trustee may retain professional advisers to assist it in performing its duties under this Indenture or any Notes Document. The Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Notes shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel or professional advisors even if such advice or opinion is subject to a limitation of liability, whether by a monetary cap or otherwise, or limited in scope.
(vii)The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any Officer’s Certificate, Opinion of Counsel, or any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuers, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuers and the Trustee shall incur no liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(viii)The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee indemnity or other security satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred by it in compliance with such request, order or direction.
(ix)In the event the Trustee receives inconsistent or conflicting requests and indemnity from two or more groups of Holders, each representing less than the majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may determine what action, if any, shall be taken and shall be held harmless and shall not incur
-101-
any liability for its failure to act until such inconsistency or conflict is, in its reasonable opinion, resolved.
(x)The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Issuers with respect to the covenants contained in Article IV. Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under Section 4.09 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuers’ compliance with any of their covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).
(xi)The Trustee shall not have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance, and shall not be responsible or liable for compliance with restrictions on transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of minimum denominations imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law or regulation with respect to any transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of any interest in any Notes.
(xii)If any Guarantor is substituted to make payments on behalf of the Issuers pursuant to Article X, the Issuers shall promptly notify the Trustee of such substitution.
(xiii)The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including its right to be indemnified or secured to its satisfaction, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and under the other Notes Documents, by the Security Agent and each Agent in their various capacities hereunder, custodian and other Person employed to act as agent hereunder. Each of the Trustee, the Security Agent, and each Agent shall not be liable for acting in good faith on instructions believed by it to be genuine and from the proper party.
(xiv)The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety with respect to the performance of its duties or the exercise of its powers under this Indenture.
(xv)The permissive rights of the Trustee to take the actions permitted by this Indenture will not be construed as an obligation or duty to do so.
(xvi)Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits, loss of business, goodwill or opportunity of any kind), even if foreseeable and even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
-102-
(xvii)In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of, or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts that are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances;
(xviii)The Trustee may request that the Issuers deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of the individuals or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture or the Notes Documents, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
(xix)No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to do anything which, in its opinion, may be illegal or contrary to applicable law or regulation.
(xx)The Trustee shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless a Responsible Officer has actual knowledge thereof or is specifically notified in writing of such Default or Event of Default by the Issuers or by the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.
(xxi)The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall be entitled to make payments net of any taxes or other sums required by any applicable law to be withheld or deducted.
(xxii)At any time that the security granted pursuant to the Security Documents has become enforceable and the Holders have given a written direction to the Trustee to enforce such security, the Trustee is not required to give any direction to the Security Agent with respect thereto unless it has been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded in accordance with Section 7.01(v). In any event, in connection with any enforcement of such security, the Trustee is not responsible for:
(i)any failure of the Security Agent to enforce such security within a reasonable time or at all;
(ii)any failure of the Security Agent to pay over the proceeds of enforcement of the Collateral;
(iii)any failure of the Security Agent to realize such security for the best price obtainable;
-103-
(iv)monitoring the activities of the Security Agent in relation to such enforcement;
(v) | taking any enforcement action itself in relation to such security; |
(vi)agreeing to any proposed course of action by the Security Agent which could result in the Trustee incurring any liability for its own account; or
(vii) | paying any fees, costs or expenses of the Security Agent. |
(xxiii)The Trustee may assume without inquiry in the absence of actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer that the Issuers, the Guarantors or any Holder are duly complying with their obligations contained in this Indenture required to be performed and observed by each of them, and that no Default or Event of Default or other event which would require repayment of the Notes has occurred.
(xxiv)Unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Trustee shall not be required to disclose to any Holder or any third party any confidential financial or other information made available to the Trustee by the Issuers and no Holder shall be entitled to take any action to obtain from the Trustee any such information.
Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes or the Collateral and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, any Agent, Paying Agent, Transfer Agent, Authenticating Agent or Registrar may do the same with like rights.
Section 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees, any other Notes Document, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, it shall not be accountable for the Issuers’ use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuers or upon the Issuers’ direction under any provision of this Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreement, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuers in this Indenture or any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication if signed by the Trustee.
Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee is informed in writing of such occurrence by the Issuers, the Trustee must give notice of the Default to the Holders within 60 days after being notified by the Issuers. Except in the case of a Default in payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the Trustee determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.
Section 7.06. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuers, or, upon the failure of the Issuers to pay, each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall pay to the Trustee, the Security
-104-
Agent and each Agent from time to time such compensation as the Issuers and Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent may from time to time agree for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder and under the Notes Documents. The Trustee’s, the Security Agent’s and each Agent’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.
In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default or the Trustee considering it expedient or necessary or being requested by the Issuers to undertake duties which the Trustee reasonably determines to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee, the Issuers shall pay to the Trustee such additional remuneration for such duties as may be agreed.
The Issuers and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall reimburse the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent promptly upon request for all properly incurred disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it), including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the properly incurred compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s and the Security Agent’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Issuers and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee, the Security Agent, the Agents and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees and hold them harmless against any and all loss, liability or expenses (including attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses) incurred by or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture and the Notes Documents, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuers (including this Section 7.06) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuers or any Holder or any other person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder or under the Notes Documents, as the case may be. The Issuers and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees for all taxes paid by the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent, or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to any Person entitled to payment hereunder, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto.
The Trustee and the Security Agent shall notify the Issuers of any claim for which it may seek indemnity promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof; provided, however, that any failure so to notify the Issuers shall not relieve the Issuers or any Guarantor of their indemnity obligations hereunder or under any other Notes Documents, as the case may be. Except in cases where the interests of the Issuers and the Trustee and the Security Agent may be adverse, the Issuers shall defend the claim and the indemnified party shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Issuers’ and any Guarantor’s expense in the defense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnified party may, in its sole discretion, assume the defense of the claim against it and the Issuers and any Guarantor shall, jointly and severally, pay the properly incurred fees and expenses of the indemnified party’s defense. Such indemnified parties may have separate counsel of their choosing and the Issuers and any Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall pay the properly incurred fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuers need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuers need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by an indemnified party through such party’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or fraud.
-105-
To secure the Issuers’ and any Guarantor’s payment obligations in this Section 7.06, the Trustee, the Security Agent, and the Agents have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee or Paying Agent other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes.
The Issuers’ and any Guarantor’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section 7.06 and any lien arising thereunder shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture, payment of the Notes in full, any rejection or termination of this Indenture under any Bankruptcy Law or the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the Security Agent, and the Agents. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee, the Security Agent, and the Agents under applicable law, when the Trustee and the Paying Agents incur expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(e) and Section 6.01(f) with respect to the Issuers, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.
For the avoidance of doubt, the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee and the Security Agent in this Section 7.06, including its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by the Trustee and the Security Agent in each of its capacities hereunder and by each Agent, custodian and other Person employed with due care to act as agent hereunder. For purposes of this Section 7.06, “Trustee” and “Security Agent” shall include any predecessor Trustee or Security Agent; provided, however, that the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee or the Security Agent shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee or Security Agent hereunder.
Section 7.07. Replacement of Trustee. (i) The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuers. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuers shall be entitled to remove the Trustee or any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder for not less than six months may petition any court for removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee, if:
A. | the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.11; |
B.the Trustee has or acquires a conflict of interest in its capacity as Trustee that is not eliminated;
C. | the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent; |
D.a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
E.the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting as Trustee hereunder.
(ii)If the Trustee resigns, is removed pursuant to Section 7.07(i) or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuers shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
-106-
(iii)A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and the Notes Documents. The successor Trustee shall deliver a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided that all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.06.
(iv)If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, (i) the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee, or (ii) the retiring Trustee may appoint a successor Trustee at any time prior to the date on which a successor Trustee takes office; provided that such appointment is reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers.
(v)Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.07, the Issuers’ obligations under Section 7.06 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
(vi)For the avoidance of doubt, the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee in this Article VII, including its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by each Agent employed to act hereunder.
Section 7.08. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture, any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
Section 7.09. Certain Provisions. Each Holder by accepting a Note authorizes and directs on his or her behalf the Trustee to enter into and to take such actions and to make such acknowledgements as are set forth in this Indenture or other documents entered into in connection therewith.
Section 7.10. Agents; General Provisions.
-107-
(i)The rights, powers, duties and obligations and actions of each Agent under this Indenture are several and not (i) joint or (ii) joint and several.
(ii)In the event that instructions given to any Agent are not reasonably clear, then such Agent shall be entitled to seek clarification from the Issuers or other party entitled to give the Agents instructions under this Indenture by written request promptly and in any event within one Business Day of receipt by such Agent of such instructions. If an Agent has sought clarification in accordance with this Section 7.10, then such Agent shall be entitled to take no action until such clarification is provided, and shall not incur any liability for not taking any action pending receipt of such clarification.
(iii)No Agent shall be under any duty or other obligation towards, or have any relationship of agency or trust for or with, any person other than the Issuers.
(iv)The Issuers shall notify each Agent in the event that they determine that any payment to be made by an Agent under the Notes is a payment which could be subject to FATCA Withholding if such payment were made to a recipient that is generally unable to receive payments free from FATCA Withholding, and the extent to which the relevant payment is so treated, provided, however, that the Issuers’ obligation under this Section 7.10(iv) shall apply only to the extent that such payments are so treated by virtue of characteristics of the Issuers, the Notes, or both.
(v)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, each Agent shall be entitled to make a deduction or withholding from any payment which it makes under the Notes for or on account of any Tax, if and only to the extent so required by applicable law, in which event the Agent shall make such payment after such deduction or withholding has been made and shall account to the relevant Authority within the time allowed for the amount so deducted or withheld or, at its option, shall reasonably promptly after making such payment return to the Issuers the amount so deducted or withheld, in which case, the Issuers shall so account to the relevant Authority for such amount.
(vi)In the event that the Issuers determine at their sole discretion that any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax will be required by applicable law in connection with any payment due to any of the Agents on any Notes, then the Issuers will be entitled to redirect or reorganize any such payment in any way that it sees fit in order that the payment may be made without such deductions or withholding provided that, any such redirected or reorganized payment is made through a recognized institution of international standing and otherwise made in accordance with this Indenture. The Issuers will promptly notify the Agents and the Trustee of any such redirection or reorganization
(vii)For the purposes of Section 7.10(iv) through to Section 7.10(vi), the following definitions apply:
-108-
“Authority” means any competent regulatory, prosecuting, Tax or governmental authority in any jurisdiction.
“FATCA Withholding” means any withholding or deduction required pursuant to an agreement described in section 1471(b) of the Code, or otherwise imposed pursuant to sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any regulations or agreements thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, or any law implementing an intergovernmental approach thereto.
(viii) | [Reserved]. |
(ix)The Issuers and the Agents acknowledge and agree that in the event of a Default or Event of Default, the Trustee may, by notice in writing to the Issuers and the Agents, require that the Agents act as agents of, and take instructions exclusively from, the Trustee. Until they have received such written notice from the Trustee, the Agents shall act solely as agents of the Issuers and shall have no fiduciary duty, or owe any obligation, towards any person other than the Issuers.
(x)Moneys held by Agents need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Subject to Article VIII, the Agents hold all funds as agent subject to the terms of this Indenture and as a result money will not be held in accordance with the rules established by the Financial Conduct Authority in the Financial Conduct Authority’s Handbook of rules and guidance from time to time in relation to client money, The Agents shall not be liable for any interest earned thereon.
(xi)The roles, duties and functions of the Agents are of a mechanical nature and each Agent shall only perform those acts and duties as specifically set out in this Indenture and no other acts, covenants, obligations or duties shall be implied or read into this Indenture against any of the Agents.
(xii)No Agent shall be required to make any payment of the principal, premium or interest payable pursuant to this Indenture unless and until it has received the full amount to be paid in accordance with the terms of this Indenture. To the extent that an Agent has made such payment with the prior written consent of the Issuers and for which it did not receive the full amount, the Issuers will reimburse the Agent the full amount of any shortfall.
(xiii)No Agent shall have any duty or obligation to monitor the Issuers’ or any other party’s compliance with the terms of this Indenture or to take any steps to ascertain whether any Default or Event of Default or other event which would require repayment of the Notes has occurred.
Section 7.11. Eligibility; Disqualification. There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business in England and Wales or the United States of America that is authorized to exercise corporate trustee power; and that is a corporation which is generally recognized as a corporation which customarily performs such corporate trustee
-109-
roles and provides such corporate trustee services in transactions similar in nature to the offering of the Notes.
ARTICLE VIII
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance. (a) This Indenture will be discharged and cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of conversion or transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when (1) either (a) all the Notes previously authenticated and delivered (other than certain lost, stolen or destroyed Notes and certain Notes for which provision for payment was previously made and thereafter the funds have been released to the Issuers) have been delivered to the Paying Agent for cancellation; or (b) all Notes not previously delivered to the Paying Agent for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee or Paying Agent in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers; (2) the Issuers have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another entity designated by the Trustee for this purpose) U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, as applicable, in an amount sufficient, without consideration of reinvestment, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not previously delivered to the Paying Agent for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (in the case of Notes that have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be; (3) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under this Indenture; (4) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the funds deposited towards the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be; and (5) the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each to the effect that all conditions precedent under this Section 8.01 relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with; provided that any such counsel may rely on any Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact (including as to compliance with clauses (1), (2) and (3) of this Section 8.01). If requested in writing by the Issuers, the Trustee or Paying Agent may distribute any amounts deposited to the Holders prior to maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be, subject to Euroclear or Clearstream’s applicable procedures. In such case, the payment to each Holder will equal the amount such Holder would have been entitled to receive at maturity or the relevant redemption date, as the case may be. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution and payment to Holders prior to the maturity or redemption date as set forth above will not include any negative interest, present value adjustment, break cost or any further premium on such amounts.
(b)Subject to Section 8.01(c) and Section 8.02, the Parent at any time may terminate (i) all obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors under the Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (“legal defeasance option”), and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes or (ii) their obligations under Article IV (other than Section 4.14) and under Section 5.01 (other than Section 5.01(a)(i) and Section 5.01(a)(ii)), and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes and the events set
-110-
forth in Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e) (other than with respect to Section 5.01(a)(i) and Section 5.01(a)(ii)), Section 6.01(f), Section 6.01(g) (other than with respect to the Issuers and Significant Subsidiaries) Section 6.01(h) (other than with respect to the Issuers), Section 6.01(i) and Section 6.01(j) shall not constitute Events of Default (“covenant defeasance option”). The Issuers at their option at any time may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding their prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
If the Issuers exercise their legal defeasance option or their covenant defeasance option, each Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under its Guarantee.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuers, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuers terminate.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a) and Section 8.01(b) above, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in Section 2.07, Section 2.08, Section 2.09, Section 2.10, Section 2.11, Section 2.12, Section 2.13, Section 2.14, Section 7.01, Section 7.02, Section 7.03, Section 7.06, Section 7.07 and this Article VIII, as applicable, shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuers’ and any Guarantors’ obligations in Section 7.06, Section 8.05 and Section 8.06, as applicable, shall survive.
Section 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance. (i) The Issuers may exercise their legal defeasance option or their covenant defeasance option only if:
A.the Issuers have irrevocably deposited in trust (the “defeasance trust”) with the Trustee (or another entity designated by the Trustee for this purpose) cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations or a combination thereof, as applicable in an amount sufficient, without consideration of reinvestment, for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be;
B.an Opinion of Counsel in the United States to the effect that Holders of the relevant Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and in the case of legal defeasance only, such Opinion of Counsel in the United States must be based on a ruling of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law);
C.an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying, defrauding or preferring any creditors of the Issuers;
D.an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which opinion of counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and
-111-
exclusions), each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with;
E.an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940; and
F.the Issuers delivers to the Trustee all other documents or other information that the Trustee may reasonably require in connection with either defeasance option.
(ii)Before or after a deposit, the Issuers may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Notes at a future date in accordance with Article III.
Section 8.03. Deposited Money and U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations to be held in Trust. Subject to Section 8.04 hereof, all money and U.S. dollar- denominated Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or such other entity designated or appointed as agent by the Trustee for this purpose, or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.03, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.01hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Section 8.04. Repayment to Issuer. The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuers upon request any money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article VIII which, in the written opinion of an internationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee (which delivery shall only be required if U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations have been so deposited), are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent discharge or defeasance in accordance with this Article VIII.
Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee shall pay to the Issuers upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuers for payment as general creditors, and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
Section 8.05. Indemnity for Government Obligations. The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations.
-112-
Section 8.06. Reinstatement. If the Trustee is unable to apply any money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided, however, that if the Issuers have made any payment of principal of or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Issuers shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. dollar- denominated Government Obligations held by the Trustee.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders. Without the consent of any Holder, the Issuers, the Trustee and the other parties thereto, as applicable, may amend or supplement any Notes Documents to:
A.cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect, error or inconsistency;
B.provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary under any Notes Document;
C.add to the covenants or provide for a Note Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;
D.make any change that would provide additional rights or benefits to the Trustee or the Holders or that does not adversely affect the rights or benefits to the Trustee or any of the Holders in any material respect under the Notes Documents;
E.make such provisions as necessary (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) for the issuance of Additional Notes;
F.to provide for any Restricted Subsidiary to provide a Note Guarantee in accordance with Section 4.01 or Section 4.08, to add Note Guarantees with respect to the Notes, to add security to or for the benefit of the Notes, or to confirm and evidence the release, termination, discharge or retaking of any Guarantee or Lien (including the Collateral and the Security Documents) or any amendment in respect thereof with respect to the Notes when such release, termination, discharge or retaking or amendment is provided for under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL
-113-
Intercreditor Agreement any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, or the Security Documents;
G. | [reserved]; or |
H.to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement of a successor Trustee pursuant to the requirements thereof or to provide for the accession by the Trustee or the Security Agent to any Notes Document;
Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders. The Issuers and the Trustee may amend, supplement or otherwise modify the Notes Documents with the consent of Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) and, except as otherwise stated herein, any default or compliance with any provisions thereof may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes). However, without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected, an amendment or waiver may not:
A.reduce the percentage of principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, waiver or modification;
B.reduce the stated rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest on any Note;
C. | reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Note; |
D.reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed, in each case as described in Section 5 of the Notes;
E.make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note;
F.impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;
G.make any change to Section 4.13 that adversely affects the right of any Holder of such Notes in any material respect or amends the terms of such Notes in a way that would result in a loss of an exemption from any of the Taxes described thereunder or an exemption from any obligation to withhold or deduct Taxes so described thereunder unless the
-114-
Parent or the applicable Payor agrees to pay Additional Amounts, if any, in respect thereof;
H.release any security interests granted for the benefit of the Holders of Notes other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, or the applicable Security Documents, or make any change to the form ABL Intercreditor Agreement attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C prior to its effective date that adversely effects of right of any Holder of such Notes thereunder in any material respect;
I.waive a Default or Event of Default with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on the Notes (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
J.release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; or
K.make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions which require the Holders’ consent described in this sentence.
In respect of such matters described in Section 9.01 and this Section 9.02, the Trustee shall be entitled to require and rely absolutely on such evidence as it deems necessary, including Officer’s Certificates and Opinions of Counsel.
For the avoidance of doubt, no amendment to or deletion of, or actions taken in compliance with, the covenants contained in this Indenture shall be deemed to impair or affect any rights of Holders of the Notes to receive payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, on the Notes.
For so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules of such exchange so require, the Parent will publish notice of any amendment, supplement and waiver in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times). Such notice of any amendment, supplement and waiver may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of a daily newspaper to the extent and in the manner permitted by the rules of such exchange.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment of the Notes Documents, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. A consent to any amendment or waiver under this Indenture by any Holder of Notes given in connection with a tender of such Holder’s Notes will not be rendered invalid by such tender.
-115-
After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, in case of Holders of Definitive Notes, the Issuers shall mail or deliver to the Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.02.
Except as set forth in this Section 9.02, the Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes part of the same series will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including with respect to waivers and amendments. For the purposes of calculating the aggregate principal amount of Notes that have consented to or voted in favor of any amendment, waiver, consent, modifications or other similar action, the Issuers (acting reasonably and in good faith) shall be entitled to select a record date as of which the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of any Notes shall be calculated in such consent or voting process.
Section 9.03. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers.
(i)A written consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Notes that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the written consent or waiver as to such Holder’s Note or portion of the Note if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuers certifying that the requisite number of consents have been received. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective upon the (a) receipt by the Issuers or the Trustee of the requisite number of consents, (b) satisfaction of conditions to effectiveness as set forth in this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto containing such amendment or waiver and (c) in the case of an amendment, execution of such amendment (or supplemental indenture) by the Issuers and the Trustee.
(ii)The Issuers may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their written consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding Section 9.03(i), those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.
Section 9.04. Notation on or Exchange of Notes. If an amendment changes the terms of a Note, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Issuers or the Trustee so determine, the Issuers in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate a new Note that
-116-
reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment.
Section 9.05. Trustee and Security Agent to Sign Amendments. The Trustee and the and Security Agent shall sign any amendment or supplement authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment or supplement does not impose any personal obligations on the Trustee or the Security Agent or adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee or the Security Agent under this Indenture, as applicable. If it does, the Trustee and the Security Agent may, but need not, sign it. In signing such amendment or supplement the Trustee and the Security Agent shall be entitled to receive an indemnity or security satisfactory to it and to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment or supplement complies with this Indenture, the other Notes Documents and that such amendment or supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is the legally valid and binding obligation of the Issuers and the Guarantors enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.
ARTICLE X
NOTE GUARANTEES
Section 10.01. Note Guarantees.
(i)Subject to this Article X, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, each Guarantor, as primary obligor and not merely as a surety, jointly and severally, unconditionally, on a senior basis and subject to any limitations set out in any supplemental indenture, guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee (or the Authenticating Agent), to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that:
A.the principal of, Additional Amounts and premium, if any, and interest on, the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest, Additional Amounts and premium, if any, on the Notes (to the extent permitted by law) and all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and
B.in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same
-117-
immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.
(ii)To the extent permitted by the applicable law and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, each Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action or any delay or omission to assert any claim or to demand or enforce any remedy hereunder or thereunder, any waiver, surrender, release or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuers, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuers, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever including, with respect to any Spanish Guarantor, any right of prior prosecution, order or division (beneficios de excusión, orden y división) to which it may be entitled under article 1,830 et seq. of the Spanish Civil Code, and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture. For the purposes of Article 399.2, 627 and 686.2 of the Spanish Insolvency Act, each Spanish Guarantor shall remain bound by this Note Guarantee in the event that the Issuer reaches an arrangement with its creditors in the course of insolvency proceedings or similar. In particular, no Spanish Guarantor may benefit from potential privileges with regard to the Note Guarantee (such as partial release of debt, stays or others) that have been provided for in the arrangement the Issuer may have reached with its creditors (even if any or all of the Holders of the Notes have voted in favour of the approval of the arrangement) and the Note Guarantee shall therefore continue on the same terms and in full force and effect with respect to the Secured Obligations. In the event of insolvency of the Spanish Guarantor, the Holders of the Notes shall also be entitled to request the inclusion on the list of creditors of the then outstanding unpaid amounts following the enforcement of the Note Guarantee.
(iii)If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to or for the benefit of the Issuers, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Issuers or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either the Issuers or the Guarantors to the Trustee or such Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force and effect.
(iv)Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand,
-118-
A.the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article VI hereof for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and
B.in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article VI, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Note Guarantee.
(v)Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including properly incurred attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses as well as notarial fees relating to any Spanish Public Document or registration fees) incurred by the Trustee in enforcing any rights under this Section.
(vi)Each Spanish Guarantor acknowledges that the amounts due and payable by the Issuer under the Notes or this Indenture shall constitute liquid, due and payable amounts of such Spanish Guarantor (deudas líquidas, vencidas y exigibles).
Section 10.02. Successors and Assigns. This Article X shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.
Each party to this Indenture hereby agrees and undertakes to execute and deliver all such documents and do all such acts and things which are legally required to fully and effectively give effect to this Section 10.02.
Section 10.03. No Waiver. Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article X shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article X at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
Section 10.04. Modification. No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article X, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which
-119-
given. No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.
Section 10.05. Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Guarantors. Each Subsidiary which is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to this Indenture shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the form attached to this Indenture as Exhibit B pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor under this Article X. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate in each case, prepared in accordance with Section 12.02. The obligations of a Guarantor executing and delivering a supplemental indenture to this Indenture providing for a Note Guarantee of the Notes under this Article X shall be subject to such limitations as are mandated under applicable laws in addition to the limitations set forth in Section 10.07 and set out in the relevant supplemental indenture.
Section 10.06. Release of the Note Guarantees. (a) The Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will terminate and release:
(1)upon a sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of the Capital Stock of the relevant Guarantor (whether by direct sale or sale of a holding company) or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Guarantor (other than to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) otherwise permitted by this Indenture;
(2)in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement;
(3) | upon defeasance or discharge of the Notes, as provided in Article VIII; |
(4)as described under Article IX;
(5)as described under Section 4.08(b);
(6)as a result of a transaction permitted by Section 5.01(b); or
(7)[Reserved].
Upon the request of the Parent, the Trustee shall take all necessary actions to effectuate any release of a Note Guarantee in accordance with these provisions, subject to customary protections and indemnifications. Each of the releases set forth above shall be effected by the Trustee without the consent of the Holders or any other action or consent on the part of the Trustee.
Section 10.07. Limitations on Obligations of Guarantors.
Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed by the applicable Guarantor without rendering the Note Guarantee, as it relates to such Guarantor, voidable under applicable laws
-120-
relating to fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer, improper corporate benefit, financial assistance or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally; provided that, with respect to each relevant jurisdiction, such obligations shall be limited in the manner described in any supplemental indenture.
Section 10.08. Local Law Limitations.
(a) | Limitations on Liability of French Guarantors. |
(1)In the case of any Guarantor incorporated under the laws of France (a “French Guarantor”) its obligations under this Indenture shall apply only insofar as required to:
(A)guarantee the payment obligations under this Indenture and the Notes of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries which are or become Guarantors from time to time under this Indenture and incurred by those Subsidiaries in their capacity as Guarantor (without double counting) provided that where such Subsidiary itself guarantees the obligations of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which is not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the relevant French Guarantor, the amounts payable under this Section 10.08(a)(1)(A) in respect of the obligations of this Subsidiary as a Guarantor, shall be limited as set out in Section 10.08(a)(1)(B) below; and
(B)guarantee the payment obligations of (i) the Issuers or (ii) other Guarantors which are not direct or indirect Subsidiaries of that French Guarantor, provided that in such cases such guarantee shall be limited: (x) to the payment obligations of (i) the Issuers under this Indenture and the Notes or (ii) such other Guarantors under this Indenture but in each case (y) not exceeding an amount equal to the aggregate of all amounts made available (directly or indirectly) to the Issuers or such other Guarantors under this Indenture and the Notes/and received out of the proceeds of the Notes and on-lent (directly or indirectly by way of intercompany loans) to that French Guarantor and outstanding at the time a call is made under its Guarantee (the “French Maximum Guaranteed Amount”); it being specified that any payment made by such French Guarantor under this Indenture in respect of the obligations of any Issuer or any other Guarantor shall reduce pro tanto the outstanding amount of the intercompany loans (if any) due by such French Guarantor under the relevant intercompany loan arrangements referred to above.
(2)For the avoidance of doubt, any payment made by a French Guarantor under Section 10.08(a)(1)(B) pursuant to the guarantees granted under this Indenture shall reduce pro tanto the French Maximum Guaranteed Amount.
-121-
(3)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, no French Guarantor shall secure liabilities under this Indenture and the Notes which would result in such French Guarantor not complying with French financial assistance rules as set out in Article L. 225-216 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) or would constitute a misuse of corporate assets within the meaning of article L. 241-3, L. 242-6 or L. 244-1 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) or any other applicable law or regulations having the same effect, as interpreted by French courts.
(4)It is acknowledged that no French Guarantor is acting jointly and severally with the Issuers or other Guarantors as to its obligations arising under or in connection with this Indenture.
(5)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, (i) the representations, undertakings and warranties made in this Indenture by any French Guarantor (or by the Issuers) shall be made, in each case, in respect of itself and its Subsidiaries only and for the avoidance of any doubt will not apply in relation to matters pertaining exclusively to its shareholders or its holding companies; and (ii) the indemnities granted in this Indenture by each French Guarantor shall be, in each case, in respect of its own breach or that of (i) the Issuers (if the Issuers are a direct or indirect Subsidiary of that French Guarantor) or (ii) its Subsidiaries which are French Guarantors.
(b)Limitations on Liability of Spanish Guarantors. Any obligations or liabilities incurred or assumed under this Indenture by any Spanish Guarantor shall (i) not include any obligations or liabilities which, if incurred, would constitute a breach of the financial assistance limitations set out under Articles 143 and 150 of Spanish Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July, approving the consolidated text of the Spanish Capital Companies Act, as interpreted by Spanish courts, and (ii) with respect to Spanish Guarantors which are private limited liability companies (sociedad limitada), not exceed an amount equal to twice the amount of their respective own funds (recursos propios), but only to the extent that such limitation provided under Article 401.2 of the Spanish Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July, approving the consolidated text of the Spanish Capital Companies Act, as interpreted by Spanish courts, is compulsorily applicable to the obligations assumed by such Spanish Guarantors under this Indenture.
(c)Limitations on Liability of Norwegian Guarantors. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Indenture, the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor incorporated in Norway (each, a “Norwegian Guarantor”) under this Indenture shall be deemed to have been given only to the extent such obligations and liabilities do not violate the mandatory provisions of the Norwegian Private Limited Companies Act of 13 June 1997 no. 44 (the “Norwegian Companies Act”), including Sections 8-7 and 8-10, regulating unlawful financial assistance and other prohibited loans, guarantees and joint and several liability as well as providing of security, and the liability of each Norwegian Guarantor shall only apply to the fullest extent permitted by such provisions of the Norwegian Companies Act. The liabilities of any Norwegian Guarantor is limited to the maximum principal amount of amount equaling $500 million of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture, plus any unpaid amounts of interest, default interest, breaking costs, fees, commissions, costs, expenses and other derived liabilities under this
-122-
Indenture. The limitations in this Section 10.08(c) shall apply mutatis mutandis to any Security Document to which a Norwegian Guarantor is party.
Section 10.09. Non-Impairment.
The failure to endorse a Note Guarantee on any Note shall not affect or impair the validity thereof.
ARTICLE XI
COLLATERAL AND SECURITY
Section 11.01. Security Documents.
(a)The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on, the Notes and the Guarantees when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium on, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any (to the extent permitted by law), on the Notes, the Guarantees and performance of all other obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors to the Holders or the Trustee and the Security Agent under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, are secured as provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents. Each Holder, by its acceptance of a Note: (i) consents and agrees to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents (including, without limitation, the provisions providing for foreclosure and release of Liens and authorizing the Security Agent to enter into any Security Document on its behalf) as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms and (ii) authorizes and directs the Security Agent to enter into the Security Documents and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Issuers will deliver to the Trustee copies of all documents delivered to the Security Agent pursuant to the Security Documents, and, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, the Issuers and the Guarantors will, and the Issuers will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be necessary or proper, or as may be required by the provisions of the Security Documents, to assure and confirm to the Trustee that the Security Agent holds, for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, duly created, enforceable and perfected Liens as contemplated hereby and by the Security Documents, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Notes and the Guarantees secured thereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. Subject to the Agreed Security Principles, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the Issuers and the Guarantors will take, upon request of the Trustee, any and all actions reasonably required to cause the Security Documents to create and maintain, as security for the obligations of the Issuers under the Notes, a valid and enforceable Lien (i) on the Collateral held by the ABL Guarantors in accordance with the relative priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) on the Collateral held by the Guarantors other than the ABL Guarantors in accordance with the relative priorities set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.
-123-
(b)Without prejudice to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, each of the Issuers, the Trustee and the Holders agree that the Security Agent shall be the joint creditor (together with the Holders) of each and every obligation of the parties hereto under the Notes and this Indenture, and that accordingly the Security Agent will have its own independent right to demand performance by the Issuers of those obligations, except that such demand shall only be made with the prior written consent of the Trustee or as otherwise permitted under the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. However, any discharge of such obligation to the Security Agent, on the one hand, or to the Trustee or the Holders, as applicable, on the other hand, shall, to the same extent, discharge the corresponding obligation owing to the other.
(c)Each Holder, by accepting a Note, shall be deemed (i) to have authorized the Security Agent to enter into the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement entered into in compliance with Section 4.11 and (ii) to be bound thereby. Each Holder, by accepting a Note, appoints the Security Agent as its trustee under the Security Documents and authorizes it to act on such Holder’s behalf. The Trustee hereby acknowledges that the Security Agent is authorized to act under the Security Documents on behalf of the Trustee, with the full authority and powers of the Trustee thereunder, in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. The Security Agent is hereby authorized to exercise such rights, powers and discretions as are specifically delegated to it by the terms of the Security Documents, including the power to enter into the Security Documents, as trustee on behalf of the Holders and the Trustee, in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, together with all rights, powers and discretions as are reasonably incidental thereto or necessary to give effect to the trusts created thereunder. The Security Agent shall however at all times be entitled to seek directions from the Trustee and shall be obligated to follow those directions if given (but the Trustee shall not be obligated to give such directions unless directed in accordance with this Indenture).
(d)Neither the Trustee nor the Security Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents will be responsible or liable for the existence, genuineness, value or protection of any property securing the Notes, for the legality, enforceability, effectiveness or sufficiency of the Security Documents, for the creation, perfection, priority, sufficiency or protection of any Lien, or for any defect or deficiency as to any such matters, or for any failure to demand, collect, foreclose or realize upon or otherwise enforce any of the Liens or Security Documents or any delay in doing so.
Section 11.02. Release of Collateral.
Notwithstanding the Security Documents, upon receipt by the Security Agent of a certificate from the Issuers that complies with Section 11.05, and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Agent is authorized to release the relevant Collateral.
Section 11.03. Authorization of Actions to Be Taken by the Trustee Under the Security Documents.
-124-
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 hereof and the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, the Trustee may, in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Holders:
(A)direct, on behalf of the Holders, the Security Agent to take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to:
(1)enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement; and
(2)collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the obligations of an Issuer or any Guarantor hereunder; and
(B)take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the obligations of the Issuers hereunder.
Subject to the provisions hereof, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee will have power to institute and maintain, or direct the Security Agent to institute and maintain, such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the Liens over the Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral (including power to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair such Liens or be prejudicial to the interests of the Holders or of the Trustee).
Section 11.04. Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents
The Trustee and/or the Security Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders distributed under the Security Documents and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to the provisions of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement.
Section 11.05. Termination of Security Interest; Activity with Respect to Collateral.
(a)Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Agent shall, at the written request of the Issuers, release the relevant Collateral or execute such other appropriate instrument evidencing such release (in the form provided by, reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, and at the expense of the Issuers) under one or more of the following circumstances:
-125-
(1)upon payment in full of principal, interest and all other obligations under the Notes and this Indenture or the legal defeasance, covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as provided for in Article VIII;
(2)in the case of a Guarantor that is released from its Guarantee pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the release of property and assets, and Capital Stock, of such Guarantor;
(3)in connection with any sale or other disposition of Collateral, directly or indirectly, to (a) any Person other than the Parent, an Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiaries (but excluding any transaction subject to Article V) if such sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.05 and is otherwise not prohibited by this Indenture or (b) an Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary in a manner consistent with the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, provided that, any Replacement Asset received as consideration for such sale or disposition of Collateral in accordance with this clause (3) or acquired with the proceeds of such Collateral shall secure the Notes to the extent and so long as the provision of such Replacement Asset as Collateral is not reasonably expected to result in (i) any violation of any applicable law or regulation, (ii) any liability of officers, directors or shareholders, (iii) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (including with respect to taxes) other than reasonable out-of- pocket expenses incurred in connection with any governmental or regulatory filings or (iv) inconsistency with the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement;
(4) | as provided for under Article IX; |
(5) | automatically without any action by the Trustee, as described in Section 4.03(b); |
(6)as otherwise provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement;
(7)in order to effectuate a merger, consolidation, conveyance or transfer conducted in compliance with Article V;
(8)with respect to assets held by or the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, in connection with a solvent liquidation of such Restricted Subsidiary, pursuant to which substantially all of the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary remain owned by an Issuer or a Guarantor; provided that, immediately following such solvent liquidation, a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets exists or is granted in favor of the Security Agent (on its own behalf and on behalf of the Trustee for the Holders);
(9)if on any date following the Issue Date, the Notes have achieved Investment Grade Status and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and
(10)as otherwise permitted in accordance with this Indenture, including pursuant to Section 4.15.
-126-
The Security Agent and the Trustee (but only if required in order to effect such release) will, subject to customary protections and/or indemnifications, take all necessary action reasonably requested by, and at the cost of, the Issuers to effectuate any release of Collateral securing the Notes and the Notes Guarantees, in accordance with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement and the relevant Security Document. Each of these releases set forth above shall be effected by the Security Agent and, to the extent required or necessary, the Trustee, without the consent of the holders of the Notes. The Security Agent and the Trustee shall be entitled to request and rely solely upon an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each certifying which circumstances give rise to the release of Collateral and that such release complies with this Indenture.
Section 11.06. Security Agent.
(a)The Security Documents and the Collateral will be administered by the Security Agent, in each case pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement for the benefit of all holders of secured obligations.
(b)Any resignation or replacement of the Security Agent shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.01. Notices. Any notice or communication shall be in writing, in the English language, and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:
if to the Parent or an Issuer:
Ferroglobe PLC
5 Fleet Place,
London EC4M 7RD,
United Kingdom
Attention: Thomas Wiesner
with copy to:
Milbank LLP
10 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7JD
United Kingdom
Attention: Tim Peterson
if to the Trustee
GLAS Trustees Limited
45 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JU
-127-
United Kingdom
Email: TES@GLAS.AGENCY
Attention: Trustee & Escrow Services
if to the Paying Agent
Global Loan Agency Services Limited
45 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JU
United Kingdom
Email : tes@glas.agency
Attention: Ferroglobe
if to the Registrar and Transfer Agent
GLAS Americas LLC
230 Park Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, New York 10169
United States of America
Telephone: +1 212 808 3050
Facsimile: +1 212 202 6246
Attention: Transaction Management
Email: Client Services Americas clientservices.americas@glas.agency
if to the Security Agent
GLAS Trust Corporation Limited
45 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JU
United Kingdom
Email: TES@GLAS.AGENCY
Attention: Trustee & Escrow Services
The Issuers or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication sent to a Holder of Definitive Registered Notes shall be in writing and shall be made by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or by hand delivery to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar, with a copy to the Trustee.
For so long as any of the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, notices of the Issuers with respect to the Notes will be published in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times) or if, in the opinion of the Issuers such publication is not practicable, in an English language newspaper having general circulation in Europe. Notices may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in a daily newspaper so long as the rules of such exchange are complied with.
-128-
If and so long as any Notes are represented by one or more Global Notes and ownership of book-entry interests therein are shown on the records of Euroclear or Clearstream or any successor securities clearing agency appointed at the request of the Issuers, notices will be delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream or such successor clearing agency to such securities clearing agency for communication to the owners of such book-entry interests and such notices shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered to such securities clearing agency.
Notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, will be deemed given five calendar days after mailing. Notices given by publication will be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or, if published more than once on different dates, on the first date on which publication is made; provided that, if notices are mailed, such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the later of such publication and the seventh day after being so mailed. Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed to such Person by first-class mail or other equivalent means and shall be sufficiently given to such Holder if so mailed within the time prescribed. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
Any notices provided by the Issuers to the Trustee or to an Agent shall be in the English language or a certified translation.
Section 12.02. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuers to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee:
(i)an Officer’s Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.03 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and any other matters that the Trustee may reasonably request; and
(ii)if requested by the Trustee, an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.03 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with and any other matters that the Trustee may reasonably request.
Section 12.03. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:
(i)a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(ii)a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
-129-
(iii)a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, such Person has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable that Person to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(iv)a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such covenant or condition has been complied with.
Section 12.04. When Notes are to be Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of the Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, the Notes owned by the Issuers or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuers will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes so owned about which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has been notified in accordance with this Indenture shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing, only Notes outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.
Section 12.05. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
Section 12.06. Legal Holidays. If a payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is not a Business Day, the record date shall not be affected.
Section 12.07. Governing Law. THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES, AND THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES THEREUNDER, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Section 12.08. Consent to Jurisdiction and Service. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any suit, action or proceeding arising out of, related to, or in connection with this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any action arising under U.S. Federal or state securities laws, may be instituted in any U.S. federal or state court located in the State and City of New York, Borough of Manhattan; irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding; and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Parent and each of the Guarantors hereby appoint Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon whom process may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding which may be instituted in any Federal or state court located in the State of New York, Borough of Manhattan arising out of or based upon this Indenture, the Notes or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and any action brought under U.S. Federal or state securities laws. The Issuers and each of the Guarantors expressly consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such action and waives any other requirements of or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect
-130-
thereto and waives any right to trial by jury. Such appointment shall be irrevocable unless and until replaced by an agent reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The Issuers and each of the Guarantors represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Issuers agree to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service to the Parent shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Issuers and any Guarantor.
Section 12.09. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guarantor under this Indenture or any Notes Documents, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.
Section 12.10. Successors. All agreements of the Issuers and each Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.
Section 12.11. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.
Section 12.12. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 12.13. Prescription. Claims against the Issuers and the Guarantors for the payment of principal, or premium, if any, on the Notes will be prescribed 10 years after the applicable due date for payment thereof. Claims against the Issuers and the Guarantors for the payment of interest on the Notes will be prescribed five years after the applicable due date for payment of interest.
Section 12.14. Severability. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 12.15. Spanish Formalities. For the purpose of art. 571 et seq. of the Spanish Civil Procedural Act, it is hereby agreed that:
(i)the amount due and payable under this Indenture or in the Notes by any Spanish Guarantor that may be claimed in any executive proceedings will be contained in a certificate setting out the relevant calculations and determinations provided by the Paying Agent (on an aggregate basis) or each Holder of Notes and
-131-
will be based on the accounts maintained by the Paying Agent or that Holder of Notes in connection with this Indenture or the Notes;
(ii)subject to the terms of this Indenture, the Paying Agent and/or each Holder of Notes may (at the cost of the relevant Spanish Guarantor) have the aforementioned certificate notarized evidencing that the calculations and determinations have been effected; and
(iii)the Trustee and/or the Holder of Notes may claim the total amount of the principal and interest due if there is a default in the repayment of any instalment of principal or interest, subject to any of the applicable guarantee limitations established under this Indenture or the Notes.
The Spanish Guarantors hereby expressly authorise the Paying Agent (and each Holder of Notes, as appropriate) to request and obtain certificates and documents issued by the Notary who has formalised this Indenture (or any accession deed or amendment thereto) by means of a Spanish Public Document in order to evidence its compliance with the entries of his registry- book and the relevant entry date for the purpose of numbers 4º or 5º (as applicable) of Article 517 of the Spanish Civil Procedural Act. The cost of such certificate and documents will be for the account of the Spanish Guarantors in the manner provided under this Indenture.
This Indenture and any accession deed or amendment thereto granted by any acceding Spanish Guarantor shall be raised to the status of public in Spain by means of a Spanish Public Document for the purposes contemplated in Article 517 et seq., of the Spanish Civil Procedural Act and other related provisions. The costs of notarization of this Indenture and any accession deed or amendment thereto granted by any acceding Spanish Guarantor shall be borne by the Issuer or the relevant Spanish Guarantor.
-132-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
| FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY, PLC, | |
| as Issuer | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ BEATRIZ GARCIA-COS MUNTAÑOLA |
| | Name: BEATRIZ GARCIA-COS MUNTAÑOLA |
| | Title: DIRECTOR |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., | |
| as Issuer | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe PLC, | |
| as Parent Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ JAVIER LÓPEZ MADRID |
| | Name: JAVIER LÓPEZ MADRID |
| | Title: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Grupo FerroAtlántica S.A.U., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica Participaciones S.L.U., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Grupo Ferroatlantica De Servicios S.L.U., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica De Boo S.L.U., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica De Sabon S.L.U., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica del Cinca S.L., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Cuarzos Industriales S.A., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: ATTORNEY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Netherlands B.V., | |
| (having its corporate seat in Amsterdam, the | |
| Netherlands and registered with the Dutch trade | |
| register under number 34358567) | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: Attorney-in-fact |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ BENOIST OLLIVIER |
| | Name: BENOIST OLLIVIER |
| | Title: DIRECTOR |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| FerroPem, S.A.S., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe Manganese France S.A.S., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Name: THOMAS WIESNER |
| | Title: AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Globe Metallurgical, Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Alden Resources LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| ARL Resources, LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | Alden Resources LLC, |
| | as sole member |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| ARL Services, LLC, | |
| | |
| By: | Alden Resources LLC, |
| | as sole member |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Alden Sales Corp, LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Core Metals Group Holdings LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Core Metals Group LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Metallurgical Process Materials, LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Tennessee Alloys Company, LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Sales, Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GatliffServices LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Enterprises Holdings Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM EnterprisesLLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GBG Holdings LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Globe Metals Enterprises LLC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Alloys II Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Alloys I Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Solsil Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Financial Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Norchem, Inc., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| QSIP Canada ULC, | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek |
| | Name: Paul Lojek |
| | Title: President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe Holding Company Ltd., | |
| as Guarantor | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ BEATRIZ GARCIA-COS MUNTAÑOLA |
| | Name: BEATRIZ GARCIA-COS MUNTAÑOLA |
| | Title: DIRECTOR |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GLAS Trustees Dimited, | |
| as Trustee | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ PAUL CATTERMOLE |
| | Name: PAUL CATTERMOLE |
| | Title: AUTHORISED SIGNATORY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Global Loan Agency Services Limited, | |
| as Paying Agent | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ PAUL CATTERMOLE |
| | Name: PAUL CATTERMOLE |
| | Title: AUTHORISED SIGNATORY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GLAS Americas LLC, | |
| as Registrar and Transfer Agent | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ LISHA JOHN |
| | Name: LISHA JOHN |
| | Title: VICE PRESIDENT |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, | |
| as Security Agent | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ PAUL CATTERMOLE |
| | Name: PAUL CATTERMOLE |
| | Title: AUTHORISED SIGNATORY |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
EXHIBIT A
PROVISIONS RELATING
TO THE NOTES
These provisions relating to the Notes are in addition to and not in lieu of the provisions relating to the Notes found in Articles II and III of the Indenture. In the event any inconsistency between the language in this Exhibit A and corresponding language in the Indenture, the language in the Indenture shall control.
1. | Definitions. |
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Exhibit A shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. For the purposes of this Exhibit A the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
“Definitive Registered Note” means a certificated Note that does not include the Global Notes Legend.
“Common Depositary” means Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, société anonyme, for Euroclear and Clearstream accounts, or any successor Person thereto.
“Global Notes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(iv) of this Exhibit A.
“Global Notes Legend” means the legend set forth under that caption in Exhibit A-1.
“IAI Global Notes” means all Notes offered and sold to Institutional Accredited
Investors in reliance on Regulation D.
“Institutional Accredited Investors” means an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) of Regulation D.
“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Regulation D” means Regulation D under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Notes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(ii) of this Exhibit A.
“Regulation S Notes” means all Notes offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S.
“Restricted Global Notes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(i) of this Exhibit A.
A-1
“Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend set forth under that caption in this Exhibit A-1.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A Notes” means all Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Transfer Restricted Notes” means Definitive Registered Notes and any other Notes that bear or are required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
“United States” and “U.S.” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
2. | The Notes. |
2.1 | Form and Dating. |
(a) | Global Notes. |
(i)Notes offered and sold within the United States to QIBs in accordance with Rule 144A shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global notes in fully registered form without interest coupons (collectively, the “144A Global Notes”). Notes offered and sold within the United States to Institutional Accredited Investors in reliance on Regulation D shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global notes in fully registered form without interest coupons (collectively, the “IAI Global Notes” and, collectively with the 144A Global Notes, the “Restricted Global Notes”).
(ii)Notes offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S and denominated in U.S. dollars shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global notes in fully registered form without interest coupons (collectively, the “Regulation S Global Notes”).
(iii)The Restricted Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes shall bear the Global Notes Legend. The Restricted Global Notes shall bear the Restricted Notes Legend. The Restricted Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Common Depositary, and registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, for the accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream, duly executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent as provided in the Indenture.
(iv)The Restricted Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes are each referred to herein as a “Global Note” and are collectively referred to herein as “Global Notes”. The aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee or Registrar and the Common
A-2
Depositary or its nominee and on the schedules thereto as hereinafter provided, in connection with transfers, exchanges, redemptions and repurchases of beneficial interests therein.
(b)Book-Entry Provisions. This Section 2.1(b) shall apply only to a Global Note deposited with or on behalf of the Common Depositary.
Members of, or participants and account holders in, Euroclear and Clearstream (“Participants”) shall have no rights under the Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Common Depositary or its nominee or by the Trustee, and the Common Depositary or its nominee may be treated by the Issuers, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuers, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuers or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Common Depositary or impair, as between the Common Depositary, on the one hand, and the Participants, on the other, the operation of customary practices of such persons governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.
The registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Participants and Persons that may hold interests through Participants, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.
(c)Definitive Registered Notes. Except as provided in Section 2.3 or 2.4 of this Exhibit A, owners of beneficial interests in Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Notes.
2.2Authentication. The Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, as the case may be, shall authenticate and make available for delivery the Notes upon a written Authentication Order of the Issuers signed by an Officer of the Issuers. Such Authentication Order shall (a) specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated, (b) direct the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent to authenticate such Notes and (c) certify that all conditions precedent to the issuance of such Notes have been complied with in accordance with the terms hereof.
2.3 | Transfer and Exchange. |
(a)Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Registered Notes. When Definitive Registered Notes are presented to the Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, with a request:
(i) | to register the transfer of such Definitive Registered Notes; or |
(ii)to exchange such Definitive Registered Notes for an equal principal amount of Definitive Registered Notes of other authorized denominations,
the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met, provided, however, that the Definitive Registered Notes surrendered for transfer or exchange:
A-3
(1)shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers and the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and
(2)in the case of Transfer Restricted Notes, are accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:
(i)if such Definitive Registered Notes are being delivered to the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note);
(ii)if such Definitive Registered Notes are being transferred to the Issuers, a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note); or
(iii)if such Definitive Registered Notes are being transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration in accordance with Rule 144A, Regulation S, Regulation D or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or in reliance upon another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, (x) a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note) and (y) if the Issuers or Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, so requests, an opinion of counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in Section 2.3(d) of this Exhibit A.
(b)Restrictions on Transfer of a Definitive Registered Note for a Beneficial Interest in a Global Note. A Definitive Registered Note may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Note except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Registrar of a Definitive Registered Note, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers, the Registrar and the Transfer Agent, together with:
(i)certification (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note) that such Definitive Registered Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A or an Institutional Accredited Investor in accordance with Regulation D; and
(ii)written instructions directing the Registrar to make, or to direct the Registrar to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Note to reflect an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented by the Global Note, such instructions to contain information regarding the account to be credited with such increase, then the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall cancel such Definitive Registered Note and cause, or direct the Registrar to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between the Common Depositary and the Registrar, the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Global Note to be increased by the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Registered Note to be exchanged and shall credit or cause to be credited to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Global Note equal to the principal amount of the Definitive Registered Note so cancelled. If no Global Notes are then outstanding and the Global Note has not been previously exchanged for certificated securities
A-4
pursuant to Section 2.4 of this Exhibit A, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate, upon written order of the Issuers in the form of an Authentication Order, a new Global Note in the appropriate principal amount.
(c) | Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. |
(i)The transfer and exchange of Global Notes or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Common Depositary, in accordance with the Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Common Depositary therefor. A transferor of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall deliver a written order given in accordance with the Common Depositary’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of the Common Depositary to be credited with a beneficial interest in such Global Note or another Global Note and such account shall be credited in accordance with such order with a beneficial interest in the applicable Global Note and the account of the Person making the transfer shall be debited by an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Global Note being transferred. Transfers and exchanges of book-entry interests in a Global Note to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a book-entry interest in a Global Note shall be made in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Global Notes Legend. Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through a Regulation S Global Note shall be made only upon receipt by the Registrar of a certification in the form provided in Exhibit B from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Regulation S or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 (if applicable) under the Securities Act.
(ii)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Exhibit A (other than the provisions set forth in Section 2.4 of this Exhibit A), a Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Common Depositary to a successor Common Depositary or a nominee of such successor Common Depositary.
(d) | Legend. |
(i)Except as permitted by the following paragraph (ii) or (iii), each Note certificate evidencing the Restricted Global Notes or any Definitive Registered Notes held by QIBs in accordance with Rule 144A or Institutional Accredited Investors in accordance with Regulation D (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (each defined term in the legend being defined as such for purposes of the legend only):
“THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURIITES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER JURISDICTION AND, NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF WITHIN THE UNITED STATES IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH
A-5
TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, NOR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUERS AND THE GUARANTORS AND ANY OF THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST:
(1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT) (A “QIB”), (B) IT HAS ACQUIRED THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN “IAI”);
(2) AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED NOTES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUE AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS WAS THE OWNER OF THE NOTES (OR ANY PREDECESSOR THERETO) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE ISSUERS, THE GUARANTORS OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A PERSON THAT THE SELLER, AND ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF, REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QIB PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QIB IN A TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, (C) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, (D) TO AN IAI THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN IAI, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR (F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, AND IN EACH OF SUCH CASES IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAW OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION; PROVIDED THAT THE ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THAT AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR; AND
A-6
(3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED, A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.
THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE ISSUERS AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION”, AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
BY ACCEPTANCE AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE, EACH ACQUIRER AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH ACQUIRER OR TRANSFEREE TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN CONSTITUTES ASSETS OF ANY (I) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), (II) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY U.S. OR NON-U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR (III) ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (I) AND (II) (EACH OF THE FOREGOING DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (I), (II) AND (III) REFERRED TO AS A “PLAN”) OR (B) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL NOT CONSTITUTE OR RESULT IN A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR ANY SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.”
Each Definitive Registered Note held by QIBs in accordance with Rule 144A or Institutional Accredited Investors in accordance with Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act shall bear the following additional legend:
“IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS THE ISSUERS MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS”.
(ii)Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Note that is a Definitive Registered Note, the Holder thereof shall be permitted to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a Definitive Registered Note that does not bear the legends set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Note if the Holder certifies in writing to the Transfer Agent and Registrar that its request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 (such certification to be in the form set forth on the reverse of the Note).
A-7
(iii)Any additional Notes sold in a registered offering under the Securities Act shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(e)Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Note. At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Note have either been exchanged for Definitive Registered Notes, transferred, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, such Global Note shall be returned by the Common Depositary to Trustee or the Authenticating Agent for cancellation or retained and cancelled by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Definitive Registered Notes, transferred in exchange for an interest in another Global Note, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Registrar with respect to such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Registrar, to reflect such reduction.
(f) | Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges. |
(i)To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate, Definitive Registered Notes and Global Notes at the Registrar’s request.
(ii)No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessments, or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Section 2.07, 3.06, 4.05, 4.14 or 9.04 of the Indenture).
(iii)Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuers, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuers, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(iv)All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under the Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
(g) | No Obligation of the Trustee. |
(i)The Trustee and Agents shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in the Common Depositary or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Common Depositary or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Common Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or repurchase) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes shall be given or made only to the registered Holders (which shall be the Common
A-8
Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through the Common Depositary subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Common Depositary. The Trustee and Agents may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Common Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.
(ii)The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance, and shall not be responsible or liable for compliance, with any restrictions on transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, imposed under the Indenture or under applicable law or regulation with respect to any transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable of any interest in any Note (including, without limitation, any transfers between or among Common Depositary participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of the Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof, it being understood that without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee shall not have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance, and shall not be responsible or liable for compliance, with restrictions on transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of minimum denominations imposed under the Indenture or under applicable law or regulation with respect to any transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of any interest in any Note.
2.4 | Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes for Definitive Registered Notes. |
(a)A Global Note deposited with the Common Depositary or with the Registrar pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Exhibit A shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of Definitive Registered Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note, in exchange for such Global Note, only if such transfer complies with Section
2.3of this Exhibit A and (i) the Common Depositary notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Common Depositary for such Global Note and a successor Common Depositary is not appointed by the Issuers within 120 days of such notice or after the Issuers become aware of such cessation, or (ii) if the owner of a book-entry interest in such Global Note requests such exchange in writing delivered through the Common Depositary following an Event of Default and enforcement action is being taken in respect thereof under the Indenture.
(b)Any Global Note that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be surrendered by the Common Depositary to the Trustee or the Registrar, to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Registered Notes of authorized denominations. Any portion of a Global Note transferred pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in minimum denominations of $150,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof and registered in such names as the Common Depositary shall direct. Any certificated Note in the form of a Definitive Registered Note delivered in exchange for an interest in the Global Note shall, to the extent required by Section 2.3(d) of this Exhibit A, bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
A-9
(c)Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(d) of this Exhibit A, the registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under the Indenture or the Notes.
(d)In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 2.4(a)(i) or (ii) of this Exhibit A, the Issuers will promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Registered Notes in fully registered form without interest coupons.
A-10
EXHIBIT A-1
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
9.375% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2025
[Global Notes Legend:]
THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
THIS GLOBAL NOTE AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MODIFY THE RESTRICTIONS ON AND PROCEDURES FOR RESALES AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION (OR THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF) OR IN PRACTICES RELATING TO THE RESALE OR TRANSFER OF RESTRICTED SECURITIES GENERALLY. THE HOLDER OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED, BY THE ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, TO HAVE AGREED TO ANY SUCH AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT.
[Restricted Global Notes Legend:]
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURIITES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER JURISDICTION AND, NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF WITHIN THE UNITED STATES IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, NOR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUERS AND THE GUARANTORS AND ANY OF THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST:
(1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT) (A “QIB”), (B) IT HAS
A-1-1
ACQUIRED THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN “IAI”);
(2) AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED NOTES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUE AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUERS WAS THE OWNER OF THE NOTES (OR ANY PREDECESSOR THERETO) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE EXCEPT i. TO THE ISSUERS, THE GUARANTORS OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, ii. TO A PERSON THAT THE SELLER, AND ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF, REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QIB PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QIB IN A TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, iii. PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, iv. TO AN IAI THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN IAI, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, v. PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR vi. PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, AND IN EACH OF SUCH CASES IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAW OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION; PROVIDED THAT THE ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THAT AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR; AND
(3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED, A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.
THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE ISSUERS AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION”, AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
A-1-2
BY ACCEPTANCE AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE, EACH ACQUIRER AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH ACQUIRER OR TRANSFEREE TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN CONSTITUTES ASSETS OF ANY (I) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), (II) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY U.S. OR NON-U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR (III) ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (I) AND (II) (EACH OF THE FOREGOING DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (I), (II) AND (III) REFERRED TO AS A “PLAN”) OR (B) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL NOT CONSTITUTE OR RESULT IN A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR ANY SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.”
[Each Definitive Registered Note shall bear the following additional legend:]
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS THE ISSUERS MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
A-1-3
| | | [Rule 144A / IAI / Regulation S] | |
| | | | |
| | | Common Code | |
| | | ISIN | |
| | | | |
| | | Issue Date: | |
| | | | |
| | 9.375% Senior Secured Note due 2025 | | |
| | | | |
No. | | | $ | |
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, having its registered office at 5 Fleet Place, London, England EC4M 7RD, United Kingdom, promises to pay [●], or its registered assigns, the principal sum of $ , subject to adjustments listed on the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto, on December 31, 2025.
Interest Payment Dates: January 31 and July 31, commencing on January 31, 2022.
Record Dates: [One Business Day immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date][for Global Notes]/[January 30 and July 30 immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date][for Definitive Registered Notes]
This Note and the Note Guarantees in respect thereof are also subject to the transfer restrictions set forth on the other side of this Note.
The maximum principal amount of the Notes may be increased in accordance with the provisions set forth under the Indenture.
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
(Signature page to follow.)
A-1-4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.
Dated:
| | FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | | |
| | Name: | |
| | | |
| | Title: | |
A-1-5
Dated: | | | | |
| | | ||
Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication | | | | |
| | | | |
This is one of the 9.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 described in the within-mentioned Indenture. | | | ||
| | | ||
GLAS Trustees Limited, as Trustee | | | ||
| | | ||
By: | | | ||
Authorized Signatory | | | ||
A-1-6
9.375% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2025
1. | Interest. |
Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “UK Issuer”), and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “US Co-Issuer” and, together with the UK Issuer, the “Issuers”), promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate of 9.375% per annum. The Issuers shall pay interest on this Note semi-annually in arrears on January 31 and July 31, commencing on January 31, 2022. The Issuers will make each interest payment to Holders of record of the Notes one Business Day immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from the Issue Date until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
The Issuers will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at a rate that is 2.0% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) and Additional Amounts, if any, on overdue installments of interest, if any (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.
2. | Method of Payment. |
The Issuers shall pay interest on this Note (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are registered Holders of this Note at the close of business on the Record Date for the next Interest Payment Date even if this Note is cancelled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date. The Issuers shall pay principal and interest in euros in immediately available funds that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Issuers by check mailed to the Holder.
The amount of payments in respect of interest on each Interest Payment Date shall correspond to the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note, as established by the Registrar at the close of business on the relevant Record Date. Payments of principal shall be made upon surrender of the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note to the Paying Agent.
3. | Paying Agent and Registrar. |
Initially, Global Loan Agency Services Limited will act as Paying Agent and GLAS Americas LLC will act as Registrar and Transfer Agent. The Issuers may appoint and change any Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying Agent. The Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
4. | Indenture. |
A-1-7
The Issuers issued the Notes under the Indenture dated as of July 29, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Issuers, the Parent, the Guarantors, GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”), Global Loan Agency Services Limited, as paying agent, and GLAS Americas LLC, as registrar and transfer agent. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture. Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of such terms and provisions. In the event of a conflict, the terms of the Indenture control.
The Notes are general, senior obligations of the Issuers. This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes and, if issued, any Additional Notes are treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase, except as otherwise provided for therein.
5. | Optional Redemption. |
(a)Except as provided in this Section 5 and Section 6, the Notes are not redeemable until July 31, 2022.
(b)On and after July 31, 2022, the Issuers may redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holder, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts (as defined below), if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on July 31 of the years indicated below:
Year |
| Redemption |
| | |
2022 | | 104.6875% |
| | |
2023 | | 102.34375% |
| | |
2024 | | 101.0000% |
| | |
2025 | | 100.000% |
Any such redemption and notice may, in the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent. If such redemption or notice is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuers’ discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed; provided that in no case shall the notice have been delivered less than 10 days or more than 60 days prior to the date on which such redemption (if any) occurs. In addition, the Issuers may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and
A-1-8
performance of the Issuers’ obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
(c)Prior to July 31, 2022, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including the principal amount of any Additional Notes), upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, with funds in an aggregate amount (the “Redemption Amount”) not exceeding the Net Cash Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings at a redemption price of 109.375% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:
(1)at least 65% of the original principal amount of the Notes (including the principal amount of any Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption; and
(2) | the redemption occurs within 120 days after the closing of such Equity Offering. |
(d)Prior to July 31, 2022, the Issuers may redeem all or, from time to time, a part of the Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). Any such redemption and notice may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent.
“Applicable Premium” means with respect to any Note the greater of
(A) | (1% of the principal amount of such Note, and |
(B) | the excess (to the extent positive) of: |
(i)the present value at such redemption date of (1) the redemption price of such Note at July 31, 2022 (such redemption price (expressed in percentage of principal amount) being set forth in the table above under Section 5(b) (excluding accrued and unpaid interest)), plus (2) all required interest payments due on such Note to and including July 31, 2022 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
(ii) | the outstanding principal amount of such Note, |
as calculated by the Issuers or on behalf of the Issuers by such Person as the Issuers shall designate. For the avoidance of doubt, calculation of Applicable Premium shall not be an obligation or duty of the Trustee or any Paying Agent or Registrar.
A-1-9
“Treasury Rate” means, as obtained by the Issuers, as of any date of redemption of Notes, the yield to maturity as of such date U.S. Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date notice of the applicable redemption of Notes is sent in accordance with the Indenture (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such date to July 31, 2022; provided, however, that if the period from such date to July 31, 2022 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
6. | Optional Tax Redemption. |
The Issuers may redeem the Notes in whole, but not in part, at any time upon giving not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to the Holders of the Notes (which notice will be irrevocable) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date fixed for redemption (a “Tax Redemption Date”) (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) and all Additional Amounts (as defined in Section 4.13 of the Indenture), if any, then due and which will become due on the Tax Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if any, if the Issuers determine in good faith that, as a result of:
(1)any change in, or amendment to, the law or treaties (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (as defined in Section 4.13 of the Indenture) affecting taxation; or
(2)any amendment to, or change in an official application or interpretation of such laws, treaties, regulations or rulings (including a holding, judgment or order by a court of competent jurisdiction or a change in published administrative practice) (each of the foregoing in clauses (1) and (2), a “Change in Tax Law”),
a Payor (as defined below) is, or on the next interest payment date in respect of the Notes would be, required to pay Additional Amounts with respect of the Notes (but, in the case of a Guarantor, only if the payment giving rise to such requirement cannot be made by the Issuers or another Guarantor who can make such payment without the obligation to pay Additional Amounts) and such obligation cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Payor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of a new Paying Agent where this would be reasonable). Such Change in Tax Law must be announced and become effective on or after the Issue Date (or if the applicable Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction on a date after the Issue Date, such later date). The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor Person, after such successor Person becomes a party to the Indenture, with respect to a change or amendment occurring after the time such successor Person becomes a party to the Indenture.
Notice of redemption for taxation reasons will be published in accordance with the procedures described in Section 8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given (a) earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make such payment of Additional Amounts and (b) unless at the time such notice is
A-1-10
given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. Prior to the publication or mailing of any notice of redemption of Notes pursuant to the foregoing, the Issuers will deliver to the Trustee (a) an Officer’s Certificate stating that it is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to its right so to redeem have been satisfied and (b) an opinion of an independent tax counsel of recognized standing to the effect that the Payor has been or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on such Officer’s Certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the conditions precedent described above, without further inquiry, in which event it will be conclusive and binding on the Holders.
7. | Sinking Fund. |
The Issuers are not required to make mandatory redemption payments or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
8. | Notice of Redemption. |
Subject to the next paragraph, not less than 10 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Notes, the Issuers shall transmit to each Holder (with a copy to the Trustee and Registrar) a notice of redemption in accordance with Section 12.01 of the Indenture; provided, however, that any notice of redemption provided for by Section 6 shall not be given (a) earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make a payment of Additional Amounts and (b) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. In addition, for so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, the Issuers shall publish notice of redemption in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times) and in addition to such publication, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, mail such notice to Holders by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at their respective addresses as they appear on the registration books of the Registrar. While in global form, notices to Holders may be delivered via Euroclear or Clearstream and in accordance with the applicable procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream in lieu of notice via registered mail. Such notice of redemption may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in a daily newspaper to the extent and as permitted by the rules of Euronext Dublin. The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state the information required pursuant to Section 3.03 of the Indenture.
At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at the Issuers’ expense. In such event, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent, with a copy to the Trustee, at least 5 Business Days prior to the date on which notice of redemption is to be delivered to the Holders (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Registrar), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Registrar give such notice and the information required and within the time periods specified by this Section 8.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed as follows: (i) if the Notes are listed on any securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange on which the Notes are listed or (ii) if the Notes are not listed on any securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by
A-1-11
such method as the Trustee deems fair and appropriate and in accordance with Euroclear or Clearstream procedures, provided, however, that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Note not redeemed to less than $1,000. None of the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Registrar will be liable for any selections made by it in accordance with this paragraph.
If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. In the case of a Definitive Registered Note, a new Definitive Registered Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of any Definitive Registered Note redeemed in part will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Definitive Registered Note. In the case of a Global Note, an appropriate notation will be made on such Note to decrease the principal amount thereof to an amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof. Subject to the terms of the applicable redemption notice, Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. Unless the Issuers default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption. If the Issuers elect to redeem the Notes or portions thereof and request the Trustee to distribute to the Holders of the Notes any amounts deposited in trust (which, for the avoidance of doubt, will include accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption) prior to the date fixed for redemption in accordance with the provisions set forth under Section 8.01 the applicable redemption notice will state that Holders of the Notes will receive such amounts deposited in trust prior to the date fixed for redemption and the payment date.
9. | Additional Amounts. |
All payments made by a Payor on the Notes or any Note Guarantee, as applicable, will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any Taxes subject to and in accordance with Section 4.13 of the Indenture.
10. | Repurchase of Notes at the Option of Holders upon (i) a Change of Control and (ii) the occurrence of certain Asset Sales. |
If a Change of Control occurs, each Holder of Notes will have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to require the Issuers to repurchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.
In accordance with Section 4.05 of the Indenture, the Issuers will be required to, or may be permitted to, offer to purchase Notes upon the occurrence of certain events, including certain Asset Dispositions.
11. | [Reserved] |
A-1-12
12. | Denominations, Transfer and Exchange. |
The Notes are in registered form without interest coupons in minimum denominations of $150,000 and multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The transfer of Notes may be registered, and Notes may be exchanged, as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.
13. | Persons Deemed Owners. |
Except as provided in Section 2, the registered Holder of this Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered Holders will have rights under the Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to enforcement and the pursuit of other remedies.
14. | Unclaimed Money. |
If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Issuers at their written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
15. | Discharge and Defeasance. |
Subject to certain conditions, the Issuers at any time may terminate all of its obligations and all obligations of each Guarantor under the Notes, any Note Guarantee and the Indenture if the Issuer, among other things, deposits or causes to be deposited with the Trustee money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient, without consideration of reinvestment, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (in the case of Notes that have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.
16. | Amendment, Waiver. |
The Indenture and the Notes may be amended as set forth in the Indenture.
17. | Defaults and Remedies. |
Each of the following is an “Event of Default” under the Indenture:
(a)default in any payment of interest on any Note issued under the Indenture when due and payable, continued for 30 days;
(b)default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note issued under the Indenture when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;
A-1-13
(c)failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;
(d)failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 30 days after written notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its obligation to make a Change of Control Offer under Section 4.14;
(e)failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 60 days after notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its other agreements contained in the Indenture (in each case, other than a default in performance, or breach of, a covenant or agreement specifically addressed in clauses (a) to (d) of this Section 17);
(f)default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:
(i)is caused by a failure to pay principal at stated maturity on such Indebtedness, immediately upon the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (“payment default”); or
(ii)results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its maturity (the “cross acceleration provision”),
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more;
(g)the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(i) | commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent; |
(ii)consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;
(iii)consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;
(iv) | makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or |
(v) | admits in writing that it is unable to pay its debts as they become due; |
A-1-14
(h)a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i)is for relief against the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Issuers or any such other Restricted Subsidiary, that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;
(ii)appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or
(iii)orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary,
and, in the case of any of (i), (ii) or (iii) of this clause (h), the order or decree remains un-stayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(i)failure by the Issuers or any Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $10.0 million (exclusive of any amounts that a solvent insurance company has acknowledged liability for), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days after the judgment becomes final (the “judgment default provision”);
(j)any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee or this Indenture) or is declared invalid or unenforceable in a judicial proceeding or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms in writing its obligations under its Note Guarantee and any such Default continues for 10 days; or
(k)any security interest under the Security Documents on any Collateral having a fair market value in excess of $5.0 million shall, at any time, cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the relevant Security Document, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, and this Indenture) for any reason other than the satisfaction in full of all obligations under this Indenture or the release or amendment of any such security interest in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement or such Security Document or any such security interest created thereunder shall be declared invalid or unenforceable or the Parent, the Issuers or any other Restricted Subsidiary shall assert in writing that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable and any such Default continues for 10 days.
A-1-15
The foregoing shall constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court of any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body. However, a default under clause (c), (d), (e), (f), (i) or (k) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under the Indenture notify the Parent of the default and, with respect to clause (d), (e), (i) or (k), the Parent does not cure such default within the time specified in clause (d), (e), (i) or (k), as applicable, after receipt of such notice.
18. | Trustee Dealings with the Issuers |
The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuer or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
19. | No Recourse Against Others. |
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under the Notes Documents, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
20. | Authentication. |
This Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the security has been authenticated under the Indenture.
21. | Abbreviations. |
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
22. | Governing Law. |
THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
The Issuers will furnish to any Holder of Notes upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Note.
A-1-16
[ASSIGNMENT FORM]
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to:
(Print or type assignee’s legal name)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
(Insert assignee’s name, address and zip or post code)
and irrevocably appoint
to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent may substitute another to act for it.
Date: | |
Your Signature:
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
Signature Guarantee*:
*(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee)
A-1-17
[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTES]
This certificate relates to $[●] principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable box) book-entry or definitive registered form by the undersigned.
The undersigned (check one box below):
☐ | as requested the Trustee by written order to deliver, in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Note held by the Common Depositary, a Definitive Registered Note in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Note (or the portion thereof indicated above); |
☐ | as requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register the transfer of a Note. |
In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 144(d) under the Securities Act, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW
(1) | ☐ | to the Issuers; or |
| | |
(2) | ☐ | to the Registrar for registration in the name of the Holder, without transfer; or |
| | |
(3) | ☐ | pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or |
| | |
(4) | ☐ | inside the United Sates to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A; or |
| | |
(5) | ☐ | outside the United Sates in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act; |
| | |
(6) | ☐ | to an institutional investor that is an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) of Regulation D in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or |
| | |
(7) | ☐ | pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or another available exemption from registration. |
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Trustee or the Issuers have reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made
A-1-18
pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Date: | |
Your Signature:
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
Signature Guarantee*: ______________________________________________________________________
*(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee) | |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (4) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuers as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.
Date: | |
Signature: | |
| (to be executed by an executive officer of purchaser) |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (6) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) of Regulation D in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 506 of Regulation D or such other applicable exemption and the purchase of this Note is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state or territory of the United States.
Date: | |
Signature: | |
| (to be executed by an executive officer of purchaser) |
A-1-19
Schedule of Increases and Decreases in the Global Notes
The initial principal amount of this Global Note is $[●]. The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of |
| Amount of |
| Amount of |
| Principal |
| Signature of |
A-1-20
[FORM OF OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE]
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.14 (Change of Control) or Section 4.05 (Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock) of the Indenture, check the box:
Asset Disposition ☐ | Change of Control ☐ |
If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.14 or Section 4.05 of the Indenture, state the amount (minimum amount of $150,000):
$ | |
Date: | |
Your Signature: | |
| |
| |
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of the Note) | |
Signature | |
Guarantee*: | |
*(SIGNATURE MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A PARTICIPANT IN A RECOGNIZED SIGNATURE GUARANTY MEDALLION PROGRAM OR OTHER SIGNATURE GUARANTOR ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRUSTEE) | |
A-1-21
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE No. [●] (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of [●], among [●], a company organized and existing under the laws of [●] (the “Additional Guarantor”), a subsidiary of Ferroglobe PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Parent”), Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “UK Issuer”), and Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “US Co-Issuer” and, together with the UK Issuer, the “Issuers”) and [●], as trustee (the “Trustee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Issuers have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of July 29, 2021 providing for the issuance of the Issuers’ U.S. dollar- denominated 9.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances a Subsidiary may execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuers’ obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Note Guarantee”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Issuers, the Additional Guarantor and the Trustee are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Additional Guarantor and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:
1.CAPITALIZED TERMS. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2.AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE. The Additional Guarantor hereby agrees to provide an unconditional Note Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Note Guarantee and in the Indenture including but not limited to Article X thereof.
[In addition, pursuant to Section 10.07 of the Indenture, the obligations of the [Guarantor]/[Additional Guarantor] and the granting of its Guarantee shall be limited as follows: [●].]
3.NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of any Additional Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Additional Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture, the Note Guarantees or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives
B-1
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under applicable securities laws.
4.THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES.
5.Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any suit, action or proceeding arising out of, related to, or in connection with the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any action arising under U.S. Federal or state securities laws, may be instituted in any U.S. federal or state court located in the State and City of New York, Borough of Manhattan; irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding; and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Issuers and each of the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor) has appointed (or hereby appoints) Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon whom process may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding which may be instituted in any Federal or state court located in the State of New York, Borough of Manhattan arising out of or based upon the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture, the Notes or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and any action brought under U.S. Federal or state securities laws. The Issuers and each of the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor) expressly consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such action and waives any other requirements of or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect thereto and waives any right to trial by jury. Such appointment shall be irrevocable unless and until replaced by an agent reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The Issuers and each of the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor) represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Issuers agree to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service to the Issuers shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Issuers and the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor).
6.COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
7.EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
8.THE TRUSTEE. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Additional Guarantor and the Issuers.
B-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
| FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC | |
| | |
| By: | |
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
B-3
| | |
| Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. | |
| | |
| By: | |
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
B-4
| | |
| [ADDITIONAL GUARANTOR] | |
| | |
| By: | |
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
B-5
| | |
| GLAS Trustees Limited, as Trustee | |
| | |
| By: | |
| | Name: |
| | Title: Authorized Signatory |
B-6
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF ABL INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
dated as of , 2021
among
[ ],
as ABL Agent
under the ABL Credit Agreement,
[ ],
as Senior Note Agent
under the [Senior Secured Note Agreement],
and
[ ],
as Junior Note Agent
under the [Junior Secured Note Agreement]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | Page |
| | |
Section 1. | Definitions | 2 |
1.1. | UCC Definitions | 2 |
1.2. | Other Defined Terms | 2 |
1.3. | Terms Generally | 27 |
Section 2. | Collateral; Priorities; Payment Restrictions | 28 |
2.1. | Lien Priorities; Payment Restrictions | 28 |
2.2. | Exercise of Remedies | 30 |
2.3. | Payments Over | 35 |
2.4. | Other Agreements | 35 |
2.5. | Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings | 41 |
2.6. | Reliance; Waivers; Etc | 46 |
Section 3. | Option to Purchase ABL Obligations and Senior Note Obligations | 48 |
3.1. | ABL Obligations Purchase Option | 48 |
3.2. | ABL Obligations Purchase Option Timing | 50 |
3.3. | ABL Obligations Purchase Option Triggering Events | 51 |
3.4. | [Senior Note Obligations Purchase Option] | 51 |
3.5. | Note Obligations Purchase Option Timing | 51 |
3.6. | Note Obligations Purchase Option Triggering Events | 52 |
3.7. | Several Purchase Obligations | 52 |
3.8. | Grantor Consent | 52 |
3.9. | Notice of Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies | 52 |
Section 4. | Cooperation with respect to ABL Priority Collateral and Note Priority Collateral. | 52 |
4.1. | Access to Information | 52 |
4.2. | Non-Exclusive License to Use Intellectual Property | 53 |
4.3. | Rights of Access and Use | 54 |
4.4. | Grantor Consent | 55 |
4.5. | Reimbursement by ABL Agent and ABL Lenders | 55 |
4.6. | Payments by the ABL Agent | 56 |
4.7. | Effect Upon Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations | 56 |
-i-
Section 5. | Application of Proceeds | 57 |
5.1. | Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the Senior Note Agent | 57 |
5.2. | Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the ABL Agent | 58 |
5.3. | Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds | 59 |
5.4. | Letters of Credit | 60 |
Section 6. | Miscellaneous | 60 |
6.1. | Conflicts | 60 |
6.2. | Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of this Agreement; Severability | 61 |
6.3. | Amendments; Waivers | 61 |
6.4. | Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries | 62 |
6.5. | Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers | 62 |
6.6. | Notices | 63 |
6.7. | Further Assurances | 63 |
6.8. | APPLICABLE LAW | 63 |
6.9. | Binding on Successors and Assigns | 64 |
6.10. | Specific Performance | 64 |
6.11. | Headings | 64 |
6.12. | Counterparts | 64 |
6.13. | Authorization; No Conflict | 64 |
6.14. | No Third Party Beneficiaries | 64 |
6.15. | Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights | 64 |
6.16. | Additional Grantors | 65 |
6.17. | Avoidance Issues | 65 |
6.18. | Intercreditor Agreement; Legends | 66 |
6.19. | Subrogation | 66 |
6.20. | Reciprocal Rights | 66 |
-ii-
This INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT is dated as of [ , 2021], and is among [ ], in its capacity as agent under the ABL Credit Agreement (defined below), together with its successors and assigns in such capacity (the “ABL Agent”), [ ], in its capacity as collateral agent under the Senior Secured Note Agreement (defined below), together with its successors and assigns in such capacity (the “Senior Note Agent”), and [ ], in its capacity as collateral agent under the Junior Secured Note Agreement (defined below), together with its successors and assigns in such capacity (the “Junior Note Agent”).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, [ ], the “ABL Borrowers”, and each an “ABL Borrower”), the lenders party thereto (the “ABL Lenders”), and ABL Agent have entered into that certain [ ], dated as of [ ] (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, including any Permitted Refinancing thereof, the “ABL Credit Agreement”), providing for a revolving credit facility pursuant to which such lenders have or may, from time to time, make loans and provide other financial accommodations to the ABL Borrowers. The obligation of the ABL Borrowers to repay such loans and other financial accommodations under the ABL Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the ABL Borrowers and each Subsidiary of the ABL Borrowers listed on the signature pages thereto as a “Guarantor” (together with each other Person that executes a joinder agreement to become a “guarantor” thereunder or otherwise guaranties all or any part of the ABL Obligations (defined below), each an “ABL Guarantor” and, collectively, the “ABL Guarantors”);
WHEREAS, [●], a [●], [●], a [●] (the “Senior Issuer[s]”), the note holders party thereto (the “Senior Note Holders”), and the Senior Note Agent have entered into that certain [Indenture] dated as of [●], 2021 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time or as otherwise refinanced from time to time, the “Senior Secured Note Agreement”). The obligation of the Senior Issuer[s] to repay the Senior Note Obligations (defined below) is guaranteed by [each/the] Senior Issuer and each Subsidiary of the Senior Issuer[s] [listed on the signature pages thereto as a “Guarantor”] (together with each other Person that executes a joinder agreement to become a “guarantor” thereunder or otherwise guaranties all or any part of the Senior Note Obligations, each a “Senior Note Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Senior Note Guarantors”) [Confirm structure/obligors/guarantors];
WHEREAS, [●], a [●], [●], a [●] (the “Junior Issuer[s]”), the note holders party thereto (the “Junior Note Holders”), and the Junior Note Agent have entered into that certain [Indenture], dated as of [●], 2021 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, or as otherwise refinanced from time to time, the “Junior Secured Note Agreement”). The obligation of the Junior Issuer[s] to repay the Junior Note Obligations (defined below) is guaranteed by [each/the] the Junior Issuer and each Subsidiary of the Junior Issuer[s] [listed on the signature pages thereto as a “Guarantor”] (together with each other Person that executes a joinder agreement to become a “guarantor” thereunder or otherwise guaranties all or any part of the Junior Note Obligations, each a “Junior Note Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Junior Note Guarantors”) [Confirm structure/obligors/guarantors];
WHEREAS, the ABL Borrower[s] and the ABL Guarantors intend to secure the ABL Obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement and any other ABL Documents (including any
Permitted Refinancing thereof) with a Senior Priority Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral and a Junior Priority Lien on the Note Priority Collateral;
WHEREAS, subject to the Notes Intercreditor Agreement, the Senior Issuer[s,] and the Senior Note Guarantors intend to secure the Senior Note Obligations under the Senior Secured Note Agreement and any other Senior Note Documents (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) with a Senior Priority Lien on the Note Priority Collateral and a Junior Priority Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral; and
WHEREAS, subject to the Notes Intercreditor Agreement the Junior Issuer[s,] and the Junior Note Guarantors, intend to secure the Junior Note Obligations under the Junior Secured Note Agreement and any other Junior Note Documents (including any Permitted Refinancing thereof) with a Senior Priority Lien on the Note Priority Collateral and a Junior Priority Lien on the ABL Priority Collateral;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1.Definitions.
1.1.UCC Definitions. Except as the context may require with respect to matters governed under the PPSA, with respect to matters governed by the UCC any terms (whether capitalized or lower case) used in this Agreement that are defined in the UCC shall be construed and defined as set forth in the UCC unless otherwise defined herein; provided, that to the extent that the UCC is used to define any term used herein and if such term is defined differently in different Articles of the UCC, the definition of such term contained in Article 9 of the UCC shall govern. Except as the context may require with respect to matters governed under the UCC, with respect to matters governed by the PPSA any terms (whether capitalized or lower case) used in this Agreement that are defined in the PPSA shall be construed and defined as set forth in the PPSA unless otherwise defined herein.
1.2.Other Defined Terms. The following terms when used in this Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, shall have the following meanings:
“ABL Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement and shall include any successor thereto as well as any Person designated as the “Agent”, the “Administrative Agent”, the “Collateral Agent” or similar agency designation under any ABL Credit Agreement and includes any New Senior Priority Agent that becomes the new ABL Agent to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(f).
“ABL Agent Advances” shall mean any and all loans, advances or other financial accommodations made or permitted by the ABL Agent pursuant to Section [ ] of the ABL Credit Agreement including all “Protective Advances” as defined under the ABL Credit Agreement (or any comparable provision of any agreement, document or instrument providing for or evidencing any Refinancing of any ABL Obligations).
“ABL Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
-2-
“ABL Default” shall mean any “Event of Default”, as defined in any ABL Document.
“ABL Default Dispositions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(ii).
“ABL DIP Financing” shall mean any Senior Priority DIP Financing consented to by the ABL Agent.
“ABL Documents” shall mean (a) the ABL Credit Agreement and the Other Documents (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), including the ABL Security Documents and (b) each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations), and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations), together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing, including each of the documents executed in connection with any ABL DIP Financing provided by the ABL Agent and any ABL Lenders unless such documents expressly provide at the time executed that they shall not constitute ABL Documents for purposes of this Agreement and that the debt thereunder shall not constitute ABL Obligations for purposes of this Agreement.
“ABL Lenders” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
“ABL Obligations” shall mean all Obligations (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement), and all other amounts owing, due, or secured under the terms of the ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Document, whether now existing or arising hereafter, including all principal, premium, interest, fees, attorneys’ fees, costs, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, obligations with respect to loans, letters of credit, Bank Product Obligations, obligations to provide cash collateral in respect of letters of credit or Bank Product Obligations or indemnities in respect thereof, any other indemnities or guarantees, and all other amounts payable under or secured by any ABL Document (including, in each case, all amounts accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding relating to any Grantor, or that would have accrued or become due under the terms of the ABL Documents but for the commencement of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), in each case, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, including all Enforcement Expenses and Indemnity Amounts. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall constitute “ABL Obligations” notwithstanding any limitations on, restrictions of, or agreements by, Grantors in the Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents with respect to the incurrence of any ABL Obligations.
“ABL Permitted Liens” shall mean the “Permitted Liens” under, and as defined in, the ABL Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“ABL Permitted Priority Liens” shall mean the “Permitted Liens” (or substantially similar term) under, and as defined in, the ABL Credit Agreement as in effect on the ABL Agent Joinder Effective Date and as amended in accordance with this Agreement (or substantially similar term
-3-
in any Permitted Refinancing) that are, pursuant to the terms thereof, permitted to have priority over the Liens securing the ABL Priority Obligations.
“ABL Priority Collateral” shall mean all of the following assets that constitute Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (including any of the following assets acquired or created after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) and wherever located (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such assets that, but for the application of Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law), would constitute ABL Priority Collateral):
(a)all Accounts1 (other than Accounts that are identifiable Proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral);
(b)all Payment Intangibles and all other rights of payment, including all corporate and other tax refunds and all credit card receivables and all other rights to payment arising therefrom in a credit-card, debit-card, prepaid-card or other payment-card transaction (other than any payment intangibles constituting identifiable Proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral);
(c)all Inventory (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Inventory that is or becomes branded, or produced through the use or other application of, any Intellectual Property and including rights in all returned or repossessed Inventory);
(d)all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts and all Money or other assets (including all cash equivalents), Financial Assets and Securities Entitlements contained in, or credited to, or arising from any such Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts or Commodity Accounts (in each case, except to the extent constituting identifiable Proceeds of Notes Priority Collateral);
(e)all claims under, proceeds of and rights to business interruption insurance and all claims under, proceeds of and rights to credit insurance with respect to any accounts (in each case, regardless of whether ABL Agent is a loss payee thereof);
(f)to the extent evidencing, governing, securing or otherwise relating to any of the items constituting ABL Priority Collateral under clauses (a) through (e) above, (i) all General Intangibles (excluding Intellectual Property (but subject to the rights of the ABL Agent under Section 4.2) and all Capital Stock in any of the Note Guarantors and any Subsidiary of a Note Guarantor), including Indebtedness (or any evidence thereof) between or among any of the Borrowers and ABL Guarantors, all contract rights as against operators of storage facilities and as against other transporters of Inventory and all rights as consignor or consignee, whether arising by contract, statute or otherwise, (ii) Instruments (including Promissory Notes), (iii) Documents (including each warehouse receipt or bill of lading covering any Inventory), (iv) in addition to clause (e) of this definition, claims under, proceeds of and rights to insurance policies (regardless of whether ABL Agent is a loss payee thereof), (v) licenses from any governmental authority to sell or to manufacture any Inventory, (vi) all Chattel Paper (including all Electronic Chattel Paper and all Tangible Chattel Paper) and (vii) Commercial Tort Claims;
1 Rely on UCC definition of “Accounts”.
-4-
(g)all collateral and guarantees given by any other Person with respect to any of the foregoing;
(h)all Supporting Obligations (including Letter-of-Credit Rights) and all Proceeds and products of any of the foregoing, and all “adequate protection” payments (or similar payments under applicable Bankruptcy Law) made using any of the foregoing included in clauses (a) through this clause (h) in respect of ABL Obligations in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (other than adequate protection payments made with Note Priority Collateral or proceeds of any Note DIP Financing); and
(i)all books and Records, customer lists, credit files, accounting systems, computer files, programs, printouts and other computer materials, in each case, to the extent evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing.
“ABL Priority Obligations” shall mean all ABL Obligations other than Excess ABL Debt.
“ABL Secured Parties” shall mean the ABL Lenders (including, in any event, each letter of credit issuer and each swingline lender), any provider of Cash Management Products and Services, Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedges and/or Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedges and the ABL Agent and shall include all former ABL Lenders, providers of Cash Management Products and Services, Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedges and/or Lender- Provided Interest Rate Hedges and agents under the ABL Credit Agreement to the extent that any ABL Obligations owing to such Persons were incurred while such Persons were ABL Lenders, providers of Cash Management Products and Services, Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedges and/or Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedges or agents under the ABL Credit Agreement and such ABL Obligations have not been paid or satisfied in full and all new ABL Secured Parties to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(f).
“ABL Security Document” shall mean any agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted by one or more of the Borrowers or any other Grantor securing any ABL Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any ABL Obligations) or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing, to the extent permitted hereby.
“Access Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
“Additional Junior Note Obligations” means obligations with respect to Indebtedness of the Borrowers or the Guarantors (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, Junior Note Obligations) issued or guaranteed following the date of this Agreement and documented in an agreement other than any agreement governing any then existing Junior Note Obligations, provided that (a) such Indebtedness is permitted by the terms of each of the ABL Credit Agreement, Senior Secured Note Agreement, the Junior Secured Note Agreement and any then existing Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement and Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreement to be secured by Liens on the Collateral ranking pari passu with the Liens securing the Junior Note Obligations, (b) the Borrowers and the Guarantors have granted or purport to have granted Liens on the Collateral to secure the obligations in respect of such Indebtedness on a pari passu basis with the other Junior
-5-
Note Obligations, (c) the applicable Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent, for itself and on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness and obligations in respect of such Indebtedness, has entered into a Joinder Agreement pursuant to Section 6.21(b) acknowledging that such Indebtedness, obligations and Liens shall be subject to, and such Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent and such holders shall be bound by, and shall have rights and obligations provided under, the terms of this Agreement applicable to the Junior Note Agent and the other Junior Note Secured Parties, respectively and (d) an amendment to or other modification of this Agreement shall have been entered into pursuant to Section 6.3 to the extent contemplated and requested pursuant to Section 6.21(c).
“Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent” means any Person appointed to act as trustee, agent or similar representative for the holders of Additional Junior Note Obligations pursuant to any Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreement (including, in the case of any bilateral arrangement, the actual holder of the relevant Additional Junior Note Obligations unless such holder has otherwise appointed a trustee, agent or similar representative acting on its behalf) and has been designated as such in the applicable Joinder Agreement, and any successor thereto.
“Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreements” means (i) the indenture, credit agreement, guarantee or other agreement evidencing or governing any Additional Junior Note Obligations that are designated as Additional Junior Note Obligations pursuant to Section 6.21 and (ii) any other “Note Documents”, “Loan Documents” or “Financing Documents” (or similar term as may be defined in the foregoing or referred to in the foregoing), in each case, as Refinanced from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and subject to the terms hereof.
“Additional Junior Note Obligations Claimholders” means, at any relevant time, the lenders, creditors and secured parties under any Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreements, any Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent and the other agents under such Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreements, in each case, in their capacities as such.
“Additional Note Obligations” means, collectively, the Additional Senior Note Obligations and the Additional Junior Note Obligations.
“Additional Note Obligations Agent” means the Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent and/or the Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent, as applicable.
“Additional Note Obligations Agreements” means, collectively, the Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreements and the Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreements.
“Additional Note Obligations Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Additional Senior Note Obligations Secured Parties and the Additional Junior Note Obligations Secured Parties.
“Additional Senior Note Obligations” means obligations with respect to Indebtedness of the Borrowers or any other Guarantor (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, Senior Note Obligations) issued or guaranteed following the date of this Agreement and documented in an agreement other than any agreement governing any then existing Senior Note Obligations; provided that (a) such Indebtedness is permitted by the terms of each of the ABL Credit Agreement, Senior Secured Note Agreement, the Junior Secured Note Agreement and each then existing Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement and Additional Junior Note Obligations
-6-
Agreement to be secured by Liens on the Collateral ranking pari passu with the Liens securing the Senior Note Obligations, (b) the Borrowers and the Guarantors have granted or purport to have granted Liens on the Collateral to secure the obligations in respect of such Indebtedness on a pari passu basis with the other Senior Note Obligations, (c) the applicable Additional Senior Notes Obligations Agent, for itself and on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness and obligations in respect of such Indebtedness, has entered into a Joinder Agreement pursuant to Section 6.21(b) acknowledging that such Indebtedness, obligations and Liens shall be subject to, and such Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent and such holders shall be bound by, and shall have the rights and obligations provided under, the terms of this Agreement applicable to the Senior Note Agent and the other Senior Note Secured Parties, respectively and (d) an amendment to or other modification of this Agreement shall have been entered into pursuant to Section 6.3 to the extent contemplated and requested pursuant to Section 6.21(c).
“Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent” means any Person appointed to act as trustee, agent or similar representative for the holders of Additional Senior Note Obligations pursuant to any Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement (including, in the case of any bilateral arrangement, the actual holder of the relevant Additional Senior Note Obligations unless such holder has otherwise appointed a trustee, agent or similar representative acting on its behalf) and has been designated as such in the applicable Joinder Agreement, and any successor thereto.
“Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreements” means (i) the indenture, credit agreement, guarantee or other agreement evidencing or governing any Additional Senior Note Obligations that are designated as Additional Senior Note Obligations pursuant to Section 6.21 and (ii) any other “Note Documents”, “Loan Documents,” or “Financing Documents” (or similar term as may be defined in the foregoing or referred to in the foregoing), in each case, as refinanced from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and subject to the terms hereof.
“Additional Senior Note Obligations Secured Parties” means, at any relevant time, the lenders, creditors and secured parties under any Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreements, any Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent and the other agents under such Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreements, in each case, in their capacities as such.
“Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling (including all directors and officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power (a) to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such Person or (b) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; provided, that, neither any Agent nor any Secured Party (nor any Affiliate thereof) shall be considered an Affiliate of any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof.
“Agreement” shall mean this Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be amended, modified, restated and/or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
-7-
“Bank Product Agreements” shall mean the agreements and documents pursuant to which Cash Management Products and Services, Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedges and/or Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedges are provided.
“Bank Product Obligations” shall mean the ABL Obligations in respect of Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities under Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedges and/or Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedges.
“Bankruptcy Code” shall mean Title 11 of the United States Code as in effect from time to time or any successor statute.
“Bankruptcy Law” shall mean, as applicable, (i) the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) the BIA, (iii) the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (“CCAA”), (iv) the Winding-Up and Restructuring Act (Canada), (v) the Canada Business Corporations Act (Canada) or provincial corporate laws where such statute is used by a Person to propose an arrangement or compromise of some or all of the debts of a Person or a stay of proceedings to enforce some or all of the claims of creditors against a Person, and (vi) any other federal, state, provincial or foreign law for the relief of debtors or affecting creditors’ rights generally.
“BIA” means the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada).
“Borrowers” shall mean the collective reference to the ABL Borrower[s], the Senior Note Issuer[s] and the Junior Note Issuer[s] and their respective successors and assigns; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a “Borrower”.
“Business Day” shall mean any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be in New York City a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.
“Capital Stock” shall mean any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation), including partnership interests and membership interests, and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase or other arrangements or rights to acquire any of the foregoing.
“Capitalized Lease Obligation” shall mean, with respect to any Person, that portion of any obligation of such Person as lessee under a lease which at the time would be required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of such lessee in accordance with GAAP.
“Cash Management Liabilities” shall mean “Cash Management Liabilities”, as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing).
“Cash Management Products and Services” shall mean “Cash Management Products and Services”, as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing).
-8-
“Cash Proceeds” shall mean all Proceeds of any Collateral received by any Grantor or any Secured Party consisting of Money, cash equivalents or checks.
“Collateral” shall mean all assets and property (whether real, personal, movable or immovable), now owned or hereafter acquired (including any assets or property acquired or created after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) with respect to which any security interests have been granted (or purported to be granted) by any Grantor pursuant to any ABL Security Document, Senior Note Security Document or Junior Note Security Document.
“Collateral Agents” shall mean the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note
Agent.
“Contingent Obligation” shall mean, as to any Person, any obligation of such Person as a
result of such Person being a general partner of any other Person, unless the underlying obligation is expressly made non-recourse as to such general partner, and any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (ii) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (c) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation or (d) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, that, the term “Contingent Obligation” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith and (y) the stated amount of such Contingent Obligation.
“Controlling Note Agent” shall mean the Security Agent as defined in the Notes Intercreditor Agreement; provided, that the Controlling Note Agent shall be the Junior Note Agent if the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations has occurred; provided further that that the Controlling Note Agent shall be the Senior Note Agent if the Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations has occurred. For the avoidance of doubt, the Controlling Note Agent shall not be any Note Trustee (as defined in the Notes Intercreditor Agreement).
“Credit Agreements” shall mean the ABL Credit Agreement, the Senior Secured Note Agreement and the Junior Secured Note Agreement.
“Defaulting ABL Secured Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.
-9-
“DIP Financing” shall mean providing the Borrower or any other Grantor financing under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law.
“Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations” shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 2.4(f) and subject to Section 6.17, the occurrence of all of the following:
(a)termination or expiration of all commitments to extend credit that would constitute ABL Priority Obligations;
(b)payment in full in cash of the principal of and interest and premium (if any) on all ABL Priority Obligations (other than any undrawn letters of credit);
(c)discharge or cash collateralization (at one hundred three percent (103%) of the aggregate undrawn amount) of, or back-to-back letters of credit (in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the ABL Agent) for, of all outstanding letters of credit constituting ABL Priority Obligations;
(d)discharge or cash collateralization (in accordance with the ABL Documents) of, or back-to-back letters of credit (in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the ABL Agent) for, all outstanding Bank Product Obligations constituting ABL Priority Obligations;
(e)payment in full in cash of all other ABL Priority Obligations that are outstanding and unpaid at the time the termination, expiration, discharge and/or cash collateralization set forth in clauses (a) through (d) above have occurred (other than any obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other contingent liabilities in respect of which no claim or demand for payment has been made at such time); and
(f)providing cash collateral or letters of credit to the ABL Agent in such amount as reasonably determined by the ABL Agent as is necessary to secure the ABL Secured Parties in respect of asserted or threatened (in writing) claims for which the ABL Secured Parties are entitled to indemnification by any Grantor pursuant to the ABL Security Documents.
“Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations” shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 2.4(f) and subject to Section 6.17, the occurrence of all of the following:
(a)termination or expiration of all commitments to extend credit that would constitute Junior Note Priority Obligations and, if applicable, Additional Junior Note Obligations;
(b)payment in full in cash of the principal of and interest and premium (if any) on all Junior Note Priority Obligations and, if applicable, Additional Junior Note Obligations;
(c)payment in full in cash of all other Junior Note Priority Obligations and, if applicable, and Additional Junior Note Obligations that are outstanding and unpaid at the time the termination, expiration and discharge set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above have occurred (other than any obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other contingent liabilities in respect of which no claim or demand for payment has been made at such time); and
-10-
(d)providing cash collateral or letters of credit to the Junior Note Agent (and, if applicable, the Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent) in such amount as reasonably determined by the Junior Note Agent (and, if applicable, the Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent) as is necessary to secure the Junior Note Secured Parties (and, if applicable, the Additional Junior Note Obligations Secured Parties) in respect of asserted or threatened (in writing) claims for which the Junior Note Secured Parties (and, if applicable, the Additional Junior Note Obligations Secured Parties) are entitled to indemnification by any Grantor pursuant to the Junior Note Security Documents or the Additional Junior Note Obligations Documents).
“Discharge of Note Priority Obligations” shall mean the occurrence of both the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations.
“Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations” shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 2.4(f) and subject to Section 6.17, the occurrence of all of the following:
(a)termination or expiration of all commitments to extend credit that would constitute Senior Note Priority Obligations and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations;
(b)payment in full in cash of the principal of and interest and premium (if any) on all Senior Note Priority Obligations and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations;
(c)payment in full in cash of all other Senior Note Priority Obligations and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations, that are outstanding and unpaid at the time the termination, expiration and discharge set forth in clauses (a) and (b) above have occurred (other than any obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other contingent liabilities in respect of which no claim or demand for payment has been made at such time); and
(d)providing cash collateral or letters of credit to the Senior Note Agent (and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent) in such amount as reasonably determined by the Senior Note Agent (and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent) as is necessary to secure the Senior Note Secured Parties (and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations Secured Parties) in respect of asserted or threatened (in writing) claims for which the Senior Note Secured Parties (and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations Secured Parties) are entitled to indemnification by any Grantor pursuant to the Senior Note Security Documents and/or and, if applicable, Additional Senior Note Obligations Documents.
“Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations” shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 2.4(f) and subject to Section 6.17, (a) with respect to the Senior Note Obligations or the Junior Note Obligations secured by ABL Priority Collateral, the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, and (b) with respect to ABL Obligations secured by the Note Priority Collateral, the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations.
“Disposition” shall mean any sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.
-11-
“Distribution” shall mean, with respect to any indebtedness or obligation, (a) any direct or indirect payment or distribution by any Borrower or any of its Affiliates of cash, securities or other property, by set-off or otherwise, on account of such indebtedness or obligation, (b) any direct or indirect redemption, purchase or other acquisition of such indebtedness or obligation by any Borrower or any of its Affiliates (other than assignments and participations (other than to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates) in accordance with the ABL Credit Agreement, the Senior Secured Note Agreement and the Junior Secured Note Agreement, as the case may be), or (c) any direct or indirect acquisition by any Borrower or any of its Affiliates of any equity or other interest in any Person that holds any such indebtedness or obligation.
“Dollar Equivalent” shall mean, with respect to any amount of any currency, as of any applicable date of computation, the Equivalent Amount of such currency converted into Dollars in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards and applicable accounting requirements set by the International Accounting Standards Board or any successor thereto, as in effect from time to time.
“Enforcement Expenses” shall mean all costs, expenses or fees (including fees incurred by any Collateral Agent or any attorneys or other agents or consultants retained by such Collateral Agent) that any Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party may suffer or incur after the occurrence of an Event of Default on account or in connection with (a) the repossession, storage, repair, appraisal, insuring, completion of the manufacture of, preparing for sale, advertising for sale, selling, collecting or otherwise preserving or realizing upon any Collateral, (b) the settlement or satisfaction of any prior Lien or other encumbrance upon any Collateral, (c) the exercise of rights under Section 4, including any amounts payable pursuant to Section 4, (d) the enforcement of any of the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents, as the case may be, or the collection of any of the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations or the Junior Note Obligations, as the case may be, or (e) any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, in each case, in accordance with the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents and the Junior Note Documents, as applicable, or applicable law.
“Equivalent Amount” shall mean, at any time, as determined by the applicable Agent (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), with respect to an amount of any currency (the “Reference Currency”) which is to be computed as an equivalent amount of another currency (the “Equivalent Currency”), the amount of such Equivalent Currency converted from such Reference Currency at the rate determined by the European Central Bank for such Reference Currency as of 16:00 Central European Time on the second Business Day immediately preceding the event for which such calculation is made.
“Event of Default” shall mean an ABL Default, Senior Note Default or Junior Note Default, as the context may require.
“Excess ABL Debt” shall mean the sum of (a) the portion of the Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations that is in excess of the Maximum ABL Principal Obligations and (b) interest and fees in respect of the Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations in excess of the Maximum ABL Principal Obligations.
-12-
“Excess Junior Note Debt” shall mean the sum of (a) the portion of the Outstanding Junior Note Principal Obligations that is in excess of the Maximum Junior Note Principal Obligations and (b) interest and fees in respect of the Outstanding Junior Note Principal Obligations in excess of the Maximum Junior Note Principal Obligations.
“Excess Senior Note Debt” shall mean the sum of (a) the portion of the Outstanding Note Principal Obligations that is in excess of the Maximum Senior Note Principal Obligations and (b) interest and fees in respect of the Outstanding Note Principal Obligations in excess of the Maximum Senior Note Principal Obligations.
“Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies” or “Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies” shall mean:
(a)the taking of any action to enforce any Lien in respect of the Collateral, including the institution of any foreclosure proceedings or the noticing of any public or private Disposition pursuant to Article 9 of the UCC, the PPSA, the Bankruptcy Code, similar Bankruptcy Law or other applicable law, or the taking of any action in an attempt to vacate or obtain relief from a stay or other injunction restricting any other action described in this definition,
(b)the exercise of any right or remedy provided to a secured creditor under the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents or the Junior Note Documents, under applicable law, at equity, in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, including (i) exercising a right of set-off and (ii) the acceptance of Collateral in full or partial satisfaction of an obligation,
(c)the Disposition of all or any portion of the Collateral, by private or public sale or any other means, in connection with the exercise of enforcement rights relating to the Collateral,
(d)the solicitation of bids from third parties to conduct the Disposition of all or a material portion of the Collateral, in connection with, or in anticipation of, the exercise of enforcement rights relating to the Collateral,
(e)the engagement or retention of sales brokers, marketing agents, investment bankers, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, or other third parties for the purpose of valuing, marketing, or Disposing of all or a material portion of the Collateral in connection with, or in anticipation of, the exercise of enforcement rights relating to the Collateral, following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default,
(f)the exercise of any other enforcement right relating to the Collateral (including the exercise of any voting rights relating to any Capital Stock composing a portion of the Collateral) whether under the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents, the Junior Note Documents, under applicable law, in equity, in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise (including the commencement of applicable legal proceedings or other actions with respect to the Collateral to facilitate the actions described in the preceding clauses), and
(g)the pursuit of ABL Default Dispositions or Senior Note Default Dispositions relative to all or a material portion of the Collateral to the extent undertaken and being diligently pursued in good faith to consummate the Disposition of such Collateral within a commercially reasonable time;
-13-
provided, that the following shall not constitute the Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies or Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies (and for clarity, shall not be prohibited, restricted or limited in any way by this Agreement): (i) the exercise of cash dominion by the ABL Agent over Deposit Accounts of any Grantor that constitute ABL Priority Collateral and the application of funds in connection therewith against the ABL Priority Obligations pursuant the terms of the ABL Documents, (ii) the imposition of a default interest rate or late fee, (iii) the consent of any Senior Priority Agent in connection with any ABL Default Disposition or Senior Note Default Disposition, as applicable, (iv) the acceleration of (and subject to Section 2.4(d), related collection action on) the ABL Obligations, Senior Note Obligations or Junior Note Obligations, (v) the commencement of any Senior Priority Standstill Period or Third Priority Standstill Period and (vi) any other action permitted pursuant to Section 2.2(e).
“Exigent Circumstances” shall mean (a) an exercise by another creditor of enforcement rights or remedies with respect to all or a material portion of the Collateral or (b) an event or circumstance that materially and imminently threatens the ability of the applicable Secured Party to realize upon all or a material portion of the Collateral, including fraud, fraudulent removal, concealment, or abscondment thereof, destruction or material waste thereof.
“GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles and practices set forth from time to time in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or agencies with similar functions of comparable stature and authority within the United States of America accounting profession).
“Grantors” shall mean the Borrowers and the Guarantors and each of their respective Subsidiaries that have executed and delivered, or may from time to time hereafter execute and deliver, an ABL Security Document, a Senior Note Security Document or a Junior Note Security Document.
“Guarantors” shall mean the collective reference to the ABL Guarantors, the Senior Note Guarantors and the Junior Note Guarantors and their respective successors and assigns; sometimes being referred to herein individually as a “Guarantor”.
“Hedge Liabilities” shall mean “Hedge Liabilities”, as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing).
“Indebtedness” shall mean, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness (including principal, interest, fees and charges) of such Person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (b) the maximum amount available to be drawn or paid under all letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties and similar obligations issued for the account of such Person and all unpaid drawings and unreimbursed payments in respect of such letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties and similar obligations, (c) all indebtedness of the types described in clause (a), (b), (d), (e), (f) or (g) of this definition secured by any Lien on any property owned by such Person, whether or not such indebtedness has been assumed by such Person (provided that, if the Person has not assumed or otherwise become liable in respect of such indebtedness, such Indebtedness shall be deemed to be in an amount equal to
-14-
the lesser of the amount thereof or the fair market value of the property to which such Lien relates as determined in good faith by such Person), (d) the aggregate amount of all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person to pay a specified purchase price for goods or services, whether or not delivered or accepted, i.e., take-or-pay and similar obligations, (f) all Contingent Obligations of such Person, (g) all obligations, calculated on a basis satisfactory to the Secured Parties and in accordance with accepted practice, under any Bank Product Agreement or under any similar type of agreement and (h) obligations arising under any off- balance sheet liability retained in connection with asset securitization programs, synthetic leases, sale and leaseback transactions or other similar obligations arising with respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries.
“Indemnity Amount” shall mean, on any date, the amount required to be paid by any Grantor to any Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party on such date pursuant to any indemnity provision contained in the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents or the Junior Note Documents, as the case may be.
“Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” shall mean any of the following: (a) the filing by any Grantor of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy under any provision of any Bankruptcy Law (including the Bankruptcy Code, CCAA or BIA) or a petition to take advantage of any receivership or insolvency laws, including any petition seeking the dissolution, winding up, total or partial liquidation, reorganization, composition, arrangement, adjustment or readjustment or other relief of such Grantor, such Grantor’s debts or such Grantor’s assets or the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or similar official for such Grantor or a material part of such Grantor’s property; (b) the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, trustee, custodian or other similar official for such Grantor or all or a material part of such Grantor’s assets; (c) the filing of any petition against such Grantor under any bankruptcy law (including the Bankruptcy Code) or other receivership or insolvency law, including any petition seeking the dissolution, winding up, total or partial liquidation, reorganization, composition, arrangement, adjustment or readjustment or other relief of such Grantor, such Grantor’s debts or such Grantor’s assets or the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or similar official for such Grantor or a material part of such Grantor’s property; or (d) the general assignment by such Grantor for the benefit of creditors or any other marshaling of the assets and liabilities of such Grantor.
“Intellectual Property” shall mean, with respect to any Person, the collective reference to such Person’s patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, goodwill and copyrights, Proprietary Rights, together with all licenses of the same, in each case, whether written, electronic or oral.
“Intercreditor Agreement Consent” shall mean an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
“Intercreditor Agreement Joinder” shall mean an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A.
“Junior 507(b) Claims” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c)(iv).
-15-
“Junior Note Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement and shall include (a) any successor thereto as well as any Person designated as the “Agent”, the “Administrative Agent” or the “Collateral Agent” under any Junior Secured Note Agreement and includes any New Junior Priority Agent that becomes the new Junior Note Agent to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(g) and (b) any Additional Junior Note Obligations Agent.
“Junior Secured Note Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
“Junior Note Default” shall mean any [“Event of Default”], as defined in any Junior Note Document.
“Junior Note Documents” shall mean (a) the Junior Secured Note Agreement and the other [Note Documents] (as defined in the Junior Secured Note Agreement), including the Junior Note Security Documents, (b) each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any Junior Note Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Junior Note Obligation), and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any Junior Note Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Junior Note Obligation), together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing and (c) the the Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreements.
“Junior Note Holders” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
“Junior Note Obligations” shall mean (a) all [Obligations] (as defined in the Junior Secured Note Agreement), and all other amounts owing, due, or secured under the terms of the Junior Secured Note Agreement or any other Junior Note Document, whether now existing or arising hereafter, including all principal, premium, interest, fees, attorneys’ fees, costs, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, obligations with respect to loans, indemnities or guarantees, and all other amounts payable under or secured by any Junior Note Document (including, in each case, all amounts accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding relating to any Grantor, or that would have accrued or become due under the terms of the Junior Note Documents but for the commencement of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), in each case, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, including all Enforcement Expenses and Indemnity Amounts and (b) all Additional Junior Note Obligations.
“Junior Note Permitted Liens” shall mean the [“Permitted Liens”] under, and as defined in, the Junior Secured Note Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Junior Note Permitted Priority Liens” shall mean the [“Permitted Liens”] under, and as defined in, the Junior Secured Note Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (or substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing) that are, pursuant to the terms thereof, permitted to have priority over the Liens securing the Junior Note Priority Obligations.
“Junior Note Pledge Agreement” shall mean the [“Pledge Agreement”] (as defined in the Junior Secured Note Agreement).
-16-
“Junior Note Priority Obligations” shall mean all Junior Note Obligations other than Excess Junior Note Debt.
“Junior Note Secured Parties” shall mean (a) the Junior Note Holders and the Junior Note Agent and shall include all former Junior Note Holders and agents under the Junior Secured Note Agreement to the extent that any Junior Note Obligations owing to such Persons were incurred while such Persons were Junior Note Holders or agents under the Junior Secured Note Agreement and such Junior Note Obligations have not been paid or satisfied in full and all new Junior Note Secured Parties to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(g) and (b) the Additional Junior Note Obligations Secured Parties.
“Junior Note Security Agreement” shall mean the [“Security Agreement”] (as defined in the Junior Secured Note Agreement).
“Junior Note Security Document” shall mean (a) the Junior Note Security Agreement, the Junior Note Pledge Agreement and any [“Mortgage”] (as defined in the Junior Secured Note Agreement) or related security document executed and delivered by any Borrower or any other Grantor in connection therewith and (b) any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted by any Borrower or any other Grantor securing any Junior Note Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Junior Note Obligations) or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing, to the extent permitted hereby.
“Junior Priority” shall mean, (a) prior to the discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, that such Liens purported to be created on such Collateral to secure the Note Priority Obligations pursuant to the Note Security Documents are prior in right to any other Lien thereon, other than (A) the Liens on such ABL Priority Collateral securing the ABL Priority Obligations, and (B) Senior Note Permitted Priority Liens and Junior Note Permitted Priority Liens, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, that such Liens purported to be created on such Collateral to secure the ABL Priority Obligations under the ABL Security Documents are prior in right to any other Lien thereon, other than (A) the Liens on such Note Priority Collateral securing the Note Priority Obligations, and (B) ABL Permitted Priority Liens.
“Junior Priority Agent” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, (i) prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the Note Agents, and (ii) after the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the ABL Agent, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent.
“Junior Priority Collateral” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Obligations, all Collateral other than ABL Priority Collateral, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Obligations, all Collateral other than Note Priority Collateral.
“Junior Priority Credit Agreement” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the Secured Note Agreements, and
-17-
(b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the ABL Credit Agreement.
“Junior Priority Creditors” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the Note Holders, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the ABL Lenders.
“Junior Priority Documents” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the Note Documents, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Obligations, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the ABL Documents.
“Junior Priority Permitted Liens” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, the Senior Note Permitted Liens and the Junior Note Permitted Liens, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, the ABL Permitted Liens.
“Junior Priority Obligations” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the Note Priority Obligations, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the ABL Priority Obligations.
“Junior Priority Secured Parties” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the Note Secured Parties, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the ABL Secured Parties.
“Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge” shall mean “Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge”, as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing).
“Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge” shall mean “Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge”, as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing).
“License Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(b).
“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, encumbrance, hypothec, charge, lien (statutory or other), charge, preference, priority or other security agreement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any financing or similar statement or notice filed under the UCC, or any similar recording or notice statute or other law, and any lease having substantially the same effect as the foregoing).
-18-
“Maximum ABL Principal Obligations” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the sum of:
(a)$ 2
plus
(b)110% of the amount of any incremental ABL Obligations authorized to be incurred pursuant to [Section ] of the ABL Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar provision under any Permitted Refinancing),
plus
(c) | the amount of Bank Product Obligations, |
plus
(d)if applicable, the amount of any incremental DIP Financing permitted pursuant to Section 2.5(a), in an aggregate principal amount under this clause (c) not to exceed the sum of $[TBD] 3 minus the Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations as of the commencement of such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in excess of the commitments (including incremental commitments) under the ABL Credit Agreement (or any Permitted Refinancing) as of the date hereof and otherwise permitted under clauses (a) and (b) above;
minus
(e)the amount of all payments of Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations under the ABL Credit Agreement that result in a permanent reduction of the revolving credit commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement (other than payments of Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations in connection with a Permitted Refinancing thereof or a refinancing pursuant to a DIP Financing permitted pursuant to Section 2.5(a)).
Any net increase in the aggregate principal amount of a loan or letter of credit (on a Dollar Equivalent (as defined under the ABL Credit Agreement) basis) after the loan is made, the letter of credit issued, or Bank Product Obligation incurred that is caused by a fluctuation in the exchange rate of the currency in which the loan, letter of credit or Bank Product Obligation is denominated will be ignored in determining whether the Maximum ABL Principal Obligations has been exceeded.
“Maximum Junior Note Principal Obligations” shall mean, as of any date of determination:
(a) | the amount that is the sum of: |
(i)$[ ]4;
2 TBD. 115% of ABL commitments at close.
3 TBD. An amount equal to 15% of the closing commitments plus the incremental commitments if funded.
4 TBD. 15% above closing amount.
-19-
plus
(ii)[100% of the amount of any incremental Junior Note Obligations authorized to be incurred pursuant to the Junior Note Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar provision under any Permitted Refinancing),]5
plus
(iii)if applicable, the amount of any incremental DIP Financing permitted pursuant to Section 2.5(a),
minus
(b)the amount of all payments of Outstanding Junior Note Principal Obligations under the Junior Secured Note Agreement (other than payments of Outstanding Junior Note Principal Obligations in connection with a Permitted Refinancing thereof).
Any net increase in the aggregate principal amount of a loan (on a Dollar Equivalent basis) after the loan is made that is caused by a fluctuation in the exchange rate of the currency in which the loan is denominated will be ignored in determining whether the Maximum Junior Note Principal Obligations.
“Maximum Senior Note Principal Obligations” shall mean, as of any date of determination:
| (a) | the amount that is the sum of: |
(iv)$[ ]6;
plus
(v)[100% of the amount of any incremental Senior Note Obligations authorized to be incurred pursuant to the Senior Note Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof or any substantially similar provision under any Permitted Refinancing),]7
plus
(vi)if applicable, the amount of any incremental DIP Financing permitted pursuant to Section 2.5(a);
minus
(b)the amount of all payments of Outstanding Note Principal Obligations under the Senior Secured Note Agreement (other than payments of Outstanding Note Principal Obligations
5 To be confirmed whether any incremental junior notes provision.
6 TBD. 15% above closing amount,
7 To be confirmed whether any incremental senior notes provision.
-20-
in connection with a Permitted Refinancing thereof or a refinancing pursuant to a DIP Financing permitted pursuant to Section 2.5(a)).
Any net increase in the aggregate principal amount of a loan (on a Dollar Equivalent basis) after the loan is made that is caused by a fluctuation in the exchange rate of the currency in which the loan is denominated will be ignored in determining whether the Maximum Senior Note Principal Obligations.
“New Junior Priority Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(g).
“New Senior Priority Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(f).
“Note Agents” shall mean the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent.
“Note Cash Proceeds Notice” shall mean a written notice delivered by the Senior Note Agent, Junior Note Agent, or any Grantor to the ABL Agent (a) stating either that a Disposition of Note Priority Collateral is being effected or that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the applicable Notes Document and (b) stating that certain cash proceeds which may be deposited in any Grantor’s deposit account, collection account or other account constitute Note Priority Collateral and reasonably identifying the amount of such proceeds.
“Note DIP Financing” shall mean any DIP Financing provided by or consented to by any Note Agent or any other Note Holder.
“Note Documents” shall mean the Senior Note Documents and the Junior Note Documents. “Note Holders” shall mean the Senior Note Holders and the Junior Note Holders.
“Notes Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean that certain intercreditor agreement, dated as of [ ], among [ ], as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Note Priority Collateral” shall mean all of the following assets that constitute Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (including any of the following assets acquired or created after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) and wherever located (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any such assets that, but for the application of Section 552 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law), would constitute Note Priority Collateral):
(a)all Equipment and all real property and interests therein (including both fee and leasehold interests) and all Fixtures;
(b)all Intellectual Property (subject to the rights of the ABL Agent under Section 4.2 and excluding any interest in any ABL Priority Collateral that is or becomes branded or is produced through the use or other application of any Intellectual Property and other than any computer programs and any support and information relating thereto that constitute Inventory);
-21-
(c)all Capital Stock and other Investment Property (other than Investment Property constituting ABL Priority Collateral);
(d)except to the extent constituting ABL Priority Collateral, all other Instruments, Documents and other General Intangibles;
(e)except to the extent constituting ABL Priority Collateral, all other Commercial Tort Claims;
(f) | all other Collateral not constituting ABL Priority Collateral; |
(f)all insurance policies relating to the foregoing Note Priority Collateral (regardless of whether the Senior Note Agent or Junior Note Agent is the loss payee thereof), excluding business interruption insurance and proceeds thereof and credit insurance with respect to any Accounts;
(g)all collateral and guarantees given by any other Person with respect to any of the foregoing Note Priority Collateral;
(h)all Supporting Obligations (including Letter-of-Credit Rights) and all Proceeds of any of the foregoing Note Priority Collateral and all “adequate protection” payments (or similar payments under applicable Bankruptcy Law) made using any of the foregoing included in clauses (a) through this clause (h) in respect of Senior Note Obligations or Junior Note Obligations in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (other than adequate protection payments made with ABL Priority Collateral or proceeds of any ABL DIP Financing); and
(i)except to the extent constituting ABL Priority Collateral, all other books and Records, in each case, to the extent evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Note Priority Collateral” shall not include any ABL Priority Collateral.
“Note Priority Obligations” shall mean the Senior Note Priority Obligations and the Junior Note Priority Obligations.
“Note Secured Parties” shall mean the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties.
“Note Security Documents” shall mean the Senior Note Security Documents and the Junior Note Security Documents.
“Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations” shall mean the sum of (a) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all loans and advances (including ABL Agent Advances other than ABL Agent Advances made to enable the payment of Enforcement Expenses), (b) the undrawn amount available under all outstanding letters of credit, (c) all Bank Product Obligations and other financial accommodations, in each case, made, issued or incurred under the ABL Documents, and (d) the amount of all interest, fees, costs, expenses, indemnities, and other amounts accrued or charged with respect to any of the ABL Obligations (other than Excess ABL
-22-
Debt) as and when the same is added to the principal amount of the ABL Obligations and including the same as would accrue and become due but for the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are allowed or allowable, in whole or in part, in any such Insolvency Proceeding).
“Outstanding Junior Note Principal Obligations” shall mean the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all loans and other financial accommodations made, issued or incurred under the Junior Note Documents (excluding protective advances made to enable the payment of Enforcement Expenses).
“Outstanding Note Principal Obligations” shall mean the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all loans and other financial accommodations made, issued or incurred under the Senior Note Documents (excluding protective advances made to enable the payment of Enforcement Expenses).
“Permitted Refinancing” shall mean, as to any Indebtedness, the Refinancing of such Indebtedness (“Refinancing Indebtedness”) to refinance such existing Indebtedness; provided, that, the terms applicable to such Refinancing Indebtedness and, if applicable, the related guarantees of such Refinancing Indebtedness, shall not violate the applicable requirements contained in this Agreement.
“Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust or other enterprise or any government or political subdivision or any agency, department or instrumentality thereof.
“Pledged Senior Priority Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(e)(i).
“Pledged Stock” shall mean all shares of Capital Stock owned by a Grantor, and the certificates, if any, representing such shares and any interest of a Grantor in the entries on the books of the issuer of such shares or on the books of any securities intermediary pertaining to such shares, and all dividends, distributions, cash, warrants, rights, options, instruments, securities and other property or Proceeds from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of or in exchange for any or all of such shares.
“PPSA” means the Personal Property Security Act (Ontario), or any other applicable Canadian federal or provincial statute pertaining to the granting, perfecting, priority or ranking of security interests, liens, hypothecs or personal property (including the Civil Code of Quebec), and any successor statutes, together with any regulations thereunder, in each case as in effect from time to time.
“Proceeds” shall mean all “proceeds” as defined in Article 9 of the UCC as in effect in the state of New York and, in any event, shall also include (a) any and all proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty or guaranty payable to any Collateral Agent or any Grantor from time to time with respect to any of the Collateral, (b) any and all payments (in any form whatsoever) made or due and payable to any Grantor from time to time in connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture of all or any part of the Collateral by any governmental authority (or any Person acting under color of governmental authority) and (c) any and all other
-23-
amounts or assets from time to time paid or payable on account of, under or in connection with any of the Collateral.
“Proprietary Rights” shall mean, with respect to a Person, all of such Person’s now owned and hereafter arising or acquired licenses, franchises, customer lists, permits, patents, patent rights, copyrights, works which are the subject matter of copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade styles, patent, trademark and service mark applications, and all licenses and rights related to any of the foregoing, including those registered patents and trademarks set forth on schedules to the ABL Credit Agreement, the Senior Note Security Agreement and the Junior Note Security Agreement, and all other rights under any of the foregoing, all extensions, renewals, reissues, divisions, continuations, and continuations-in-part of any of the foregoing, and all rights to sue for past, present, and future infringement of any of the foregoing.
“Recovery” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.17.
“Refinance” shall mean, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, retire, defease, amend, modify, supplement, restructure, replace, refund, restate or repay, or to issue other Indebtedness, in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness in whole or in part, including with new or different lenders or whether adding new or additional Secured Parties. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.
“Secured Note Agreements” means the Senior Secured Note Agreement and the Junior Secured Note Agreement.
“Secured Parties” shall mean the ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Secured Parties.
“Senior 507(b) Claims” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(c)(iv).
“Senior Note Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the introduction to this Agreement and shall include (a) any successor thereto as well as any Person designated as the “Agent”, the “Administrative Agent” or the “Collateral Agent” under any Senior Secured Note Agreement and includes any New Senior Priority Agent that becomes the new Senior Note Agent to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(f) and (b) any Additional Senior Note Obligations Agent.
“Senior Note Default” shall mean any [“Event of Default”], as defined in any Senior Note Document.
“Senior Note Default Dispositions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(ii).
“Senior Note Documents” shall mean (a) the Senior Secured Note Agreement and the other [Note Documents] (as defined in the Senior Secured Note Agreement), including the Senior Note Security Documents, (b) each of the other agreements, documents and instruments providing for or evidencing any Senior Note Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Senior Note Obligations), and any other document or instrument executed or delivered at any time in connection with any Senior Note Obligation (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Senior Note Obligation), together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions,
-24-
renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing and (c) any Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement.
“Senior Note Obligations” shall mean (a) all [Obligations] (as defined in the Senior Secured Note Agreement), and all other amounts owing, due, or secured under the terms of the Senior Secured Note Agreement or any other Senior Note Document, whether now existing or arising hereafter, including all principal, premium, interest, fees, attorneys’ fees, costs, charges, expenses, reimbursement obligations, obligations with respect to loans, indemnities or guarantees, and all other amounts payable under or secured by any Senior Note Document (including, in each case, all amounts accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding relating to any Grantor, or that would have accrued or become due under the terms of the Senior Note Documents but for the effect of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), in each case, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, including all Enforcement Expenses and Indemnity Amounts and (b) all Additional Senior Note Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall constitute “Senior Note Obligations” notwithstanding any limitations on, restrictions of, or agreements by, Grantors in the ABL Documents with respect to the incurrence of any Senior Note Obligations.
“Senior Note Holders” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
“Senior Note Permitted Liens” shall mean the [“Permitted Liens”] under, and as defined in, the Senior Secured Note Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Senior Note Permitted Priority Liens” shall mean the [“Permitted Liens”] under, and as defined in, the Senior Secured Note Agreement as in effect on the date hereof and as amended in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (or substantially similar term in any Permitted Refinancing) that are, pursuant to the terms thereof, permitted to have priority over the Liens securing the Senior Note Priority Obligations.
“Senior Note Pledge Agreement” shall mean the [“Pledge Agreement”] (as defined in the Senior Secured Note Agreement).
“Senior Note Priority Obligations” shall mean all Senior Note Obligations other than Excess Senior Note Debt.
“Senior Note Secured Parties” shall mean (a) the Senior Note Holders and the Senior Note Agent and shall include all former Senior Note Holders and agents under the Senior Secured Note Agreement to the extent that any Senior Note Obligations owing to such Persons were incurred while such Persons were Senior Note Holders or agents under the Senior Secured Note Agreement and such Senior Note Obligations have not been paid or satisfied in full and all new Senior Note Secured Parties to the extent set forth in Section 2.4(f) and (b) the Additional Senior Note Obligations Secured Parties.
“Senior Note Security Agreement” shall mean the [“Security Agreement”] (as defined in the Senior Secured Note Agreement).
-25-
“Senior Note Security Document” shall mean (a) the Senior Note Security Agreement, the Senior Note Pledge Agreement and any [“Mortgage”] (as defined in the Senior Secured Note Agreement) or related security document executed and delivered by the Borrower or any other Grantor in connection therewith and (b) any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted by one or more of the Borrower or any other Grantor securing any Senior Note Obligations (including any Permitted Refinancing of any Senior Note Obligations) or under which rights or remedies with respect to such Liens are governed, together with any amendments, replacements, modifications, extensions, renewals or supplements to, or restatements of, any of the foregoing, to the extent permitted hereby.
“Senior Priority” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, that such Lien purported to be created on any ABL Priority Collateral to secure the ABL Priority Obligations pursuant to any ABL Security Document is prior in right to any other Lien thereon (other than any ABL Permitted Priority Liens applicable to such ABL Priority Collateral), and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, that such Lien purported to be created on any Note Priority Collateral to secure the Note Priority Obligations pursuant to any Note Security Document is prior in right to any other Lien thereon (other than any Senior Note Permitted Priority Liens or Junior Note Permitted Priority Liens applicable to such Note Priority Collateral).
“Senior Priority Agent” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Agent, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Note Agents.
“Senior Priority Cash Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
“Senior Priority Collateral” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Obligations, all ABL Priority Collateral and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Obligations, all Note Priority Collateral.
“Senior Priority Credit Agreement” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Credit Agreement, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Senior Secured Note Agreement and the Junior Secured Note Agreement.
“Senior Priority DIP Financing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a).
“Senior Priority Documents” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Documents, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Note Documents.
“Senior Priority Lenders” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Lenders, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Note Holders.
“Senior Priority Obligations” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Priority Obligations, and (b) with
-26-
respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Note Priority Obligations.
“Senior Priority Secured Parties” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Secured Parties, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Note Secured Parties.
“Senior Priority Security Documents” shall mean, (a) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations, the ABL Security Documents, and (b) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, prior to the Discharge of Note Priority Obligations, the Note Security Documents.
“Senior Secured Note Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
“Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other business entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of shares of stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees or other Persons performing similar functions) having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; provided, that, in determining the percentage of ownership interests of any Person controlled by another Person, no ownership interest in the nature of a “qualifying share” of the former Person shall be deemed to be outstanding.
“Third Party Purchaser” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
“UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the relevant jurisdiction.
“United States” shall mean the United States of America.
“Unrestricted” shall mean, when referring to cash or cash equivalents of a Grantor or any Subsidiary, any such cash or cash equivalents that is not reserved for a specific purpose and therefore is available for immediate or general business use.
1.3.Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with the terms hereof, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular
-27-
provision of this Agreement, (d) all references herein to Exhibits or Sections shall be construed to refer to Exhibits or Sections of this Agreement, (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights, (f) any terms defined in the UCC but not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings herein as are assigned thereto in the UCC, (g) reference to any law shall mean such law as amended, modified, codified, replaced or re-enacted, in whole or in part, and in effect on the date hereof, including rules, regulations, enforcement procedures and any interpretations promulgated thereunder, (h) references to Sections or clauses shall refer to those portions of this Agreement, and any references to a clause shall, unless otherwise identified, refer to the appropriate clause within the same Section in which such reference occurs, (i) any definition of, or reference to, ABL Priority Collateral or Note Priority Collateral herein shall not be construed as referring to any amounts recovered by a Grantor, as a debtor in possession, or a trustee for the estate of a Grantor, under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code (or by comparable Persons under any other comparable Bankruptcy Law); and (j) in this Agreement, the term “UCC” shall also refer to analogous personal property security legislation in foreign jurisdictions, mutatis mutandis, and, where the context so requires, any term defined herein by reference to the UCC as applicable, shall also have any extended, alternative or analogous meaning given to such term in such foreign personal property security legislation.
1.4.Notes Intercreditor Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Junior Note Secured Parties, on the one hand, and the Senior Note Secured Parties, on the other hand, with respect to the Collateral shall be governed by and subject to the terms of the Notes Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Notes Intercreditor Agreement with respect to any matter pertaining solely to the respective rights or obligations of the Junior Note Secured Parties, on the one hand, and the Senior Note Secured Parties, on the other hand, then the Notes Intercreditor Agreement shall prevail.
Section 2.Collateral; Priorities; Payment Restrictions.
2.1. | Lien Priorities; Payment Restrictions. |
(a)Relative Priorities. Notwithstanding (i) the time, manner, order or method of grant, creation, attachment, validity, enforceability or perfection of any Liens in the Collateral securing the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations or the Junior Note Obligations, (ii) the date on which any ABL Obligations, any Senior Note Obligations or any Junior Note Obligations are extended, (iii) any provision of the UCC, the PPSA or any other applicable law, including any rule for determining priority thereunder or under any other law or rule governing the relative priorities of secured creditors, including with respect to real property or fixtures, (iv) any provision set forth in any ABL Document, any Senior Note Document or any Junior Note Document (other than this Agreement), or (v) the possession or control by any Collateral Agent or any Secured Party or any bailee of all or any part of any Collateral as of the date hereof or otherwise, each Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and its respective other Secured Parties, hereby agrees that:
-28-
(i)any Lien with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation, or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Liens with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing (A) any Senior Note Obligations, (B) any Junior Note Obligations and (C) any Excess ABL Debt;
(ii)any Lien with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any Note Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the Note Agents or any other Note Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be (A) junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Obligations and (B) senior in all respects and prior to any Liens with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral securing (1) any Excess ABL Debt, (2) any Excess Senior Note Debt and (3) any Excess Junior Note Debt;
(iii)any Lien with respect to the Note Priority Collateral securing any Note Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the Note Agents or any other Note Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Liens on the Note Priority Collateral securing (A) any ABL Obligations, (B) any Excess Senior Note Debt and (C) any Excess Junior Note Debt;
(iv)any Lien with respect to the Note Priority Collateral securing any ABL Priority Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how or when acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be (A) junior and subordinate in all respects to any Liens on the Note Priority Collateral securing any Note Priority Obligations and (B) senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Note Priority Collateral securing (1) any Excess ABL Obligations, (2) any Excess Senior Note Debt and (3) any Excess Junior Note Debt.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the priorities of any Liens on the Note Priority Collateral securing the Senior Note Obligations and the Junior Note Obligations, as between them, shall be governed by and subject to the Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
The priorities of the Liens provided in this Section 2.1(a) shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, modification, supplement, extension, renewal, restatement, replacement, refunding or refinancing of the ABL Documents and/or the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Documents and/or the Senior Note Obligations, or the Junior Note Documents and/or the Junior Note Obligations, nor by any action or inaction which any ABL Secured Party, Senior Note Secured Party and/or Junior Note Secured Party may take or fail to take in respect of the Collateral. Notwithstanding any failure by any Collateral Agent to perfect its security interests in the Collateral or any avoidance, invalidation or subordination by any third party or court of competent jurisdiction of the security interests in the Collateral granted to such Collateral Agent, the priority and rights as between the Liens of the ABL Agent, the Liens of the Senior Note Agent, and the Liens of the Junior Note Agent shall be as set forth herein.
-29-
(b)Prohibition on Contesting Liens. Each Collateral Agent, for itself and each of its respective Secured Parties, agrees that neither it nor any Secured Party will (and hereby waives any right to), directly or indirectly, contest, or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, attachment, perfection, priority, or enforceability of a Lien held by or on behalf of any of the other Collateral Agents or the Secured Parties in the Collateral (or the validity, allowability, or enforceability of any Senior Priority Obligations or Junior Priority Obligations secured thereby or purported to be secured thereby), as the case may be, or the provisions of this Agreement; provided, that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any Collateral Agent to enforce the terms of this Agreement, including the provisions of this Agreement relating to the priority of the Liens securing the Senior Priority Obligations and the Junior Priority Obligations as provided in Sections 2.1(a) and 2.2.
(c)No New Liens. So long as the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has not occurred, the parties hereto agree that the Borrower or any other Grantor shall not grant or permit any Liens in favor of any Junior Priority Agent or any Junior Priority Creditor on any asset or property of any Grantor to secure any Junior Priority Obligation, except for those created by the Junior Priority Security Documents as in effect on the date hereof, unless it has granted or substantially contemporaneously grants (or has offered to grant) a Lien therein in favor of the Senior Priority Agent, and once granted, such Lien shall have the priority as set forth in Section 2.1(a). To the extent that the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the Senior Priority Agent and/or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral granted in violation of Sections 2.1(a) – (c) shall be subject to Section 2.3.8
2.2. | Exercise of Remedies. |
(a)So long as the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against one or more Grantors:
(i) Neither any Junior Priority Agent nor any of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties:
(x) will Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Senior Priority Collateral; provided, however, that:
(1) with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral, the Controlling Note Agent may exercise any or all such rights after the passage of a period of one hundred fifty (150) days from the date of delivery of a notice (which notice shall identify itself as a “standstill period notice”) in writing to the ABL Agent of the occurrence and continuation of a Senior Note Default in respect of the Senior Note Obligations or the acceleration of the Senior Note Obligations or a Junior Note Default in respect of the Junior Note Obligations or the
8 To be confirmed that all of the assets of the US group are to be pledged to both ABL and Notes (i.e., no assets carved out for the benefit of the Notes only).
-30-
acceleration of the Junior Note Obligations, as applicable (and as specified in the applicable standstill period notice) (such 150-day period, the “ABL Priority Collateral Standstill Period”); and
(2) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, the ABL Agent may exercise any or all such rights after the passage of one hundred fifty (150) days from the date of delivery of a notice (which notice shall identify itself as a “standstill period notice”) in writing to the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent of the occurrence and continuation of an ABL Default in respect of the ABL Obligations or the acceleration of the ABL Obligations (such 150-day period, the “Note Priority Collateral Standstill Period” (together with the ABL Priority Collateral Standstill Period, the “Standstill Period”).
The Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Collateral, as between the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties, shall be governed by, and subject to, the Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) neither the Junior Priority Agent nor any other Junior Priority Secured Party will Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Senior Priority Collateral if, (x) notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period, the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties shall have commenced the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to all or any material portion of the Senior Priority Collateral (prompt notice of such exercise to be given to the Junior Priority Agent(s) by the Senior Priority Agent; provided, that the applicable Senior Priority Agent shall have no liability for failing to do so) and are diligently pursuing in good faith the exercise thereof, (y) the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties are diligently attempting in good faith to vacate any stay of enforcement of their Senior Liens, or (z) if the applicable default and acceleration (with respect to the Senior Priority Obligations) has been rescinded and (ii) the foregoing time periods shall be tolled if the Senior Priority Agent and the Junior Priority Agent are effectively stayed from enforcing their rights and remedies with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral;
(y)will contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought by the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Party with respect to, or any other Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Party relating to the Senior Priority Collateral under the Senior Priority Documents or otherwise; and
(z)subject to its rights under clause (i)(x) above, will object to the forbearance by the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies relating to the Senior Priority Collateral;
in each case of clauses (x), (y) and (z) above, the respective interests of the Junior Priority Secured Parties shall attach to the unapplied Proceeds thereof subject to the relative priorities described in Section 2.1 and such Proceeds shall be applied in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2 to the ABL Priority Obligations, the Senior Note Priority Obligations and the Junior Note Priority Obligations, as applicable.
-31-
(ii)Subject to Section 2.2(a)(i) above and Section 2.2(a)(iii) below, the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies and, in connection therewith, make determinations regarding the Disposition of, or restrictions with respect to, the Senior Priority Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Party.
(iii)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.2(a) to the contrary:
(A)the Junior Priority Agent may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral securing the Senior Priority Obligations, or the rights of the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Parties to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies in respect thereof) in order to preserve or protect its Lien on the Senior Priority Collateral in accordance with applicable law and in a manner not in violation of the terms of this Agreement (including any of the provisions of Section 2.5);
(B)the Junior Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Junior Priority Secured Parties, including any claims secured by the Senior Priority Collateral, if any, in each case, in a manner not in violation of the terms of this Agreement (including any of the provisions of Section 2.5);
(C)the Junior Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any pleadings, objections, motions or agreements which assert rights or interests available to unsecured creditors of the Grantors arising under either the Bankruptcy Law or applicable non- bankruptcy law and do not assert rights available solely to the holders of secured claims, in each case, not in violation of Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 5.1 or 5.2;
(D)the Junior Priority Secured Parties shall be entitled to file any proof of claim in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and vote on any plan of reorganization, and make any arguments and motions in connection with such plan, in each case, not in violation of Sections 2.1, 5.1 or 5.2; and
(E)the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Party may Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral after the termination of the applicable Standstill Period, to the extent not prohibited by clause (i)(x) above.
In connection with the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral, the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties may enforce the provisions of the Senior Priority Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of Senior Priority Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or Disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the UCC or
-32-
PPSA, as applicable, of any applicable jurisdiction, and the Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.
(b)Each Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that any Senior Priority Collateral or any Proceeds of Senior Priority Collateral received by any Junior Priority Secured Party in connection with the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Senior Priority Collateral will be remitted to the applicable Senior Priority Agent and applied in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in this Agreement, the sole right of the Junior Priority Agent and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Senior Priority Collateral pursuant to the Junior Priority Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of the Senior Priority Obligations has occurred in accordance with the terms hereof, the Senior Priority Documents and applicable law.
(c) | Subject to Section 2.2(a), Section 2.4(a) and Section 4: |
(i)each Junior Priority Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that such Junior Priority Agent and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties will not take any action that would hinder any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies under the Senior Priority Documents with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral or is otherwise prohibited hereunder, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other Disposition of the Senior Priority Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, and
(ii)each Junior Priority Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, hereby waives any and all rights it or the other Junior Priority Secured Parties may have as a junior lien creditor with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties seek to enforce or collect the Senior Priority Obligations or the Liens granted in any of the Senior Priority Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties is adverse to the interest of the Junior Priority Secured Parties in the Senior Priority Collateral.
(d)Each Junior Priority Agent hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Junior Priority Document (other than this Agreement) shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the Senior Priority Documents.
(e) | Anything to the contrary in this Section 2.2 notwithstanding: |
(i)any ABL Secured Parties, any Senior Note Secured Parties and any Junior Note Secured Parties may, if an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Grantor, file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations and the Junior Note Obligations, respectively;
-33-
(ii)any Collateral Agent may take any action (not adverse to the priority status of any senior Liens on the Collateral held by any other Collateral Agent) in order to create, perfect or preserve its Lien in and to the Collateral, to prevent the running of any applicable statute of limitation or similar restriction on claims or to assert a compulsory cross-claim or counterclaim against any Grantor;
(iii)any Collateral Agent may file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings (A) in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding, or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligation or the Junior Note Obligations, respectively, or (B) asserting rights available to unsecured creditors of the applicable Grantor, in each case, in accordance with and not in violation of the terms of Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 5.1 or 5.2;
(iv)any ABL Secured Party, any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party, during an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, may vote on any Plan that is not in violation of Sections 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 5.1 or 5.2;
(v)any Collateral Agent may join (but not exercise any control with respect to) any judicial foreclosure proceeding or other judicial lien enforcement proceeding with respect to the Collateral initiated by any other Collateral Agent to the extent that any such action would not reasonably be expected to restrain, hinder, limit, delay or otherwise interfere with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies being conducted by any other Collateral Agent in accordance with Section 2.2(a);
(vi)any Collateral Agent may, so long as such action would not reasonably be expected to restrain, hinder, limit, delay or otherwise interfere with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by any other Collateral Agent being conducted in accordance with Section 2.2(a), engage or retain investment bankers or appraisers for the purposes of appraising or valuing the Collateral or to receive information or reports concerning the Collateral, in each case, pursuant to the terms of the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents, or the Junior Note Documents, as applicable, and applicable law;
(vii)any Collateral Agent may, so long as such action would not reasonably be expected to restrain, hinder, limit, delay or otherwise interfere with any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by any other Collateral Agent being conducted in accordance with Section 2.2(a), take any action to seek and obtain specific performance or injunctive relief to compel a Grantor to comply with (or not to violate or breach) an obligation under the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents or the Junior Note Documents, as applicable, provided that such action does not include any action by a Junior Priority Agent to seek specific performance or injunctive relief against (A) any Senior Priority Agent or their respective Secured Parties or (B) the Disposition of any Collateral in contravention of the other provisions of this Agreement;
(viii)any Secured Party may bid for Collateral at any public or private sale thereof; provided, that: (A) with respect to ABL Priority Collateral, no Note Secured Parties may make a credit bid for such Collateral and offset Note Priority Obligations against the purchase price therefor unless the net Cash Proceeds of such bid are otherwise sufficient to cause the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations and are applied to cause the Discharge of ABL Priority
-34-
Obligations upon the consummation of such sale; (B) with respect to the Note Priority Collateral, no ABL Secured Parties may make a credit bid for such Collateral and offset ABL Priority Obligations against the purchase price therefor unless the net Cash Proceeds of such bid are sufficient to cause the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations and are applied to cause the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations and the Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations upon the consummation of such sale and (C) the rights of the Note Secured Parties (as among themselves) to make a credit bid with respect to any Collateral shall be subject to and made in accordance with the Notes Intercreditor Agreement; and
(ix)any Collateral Agent may enforce the terms of any subordination agreement with any Person (other than a Grantor) with respect to debt of a Grantor that is subordinated to the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations or the Junior Note Obligations, as applicable, provided (i) prior written notice of such action is provided to each other Collateral Agent, (ii) no such action includes any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies in violation of the terms hereof, (iii) any payment or other property received by such Collateral Agent, to the extent resulting from a payment or other transfer of property or an interest in property of any Grantor, shall be deemed to be proceeds of Collateral subject to the other terms of this Agreement and (iv) any other payments received by such Collateral Agent in connection with such action shall otherwise be subject to the terms of such subordination agreement with any other Person, any related subordination agreement with each of the Collateral Agents and this Agreement.
2.3.Payments Over. Any Senior Priority Collateral, Cash Proceeds thereof or non-Cash Proceeds received by any Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Parties in connection with the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies relating to the Senior Priority Collateral or otherwise received in violation of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the Senior Priority Agent to be applied in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2, as applicable, in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Senior Priority Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the Junior Priority Agent or any such other Junior Priority Secured Parties. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until such time as this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
2.4. | Other Agreements. |
(a) | Releases. |
(i) | If, in connection with: |
(A)the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by the Senior Priority Agent of any rights or remedies in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral in accordance with applicable law, including one or more sales, leases, exchanges, transfers or other Dispositions of the Senior Priority Collateral, in each case, at such time as the proceeds of such sales, leases, exchanges, transfers or other Dispositions are applied in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2;
-35-
(B)any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other Disposition of any Senior Priority Collateral permitted under the terms of both the Senior Priority Documents and the Junior Priority Documents;
(C)Dispositions of Senior Priority Collateral pursuant to Section 2.5(j) hereof; or
(D) | Default Dispositions (defined below); |
the Senior Priority Agent, for itself or on behalf of any of the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the Senior Priority Collateral, then the Liens, if any, of the Junior Priority Agent, for itself or for the benefit of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, on such Senior Priority Collateral (but not the unapplied Proceeds thereof, which shall be subject to the priorities set forth in Sections 2.1(a) and the application of Proceeds set forth in Sections 5.1 and 5.2 shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released and the Junior Priority Agent, for itself or on behalf of any such other Junior Priority Secured Parties, promptly shall execute and deliver to the Senior Priority Agent such termination statements, releases and other documents as the Senior Priority Agent may request to effectively confirm such release (which request shall specify the proposed terms of the sale and the type and amount of consideration to be received in connection therewith); provided, that with respect to clause (a)(i)(A) through (a)(i)(D), (1) no such release documents shall be required to be delivered (x) to any Grantor or (y) more than three Business Days prior to the date of the closing of the Disposition of such Senior Priority Collateral, (2) if the closing of the Disposition of such Senior Priority Collateral is not consummated within ten (10) Business Days of the anticipated closing date, the Senior Priority Agent shall promptly return all release documents to the Junior Priority Agent, (3) the effectiveness of any such release by the Junior Priority Agent shall be subject to the Disposition of such Senior Priority Collateral described in such request or on substantially similar terms and shall lapse in the event such Disposition does not occur within ten (10) Business Days of the anticipated closing date, (4) such Senior Priority Agent simultaneously releases its Lien on such Collateral, and (5) such Disposition is not to an Affiliate of a Grantor (unless such Disposition is pursuant to Sections 363 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any other similar provision under applicable Bankruptcy Law) or pursuant to another public sale or public auction process). Any release of Liens required pursuant a Disposition of Collateral under Sections 2.4(a)(i)(A) or 2.4(a)(i)(D) shall be pursuant to a commercially reasonable Disposition.
(ii)In the event of any private or public Disposition of all or any material portion of the Collateral by one or more Grantors with the consent of any Senior Priority Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an applicable Event of Default, which Disposition is conducted by such Grantors with the consent of such Senior Priority Agent in connection with commercially reasonable efforts by such Senior Priority Agent to collect the applicable Senior Priority Obligations through the Disposition of Collateral (each Disposition of ABL Priority Collateral, an “ABL Default Disposition”, each Disposition of Note Priority Collateral, a “Senior Note Default Disposition” and, together with the ABL Default Dispositions, “Default Dispositions”), then the Liens of the Junior Priority Agents on such Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally, and simultaneously released; provided that (A) the applicable Senior Priority Agent also releases its Liens on such Collateral, (B) the net Cash Proceeds of any such Default Disposition are applied in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2 (as if they were
-36-
proceeds received in connection with an Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies), (C) each Junior Priority Agent has received prior written notice that would have been required if the Default Disposition were a disposition of Collateral by a secured creditor under Article 9 of the UCC or otherwise required by applicable law, (D) each Grantor conducted such Default Disposition in a commercially reasonable manner as if such Default Disposition were a disposition of Collateral by a secured creditor in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC, and (E) such Disposition is not to an Affiliate of a Grantor (unless such Disposition is pursuant to Sections 363 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code (or any other similar provision under applicable Bankruptcy Law) or pursuant to another public sale or public auction process).
(iii)Until the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations occurs, to the extent that the Senior Priority Secured Parties (A) have released any Lien on Senior Priority Collateral and any such Lien is later reinstated or (B) obtain any new Senior Priority Liens on assets constituting Senior Priority Collateral from the Grantors, then the Junior Priority Secured Parties shall be granted a Junior Priority Lien on any such Senior Priority Collateral.
(b)Insurance. Unless and until the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has occurred, the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Senior Priority Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Senior Priority Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that any Proceeds are derived from any insurance policy that covers ABL Priority Collateral and Note Priority Collateral, then, solely for the purposes of this Agreement, the allocation of proceeds of such insurance policy shall be allocated to the ABL Priority Collateral in an amount not less than the sum of (A) the book value determined in accordance with GAAP, but not less than cost, of any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of inventory that is the subject of such loss, determined as of the date of such loss, (B) the book value determined in accordance with GAAP of any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of accounts that are the subject of such loss, determined as of the date of such loss, and (C) the fair market value of all other ABL Priority Collateral that is the subject of such loss, determined as of the date of such loss.
(c) | Amendments to Documents. |
(i)Each Note Agent, on behalf of itself and the applicable Note Secured Parties, hereby agrees that, without affecting the obligations of such Note Agent and the applicable Note Secured Parties hereunder, the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, in their sole discretion without the consent of or notice to any Note Agent or any Note Secured Party, and without incurring any liability to any Note Agent or any Note Secured Party or affecting, impairing or releasing the priority of any Liens on the Collateral as provided for herein, amend, restate, supplement, replace, Refinance, extend, consolidate, restructure, or otherwise modify any of the ABL Documents in any manner whatsoever, other than in a manner which would have the effect of contravening the terms of this Agreement, provided that with respect to any Refinancing of any of the ABL Obligations, the holders of such Refinancing indebtedness bind themselves in a writing addressed to each Note Agent to the terms of this Agreement.
-37-
(ii)The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the ABL Secured Parties, hereby agrees that, without affecting the obligations of the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties hereunder, each Note Agent and the Note Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, in their sole discretion without the consent of or notice to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party, and without incurring any liability to the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party or impairing or releasing the priority of any Liens on the Collateral as provided for herein, amend, restate, supplement, replace, Refinance, extend, consolidate, restructure, or otherwise modify any of the Note Documents in any manner whatsoever other than in any manner which would have the effect of contravening the terms of this Agreement, provided that with respect to any Refinancing of any of the Note Obligations, the holders of such Refinancing indebtedness bind themselves in a writing addressed to the ABL Agent to the terms of this Agreement.
(d)Rights As Unsecured Creditors. Subject to, as between the Note Agents and the Notes Secured Parties, the Notes Intercreditor Agreement, ach Junior Priority Agent and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Borrower or any other Grantor that has guaranteed the Junior Priority Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Junior Priority Documents and applicable law to the extent such exercise of rights and remedies is not in violation of Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 5.1 or 5.2. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 2.1 and 2.3, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Parties of the required payments of interest, principal and other amounts in respect of the Junior Priority Obligations so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies by the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Parties in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral or the enforcement in violation of this Agreement of any Lien held by any of them. Any judgment lien obtained as a result of the exercise of rights and remedies as unsecured creditors shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ABL Secured Parties and the Notes Secured Parties, as applicable, shall give the ABL Agent or the Controlling Note Agent, as applicable, not less than five (5) Business Days) or such shorter period if Exigent Circumstances exist) written notice prior to the filing of an involuntary bankruptcy petition against any Grantor.
(e) | Bailee for Perfection. |
(i)The Senior Priority Agent agrees to hold that part of the Senior Priority Collateral that is in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) to the extent that possession or control thereof is taken to perfect a Lien thereon under the UCC, the PPSA or any other applicable law (such Senior Priority Collateral being the “Pledged Senior Priority Collateral”) as collateral agent for the Senior Priority Secured Parties and as bailee for and, with respect to any collateral that cannot be perfected in such manner, as agent for, each Junior Priority Agent (on behalf of the Junior Priority Secured Parties) and any assignee thereof solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted under the Senior Priority Documents and the Junior Priority Documents, respectively, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 2.4(e).
(ii)Subject to the terms of this Agreement, until the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has occurred, the Senior Priority Agent shall be entitled to deal with the Pledged Senior Priority Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Senior Priority
-38-
Documents as if the Liens of the Junior Priority Agents under the Junior Priority Security Documents did not exist. The rights of the Junior Priority Agents shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement and to the Senior Priority Agent’s rights under the Senior Priority Documents.
(iii)The Senior Priority Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Junior Priority Agents or any other Junior Priority Secured Party to ensure that the Pledged Senior Priority Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set forth in this Section 2.4(e). The duties or responsibilities of the Senior Priority Agent under this Section 2.4(e) shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged Senior Priority Collateral as bailee or agent in accordance with this Section 2.4(e).
(iv)The Senior Priority Agent acting pursuant to this Section 2.4(e) shall not have by reason of the Senior Priority Security Documents, the Junior Priority Security Documents, this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Junior Priority Agents or any other Junior Priority Secured Party.
(v)Upon the applicable Discharge of the Senior Priority Obligations, the applicable Collateral Agent (in respect of the Senior Priority Obligations having been discharged) shall deliver or cause to be delivered the remaining Pledged Senior Priority Collateral (if any) in its possession or in the possession of its agents or bailees, together with any necessary endorsements, first, to the Senior Priority Agent to the extent Senior Priority Obligations remain outstanding, second, to the Junior Priority Agent to the extent Junior Priority Obligations remain outstanding, and third, to the applicable Grantor (in each case, so as to allow such Person to obtain control of such Pledged Senior Priority Collateral) and will cooperate with the applicable Collateral Agent in assigning (without recourse to or warranty by any Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party or agent or bailee thereof) control over any other Pledged Senior Priority Collateral under its control. The applicable Collateral Agent further agrees to take all other action reasonably requested by such Person (at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors or such Person) in connection with such Person obtaining a Senior Priority interest in the Pledged Senior Priority Collateral or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.
(vi)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if any Junior Priority Obligations remain outstanding upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations and Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations, all rights of the Senior Priority Agent hereunder and under the Senior Priority Security Documents (A) with respect to the delivery and control of any part of the Senior Priority Collateral, and (B) to direct, instruct, vote upon or otherwise influence the maintenance or Disposition of such Senior Priority Collateral, shall immediately, and (to the extent permitted by law) without further action on the part of either of the Junior Priority Agent or the Senior Priority Agent, pass to the Junior Priority Agent, who shall thereafter hold such rights for the benefit of the Junior Priority Secured Parties. Each of the Senior Priority Agent and the Grantors agrees that it will, if any Junior Priority Obligations remain outstanding upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations and Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations, take any other action required by any law or reasonably requested by the Junior Priority Agent in connection with the Junior Priority Agent’s establishment and perfection of a Senior Priority security interest in the Senior Priority Collateral, at the expense of the Grantors or if not paid by
-39-
the Grantors, the Junior Priority Agent, and subject in all cases to any Junior Priority Permitted Liens and to Section 2.4(f).
(vii)Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely during the time that the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, is permitted to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral pursuant to Section 2.2, the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, shall have the right to take actions under and with respect to any collateral access agreement and any deposit account or securities account subject to any “control agreement”, in each case, to which the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, is a party; provided, that (A) the Senior Note Agent shall provide the ABL Agent not less than two Business Days’ prior written notice of its intent to take action pursuant to this Section 2.4(e), (B) the Junior Note Agent shall provide the ABL Agent and the Senior Note Agent not less than two Business Days’ prior written notice of its intent to take action pursuant to this Section 2.4(e), (C) upon written request from the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, to the ABL Agent, the ABL Agent shall notify the third parties under such collateral access agreements and control agreements to which the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, is a party, that the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, is the “Lender Representative” or “Control Agent” (or any similar term) entitled to take action thereunder and (D) any ABL Priority Collateral received by the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent pursuant to this sentence shall be remitted to the ABL Agent for application in accordance with the terms hereof.
(f)When Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if concurrently with the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations, the Borrower or any other Grantor enters into any Permitted Refinancing of any Senior Priority Obligations, then such Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, and the obligations under the Permitted Refinancing shall automatically be treated as Senior Priority Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, the term “Senior Priority Credit Agreement” shall be deemed appropriately modified to refer to such Permitted Refinancing and the Senior Priority Agent under such Senior Priority Documents shall be a Senior Priority Agent for all purposes hereof and the new secured parties under such Senior Priority Documents shall automatically be treated as the Senior Priority Secured Parties for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of a notice stating that the Borrower and/or any other Grantor is entering into a new Senior Priority Document in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of Senior Priority Obligations (which notice shall include the identity of the new collateral agent, such agent, the “New Senior Priority Agent”), and delivery by the New Senior Priority Agent of an Intercreditor Agreement Joinder, the Junior Priority Agent shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the Borrower or any other Grantor or such New Senior Priority Agent shall reasonably request in order to provide to the New Senior Priority Agent the rights contemplated hereby, in each case, consistent in all respects with the terms of this Agreement. The New Senior Priority Agent shall agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If the new Senior Priority Obligations under the new Senior Priority Documents are secured by assets of the Grantors of the type constituting Senior Priority Collateral that do not also secure the Junior Priority Obligations, then the Junior Priority Obligations shall be secured at such time by a Junior Priority Lien on such assets to the same extent provided in the Junior Priority
-40-
Security Documents with respect to the other Senior Priority Collateral. If the new Senior Priority Obligations under the new Senior Priority Documents are secured by assets of the Grantors of the type constituting Junior Priority Collateral that do not also secure the Junior Priority Obligations, then the Junior Priority Obligations shall be secured at such time by a Senior Priority Lien on such assets to the same extent provided in the Junior Priority Security Documents with respect to the other Junior Priority Collateral.
(g)When Discharge of Junior Priority Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if concurrently with the Discharge of Junior Priority Obligations, the Borrower or any other Grantor enters into any Permitted Refinancing of any Junior Priority Obligations, then such Discharge of Junior Priority Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement, and the obligations under the Permitted Refinancing shall automatically be treated as Junior Priority Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, the term “Junior Priority Credit Agreement” shall be deemed appropriately modified to refer to such Permitted Refinancing and the Junior Priority Agent under such Junior Priority Documents shall be a Junior Priority Agent for all purposes hereof and the new secured parties under such Junior Priority Documents shall automatically be treated as the Junior Priority Secured Parties for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of a notice stating that the Borrower and/or any other Grantor is entering into a new Junior Priority Document in respect of a Permitted Refinancing of Junior Priority Obligations (which notice shall include the identity of the new collateral agent, such agent, the “New Junior Priority Agent”), and delivery by the New Junior Priority Agent of an Intercreditor Agreement Joinder, the Senior Priority Agents shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments or supplements to this Agreement) as the Borrower or any other Grantor or such New Junior Priority Agent shall reasonably request in order to provide to the New Junior Priority Agent the rights contemplated hereby, in each case, consistent in all respects with the terms of this Agreement. The New Junior Priority Agent shall agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If the new Junior Priority Obligations under the new Junior Priority Documents are secured by assets of the Grantors of the type constituting Junior Priority Collateral that do not also secure the Senior Priority Obligations, then the Senior Priority Obligations shall be secured at such time by a Senior Priority Lien on such assets to the same extent provided in the Senior Priority Security Documents with respect to the other Junior Priority Collateral. If the new Junior Priority Obligations under the new Junior Priority Documents are secured by assets of the Grantors of the type constituting Senior Priority Collateral that do not also secure the Senior Priority Obligations, then the Senior Priority Obligations shall be secured at such time by a Junior Priority Lien on such assets to the same extent provided in the Senior Priority Security Documents with respect to the other Senior Priority Collateral.
2.5. | Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings. |
(a)Finance Issues. If the Borrower or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and the Senior Priority Agent shall desire to (i) permit or otherwise consent to the use of cash collateral constituting Senior Priority Collateral on which the Senior Priority Agent or any other creditor has a Lien under Section 363 or any similar Bankruptcy Law (the “Senior Priority Cash Collateral”) or (ii) provide or consent to any Person providing DIP Financing (such financing under this clause (ii) “Senior Priority DIP Financing”),
-41-
then the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that it will raise no objection (on any basis available to a secured creditor but not unsecured creditors generally) to such use of cash collateral constituting Senior Priority Collateral or to the fact that such DIP Financing may be granted Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral and will not request adequate protection or any other relief with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral (except as expressly agreed by the Senior Priority Agent or to the extent permitted by Section 2.5(c)) and, to the extent the Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral securing the Senior Priority Obligations are subordinated or pari passu with the Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral securing such DIP Financing, the Junior Priority Agent will subordinate its Liens in the Senior Priority Collateral to the Liens securing such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto), in each case, so long as (A) the interest rate, fees, advance rates, lending sublimits and limits and other terms are commercially reasonable under the circumstances, (B) the Junior Priority Agent retains a Lien on the Collateral (including Proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) with the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, subordinated to the Liens securing such DIP Financing, (C) the Junior Priority Agent receives a replacement Lien on post-petition assets to the same extent granted to the Senior Priority Secured Parties providing the DIP Financing, which Lien will be subordinated to the Liens securing the Senior Priority Obligations and such Senior Priority DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the other Liens on Senior Priority Collateral securing the Junior Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Senior Priority Obligations under this Agreement, (D) with respect to a Senior Priority DIP Financing consented to by the ABL Agent, the aggregate principal amount of such DIP Financing, together with the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding ABL Principal Obligations outstanding under the Senior Priority Documents as of the commencement of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (and not otherwise refinanced with or “rolled up” by such Senior Priority DIP Financing), does not exceed the Maximum ABL Principal Obligations, (E) with respect to a Senior Priority DIP Financing consented to by the Senior Note Agent, the aggregate principal amount of such DIP Financing, together with the aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Note Principal Obligations outstanding under the Senior Priority Documents as of the commencement of the Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (and not otherwise refinanced with or “rolled up” by the Senior Priority DIP Financing), does not exceed the Maximum Senior Note Principal Obligations, (F) such DIP Financing does not compel any Grantor to seek confirmation of any specific Plan for which all or substantially all of the materials terms are set forth in the court order authorizing such DIP Financing or the accompanying financing documentation, (G) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the liquidation of all or substantially all of the Collateral prior to a default under such DIP Financing (as distinguished from the Disposition of any Grantor’s business as a going concern) and (H) such DIP Financing is subject to the terms of this Agreement). If, in connection with any use of Senior Priority Cash Collateral or Senior Priority DIP Financing, any Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral are subject to a surcharge or are subordinated to an administrative priority claim, a professional fee “carve-out,” or fees owed to the United States Trustee, then the Liens on the Junior Priority Collateral shall also be subordinated to such interest or claim and shall remain subordinated to the Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral consistent with this Agreement. The Junior Priority Secured Parties shall not provide or offer to provide any DIP Financing secured by a Lien on the Senior Priority Collateral senior or pari passu with the Liens on the Senior Priority Collateral securing the Senior Priority Obligations, without the prior written consent of the Senior Priority Agent. The rights of the Junior Note Agent and any Junior Note Secured Party to provide
-42-
or offer to provide any DIP Financing secured by a Lien on any Notes Priority Collateral shall be subject to the terms of the Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
(b)Relief from the Automatic Stay. Until the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has occurred, the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that (i) none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral, (A) without the prior written consent of the Senior Priority Agent or (B) unless and to the extent the Senior Priority Agent has obtained relief from such stay in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral and (ii) none of them shall oppose any relief from the automatic stay or other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding sought by the Senior Priority Agent in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral.
(c) | Adequate Protection. |
(i)The Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that none of them shall contest (or support any other Person contesting) (A) any request by the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties for adequate protection with respect to any Senior Priority Collateral or (B) any objection by the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties claiming a lack of adequate protection with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral.
(ii)Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions in this Section 2.5(c), in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (A) if the Senior Priority Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of a Lien on additional collateral in connection with any DIP Financing, then the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of a Lien on such additional or replacement collateral and (1) to the extent any Lien so granted to the Junior Priority Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) in accordance with this clause (A) is on Senior Priority Collateral, such Lien will be subordinated to the Liens securing the Senior Priority Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the other Liens on Senior Priority Collateral securing the Junior Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Senior Priority Obligations under this Agreement, and (2) to the extent any Lien so granted to the Senior Priority Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) in accordance with this clause (A) is on Junior Priority Collateral, such Lien will be subordinated to the Liens securing the Junior Priority Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens on Junior Priority Collateral securing the Senior Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Junior Priority Obligations under this Agreement; and (B) in the event the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, seeks or requests adequate protection in respect of Senior Priority Collateral securing Junior Priority Obligations and such adequate protection is granted in the form of additional or replacement collateral, then the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that the Senior Priority Agent shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security for the Senior Priority Obligations and for any such DIP Financing provided by the Senior Priority Secured Parties and that any Lien on such additional collateral securing the Junior Priority Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the Senior Priority Obligations and any
-43-
such DIP Financing provided by the Senior Priority Secured Parties (and all obligations relating thereto) and to any other Liens granted to the Senior Priority Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens on Senior Priority Collateral securing the Junior Priority Obligations are so subordinated to the Senior Priority Obligations under this Agreement.
(iii)Each Senior Priority Agent may seek, without objection from the Junior Priority Secured Parties, adequate protection with respect to the Senior Priority Secured Parties’ rights in the Senior Priority Collateral in the form of periodic cash payments payable from such Senior Priority Collateral or the proceeds of Senior Priority DIP Financing. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, no Agent or Secured Party may seek cash adequate protection payments without the consent of each Senior Priority Agent.
(iv)Any adequate protection granted in favor of any Senior Priority Secured Party in the form of a superpriority or other administrative expense claim and any claim in favor of any Senior Priority Secured Party arising under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or similar Bankruptcy Law) (“Senior 507(b) Claims”), shall be pari passu with the grant of adequate protection in favor of the other Senior Priority Secured Parties in the form of a superpriority or other administrative expense claim and any Senior 507(b) Claims in favor of such other Senior Priority Secured Parties. Any claim arising under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or similar Bankruptcy Law) in favor of any Junior Priority Secured Party shall be pari passu with the claims arising under Section 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code (or similar Bankruptcy Law) in favor of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties (collectively, “Junior 507(b) Claims”), and all Junior 507(b) Claims shall be junior and subordinate in right of payment to the Senior 507(b) Claims and the holders of the Junior 507(b) Claims agree that, in connection with any plan of reorganization in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, such Junior 507(b) Claims may be paid in any combination of cash, securities, or other property having a present value equal to the amount of such Junior 507(b) Claims as of the effective date of confirmation of such plan.
(v)Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, without the consent of the Senior Priority Agent, no Junior Priority Agent or other Junior Priority Secured Parties may seek any other adequate protection with respect to their rights in the Collateral.
(d)No Waiver. Subject to clause (iii) of Section 2.2(a) and except as provided in Section 2.5(c), nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by the Junior Priority Agent or any of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties in respect of the Senior Priority Collateral, including the seeking by the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Parties of adequate protection in respect thereof or the asserting by the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Parties of any of its rights and remedies under the Junior Priority Documents or otherwise in respect thereof.
(e)Post-Petition Interest. Neither the Junior Priority Agent nor any other Junior Priority Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Senior Priority Obligations consisting of post-petition interest, premiums, fees, costs, charges or expenses.
-44-
(f)Waiver. The Junior Priority Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that it shall consent to, and shall not object to, oppose, support any objection, or take any other action to impede, the right of any Senior Priority Secured Party or the Senior Priority Agent to make an election under Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code (or similar Bankruptcy Law). The Junior Priority Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, waives any claim it may hereafter have against any Senior Priority Secured Party arising out of the election of any Senior Priority Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code (or similar Bankruptcy Law). Nothing in this Agreement shall restrict the holder of any Senior Priority DIP Financing from having, or seeking to have, such Senior Priority DIP Financing repaid, in whole or in part, from the proceeds of the assertion of any claim under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law).
(g)No Waiver. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit the Senior Priority Agent or any Senior Priority Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding to any action taken by the Junior Priority Agent or any Junior Priority Secured Party.
(h)Plan of Reorganization. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, both on account of Senior Priority Obligations and on account of Junior Priority Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the Senior Priority Obligations and on account of the Junior Priority Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.
(i)Enforceability and Continuing Priority. This Agreement shall be applicable both before and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and all converted or succeeding cases in respect thereof. The relative rights of the Secured Parties in or to any distributions from or in respect of any Collateral or proceeds of Collateral, shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. Accordingly, the provisions of this Agreement are intended to be and shall be enforceable as a subordination agreement within the meaning of Section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code (or similar Bankruptcy Law).
(j)Asset Dispositions. Until the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations has occurred, the Junior Priority Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that, in the event of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, the Junior Priority Secured Parties will not object or oppose, or support any Person in objecting or opposing, on any basis available to a secured creditor (but not unsecured creditors generally) any motion for the Disposition of any Senior Priority Collateral free and clear of the Liens of the Junior Priority Agent and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties or other claims under Sections 363, 365 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any Bankruptcy Law (and including any motion for bid procedures or other procedures related to the Disposition that is the subject of such motion), and shall be deemed to have consented (subject to its right to object to such Disposition to the extent expressly set forth above) to any such Disposition of any Senior
-45-
Priority Collateral under Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any Bankruptcy Law, that has been consented to by the Senior Priority Agent (to the extent consent of the holder of a Lien is required); provided, that, the Proceeds of such Disposition of any Collateral to be applied to the Junior Priority Obligations or the Senior Priority Obligations will be applied in accordance with Sections 5.1 and 5.2.
2.6. | Reliance; Waivers; Etc. |
(a)Reliance. Other than any reliance on the terms of this Agreement, the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, acknowledges that it and such other Junior Priority Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Parties, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Junior Priority Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under the Junior Priority Credit Agreement or this Agreement.
(b)No Warranties or Liability. The Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties have made no express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Senior Priority Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Senior Priority Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under their respective Senior Priority Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate. The Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties shall have no duty to the Junior Priority Agent or any of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties to act or refrain from acting in a manner which allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an Event of Default or default under any agreements with the Borrower or any other Grantor (including the Senior Priority Documents and the Junior Priority Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof which they may have or be charged with.
(c) | No Waiver of Lien Priorities. |
(i)No right of the Senior Priority Agent, the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, or any of them to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any Senior Priority Document shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Borrower or any other Grantor or by any act or failure to act by the Senior Priority Agent or any other Senior Priority Secured Party, or by any noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Agreement, any of the Senior Priority Documents or any of the Junior Priority Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, or any of them, may have or be otherwise charged with.
(ii)Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph (but subject to the rights of the Borrower and the other Grantors under the Senior Priority Documents and subject to the other provisions of this Agreement), the Senior Priority Agent, the
-46-
other Senior Priority Secured Parties, and any of them, may, at any time and from time to time in accordance with the Senior Priority Documents and/or applicable law, without the consent of, or notice to, the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Party, without incurring any liabilities to the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Party and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other benefits provided in this Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other right or remedy of the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Party is affected, impaired or extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:
(A)sell, exchange, realize upon, enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner (subject to the terms hereof and applicable law) and in any order any part of the Senior Priority Collateral or any liability of the Borrower or any other Grantor to the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof;
(B)settle or compromise any Senior Priority Obligation or any other liability of the Borrower or any other Grantor or any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof; and
(C)exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against the Borrower or any security or any other Grantor or any other Person, elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with the Borrower, any other Grantor or any Senior Priority Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of the Borrower or any other Grantor to the Senior Priority Secured Parties or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof.
(iii)The Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, also agrees that the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties shall have no liability to the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Party, and the Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, hereby waives any claim against the Senior Priority Agent and any other Senior Priority Secured Party, arising out of any and all actions which the Senior Priority Agent or the other Senior Priority Secured Parties may take or permit or omit to take with respect to:
(A) | the Senior Priority Documents (other than this |
Agreement);
(B) | the collection of the Senior Priority Obligations and |
the Excess ABL Debt, the Excess Senior Note Debt or the Excess Junior Note Debt, as applicable; or
(C)the foreclosure upon, or sale, liquidation or other Disposition of, any Senior Priority Collateral in accordance with this Agreement and applicable law.
(iv)The Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees that the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties have no duty to the Junior Priority Agent or the other Junior Priority Secured
-47-
Parties in respect of the maintenance or preservation of the Senior Priority Collateral, the Senior Priority Obligations or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
(v)The Junior Priority Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, agrees not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshaling or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to the Senior Priority Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.
(d)Obligations Unconditional. All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties and the Junior Priority Agent and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, respectively, under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
(i)any lack of validity or enforceability of any Senior Priority Document or any Junior Priority Document;
(ii)any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the Senior Priority Obligations or Junior Priority Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any Senior Priority Document or any Junior Priority Document;
(iii)any exchange of any security interest in any Senior Priority Collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification permitted hereunder, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the Senior Priority Obligations or Junior Priority Obligations; or
(iv)the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of one or more of the Borrower or any other Grantor.
Section 3.Option to Purchase ABL Obligations and Senior Note Obligations.
3.1.ABL Obligations Purchase Option. At any time during the exercise period described in Section 3.3 below, any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party shall have the right to purchase by way of assignment (and shall thereby also assume all commitments and duties of the ABL Secured Parties), all, but not less than all, of the ABL Priority Obligations (other than the ABL Priority Obligations of a Defaulting ABL Secured Party (as defined below)). Any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be made as follows:
(a)The purchase price shall be equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount of all loans, advances or other similar extensions of credit that constitute ABL Priority Obligations (including Bank Product Obligations and unreimbursed amounts drawn in respect of letters of credit, but excluding the undrawn amount of then outstanding letters of credit) (in each case, to the extent of their respective interests therein as the ABL Secured Parties), and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of purchase, plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid fees, default interest, post-petition interest and expenses (including Enforcement Expenses), Indemnity Amounts and other amounts through the date of purchase. In addition to
-48-
the payment of the purchase price described above, the Senior Note Secured Parties or the Junior Note Secured Parties, as applicable, shall be obligated (which obligation shall be expressly provided in the assignment documentation described in Section 3.1(f)) to reimburse each issuing lender (or any ABL Secured Party required to pay same) for all amounts thereafter drawn with respect to any letters of credit constituting ABL Priority Obligations which remain outstanding after the date of any purchase pursuant to this Section 3, together with all fronting fees and other amounts which may at any future time be owing to the respective issuing lenders with respect to such letters of credit, in each case, in accordance with and pursuant to clause (c) below.
(b)The purchase price described in preceding clause (a) shall be payable in cash on the date of purchase against transfer to the respective Senior Note Secured Party(s) or Junior Note Secured Party(s) (which purchase shall be allocated on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of the Senior Note Obligations held by such Senior Note Secured Parties or Junior Note Obligations held by such Junior Note Secured Parties, as applicable) (without recourse and without any representation or warranty whatsoever, whether as to the enforceability of any ABL Obligation or the validity, enforceability, perfection, priority or sufficiency of any Lien securing, or guarantee or other supporting obligation for, any ABL Obligation or as to any other matter whatsoever, except the representations and warranties by each ABL Lender (i) that the debt being transferred by such ABL Lender is free and clear of all Liens, (ii) as to the amount of its portion of the ABL Obligations being acquired, and (iii) that such ABL Lender has the right to assign its right, title and interest in and to the ABL Obligations and the commitments of such ABL Lender under the ABL Documents); provided, that the purchase price in respect of any outstanding letter of credit described in clause (a) above that remains undrawn on the date of purchase shall be payable in cash as and when such letter of credit is drawn upon solely from the cash collateral account described in clause (c) below.
(c)Such purchase shall be accompanied by a deposit of cash collateral under the sole dominion and control of the ABL Agent or its designee in an amount equal to (i) one hundred three percent (103%) of the sum of the aggregate undrawn amount of all then outstanding letters of credit described in clause (a) above, as security for the respective Senior Note Secured Party(s)’ or the Junior Note Secured Party(s)’, as applicable, obligation to pay amounts as provided in preceding clause (a), it being understood and agreed that (A) at the time any fronting or similar fees are owing to an issuer with respect to any such letter of credit, the ABL Agent may apply amounts deposited with it as described above to pay same and (B) upon any drawing under any such letter of credit, the ABL Agent shall apply amounts deposited with it as described above to repay the respective unpaid drawing (it being further understood and agreed that after giving effect to any payment made as described above in this clause (i), those amounts (if any) then on deposit with the ABL Agent as described in this clause (i) which exceed one hundred three percent (103%) of the sum of the aggregate undrawn amount of all then outstanding letters of credit described in clause (a) above shall be returned to the respective Senior Note Secured Party(s) (as their interests appear) or the Junior Note Secured Party(s) (as their interests appear), as applicable), plus (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of Bank Product Obligations constituting ABL Priority Obligations not paid pursuant to clause (a)(i)(A) above (such cash collateral shall be applied to the reimbursement of such Bank Product Obligations as and when such obligations become due and payable and, at such time as all of such Bank Product Obligations are paid in full in cash, the remaining cash collateral held by the ABL Agent in respect of Bank Product Obligations shall be remitted to the Senior Note Agent (for the benefit of the purchasing Senior Note Secured Parties) or the Junior
-49-
Note Agent (for the benefit of the purchasing Junior Note Secured Parties), as applicable), plus (iii) such other amounts reasonably determined by ABL Agent to cause the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations pursuant to clause (f) of such definition. Furthermore, at such time as all such letters of credit have been cancelled, expired or been fully drawn, as the case may be, and after all applications described above in respect of Bank Product Obligations have been made, any excess cash collateral deposited as described above in this clause (c) (and not previously applied or released as provided above) shall be returned to the respective Senior Note Secured Party(s) or the Junior Note Secured Party(s), as applicable, as their interests appear. The ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders agree not to amend, modify, renew or extend any such letters of credit or Bank Product Obligations during the period during which such cash collateral is deposited as described above in this clause (c).
(d)The purchase price described in the preceding clause (a) shall be accompanied by a waiver by the Senior Note Agent (on behalf of itself and the other Senior Note Secured Parties) or the Junior Note Agent (on behalf of itself and the other Junior Note Secured Parties), as applicable, of all claims arising out of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby as a result of exercising the purchase option contemplated by this Section 3.
(e)All amounts payable to the various ABL Secured Parties in respect of the assignments described above shall be distributed to them by the ABL Agent in accordance with their respective ratable shares of the various ABL Obligations.
(f)Such purchase shall be made pursuant to assignment documentation in the form of Exhibit [ ] to the ABL Credit Agreement; it being understood and agreed that the ABL Agent and each other ABL Secured Party shall retain all rights to indemnification as provided in the relevant ABL Documents pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.
(g)Contemporaneously with the consummation of such purchase, the ABL Agent shall resign as the “Agent” under the ABL Documents and the Senior Note Agent (or such other Person as the Senior Note Secured Parties shall designate) or the Junior Note Agent (or such other Person as the Junior Note Secured Parties shall designate), as applicable, shall be designated as the successor “Agent” under the ABL Documents. Each Grantor hereby consents to such resignation and appointment of the successor “Agent” under the ABL Documents. All ABL Obligations in excess of the Maximum ABL Principal Obligations, including the Excess ABL Debt, shall continue to be secured by the Collateral in accordance with the terms of the ABL Documents, and the ABL Agent and the ABL Lenders shall retain all rights to receive payments in respect thereof subject to the terms of this Section 3.1.
3.2. | ABL Obligations Purchase Option Timing. |
(a)The Senior Note Secured Parties shall exercise the purchase option described in Section 3.1 by providing the ABL Agent on behalf of the ABL Lenders and the Junior Note Agent not less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice of their exercise thereof, which notice, (i) once given, shall be irrevocable and fully binding on the respective Senior Note Secured Party or Senior Note Secured Parties, and (ii) shall specify a date of purchase not less than five (5) Business Days, nor more than ten (10) Business Days, after the date of the receipt by the ABL Agent of such notice. Neither the ABL Agent nor any ABL Secured Party shall have any
-50-
disclosure obligation to the Senior Note Agent or any other Senior Note Secured Party in connection with any exercise of such purchase option.
(b)Prior to exercising the purchase option described in Section 3.1, the Junior Note Secured Parties shall provide the Senior Note Agent on behalf of the Senior Note Secured Parties not less than ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice of their intent to exercise such purchase option. If the Senior Note Secured Parties send notice of the exercise of the purchase option pursuant to Section 3.2(a) within such ten (10) Business Day period, the Junior Note Secured Parties may not exercise the purchase option pursuant to this Section 3.2. If, after the Senior Note Agent receives such notice of intent to exercise such purchase option from the Junior Note Secured Parties, the Senior Note Secured Parties do not send a notice of the exercise of their purchase option pursuant to Section 3.2(a), the Junior Note Secured Parties may exercise the purchase option described in Section 3.1. Any purchase by the Junior Note Secured Parties pursuant to this Section 3.2(b) shall be made by providing the ABL Agent on behalf of the ABL Lenders and the Senior Note Agent not less than five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice of their exercise thereof (which five (5) Business Days shall be in addition to the ten (10) Business Days’ notice required with respect to the Senior Note Agent), which notice, (i) once given, shall be irrevocable and fully binding on the respective Junior Note Secured Party(s), and (ii) shall specify a date of purchase not less than five (5) Business Days, nor more than ten (10) Business Days, after the date of the receipt by the ABL Agent of such notice. Neither the ABL Agent nor any ABL Secured Party shall have any disclosure obligation to the Junior Note Agent or any other Junior Note Secured Party in connection with any exercise of such purchase option.
3.3.ABL Obligations Purchase Option Triggering Events. The right to purchase the ABL Obligations as described in this Section 3 may be exercised by giving the irrevocable written notice described in preceding Section 3.2 at any time from and after the date of the occurrence of any of the following: (a) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the ABL Documents and the revolving loan commitment under the ABL Credit Agreement has been terminated, suspended or reduced by ABL Agent (if such reduction results in less availability under the ABL Credit Agreement than was available to the Grantors prior to such reduction by ABL Agent) for a period of more than five (5) consecutive Business Days, (b) the maturity of the ABL Obligations has been accelerated pursuant to a written notice delivered by the ABL Agent to the Borrower or any other Grantor based on an ABL Default, (c) the ABL Agent shall have commenced, or shall have notified the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent that it intends to commence, the Exercise of Any Secured Creditor Remedies with respect to any Collateral, or shall have commenced, or shall have notified the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent that it intends to commence, the exercise of any of its rights and remedies with respect to the Borrower and/or any other Grantor to collect the ABL Obligations, all in accordance with the ABL Documents, (d) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under the Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents, as applicable, and has not been waived in accordance with the terms of the Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents, as applicable, or (e) the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
3.4. | [Reserved]. |
3.5. | [Reserved]. |
-51-
3.6. | [Reserved]. |
3.7.Several Purchase Obligations. The obligations of the ABL Secured Parties to sell their respective ABL Priority Obligations under this Section 3 are several and not joint and several. To the extent any ABL Secured Party breaches its obligation to sell its ABL Priority Obligations under this Section 3 (a “Defaulting ABL Secured Party”), nothing in this Section 3 shall be deemed to require the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party to purchase such Defaulting ABL Secured Party’s ABL Priority Obligations for resale to the holders of Senior Note Obligations or Junior Note Obligations, as applicable, and in all cases, the ABL Agent and each other ABL Secured Party complying with the terms of this Section 3 shall not be deemed to be in default of this Agreement or otherwise be deemed liable for any action or inaction of any Defaulting ABL Secured Party; provided, that nothing in this Section 3.7 shall require any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party to purchase less than all of the ABL Priority Obligations.
3.8.Grantor Consent. Each Grantor irrevocably consents to any assignment effected to one or more Senior Note Secured Parties or Junior Note Secured Parties pursuant to this Section 3 (so long as they meet all eligibility standards contained in all relevant Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents, as applicable, other than obtaining the consent of any Grantor to an assignment to the extent required by such ABL Documents and such assignment does not violate any applicable federal or state securities laws) for purposes of all Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents, as applicable, and hereby agrees that no further consent from such Grantor shall be required.
3.9.Notice of Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies. In the absence of Exigent Circumstances, the ABL Agent agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to give the other Collateral Agents five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice of its intention to terminate the revolving loan commitment under the ABL Documents or commence the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies; provided, that in the event Exigent Circumstances then exist, the ABL Agent agrees that it will use commercially reasonable efforts to give the other Collateral Agents concurrent written notice of the termination of the revolving loan commitment or the commencement of any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies, but, in either event, the ABL Agent shall not have any liability for any failure to provide such notice. In the event that during such five (5) Business Day period, any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party, shall send to the ABL Agent the irrevocable written notice to exercise a purchase option as described above, the ABL Agent shall not, absent Exigent Circumstances, continue or commence any foreclosure or other action to sell or otherwise realize upon the ABL Priority Collateral or Note Priority Collateral, as applicable; provided, that the ABL Agent’s forbearance shall terminate if the purchase and sale with respect to the ABL Priority Obligations provided for herein shall not have closed, and the ABL Agent shall not have received the purchase price described in the preceding Section 3.1(a), within ten (10) Business Days after the date of the receipt by the ABL Agent of such irrevocable written notice.
Section 4.Cooperation with respect to ABL Priority Collateral and Note Priority Collateral.
4.1.Access to Information. If any Collateral Agent takes actual possession of any documentation of a Grantor (whether such documentation is in the form of a writing or is
-52-
stored in any data equipment or data record in the physical possession of such Collateral Agent), then upon request of the other Collateral Agent(s) and reasonable advance notice, such Collateral Agent will permit the other Collateral Agent(s) or its representative to inspect and copy such documentation.
4.2.Non-Exclusive License to Use Intellectual Property. In addition to and not in limitation of the provisions of this Section 4 for the purpose of enabling the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties to Exercise any Secured Creditor Remedies at such time as the ABL Agent shall be lawfully entitled to do so,
(a)subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 4, the Senior Note Agent, each Senior Note Secured Party, the Junior Note Agent and each Junior Note Secured Party hereby (i) gives its written consent (given without any representation, warranty or obligation whatsoever) to the grant by the Borrower and the other Grantors to the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties of a non-exclusive royalty-free license in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto (the “Closing Date License”) and (ii) agrees that its Liens on the Note Priority Collateral shall be subject to the Closing Date License;
(b)to the extent that the Senior Note Agent, any Senior Note Holder, the Junior Note Agent or any Junior Note Lender has become the owner of any Intellectual Property of any Grantor through the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies and to the extent not prohibited by the terms of such Intellectual Property, such Senior Note Agent, the Senior Note Holder, the Junior Note Agent or the Junior Note Lender hereby grants to the ABL Agent, for itself and the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, an irrevocable, non-exclusive royalty-free license (given without any representation, warranty or obligation whatsoever) to use any such Intellectual Property that is reasonably deemed necessary or desirable by the ABL Agent to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of or realize upon any ABL Priority Collateral. The license granted under this Section 4.2(b) shall continue for the period of one hundred eighty (180) days from the date the Senior Note Agent, any Senior Note Holder, the Junior Note Agent or any Junior Note Lender provides notice to the ABL Agent that the Senior Note Agent, any Senior Note Holder, the Junior Note Agent or any Junior Note Lender, as applicable, has become the owner of the Intellectual Property (the “License Period”); provided that for purposes of the sale or other Disposition of branded Inventory (including Inventory branded or stamped by the Grantors and Inventory branded or stamped by any ABL Secured Party pursuant to the license as described in the foregoing sentence) or Inventory produced utilizing any such Intellectual Property during the License Period, the license to use such Intellectual Property for purpose of the sale or other Disposition of such Inventory by the ABL Agent shall continue until the Disposition of such Inventory. If, at any time, the Senior Note Agent, any Senior Note Holder, the Junior Note Agent or any Junior Note Lender sells or transfers the Intellectual Property, the license shall continue for the License Period. The License Period shall be tolled during the pendency of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding pursuant to which the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent are effectively stayed from enforcing their rights and remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral; and
(c)to the extent the ABL Agent is selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of or realizing upon any ABL Priority Collateral that is subject to a licensing agreement between any Grantor and any third party not an Affiliate of any Grantor, the ABL Agent shall sell,
-53-
lease or otherwise dispose of or realize upon any such ABL Priority Collateral in accordance with the terms and provisions of such licensing agreement.
4.3.Rights of Access and Use. In the event that any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party shall acquire control or possession of any of the Note Priority Collateral or shall, through the Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies, sell any of the Note Priority Collateral to any third party (a “Third Party Purchaser”), the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties shall permit the ABL Agent (or require as a condition of such sale to the Third Party Purchaser that the Third Party Purchaser agree to permit the ABL Agent), at its option and in accordance with applicable law: (a) to enter any or all of the Note Priority Collateral under such control or possession (or sold to a Third Party Purchaser) consisting of real property during normal business hours (i) in order to inspect, remove or take any action with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral or to enforce the ABL Agent’s rights with respect thereto, including the examination and removal of the ABL Priority Collateral and the examination and duplication of the books and records of any Grantor related to the ABL Priority Collateral and use of systems and other computer processing equipment in connection therewith, (ii) to sell any or all of the ABL Priority Collateral, whether in bulk, in lots or to customers in the ordinary course of business or otherwise, (iii) otherwise for the purpose of shipping, storing, selling or otherwise handling, dealing with, assembling or disposing of, in any lawful manner, the ABL Priority Collateral, and/or (iv) to take commercially reasonable actions to protect, secure, and otherwise enforce the rights or
remedies of the ABL Agent and/or the other ABL Secured Parties in and to the ABL Priority Collateral, such right to include the right to conduct one or more public or private sales or auctions thereon; and (b) to use any of the Note Priority Collateral under such control or possession (or sold to a Third Party Purchaser) (including, real property, equipment, machinery, fixtures, computers or other data processing equipment) to handle, deal with or dispose of any ABL Priority Collateral pursuant to the rights of the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties as set forth in the ABL Documents, the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction, the PPSA or other applicable law, including those actions listed in Section 4.3(a) above. The Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties shall not have any responsibility or liability for the acts or omissions of the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party (or any of their respective representatives, contractors, licensees or invitees), and the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties (and any of their respective representatives, contractors, licensees or invitees) shall not have any responsibility or liability for the acts or omissions of any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party, in each case, arising in connection with such other Secured Party’s use and/or occupancy of any of the Note Priority Collateral. The rights of the ABL Agent set forth in Sections 4.3(a) and 4.3(b) above as to the Note Priority Collateral shall be irrevocable and shall continue at the ABL Agent’s option for a period (the “Access Period”) of one hundred eighty (180) days for each respective parcel of real property from the earlier of (i) the date that the ABL Agent receives written notice from the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent that the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent has acquired possession or control of such Note Priority Collateral and (ii) the date the ABL Agent provides the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent with written notice of its intent to exercise rights and remedies under this Section 4.3 with respect to each such parcel of real property; provided, that if the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent has entered into an agreement for the sale of all or substantially all of the Note Priority Collateral consisting of real property and equipment at a location in a bona fide arm’s length transaction with an unaffiliated person, the rights of the ABL Agent set forth in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) above at such location shall only continue until the later of (A) the date one hundred twenty (120) days after the date the ABL Agent
-54-
receives written notice from the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, of such agreement, together with a copy thereof, as duly authorized, executed and delivered by the parties thereto or (B) the date that the proposed purchaser shall require as a condition of such sale that possession of the equipment and real property be given by the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as applicable, to such purchaser; provided, however, that in no event shall the rights of the ABL Agent set forth in Sections 4.3(a) and (b) above at such location exceed the applicable Access Period. The time periods set forth in Sections 4.2 and 4.3 above shall be tolled during the pendency of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding pursuant to which the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent are effectively stayed from enforcing their rights and remedies with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral. In no event shall any of the Senior Note Secured Parties or the Junior Note Secured Parties take any action to interfere, limit or restrict the rights of the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party or the exercise of such rights by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party to have access to or to use any of such Note Priority Collateral under such possession or control pursuant to Sections 4.2 and 4.3 prior to the expiration of such periods.
4.4.Grantor Consent. The Borrower and the other Grantors (a) consent to the performance by the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties of the obligations set forth in this Section 4 between each of them, on the one hand, and the ABL Agent, on the other hand, and (b) acknowledge and agree that they shall look to the ABL Agent (and not to any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party) for any accountability or liability in respect of any action taken or omitted by the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns in connection with or incidental to or in consequence of the aforesaid obligations under this Section 4, including any improper use or disclosure of any Intellectual Property by the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns or any other damage to or misuse or loss of any property of the Grantors as a result of any action taken or omitted by the ABL Agent or any other ABL Secured Party or its or any of their officers, employees, agents, successors or assigns, provided that nothing in this Section 4.4 shall so limit the Borrower and the other Grantors if any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party participated in any such actions, omission, improper uses or disclosures or in causing any such damage, misuse or loss. Performance by any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party, as applicable, of the undertakings in this Section 4 will not be deemed to be participation in any such actions, omissions, improper uses or disclosures or in causing any such damage, misuse or loss referenced in the prior sentence.
4.5.Reimbursement by ABL Agent and ABL Lenders. The ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall reimburse the Senior Note Agent, the Senior Note Secured Parties, the Junior Note Agent, the Junior Secured Parties and any Third Party Purchaser (but, in the case of any Third Party Purchaser, only to the extent the ABL Agent’s and the ABL Secured Parties’ access and use of the Note Priority Collateral continues after the sale of such Note Priority Collateral to such Third Party Purchaser) (collectively, the “Reimbursed Parties”) for (a) any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel) arising out of any claim asserted by any third party to the extent resulting directly from any acts or omissions by the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party, or any of their respective agents or representatives, in connection with the exercise by any of them of the rights of access set forth in Section 4.3 above (in each case, solely to the extent not covered by insurance payable to the applicable Reimbursed
-55-
Parties); except that, the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties shall not have any obligation under this Section 4.5 to reimburse any of the Reimbursed Parties with respect to a matter covered hereby to the extent resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Reimbursed Party as determined pursuant to a final, non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction, (b) any damage to any Note Priority Collateral (including any damage to real property constituting Note Priority Collateral) to the extent caused by any act of the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party or any of their respective agents or representatives, and (c) any injury resulting from any release of hazardous materials on such real property or arising in connection with the investigation, removal, clean-up and/or remediation of any hazardous material at such real property to the extent caused directly by the access, occupancy, use or control of such real property by the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party, or any of their respective agents or representatives. In no event shall the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party have any liability to the Reimbursed Parties pursuant to this Section 4.5 or otherwise as a result of any condition on or with respect to the Note Priority Collateral existing prior to the date of the exercise by any of them of the rights of access set forth in this Section 4, and the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party shall have no duty or liability to maintain the Note Priority Collateral in a condition or manner better than that in which it was maintained (ordinary wear and tear excepted) prior to the access and/or use thereof by the ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party.
4.6.Payments by the ABL Agent. During the actual occupation and control by the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party or any of their respective agents or representatives of any real property constituting Note Priority Collateral during the access and use period permitted by this Section 4, the ABL Agent shall be (a) obligated to pay to the Senior Priority Agent all utilities, taxes and all other maintenance and operating costs of such real property during any such period of actual occupation and control, but only to the extent a Grantor is not otherwise paying any such amounts, (b) obligated to maintain insurance for such real property, substantially similar to the insurance maintained by the Borrower or any Grantor on such real property, naming the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent, for the benefit of the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties, respectively, as mortgagees, loss payees and additional insureds, if such insurance is not otherwise in effect, and (c) obligated to repair at its expense any physical damage (ordinary wear and tear excepted) to such real property resulting from any act or omission of the ABL Agent, any ABL Secured Party or any of their respective agents or representatives pursuant to such access, occupancy, use or control of such equipment or real property, and to leave the premises in a condition substantially similar to the condition of such premises prior to the date of the commencement of such access, occupancy, use or control thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4, in no event will ABL Agent or any ABL Secured Party be obligated to pay for any diminution in value of the Note Priority Collateral resulting solely from the absence or removal of the ABL Priority Collateral from each applicable premises (other than for actual, physical damage caused by ABL Agent or ABL Secured Parties as described above). All amounts paid by ABL Secured Parties hereunder shall be added to the outstanding principal balance of the ABL Priority Obligations.
4.7.Effect Upon Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations. Upon the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations, all references to the Senior Note Agent, the Senior Note Holders or the Senior Note Secured Parties in Sections 4.3 through 4.6 shall be deemed to refer and apply to the Junior Note Agent, the Junior Note Holders or the Junior Note Secured Parties, respectively.
-56-
Section 5.Application of Proceeds.
5.1. | Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the Senior Note Agent. |
(a)Note Priority Collateral. All Proceeds of Note Priority Collateral resulting from the Disposition of such Collateral pursuant to any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies (including a Default Disposition) or a Disposition during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings, as and when received by the Senior Priority Agent, will be applied in the following order of application:
First, to the payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the Controlling Note Agent or any co-trustee or agent of the Controlling Note Agent in connection with any such collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon the Collateral in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the applicable Note Documents;
Second, to the Controlling Note Agent for application to the payment of all outstanding Note Priority Obligations in such order as may be provided in the Notes Intercreditor Agreement in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all outstanding Note Priority Obligations;
Third, to the ABL Agent for application to the payment of all outstanding ABL Priority Obligations in such order as may be provided in the ABL Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all outstanding ABL Priority Obligations (including the discharge or cash collateralization (at one hundred and three percent (103%) of the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit, if any, constituting ABL Priority Obligations and the discharge or cash collateralization (at one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding amount) of Bank Product Obligations, if any, constituting ABL Priority Obligations), plus such other amounts necessary to cause the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations ;
Fourth to the Senior Note Agent for application to the payment of all Excess Senior Note Debt, in such order as may be provided in the Senior Note Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all such obligations;
Fifth, to the Junior Note Agent for application to the payment of all Excess Junior Note Debt, in such order as may be provided in the Junior Note Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all such obligations;
Sixth, to the ABL Agent for application to the payment of all Excess ABL Debt, in such order as may be provided in the ABL Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all such obligations; and
Seventh, any surplus remaining after the payment in full in cash of the amounts described in the preceding clauses will be paid to the Borrower, or the applicable Grantor, as the case may be, its successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
-57-
The application of Proceeds pursuant to paragraphs ‘First’ and ‘Second’ above shall be subject to the Terms of the Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
(b)Sale of Non-Cash Proceeds. In connection with the application of Proceeds pursuant to Section 5.1(a), except as otherwise directed by the requisite lenders under the applicable Senior Priority Documents, the Senior Priority Agent may sell any non-Cash Proceeds of Senior Priority Collateral for cash prior to the application of the Proceeds thereof.
(c)Collections Applicable to ABL Priority Collateral. If the applicable Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party collects or receives any Proceeds of such foreclosure, collection or other enforcement that should have been applied in accordance with Section 5.2(a), whether after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, such Collateral Agent and such Secured Party will forthwith deliver the same to the Senior Priority Agent to be applied in accordance with Section 5.2(a).
5.2. | Application of Proceeds in Distributions by the ABL Agent. |
(a)ABL Priority Collateral. All Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral resulting from the Disposition of such Collateral pursuant to any Exercise of Secured Creditor Remedies (including a Default Disposition) or a Disposition during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings, as and when received by the Senior Priority Agent, will be applied in the following order of application:
First, to the payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the ABL Agent or any co-trustee or agent of the ABL Agent in connection with any such collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon the Collateral in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the ABL Documents;
Second, to the ABL Agent for application to the payment of all outstanding ABL Priority Obligations in such order as may be provided in the ABL Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all outstanding ABL Priority Obligations (including the discharge or cash collateralization (at one hundred and three percent (103%) of the aggregate undrawn amount) of all outstanding letters of credit, if any, constituting ABL Priority Obligations and the cash collateralization (at one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding amount) of Bank Product Obligations, if any, constituting ABL Priority Obligations), plus such other amounts necessary to cause the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations ;
Third, to the Controlling Note Agent for application to the payment of all outstanding Note Priority Obligations in such order as may be provided in the Notes Intercreditor Agreement in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all outstanding Note Priority Obligations;
Fourth, to the ABL Agent for application to the payment of all Excess ABL Debt, in such order as may be provided in the ABL Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all such obligations, in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of such payment;
-58-
Fifth, to the Senior Note Agent for application to the payment of all Excess Senior Note Debt, in such order as may be provided in the Senior Note Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all such obligations;
Sixth, to the Junior Note Agent for application to the payment of all Excess Junior Note Debt, in such order as may be provided in the Junior Note Documents in an amount sufficient to pay in full in cash all such obligations; and
Seventh, any surplus remaining after the payment in full in cash of the amounts described in the preceding clauses will be paid to the Borrower or the applicable Grantor, as the case may be, its successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
The application of Proceeds pursuant to the ‘Third’ paragraph above shall be subject to the terms of the Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
(b)Sale of Non-Cash Proceeds. In connection with the application of Proceeds pursuant to Section 5.2(a), except as otherwise directed by the requisite lenders under the applicable Senior Priority Documents, the Senior Priority Agent may sell any non-Cash Proceeds of Senior Priority Collateral for cash prior to the application of the Proceeds thereof.
(c)Collections Applicable to Note Priority Collateral. If the applicable Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party collects or receives any Proceeds of such foreclosure, collection or other enforcement that should have been applied in accordance with Section 5.1(a), whether after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, such Collateral Agent and such Secured Party will forthwith deliver the same to the Senior Priority Agent to be applied in accordance with Section 5.1(a).
5.3.Tracing of and Priorities in Proceeds. Prior to the delivery of notice of the commencement of a Standstill Period with respect to the Collateral of a Grantor (unless an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of such Grantor has been commenced and is continuing), (a) any Proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral of such Grantor used by any Grantor to acquire any Note Priority Collateral shall be treated as Note Priority Collateral, so long as such use of ABL Priority Collateral is otherwise not in violation of the terms of this Agreement or the ABL Documents and (b) any Proceeds of Note Priority Collateral of such Grantor used by any Grantor to acquire any ABL Priority Collateral shall be treated as ABL Priority Collateral, so long as such use of Note Priority Collateral is otherwise not in violation of the terms of this Agreement or the Senior Note Documents and the Junior Note Documents. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Senior Note Document or any Junior Note Document, until the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations occurs Senior Note Agent and Junior Note Agent, for itself and on behalf of the applicable Secured Parties, agrees that prior to the receipt of a Note Cash Proceeds Notice, and except with respect to Note Priority Collateral, or proceeds thereof reasonably identified in a Note Cash Proceeds Notice, the ABL Secured Parties are hereby permitted to treat all cash, cash equivalents, money, collections and payments deposited in or credited to any other Grantor’s deposit account, collection account or other bank account or otherwise received by any ABL Secured Party as ABL Priority Collateral, and except as otherwise provided above, no such amounts deposited in or credited to any such accounts or received by any
-59-
ABL Secured Party or applied to the ABL Obligations shall be subject to disgorgement or deemed to be held in trust for the benefit of the Note Secured Parties (and all claims of the Note Secured Parties to such amounts are hereby waived); provided, this consent shall not inure to the benefit of any of the Grantors or be deemed a waiver of or modification of any provision of the Senior Note Security Documents or any provisions of the Junior Note Security Documents, including any provision requiring application of such proceeds to repayment of the Senior Note Obligations or Junior Note Obligations, as applicable, or otherwise in the manner provided for in the Senior Note Security Documents or Junior Note Security Documents, as applicable, or any default or event of default that may result from any Grantor’s failure to comply with such requirements.
5.4.Letters of Credit. Any distribution to be made in respect of undrawn amounts of letters of credit (whether by cash collateralization or otherwise) pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 shall be made to the ABL Agent, to be retained in a separate account, for the ratable portion of the ABL Obligations consisting of such undrawn amounts of outstanding letters of credit, it being understood that (a) if any such letter of credit is drawn upon, the ABL Agent shall pay to the relevant ABL Lenders, on a ratable basis, the amount of cash held in such separate account in respect of such letter of credit and (b) if and to the extent that any such letter of credit shall expire or terminate undrawn or drawn only in part, the amount of cash held in such separate account therefor shall be applied as if it were a newly received amount to be applied in accordance with Section 5.1 or Section 5.2 (whichever was the applicable section for the original distribution of such amount to such separate account).
5.5.Allocation of Proceeds from Dispositions of ABL Priority Collateral and Note Priority Collateral. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of any Disposition or series of related Dispositions that includes (i) the Capital Stock issued by a Grantor, or (ii) ABL Priority Collateral and Note Priority Collateral, including during any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, then solely for purposes of this Agreement, unless otherwise agreed by ABL Agent and Senior Note Agent, the proceeds of any such Disposition shall be allocated to the ABL Priority Collateral in an amount not less than the sum of (A) the book value determined in accordance with GAAP, but not less than cost, of any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of inventory that is the subject of such Disposition (or, in the case of a Disposition of Capital Stock issued by a Grantor, any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of inventory in which such Grantor or its Subsidiaries has an interest), determined as of the date of such Disposition, (B) the book value determined in accordance with GAAP of any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of accounts that are the subject of such Disposition (or, in the case of a Disposition of Capital Stock issued by a Grantor, any ABL Priority Collateral consisting of accounts in which such Grantor or its Subsidiaries has an interest), determined as of the date of such Disposition, and (C) the fair market value of all other ABL Priority Collateral that is the subject of such Disposition (or, in the case of a Disposition of Capital Stock issued by a Grantor, any other ABL Priority Collateral in which such Grantor has an interest), determined as of the date of such Disposition.
Section 6.Miscellaneous.
6.1.Conflicts. Subject to Section 1.4, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents or the Junior Note Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control. Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that the terms and provisions of this
-60-
Agreement do not violate any term or provision of its respective ABL Documents, Senior Note Documents or Junior Note Documents.
6.2. | Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of this Agreement; Severability. |
(a)This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto. The terms of this Agreement shall survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding but, as to any Grantor and the rights of the Secured Parties with respect thereto, shall not survive the effectiveness of any plan of reorganization adopted in connection therewith (subject to the terms of this Agreement with respect to any reorganization securities). Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. All references to the Borrower or any other Grantor shall include the Borrower or such Grantor as debtor and debtor in possession and any receiver or trustee for the Borrower or such Grantor in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
(b) | This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect: |
(i)(A) upon the Discharge of ABL Priority Obligations and payment in full in cash of the Excess ABL Debt, subject to the rights of the ABL Secured Parties under Section 6.17 or (B) upon both (1) the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations and payment in full in cash of the Excess Senior Note Debt, subject to the rights of the Senior Note Secured Parties under Section 6.17 and (2) the Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations and payment in full in cash of the Excess Junior Note Debt, subject to the rights of the Junior Note Secured Parties under Section 6.17;
(ii)with respect to the Senior Note Agent, the other Senior Note Secured Parties and the Senior Note Obligations, upon the Discharge of Senior Note Priority Obligations and payment in full in cash of the Excess Senior Note Debt, subject to the rights of the Senior Note Secured Parties under Section 6.17; and
(iii)with respect to the Junior Note Agent, the other Junior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Obligations, upon the Discharge of Junior Note Priority Obligations and payment in full in cash of the Excess Junior Note Debt, subject to the rights of the Junior Note Secured Parties under Section 6.17.
6.3.Amendments; Waivers. No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement by the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent shall be deemed to be made unless the same shall be in writing signed on behalf of each party hereto or its authorized agent and each waiver, if any, shall be a waiver only with respect to the specific instance involved and shall in no way impair the rights of the parties making such waiver or the obligations of the other parties to such party in any other respect or at any other time; provided, that any Additional Note Obligations Agent may become party hereto by execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Section 8.21. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower or any other Grantor shall not have any right to consent to or approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement
-61-
except to the extent such amendment or modification seeks to impose affirmative obligations upon any applicable Grantor.
6.4.Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. The Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, on the one hand, and the Junior Priority Agent and the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, on the other hand, shall each be responsible for keeping themselves informed of (a) the financial condition of each Borrower and its Subsidiaries and all endorsers and/or guarantors of the Senior Priority Obligations or the Junior Priority Obligations and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Senior Priority Obligations or the Junior Priority Obligations. The Senior Priority Agent and the other Senior Priority Secured Parties shall have no duty to advise the Junior Priority Agent or any other Junior Priority Secured Parties of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that either the Senior Priority Agent or any of the other Senior Priority Secured Parties, on the one hand, or the Junior Priority Agent or any of the other Junior Priority Secured Parties, on the other hand, in its or their sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party hereto, it or they shall be under no obligation (i) to make, and such informing party shall not make, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (ii) to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (iii) to undertake any investigation or (iv) to disclose any information which, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.
6.5. | Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers. |
(a)ALL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST ANY PARTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING HERETO MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY OF NEW YORK. BY EXECUTING AND DELIVERING THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY, FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, IRREVOCABLY (I) ACCEPTS GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF SUCH COURTS; (II) WAIVES ANY DEFENSE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS; (III) AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT MAY BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO THE APPLICABLE PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 6.6; AND (IV) AGREES THAT SERVICE AS PROVIDED IN CLAUSE (III) ABOVE IS SUFFICIENT TO CONFER PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THE APPLICABLE PARTY IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND OTHERWISE CONSTITUTES EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY RESPECT.
(b)TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY AGREES TO WAIVE ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING HEREUNDER. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT
-62-
AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, THAT EACH HAS ALREADY RELIED ON THIS WAIVER IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND THAT EACH WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THIS WAIVER IN ITS RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS. EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION 6.5(b) AND EXECUTED BY EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS HERETO. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.
6.6.Notices. All notices to the ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties permitted or required under this Agreement shall also be sent to the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent, respectively. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice hereunder shall be in writing and may be personally served, telexed or sent by telefacsimile or United States mail or courier service and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in Person or by courier service and signed for against receipt thereof, upon receipt of telefacsimile or United States mail. For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as set forth beside each party’s name on the signature pages hereto, or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.
6.7.Further Assurances. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the other ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Senior Note Secured Parties, the Junior Note Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Note Secured Parties, and each Grantor agrees that each of them shall take such further action and shall execute (without recourse or warranty) and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of and the lien priorities contemplated by this Agreement. The parties hereto agree, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement upon request by the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, to cooperate in good faith (and to direct their counsel to cooperate in good faith) from time to time in order to determine the specific items included in the ABL Priority Collateral and the Note Priority Collateral and the steps taken to perfect their respective Liens thereon and the identity of the respective parties obligated under the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents and the Junior Note Documents.
6.8.APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE
-63-
OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.
6.9.Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, the ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Secured Parties, the Junior Note Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns.
6.10.Specific Performance. Each of the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement. The ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and the other ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Senior Note Secured Parties, and the Junior Note Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Junior Note Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent or the Junior Note Agent, as the case may be.
6.11.Headings. Section headings in this Agreement are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.
6.12.Counterparts. 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. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement or any document or instrument delivered in connection herewith by telecopy or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement or such other document or instrument, as applicable.
6.13.Authorization; No Conflict. Each of the parties represents and warrants to all other parties hereto that the execution, delivery and performance by or on behalf of such party to this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action, corporate or otherwise, does not violate any provision of law, governmental regulation, or any agreement or instrument by which such party is bound, and requires no governmental or other consent that has not been obtained and is not in full force and effect.
6.14.No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Secured Parties, the Junior Note Secured Parties, and each of their respective successors and assigns. Except as expressly provided in Section 6.3, no other Person shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder.
6.15. | Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. |
(a)The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of between the ABL Secured Parties, the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties. None of the Borrower, any other Grantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights hereunder (except as expressly provided in Section 6.3). Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Borrower or
-64-
any other Grantor to pay the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations and the Junior Note Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.
(b)Nothing in this Agreement shall relieve the Borrower or any Grantor from the performance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement on the Borrower’s or any Grantor’s part to be performed or observed under or in respect of any of the Collateral pledged by it or from any liability to any Person under or in respect of any of such Collateral or impose any obligation on any Collateral Agent to perform or observe any such term, covenant, condition or agreement on the Borrower’s or any Grantor’s part to be so performed or observed or impose any liability on any Collateral Agent for any act or omission on the part of the Borrower or any Grantor relative thereto or for any breach of any representation or warranty on the part of the Borrower or any Grantor contained in this Agreement or any ABL Document, any Senior Note Document or any Junior Note Document, or in respect of the Collateral pledged by it. The obligations of the Borrower and each Grantor contained in this paragraph shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the discharge of the Borrower’s or such Grantor’s other obligations hereunder.
(c)Each of the Collateral Agents acknowledges and agrees that none of them has made any representation or warranty with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any ABL Document, any Senior Note Document or any Junior Note Document. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of the Collateral Agents will be entitled to manage and supervise its respective extensions of credit to each Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with law and its usual practices, modified from time to time as it deems appropriate.
6.16.Additional Grantors. The Borrower and each other Grantor will cause each Person that becomes a Grantor under any ABL Document, any Senior Note Document or any Junior Note Document to consent to this Agreement, to execute and deliver to the parties hereto an Intercreditor Agreement Consent, whereupon such Person will be bound by the terms hereof applicable to the Grantors to the same extent as if it had executed and delivered a consent to this Agreement as of the date hereof. The Borrower and the other Grantors shall promptly provide each Collateral Agent with a copy of each Intercreditor Agreement Consent executed and delivered pursuant to this Section 6.16.
6.17.Avoidance Issues. If any ABL Secured Party, any Senior Note Secured Party or any Junior Note Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Borrower or any other Grantor any amount (a “Recovery”), then such ABL Secured Party, such Senior Note Secured Party or such Junior Note Secured Party, as applicable, shall be entitled to a reinstatement of ABL Obligations, Senior Note Obligations or Junior Note Obligations, as applicable, with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery (except as the result of the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization adopted in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto from such date of reinstatement and, to the extent the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations or the Junior Note Obligations were decreased in connection with such payment which gave rise to the Recovery, the ABL Obligations, the Senior Note Obligations and the Junior Note Obligations, as applicable, shall be increased to such extent.
-65-
6.18.Intercreditor Agreement; Legends. This Agreement is the ABL Intercreditor Agreement referred to in the ABL Credit Agreement, the Senior Secured Note Agreement and the Junior Secured Note Agreement. Except as expressly set forth in Section 2.1(e) of this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to subordinate the right of any Secured Party to receive payment under its Credit Agreement to the right of any other Secured Party to receive payment under its Credit Agreement (whether before or after the occurrence of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), it being the intent of the parties that this Agreement shall effectuate a subordination of Liens but not a subordination of Indebtedness. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the rights and obligations of the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties are further governed by the Notes Intercreditor Agreement.
6.19.Subrogation. With respect to any payments or distributions in cash, property, or other assets that any Junior Priority Secured Party pays over to the Senior Priority Agent under the terms of this Agreement that creates a right of subrogation under applicable law, such Junior Priority Secured Party shall not assert or enforce any such rights of subrogation until the occurrence of the Discharge of Senior Priority Obligations with respect to the Senior Priority Obligations subject to such right of subrogation.
6.20.Reciprocal Rights. The parties agree that the provisions of Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(e), 2.4(f), 2.5(a), 2.5(b), 2.5(c), 2.5(d), 2.5(e), 2.5(f), 2.5(g), 2.5(h), 2.5(j), and 6.19 including, as applicable, the defined terms referenced therein (but only to the extent used therein), which govern the relationship, and certain rights, restrictions, and agreements, between the Senior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Priority Obligations, on the one hand, and the Junior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Junior Priority Obligations, on the other hand, with respect to the ABL Priority Collateral subject to the Senior Note Security Documents shall apply to and govern, mutatis mutandis, the relationship between the Senior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Priority Obligations, on the one hand, and the ABL Secured Parties as the Junior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Excess ABL Debt, on the other hand. The parties further agree that the provisions of Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4(a), 2.4(b), 2.4(e), 2.4(f), 2.5(a), 2.5(b), 2.5(c), 2.5(d), 2.5(e), 2.5(f), 2.5(g), 2.5(h), 2.5(j), and 6.19 including, as applicable, the defined terms referenced therein (but only to the extent used therein), which govern the relationship, and certain rights, restrictions, and agreements, between the Senior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Priority Obligations, on the one hand, and the Junior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Junior Priority Obligations, on the other hand, with respect to the Note Priority Collateral subject to the ABL Security Documents shall apply to and govern, mutatis mutandis, the relationship between the Senior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Priority Obligations, on the one hand, and the Senior Note Secured Parties and the Junior Note Secured Parties as the Junior Priority Secured Parties with respect to the Excess Senior Note Debt or Excess Junior Note Debt, on the other hand.
6.21.Additional Note Obligations. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and each Financing Document, the Obligors will be permitted from time to time to designate as an additional holder of Senior Note Obligations and/or Junior Note Obligations hereunder each Person that is, or that becomes or is to become, the holder of any Additional Note Obligations (or the Additional Note Obligations Agent in respect of such Additional Note Obligations). Upon the issuance or incurrence of any such Additional Note Obligations:
-66-
(a)The Borrowers shall deliver to each of the Collateral Agents a certificate of an authorized officer stating that the applicable Borrowers and/or Guarantors intend to enter or have entered into an Additional Note Obligations Agreement and certifying that the issuance or incurrence of such Additional Note Obligations and the Liens securing such Additional Note Obligations are permitted by the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents, the Junior Note Documents and each then existing Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement and Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreement. Each of the Additional Note Obligations Agents, the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on the determination of the Borrower that such issuance and/or incurrence is permitted under the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents, the Junior Note Documents and each then existing Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement and Additional Junior Note Obligations Agreement if such determination is set forth in such officer’s certificate delivered to the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent; provided, however, that such determination will not affect whether or not the Borrowers and the Guarantors have complied with their undertakings in the ABL Documents, the Senior Note Documents, the Junior Note Documents or any then existing Additional Senior Note Obligations Agreement or Additional Junior Note Obligation Agreement;
(b)the Additional Note Obligations Agent for such Additional Note Obligations shall execute and deliver to the ABL Agent, the Senior Note Agent and the Junior Note Agent a Joinder Agreement acknowledging that such Additional Note Obligations and the holders of such Additional Note Obligations shall be bound by the terms hereof to the extent applicable to the Secured Parties, and
(c)the ABL Agent and each existing Note Agent shall promptly enter into such documents and agreements (including amendments, restatements, amendments and restatements, supplements or other modifications to this Agreement) as the ABL Agent or any existing Note Agent (but no other ABL Secured Party or Note Secured Party) or the Additional Note Obligations Agent may reasonably request in order to provide to it the rights, remedies and powers and authorities contemplated hereby, in each case consistent in all respects with the terms of this Agreement; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that any such amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement or other modification to this Agreement requested pursuant to this clause (c) may be entered into by the ABL Agent and the existing Note Agents without the consent of any other ABL Secured Party or Note Secured Party to effect the provisions of this Section 6.21 and may contain additional intercreditor terms applicable solely to the holders of such Additional Note Obligations vis-à-vis the holders of the relevant obligations hereunder or the holders of such Additional Note Obligations vis-à-vis the ABL Agent and the ABL Secured Parties or the Controlling Agent and the Note Secured Parties, as applicable.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]
-67-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Intercreditor Agreement to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of the day and year first above written.
Address: | | [ ], | |||
| | as ABL Agent | |||
[ ] | | | |||
[ ] | | By: | | ||
[ ] | | | |||
Attention: [ ] | | Name: | | ||
Telephone: [ ] | | | |||
Email: [ ] | | Title: | | ||
Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement
Address: | | [ ], | |||
| | as Senior Note Agent | |||
| | | |||
| | By: | | ||
| | | |||
Telephone: | | Name: | | ||
Telecopy: | | | |||
Email: | | Title: | | ||
Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement
Address: | | [ ], | |||
| | as Junior Note Agent | |||
| | | |||
| | By: | | ||
| | | |||
Attention: | | Name: | | ||
Telephone: | | | | ||
Telecopy: | | | |||
Email: | | Title: | | ||
Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement
CONSENT
The undersigned hereby (a) acknowledge and consent to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and (b) have caused this Consent to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of , 2021.
Notice Address for each Grantor:
c/o | | | |||
| | | | ||
| | | |||
Attention: | | | | ||
Facsimile: | | | | ||
| | | | ||
| | BORROWERS: | |||
| | | | ||
| | [ ] | |||
| | | | ||
| | By: | | ||
| | | Name: | ||
| | | Title: | ||
Consent to Intercreditor Agreement
| | GUARANTORS: | |
| | | |
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | | Name: |
| | | Title: |
| | | |
| | | |
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | | Name: |
| | | Title: |
| | | |
Consent to Intercreditor Agreement
EXHIBIT A
to Intercreditor Agreement
FORM OF
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT JOINDER
The undersigned, , a , hereby agrees to become party as [an ABL Agent] [a Senior Note Agent] [a Junior Note Agent] under the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of [ , 2021] (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) among [ ], as ABL Agent, [ ], as Senior Note Agent, and [ ], as Junior Note Agent, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, for all purposes thereof on the terms set forth therein, and to be bound by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement as fully as if the undersigned had executed and delivered the Intercreditor Agreement as of the date thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Intercreditor Agreement Joinder to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of , 20__.
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | Name: | |
| | Title | |
| | | |
EXHIBIT B
to Intercreditor Agreement
FORM OF
INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT CONSENT
The undersigned hereby (a) acknowledge and consent to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of , 2021 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) among [ ], as ABL Agent, [ ], as the Senior Note Agent, and [ ], as Junior Note Agent, as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, for all purposes on the terms set forth therein, (b) agree to be bound by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement applicable to any of the Grantors under the Intercreditor Agreement as fully as if the undersigned had executed and delivered a consent to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the date thereof, and (c) have caused this Consent to be executed by their respective officers or representatives as of the day of , .
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | Name: | |
| | Title: | |
EXHIBIT C
to Intercreditor Agreement
LICENSE TO USE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
For the purpose of enabling [ ], as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (in such capacity, the “ABL Agent”) under that certain [ ], dated as of [ ], 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, modified, refinanced, replaced or renewed from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), by and among [ ]9, the lenders party thereto (the “ABL Lenders”), and the ABL Agent, to enforce any Lien held by the ABL Agent upon any of the ABL Priority Collateral (as such terms are defined in the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of even date herewith, by and among the ABL Agent, [ ], as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for itself and the Senior Note Holders (as defined therein) under the Senior Secured Note Agreement (as defined therein) (in such capacities and together with any successor agent, the “Senior Note Agent”), and [ ], as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent for itself and the Junior Note Holders (as defined therein) under the Junior Secured Note Agreement (as defined therein) (in such capacities and together with any successor agent, the “Junior Note Agent”), the Borrower and the other Grantors, the “Intercreditor Agreement”) and to the extent reasonably deemed necessary or desirable by the ABL Agent to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of or realize upon any of the ABL Priority Collateral, each of the Grantors hereby grant to the ABL Agent, for the benefit of the ABL Secured Parties, a non- exclusive royalty-free license to use any Intellectual Property (including any Proprietary Rights) now owned or hereafter acquired by the Grantors, and wherever the same may be located. The Grantors hereby agree and acknowledge that no further performance is required of the ABL Agent under the terms of the license granted pursuant hereto and that this license shall not constitute an executory contract. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given thereto in the Intercreditor Agreement. This license shall expire and the grant herein shall be deemed terminated upon the expiration of the Access Period (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement).
9 Conform to final.
THIS LICENSE TO USE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).
Dated: , 2021 | | BORROWERS: | |
| | | |
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | | Name: |
| | | Title: |
| | | |
| | | Title: |
| | | |
| | GUARANTORS: | |
| | | |
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | | Name: |
| | | Title: |
| | | |
| | [ ] | |
| | | |
| | By: | |
| | | Name: |
| | | Title: |
| | | |
| | | |
Schedule 1
Certain Existing Indebtedness
1. | The Financial support originally granted to FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. by the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Tourism of Spain by Resolution of December 1, 2016 of the General Secretary for Industry and SMEs, under the order IET/619/2014, of April 11, and subrogated to Ferrosolar OpCo Group SL pursuant to the authorization of the General Secretary for Industry and SMEs on May 6, 2019 (the “Reindus loan”) |
2. | Credit agreement dated July 26, 2013, as amended on January 23, 2015, between Silicio Ferrosolar, S.L.U. as borrower, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. as guarantor and el Centro Para el Desarollo Tecnológico Industrial as lender, and the credit agreement dated May 13, 2014, as amended on July 17, 2014, between Silicio Ferrosolar, S.L.U. as borrower, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. as guarantor and el Centro Para el Desarollo Tecnológico Industrial as lender (the “Silicio FerroSolar loan”) |
3. | FerroAtlantica del Cinca loan entered into on December 23, 2008 |
4. | A loan agreement dated July 23, 2020 and entered into between BNP Paribas as lender and Ferropem S.A.S. as borrower, pursuant to which a state-guaranteed amount of |
€4,300,000 was made available to the borrower in a single draw which is to be repaid (together with a €21,500 guarantee fee) in a single payment at the maturity of the loan on July 23, 2021 (the “French COVID loan”)
5. | A loan agreement dated June 2, 2020 and entered into between Investissement Quebec as lender and Silicium Québec Société en Commandite and Silicium Québec Commandité Inc as the borrowers, pursuant to which an amount of (CAD)$7,000,000 plus additional hypothec of 20% was made available to the borrowers at no interest with repayment occurring after 36 months in 84 monthly instalments of (CAD)$83 340 each payable to the lender. (the “Quebec Silicon loan”) |
B-2
Schedule 2
Security Documents
A. | Canada |
Security Documents entered into before the Issue Date
1. | Pledge Agreement entered into by GSM Netherlands B.V. as pledgor in favour of GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as the Security Agent with respect to a pledge over shares in QSIP Canada ULC. |
2. | General security agreement entered into between QSIP Canada ULC as the debtor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as the Security Agent. |
3. | Deed of Hypothec entered into by QSIP Canada ULC as grantor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as the hypothecary representative. |
B. | France |
Security Documents entered into before the Issue Date
1. | Securities Account Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Grupo FerroAtlantica |
S.A.U. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited with respect to the securities account opened in the name of Grupo FerroAtlantica S.A.U. and on which are recorded all the financial securities (titres financiers) issued by Ferropem S.A.S. and held by Grupo FerroAtlantica S.A.U.
2. | Securities Account Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Kintuck SAS as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited with respect to the securities account opened in the name of Kintuck SAS and on which are recorded all the financial securities (titres financiers) issued by Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. and held by Kintuck S.A.S. |
3. | Bank Accounts Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the bank accounts listed therein. |
4. | Bank Accounts Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the bank accounts listed therein. |
5. | Receivables Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the receivables listed therein. |
6. | Receivables Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the receivables listed therein. |
7. | Non-possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(f) of the Agreed Security Principles. |
8. | Non-possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(f) of the Agreed Security Principles. |
9. | Possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security shall only be required to be perfected if the requirements specified in paragraph 6(m) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
10. | Possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security shall only be required to be perfected if the requirements specified in paragraph 6(m) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
Security Documents that each of Ferropem S.A.S and Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. (as applicable) shall use its best commercial efforts to enter into on or before the Issue Date and shall in any case ensure are entered into by the date falling 60 days after the Issue Date
1. | Notarized Mortgage Agreement (hypothèque) to be entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the real property listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(i) of the Agreed Security Principles. |
2. | Pledge of going concern agreement (nantissement de fonds de commerce) to be entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the going concern (fonds de commerce) identified therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(i) of the Agreed Security Principles. |
Security Documents to be entered into on or before the date falling 60 days after the Issue Date
1. | Pledge of going concern agreement (nantissement de fonds de commerce) to be entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the going concern (fonds de commerce) identified therein provided that, such security shall be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraphs 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
B-2
C. | The Netherlands |
Security Documents entered into before the Issue Date
1. | Notarial Deed of Pledge of Shares. entered into by Globe Speciality Metals, Inc. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee with respect to the shares in GSM Netherlands B.V. |
2. | Security Agreement entered into between GSM Netherlands B.V. as the pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee with respect to account bank receivables, intra-group receivables, insurance receivables, third party receivables, movable assets and intellectual property rights. |
3. | Power of Attorney granted by GSM Netherlands B.V. to a Stibbe civil notary. |
4. | Power of Attorney granted by Globe Speciality Metals, Inc. to a Stibbe civil notary. |
5. | Power of Attorney granted by GLAS Trust Corporation Limited to a Stibbe civil notary. |
D. | Norway |
Security Documents entered into before the Issue Date
1. | Share Pledge Agreement entered into by Kintuck AS as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the shares in Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS. |
2. | Security Agreement entered into by Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to intercompany loans, accounts receivables, inventory, operating assets, real property and bank accounts. |
E. | Spain |
Security Documents to be entered into on or before the Issue Date
1. | Pledges Agreement over Quota Shares entered into by Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U. as pledgors, Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca S.L., Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L. and Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios, S.L.U. as companies, and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent, with respect to the shares in Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca S.L., Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L. and Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios, S.L.U. |
2. | Pledges Agreement over Shares entered into by Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd and Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U. as pledgors, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. as companies, and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent, with respect to the shares in Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. |
B-3
3. | Pledges Agreement over Credit Rights entered into by Ferropem, S.A.S., Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U., Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L., Ferroatlantica Participaciones S.L.U., Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as pledgors and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the bank accounts listed therein. |
4. | Promissory Mortgage over mining concessions at Sonia, Conchitina, Conchitina Segunda, Esmeralda and Cabanetas (as applicable) entered into by Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. [and Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. as the promisor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as mortgagee and security agent. |
5. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Cuarzos Industriales |
S.A.U. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein.
6. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferroatlantica de Boo |
S.L.U. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein.
7. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
8. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
9. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferrosolar Opco Group S.L. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
10. | Pledges Agreement over Credit Rights entered into by Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U., Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L., Ferroatlantica Participaciones S.L.U., and Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as pledgors and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to intragroup receivables held vis-à-vis other Ferroglobe PLC subsidiaries. |
11. | Pledge over Credit Rights arising from lease agreements entered into in relation to certain offices in Madrid to be entered into by Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios S.L.U. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent, provided that such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
Security Documents that each relevant mortgagor shall use its best commercial efforts to enter into on or before the Issue Date and shall in any case ensure are entered into by the date falling 60 days after the Issue Date
1. | Mortgage entered into by Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. and Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as the mortgagors and GLAS |
B-4
Trust Corporation Limited as mortgagee and security agent over their real estate property and/or public concessions (as applicable), provided that, in case the mortgage is to be granted over a public concession, the mortgage will only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraphs 4(h) and (j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied.
Security Documents to be entered into on or before 60 days after the Issue Date
1. Real estate mortgages (hipoteca inmobiliaria) over mining concessions at Sonia, Conchitina, Conchitina Segunda, Esmeralda and Cabanetas to be entered into by Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. and Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. as mortgagors and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as mortgagee and security agent, provided that such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied.
F. | England & Wales |
1. | Debenture entered into before the Issue Date between Ferroglobe PLC, Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited. |
2. | Deed of Security Confirmation in respect of the Debenture to be entered into on or before the Issue Date and made between Ferroglobe PLC, Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited. |
G. | United States |
Security Documents to be entered into on or before the Issue Date
1. | Pledge Agreement entered into by and among the Ferroglobe Holding Company Ltd. and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited |
2. | Pledge and Security Agreement entered into by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., Globe Metallurgical Inc., Alden Resources LLC, ARL Resources, LLC, ARL Services, LLC, Core Metals Group Holdings LLC, Core Metals Group LLC, Metallurgical Process Materials, LLC, Tennessee Alloys Company, LLC, Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc., GSM Sales, Inc. Gatliff Services LLC, GSM Financial, Inc., Solsil, Inc., GSM Alloys I Inc., GSM Alloys II Inc., Globe Metals Enterprises, LLC, GBG Holdings, LLC, Alden Sales Corp, LLC, GSM Enterprises LLC, GSM Enterprises Holdings Inc., Norchem, Inc. and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited. |
3. | Patent Security Agreement by and among Globe Metallurgical Inc. and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited. |
Security Documents to be entered into on or before the date falling 30 days after the Issue Date
Owned Properties
B-5
1. | the Open-End Mortgage (Second Lien), Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 1595 Sparling Road, Waterford, Washington County, Ohio 45786. |
2. | the Second Lien Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 2401 Old Montgomery Highway, Selma, Dallas County, Alabama 36703. |
3. | the Second Lien Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 101 Garner Road, Bridgeport, Jackson County, Alabama 35740. |
4. | the Second Lien Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 133 Franklin Street, Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana 47001. |
5. | the Second Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 1595 Sparling Road, Waterford, Washington County, Ohio 45786. |
6. | the Second Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 2401 Old Montgomery Highway, Selma, Dallas County, Alabama 36703. |
7. | the Second Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 101 Garner Road, Bridgeport, Jackson County, Alabama 35740. |
8. | the Second Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 133 Franklin Street, Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana 47001. |
Security Documents to be entered into on or before the date falling 60 days after the Issue Date
1. | Control Agreement (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement referred to in Section |
G.2 above) by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., GLAS Trust Corporation Limited and Citizens Bank, N.A. in respect of Account #6238670197.
2. | Control Agreement (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement referred to in Section |
G.2 above) by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., GLAS Trust Corporation Limited and Citizens Bank, N.A. in respect of Account #6302618189.
Leased Properties
1. | the Second Lien Collateral Assignment of Lease relating to 3714 County Road 40 E, Lowndesboro, Alabama 36752 provided that, such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
2. | the Second Lien Collateral Assignment of Lease relating to 600 Brickell Ave, Suite 3100, Miami, Florida 33131 provided that, such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
3. | the Second Lien Collateral Assignment of Lease relating to 985-A Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 provided that, such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent |
B-6
that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied.
B-7
Schedule 3
Agreed Security Principles
1 | Agreed Security Principles |
(a) | The guarantees and security to be provided under the Notes Documents will be given in accordance with the security principles set out in this Schedule 3 (Agreed Security Principles). This Schedule 3 identifies the Agreed Security Principles and determines the extent and terms of the guarantees and security proposed to be provided in relation to the Notes. |
(b) | Capitalised terms used in this Schedule 3 but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given in the Intercreditor Agreement. |
2 | Guarantees |
Subject to the guarantee limitations set out in the Notes Documents, each guarantee will be an upstream, cross-stream and downstream guarantee for all liabilities of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the Notes Documents in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements of these Agreed Security Principles in each relevant jurisdiction (references to “security” to be read for this purpose as including guarantees).
3 | Secured Liabilities |
Security documents will secure the borrowing and guarantee obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor respectively under the Notes Documents, in each case in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements of these Agreed Security Principles in each relevant jurisdiction.
4 | Overriding Principle |
The parties agree that the overriding intention is for security only to be granted by:
(a) | the Parent over shares owned by it in the capital of Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd (“Holdco”); |
(b) | Holdco over shares owned by it in the capital of the Issuer; |
(c) | the Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries in each case over the shares owned by it in the capital of any Guarantor that is incorporated in any European jurisdiction (a “European Guarantor”); |
(d) | The Parent, Holdco, the Issuer and the European Guarantors in each case over its bank accounts other than: |
(i) | the bank accounts of Grupo Ferroatlantica at Caixa Bank and Bankinter (or any replacement accounts thereof) used to hold amounts for certain guarantees; and |
(ii) | the landfill account, FX account and tax deduction account of Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS (or any replacement accounts thereof); |
(e) | the Issuer and the European Guarantors in each case over intercompany receivables: |
(i) | arising as a result of cash pooling arrangements and tolling agreements between the European Guarantors; |
(ii) | arising in connection with the corporate reorganization or new money borrowing; and |
(iii) | that can be pledged under the relevant governing law in accordance with the general principles set out in these Agreed Security Principles; |
(f) | each European Guarantor in each case over its inventory (with respect to European Guarantors incorporated in France, to the extent stored in France); |
(g) | the Issuer and each European Guarantor (other than, without prejudice to paragraphs (h) to (j) below, those incorporated in France or Spain) over its real property, moveable machinery and plant and equipment; |
(h) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant European Guarantor, by way of promissory mortgage in respect of real property and concessions linked to real property, over the real property, moveable machinery and plant and equipment at the sites at Boo, Monzon, Sabon and Puertollano provided that, to the extent any such asset is a concession, such security will only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) of paragraph (j) below are satisfied; |
(i) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant Restricted Subsidiary over: |
(A) | the real property, moveable machinery, plant and equipment at the sites at Laudun, Pierrefitte, Anglefort and Montricher; |
(B) | the real property at Les Clavaux and Chateau Feuillet; and |
(C) | with respect to the Dunkirk premises, to the extent the granting of security over the relevant lease is permitted by the Dunkirk Port Authority and applicable law and regulations, a pledge of going concern (fonds de commerce) pursuant to articles L.142-1 of the French Code de commerce and to the extent (x) limited to the going concern operated in the Dunkirk premises and (y) limited the items listed in article L.142-2 al. 3 of the same code but excluding any trademarks and similar rights), |
B-2
provided that in respect of both of (A) and (B) such security shall be limited to a mortgage (hypothèque) over real property owned by them;
(j) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant Restricted Subsidiary over its rights in respect of (x) the Sonia, Conchitina, Conchitina Segunda, Esmeralda and Cabanetas mine concessions (which security shall be by way of mortgage); (y) the Chambery and Madrid leaseholds (which security shall be by way of pledge and provided that with respect to the Chambery leasehold, the security shall be a pledge of going concern (fonds de commerce) pursuant to articles L.142-1 of the French Code de commerce and to the extent (i) limited to the going concern operated in Chambery premises and (ii) limited the items listed in article L.142-2 al. 3 of the same code but excluding any trademarks and similar rights); and (z) the Prattville, AL, Miami, FL and Ft Piece, FL leaseholds (which security shall be by way of collateral assignment), provided that such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that: |
(i) | consent has been granted by the relevant lessor or administrative authority for the granting of such security, it being agreed herein that neither the Parent, nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall have any obligation other than to use its reasonable endeavours to obtain such consent; |
(ii) | the fees, costs and expenses relating to the perfection of such security (and the compliance with the requirements of that security) are not disproportionate to the benefit obtained by the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement); and |
(iii) | the granting of such security (and compliance with the requirements thereof) would not unduly disrupt the business of the relevant security provider); |
(k) | each Restricted Subsidiary in each case over the shares owned by it in the capital of each of GSM Financial Inc., Globe Metallurgical Inc,. GSM Sales Inc., Solsil Inc., GSM Alloys I Inc., GSM Alloys II Inc., Globe Metals Enterprises LLC, Globe Specialty Metals Inc, Core Metals Group Holdings LLC, Core Metals Group LLC, Metallurgical Process Materials LLC, Tennessee Alloys Company LLC, Alabama Sand and Gravel Inc., Norchem Inc., GBG Holdings LLC, Alden Resources LLC, Alden Sales Corp LLC, Gatliff Services LLC, ARL Resources LLC, ARL Services LLC, GSM Enterprises LLC, GSM Enterprises Holdings Inc., QSIP Canada ULC and GSM Netherlands BV; |
(l) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant Restricted Subsidiary over, by way of legal mortgage (first liens and second liens, if applicable), the real property at the Beverly (Waterford, OH), Selma (Selma, AL), Bridgeport (Bridgeport, AL) and Aurora (Aurora, IN) sites; and |
(m) | any Guarantor incorporated in Norway over its trade receivables, |
B-3
(the “Overriding Principle”) and that no other security shall be required to be given by any other person or in relation to any other asset provided that:
(A) | a Guarantor incorporated or otherwise formed in the United States of America (including the District of Columbia), Canada or the Netherlands will also grant customary all asset security over its personal property and such security shall be subject to the terms of these Agreed Security Principles; |
(B) | a Guarantor incorporated or otherwise formed in the United States of America (including the District of Columbia), Canada or the Netherlands will also grant, following its acquisition of any real property, customary security on such real property and such security shall be subject to the terms of these Agreed Security Principles; |
(C) | the Issuer and each Guarantor incorporated in the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction that recognises a floating charge (or equivalent security) will also grant a floating charge; |
(D) | if the date by which any security is required to be granted is expressly specified in the Lock-up Agreement, then that security shall not be required to be granted until that date, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Agreed Security Principles or in the relevant security document; and |
(E) | to the extent security in any category referred to in this paragraph 4 is granted on or before the Issue Date, any future security under the same category shall, subject to these Agreed Security Principles, be on the same terms unless otherwise required by law in order for the relevant security to be valid, effective and enforceable. |
5 | Governing Law and Jurisdiction of Security |
(a) | All security (other than share security) will be governed by the law of, and secure only assets located in, the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of the applicable grantor of the security, provided that with respect to any company incorporated in the United States of America, all security agreements shall by governed by the laws of the State of New York and with respect to any Guarantor incorporated or otherwise formed in Canada, all security agreements shall be governed by the laws of the province of Nova Scotia, provided that a hypothec governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec shall also be entered into if such Guarantor has its registered office or tangible property located in the Province of Quebec, which security agreements and hypothec shall secure assets located in Canada. |
(b) | Share security over any subsidiary will be governed by the law of the place of incorporation or other formation of that subsidiary or, to the extent applicable, the place of incorporation or other formation of the financial intermediary with which the relevant shares are deposited, provided that with respect to share security over |
B-4
any company incorporated or otherwise formed in the United States of America, all share security shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York and with respect to share security over any company incorporated or otherwise formed in Canada, all share security shall be governed by the laws of the province in which such subsidiary has its registered office unless such subsidiary has its registered office in the Province of Quebec, in which case a hypothec governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec shall govern the share security.
6 | Terms of security documents |
The following principles will be reflected in the terms of any security taken in connection with the Facilities:
(a) | the security will be first ranking to the extent possible unless otherwise agreed; |
(b) | security will not be enforceable until the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (or, in the case of Security governed by French law, until the occurrence of an Event of Default under paragraphs (a) and/or (b) of section 6.01 (Event of Default) of the Indenture which is continuing or the delivery of a notice of acceleration under section 6.03 (Acceleration) of the Indenture); |
(c) | the beneficiaries of the security or any agent will only be able to exercise a power of attorney following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing or where the relevant security provider has failed to comply with a written request to fulfil a further assurance or perfection obligation; |
(d) | notices to account banks shall not request the account bank to amend or waive the standard terms and conditions of the account bank and any acknowledgement provided by an account bank shall be permitted to include a permission for any prior security interests in favour of the account bank created or arising by operation of law or in its standard terms and conditions; |
(e) | unless a security document specifies a later date, notices and other perfection steps are to be completed within five (5) Business Days after the date of the security document (or the date on which any security provider becomes a party to that security document); |
(f) | in relation to any asset which a security provider does not own on the date of a security document (or the date on which the security provider becomes a party to that security document) including the opening of a new bank account, any notices or other perfection steps shall, the Company shall ensure that, unless a security document specifies a later date, any notice, document, certificate or other requirement required to be sent, deposited or completed in respect of that asset in accordance with the terms of the relevant security document is sent, deposited or completed as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant asset is acquired by the relevant security provider; |
(g) | until an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the security providers shall be permitted to retain and to exercise voting rights to any shares secured by them |
B-5
in a manner which does not materially adversely affect the validity or enforceability of the Security or cause an Event of Default to occur and the security providers shall be permitted to receive and retain dividends on secured shares/pay dividends upstream on secured shares;
(h) | the security documents should only operate to create security rather than to impose new commercial obligations or repeat clauses in other Notes Documents; accordingly: |
(i) | they should not contain additional representations, undertakings or indemnities unless these are the same as or consistent with those contained in this Agreement or are required for the creation, perfection, protection, preservation or maintenance of security; and |
(ii) | notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any security document, the terms of a security document shall not operate or be construed so as to prohibit or restrict any transaction, matter or other step (or a grantor of security taking or entering into the same) or dealing in any manner whatsoever in relation to any asset with the exception of ULC Shares (as such term is defined below) (including all rights, claims, benefits, proceeds and documentation, and contractual counterparties in relation to such assets) the subject of (or expressed to be the subject of) the security document if not prohibited by the Notes Documents; |
(i) | security will, where possible and practical, automatically create security over future assets of the same type as those already secured; |
(j) | where local law requires supplemental pledges or stock transfer powers, unless the relevant security document specifies otherwise, lists of assets or notices to be delivered in respect of future acquired assets in order for effective security to be created over that class of asset, such supplemental pledges or notices, such lists of assets shall be delivered to the Security Agent promptly upon request by the Security Agent; |
(k) | to the extent possible under applicable law, each security document must contain a clause which records that if there is a conflict between the security document and this Agreement or the Intercreditor Agreement then (to the fullest extent permitted by law) the provisions of this Agreement or (as applicable) the Intercreditor Agreement will take priority over the provisions of the security document with the exception of any provision of the security document specifically relating to shares of stock or membership interests issued by any unlimited company or unlimited liability company (“ULC Shares”); |
(l) | if the date by which any security is required to be perfected, registered or stamped is expressly specified in the Lock-up Agreement, then that security shall not be required to be perfected, registered or stamped until that date, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Agreed Security Principles; and |
B-6
(m) | the security referred to in sub-paragraph (f) of paragraph 4 of these Agreed Security Principles shall, to the extent possessory security granted by a Guarantor incorporated in France, only be required to be perfected if: |
(i) | it does not relate to the Les Clavaux and Chateau Feuillet premises; |
(ii) | the fees, costs and expenses relating to the perfection of such possessory security (and the compliance with the requirements of that security) are not disproportionate to the benefit obtained by the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement); and |
(iii) | the perfection of such possessory security (and compliance with the requirements thereof) would not unduly disrupt the business of the relevant security provider, |
and any such perfection shall not be required to be completed until the date falling 60 days after the Issue Date.
7 | Additional Principles |
The Agreed Security Principles embody the recognition by all parties that there may be certain legal and practical difficulties in obtaining effective or commercially reasonable guarantees and/or security from the Parent and all relevant Restricted Subsidiaries in each jurisdiction in which it has been agreed that guarantees and security will be granted by those members. In particular:
(a) | general legal and statutory limitations, regulatory restrictions, financial assistance, anti-trust and other competition authority restrictions, corporate benefit, fraudulent preference, equitable subordination, “transfer pricing”, “thin capitalisation”, “earnings stripping”, “controlled foreign corporation” “fiscal unity requirements” and other tax restrictions, “exchange control restrictions”, “capital maintenance” rules and “liquidity impairment” rules, tax restrictions, retention of title claims, employee consultation or approval requirements and similar principles may limit the ability of the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries to provide a guarantee or security or may require that the guarantee or security be limited as to amount or otherwise and, if so, the guarantee or security will be limited accordingly, provided that, to the extent requested by the Security Agent before signing any applicable security or accession document, the Parent or relevant Restricted Subsidiary shall use its best efforts to overcome any such obstacle or otherwise such guarantee or security document shall be subject to such limit; |
(b) | a key factor in determining whether or not (and the terms of which) a guarantee or security will be taken (and in respect of the security, the extent of its perfection and/or registration) is the applicable time and cost (including adverse effects on taxes, interest deductibility, stamp duty, registration costs and taxes, notarial and registration costs, translation costs, guarantee fees payable to any person that is not the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary and all applicable legal and notarial fees and |
B-7
adverse effects on the ability of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to obtain or maintain local facilities or other financing arrangements, including any factoring or similar arrangement (in each case not prohibited by this Agreement) which will not be disproportionate to the benefit accruing to the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) of obtaining such guarantee or security;
(c) | the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be required to give guarantees or enter into security documents if it would conflict with the fiduciary or statutory duties of their directors or contravene any applicable legal or regulatory prohibition or restriction or have the potential to result in a material risk of personal or criminal liability for any director or officer of or for the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, provided that, to the extent requested by the Security Agent before signing any applicable security document or accession document, the Parent or relevant Restricted Subsidiary shall, in relation to a contractual prohibition or restriction only, use reasonable endeavours to overcome any such obstacle or otherwise such guarantee or security document shall be subject to such limit; |
(d) | guarantees and security (and/or the maximum guaranteed or secured amount thereunder) will be limited so that the aggregate of notarial costs and all registration and relevant taxes and duties relating to the provision of security will not exceed an amount to be agreed between the Issuer and the Security Agent; |
(e) | where a class of assets to be secured includes material and immaterial assets, if the cost of granting security over the immaterial assets is disproportionate to the benefit of such security, security will be granted over the material assets only; |
(f) | it is expressly acknowledged that it may be either impossible or impractical to create security over certain categories of assets in which event security will not be taken over such assets; |
(g) | the giving of a guarantee, the granting of security and the registration and/or the perfection of the security granted will not be required if it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary to conduct its operations and business in the ordinary course as otherwise permitted by the Notes Documents; |
(h) | any security document will only be required to be notarised if required by law in order for the relevant security to become effective or admissible in evidence; |
(i) | to the extent possible or legally effective, all security will be given in favour of the Security Agent and not the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) individually (with the Security Agent to hold one set of security documents for all the Noteholders); “parallel debt” provisions will be used where necessary (and included in the Intercreditor Agreement and not the individual security documents); |
(j) | no security may be provided on terms which are inconsistent with the turnover or sharing provisions in the Intercreditor Agreement; |
B-8
(k) | no guarantee or security shall guarantee or secure any “Excluded Swap Obligations” defined in accordance with the LSTA Market Advisory Update dated February 15, 2013 entitled “Swap Regulations’ Implications for Loan Documentation”, and any update thereto by the LSTA; |
(l) | other than a general security document and related filing, no perfection, filing or other action will be required with respect to assets of a type not owned by members of the Group; and |
(m) | no translation of any document relating to any security or any asset subject to any security will be required to be prepared or provided to the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), unless required for such documents to become effective or admissible in evidence. |
B-9
Exhibit 4.5
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY, PLC
as Issuer
Ferroglobe PLC
as Parent Guarantor
and the Guarantors party hereto
9.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2025
INDENTURE
Dated as of May 17, 2021
GLAS Trustees Limited,
as Trustee
Global Loan Agency Services Limited,
as Paying Agent
GLAS Americas LLC
as Registrar and Transfer Agent
GLAS Trust Corporation Limited,
as Security Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | Page |
| | |
Article I Definitions | 1 | |
Section 1.01. | Definitions | 1 |
Section 1.02. | Other Definitions | 43 |
Section 1.03. | Rules of Construction | 45 |
Article II The Notes | 45 | |
Section 2.01. | Issuable in Series | 45 |
Section 2.02. | Form and Dating | 46 |
Section 2.03. | Execution and Authentication | 47 |
Section 2.04. | Registrar and Paying Agent | 47 |
Section 2.05. | Paying Agent | 49 |
Section 2.06. | Holder Lists | 49 |
Section 2.07. | Transfer and Exchange | 49 |
Section 2.08. | Replacement Notes | 50 |
Section 2.09. | Outstanding Notes | 51 |
Section 2.10. | Temporary Notes | 51 |
Section 2.11. | Cancellation | 51 |
Section 2.12. | Common Code or ISIN Numbers | 52 |
Section 2.13. | Defaulted Interest | 52 |
Section 2.14. | Currency | 52 |
Article III Redemption | 53 | |
Section 3.01. | Notices to Trustee and Paying Agents | 53 |
Section 3.02. | Selection of Notes To Be Redeemed or Repurchased | 54 |
Section 3.03. | Notice of Redemption | 54 |
Section 3.04. | Effect of Notice of Redemption | 55 |
Section 3.05. | Deposit of Redemption Price | 56 |
Section 3.06. | Notes Redeemed in Part | 56 |
Article IV Covenants | 56 | |
Section 4.01. | Limitation on Indebtedness | 56 |
Section 4.02. | Limitation on Restricted Payments | 62 |
Section 4.03. | Limitation on Liens | 65 |
Section 4.04. | Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries | 65 |
Section 4.05. | Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock | 68 |
Section 4.06. | Limitation on Affiliate Transactions | 70 |
Section 4.07. | Guarantor Coverage Test | 73 |
Section 4.08. | Additional Note Guarantees | 74 |
Section 4.09. | Reports | 75 |
Section 4.10. | Suspension of Covenants on Achievement of Investment Grade Status | 77 |
| | |
- i -
| | |
Section 4.11. | Amendments to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and Additional Intercreditor Agreements | 77 |
Section 4.12. | Payment of Notes | 79 |
Section 4.13. | Withholding Taxes | 79 |
Section 4.14. | Change of Control | 82 |
Section 4.15. | Impairment of Security Interest | 84 |
Section 4.16. | Compliance Certificate | 86 |
Section 4.17. | Listing | 86 |
Section 4.18. | Financial Calculations for Limited Condition Acquisitions | 86 |
Section 4.19. | Stay, Extension and Usury Laws | 86 |
Section 4.20. | Taxes | 87 |
Section 4.21. | Corporate Existence | 87 |
Section 4.22. | Center of Main Interests and Establishments | 87 |
Section 4.23. | Ratings. The Issuer and the Guarantors will use their commercially reasonable efforts to maintain an instrument rating from one of Moody’s, Fitch or S&P | 87 |
Section 4.24. | Use of Proceeds | 88 |
Article V Successor Company | 88 | |
Section 5.01. | Merger and Consolidation | 88 |
Article VI Defaults And Remedies | 90 | |
Section 6.01. | Events of Default | 90 |
Section 6.02. | Remedies Upon Event of Default | 93 |
Section 6.03. | Acceleration | 94 |
Section 6.04. | Other Remedies | 94 |
Section 6.05. | Waiver of Past Defaults | 94 |
Section 6.06. | Control by Majority | 95 |
Section 6.07. | Limitation on Suits | 95 |
Section 6.08. | Rights of Holders to Receive Payment | 95 |
Section 6.09. | Collection Suit by Trustee | 95 |
Section 6.10. | Trustee May File Proofs of Claim | 96 |
Section 6.11. | Priorities | 96 |
Section 6.12. | Undertaking for Costs | 97 |
Section 6.13. | Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws | 97 |
Section 6.14. | Restoration of Rights and Remedies | 97 |
Section 6.15. | Rights and Remedies Cumulative | 97 |
Section 6.16. | Delay or Omission Not Waiver | 97 |
Section 6.17. | Indemnification of Trustee | 98 |
Article VII Trustee | 98 | |
Section 7.01. | Duties of Trustee | 98 |
Section 7.02. | Rights of Trustee | 99 |
Section 7.03. | Individual Rights of Trustee | 103 |
Section 7.04. | Trustee’s Disclaimer | 103 |
Section 7.05. | Notice of Defaults | 104 |
- ii -
| | |
Section 7.06. | Compensation and Indemnity | 104 |
Section 7.07. | Replacement of Trustee | 105 |
Section 7.08. | Successor Trustee by Merger | 106 |
Section 7.09. | Certain Provisions | 107 |
Section 7.10. | Agents; General Provisions | 107 |
Section 7.11. | Eligibility; Disqualification | 109 |
Article VIII Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance | 109 | |
Section 8.01. | Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance | 109 |
Section 8.02. | Conditions to Defeasance | 110 |
Section 8.03. | Deposited Money and U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations to be held in Trust | 111 |
Section 8.04. | Repayment to Issuer | 111 |
Section 8.05. | Indemnity for Government Obligations | 112 |
Section 8.06. | Reinstatement | 112 |
Article IX Amendments and Waivers | 112 | |
Section 9.01. | Without Consent of Holders | 112 |
Section 9.02. | With Consent of Holders | 113 |
Section 9.03. | Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers | 115 |
Section 9.04. | Notation on or Exchange of Notes | 116 |
Section 9.05. | Trustee and Security Agent to Sign Amendments | 116 |
Article X Note Guarantees | 116 | |
Section 10.01. | Note Guarantees | 116 |
Section 10.02. | Successors and Assigns | 118 |
Section 10.03. | No Waiver | 118 |
Section 10.04. | Modification | 118 |
Section 10.05. | Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Guarantors | 119 |
Section 10.06. | Release of the Note Guarantees | 119 |
Section 10.07. | Limitations on Obligations of Guarantors | 119 |
Section 10.08. | Local Law Limitations | 120 |
Section 10.09. | Non-Impairment | 122 |
Article XI Collateral and Security | 122 | |
Section 11.01. | Security Documents | 122 |
Section 11.02. | Release of Collateral | 123 |
Section 11.03. | Authorization of Actions to Be Taken by the Trustee Under the Security Documents | 123 |
Section 11.04. | Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents | 124 |
Section 11.05. | Termination of Security Interest; Activity with Respect to Collateral | 124 |
Section 11.06. | Security Agent | 126 |
Article XII Miscellaneous | 126 | |
Section 12.01. | Notices | 126 |
- iii -
| | |
Section 12.02. | Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent | 128 |
Section 12.03. | Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion | 128 |
Section 12.04. | When Notes are to be Disregarded | 129 |
Section 12.05. | Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar | 129 |
Section 12.06. | Legal Holidays | 129 |
Section 12.07. | Governing Law | 129 |
Section 12.08. | Consent to Jurisdiction and Service | 129 |
Section 12.09. | No Recourse Against Others | 130 |
Section 12.10. | Successors | 130 |
Section 12.11. | Multiple Originals | 130 |
Section 12.12. | Table of Contents; Headings | 130 |
Section 12.13. | Prescription | 130 |
Section 12.14. | Severability | 130 |
- iv -
Exhibits
Exhibit AProvisions Relating to the Notes
Exhibit A-1Form of Note
Exhibit BForm of Supplemental Indenture
Exhibit CForm of ABL Intercreditor Agreement
Schedules
Schedule 1Certain Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 2Security Documents
Schedule 3Agreed Security Principles
- v -
INDENTURE dated as of May 17, 2021, among Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Issuer”), Ferroglobe PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales as the parent guarantor (the “Parent”), the Guarantors (as defined herein) from time to time party hereto, and GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”), GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent (in such capacity, the “Security Agent”), Global Loan Agency Services Limited as paying agent (in such capacity, the “Paying Agent”) and GLAS Americas LLC as registrar (in such capacity, the “Registrar”) and transfer agent (in such capacity, the “Transfer Agent”).
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of (a) the Issuer’s U.S. dollar-denominated 9.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 issued on the Issue Date (the “Initial Notes”) and (b) additional securities having identical terms and conditions as the Notes that may be issued on any later issue date subject to the conditions and in compliance with the covenants set forth herein (the “Additional Notes”). Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Indenture references to the “Notes” include the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes that are actually issued.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01. Definitions.
“ABL Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement to be entered into after the Issue Date, among, inter alios, the Trustee, the Security Agent, the Parent, the Issuer, and the Guarantors party thereto, in the form attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C, as amended from time to time.
“ABL Guarantors” means the Guarantors party to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Priority Collateral” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Priority Obligations” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“ABL Facility” means an asset-based lending facility designated by the Issuer as an “ABL Facility” by written notice to the Trustee and which will be subject to the terms of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Acquired Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (1) of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, (2) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case whether or not Incurred by such Person in connection with such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition or (3) of a Person at the time such Person merges with or into or consolidates or otherwise combines with the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary. Acquired Indebtedness shall be
- 1 -
deemed to have been Incurred, with respect to clause (1) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, with respect to clause (2) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of assets and, with respect to clause (3) of the preceding sentence, on the date of the relevant merger, consolidation or other combination.
“Additional Notes Offer Condition” means, in connection with the Incurrence of Indebtedness represented by Additional Notes under Section 4.01(b)(iv)(A), the Issuer shall have made an offer in good faith prior to the Transaction Effective Date to holders of Existing Notes to issue Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the full amount of Notes permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.01(b)(iv)(A) to such holders (calculated based on the percentage such holders’ aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes represents to the aggregate principal amount of all Existing Notes then outstanding), subject to any rounding and minimum denomination required to be exempt from Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
“Agent” means any Registrar, co-registrar, Transfer Agent, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.
“Agreed Security Principles” means the agreed security principles set out in Schedule 3 hereto.
“Asset Disposition” means any direct or indirect sale, lease (other than an operating lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), transfer, issuance or other disposition, or a series of related sales, leases (other than operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business), transfers, issuances or dispositions that are part of a common plan, of shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares), property or other assets (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”) by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this definition, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Dispositions:
(1) | a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to which Collateral is disposed of (other than by way of an Investment pursuant to clause (1) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” by the Issuer or any Guarantor in a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) shall grant or maintain the Lien on such Collateral securing the Notes; |
(2) | a disposition of cash, Cash Equivalents, Temporary Cash Investments or Investment Grade Securities; |
- 2 -
(3) | a disposition of inventory, trading stock, security equipment or other equipment or assets in the ordinary course of business; |
(4) | a disposition of obsolete, damaged, retired, surplus or worn out equipment or assets or equipment, facilities or other assets that are no longer useful in the conduct of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries and any transfer, termination, unwinding or other disposition of hedging instruments or arrangements not for speculative purposes; |
(5) | transactions permitted under Section 5.01 or a transaction that constitutes a Change of Control; |
(6) | an issuance of Capital Stock by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or to another Restricted Subsidiary or as part of or pursuant to an equity incentive or compensation plan approved by the Board of Directors or the issuance of directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to individuals as required by applicable law; |
(7) | any dispositions of Capital Stock, properties or assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions with a fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) of less than |
$10.0 million;
(8) | any Restricted Payment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.02, and the making of any Permitted Payment or Permitted Investment; |
(9) | the granting of Liens not prohibited by Section 4.03; |
(10) | dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements or any sale of assets received by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary upon the foreclosure of a Lien granted in favor of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
(11) | the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles and licenses, sub-licenses, leases or subleases of other property, in each case, in the ordinary course of business; |
(12) | foreclosure, condemnation, taking by eminent domain or any similar action with respect to any property or other assets; |
(13) | the sale or discount (with or without recourse, and on customary or commercially reasonable terms) of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising in the ordinary course of business, or the conversion or exchange of accounts receivable for notes receivable; |
- 3 -
(14) | sales or dispositions of receivables in connection with any factoring, receivables or securitization financing, including any Qualified Securitization Financing, or in the ordinary course of business; |
(15) | [Reserved]; |
(16) | any disposition of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement or other obligation with or to a Person (other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) from whom such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired, or from whom such Restricted Subsidiary acquired its business and assets (having been newly formed in connection with such acquisition), made as part of such acquisition and in each case comprising all or a portion of the consideration in respect of such sale or acquisition; |
(17) | any surrender or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind; |
(18) | any disposition of assets to a Person who is providing services related to such assets, the provision of which have been or are to be outsourced by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to such Person; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall certify that in the opinion of the Board of Directors, the outsourcing transaction will be economically beneficial to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (considered as a whole); provided further that the fair market value of the assets disposed of, when taken together with all other dispositions made pursuant to this clause (18), does not exceed $25.0 million; |
(19) | an issuance of Capital Stock by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Parent or to another Restricted Subsidiary, an issuance or sale by a Restricted Subsidiary of Preferred Stock or redeemable Capital Stock that is permitted by Section |
4.01 or an issuance of Capital Stock by the Parent pursuant to an equity incentive or compensation plan approved by the Board of Directors;
(20) | sales, transfers or other dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received in such sale, transfer or disposition is applied in accordance with Section 4.05; |
(21) | any disposition with respect to property built, owned or otherwise acquired by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to customary sale and lease-back transactions, asset securitizations and other similar financings permitted by this Indenture; and |
(22) | any disposition of Capital Stock, properties or assets of Ferroatlántica de Venezuela (Ferroven), S.A. and Cuarzos Industriales de Venezuela, S.A. |
- 4 -
“Associate” means (i) any Person engaged in a Similar Business of which the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries are the legal and beneficial owners of between 20% and 50% of all outstanding Voting Stock and (ii) any joint venture entered into by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary.
“Bankruptcy Law” means (a) the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, or any similar U.S. federal or state law for the relief of debtors and (b) any other bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar laws of any relevant jurisdiction that are of general application (including, without limitation, the laws of England and Wales relating to moratorium, bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, winding up, liquidation, reorganization or relief of debtors), and in each case, any amendment to, succession to or change in any such law.
“Board of Directors” means (1) with respect to the Issuer or any corporation or other body corporate, the board of directors or managers, as applicable, of the corporation or other body corporate, or any duly authorized committee thereof; (2) with respect to any partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of the partnership or any duly authorized committee thereof; and (3) with respect to any other Person, the board or any duly authorized committee of such Person serving a similar function. Whenever any provision of this Indenture requires any action or determination to be made by, or any approval of, a Board of Directors, such action, determination or approval shall be deemed to have been taken or made if approved by a majority of the directors (excluding employee representatives, if any) on any such Board of Directors (whether or not such action or approval is taken as part of a formal board meeting or as a formal board approval). The obligations of the “Board of Directors” of the Issuer under this Indenture may be exercised by the Board of Directors of a Restricted Subsidiary or a Parent Holdco pursuant to a delegation of powers of the Board of Directors of the Issuer.
“Business Day” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in London, United Kingdom, New York, United States, Madrid, Spain, Amsterdam, the Netherlands or Dublin, Ireland are authorized or required by law to close.
“Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares of, rights to purchase, warrants or options for, or other equivalents of or partnership or other interests in (however designated), equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.
“Capitalized Lease Obligations” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes on the basis of IFRS (as in effect on the Issue Date for purposes of determining whether a lease is a capitalized lease). The amount of Indebtedness will be, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of such obligation required to be capitalized on a balance sheet (excluding any notes thereto) prepared in accordance with IFRS, and the stated maturity thereof will be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date such lease may be terminated without penalty.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
- 5 -
(1) | securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States or Canadian governments, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland or Norway or, in each case, any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of such country or such member state is pledged in support thereof), having maturities of not more than two years from the date of acquisition; |
(2) | certificates of deposit, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof (a “Deposit”) or cash in credit balance or deposit which are freely transferable or convertible within 90 days issued or held by any lender party to any ABL Facility or by any bank or trust company (a) if at any time since January 1, 2007 the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries held Deposits with such bank or trust company (or any branch or subsidiary thereof), (b) whose commercial paper is rated at least “A-3” or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least “P-3” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s (or if at the time neither is issuing comparable ratings, then a comparable rating of another Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) or (c) (in the event that the bank or trust company does not have commercial paper which is rated) having combined capital and surplus in excess of $250 million; |
(3) | repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (1) and (2) entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (2) above; |
(4) | commercial paper rated at the time of acquisition thereof at least “A-3” or the equivalent thereof by S&P or “P-3” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s or carrying an equivalent rating by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments or, if no rating is available in respect of the commercial paper, the issuer of which has an equivalent rating in respect of its long-term debt, and in any case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition thereof; |
(5) | readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America, any province or territory of Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland or Norway or any political subdivision thereof, in each case, having one of the two highest rating categories obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at the time, neither is issuing comparable ratings, then a comparable rating of another Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) with maturities of not more than two years from the date of acquisition; |
(6) | Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “BBB-” or higher from S&P or “Baa3” or higher from Moody’s (or, if at the time, neither is issuing comparable ratings, then a comparable rating of another |
- 6 -
Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(7) | bills of exchange issued in the United States, Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland, Norway or Japan eligible for rediscount at the relevant central bank and accepted by a bank (or any dematerialized equivalent); |
(8) | interests in investment funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (7) of this definition; and |
(9) | for purposes of clause (2) of the definition of “Asset Disposition”, the marketable securities portfolio owned by the Parent and its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date. |
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) | the Parent becoming aware that (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) any “person” or “group” of related persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date), other than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Issue Date), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent and the Permitted Holders “beneficially own” directly or indirectly in the aggregate the same or a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Parent than such other “person” or “group” of related persons; provided that for the purposes of this clause, (x) no Change of Control shall be deemed to occur by reason of the Parent becoming a Subsidiary of a Successor Parent; and (y) any Voting Stock of which any Permitted Holder is the “beneficial owner” (as so defined) shall not be included in any Voting Stock of which any such “person” or “group of related persons” is the “beneficial owner” (as so defined), unless such Permitted Holder is controlled by such “person” or “group” of related persons; |
(2) | the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination transaction), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to a Person, other than a Restricted Subsidiary or one or more Permitted Holders; |
(3) | the Parent ceases to directly or indirectly hold 100% of the Capital Stock of the Issuer; or |
(4) | the shareholders of the Parent or the Issuer approve any plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Parent or the Issuer. |
- 7 -
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “Change of Control” shall occur or deemed to occur by reason of:
(1) | any enforcement of rights or exercise of remedies under the GVM Share Pledge, including any sale, transfer or other disposal or disposition of the shares in the Parent in connection therewith; |
(2) | any disposal by GVM of its shares in the Parent where the purpose of that transaction is to facilitate the repayment or discharge (in full or in part) of the GVM Loan and the proceeds of sale are promptly applied towards such repayment or discharge; or |
(3) | any mandatory offer (or analogous offer) required under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers or any analogous regulation applied in any jurisdiction as a consequence of a transaction under limbs (1) or (2) above, |
provided that, if any transaction under paragraphs (1) to (3) above occurs which, but for such paragraph(s), would be a “Change of Control” as a consequence of any Person or Persons (other than Tyrus) (x) acquiring any Voting Stock of the Parent or (y) being or becoming the “beneficial owner” of the voting power of any Voting Stock of the Parent (such Person(s), the “Controlling Shareholder”) either:
(A)the Controlling Shareholder has, within 60 days of that transaction, and at its election:
(x)paid to the Holders, on a pro rata basis, a fee in an aggregate amount equal to the product of (i) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes then outstanding, (ii) 0.02 and (iii) the number of years (or part- thereof, with any part of a year calculated on the basis of the number of days divided by 360) from the payment date of such fee to June 30, 2025; or
(y)made an offer to all Holders to purchase one-third of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes then outstanding on a pro rata basis at a price equal to (A) in the first fifteen months after the Issue Date, 100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such purchase or (B) at any time after the first fifteen months following the Issue Date, 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such purchase; or
(B)the Issuer, within 60 days of that transaction, has made an offer to all Holders to repurchase or purchase (as applicable), or has otherwise redeemed, one-third of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes then outstanding on a pro rata basis at a price equal to (A)in the first fifteen months after the Issue Date, 100% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such repurchase, purchase or redemption or (B) at any time after the fifteen months following the Issue Date, 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such repurchase, purchase or redemption, resulting in such repurchased, purchased or redeemed Notes being cancelled,
- 8 -
and provided further that, the Controlling Shareholder is not a Restricted Person.
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A., as currently in effect or any successor securities clearing agency.
“Collateral” means (a) the collateral that secures the Notes and the obligations under this Indenture pursuant to the Security Documents set forth in Schedule 2 to this Indenture and (b) any other collateral that secures the Notes and the obligations under this Indenture from time to time.
“Commodity Hedging Agreements” means, in respect of a Person, any commodity purchase contract, commodity futures or forward contract, commodities option contract or other similar contract (including commodities derivative agreements or arrangements), to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.
“Consolidated EBITDA” for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters ending prior to the relevant date of measurement for which internal consolidated financial statements are available, means, without duplication, the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:
(1) | Consolidated Interest Expense; |
(2) | Consolidated Income Taxes; |
(3) | consolidated depreciation expense; |
(4) | consolidated amortization or impairment expense; |
(5) | any expenses, charges or other costs related to any issuance of Capital Stock, listing of Capital Stock, Investment, acquisition (including amounts paid in connection with the acquisition or retention of one or more individuals comprising part of a management team retained to manage the acquired business and any expenses, charges or other costs related to deferred or contingent payments), disposition, recapitalization or the Incurrence, issuance, redemption or refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted by this Indenture or any amendment, waiver, consent or modification to any document governing any such Indebtedness (whether or not successful), in each case, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent; |
(6) | any minority interest expense (whether paid or not) consisting of income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in such period or any prior period or any net earnings, income or share of profit of any Associates, associated company or undertaking; |
(7) | other non-cash charges, write-downs or items reducing Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-cash charge, write-down or item to the extent it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges expected to be |
- 9 -
paid in any future period) or other items classified by the Parent as special, extraordinary, exceptional, unusual or nonrecurring items less other non- cash items of income increasing Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-cash item of income to the extent it represents a receipt of cash expected to be paid in any future period);
(8) | the proceeds of any business interruption insurance received or that become receivable during such period to the extent the associated losses arising out of the event that resulted in the payment of such business interruption insurance proceeds were included in computing Consolidated Net Income; |
(9) | payments received or that become receivable with respect to, expenses that are covered by the indemnification provisions in any agreement entered into by such Person in connection with an acquisition to the extent such expenses were included in computing Consolidated Net Income; |
(10) | any Securitization Fees and discounts on the sale of accounts receivables in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing representing, in the Parent’s reasonable determination, the implied interest component of such discount for such period, and any gains (or losses) on the sale of accounts receivables, Securitization Assets and related assets in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; |
(11) | any extraordinary, one-off, non-recurring, exceptional or unusual gain, loss, expense or charge, including any charges or reserves in respect of any restructuring, redundancy, relocation, refinancing, integration or severance or other post-employment arrangements, signing, retention or completion bonuses, transaction costs (including costs related to any investments), acquisition costs, business optimization, system establishment, software or information technology implementation or development, costs related to governmental investigations and curtailments or modifications to pension or post-retirement benefits schemes, litigation or any asset impairment charges or the financial impacts of natural disasters (including fire, flood and storm and related events); and |
(12) | any one-time non-cash charges or any amortization or depreciation, in each case to the extent related to any acquisition of another Person or business or resulting from any reorganization or restructuring or Incurrence of Indebtedness involving the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries. |
Unless otherwise specified, Consolidated EBITDA shall be determined on a pro forma basis, including the pro forma application of proceeds of Indebtedness being Incurred in connection with such determination, as per the most recent four fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available immediately preceding such determination.
- 10 -
“Consolidated Income Taxes” means taxes or other payments, including deferred Taxes, based on income, profits or capital of any of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries whether or not paid, estimated, accrued or required to be remitted to any governmental authority.
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period (in each case, determined on the basis of IFRS), the consolidated net interest income/expense of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries under IFRS, whether paid or accrued, plus or including (without duplication) any interest, costs and charges consisting of:
(1) | interest expense attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations; |
(2) | amortization of original issue discount but excluding amortization of debt issuance costs, fees and expenses and the expensing of any finance costs; |
(3) | non-cash interest expense; |
(4) | costs associated with Hedging Obligations (excluding amortization of fees or any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in mark-to- market valuation of such obligations); |
(5) | the product of (a) all dividends or other distributions in respect of all Disqualified Stock of the Parent and all Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, to the extent held by Persons other than the Parent or a subsidiary of the Parent, multiplied by (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined national, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, as estimated in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of the Parent; |
(6) | the consolidated interest expense that was capitalized during such period; and |
(7) | interest actually paid by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Guarantee of Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, |
minus (i) accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities other than Indebtedness, (ii) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition, (iii) interest with respect to Indebtedness of any Holding Company of such Person appearing upon the balance sheet of such Person solely by reason of push-down accounting under IFRS and (iv) any Additional Amounts with respect to the Notes included in interest expense under IFRS or other similar tax gross up on any Indebtedness included in interest expense under IFRS; and excluding amortization of debt discount, premium, issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, any commissions, discounts, yield or other fees and charges related to any Qualified Securitization Financing or other factoring, receivables or securitization financings that are non-recourse to the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries.
- 11 -
“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis on the basis of IFRS; provided, however, that there will not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:
(1) | subject to the limitations contained in clause (3) below, any net income (loss) of any Person if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that the Parent’s equity in the net income of any such Person for such period will be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash or Cash Equivalents actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution or return on investment or could have been distributed, as reasonably determined by an Officer (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution or return on investment to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (2) below); |
(2) | [Reserved]; |
(3) | any net gain (or loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset or disposed operations of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any sale/leaseback transaction) which is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by an Officer or the Board of Directors of the Parent); |
(4) | [Reserved]; |
(5) | the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; |
(6) | any non-cash compensation charge or expense arising from any grant of stock, stock options or other equity based awards, any non-cash deemed finance charges in respect of any pension liabilities or other provisions, any non-cash net after tax gains or losses attributable to the termination or modification of any employee pension benefit plan and any charge or expense relating to any payment made to holders of equity based securities or rights in respect of any dividend sharing provisions of such securities or rights to the extent such payment was made pursuant to Section 4.02; |
(7) | all deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid or other expenses incurred directly in connection with any early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations and any net gain (loss) from any write-off or forgiveness of Indebtedness; |
(8) | any unrealized gains or losses in respect of Hedging Obligations or other financial instruments or any ineffectiveness recognized in earnings related to qualifying hedge transactions or the fair value or changes therein recognized in earnings for derivatives that do not qualify as hedge transactions, in each case, in respect of Hedging Obligations; |
- 12 -
(9) | any unrealized foreign currency transaction gains or losses in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of such Person and any unrealized foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from re- measuring assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies; |
(10) | any unrealized foreign currency translation or transaction gains or losses in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
(11) | any one-time non-cash charges or any amortization or depreciation, in each case to the extent related to any acquisition of another Person or business; and |
(12) | any goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charge or write-off or write-down. |
“Consolidated Net Leverage” means the aggregate outstanding Indebtedness of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding Hedging Obligations) as of the relevant date of calculation minus cash and cash equivalents at such date, in each case on a consolidated basis and in accordance with IFRS.
“Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (x) Consolidated Net Leverage at such date to (y) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such determination for which internal consolidated financial statements of the Parent are available.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio:
(1) | acquisitions and Investments (each, a “Purchase”) that have been made by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or any Person or any of its Subsidiaries which are Restricted Subsidiaries acquired by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and including all related financing transactions and including increases in ownership of Subsidiaries which are Restricted Subsidiaries, during the reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the date on which the calculation of the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), or that are to be made on the Calculation Date, will be given pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of the Parent) as if they had occurred on the first day of the reference period; provided that if definitive documentation has been entered into with respect to a Purchase that is part of the transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, Consolidated EBITDA for such period will be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such Purchase as if such Purchase had occurred on the first day of such period, even if the Purchase has not yet been consummated as of the date of determination; |
- 13 -
(2) | the Consolidated EBITDA (whether positive or negative) attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations, businesses or group of assets constituting a business or operating unit (and ownership interests therein) disposed of during the reference period or subsequent to such reference period and prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded on a pro forma basis as if such disposition occurred on the first day of such period; |
(3) | the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations, businesses or group of assets constituting a business or operating unit (and ownership interests therein) disposed of during the reference period or subsequent to such reference period and prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded on a pro forma basis as if such disposition occurred on the first day of such period, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Consolidated Interest Expense will not be obligations of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date; |
(4) | any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such reference period; |
(5) | any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such reference period; and |
(6) | if any Indebtedness is not denominated in the Parent’s functional currency, that Indebtedness for purposes of the calculation of Consolidated Net Leverage shall be treated in accordance with IFRS. |
For the purposes of the definitions of Consolidated EBITDA, Consolidated Income Taxes, Consolidated Interest Expense and Consolidated Net Income, calculations will be determined in accordance with the terms set forth above.
“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, as of any date of determination, the total amount of assets of the Parent on a consolidated basis (including deferred pension cost and deferred tax assets (without reducing such deferred tax assets by deferred tax liabilities), and less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items), after deducting therefrom:
(1) | all current liabilities (excluding any Indebtedness or obligations under capital leases classified as a current liability); and |
(2) | all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and financing costs and all similar intangible assets, |
all as set forth in the Parent’s most recent consolidated balance sheet internally available (but, in any event, as of a date within 150 days of the date of determination) and computed in accordance with IFRS.
- 14 -
“Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, any operating lease, dividend or other obligation that does not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”), including any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(1) | to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor; |
(2) | to advance or supply funds: |
(A) | for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or |
(B) | to maintain the working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or |
(3) | to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof. |
“Credit Facility” means, with respect to the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, arrangements, instruments or indentures (including any ABL Facility or commercial paper facilities and overdraft facilities) with banks, institutions or investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such institutions or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such institutions against such receivables), notes, letters of credit or other Indebtedness, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured, refinanced, repaid, increased or extended in whole or in part from time to time (and whether in whole or in part and whether or not with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or other banks, institutions or investors and whether provided under any ABL Facility or one or more other credit or other agreements, indentures, financing agreements or otherwise) and in each case including all agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with the foregoing (including any notes and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any Guarantee and collateral agreement, patent and trademark security agreement, mortgages or letter of credit applications and other Guarantees, pledges, agreements, security agreements and collateral documents). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the term “Credit Facility” shall include any agreement or instrument (1) changing the maturity of any Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or contemplated thereby, (2) adding Subsidiaries of the Parent as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder, (3) increasing the amount of Indebtedness Incurred thereunder or available to be borrowed thereunder or (4) otherwise altering the terms and conditions thereof.
“Currency Agreement” means, in respect of a Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, currency futures contract, currency option contract, currency derivative or other similar agreement to which such Person is a party or beneficiary.
- 15 -
“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Designated Non-Cash Consideration” means the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) of non-cash consideration received by the Parent or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Disposition that is so designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash, Cash Equivalents or Temporary Cash Investments received in connection with a subsequent payment, redemption, retirement, sale or other disposition of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration. A particular item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration will no longer be considered to be outstanding when and to the extent it has been paid, redeemed or otherwise retired or sold or otherwise disposed of in compliance with Section 4.05.
“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the date that is 90 days after the earlier of (a) the Stated Maturity of the Notes or (b) the date on which there are no Notes outstanding. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require the issuer thereof to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the issuer thereof may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.02. For purposes hereof, the amount of Disqualified Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Stock, such fair market value to be determined as set forth herein. Only the portion of Capital Stock which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date will be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.
“Dollar Equivalent” means, with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time of determination thereof by the Parent, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such currency other than U.S. dollars involved in such computation into U.S. dollars at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable currency other than U.S. dollars as published in The Financial Times in the “Currency Rates” section (or, if The Financial Times is no longer published, or if such information is no longer available in The Financial Times, such source as may be selected in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) on the date of such determination.
“EBITDA” for a Person for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters ending prior to the relevant date of measurement for which internal consolidated financial statements are
- 16 -
available, means, without duplication earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, calculated on a basis consistent with Consolidated EBITDA.
“Equity Offering” means (x) a sale of Capital Stock of a Parent Holdco, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Disqualified Stock and other than offerings registered on Form S-8 (or any successor form) under the Securities Act or any similar offering in other jurisdictions and other than offerings to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary), or (y) the sale of Capital Stock or other securities by any Person (other than to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary), the proceeds of which are contributed to the equity (other than through the issuance of Disqualified Stock) of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Escrowed Proceeds” means the proceeds from the offering of any debt securities or other Indebtedness paid into escrow accounts with an independent escrow agent on the date of the applicable offering or Incurrence pursuant to escrow arrangements that permit the release of amounts on deposit in such escrow accounts upon satisfaction of certain conditions or the occurrence of certain events. The term “Escrowed Proceeds” shall include any interest earned on the amounts held in escrow.
“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.
“European Union” means all members of the European Union as of January 1, 2021.
“Excess ABL Debt” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Excess Junior Note Debt” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Excess Senior Note Debt” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Existing A/R Facility” means the facilities available under two Factoring Agreements dated as of October 2, 2020 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among, inter alios, Ferropem SAS, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A, and La Banque Postale Leasing & Factoring.
“Existing Notes” means the $350.0 million aggregate principal amount 93/8% Senior Notes due 2022, issued on February 15, 2017.
“fair market value” wherever such term is used in this Indenture (except as otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture), may be conclusively established by means of an Officer’s Certificate or a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Parent setting out such fair market value as determined by such Officer or such Board of Directors in good faith.
- 17 -
“Fairness Opinion” means a written opinion of an accounting, appraisal, or investment banking firm of international standing, or other recognized independent expert with experience appraising the terms and conditions of the type of transaction or series of related transactions for which an opinion is required, stating that such transaction or series of related transactions is on terms not less favorable than might have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate.
“Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization.
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (x) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for the period of the four most recent fiscal quarters prior to the date of such determination for which internal consolidated financial statements are available to (y) the Fixed Charges of such Person for such four fiscal quarters.
In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases, redeems, defeases, retires, extinguishes or otherwise discharges any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness Incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the four-quarter period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of such Person) to such Incurrence, assumption, guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance, retirement, extinguishment or other discharge of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided, however, that the pro forma calculation of Fixed Charges shall not give effect to (i) any Indebtedness Incurred on the Calculation Date pursuant to the provisions described in Section 4.01(b) or (ii) the discharge on the Calculation Date of any Indebtedness to the extent that such discharge results from the proceeds of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to the provisions described in Section 4.01(b).
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) | Purchases that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or by any Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acquired by the specified Person or any of its Subsidiaries which are Restricted Subsidiaries, and including all related financing transactions and including increases in ownership of Restricted Subsidiaries, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date, or that are to be made on the Calculation Date, will be given pro forma effect (as determined in good faith by a responsible accounting or financial officer of such Person) as if they had occurred on |
- 18 -
the first day of the four-quarter reference period; provided that, if definitive documentation has been entered into with respect to a Purchase that is part of the transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, Consolidated EBITDA for such period will be calculated after giving pro forma effect to such Purchase as if such Purchase had occurred on the first day of such period, even if the Purchase has not yet been consummated as of the date of determination;
(2) | the Consolidated EBITDA attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded; |
(3) | the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with IFRS, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date; |
(4) | any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such four- quarter period; |
(5) | any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such four-quarter period; |
(6) | if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the Calculation Date in excess of 12 months, or, if shorter, at least equal to the remaining term of such Indebtedness); and |
(7) | Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Parent to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with IFRS. |
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) | the Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period; plus |
(2) | all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in cash, on or in respect of all Disqualified Stock of the Parent or any series of Preferred |
- 19 -
Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, other than dividends on equity interests payable to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary.
“Guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person, including any such obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:
(1) | to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or |
(2) | entered into primarily for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), |
provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” will not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Government Loan” means a loan granted by the government or any department, division, agency or any other instrumentality of a government.
“Government Obligations” means any security that is (1) a direct obligation of the United States government, for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States government is pledged or (2) an obligation of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States government the payment of which is unconditionally Guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States, which, in either case under the preceding clause (1) or (2), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.
“Guarantor” means any Person that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture from time to time, and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
“GVM” means Grupo Villar Mir S.A.U. and its successors or assigns.
“GVM Share Pledge” means any share pledge or charge or other similar security over the shares in the Parent held by GVM granted by GVM in support of or as collateral for its obligations under any GVM Loan from time to time.
“GVM Loan” means any financing provided by Tyrus to GVM or owing by GVM to Tyrus, from time to time.
- 20 -
“Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or Commodity Hedging Agreement.
“Holder” means each Person in whose name the Notes are registered on the Registrar’s books.
“Holding Company” means, in relation to any Person, any other Person in respect of which it is a Subsidiary.
“IFRS” means International Financial Reporting Standards (formerly International Accounting Standards) endorsed from time to time by the European Union or any variation thereof with which the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries are, or may be, required to comply. All ratios and calculations contained in this Indenture shall be computed in accordance with IFRS.
“Incur” means issue, create, assume, enter into any Guarantee of, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) will be deemed to be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and the terms “Incurred” and “Incurrence” have meanings correlative to the foregoing and any Indebtedness pursuant to any revolving credit or similar facility shall only be “Incurred” at the time any funds are borrowed thereunder.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):
(1) | the principal of indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money; |
(2) | the principal of obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; |
(3) | all reimbursement obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments (the amount of such obligations being equal at any time to the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such letters of credit or other instruments plus the aggregate amount of drawings thereunder that have been reimbursed) (except to the extent such reimbursement obligations relate to trade payables or other obligations not constituting Indebtedness and such obligations are satisfied within 30 days of Incurrence), in each case only to the extent that the underlying obligation in respect of which the instrument was issued would be treated as Indebtedness; |
(4) | the principal component of all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property (except trade payables), where the deferred payment is arranged primarily as a means of raising finance, which purchase price is due more than one year after the date of placing such property in service or taking final delivery and title thereto; |
- 21 -
(5) | Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; |
(6) | the principal component of all obligations, or liquidation preference, of such Person with respect to any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary, any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends); |
(7) | the principal component of all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (a) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Persons; |
(8) | Guarantees by such Person of the principal component of Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person; and |
(9) | to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, net obligations of such Person under Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and Commodity Hedging Agreements (the amount of any such obligations to be equal at any time to the termination value of such agreement or arrangement giving rise to such obligation that would be payable by such Person at such time). |
The term “Indebtedness” shall not include (i) any lease, concession or license of property (or Guarantee thereof) which would be considered an operating lease under IFRS as in effect on the Issue Date, (ii) prepayments of deposits received from clients or customers in the ordinary course of business, (iii) obligations under any license, permit or other approval (or Guarantees given in respect of such obligations) Incurred prior to the Issue Date or in the ordinary course of business, (iv) any asset retirement obligations, or (v) obligations under or in respect of Qualified Securitization Financings.
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any time in the case of a revolving credit or similar facility shall be the total amounts of funds borrowed and then outstanding. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be determined as set forth above or otherwise provided in this Indenture, and (other than with respect to letters of credit or Guarantees or Indebtedness specified in clause (7) or (8) above) shall equal the amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person (excluding any notes thereto) prepared on the basis of IFRS.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, in no event shall the following constitute Indebtedness:
(i)Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business and accrued liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not more than 90 days past due;
(ii)in connection with the purchase by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of any business, any post-closing payment adjustments to which the
- 22 -
seller may become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such payment depends on the performance of such business after the closing; provided, however, that, at the time of closing, the amount of any such payment is not determinable and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and determined, the amount is paid within 30 days thereafter;
(iii)for the avoidance of doubt, any obligations in respect of workers’ compensation claims, early retirement or termination obligations, pension fund obligations or contributions or similar claims, obligations or contributions or social security or wage Taxes;
(iv)any “parallel debt” obligations (including any Guarantees with respect thereof); or
(v)any Subordinated Shareholder Funding.
“Independent Financial Advisor” means an investment banking or accounting firm of international standing or any third party appraiser of international standing; provided, however, that such firm or appraiser is not an Affiliate of the Parent.
“Initial Notes Reduction Amount” means the aggregate principal amount of the Additional Notes issued on the Issue Date in excess of $20.0 million.
“Intercreditor Agreement” means the Intercreditor Agreement dated on or about the Issue Date, among, inter alios, the Trustee, the Security Agent, the Parent, the Issuer, and the Guarantors, as amended from time to time.
“Interest Rate Agreement” means, with respect to any Person, any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.
“Investment” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of any advance, loan or other extensions of credit (other than advances or extensions of credit to customers, suppliers, directors, officers or employees of any Person in the ordinary course of business, and excluding any debt or extension of credit represented by a bank deposit other than a time deposit) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or the Incurrence of a Guarantee of any obligation of, or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by, such other Persons and all other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet (excluding any notes thereto) prepared on the basis of IFRS; provided, however, that endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business will not be deemed to be an Investment. If the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary issues, sells or otherwise disposes of any Capital Stock of a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect thereto, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, any Investment by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person remaining after giving effect thereto will be deemed to be a new
- 23 -
Investment equal to the fair market value of the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.02(d).
The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced (at the Parent’s option) by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount or value received in respect of such Investment.
“Investment Grade Securities” means:
(1) | securities issued or directly and fully Guaranteed or insured by the United States or Canadian government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents); |
(2) | securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland or Norway or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents); |
(3) | debt securities or debt instruments with a rating of “BBB-” or higher from S&P or “Baa3” or higher by Moody’s or the equivalent of such rating by such rating organization or, if no rating of Moody’s or S&P then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any other Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Parent and its Subsidiaries; |
(4) | investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above which fund may also hold cash and Cash Equivalents pending investment or distribution; and |
(5) | any investment in repurchase obligations with respect to any securities of the type described in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above which are collateralized at par or over. |
“Investment Grade Status” shall occur when all of the Notes receive both of the following:
(1) | a rating of “BBB-” or higher from Fitch; and |
(2) | a rating of “Baa3” or higher from Moody’s, |
or the equivalent of such rating by either such rating organization or, if no rating of
Moody’s or Fitch then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any other Nationally Recognized Statistical Ratings Organization.
“Issue Date” means May 17, 2021.
“Issuer” means Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC.
- 24 -
“Junior Note Obligations” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).
“Limited Condition Acquisition” means any acquisition, including by way of merger, amalgamation or consolidation, by the Parent or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries the consummation of which is not conditioned upon the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party financing; provided that Consolidated EBITDA, other than for purposes of calculating any ratios in connection with the Limited Condition Acquisition and the related transactions, shall not include any Consolidated EBITDA of or attributable to the target company or assets involved in any such Limited Condition Acquisition unless and until the closing of such Limited Condition Acquisition shall have actually occurred.
“Lock-Up Agreement” means the lock-up agreement dated March 27, 2021 (as amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented, modified or replaced), between, among others, the Parent and the Original Consenting Noteholders (as defined therein), to facilitate the restructuring of the Parent and its subsidiaries.
“Management Advances” means loans or advances made to, or Guarantees with respect to loans or advances made to, directors, officers, employees or consultants of any Parent Holdco, the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary:
(1) | (a) in respect of travel, entertainment or moving related expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business or (b) for purposes of funding any such person’s purchase of Capital Stock of the Parent, its Subsidiaries or any Parent Holdco with (in the case of this sub-clause (b)) the approval of the Board of Directors; or |
(2) | in respect of moving related expenses incurred in connection with any closing or consolidation of any facility or office. |
“Material Company” means the Parent and any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets, sales or EBITDA on a standalone basis represents 5% of consolidated total assets, consolidated sales or Consolidated EBITDA (excluding intra-group items and investments in Subsidiaries) as of the relevant test date under Section 4.07(c).
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
“Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization” means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act.
“Net Available Cash” from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note
- 25 -
or installment receivable or otherwise and net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any securities received as consideration, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to the properties or assets that are the subject of such Asset Disposition or received in any other non-cash form) therefrom, in each case net of:
(1) | all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all Taxes paid or required to be paid or accrued as a liability under IFRS (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any Tax Sharing Agreements), as a consequence of such Asset Disposition; |
(2) | all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition; |
(3) | all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders (other than any Parent Holdco, the Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries) in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition; and |
(4) | the deduction of appropriate amounts required to be provided by the seller as a reserve, on the basis of IFRS, against any liabilities associated with the assets disposed of in such Asset Disposition and retained by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition. |
“Net Cash Proceeds”, with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, listing fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and charges actually Incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result of such issuance or sale (after taking into account any available tax credit or deductions and any Tax Sharing Agreements).
“Note Guarantee” means the Guarantee by any Guarantor of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes.
“Note Priority Collateral” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Notes Documents” means the Notes (including Additional Notes), this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreements.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, (1) any member of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary (a) of such Person or (b) if such Person is owned or
- 26 -
managed by a single entity, of such entity, or (2) any other individual designated as an “Officer” for the purposes of this Indenture by the Board of Directors of such Person. The obligations of an “Officer of the Parent” may be exercised by the Officer of any Restricted Subsidiary who has been delegated such authority by the Board of Directors of the Parent.
“Officer’s Certificate” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed by one Officer of such Person.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Parent or its Subsidiaries.
“Parent” means Ferroglobe PLC or any other Successor Company in accordance with this Indenture.
“Parent Holdco” means any Person of which the Parent at any time is or becomes a Subsidiary after the Issue Date and any holding companies established by any Permitted Holder for purposes of holding its investment in the Parent.
“Pari Passu Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor which does not constitute Subordinated Indebtedness.
“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Parent to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Note on behalf of the Parent, which shall include the Paying Agent.
“Permissible Jurisdiction” means any member state of the European Union (excluding Greece) and the United Kingdom.
“Permitted Collateral Liens” means:
(1) | Liens on the Collateral to secure the Reinstated Notes, including any Guarantee of such Reinstated Notes, and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that each of the parties thereto will have entered into the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or an Additional Intercreditor Agreement; |
(2) | Liens on the Collateral that are described in one or more of clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (15), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (24), (27), (28) and (29), of the definition of “Permitted Liens”; |
(3) | Liens on the Collateral to secure any Indebtedness (including any Additional Notes) that is permitted to be Incurred under (x) Section 4.01(a), and (y) Section 4.01(b)(xi) and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness); |
- 27 -
(4) | Liens on the Collateral to secure any Indebtedness that is permitted to be Incurred under clauses (i), (ii) (in the case of clause (ii), to the extent such Guarantee is in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be secured and specified in clause (3) and this clause (4) of the definition of “Permitted Collateral Liens”), (iv)(A), (vi), (vii) and (xiii) of Section 4.01(b) and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness); and |
(5) | any Lien securing Indebtedness (including any Guarantee thereof) on a basis junior to the Notes, |
provided, however, in the case of clauses (3), (4) and (5) above, that:
(A) | any such Indebtedness is subject to the Intercreditor Agreement or to an Additional Intercreditor Agreement and, if incurred under any ABL Facility, is subject to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or to an Additional Intercreditor Agreement with respect to such ABL Facility; and |
(B) | the Collateral securing such Indebtedness shall also secure the Notes or the Note Guarantees on a senior or pari passu basis; provided that (I) Indebtedness that is Incurred under clauses (i) (to the extent such Indebtedness does not constitute an ABL Facility) and (iv)(A) (and any refinancing and subsequent refinancings thereof covered under (iv)(D)) of Section 4.01(b) may receive priority with respect to distributions of proceeds of any enforcement of Collateral, in which case such Indebtedness shall constitute “Super Senior Liabilities” under the Intercreditor Agreement and (II) Indebtedness incurred under Section 4.01(b)(i) (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes an ABL Facility) shall constitute “ABL Obligations” under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. |
For purposes of determining compliance with this definition, in the event that a Permitted Collateral Lien meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Permitted Collateral Liens described above, the Issuer will be permitted to classify such Permitted Collateral Lien on the date of its Incurrence and reclassify such Permitted Collateral Lien at any time and in any manner that complies with this definition.
“Permitted Holders” means, collectively, (i) Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U., (ii) members of the senior management team of the Parent as of the Issue Date, (iii) Alan Kestenbaum and (iv) any Related Person of any Persons specified in clause (i) to (iii). Any person or group whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture will thereafter, together with its Affiliates, constitute an additional Permitted Holder.
“Permitted Investment” means (in each case, by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries):
(1) | Investments in (a) a Restricted Subsidiary (including the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary) or the Parent or (b) a Person that is engaged in any |
- 28 -
Similar Business (including the Capital Stock of any such Person) and such Person will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate of Investments in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors made pursuant to this clause (1) and clause (2) of this definition by the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any one time;
(2) | Investments in another Person if such Person is engaged in any Similar Business and as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate of Investments in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors made pursuant to this clause (2) and clause (1) of this definition by the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any one time; |
(3) | Investments in cash, Cash Equivalents, Temporary Cash Investments or Investment Grade Securities; |
(4) | Investments in receivables owing to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary created or acquired in the ordinary course of business; |
(5) | Investments in payroll, travel, relocation, entertainment and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business; |
(6) | Management Advances and any advances or loans not to exceed $10.0 million at any one time outstanding to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit or incentive plan or unit trust or the trustees of any such plan or trust to pay for the purchase or other acquisition for value of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent or a Parent Holdco; |
(7) | Investments in Capital Stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, or as a result of foreclosure, perfection or enforcement of any Lien, or in satisfaction of judgments or pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement including upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of a debtor; |
(8) | Investments made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from a sale or other disposition of property or assets, including an Asset Disposition, in each case, that was made in compliance with Section 4.05; |
(9) | Investments in existence on, or made pursuant to legally binding commitments in existence on, the Issue Date, and any extension, modification or renewal of any such Investment; provided that the amount |
- 29 -
of the Investment may be increased (a) as required by the terms of the Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or (b) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;
(10) | Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and related Hedging Obligations, which transactions or obligations are Incurred in compliance with Section 4.01; |
(11) | [Reserved]; |
(12) | pledges or deposits with respect to leases or utilities provided to third parties in the ordinary course of business or Liens otherwise described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or made in connection with Liens permitted under Section 4.03; |
(13) | any Investment to the extent made using Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock), or Capital Stock of any Parent Holdco as consideration; |
(14) | any transaction to the extent constituting an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with Section 4.06(b) (except those described in clauses (b)(i), (b)(iii), (b)(viii), (b)(ix) and (b)(xii) of Section 4.06); |
(15) | Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries not prohibited by Section 4.01 and (other than with respect to Indebtedness) guarantees, keepwells and similar arrangements in the ordinary course of business; |
(16) | [Reserved]; |
(17) | Investments in loans under any ABL Facility, the Existing Notes (including any related additional notes), the Reinstated Notes (including any related additional notes), the Notes and any Additional Notes; |
(18) | Investments acquired after the Issue Date as a result of the acquisition by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of another Person, including by way of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 5.01 to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation; |
(19) | Investments in licenses, concessions, authorizations, franchises, permits or similar arrangements that are related to the Parent’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s business; and |
- 30 -
(20) | Investments made in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing, including Investments in funds held in accounts required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Securitization Financing or any related Indebtedness. |
“Permitted Joint Venture” means any entity formed for purposes of implementing the joint venture agreement, dated as of December 20, 2016, among Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U., Silicio FerroSolar, S.L.U., FerroAtlántica, S.A., Blue Power Corporation, S.L. and Aurinka Photovoltaic Group, S.L., as the same may be amended, extended or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) | Liens on assets or property of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor securing Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor; |
(2) | pledges, deposits or Liens under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws, social security laws or similar legislation, or insurance related obligations (including pledges or deposits securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements), or in connection with bids, tenders, completion guarantees, contracts (other than for borrowed money) or leases, or to secure utilities, licenses, public or statutory obligations, or to secure surety, indemnity, judgment, appeal or performance bonds, guarantees of government contracts (or other similar bonds, instruments or obligations), or as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, or other obligations of like nature, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business; |
(3) | Liens imposed by law, including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, landlords’, materialmens’ and repairmen’s or other similar Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 60 days or that are bonded or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; |
(4) | Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet delinquent or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; provided that appropriate reserves required pursuant to IFRS have been made in respect thereof; |
(5) | Liens in favor of issuers of surety, performance or other bonds, guarantees or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances or similar arrangements (not issued to support Indebtedness for borrowed money) issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of its business; |
(6) | encumbrances, ground leases, easements (including reciprocal easement agreements), survey exceptions, or reservations of, or rights of others for, |
- 31 -
licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries or to the ownership of its properties which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(7) | Liens on assets or property of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary securing Hedging Obligations permitted under this Indenture relating to Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture and which is secured by a Lien on the same assets or property that secure such Indebtedness; |
(8) | leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including real property and intellectual property rights), in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business; |
(9) | Liens arising out of judgments, decrees, orders or awards not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment, decree, order or award have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired; |
(10) | Liens on assets or property of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of securing Capitalized Lease Obligations or Purchase Money Obligations, or securing the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of, or securing other Indebtedness Incurred to finance or refinance the acquisition, improvement or construction of, assets or property acquired or constructed in the ordinary course of business; provided that (a) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.01(b)(vii) and (b) any such Lien may not extend to any assets or property of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary other than assets or property acquired, improved, constructed or leased with the proceeds of such Indebtedness and any improvements or accessions to such assets and property; |
(11) | Liens arising by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies (including any Liens or right of set-off arising under the general banking conditions (algemene bankvoorwaarden) in respect of costs incurred in relation to administering the respective bank accounts) as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depositary or financial institution; |
(12) | Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings (or similar filings in other applicable jurisdictions) regarding operating |
- 32 -
leases entered into by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(13) | Liens existing on, or provided for or required to be granted under written agreements existing on, the Issue Date; |
(14) | [Reserved]; |
(15) | (i) Liens on assets or property of the Issuer or any Guarantor securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or such Guarantor owing to the Issuer or any Guarantor, or (ii) Liens in favor of the Issuer or any Guarantor; |
(16) | Liens (other than Permitted Collateral Liens) securing Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refinance Indebtedness that was previously so secured, and permitted to be secured under this Indenture; provided that any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is or could be the security for or subject to a Permitted Lien hereunder; |
(17) | any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease Obligation or operating lease; |
(18) | (a) mortgages, liens, security interest, restrictions, encumbrances or any other matters of record that have been placed by any government, statutory or regulatory authority, developer, landlord or other third party on property over which the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary has easement rights or on any leased property and subordination or similar arrangements relating thereto and (b) any condemnation or eminent domain proceedings affecting any real property; |
(19) | any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of, or assets owned by, any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement; |
(20) | Liens on property or assets under construction (and related rights) in favor of a contractor or developer or arising from progress or partial payments by a third party relating to such property or assets; |
(21) | Liens arising under general business conditions in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation the general business conditions of any bank or financial institution with whom the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries maintains a banking relationship in the ordinary course of business (including arising by reason of any treasury or cash |
- 33 -
management, cash pooling, netting or set-off arrangement or other trading activities);
(22) | Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, hire purchase, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business; |
(23) | [Reserved]; |
(24) | any security granted over the marketable securities portfolio described in clause (9) of the definition of “Cash Equivalents” in connection with the disposal thereof to a third party; |
(25) | (a) Liens created for the benefit of or to secure, directly or indirectly, the Notes and the Note Guarantees, and the Reinstated Notes and the guarantees of the Reinstated Notes as of the Transaction Effective Date, (b) Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.01(b)(i) (other than an ABL Facility); provided that (i) any Government Loan incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(i) prior to the Transaction Effective Date shall be unsecured, and (ii) any Qualified Securitization Financing (other than an ABL Facility) incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(i) shall not be secured by the Collateral and (c) Liens in respect of property and assets securing Indebtedness if the recovery in respect of such Liens is subject to loss- sharing or sharing of recoveries as among the Holders of the Notes and the creditors of such Indebtedness; |
(26) | [Reserved]; |
(27) | Liens on (a) Escrowed Proceeds for the benefit of the related holders of debt securities or other Indebtedness (or the underwriters or arrangers thereof) or |
(b) on cash set aside at the time of the Incurrence of any Indebtedness or government securities purchased with such cash, in either case to the extent such cash or government securities prefund the payment of interest on such Indebtedness and are held in escrow accounts or similar arrangement to be applied for such purpose;
(28) | limited recourse Liens in respect of the ownership interests in, or assets owned by the Permitted Joint Venture and any joint ventures which are not Restricted Subsidiaries securing obligations of such joint ventures; and |
(29) | Liens on Securitization Assets and related assets incurred in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing. |
“Person” means any individual, corporation, other body corporate, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
- 34 -
“Preferred Stock”, as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
“Public Debt” means any Indebtedness consisting of bonds, debentures, notes or other similar debt securities issued in (1) a public offering registered under the Securities Act or
(2)a private placement to institutional investors that is underwritten for resale in accordance with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, whether or not it includes registration rights entitling the holders of such debt securities to registration thereof with the SEC for public resale.
“Purchase Money Obligations” means any Indebtedness Incurred to finance or refinance the acquisition, leasing, construction or improvement of property (real or personal) or assets (including Capital Stock), and whether acquired through the direct acquisition of such property or assets or the acquisition of the Capital Stock of any Person owning such property or assets, or otherwise.
“Qualified Securitization Financing” means any financing pursuant to which the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to any other Person or grant a security interest in any accounts receivable (and related assets) in an aggregate principal amount equivalent to the fair market value of such accounts receivable (and related assets) of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (a) the financing terms, covenants, events of default and other provisions applicable to such financing shall be in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries and all sales of accounts receivable (and related assets) are made on market terms (each as determined in good faith by the board of directors or a member of senior management of the Parent) at the time such financing is entered into and (b) such financing shall be non-recourse to the Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries, except to the extent of any Securitization Repurchase Obligation or to the limited extent customary for such transactions.
“refinance” means refinance, refund, replace, renew, repay, modify, restate, defer, substitute, supplement, reissue, resell, extend or increase (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) and the terms “refinances”, “refinanced” and “refinancing” as used for any purpose in this Indenture shall have a correlative meaning.
“Refinancing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that is Incurred to refund, refinance, replace, exchange, renew, repay or extend (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) any Indebtedness existing on the date of this Indenture or Incurred in compliance with this Indenture (including Indebtedness of the Issuer that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) including Indebtedness that refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that:
(1) | if the Indebtedness being refinanced constitutes Subordinated Indebtedness, the Refinancing Indebtedness has a final stated maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is the same as or later than the |
- 35 -
final stated maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced or, if shorter, the Notes;
(2) | such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the sum of the aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Indebtedness being refinanced (plus, without duplication, any additional Indebtedness Incurred to pay interest or premiums required by the instruments governing such existing Indebtedness and costs, expenses and fees Incurred in connection therewith); |
(3) | if the Indebtedness being refinanced is expressly subordinated to the Notes and the Reinstated Notes, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes and the Reinstated Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, |
provided, however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not the Issuer or a Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Guarantor.
“Reinstated Notes” means the senior secured notes issued in connection with an Exchange Offer and Covenant Strip or a Scheme (each as defined in the Lock-Up Agreement).
“Related Fund” means:
(a)in relation to a fund (the “First Fund”), a fund which is managed or advised by the same investment manager or advisor as the First Fund or, if it is managed by a different investment manager or adviser, a fund whose investment manager or advisor is an Affiliate of the investment manager or advisor of the First Fund;
(b)in relation to any other person, any fund in respect of which such person or an Affiliate of such person is investment manager or investment adviser; and
(c)any Affiliate of any fund described in sub-paragraphs (a) or (b) above.
“Related Person” with respect to any Permitted Holder, means:
(1) | any controlling equity holder, majority (or more) owned Subsidiary or partner or member of such Person; or |
(2) | in the case of an individual, any spouse, family member or relative of such individual, any trust or partnership for the benefit of one or more of such individual and any such spouse, family member or relative, or the estate, executor, administrator, committee or beneficiaries of any thereof; or |
- 36 -
(3) | any trust, corporation, other body corporate, partnership or other Person for which one or more of the Permitted Holders and other Related Persons of any thereof constitute the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners or owners thereof, or Persons beneficially holding in the aggregate a majority (or more) controlling interest therein; or |
(4) | any investment fund or vehicle managed, sponsored or advised by such Person or any successor thereto, or by any Affiliate of such Person or any such successor. |
“Related Taxes” means:
any Taxes, including sales, use, transfer, rental, ad valorem, value added, stamp, property, consumption, franchise, license, capital, registration, business, customs, net worth, gross receipts, excise, occupancy, intangibles or similar Taxes (other than (x) Taxes measured by income and (y) withholding imposed on payments made by any Parent Holdco), required to be paid (provided such Taxes are in fact paid) by any Parent Holdco by virtue of its:
(i) | being incorporated or otherwise being established or having Capital Stock outstanding (but not by virtue of owning stock or other equity interests of any corporation or other entity other than, directly or indirectly, the Parent or any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries); |
(ii) | being a holding company parent, directly or indirectly, of the Parent or any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries; |
(iii) | receiving dividends from or other distributions in respect of the Capital Stock of, directly or indirectly, the Parent or any of the Parent’s Subsidiaries; or |
(iv) | having made any payment with respect to any of the items for which the Parent is permitted to make payments to any Parent Holdco pursuant to Section 4.02. |
“Replacement Assets” means non-current properties and assets that replace the properties and assets that were the subject of an Asset Disposition or non-current properties and assets that will be used in the Parent’s business or in that of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any and all businesses that in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors or any Officer of the Parent are reasonably related, in each case subject to the provisions of Section 11.05(a)(3).
“Representative” means any trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Indebtedness or the provider of Indebtedness (if provided on a bilateral basis), as the case may be.
“Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the applicable corporate trust services department of the Trustee, including any director, assistant director, trust manager, deputy trust manager, assistant trust manager, senior trust officer,
- 37 -
trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Restricted Investment” means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Person” means any Person that: (a) is listed on the United States Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List; the European Union Consolidated List of Persons, Groups and Entities subject to EU Financial Sanctions; or the United Kingdom Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets (each a “Sanctions List”); (b) is owned or controlled by a Person identified on a Sanctions List, to the extent that such ownership or control results in such Person being subject to the same restrictions as if such person were themselves identified on the corresponding Sanctions List; (c) is located in or incorporated under the laws of a country or territory that is the target of comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United States, which for the purposes of this Indenture, as of the Issue Date are Iran, Syria, Cuba, the Crimea Region, and North Korea; (d) has, within the last five years, been prosecuted by a relevant authority in the United States, the United Kingdom or any member state of the European Union, in relation to a breach of securities laws (in so far as such prosecution relates to insider dealing, unlawful disclosure, market manipulation or prospectus liability) or criminal laws relating to fraud or anti- corruption, except for instances where the prosecution has concluded and did not result in any criminal or civil settlement or penalty being imposed in relation to such breaches; or (e) is a Subsidiary of a person described in (d) above.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Parent.
“ROFO Condition” means, in connection with the Incurrence of Indebtedness under Section 4.01(b)(xi), (I) the Issuer, the Parent or any of its other Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, shall have issued a written offer setting forth the material terms of such Indebtedness in good faith to the Holders to provide such Indebtedness on a pro rata basis (calculated based on the percentage such Holder’s aggregate principal amount of Notes represents to the aggregate principal amount of all Notes then outstanding); (II) the Holders shall have been given five Business Days to accept such written offer in a legally binding acceptance letter and (III) to the extent such Holders fail to deliver one or more legally binding acceptance letters evidencing subscriptions for the full amount of Indebtedness permitted under Section 4.01(b)(xi) in accordance with clause (II) of this definition, such Issuer, Parent or Restricted Subsidiary has offered or will offer such Indebtedness for subscription by any other Person on terms no less favorable than the terms offered to Holders pursuant to clause (I) of this definition.
“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings (formerly Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services) or any of its successors or assigns that is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.
“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
- 38 -
“Securitization Assets” means any accounts receivable that are or will be subject to a Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Fees” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other commissions, discounts, charges or fees paid to a Person that is not the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Repurchase Obligation” means any obligation of a seller of Securitization Assets in a Qualified Securitization Financing to repurchase Securitization Assets arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a receivable or a portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off- set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.
“Security Agent” means GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, as security agent pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, or any successor or replacement security agent acting in such capacity.
“Security Documents” means each collateral pledge agreement or other document under which Collateral is pledged to secure the Notes.
“Senior Note Obligations” has the meaning given to it under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that meets any of the following conditions:
(1) | the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ investments in and advances to the Restricted Subsidiary exceed 10% of the total assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; |
(2) | the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the total assets (after intercompany eliminations) of the Restricted Subsidiary exceeds 10% of the total assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year; or |
(3) | the Parent’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Restricted Subsidiary exceeds 10% of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed fiscal year. |
“Similar Business” means (a) any businesses, services or activities engaged in by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any Associates on the Issue Date and (b) any businesses, services and activities that are related, complementary, incidental, ancillary or similar to any of the foregoing or are extensions or developments of any thereof.
- 39 -
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision, but shall not include any Contingent Obligations, including those described Section 4.14 and Section 4.05, to repay, redeem or repurchase any such principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to any person, except for the Existing Notes, Government Loans and an ABL Facility,
(1)any Indebtedness (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and any Note Guarantee and the Reinstated Notes and the guarantees of the Reinstated Notes pursuant to a written agreement;
(2)for purposes of Section 4.02, any Indebtedness for borrowed money that is secured solely by a Lien that ranks junior to any Liens securing the Notes and the Note Guarantees and the Reinstated Notes and the guarantees of the Reinstated Notes; and
(3) | for purposes of Section 4.02, any unsecured Indebtedness for borrowed money. |
“Subordinated Shareholder Funding” means, any indebtedness that satisfies all of the following conditions: (1) it is provided by a shareholder of the Parent to the Parent (and not to any Restricted Subsidiary), (2) it is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes by being designated as “Subordinated Liabilities” under the Intercreditor Agreement, (3) it is unsecured and does not benefit from any guarantees from the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (4) it does not accrue interest payable in cash and (5) it provides that no repayment of principal may be made in cash until at least six months after the final maturity date of the Notes.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) | any corporation, other body corporate, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or |
(2) | any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which: |
(i) | more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of |
- 40 -
membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise; and
(ii) | such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity. |
“Successor Parent” with respect to any Person means any other Person with more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of which is, at the time the first Person becomes a Subsidiary of such other Person, “beneficially owned” (as defined below) by one or more Persons that “beneficially owned” (as defined below) more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the first Person immediately prior to the first Person becoming a Subsidiary of such other Person. For purposes hereof, “beneficially own” has the meaning correlative to the term “beneficial owner”, as such term is defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (as in effect on the Issue Date).
“Tax Sharing Agreement” means any tax sharing or profit and loss pooling or similar agreement with customary or arm’s-length terms entered into with any Parent Holdco or its Subsidiary, as the same may be amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and of this Indenture.
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, duties and withholdings and any similar charges in the nature of a tax (including interest and penalties with respect thereto) that are imposed by any government or other taxing authority.
“Temporary Cash Investments” means any of the following:
(1) | any investment in: |
(a) | direct obligations of, or obligations Guaranteed by, (i) the United States of America or Canada, (ii) a Permissible Jurisdiction, (iii) Switzerland or Norway, (iv) any country in whose currency funds are being held specifically pending application in the making of an investment or capital expenditure by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary in that country with such funds or (v) any agency or instrumentality of any such country or member state; or |
(b) | direct obligations of any country recognized by the United States of America rated at least “A” by S&P or “A-2” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization); |
(2) | overnight bank deposits, and investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and money market deposits (or, with respect to foreign banks, similar instruments) maturing not more than one year after the date of acquisition thereof issued by: |
- 41 -
(a) | any lender under an ABL Facility; |
(b) | any institution authorized to operate as a bank in any of the countries or member states referred to in sub-clause (1)(a) above; or |
(c) | any bank or trust company organized under the laws of any such country or member state or any political subdivision thereof, |
in each case, having capital and surplus aggregating in excess of $250 million (or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and whose long-term debt is rated at least “A” by S&P or “A-2” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) at the time such Investment is made;
(3) | repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (1) or (2) above entered into with a Person meeting the qualifications described in clause (2) above; |
(4) | Investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 270 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a Person (other than the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries), with a rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of “P-2” (or higher) according to Moody’s or “A-2” (or higher) according to S&P (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization); |
(5) | Investments in securities maturing not more than one year after the date of acquisition issued or fully Guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction or Switzerland, Norway or by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth, territory, country or member state, and rated at least “BBB-” by S&P or “Baa3” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization); |
(6) | bills of exchange issued in the United States, Canada, a Permissible Jurisdiction, Switzerland, Norway or Japan eligible for rediscount at the relevant central bank and accepted by a bank (or any dematerialized equivalent); |
(7) | any money market deposit accounts issued or offered by a commercial bank organized under the laws of a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, in each case, having capital and surplus in excess of $250 million (or the foreign currency equivalent |
- 42 -
thereof) or whose long term debt is rated at least “A” by S&P or “A2” by Moody’s (or, in either case, the equivalent of such rating by such organization or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization) at the time such Investment is made;
(8) | investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the type described in clauses (1) through (7) above (which funds may also hold reasonable amounts of cash pending investment or distribution); and |
(9) | investments in money market funds complying with the risk limiting conditions of Rule 2a-7 (or any successor rule) of the SEC under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. |
“Transaction” has the meaning given to it under the Lock-Up Agreement.
“Transaction Effective Date” has the meaning given to it under the Lock-Up Agreement.
“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
“Tyrus” means Tyrus Capital Event S.à r.l. and any of its Affiliates and/or Related Funds.
“Uniform Commercial Code” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code.
“United States” and “U.S.” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
“Voting Stock” of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors.
Section 1.02. Other Definitions.
Term | Defined in |
“Additional Amounts” | 4.13(a) |
“Additional Intercreditor Agreement” | 4.11(a) |
“Additional Notes” | Preamble |
“Affiliate Transaction” | 4.06(a) |
“Agent Members” | Exhibit A |
“Asset Disposition Offer” | 4.05(c) |
“Asset Disposition Offer Amount” | 4.05(g) |
“Asset Disposition Offer Period” | 4.05(g) |
“Asset Disposition Purchase Date” | 4.05(g) |
“Authenticating Agent” | 2.03 |
“Authentication Order” | 2.03 |
“Authorized Agent” | 12.08 |
- 43 -
“Calculation Date” | 1.01 |
“Change of Control Offer” | 4.14(b) |
“Change of Control Payment” | 4.14(b)(i) |
“Change of Control Payment Date” | 4.14(b)(ii) |
“Code” | 4.13(a)(ii) |
“Common Depositary” | Exhibit A |
“Controlling Shareholder” | 1.01 |
“covenant defeasance option” | 8.01(b) |
“cross acceleration provision” | 6.01(d)(ii) |
“defeasance trust” | 8.02(i) |
“Definitive Registered Note” | Exhibit A |
“Event of Default” | 6.01 |
“Excess Proceeds” | 4.05(c) |
“Excluded Amounts” | 4.02(b) |
“Global Notes” | Exhibit A |
“Global Notes Legend” | Exhibit A |
“Guarantor Coverage Test” | 4.07(a) |
“Initial Agreement” | 4.04(b)(iii) |
“Initial Default” | 6.02 |
“Initial Lien” | 4.03 |
“Initial Notes” | Preamble |
“judgment default provision” | 6.01(f) |
“legal defeasance option” | 8.01(b) |
“Notes” | Preamble |
“payment default” | 6.01(d)(i) |
“Payor” | 4.13(a) |
“Permitted Debt” | 4.01(b) |
“Permitted Payments” | 4.02(d) |
“protected purchaser” | 2.08 |
“QIB” | Exhibit A |
“Registrar” | 2.04(i) |
“Regulation S” | Exhibit A |
“Regulation S Global Notes” | Exhibit A |
“Regulation S Notes” | Exhibit A |
“Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction” | 4.13(a)(ii) |
“Restricted Global Notes” | Exhibit A |
“Restricted Notes Legend” | Exhibit A |
“Restricted Payment” | 4.02(a) |
“Reversion Date” | 4.10 |
“Rule 144A” | Exhibit A |
“Rule 144A Notes” | Exhibit A |
“Sanctions List” | 1.01 |
“Securities Act” | Exhibit A |
“Successor Company” | 5.01(a)(i) |
“Suspension Event” | 4.10 |
“Transfer Agent” | Preamble |
- 44 -
“Transfer Restricted Notes” | Exhibit A |
“Trustee” | Preamble |
“US GAAP” | 1.01 |
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:
(i) | a term has the meaning assigned to it; |
(ii) | an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with IFRS as of the Issue Date; |
(iii) | “or” is not exclusive; |
(iv) | “including” means including without limitation; |
(v)words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular; and
(vi)this Indenture is not qualified under, does not incorporate by reference and does not include, and is not subject to, any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act.
ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
Section 2.01. Issuable in Series.
(a)The Notes may be issued in one or more series. All Notes of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to denomination.
With respect to any Additional Notes issued after the Issue Date (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of, transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes pursuant to Section 2.08, Section 2.10, Section 2.11 or Section 3.06 or Exhibit A), there shall be (a) established in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer and (b) (i) set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer and (ii) established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of such Additional Notes:
(1)whether such Additional Notes shall be issued as part of a new or existing series of Notes and the title of such Additional Notes (which shall distinguish the Additional Notes of the series from Notes of any other series);
(2)the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of, transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Notes of the same series pursuant to Section 2.08, Section 2.10, Section 2.11 or Section 3.06 or Exhibit A and except for
- 45 -
Notes which, pursuant to Section 2.06, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);
(3)the issue price and issuance date of such Additional Notes, including the date from which interest on such Additional Notes shall accrue; and
(4)if applicable, that such Additional Notes shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Notes and, in such case, the Common Depositary or its nominees for such Global Notes, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by such Global Notes in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Exhibit A hereto and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 2.3 of Exhibit A in which any such Global Note may be exchanged in whole or in part for Additional Notes registered, or any transfer of such Global Note in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the Common Depositary or its nominees for such Global Note or a nominee thereof.
(b)If any of the terms of any Additional Notes are established by action taken pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by an Officer’s Certificate and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer or this Indenture supplemental hereto setting forth the terms of the Additional Notes.
(c)This Indenture is unlimited in aggregate principal amount. The Issuer may, subject to applicable law and this Indenture, issue an unlimited principal amount of Additional Notes; provided, that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes issued as of the date of this Indenture for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (following the inclusion of clause (b) of Section 7 of the relevant Global Note) pursuant to clause (b) of Section 7 of the relevant Global Note, the Additional Notes will be issued with separate ISIN or Common Code numbers from such series of Notes. The Notes and, if issued, any related Additional Notes will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase, except with respect to right of payment and optional redemption, as the relevant amendment, waiver, consent, modification or similar action affects the rights of the Holders of the different series of Notes dissimilarly or as otherwise provided for herein. For the purposes of calculating the aggregate principal amount of Notes that have consented to or voted in favor of any amendment, waiver, consent, modification or other similar action, the Issuer (acting reasonably and in good faith) shall be entitled to select a record date as of which the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of any Notes shall be calculated in such consent or voting process.
Section 2.02. Form and Dating. Provisions relating to the Notes are set forth in Exhibit A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The (a) Notes and the Trustee’s or the Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication (as the case may be) and (b) any related Additional Notes (if issued as Transfer Restricted Notes) and the Trustee’s or the Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication (as the case may be) shall each be substantially in the form included in Exhibit A-1, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. Any Additional Notes issued other than as Transfer Restricted Notes and the Trustee’s or the Authenticating Agent’s certificate of authentication (as the case may be) shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 (without the Restricted Notes Legend), which
- 46 -
is hereby incorporated in and expressly made part of this Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Issuer is subject, if any, or usage; provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Issuer, the Paying Agent and the Trustee. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without interest coupons and only in minimum denominations of $1.00 and whole multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
Section 2.03. Execution and Authentication. An Officer of the Issuer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent (as the case may be) authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.
A Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent (as the case may be) manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Note. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Note shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Issuer, the Issuer shall deliver such Note to the Trustee for cancellation as provided for in Section 2.11.
The Trustee or the Authenticating Agent (as the case may be) shall authenticate and make available for delivery Notes as set forth in Exhibit A following receipt of an authentication order signed by an Officer of the Issuer directing the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent to authenticate such Notes (the “Authentication Order”).
The Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents (each, an “Authenticating Agent”) to authenticate the Notes. The term “Authenticating Agent” includes any successor of any Authenticating Agent appointed hereunder and any additional Authenticating Agent appointed hereunder. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, the Authenticating Agent may authenticate the Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. The Authenticating Agent has the same rights as any Registrar, Paying Agent or any other Agent to deal with the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer.
The Trustee or Authenticating Agent shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Notes under this Section 2.03 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee or Authenticating Agent in good faith shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee or Authenticating Agent to personal liability to existing Holders.
Section 2.04. Registrar and Paying Agent.
(i)The Issuer will maintain one or more Paying Agents for the Notes. The initial Paying Agent will be Global Loan Agency Services Limited (the
- 47 -
“Paying Agent”). The Issuer will also maintain one or more registrars (each, a “Registrar”) and a transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”). The initial Registrar and Transfer Agent will be GLAS Americas LLC. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations, the Registrar shall keep a register (the “Register”) reflecting ownership of the Notes outstanding from time to time and of their transfer and exchange. Global Loan Agency Services Limited, in its capacity as Paying Agent, and GLAS Americas LLC in its capacity as Registrar and Transfer Agent, hereby accept such appointment.
(ii)The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. Such agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee may act, or may arrange for appropriate parties to act, as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.06. The Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or Registrar in respect of the Notes.
(iii)The Issuer may change any Registrar, Paying Agent or Transfer Agent upon written notice to such Registrar, Paying Agent or Transfer Agent and to the Trustee, without prior notice to the Holders; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) acceptance of an appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuer and such successor Registrar, Paying Agent, or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall, to the extent that the Trustee determines that it is able and agrees to, serve as Registrar or Paying Agent or Transfer Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar, any Paying Agent or the Transfer Agent may resign by providing 30 days’ written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee. If a successor Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, resigns or is removed the retiring Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, may (after consulting with the Issuer) appoint a successor Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent, as applicable, at any time prior to the date on which a successor Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent takes office; provided that such appointment is reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer. If the successor Agent does not deliver its written acceptance within 30 days after the retiring Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Agent, the Issuer or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture may, at the expense of the Issuer, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Agent. In addition, for so long as Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, the Issuer will publish notice of any change of Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times). Such notice of the change in a Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent may also be published on the official website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in a daily newspaper,
- 48 -
to the extent and in the manner permitted by the rules of the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin.
Section 2.05. Paying Agent. No later than 11:00 a.m. London time on each Business Day prior to the due date of the principal of, interest and premium (if any) on any Note, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or if the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto) a sum in immediately available funds sufficient to pay such principal, interest and premium (if any) when so becoming due and, subject to receipt of such monies, the Paying Agent shall make payment on the Notes in accordance with this Indenture. The Paying Agent other than the Trustee, or an Affiliate of the Trustee, will hold for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuer in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Money held by a Paying Agent need not be segregated, except as required by law, and in no event shall any Paying Agent be liable for any money received by it hereunder. If the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee or such entity designated by the Trustee for this purpose and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section 2.05, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, the Paying Agent and the Trustee shall be held harmless and have no liability with respect to payments or disbursements to be made by the Paying Agent and Trustee (i) for which payment instructions are not made or that are not otherwise deposited by the respective times set forth in this Section 2.05, (ii) and until they have confirmed receipt of funds sufficient to make the relevant payment.
Section 2.06. Holder Lists. The Registrar shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders. Following the exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes for Definitive Registered Notes, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee, the Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent in writing at least five Business Days before each interest payment date, and at such other times as the Trustee may reasonably require, the names and addresses of Holders of such Definitive Registered Notes.
Neither the Trustee, the Agents nor any of their agents will have any responsibility or be liable for any aspect of the records in relation to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Section 2.07. Transfer and Exchange. The Notes shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of transfer and in compliance with Exhibit A. When a Note is presented to the Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, shall register the transfer as requested if its requirements therefor are met. When Notes are presented to the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met. To permit registration of transfers and
- 49 -
exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate Notes at the request of the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be. The Issuer, Registrar and Transfer Agent may require payment of a sum sufficient to pay all taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section 2.07. The Issuer is not required to register the transfer or exchange of any Notes (i) for a period of 15 days prior to any date fixed for the redemption of the Notes, (ii) for a period of 15 days immediately prior to the date fixed for selection of Notes to be redeemed in part (iii) for a period of 15 days prior to the record date with respect to any interest payment date, or (iv) which the Holder has tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase in connection with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Disposition Offer.
Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuer, the Trustee, each Agent, the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent and the Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and (subject to Section 2 of the Notes) interest, if any, on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Transfer Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
Any Holder of a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note, agree that transfers of beneficial interest in such Global Note may be effected only through a book-entry system maintained by (a) the Holder of such Global Note (or its agent) or (b) any Holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book-entry.
All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
Section 2.08. Replacement Notes. If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate a replacement Note, such that the Holder (a) notifies the Issuer or the Trustee within a reasonable time after such Holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar does not register a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuer or the Trustee prior to the Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the Uniform Commercial Code (a “protected purchaser”) and (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee. If required by the Trustee, each Agent or the Issuer, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, the Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent and the Registrar from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuer and the Trustee may charge the Holder for their expenses in replacing a Note including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel.
In the event any such mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in its discretion may pay such Note instead of issuing a new Note in replacement thereof.
- 50 -
Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Issuer.
The provisions of this Section 2.08 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Notes.
Section 2.09. Outstanding Notes. Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes authenticated by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent except for those canceled by either of them, those delivered to either of them for cancellation and those described in this Section 2.09 as not outstanding. In addition, the aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes equivalent to the Initial Notes Reduction Amount shall not be deemed to be outstanding upon issuance of Additional Notes in excess of $20.0 million, unless such amount of Initial Notes is not redeemed on the Business Day following the Transaction Effective Date in accordance with clause (b) of Section 7 of the relevant Global Note, in which case such amount of Initial Notes will be deemed to be outstanding on and from the day immediately succeeding such Business Day. Subject to Section 12.04, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuer receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
If the Paying Agent receives (or the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary is acting as Paying Agent and such Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust) in accordance with this Indenture, by 11:00 a.m. London time on each redemption date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal and interest and premium, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such amount to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.
Section 2.10. Temporary Notes. In the event that Definitive Registered Notes are to be issued under the terms of this Indenture, until such Definitive Registered Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of Definitive Registered Notes but may have variations that the Issuer consider appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, upon receipt of an authentication order, shall authenticate Definitive Registered Notes and deliver them in exchange for temporary Notes upon surrender of such temporary Notes at the office or agency of the Issuer, without charge to the Holder.
Section 2.11. Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Registrar for cancellation. The Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and the Trustee shall forward to the Registrar any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Registrar or the Paying Agent (or an agent authorized by the Registrar) and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures or deliver canceled Notes
- 51 -
to the Issuer pursuant to written direction by an Officer of the Issuer. Certification of the destruction of all canceled Notes shall be delivered to the Issuer. The Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes they redeemed or delivered to the Registrar for cancellation. If the Issuer shall acquire any of the Notes, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Indebtedness represented by such Notes, unless and until the same are surrendered to the Registrar for cancellation pursuant to this Section 2.11. Neither the Trustee nor the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate Notes in place of canceled Notes other than pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
Section 2.12. Common Code or ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use Common Code or ISIN numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee and Agents shall use Common Code or ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee and the Paying Agent of any change in the Common Code or ISIN numbers.
Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest. If the Issuer defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, they will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.12 hereof. The Issuer will notify the Trustee as soon as practicable in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Issuer will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuer (or, upon the written request of the Issuer, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) will mail or deliver or cause to be mailed or delivered to the Holders in accordance with Section 12.01 a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid. The Issuer undertakes to promptly inform Euronext Dublin (for so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market thereof) of any such special record date.
Section 2.14. Currency. The U.S. dollar is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuer and the Guarantors under or in connection with this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees, including damages. Any amount received or recovered in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, whether as a result of, or the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the winding-up or dissolution of the Issuer, any Guarantor or otherwise by any Holder or by the Trustee, in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer or a Guarantor will only constitute a discharge to the Issuer or such Guarantor, as applicable, to the extent of the U.S. dollar amount which the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so).
- 52 -
If that U.S. dollar amount is less than the U.S. dollar amount expressed to be due to the recipient or the Trustee under any Note, Note Guarantee, or this Indenture, the Issuer and the Guarantors will indemnify them against any loss sustained by such recipient or the Trustee as a result. In any event, the Issuer and the Guarantors will indemnify the recipient or the Trustee on a joint and several basis against the cost of making any such purchase. For the purposes of this Section 2.14, it will be prima facie evidence of the matter stated therein for the Holder of a Note or the Trustee to certify in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer (indicating the sources of information used) the loss it Incurred in making any such purchase. These indemnities constitute a separate and independent obligation from the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ other obligations, will give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any waiver granted by any Holder of a Note or the Trustee (other than a waiver of the indemnities set out herein) and will continue in full force and effect despite any other judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under any Note or any Note Guarantee, or to the Trustee.
Except as otherwise specifically set forth herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction herein, the Dollar Equivalent amount for purposes hereof that is denominated in a non-U.S. dollar currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such non-U.S. dollar amount is Incurred or made, as the case may be.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
Section 3.01. Notices to Trustee and Paying Agents. If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 5 or Section 6 of the Notes, it shall notify, at least three Business Days before the publication, mailing or delivery of the notice of such redemption, the Trustee, the Registrar and the Paying Agent of the redemption date and the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the section of the Note pursuant to which the redemption will occur.
The Issuer shall give each notice to the Trustee, Registrar and the Paying Agent provided for in this Article III at least 10 days, but not more than 60 days, before the redemption date. In the case of a redemption pursuant to Section 5 of the Notes, such notice shall be accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuer setting forth: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the ISIN, common code, CUSIP or other securities identification number of the Notes to be redeemed; (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed; (iv) the redemption price; (v) the paragraph of the Notes pursuant to which the redemption will occur and (vi) that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein.
In the case of a redemption pursuant to Section 6 of the Notes, at least three Business Days prior to the publication, mailing or delivery of any notice of redemption of Notes pursuant to the foregoing, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee (a) an Officer’s Certificate stating that they are entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to their right so to redeem have been satisfied and (b) an opinion of an independent tax counsel of recognized standing to the effect that the Issuer has been or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law. The Trustee will accept
- 53 -
and shall be entitled to rely on such Officer’s Certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the conditions precedent described above, without further inquiry, in which event it will be conclusive and binding on the Holders. Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to notice of such redemption being published, mailed or delivered to any Holder and shall thereby be void and of no effect.
Section 3.02. Selection of Notes To Be Redeemed or Repurchased. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Paying Agent or the Registrar will select Notes for redemption in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed, and in compliance with the applicable procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream, or if the Notes are not so listed or such exchange prescribes no method of selection and the Notes are not held through Euroclear or Clearstream, or Euroclear or Clearstream prescribe no method of selection, on a pro rata basis; provided, however, that no Definitive Registered Note of $1.00 in aggregate principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part and only Notes in integral multiples of $1.00 will be redeemed. None of the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Registrar will be liable for any selections made in accordance with this Section 3.02.
Section 3.03. Notice of Redemption. Subject to Section 3.03(ii) below, not less than 10 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Notes, the Issuer shall transmit to each Holder (with a copy to the Trustee and Registrar) a notice of redemption in accordance with Section 12.01; provided, however, that any notice of redemption provided for by Section 6 of the Notes shall not be given (a) earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make a payment of Additional Amounts and (b) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. In addition, for so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, the Issuer shall publish notice of redemption in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be the Irish Times) and in addition to such publication, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, mail such notice to Holders by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at their respective addresses as they appear on the registration books of the Registrar. While in global form, notices to Holders may be delivered via Euroclear or Clearstream in lieu of notice via registered mail. Such notice of redemption may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in The Irish Times so long as the rules of the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin are complied with.
(i) | The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state: |
A. | the redemption date and the record date; |
B.the redemption price, and, if applicable, the appropriate calculation of such redemption price and the amount of accrued interest to the redemption date;
C. | the name and address of the Paying Agent; |
D.that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;
- 54 -
E.if fewer than all the outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the certificate numbers and principal amounts of the particular Notes to be redeemed;
F.that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, interest on Notes (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
G.the Common Code or ISIN numbers, as applicable, if any, printed on the Notes being redeemed;
H.the paragraph of the Notes or section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes are being redeemed; and
I.that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the Common Code or ISIN numbers, as applicable, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.
(ii)At the Issuer’s written request, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense. In such event, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent, with a copy to the Trustee, at least 5 Business Days prior to the date on which notice of redemption is to be delivered to the Holders (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Trustee), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and the information required and within the time periods specified by this Section.
Section 3.04. Effect of Notice of Redemption. Once notice of redemption is delivered, Notes called for redemption cease to accrue interest, and become due and payable, on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice; provided, however, that any redemption notice given in respect of the redemption referred to in Section 5 of the Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent. If such redemption or notice is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed; provided that in no case shall the notice have been delivered less than 10 days or more than 60 days prior to the date on which such redemption (if any) occurs. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, the Notes shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date; provided, however, that if the redemption date is after a regular record date and on or prior to the interest payment date, the accrued interest shall be payable to the Holder of the redeemed Notes registered on the relevant record date. Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.
- 55 -
Section 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price. No later than 11:00 a.m. London time on the Business Day prior to each redemption date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money in immediately available funds (denominated in U.S. dollars) sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued interest on all Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption that have been delivered by the Issuer to the Registrar for cancellation. On and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuer has deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on, the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture, unless the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture. For the avoidance of doubt, the Paying Agent and the Trustee shall be held harmless and have no liability with respect to payments or disbursements to be made by the Paying Agent and Trustee (i) for which payment instructions are not made or that are not otherwise deposited by the respective times set forth in this Section 3.05, and (ii) until they have confirmed receipt of funds sufficient to make the relevant payment. If the Issuer elects to redeem the Notes or portions thereof and request the Trustee to distribute to the Holders of the Notes any amounts deposited in trust (which, for the avoidance of doubt, will include accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date fixed for redemption) prior to the date fixed for redemption in accordance with Section 8.01, the applicable redemption notice will state that Holders of the Notes will receive such amounts deposited in trust prior to the date fixed for redemption and the relevant payment date.
Section 3.06. Notes Redeemed in Part. Subject to the terms hereof, upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order from the Issuer, authenticate for the Holder (at the Issuer’s expense) a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Section 4.01. Limitation on Indebtedness.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness); provided, however, that the Issuer and any Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) if on the date of such Incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma application of the proceeds thereof), the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0 and the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been at least 3.0 to 1.0.
(b)Section 4.01(a) will not prohibit the Incurrence of the following Indebtedness (“Permitted Debt”):
- 56 -
(i)Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to any Credit Facility (including in respect of letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued or created thereunder), and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and Guarantees in respect of such Indebtedness in a maximum aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $100.0 million; plus in the case of any refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted under this Section 4.01(b)(i) or any portion thereof, the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors or the Issuer pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(i) shall not exceed $10.0 million at any time;
(ii)A. Guarantees by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor or guarantees by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor of Indebtedness of any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under the terms of this Indenture, provided, that if such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee, then such guarantees shall also be subordinated to the Note or such Note Guarantee on the same basis; or
B. without limiting the provisions of Section 4.03, Indebtedness arising by reason of any Lien granted by or applicable to any Person securing Indebtedness of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under the terms of this Indenture;
(iii)Indebtedness of the Parent owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that:
A.in the case of Indebtedness of the Parent, the Issuer or a Guarantor owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (or the Issuer) (except in respect of intercompany current liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with cash management positions of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries), such Indebtedness shall be unsecured and expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations with respect to the Notes, in the case of the Issuer, and the respective Note Guarantee, in the case of a Guarantor; and
B.(i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Indebtedness being beneficially held by a Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary; and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this Section 4.01(b)(iii) by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be;
- 57 -
(iv)(A) Indebtedness represented by the Initial Notes outstanding on the Issue Date and the related Note Guarantees and any Additional Notes outstanding on the Transaction Effective Date offered in accordance with the Additional Notes Offer Condition and the related Note Guarantees; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness represented by the Notes incurred pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(iv)(A) at no time exceeds $60.0 million outstanding for the purposes of Section 2.09 of this Indenture, (B) Indebtedness represented by the Reinstated Notes and the guarantees of the Reinstated Notes issued on the Transaction Effective Date, (C) any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in Section 4.01(b)(iii)) outstanding on the Issue Date after giving effect to the Transaction, consisting of the Indebtedness listed on Schedule 1 to the Indenture, including the Existing Notes, (D) Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect of any Indebtedness described in this Section 4.01(b)(iv) (other than clause (iv)(E)) or Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(a), (E) Management Advances and (F) any loan or other instrument contributing the proceeds of the Notes, the Existing Notes and/or the Reinstated Notes;
(v) | [Reserved]; |
(vi)Indebtedness under Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements and Commodity Hedging Agreements not for speculative purposes (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent);
(vii)Indebtedness consisting of (A) Capitalized Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, Purchase Money Obligations or other financings, Incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in a Similar Business or (B) Indebtedness otherwise Incurred to finance the purchase, lease, rental or cost of design, construction, installation or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets, and any Indebtedness which refinances, replaces or refunds such Indebtedness, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(vii) and then outstanding, will not exceed at any time outstanding $15.0 million;
(viii)Indebtedness in respect of (A) workers’ compensation claims, self- insurance obligations, performance, indemnity, surety, judgment, appeal, advance payment, customs, VAT or other tax or other guarantees or other similar bonds, instruments or obligations and completion guarantees and warranties provided by the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or relating to liabilities, obligations or guarantees Incurred in the ordinary course of business or in respect of any governmental requirement, (B) letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, guarantees or other similar instruments or obligations issued or relating to liabilities or obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business or in respect of any governmental requirement; provided, however, that upon the drawing of such
- 58 -
letters of credit or other similar instruments, the obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing, (C) the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business and (D) any customary treasury or cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit card processing, credit or debit card, purchase card, electronic funds transfer, the collection of checks and direct debits, cash pooling and other cash management arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(ix)Indebtedness arising from agreements providing for customary guarantees, indemnification, obligations in respect of earn-outs or other adjustments of purchase price or, in each case, similar obligations, in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business or assets or Person or any Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than Guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any Person acquiring or disposing of such business or assets or such Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition or disposition); provided that, in the case of a disposition, the maximum liability of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds, including the fair market value of non-cash proceeds (measured at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value), actually received by the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;
(x)(A) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within 30 Business Days of Incurrence;
(B)customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods or services purchased in the ordinary course of business;
(C)Indebtedness owed on a short-term basis of no longer than 30 days to banks and other financial institutions Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries with such banks or financial institutions that arises in connection with ordinary banking arrangements to manage cash balances of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(D)Indebtedness Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management of bad debt purposes, in each case Incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business;
(xi)Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof and the principal amount of all other Indebtedness
- 59 -
Incurred pursuant to this Section 4.01(b)(xi) and then outstanding, will not exceed
$25.0 million, provided that the ROFO Condition has been satisfied;
(xii)Indebtedness under daylight borrowing facilities Incurred in connection with any refinancing of Indebtedness (including by way of set-off or exchange) so long as any such Indebtedness is repaid within three days of the date on which such Indebtedness is Incurred;
(xiii)Indebtedness Incurred under (i) the Existing A/R Facility, (ii) any Qualified Securitization Financing that refinances or replaces the Existing A/R Facility and (iii) any other Qualified Securitization Financing, for this clause (iii), in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25.0 million at any one time; and
(xiv)Indebtedness in respect of any letters of credit, indemnities, guarantees or other undertakings in connection with environmental assurances, reclamation or rehabilitation operations.
(c)Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the Transaction Effective Date, no Indebtedness may be Incurred under Section 4.01(a), Section 4.01(b)(i) or Section 4.01(b)(xi).
(d)For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding principal amount of any particular Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to and in compliance with, this Section 4.01:
(i)in the event that Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in Section 4.01(a) and Section 4.01(b), the Parent, in its sole discretion, will classify, and may from time to time reclassify, such item of Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the clauses under Section 4.01(a) and Section 4.01(b);
(ii)Notwithstanding Section 4.01(d)(i), Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.01(b)(i) may not be reclassified;
(iii)Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments or any similar “parallel debt” obligations relating to, or Liens securing, Indebtedness that is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included;
(iv)if obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments are Incurred pursuant to any Credit Facility and are being treated as Incurred pursuant to clause (i), (vii) or (xi) of Section 4.01(b) or Section 4.01(a) and the letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments relate to other Indebtedness, then such other Indebtedness shall not be included;
(v)the principal amount of any Disqualified Stock of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, will be equal to the greater of the maximum mandatory redemption or repurchase price (not
- 60 -
including, in either case, any redemption or repurchase premium) or the liquidation preference thereof;
(vi)Indebtedness permitted by this Section 4.01 need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this Section 4.01 permitting such Indebtedness; and
(vii)the amount of Indebtedness issued at a price that is less than the principal amount thereof will be equal to the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined on the basis of IFRS.
(e)Accrual of interest, accrual of dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness, the payment of dividends in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock or the reclassification of commitments or obligations not treated as Indebtedness due to a change in IFRS will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 4.01. Except as otherwise specified, the amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (a) the accreted value thereof in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount and (b) the principal amount, or liquidation preference thereof, in the case of any other Indebtedness.
(f) | [Reserved]. |
(g)For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in another currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term Indebtedness, or, at the option of the Parent, first committed, in the case of Indebtedness Incurred under a revolving credit facility; provided that (a) if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar- denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the amount set forth in clause (2) of the definition of Refinancing Indebtedness; (b) the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of any such Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the Issue Date; and (c) if any such Indebtedness that is denominated in a different currency is subject to a Currency Agreement (with respect to the U.S. dollar) covering principal amounts payable on such Indebtedness, the amount of such Indebtedness expressed in U.S. dollars will be adjusted to take into account the effect of such agreement.
(h)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.01, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary may Incur pursuant to this Section 4.01 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be
- 61 -
calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.
(i)Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor will Incur any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor solely by virtue of being unguaranteed or unsecured or by virtue of being secured with different collateral or by virtue of being secured on a junior priority basis or by virtue of the application of waterfall or other payment ordering provisions affecting different tranches of Indebtedness.
Section 4.02. Limitation on Restricted Payments.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to:
(i)declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on or in respect of the Parent’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) except:
A.dividends or distributions payable in Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Capital Stock of the Parent; and
B.dividends or distributions payable to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary (and, in the case of any such Restricted Subsidiary making such dividend or distribution, to holders of its Capital Stock other than the Parent or another Restricted Subsidiary on no more than a pro rata basis, measured by value);
(ii)purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Capital Stock of the Parent or any direct or indirect Parent Holdco held by Persons other than the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than in exchange for Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock));
(iii)make any principal payment on, or purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than (a) any such payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement or in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case, due within one year of the date of payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement and (b) any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(iii));
- 62 -
(iv)make any payment in cash on, or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for cash, any Subordinated Shareholder Funding; or
(v) | make any Restricted Investment in any Person, |
(any such dividend, distribution, payment, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement or Restricted Investment referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of this Section 4.02(a) are referred to herein as a “Restricted Payment”).
(b)The fair market value of property or assets other than cash covered by Section 4.02(a) shall be the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by an Officer of the Parent, or, if such fair market value exceeds the greater of (i) $10.0 million and (ii) 1.0% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, by the Board of Directors.
(c)The foregoing provisions will not prohibit any of the following (collectively, “Permitted Payments”):
(i)any Restricted Payment made by exchange (including any such exchange pursuant to the exercise of a conversion right or privilege in connection with which cash is paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares) for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Parent) of, Capital Stock of the Parent (other than Disqualified Stock) or a substantially concurrent contribution to the equity (other than through the issuance of Disqualified Stock) of the Parent;
(ii)any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01;
(iii)any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Preferred Stock of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Preferred Stock of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.01, and that in each case, constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness;
(iv)any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness:
A.(i) from Net Available Cash to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 4.05, but only if the Parent shall have first complied with Section
4.05 and purchased all Notes tendered pursuant to any offer to repurchase all the Notes required thereby, prior to purchasing, repurchasing, redeeming, defeasing or otherwise acquiring or retiring such Subordinated Indebtedness and (ii) at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the
- 63 -
principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness plus accrued and unpaid interest; or
B.following the occurrence of a Change of Control (or other similar event described therein as a “change of control”), but only (i) if the Parent shall have first complied with Section 4.14 and purchased all Notes tendered pursuant to the offer to repurchase all the Notes required thereby, prior to purchasing, repurchasing, redeeming, defeasing or otherwise acquiring or retiring such Subordinated Indebtedness and (ii) at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Indebtedness plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(v)any dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this Section 4.02;
(vi)[Reserved];
(vii)the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock, or of any Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, Incurred in accordance with the terms of Section 4.01;
(viii)purchases, repurchases, redemptions, defeasances or other acquisitions or retirements of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options, warrants or other rights in respect thereof if such Capital Stock represents a portion of the exercise price thereof;
(ix)dividends, loans, advances or distributions to any Parent Holdco or other payments by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in amounts equal to (without duplication):
A.the amounts required for any Parent Holdco to pay any Related Taxes; or
B.the amounts constituting or to be used for purposes of making payments to the extent specified in Section 4.06(b)(ii), Section 4.06(b)(iii), Section 4.06(b)(v) and Section 4.06(b)(vii);
(x)[Reserved];
(xi)payments by the Parent, or loans, advances, dividends or distributions to any Parent Holdco to make payments, to holders of Capital Stock of the Parent or any Parent Holdco in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of such Capital Stock; provided, however, that any such payment, loan, advance, dividend or distribution shall not be for the purpose of evading any limitation of this Section 4.02 or otherwise to facilitate any dividend or other return of capital to the holders of such Capital Stock (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Parent);
- 64 -
(xii)Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the aggregate cash amount of Investments in exchange for or using as consideration Investments previously made under this Section 4.02(c)(xii);
(xiii) | [Reserved]; |
(xiv) | [Reserved]; |
(xv)the payment of any Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets and related assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; and
(xvi)payments made in connection with the use of proceeds from the offering of the Notes.
(d)The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount, and the fair market value of any non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined conclusively by the Board of Directors of the Parent acting in good faith.
Section 4.03. Limitation on Liens.
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets (including Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary), whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after that date, or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom, which Lien is securing any Indebtedness (such Lien, the “Initial Lien”), except (i) in the case of property or asset that does not constitute Collateral (1) Permitted Liens or (2) Liens on property or assets that are not Permitted Liens if the Notes and this Indenture (or a Note Guarantee in the case of Liens of a Guarantor) are directly secured equally and ratably with, or prior to, the Indebtedness secured by such Initial Lien for so long as such Indebtedness is so secured and (ii) in the case of any property or asset that constitutes Collateral, Permitted Collateral Liens.
(b)Any such Lien created in favor of the Notes, the Guarantees, and the Indenture pursuant to Section 4.03(a)(i)(2) will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon (i) the release and discharge of the Initial Lien to which it relates, and (ii) otherwise as set forth under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, or under the relevant Security Document.
Section 4.04. Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted
Subsidiaries.
(a) | The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create |
or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
- 65 -
(i)pay dividends or make any other distributions in cash or otherwise on its Capital Stock or pay any Indebtedness or other obligations owed to the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits;
(ii)make any loans or advances to the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or
(iii)sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets to the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary,
provided that (x) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock and (y) the subordination of (including the application of any standstill requirements to) loans or advances made to the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to constitute such an encumbrance or restriction.
(b) | The provisions of Section 4.04(a) will not prohibit: |
(i) | any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to (a) any Credit Facility, |
(b) the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, (c) any other agreement or instrument, in each case, in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date, (d) the indenture governing the Reinstated Notes or (e) the indenture governing the Existing Notes;
(ii)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement or instrument of a Person or relating to any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of a Person, entered into on or before the date on which such Person was acquired by or merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, or on which such agreement or instrument is assumed by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an acquisition of assets (other than Capital Stock or Indebtedness Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Parent or was merged, consolidated or otherwise combined with or into the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary entered into or in connection with such transaction) and outstanding on such date; provided that, for the purposes of this Section 4.04(b)(ii), if another Person is the Successor Company (as defined in Section 5.01(a)(i)), any Subsidiary thereof or agreement or instrument of such Person or any such Subsidiary shall be deemed acquired or assumed by the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary when such Person becomes the Successor Company;
(iii)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement or instrument effecting a refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to, or that otherwise refinances, an agreement or instrument referred to in Section 4.04(b)(i), Section 4.04(b)(ii) or this Section 4.04(b)(iii) (an “Initial Agreement”) or contained in any amendment, supplement or other modification to an agreement referred to in
- 66 -
Section 4.04(b)(i), Section 4.04(b)(ii) or this Section 4.04(b)(iii); provided, however, that the encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in any such agreement or instrument are no less favorable in any material respect to the Holders taken as a whole than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the Initial Agreement or Initial Agreements to which such refinancing or amendment, supplement or other modification relates (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent);
(iv) | any encumbrance or restriction: |
A.that restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, or the assignment or transfer of any lease, license or other contract;
B.contained in mortgages, charges, pledges or other security agreements permitted under this Indenture or securing Indebtedness of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary permitted under this Indenture to the extent such encumbrances or restrictions restrict the transfer of the property or assets subject to such mortgages, charges, pledges or other security agreements; or
C.pursuant to customary provisions restricting dispositions of real property interests set forth in any reciprocal easement agreements of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(v)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to Purchase Money Obligations and Capitalized Lease Obligations permitted under this Indenture, in each case, that impose encumbrances or restrictions on the property so acquired, or any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to a joint venture agreement that imposes restrictions on the distribution or transfer of the assets or Capital Stock of the joint venture;
(vi)any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary (or any of its property or assets) imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the direct or indirect sale or disposition to a Person of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the property or assets that are subject to such restriction) pending the closing of such sale or disposition;
(vii)customary provisions in leases, licenses, joint venture agreements and other similar agreements and instruments entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(viii)encumbrances or restrictions arising or existing by reason of applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order, or required by any regulatory authority;
- 67 -
(ix)any encumbrance or restriction on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(x)any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements, Commodity Hedging Agreements or in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing;
(xi)any encumbrance or restriction arising pursuant to an agreement or instrument relating to any Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.01 if the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such agreement or instrument taken as a whole are not materially less favorable to the Holders of the Notes than (i) the encumbrances and restrictions contained in this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement, together with the Security Documents associated therewith, in each case, as in effect on the Issue Date, or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or (ii) as is customary in comparable financings (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) or where the Parent determines that such encumbrance or restriction will not adversely affect, in any material respect, the Issuer’s ability to make principal or interest payments on the Notes; or
(xii)any encumbrance or restriction existing by reason of any lien permitted under Section 4.03.
Section 4.05. Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, consummate any Asset Disposition unless:
(i)the consideration the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary receives for such Asset Disposition is not less than the fair market value of the assets sold (as determined by the Parent’s Board of Directors); and
(ii)at least 75% of the consideration the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary receives in respect of such Asset Disposition consists of:
A.cash (including any Net Cash Proceeds received from the conversion within 180 days of such Asset Disposition of securities, notes or other obligations received in consideration of such Asset Disposition);
B. | Cash Equivalents; |
C.the assumption by the purchaser of (x) any liabilities recorded on the Parent’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet or the notes thereto (or, if Incurred since the date of the latest balance sheet, that would be recorded on the next balance sheet) (other than Subordinated Indebtedness), as a result of which neither the Parent nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries remains obligated in respect of such liabilities or (y)
- 68 -
Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Disposition, if the Parent and each other Restricted Subsidiary is released from any guarantee of such Indebtedness as a result of such Asset Disposition;
D. | Replacement Assets; |
E.any Capital Stock of another Similar Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, the Similar Business is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
F.assets (other than Capital Stock and cash or Cash Equivalents) that are used or useful in a Similar Business; or
G.consideration consisting of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor received from Persons who are not the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, but only to the extent that such Indebtedness (i) has been extinguished by the Issuer or the applicable Guarantor and (ii) is not Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Guarantor.
(b)If the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary consummates an Asset Disposition, the amount of Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition shall constitute “Excess Proceeds”.
(c)If the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $5.0 million, the Issuer shall, within 20 Business Days of receipt of such proceeds, apply the amount equal to the Excess Proceeds to, in the case of the Notes, the Reinstated Notes or the Existing Notes, offer to repurchase at par or, in the case of other Indebtedness, repay such Indebtedness at the required price therein, using the order such Indebtedness would be repaid with enforcement proceeds under the “Application of Proceeds” or similar waterfall provision included in the Intercreditor Agreement (an “Asset Disposition Offer”), provided that, if an ABL Facility is outstanding, the portion of the Excess Proceeds from the sale of ABL Priority Collateral or any asset held by an ABL Guarantor shall be applied as if they were enforcement proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral under the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
(d)To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of the Notes surrendered in any Asset Disposition Offer by Holders and other Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Excess Proceeds shall be allocated among the Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness to be repaid or purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness. For the purposes of calculating the principal amount of any such Indebtedness not denominated in U.S. dollars, such Indebtedness shall be calculated by converting any such principal amounts into their Dollar Equivalent determined as of a date selected by the Issuer that is within the Asset Disposition Offer
- 69 -
Period (as defined below). Upon completion of any Asset Disposition Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
(e)To the extent that any portion of Net Available Cash payable in respect of the Notes is denominated in a currency other than the currency in which the relevant Notes are denominated, the amount thereof payable in respect of such Notes shall not exceed the net amount of funds in the currency in which such Notes are denominated that is actually received by the Issuer upon converting such portion of the Net Available Cash into such currency.
(f)The Asset Disposition Offer, in so far as it relates to the Notes, will remain open for a period of not less than 20 Business Days following its commencement (the “Asset Disposition Offer Period”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period (the “Asset Disposition Purchase Date”), the Issuer will purchase the principal amount of Notes and, to the extent they elect, Pari Passu Indebtedness required to be repaid or purchased by it pursuant to this Section 4.05 (the “Asset Disposition Offer Amount”) or, if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been so validly tendered, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness validly tendered in response to the Asset Disposition Offer.
(g)On or before the Asset Disposition Purchase Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Asset Disposition Offer Amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness or portions of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer, or if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn, all Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn and in minimum denominations of $1.00 and in integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. The Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuer in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.05. The Issuer or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than five Business Days after termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn by such Holder, and accepted by the Issuer for purchase, and the Issuer will promptly issue a new Note (or amend the applicable Global Note), and the Trustee (or an authenticating agent), upon delivery of an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuer, will authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount with a minimum denomination of $1.00. Any Note not so accepted will be promptly mailed or delivered (or transferred by book-entry) by the Issuer to the Holder thereof.
The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Indenture. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 4.05, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue of such compliance.
Section 4.06. Limitation on Affiliate Transactions.
- 70 -
(a)The Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any transaction or series of related transactions (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate of the Parent (any such transaction or series of related transactions being an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate value in excess of $2.0 million unless:
(i)the terms of such Affiliate Transaction taken as a whole are not materially less favorable to the Parent or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained in a comparable transaction at the time of such transaction or the execution of the agreement providing for such transaction in arm’s-length dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate;
(ii)in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate value in excess of $10.0 million, the terms of such transaction or series of related transactions have been approved by a resolution of the majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Parent resolving that such transaction complies with clause (i) of this Section 4.06(a); provided, that if a majority of the members of the Board of Directors are not disinterested with respect to the transaction, the Parent shall deliver a Fairness Opinion to the Trustee; and
(iii)in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate value in excess of $20.0 million, the Parent delivers to the Trustee a Fairness Opinion; provided that the liability of such accounting, appraisal, or investment banking firm or such other independent expert in giving such opinion may be limited in accordance with its engagement policies.
(b) | The provisions of Section 4.06(a) will not apply to: |
(i)any Restricted Payment permitted to be made pursuant to Section 4.02, any Permitted Payments (other than pursuant to Section 4.02(c)(ix)(B)) or any Permitted Investment (other than Permitted Investments as defined in paragraphs (1)(b), (2) and (15) of the definition thereof);
(ii)any purchase, issuance or sale of Capital Stock, options, other equity-related interests or other securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, or entering into, or maintenance of, any employment, consulting, collective bargaining or benefit plan, program, agreement or arrangement, related trust or other similar agreement and other compensation arrangements, options, warrants or other rights to purchase Capital Stock of the Parent, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Parent Holdco, restricted stock plans, long-term incentive plans, stock appreciation rights plans, participation plans or similar employee benefits or consultants’ plans (including valuation, health, insurance, deferred compensation, severance, retirement, savings or similar plans, programs or arrangements) or indemnities provided on behalf of officers, employees, directors or consultants approved by the Board of Directors of the Parent, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
- 71 -
(iii)any Management Advances and any waiver or transaction with respect thereto;
(iv)any transaction between or among the Parent and any Restricted Subsidiary (or entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction), or between or among Restricted Subsidiaries;
(v)the payment of reasonable fees and reimbursement of expenses to, and customary indemnities (including under customary insurance policies) and employee benefit and pension expenses provided on behalf of, directors, officers, consultants or employees of the Parent, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Parent Holdco (whether directly or indirectly and including through any Person owned or controlled by any of such directors, officers or employees);
(vi)(a) the entry into and performance of obligations of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the terms of any transaction pursuant to or contemplated by, and any payments pursuant to or for purposes of funding, any agreement or instrument in effect as of the Issue Date, as these agreements and instruments may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, replaced or refinanced from time to time in accordance with the other terms of this Section 4.06 or to the extent not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect, and (b) the entry into and performance of any registration rights or other listing agreement;
(vii)the execution, delivery and performance of, including any payment to be made under, any Tax Sharing Agreement or any arrangement pursuant to which the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is required or permitted to file a consolidated tax return, or the formation and maintenance of any consolidated group for tax, accounting or cash pooling or management purposes in the ordinary course of business;
(viii)transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business, which are fair to the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary, or are on terms no less favorable than those that could reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;
(ix)any transaction in the ordinary course of business between or among the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Affiliate of the Parent or an Associate or similar entity that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or any Affiliate of the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any Permitted Holder owns an equity interest in or otherwise controls such Affiliate, Associate or similar entity;
(x)issuances or sales of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Parent or options, warrants or other rights to acquire such Capital Stock;
- 72 -
(xi)payment of any Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation as part of or in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; and
(xii)any participation in a public tender or exchange offers for securities or debt instruments issued by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries that are conducted on arms’ length terms and provide for the same price or exchange ratio, as the case may be, to all holders accepting such tender or exchange offer.
Section 4.07. Guarantor Coverage Test.
(a)If, on the date on which the audited financial statements are required to be furnished to the Trustee under Section 4.09(a)(i) the aggregate (without double counting) total assets, sales, and EBITDA of the Issuer and the Guarantors (excluding intra-group items and on an unconsolidated basis) is less than 90% of the consolidated total assets, consolidated sales and Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Coverage Test”), then the Parent shall, within 90 days of such test date, cause such other Restricted Subsidiaries to accede as Guarantors, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, to ensure that the Guarantor Coverage Test is satisfied (calculated as if such Guarantors had been Guarantors for the purposes of the relevant test date).
(b) | For the purposes of calculating the Guarantor Coverage Test: |
(i)(for the purpose of calculating EBITDA only) any entity having negative EBITDA;
(ii)any entity which cannot, or pursuant to the Agreed Securities Principles is not required to, become a Guarantor; and
(iii)any entity which is not a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary (but only if minority shareholders of such entity require their consents to grant a Note Guarantee),
shall be excluded (x) as a Guarantor from the numerator; and (y) as a Restricted Subsidiary from the denominator.
(c) | The Parent shall ensure that, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, when |
tested on:
(i)the date on which the audited financial statements are required to be furnished to the Trustee under Section 4.09(a)(i); and
(ii)the date on which the unaudited financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended June 30 of each year are required to be furnished to the Trustee under Section 4.09(a)(ii),
- 73 -
each Restricted Subsidiary which is a Material Company and which is not already a Guarantor shall accede as a Guarantor within 90 days of such test date (in the case of Section 4.07(c)(i)) or 60 days of such test date (in the case of Section 4.07(c)(ii)).
(d)Subject to the Agreed Security Principles, any Restricted Subsidiary acceding as a Guarantor pursuant to this Section 4.07 shall grant a Lien on its assets to secure the Notes by the time it must accede as a Guarantor, provided that (i) such Restricted Subsidiary that is incorporated in the same jurisdiction as any Guarantor as of the Issue Date shall provide a Lien on the same kind of assets as such Guarantor and (ii) such Restricted Subsidiary that is not incorporated in the same jurisdiction as any Guarantor as of the Issue Date shall provide “all- assets” security where available in the jurisdiction of such Restricted Subsidiary or will otherwise provide security in accordance with the Agreed Security Principles.
Section 4.08. Additional Note Guarantees.
(a) | [Reserved]. |
(b)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.08, no Restricted Subsidiary shall (x) Guarantee the Indebtedness outstanding under any ABL Facility, any Credit Facility replacing or refinancing any ABL Facility or any other Credit Facility or Public Debt, in each case of the Issuer or a Guarantor, or (y) Incur Indebtedness exceeding $10.0 million pursuant to Section 4.01(b)(i) and 4.01(b)(xi) or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof exceeding $10.0 million unless such Restricted Subsidiary is or becomes a Guarantor (or is the Issuer) on the date on which the Guarantee or such Indebtedness is Incurred and, if applicable, executes and delivers to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary will provide a Note Guarantee, which Note Guarantee will be senior to or pari passu with such Restricted Subsidiary’s Guarantee or Indebtedness described in clauses (x) or (y) of this Section 4.08(b), respectively; provided, however, that such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be obligated to become a Guarantor to the extent and for so long as the Incurrence of such Note Guarantee could give rise to or result in: (1) any breach or violation of statutory limitations, corporate benefit, financial assistance, fraudulent preference, thin capitalization rules, capital maintenance rules, guidance and coordination rules or the laws rules or regulations (or analogous restriction) of any applicable jurisdiction; (2) any risk or liability for the officers, directors or (except in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership) shareholders of such Restricted Subsidiary (or, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership, directors or shareholders of the partners of such partnership); or (3) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (including with respect to any Taxes) other than reasonable out of pocket expenses. At the option of the Parent, any Note Guarantee may contain limitations on Guarantor liability to the extent reasonably necessary.
(c)Note Guarantees shall be released as set forth under Section 10.06. In addition, a Note Guarantee of a future Guarantor may also be released at the option of the Parent if at the date of such release either (i) there is no Indebtedness of such Guarantor outstanding which was Incurred after the Issue Date and which could not have been Incurred in compliance with this Indenture if such Guarantor had not been designated as a Guarantor, or (ii) there is no Indebtedness of such Guarantor outstanding which was Incurred after the Issue Date and which could not have been Incurred in compliance with this Indenture as at the date of such release if such Guarantor were not designated as a Guarantor as at that date. The Trustee and the Security Agent shall take
- 74 -
all necessary actions, including the granting of releases or waivers under the Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, requested by the Parent to effectuate any release of a Note Guarantee in accordance with these provisions, subject to customary protections and indemnifications.
Section 4.09. Reports.
(a)So long as any Notes are outstanding, the Parent will furnish to the Trustee the following reports (provided that, to the extent any reports are filed on the SEC’s website, such reports shall be deemed to have been provided to the Trustee):
(i)within 120 days after the end of the Parent’s fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, annual reports containing, to the extent applicable, the following information: (a) audited consolidated balance sheets of the Parent as of the end of the two most recent fiscal years and audited consolidated income statements and statements of cash flow of the Parent for the two most recent fiscal years, including complete footnotes to such financial statements and the report of the independent auditors on the financial statements;
(b)unaudited pro forma income statement information and balance sheet information of the Parent (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include the provision of a full income statement or balance sheet to the extent not reasonably available), together with explanatory footnotes, for any material acquisitions, dispositions or recapitalizations that have occurred since the beginning of the most recently completed fiscal year; (c) an operating and financial review of the audited financial statements, including a discussion of the results of operations, financial condition, EBITDA, and liquidity and capital resources of the Parent, and a discussion of material commitments and contingencies and critical accounting policies; (d) a summary description of the business and material affiliate transactions; (e) a description of material operational risk factors; and (f) a summary description of material recent developments;
(ii)within 60 days following the end of each fiscal quarter in each fiscal year of the Parent beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2021, quarterly financial statements containing the following information: (a) an unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such quarter and unaudited condensed statements of income and cash flow for the most recent quarter year-to-date period ending on the unaudited condensed balance sheet date, and the comparable prior year periods, together with condensed footnote disclosure; (b) unaudited pro forma income statement information and balance sheet information (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include the provision of a full income statement or balance sheet to the extent not reasonably available), together with explanatory footnotes, for any material acquisitions, dispositions or recapitalizations that have occurred since the beginning of the relevant quarter; (c) an operating and financial review of the unaudited financial statements, including a discussion of the results of operations, financial condition, EBITDA and material changes in liquidity and capital resources, and a discussion of material changes not
- 75 -
in the ordinary course of business in commitments and contingencies since the most recent report; and (d) material recent developments; and
(iii)promptly after the occurrence of any material acquisition, disposition or restructuring or any senior executive officer changes at the Parent or change in auditors of the Parent or any other material event that the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries announces publicly, a report containing a description of such event.
In addition, the Parent shall furnish to the Holders and to prospective investors, upon the request of such parties, any information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act for so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the Exchange Act by persons who are not “affiliates” under the Securities Act.
The Parent shall also make available to Holders and prospective holders of the Notes copies of all reports furnished to the Trustee or the SEC on the Parent’s website and if and so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and to the extent that the rules and regulations thereof so require, by posting such reports on the official website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin).
All financial statement information shall be prepared in accordance with IFRS as in effect on the date of such report or financial statement (or otherwise on the basis of IFRS as then in effect) and on a consistent basis for the periods presented, except as may otherwise be described in such information; provided, however, that the reports set forth in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii)of this Section 4.09(a) may, in the event of a change in IFRS, present earlier periods on a basis that applied to such periods. No report need include separate financial statements for any Subsidiaries of the Parent or any disclosure with respect to the results of operations or any other financial or statistical disclosure not of a type included in the Parent’s previous SEC filings. In addition, the reports set forth above will not be required to contain any reconciliation to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. For the purposes of this covenant, IFRS shall be deemed to be IFRS as in effect from time to time, without giving effect to the proviso in the definition thereof.
All reports provided pursuant to this Section 4.09 shall be made in the English language. So long as Notes are outstanding, the Parent will, in connection with delivery of the annual and quarterly reports required by clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.09(a), hold a conference call to discuss such reports and the results of operations for the relevant reporting period.
While the Parent is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or elects to comply with such provisions on a voluntary basis, for so long as it continues to file with the SEC, within the time periods specified in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.09(a), annual reports required by Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act and quarterly reports containing information with a level of detail that is substantially comparable in all material respects to the reports on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on November 24, 2020, August 31, 2020 and June 9, 2020, the reporting requirements set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.09(a) will be
- 76 -
deemed satisfied. Upon complying with the foregoing requirement, the Parent will be deemed to have complied with this Section 4.09.
Delivery of any information, documents and reports to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 4.09 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants under this Indenture.
Section 4.10. Suspension of Covenants on Achievement of Investment Grade
Status.
(a) | If on any date following the Issue Date, the Notes have achieved Investment |
Grade Status and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (a “Suspension Event”), then, beginning on that day and continuing until such time, if any, at which the Notes cease to have Investment Grade Status (the “Reversion Date”), Section 4.01, Section 4.02, Section 4.04, Section 4.05, Section 4.06, Section 4.08 and Section 5.01(a)(iii) of this Indenture and, in each case, any related default provision of this Indenture will cease to be effective and will not be applicable to the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b)Such sections and any related default provisions will again apply according to their terms from the first day on which a Suspension Event ceases to be in effect. Such sections will not, however, be of any effect with regard to actions of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries properly taken during the continuance of the Suspension Event, and no action taken in respect of the suspended covenants prior to the Reversion Date will constitute a Default or Event of Default. Section 4.02 will be interpreted as if it has been in effect since the date of this Indenture but not during the continuance of the Suspension Event. On the Reversion Date, all Indebtedness Incurred during the continuance of the Suspension Event will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 4.01(b)(iv)(B). In addition, the Parent or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default, to honor any contractual commitments or take actions in the future after any date on which the Notes cease to have an Investment Grade Status as long as the contractual commitments were entered into during the Suspension Event and not in anticipation of the Notes no longer having an Investment Grade Status. The Parent shall notify the Trustee that the conditions set forth in Section 4.10(a) have been satisfied or of any Reversion Date; provided that, no such notification shall be a condition for the suspension or reversion of the covenants described under this Section 4.10 to be effective and the Trustee shall not be obliged to notify the Holders of such event.
The Trustee shall have no duty to monitor the ratings of the Notes, shall not be deemed to have any knowledge of the ratings of the Notes and shall have no duty to notify Holders if the Notes achieve Investment Grade Status or upon the occurrence of the Reversion Date. The Parent shall notify the Trustee in writing that the conditions under this Section 4.10 have been satisfied, although such notification shall not be a condition for suspension of the applicable covenants to be effective.
Section 4.11. Amendments to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and Additional Intercreditor Agreements.
- 77 -
(a)In connection with the Incurrence of any Indebtedness by the Parent, the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall, at the request of the Issuer, enter into with the Parent, the Issuer, the relevant Restricted Subsidiaries and the holders of such Indebtedness (or their duly authorized Representatives), as applicable, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or one or more intercreditor agreements or deeds (including a restatement, replacement, amendment or other modification of the Intercreditor Agreement or ABL Intercreditor Agreement) (an “Additional Intercreditor Agreement”), on substantially the same terms as the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (or terms that are not materially less favorable to the holders of the Notes as compared to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement) and substantially similar as applies to sharing of the proceeds of security and enforcement of security, priority and release of security; provided that such ABL Intercreditor Agreement or Additional Intercreditor Agreement will not impose any personal obligations on the Trustee or Security Agent or adversely affect the personal rights, duties, liabilities, indemnification or immunities of the Trustee or the Security Agent under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. In connection with the foregoing, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and the Security Agent such documentation in relation thereto as it may reasonably require. As used in this Indenture, a reference to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement will also include any Additional Intercreditor Agreement.
(b)Without limiting the generality of Section 4.11(a), in connection with the Incurrence of any ABL Facility by the Parent, the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall, at the request of the Issuer, enter into with the Parent, the Issuer, the relevant Restricted Subsidiaries and the lenders under any ABL Facility (or their duly authorized Representatives), as applicable, (1) the ABL Intercreditor Agreement in substantially the same form as attached as Exhibit C to this Indenture, (2) an Additional Intercreditor Agreement in respect of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement on terms that are not materially less favorable to the holders of the Notes as compared to the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and (3) amendments or replacements to the Security Documents to secure any ABL Priority Obligations, Senior Note Obligations, Junior Note Obligations, Excess ABL Debt, Excess Senior Note Debt and Excess Junior Note Debt in accordance with the relative priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, for the purpose of releasing and regranting Liens on the ABL Priority Collateral to grant a first-priority Lien securing the creditors under any ABL Facility). In connection with the foregoing, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee and the Security Agent such documentation in relation thereto as it may reasonably require.
(c)In relation to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, no consent on behalf of the Holders to the payment, repayment, purchase, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition, retirement or redemption of any obligations subordinated to the Notes thereby shall be required; provided, however, that such transaction would comply with Section 4.02.
(d)At the written direction of the Issuer and without the consent of holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall from time to time enter into one or more amendments to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement to: (1) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency of any such agreement, (2) increase the amount or types of Indebtedness covered by any such Intercreditor Agreement or such ABL Intercreditor
- 78 -
Agreement that may be Incurred by the Parent, the Issuer or other Restricted Subsidiaries that is subject to any such Intercreditor Agreement or such ABL Intercreditor Agreement (provided that such Indebtedness is Incurred in compliance with this Indenture), (3) add Guarantors or other Restricted Subsidiaries to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, (4) further secure the Notes (including Additional Notes), (5) make provision to implement any Permitted Collateral Liens in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, or (6) make any other change to any such agreement that does not adversely affect the holders of Notes in any material respect. The Issuer shall not otherwise direct the Trustee or Security Agent to enter into any amendment to the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes the form of the ABL Intercreditor Agreement attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C) without the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, except as otherwise permitted under Article IX of this Indenture or as permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, and the Issuer may only direct the Trustee or Security Agent to enter into any amendment to the extent such amendment does not impose any personal obligations on the Trustee or Security Agent or, in the opinion of the Trustee or Security Agent, adversely affect their respective rights, duties, liabilities or immunities under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
(e)Each Holder, by accepting a Note, shall be deemed to have agreed to and accepted the terms and conditions of the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement (whether then entered into or entered into in the future pursuant to the provisions described herein) and to have irrevocably appointed and authorized the Trustee and the Security Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement on each Holder’s behalf.
(f)A copy of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or an Additional Intercreditor Agreement shall be made available to the holders of the Notes upon request and will be made available for inspection during normal business hours on any Business Day upon prior written request at the office of the Issuer.
Section 4.12. Payment of Notes. The Issuer shall promptly pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. Principal and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due and the Paying Agent is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
Section 4.13. Withholding Taxes.
(a)All payments made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any Guarantor (each, including any successor entities of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as applicable, a “Payor”) in respect of the Notes or with respect to any Guarantee, as applicable, will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any Taxes unless the withholding or deduction of such Taxes is then required by law. If any deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any Taxes imposed or levied by or on behalf of:
- 79 -
(i)any jurisdiction from or through which payment on any such Note is made, or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax; or
(ii)any other jurisdiction in which a Payor is incorporated, organized, engaged in business for tax purposes, or otherwise considered to be a resident for tax purposes, or any political subdivision or governmental authority thereof or therein having the power to tax (each of clause (i) and (ii), a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”),
will at any time be required by law to be made from any payments made by or on behalf of the Payor or the Paying Agent with respect to any Note, including payments of principal, redemption price, interest or premium, if any, the Payor will pay (together with such payments) such additional amounts (the “Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary in order that the net amounts received by each Holder in respect of such payments, after such withholding, or deduction (including any such deduction or withholding from such Additional Amounts), will not be less than the amounts which would have been received in respect of such payments on any such Note in the absence of such withholding or deduction; provided, however, that no such Additional Amounts will be payable for or on account of:
A.any Taxes that would not have been so imposed but for the existence of any present or former connection between the relevant Holder (or between a fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, partner, member or shareholder of, or possessor of power over the relevant Holder, if the relevant Holder is an estate, nominee, trust, partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other body corporate) and the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including, without limitation, being resident for tax purposes, or being a citizen or resident or national of, or carrying on a business or maintaining a permanent establishment in, or being physically present in, the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction) but excluding, in each case, any connection arising solely from the acquisition, ownership or holding of such Note or the receipt of any payment or the exercise or enforcement of rights under such Note, this Indenture or a Guarantee;
B.any Tax that is imposed or withheld by reason of the failure by the Holder or the beneficial owner of the Note to comply with a written request of the Payor addressed to the Holder, after reasonable notice (at least 30 days before any such withholding would be payable), to provide certification, information, documents or other evidence concerning the nationality, residence or identity of the Holder or such beneficial owner or to make any declaration or similar claim or satisfy any other reporting requirement relating to such matters, which is required by a statute, treaty, regulation or administrative practice of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction as a precondition to exemption from all or part of such Tax but, only to the extent the Holder or beneficial owner is legally entitled to provide such certification or documentation;
- 80 -
C.any Taxes, to the extent that such Taxes were imposed as a result of the presentation of the Note for payment (where presentation is required) more than 30 days after the relevant payment is first made available for payment to the Holder;
D.any Taxes that are payable otherwise than by withholding from a payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Notes or with respect to any Guarantee;
E.any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property or similar tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
F.any Taxes that are imposed or withheld pursuant to the Dutch Withholding Tax Act 2021 (Wet bronbelasting 2021) substantially in the form as published on December 18, 2019 in the Dutch Official Gazette;
G.any Taxes that are imposed or withheld pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), as of the Issue Date (or any amended or successor version of such sections that are substantively comparable), any regulations promulgated thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, any similar law or regulation adopted pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between a non-U.S. jurisdiction and the United States with respect to the foregoing or any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code; or
H. | any combination of the items (A) through (G) above. |
(b)In addition, no Additional Amounts shall be paid with respect to a Holder who is a fiduciary or a partnership or any person other than the beneficial owner of the Notes, to the extent that the beneficiary or settler with respect to such fiduciary, the member of such partnership or the beneficial owner would not have been entitled to Additional Amounts had such beneficiary, settler, member or beneficial owner held such Notes directly.
(c)The Payor will (i) make any required withholding or deduction and (ii) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. The Payor will use all reasonable efforts to obtain certified copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment of any Taxes so deducted or withheld from each Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction imposing such Taxes and will provide such certified copies, or if, notwithstanding the Payor’s reasonable efforts to obtain such tax receipts, such tax receipts are not available, certified copies of other reasonable evidence of such payments as soon as reasonably practicable to the Trustee and the Paying Agent. Such copies shall be made available to the Holders upon request and will be made available at the offices of the Paying Agent.
(d)If any Payor is obligated to pay Additional Amounts under or with respect to any payment made on any Note or any Guarantee, at least 30 days prior to the date of such payment, the Payor will deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent an Officer’s Certificate stating the fact that Additional Amounts will be payable and the amount to be so payable and
- 81 -
such other information necessary to enable the Paying Agent to pay Additional Amounts to Holders on the relevant payment date (unless such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises less than 45 days prior to the relevant payment date, in which case the Payor may deliver such Officer’s Certificate as promptly as practicable thereafter). The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall be entitled to rely solely on such Officer’s Certificate as conclusive proof that such payments are necessary.
(e) | Wherever in this Indenture or the Notes there is mentioned, in any context: |
(i) | the payment of principal; |
(ii) | purchase prices in connection with a redemption of Notes; |
(iii) | interest; or |
(iv)any other amount payable on or with respect to any of the Notes or any Guarantee, such reference shall be deemed to include payment of Additional Amounts to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof.
The Payor will pay (and will indemnify the Holder for) any present or future stamp, issue, registration, court or documentary Taxes or any other excise, property or similar Taxes that arise in a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction from the execution, delivery or registration of any Notes, any Guarantee, this Indenture, or any other document or instrument in relation thereto (other than in each case, in connection with a transfer of the Notes after the initial issuance of the Notes) or any such Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction as a result of, or in connection with, the enforcement of the Notes or any Guarantee (limited, solely in the case of any such Taxes imposed in a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction to any such Taxes that are not excluded under (A) through (D) and (F) of Section 4.13(a) or any combination thereof).
The foregoing obligations of this Section 4.13 will survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of this Indenture and will apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor to a Payor is organized, engaged in business for tax purposes or otherwise resident for tax purposes, or any jurisdiction from or through which any payment under, or with respect to the Notes is made by or on behalf of such Payor, or any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.
Section 4.14. Change of Control.
(a)If a Change of Control occurs, subject to this Section 4.14, each Holder will have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided, however, that the Issuer shall not be obligated to repurchase the Notes under this Section 4.14 in the event and to the extent that they have unconditionally exercised their right to redeem all of the Notes under Section 5 of the Notes or all conditions to such redemption have been satisfied or waived.
- 82 -
(b)Unless the Issuer has unconditionally exercised their right to redeem all the Notes as described under Section 5 of the Notes or all conditions to such redemption have been satisfied or waived, no later than the date that is 60 days after any Change of Control, the Issuer will mail (or otherwise deliver) a notice (the “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder of any such Notes, with a copy to the Trustee:
(i)stating that a Change of Control has occurred or may occur and that such Holder has the right to require the Issuer to purchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date) (the “Change of Control Payment”);
(ii)stating the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed) and the record date (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
(iii)stating that any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date unless the Change of Control Payment is not paid, and that any Notes or part thereof not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
(iv)describing the circumstances and relevant facts regarding the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control;
(v)describing the procedures determined by the Issuer, consistent with this Indenture, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes repurchased; and
(vi)if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control.
(c)On the Change of Control Payment Date, if the Change of Control shall have occurred, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful:
(i)accept for payment all Notes or portion thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
(ii)deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes so tendered;
(iii)deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of the Notes being purchased by the Issuer in the Change of Control Offer;
- 83 -
(iv)in the case of Global Notes, deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Paying Agent the Global Notes in order to reflect thereon the portion of such Notes or portions thereof that have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer; and
(v)in the case of Definitive Registered Notes, deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the relevant Registrar for cancellation all Definitive Registered Notes accepted for purchase by the Issuer.
(d)If any Definitive Registered Notes have been issued, the Paying Agent will promptly pay each Holder of Definitive Registered Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) will, at the cost of the Issuer, promptly authenticate and mail to each Holder of Definitive Registered Notes a new Definitive Registered Note equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount that is at least $1.00 and integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof.
(e)For so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules of such exchange so require, the Issuer will publish notices relating to the Change of Control Offer in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times) or to the extent and in the manner permitted by such rules, post such notices on the official website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin).
(f)The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditioned upon the consummation of such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place providing for the Change of Control at the time the Change of Control Offer is made.
(g)The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 4.14. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture by virtue of the conflict.
Section 4.15. Impairment of Security Interest.
(a)The Parent and the Issuer shall not, and the Parent shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, take or knowingly or negligently omit to take any action that would have the result of materially impairing the security interest with respect to the Collateral (it being understood that the Incurrence of Permitted Collateral Liens, or the confirmation or affirmation of security interests in respect of the Collateral, shall under no circumstances be deemed to materially impair the security interest with respect to the Collateral) for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, and the Parent and the Issuer shall not, and the Issuer shall not permit any Restricted
- 84 -
Subsidiary to, grant to any Person other than the Security Agent, for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders and the other beneficiaries described in the Security Documents, any Lien over any of the Collateral that is prohibited by Section 4.03, provided, that the Parent, the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur any Lien over any of the Collateral that is not prohibited by Section 4.03 including Permitted Collateral Liens, and the Collateral may be discharged, transferred or released in any circumstances not prohibited by this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the applicable Security Documents.
(b)Notwithstanding Section 4.15(a), nothing in this Section 4.15 shall restrict the discharge and release of any Lien in accordance with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. Subject to the foregoing, the Security Documents may be amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified or released (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets) to (i) cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency therein; (ii) provide for Permitted Collateral Liens; (iii) add to the Collateral or (iv) make any other change thereto that does not adversely affect the Holders in any material respect; provided, however, that (except where permitted by this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or to effect or facilitate the creation of Permitted Collateral Liens for the benefit of the Security Agent and holders of other Indebtedness Incurred in accordance with this Indenture), no Security Document may be amended, extended, renewed, restated, or otherwise modified or released (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets), unless contemporaneously with such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, or modification or release (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets) or with any such action in clauses (ii) and (iii) in this Section 4.15(b), the Issuer delivers to the Security Agent and the Trustee, either (1) a solvency opinion, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Security Agent and the Trustee, from an Independent Financial Advisor which confirms the solvency of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving effect to any transactions related to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, modification or release (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same asset), (2) a certificate from the chief financial officer or the Board of Directors of the relevant Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Security Agent and the Trustee, which confirms the solvency of the person granting any such Lien after giving effect to any transactions related to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, modification or release, or (3) an Opinion of Counsel (subject to any qualifications customary for this type of Opinion of Counsel), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, confirming that, after giving effect to any transactions related to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, supplement, modification or release (followed by an immediate retaking of a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets), the Lien or Liens created under the Security Document, so amended, extended, renewed, restated, modified or released and replaced are valid and perfected Liens not otherwise subject to any limitation, imperfection or new hardening period, in equity or at law, that such Lien or Liens were not otherwise subject to immediately prior to such amendment, extension, renewal, restatement, supplement, modification or replacement and to which the new Indebtedness secured by the Permitted Collateral Lien is not subject.
(c)In the event that the Parent, the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries comply with the requirements of this Section 4.15, the Trustee and the Security Agent shall (subject to customary protections and indemnifications and each of the Trustee and the Security
- 85 -
Agent being indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction) consent to such actions without the need for instructions from the Holders.
Section 4.16. Compliance Certificate. The Parent will deliver to the Trustee no later than the date on which the Parent is required to deliver annual reports pursuant to Section 4.09, an Officer’s Certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any Default or Event of Default that occurred during the previous year.
Section 4.17. Listing.
The Issuer and the Guarantors will (i) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Notes, subject to notice of issuance, to be admitted to the official list of Euronext Dublin and admitted to trading on the Global Exchange Market thereof; and (ii) maintain such listing for as long as any of the Notes are outstanding. If the Notes cease to be listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin, the Issuer and the Guarantors will use their commercially reasonable best efforts to promptly list the Notes on another “recognised stock exchange” (as defined in Section 1005 of the Income Tax Act 2007 of the United Kingdom).
Section 4.18. Financial Calculations for Limited Condition Acquisitions.
When calculating the availability under any basket or ratio under this Indenture, in each case in connection with a Limited Condition Acquisition (other than for purposes of making a Restricted Payment, a Permitted Payment or a Permitted Investment), the date of determination of such basket or ratio and of any Default or Event of Default shall, at the option of the Parent, be the date the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Acquisition are entered into and such baskets or ratios shall be calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Limited Condition Acquisition and the other transactions to be entered into in connection therewith (including any Incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) as if they occurred at the beginning of the applicable reference period for purposes of determining the ability to consummate any such Limited Condition Acquisition (and not for purposes of any subsequent availability of any basket or ratio). For the avoidance of doubt, (x) if any of such baskets or ratios are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in such basket or ratio (including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Parent or the target company) subsequent to such date of determination and at or prior to the consummation of the relevant Limited Condition Acquisition, such baskets or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations solely for purposes of determining whether the Limited Condition Acquisition and the related transactions are permitted hereunder and (y) such baskets or ratios shall not be tested at the time of consummation of such Limited Condition Acquisition or related transactions; provided, further, that if the Parent elects to have such determinations occur at the time of entry into such definitive agreement, any such transactions (including any Incurrence of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) shall be deemed to have occurred on the date the definitive agreements are entered and outstanding thereafter for purposes of calculating any baskets or ratios under this Indenture after the date of such agreement and before the consummation of such Limited Condition Acquisition.
Section 4.19. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.The Issuer and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist
- 86 -
upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenant that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
Section 4.20. Taxes. The Parent and the Issuer shall:
(a)pay, and shall cause each of their Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material Taxes of the Parent, Issuer and their subsidiaries, except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes; and
(b)be, and each other Guarantor shall be, at all times solely resident for Tax purposes in its place of incorporation and shall not have a permanent establishment or other taxable presence in any other jurisdiction and neither of the Issuer nor any of the Guarantors shall change its jurisdiction of residence for Tax purposes or establish a permanent establishment or other taxable presence in any jurisdiction other than its jurisdiction of incorporation.
Section 4.21. Corporate Existence. Subject to Article V, the Issuer and the Parent shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect:
(a)their corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of their Subsidiaries (save for a solvent liquidation, merger or winding-up of any such Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor), in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuer, the Parent, or any such Subsidiary; and
(b)the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Parent and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Parent shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of their Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors of the Parent shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.
Section 4.22. Center of Main Interests and EstablishmentsEach of the Parent and the Issuer (and any successor Person), for the purposes of the Insolvency (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/146), and each of the Guarantors, for the purposes of Council Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of May 20, 2015 on insolvency proceedings (recast) (the “EU Insolvency Regulation”) or otherwise, will ensure that its “centre of main interests” (as that term is used in Article 3(1) of the EU Insolvency Regulation) is situated in its original jurisdiction of incorporation and ensure that it has no “establishment” (as that term is used in Article 2(b) of the EU Insolvency Regulation) in any other jurisdiction.
Section 4.23. Ratings. The Issuer and the Guarantors will use their commercially reasonable efforts to maintain an instrument rating from one of Moody’s, Fitch or S&P.
- 87 -
Section 4.24. Use of Proceeds.
The Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall apply, or cause to be applied, any proceeds (net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, listing fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and expenses actually Incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Lock-Up Agreement) received from such issuance or sale of the Initial Notes in Spain and/or France.
ARTICLE V
SUCCESSOR COMPANY
Section 5.01. Merger and Consolidation.
(a)The Issuer. Neither the Issuer nor the Parent will consolidate with or merge with or into, or assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, in one transaction or a series of related transactions to, any Person, unless:
(i)the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) will be a Person organized and existing under the laws of any member state of the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, any State of the United States or the District of Columbia, Canada or any province or territory of Canada, Norway or Switzerland and the Successor Company (if other than the Issuer or the Parent) will expressly assume, (a) by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and (b) all obligations of the Issuer under the Security Documents (and, to the extent required, by the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement);
(ii)immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary of the Successor Company as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(iii)immediately after giving effect to such transaction, only to the extent it involves the Parent, either (1) the Successor Company would be able to Incur at least an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio contained in Section 4.01(a) or (2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Successor Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries would not be less than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to giving effect to such transaction; and
(iv)the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each to the effect that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such supplemental indenture (if any) has
- 88 -
been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is a legal, valid and binding agreement enforceable against the Successor Company (in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee); provided that in giving an Opinion of Counsel, counsel may rely on an Officer’s Certificate as to any matters of fact.
Any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary (or that is deemed to be Incurred by any Restricted Subsidiary that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary) as a result of any such transaction undertaken in compliance with this Section 5.01, and any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto, shall be deemed to have been Incurred in compliance with Section 4.01.
For purposes of this Section 5.01, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer.
The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture but in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor company will not be released from its obligations under this Indenture or the Notes.
The foregoing provisions of this Section 5.01(a) (other than Section 5.01(a)(ii)) shall not apply to (i) any transactions which constitute an Asset Disposition if the Issuer has complied with Section 4.05 or (ii) the creation of a new subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary.
(b)Guarantors. No Guarantor (other than a Guarantor whose guarantee is to be released in accordance with the terms of this Indenture) may: (i) consolidate with or merge with or into any Person (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving corporation); (ii) sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of, all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to any Person; or (iii) permit any Person to merge with or into it unless:
A.the other Person is the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Parent that is a Guarantor or becomes a Guarantor;
B.(1) either (x) a Guarantor is the continuing Person or (y) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Guarantor under its Guarantee, this Indenture (pursuant to a supplemental indenture executed and delivered in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee), and the Security Documents (and, to the extent required, by the Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreements); and (2) immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing; or
- 89 -
C.the transaction constitutes a sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of a Guarantor or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of a Guarantor (in each case other than to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) otherwise permitted by this Indenture,
provided however, that the prohibition in Section 5.01(b)(i), Section 5.01(b)(ii) and Section 5.01(b)(iii) shall not apply to the extent that compliance with clauses (A) or (B)(1) could give rise to or result in: (1) any breach or violation of statutory limitations, corporate benefit, financial assistance, fraudulent preference, thin capitalization rules, capital maintenance rules, guidance and coordination rules or the laws rules or regulations (or analogous restriction) of any applicable jurisdiction; (2) any risk or liability for the officers, directors or (except in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership) shareholders of such Restricted Subsidiary (or, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a partnership, directors or shareholders of the partners of such partnership); or (3) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (including with respect to any Taxes) other than reasonable out of pocket expenses.
(c)The provisions set forth in this Section 5.01 shall not restrict (and shall not apply to): (i) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (or the Issuer) from consolidating with, merging or liquidating into or transferring all or substantially all of its properties and assets to the Issuer, a Guarantor or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor; (ii) a Guarantor from merging or liquidating into or transferring all or part of its properties and assets to the Issuer or another Guarantor; (iii) a Guarantor from transferring all or part of its properties and assets to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (or the Issuer) in order to comply with any law, rule, regulation or order, recommendation or directions of, or agreement with, any regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; (iv) any consolidation or merger of the Issuer into any Guarantor; provided that, if the Issuer is not the surviving entity of such merger or consolidation, the relevant Guarantor will assume the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and Section 5.01(a)(i) and Section 5.01(a)(iv) shall apply to such transaction and (v) the Issuer or any Guarantor from consolidating into or merging or combining with an Affiliate incorporated or organized for the purpose of changing the legal domicile of such entity, reincorporating such entity in another jurisdiction, or changing the legal form of such entity; provided, however, that Section 5.01(a)(i), Section 5.01(a)(ii), Section 5.01(a)(iv) or Section 5.01(b)(iii)(A) and Section 5.01(b)(iii)(B), as the case may be, shall apply to any such transaction.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01. Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default”
under this Indenture:
(a)default in any payment of interest on any Note issued under this Indenture when due and payable, continued for 30 days;
- 90 -
(b)default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note issued under this Indenture when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;
(c) | failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply with its obligations under |
Section 5.01;
(d) | failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 30 days after written |
notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its obligation to make a Change of Control Offer under Section 4.14;
(e)failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 60 days after notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its other agreements contained in this Indenture (in each case, other than a default in performance, or breach of, a covenant or agreement specifically addressed in clauses (a) to (d) of this Section 6.01);
(f)default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:
(i)is caused by a failure to pay principal at stated maturity on such Indebtedness, immediately upon the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (“payment default”); or
(ii)results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its maturity (the “cross acceleration provision”),
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more;
(g)the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(i) | commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent; |
(ii)consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;
(iii)consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;
- 91 -
(iv)makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(v)admits in writing that it is unable to pay its debts as they become due;
(h)a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i)is for relief against the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Issuer or any such other Restricted Subsidiary, that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;
(ii)appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or
(iii)orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary,
and, in the case of any of (i), (ii) or (iii) of this Section 6.01(h), the order or decree remains un- stayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(i)failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $10.0 million (exclusive of any amounts that a solvent insurance company has acknowledged liability for), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days after the judgment becomes final (the “judgment default provision”);
(j)any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee or this Indenture) or is declared invalid or unenforceable in a judicial proceeding or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms in writing its obligations under its Note Guarantee and any such Default continues for 10 days;
(k)any security interest under the Security Documents on any Collateral having a fair market value in excess of $5.0 million shall, at any time, cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the relevant Security Document, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, and this Indenture) for any reason other than the satisfaction in full of all obligations under this Indenture or the release or amendment of any such security interest in accordance with the terms
- 92 -
of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement or such Security Document or any such security interest created thereunder shall be declared invalid or unenforceable or the Parent, the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary shall assert in writing that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable and any such Default continues for 10 days;
(l)any default under any ABL Facility of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries involving a principal amount of Indebtedness of $10.0 million or more in the aggregate, the effect of which is to permit the lenders under such ABL Facility to cause the Indebtedness under such ABL Facility to become due or to require the prepayment, repurchase, defeasance or redemption of the Indebtedness under such ABL Facility prior to its stated maturity; provided that this Section 6.01(l) shall not apply to the Indebtedness under any such ABL Facility that becomes due as a result of a refinancing thereof permitted by this Indenture; or
(m)the Lock-Up Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms other than (x)(a) pursuant to clause 9.1(a) of the Lock-Up Agreement or (b) pursuant to clauses 9.1(b)(iii), 9.1(b)(iv), 9.1 (c)(iv), or 9.1(c)(v) of the Lock-Up Agreement as a result of a breach or misrepresentation, as applicable, by the holders of the Notes in their capacity as “Consenting Noteholders” under the Lock-Up Agreement or (y) pursuant to clause 9.2 (c) of the Lock-Up Agreement.
However, a default under Section 6.01(c), Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e), Section 6.01(f), Section 6.01(i), Section 6.01(k) or Section 6.01(l) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture notify the Parent of the default and, with respect to Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e), Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(k), the Parent does not cure such default within the time specified in Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e), Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(k), as applicable, after receipt of such notice.
The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officers’ Certificate of any Event of Default or any event which with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would become an Event of Default, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 6.02. Remedies Upon Event of Default. Holders of the Notes may not enforce this Indenture or the Notes except as provided in this Indenture.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) if a Default occurs for a failure to deliver a required certificate in connection with another default (an “Initial Default”) then at the time such Initial Default is cured, such Default for a failure to report or deliver a required certificate in connection with the Initial Default will also be cured without any further action and (ii) any Default or Event of Default for the failure to comply with the time periods prescribed in Section 4.09, or otherwise to deliver any notice or certificate pursuant to any other provision of this Indenture shall be deemed to be cured upon the delivery (prior to acceleration in respect of the relevant breach) of any such report required by Section 4.09 or notice or certificate, as applicable, even though such delivery is not within the prescribed period specified in this Indenture.
- 93 -
Section 6.03. Acceleration. (a) If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(g) and Section 6.01(h)) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture may declare all the Notes under this Indenture to be due and payable by written notice to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if such notice is given by the Holders). Upon such a declaration, such principal, premium (including Applicable Premium and Initial Notes Repayment Date Premium, if such premia would have been payable if the Issuer had issued a notice of redemption of the Notes on the date of such declaration) and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately. In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes because an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(f) has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically annulled if the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.01(f) shall be remedied or cured, or waived by the holders of the Indebtedness, or the Indebtedness that gave rise to such Event of Default shall have been discharged in full, within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if (1) the annulment of the acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the Notes that became due solely because of the acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived.
(b)If an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(g) or Section 6.01(h) occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium (including Applicable Premium and Initial Notes Repayment Date Premium, if such premia would have been payable if the Issuer had issued a notice of redemption of the Notes on the date of such declaration), if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.
Section 6.04. Other Remedies. Subject to Articles XI and XII and to the duties of the Trustee as provided for in Article VII, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of, premium (including Applicable Premium and Initial Notes Repayment Date Premium, if such premia would have been payable if the Issuer had issued a notice of redemption of the Notes on the date of such declaration), if any, or interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
Section 6.05. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under this Indenture may waive all past or existing Defaults or Events of Default (except with respect to nonpayment of principal, premium, interest or Additional Amounts, if any) and rescind any such acceleration with respect to such Notes and its consequences if rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and provided the fees and expenses of the Trustee have been paid.
- 94 -
Section 6.06. Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders or would involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification and/or security satisfactory to the Trustee in its sole discretion against all fees, losses, claims, liabilities and expenses (including attorney’s fees and expenses) caused by taking or not taking such action.
Section 6.07. Limitation on Suits. (i) Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:
A.such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;
B.Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested in writing the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
C.such Holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, loss, liability or expense;
D.the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the written request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
E.the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a written direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.
(ii)A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder. The Trustee shall not have an obligation to ascertain whether Holders’ actions are unduly prejudicial to other Holders.
Section 6.08. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment. Subject to Section 9.02, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on the Notes held by such Holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the Notes, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected.
Section 6.09. Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a) or Section 6.01(b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in
- 95 -
its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer or any other obligor on the Notes for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.06.
Section 6.10. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents and take such actions as may be necessary or advisable (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Notes) or any Guarantor, their creditors or their property and, shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.06 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.06 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes of any series or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
Section 6.11. Priorities. Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, if the Trustee or the Security Agent collects any money pursuant to this Article VI or from the enforcement of any Security Document, it shall pay out (or in the case of the Security Agent, it shall pay to the Trustee to pay out) the money in the following order:
FIRST: to the Trustee, the Security Agent and the Agents and their agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.02, Section 7.06 and Section 11.06, including payment of all fees, costs, compensation, disbursements, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee, the Agents and the Security Agent (as the case may be) and the costs and expenses of collection;
SECOND: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, respectively;
THIRD: to the Issuer, any Guarantor or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.
- 96 -
The Issuer shall provide the Trustee with any additional information in its possession necessary for the Trustee to make the payments mentioned above, upon request.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.11. At least 15 days before such record date, the Trustee shall mail or deliver to each Holder and the Issuer a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.
Section 6.12. Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as the Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.12 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee or a Paying Agent, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section
6.08 | or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. |
Section 6.13. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Issuer (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
Section 6.14. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or the Security Agent or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or the Security Agent or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Security Agent and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee, the Security Agent and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Section 6.15. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.11, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or the Security Agent or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
Section 6.16. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or the Security Agent or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such
- 97 -
Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article VI or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders, may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
Section 6.17. Indemnification of Trustee. Prior to taking any action under this Article VI, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification or other security satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses, liabilities and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee . (i) If an Event of Default, of which a Responsible
Officer of the Trustee has received written notice, has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(ii) | Except during the continuance of an Event of Default: |
A.the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; provided that to the extent the duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and the Notes may be qualified, limited or otherwise affected by the provisions of the Notes Documents, the Trustee shall be required to perform those duties only as so qualified, limited or affected, and shall be held harmless and shall not incur any liability of any kind for so acting; and
B.the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, with respect to certificates or opinions specifically required to be furnished to it hereunder, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein) and shall be entitled to seek advice from legal counsel in relation thereto.
(iii)The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
A.this Section 7.01(iii) does not limit the effect of Section 7.01(ii);
- 98 -
B.the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
C.the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.03, Section 6.05 or Section 6.06.
(iv)Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to Section 7.01(i), Section 7.01(ii) and Section 7.01(iii).
(v)No provision of this Indenture or the other Notes Documents shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or under the other Notes Documents or to take or omit to take any action under this Indenture or under the other Notes Documents or take any action at the request or direction of Holders if it has grounds for believing that repayment of such funds is not assured to it or it does not receive indemnity or security satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against any loss, liability or expense which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction nor shall the Trustee be required to do anything which is illegal or contrary to applicable laws. The Trustee will not be liable to the Holders if prevented or delayed in performing any of its obligations or discretionary functions under this Indenture by reason of any present or future law applicable to it, by any governmental or regulatory authority or by any circumstances beyond its control.
(vi)The Trustee shall not be liable for interest or investment income on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.
(vii)Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(viii)Each Holder, by its acceptance of any Notes and the Note Guarantees consents and agrees to the terms of the Notes Documents as the same may be in effect or as may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and authorizes and directs the Trustee to enter into and perform its obligations and exercise its rights under the Notes Documents in accordance therewith, to bind the Holders on the terms set forth in the Notes Documents and to execute any and all documents, amendments, waivers, consents, releases or other instruments authorized or required to be executed by it pursuant to the terms thereof.
(ix)The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any matter (including, without limitation, Events of Default) unless a Responsible Officer has written notice or actual knowledge.
Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee .
- 99 -
(i)The Trustee may refrain without liability from taking any action in any jurisdiction if the taking of such action in that jurisdiction would, in its opinion, based upon legal advice in the relevant jurisdiction, be contrary to any law of that jurisdiction or, to the extent applicable, the State of New York. Furthermore, the Trustee may also refrain without liability from taking such action if it would otherwise render it liable to any person in that jurisdiction, the State of New York or if, in its opinion based upon such legal advice, it would not have the power to take such action in that jurisdiction by virtue of any applicable law in that jurisdiction, in the State of New York or if it is determined by any court or other competent authority in that jurisdiction, in the State of New York that it does not have such power.
(ii)The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in relying on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(iii)Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(iv)The Trustee may act through attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney, delegate, depositary, or agent appointed with due care.
(v)The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture or any other Notes Document, subject to Section 7.01(iii).
(vi)The Trustee may retain professional advisers to assist it in performing its duties under this Indenture or any Notes Document. The Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Notes shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel or professional advisors even if such advice or opinion is subject to a limitation of liability, whether by a monetary cap or otherwise, or limited in scope.
(vii)The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any Officer’s Certificate, Opinion of Counsel, or any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters
- 100 -
as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuer and the Trustee shall incur no liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(viii)The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee indemnity or other security satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred by it in compliance with such request, order or direction.
(ix)In the event the Trustee receives inconsistent or conflicting requests and indemnity from two or more groups of Holders, each representing less than the majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may determine what action, if any, shall be taken and shall be held harmless and shall not incur any liability for its failure to act until such inconsistency or conflict is, in its reasonable opinion, resolved.
(x)The Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance of the Issuer with respect to the covenants contained in Article IV. Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under Section 4.09 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of their covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).
(xi)The Trustee shall not have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance, and shall not be responsible or liable for compliance with restrictions on transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of minimum denominations imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law or regulation with respect to any transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of any interest in any Notes.
(xii)If any Guarantor is substituted to make payments on behalf of the Issuer pursuant to Article X, the Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of such substitution.
(xiii)The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including its right to be indemnified or secured to its satisfaction, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and under the other Notes Documents, by the Security Agent and each Agent in their various capacities hereunder, custodian and other Person employed
- 101 -
to act as agent hereunder. Each of the Trustee, the Security Agent, and each Agent shall not be liable for acting in good faith on instructions believed by it to be genuine and from the proper party.
(xiv)The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety with respect to the performance of its duties or the exercise of its powers under this Indenture.
(xv)The permissive rights of the Trustee to take the actions permitted by this Indenture will not be construed as an obligation or duty to do so.
(xvi)Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits, loss of business, goodwill or opportunity of any kind), even if foreseeable and even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
(xvii)In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of, or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts that are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances;
(xviii)The Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of the individuals or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture or the Notes Documents, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
(xix)No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to do anything which, in its opinion, may be illegal or contrary to applicable law or regulation.
(xx)The Trustee shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default hereunder unless a Responsible Officer has actual knowledge thereof or is specifically notified in writing of such Default or Event of Default by the Issuer or by the Holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.
(xxi)The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall be entitled to make payments net of any taxes or other sums required by any applicable law to be withheld or deducted.
- 102 -
(xxii)At any time that the security granted pursuant to the Security Documents has become enforceable and the Holders have given a written direction to the Trustee to enforce such security, the Trustee is not required to give any direction to the Security Agent with respect thereto unless it has been indemnified, secured and/or prefunded in accordance with Section 7.01(v). In any event, in connection with any enforcement of such security, the Trustee is not responsible for:
(i)any failure of the Security Agent to enforce such security within a reasonable time or at all;
(ii)any failure of the Security Agent to pay over the proceeds of enforcement of the Collateral;
(iii)any failure of the Security Agent to realize such security for the best price obtainable;
(iv)monitoring the activities of the Security Agent in relation to such enforcement;
(v) | taking any enforcement action itself in relation to such security; |
(vi)agreeing to any proposed course of action by the Security Agent which could result in the Trustee incurring any liability for its own account; or
(vii) | paying any fees, costs or expenses of the Security Agent. |
(xxiii)The Trustee may assume without inquiry in the absence of actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer that the Issuer, the Guarantors or any Holder are duly complying with their obligations contained in this Indenture required to be performed and observed by each of them, and that no Default or Event of Default or other event which would require repayment of the Notes has occurred.
(xxiv)Unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Trustee shall not be required to disclose to any Holder or any third party any confidential financial or other information made available to the Trustee by the Issuer and no Holder shall be entitled to take any action to obtain from the Trustee any such information.
Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes or the Collateral and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. For the avoidance of doubt, any Agent, Paying Agent, Transfer Agent, Authenticating Agent or Registrar may do the same with like rights.
Section 7.04. Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees, any other Notes Document, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor
- 103 -
Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuer or upon the Issuer’s direction under any provision of this Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreement, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuer in this Indenture or any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication if signed by the Trustee.
Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee is informed in writing of such occurrence by the Issuer, the Trustee must give notice of the Default to the Holders within 60 days after being notified by the Issuer. Except in the case of a Default in payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the Trustee determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of Holders.
Section 7.06. Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer, or, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay, each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall pay to the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent from time to time such compensation as the Issuer and Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent may from time to time agree for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder and under the Notes Documents. The Trustee’s, the Security Agent’s and each Agent’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.
In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default or the Trustee considering it expedient or necessary or being requested by the Issuer to undertake duties which the Trustee reasonably determines to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the normal duties of the Trustee, the Issuer shall pay to the Trustee such additional remuneration for such duties as may be agreed.
The Issuer and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall reimburse the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent promptly upon request for all properly incurred disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it), including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the properly incurred compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s and the Security Agent’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Issuer and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee, the Security Agent, the Agents and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees and hold them harmless against any and all loss, liability or expenses (including attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses) incurred by or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture and the Notes Documents, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuer (including this Section 7.06) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuer or any Holder or any other person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder or under the Notes Documents, as the case may be. The Issuer and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent and their respective officers, directors, agents and employees for all taxes paid by the Trustee, the Security Agent and each Agent, or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to any Person entitled to payment hereunder, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto.
- 104 -
The Trustee and the Security Agent shall notify the Issuer of any claim for which it may seek indemnity promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof; provided, however, that any failure so to notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer or any Guarantor of their indemnity obligations hereunder or under any other Notes Documents, as the case may be. Except in cases where the interests of the Issuer and the Trustee and the Security Agent may be adverse, the Issuer shall defend the claim and the indemnified party shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s expense in the defense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnified party may, in its sole discretion, assume the defense of the claim against it and the Issuer and any Guarantor shall, jointly and severally, pay the properly incurred fees and expenses of the indemnified party’s defense. Such indemnified parties may have separate counsel of their choosing and the Issuer and any Guarantor, jointly and severally, shall pay the properly incurred fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuer need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by an indemnified party through such party’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or fraud.
To secure the Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s payment obligations in this Section 7.06, the Trustee, the Security Agent, and the Agents have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee or Paying Agent other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes.
The Issuer’s and any Guarantor’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section 7.06 and any lien arising thereunder shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture, payment of the Notes in full, any rejection or termination of this Indenture under any Bankruptcy Law or the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the Security Agent, and the Agents. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee, the Security Agent, and the Agents under applicable law, when the Trustee and the Paying Agents incur expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(e) and Section 6.01(f) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.
For the avoidance of doubt, the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee and the Security Agent in this Section 7.06, including its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by the Trustee and the Security Agent in each of its capacities hereunder and by each Agent, custodian and other Person employed with due care to act as agent hereunder. For purposes of this Section 7.06, “Trustee” and “Security Agent” shall include any predecessor Trustee or Security Agent; provided, however, that the gross negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee or the Security Agent shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee or Security Agent hereunder.
Section 7.07. Replacement of Trustee. (i) The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuer shall be entitled to remove the Trustee or any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder for not less than six months may petition any court for removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee, if:
- 105 -
A.the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.11;
B.the Trustee has or acquires a conflict of interest in its capacity as Trustee that is not eliminated;
C.the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
D.a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
E.the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting as Trustee hereunder.
(ii)If the Trustee resigns, is removed pursuant to Section 7.07(i) or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
(iii)A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and the Notes Documents. The successor Trustee shall deliver a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided that all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.06.
(iv)If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, (i) the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 10% in principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee, or (ii) the retiring Trustee may appoint a successor Trustee at any time prior to the date on which a successor Trustee takes office; provided that such appointment is reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer.
(v)Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.07, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.06 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
(vi)For the avoidance of doubt, the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee in this Article VII, including its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by each Agent employed to act hereunder.
Section 7.08. Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
- 106 -
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture, any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
Section 7.09. Certain Provisions. Each Holder by accepting a Note authorizes and directs on his or her behalf the Trustee to enter into and to take such actions and to make such acknowledgements as are set forth in this Indenture or other documents entered into in connection therewith.
Section 7.10. Agents; General Provisions.
(i)The rights, powers, duties and obligations and actions of each Agent under this Indenture are several and not (i) joint or (ii) joint and several.
(ii)In the event that instructions given to any Agent are not reasonably clear, then such Agent shall be entitled to seek clarification from the Issuer or other party entitled to give the Agents instructions under this Indenture by written request promptly and in any event within one Business Day of receipt by such Agent of such instructions. If an Agent has sought clarification in accordance with this Section 7.10, then such Agent shall be entitled to take no action until such clarification is provided, and shall not incur any liability for not taking any action pending receipt of such clarification.
(iii)No Agent shall be under any duty or other obligation towards, or have any relationship of agency or trust for or with, any person other than the Issuer.
(iv)The Issuer shall notify each Agent in the event that they determine that any payment to be made by an Agent under the Notes is a payment which could be subject to FATCA Withholding if such payment were made to a recipient that is generally unable to receive payments free from FATCA Withholding, and the extent to which the relevant payment is so treated, provided, however, that the Issuer’s obligation under this Section 7.10(iv) shall apply only to the extent that such payments are so treated by virtue of characteristics of the Issuer, the Notes, or both.
(v)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, each Agent shall be entitled to make a deduction or withholding from any payment which it makes under the Notes for or on account of any Tax, if and only to the extent so required by applicable law, in which event the Agent shall make such payment after such deduction or withholding has been made and shall account to the relevant Authority within the time allowed for the amount so deducted or withheld or, at its option, shall reasonably promptly after making such payment return to the Issuer
- 107 -
the amount so deducted or withheld, in which case, the Issuer shall so account to the relevant Authority for such amount.
(vi)In the event that the Issuer determines at its sole discretion that any deduction or withholding for or on account of any Tax will be required by applicable law in connection with any payment due to any of the Agents on any Notes, then the Issuer will be entitled to redirect or reorganize any such payment in any way that it sees fit in order that the payment may be made without such deductions or withholding provided that, any such redirected or reorganized payment is made through a recognized institution of international standing and otherwise made in accordance with this Indenture. The Issuer will promptly notify the Agents and the Trustee of any such redirection or reorganization
(vii)For the purposes of Section 7.10(iv) through to Section 7.10(vi), the following definitions apply:
“Authority” means any competent regulatory, prosecuting, Tax or governmental authority in any jurisdiction.
“FATCA Withholding” means any withholding or deduction required pursuant to an agreement described in section 1471(b) of the Code, or otherwise imposed pursuant to sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, any regulations or agreements thereunder, any official interpretations thereof, or any law implementing an intergovernmental approach thereto.
(viii) | [Reserved]. |
(ix)The Issuer and the Agents acknowledge and agree that in the event of a Default or Event of Default, the Trustee may, by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Agents, require that the Agents act as agents of, and take instructions exclusively from, the Trustee. Until they have received such written notice from the Trustee, the Agents shall act solely as agents of the Issuer and shall have no fiduciary duty, or owe any obligation, towards any person other than the Issuer.
(x)Moneys held by Agents need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Subject to Article VIII, the Agents hold all funds as agent subject to the terms of this Indenture and as a result money will not be held in accordance with the rules established by the Financial Conduct Authority in the Financial Conduct Authority’s Handbook of rules and guidance from time to time in relation to client money, The Agents shall not be liable for any interest earned thereon.
(xi)The roles, duties and functions of the Agents are of a mechanical nature and each Agent shall only perform those acts and duties as specifically set out in this Indenture and no other acts, covenants, obligations or duties shall be implied or read into this Indenture against any of the Agents.
- 108 -
(xii)No Agent shall be required to make any payment of the principal, premium or interest payable pursuant to this Indenture unless and until it has received the full amount to be paid in accordance with the terms of this Indenture. To the extent that an Agent has made such payment with the prior written consent of the Issuer and for which it did not receive the full amount, the Issuer will reimburse the Agent the full amount of any shortfall.
(xiii)No Agent shall have any duty or obligation to monitor the Issuer’s or any other party’s compliance with the terms of this Indenture or to take any steps to ascertain whether any Default or Event of Default or other event which would require repayment of the Notes has occurred.
Section 7.11. Eligibility; Disqualification. There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business in England and Wales, the European Union or the United States of America that is authorized to exercise corporate trustee power; and that is a corporation which is generally recognized as a corporation which customarily performs such corporate trustee roles and provides such corporate trustee services in transactions similar in nature to the offering of the Notes.
ARTICLE VIII
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01. Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance. (a) This Indenture will be discharged and cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of conversion or transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when (1) either (a) all the Notes previously authenticated and delivered (other than certain lost, stolen or destroyed Notes and certain Notes for which provision for payment was previously made and thereafter the funds have been released to the Issuer) have been delivered to the Paying Agent for cancellation; or (b) all Notes not previously delivered to the Paying Agent for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, (ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (iii) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee or Paying Agent in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer; (2) the Issuer has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another entity designated by the Trustee for this purpose) U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, as applicable, in an amount sufficient, without consideration of reinvestment, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not previously delivered to the Paying Agent for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (in the case of Notes that have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be; (3) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable under this Indenture; (4) the Issuer has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the funds deposited towards the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be; and (5) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each to the effect that all conditions precedent under this Section 8.01 relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with; provided that any such counsel may rely on any Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact (including as to compliance with clauses (1), (2) and (3) of this
- 109 -
Section 8.01). If requested in writing by the Issuer, the Trustee or Paying Agent may distribute any amounts deposited to the Holders prior to maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be, subject to Euroclear or Clearstream’s applicable procedures. In such case, the payment to each Holder will equal the amount such Holder would have been entitled to receive at maturity or the relevant redemption date, as the case may be. For the avoidance of doubt, the distribution and payment to Holders prior to the maturity or redemption date as set forth above will not include any negative interest, present value adjustment, break cost or any further premium on such amounts.
(b)Subject to Section 8.01(c) and Section 8.02, the Parent at any time may terminate (i) all obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (“legal defeasance option”), and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes or (ii) their obligations under Article IV (other than Section 4.14) and under Section 5.01 (other than Section 5.01(a)(i) and Section 5.01(a)(ii)), and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes and the events set forth in Section 6.01(d), Section 6.01(e) (other than with respect to Section 5.01(a)(i) and Section 5.01(a)(ii)), Section 6.01(f), Section 6.01(g) (other than with respect to the Issuer and Significant Subsidiaries) Section 6.01(h) (other than with respect to the Issuer), Section 6.01(i) and Section 6.01(j) shall not constitute Events of Default (“covenant defeasance option”). The Issuer at its option at any time may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding their prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.
If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option, each Guarantor will be released from all its obligations under its Guarantee.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminates.
(c)Notwithstanding Section 8.01(a) and Section 8.01(b) above, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in Section 2.07, Section 2.08, Section 2.09, Section 2.10, Section 2.11, Section 2.12, Section 2.13, Section 2.14, Section 7.01, Section 7.02, Section 7.03, Section 7.06, Section 7.07 and this Article VIII, as applicable, shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s and any Guarantors’ obligations in Section 7.06, Section 8.05 and Section 8.06, as applicable, shall survive.
Section 8.02. Conditions to Defeasance. (i) The Issuer may exercise their legal defeasance option or their covenant defeasance option only if:
A.the Issuer has irrevocably deposited in trust (the “defeasance trust”) with the Trustee (or another entity designated by the Trustee for this purpose) cash in U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations or a combination thereof, as applicable in an amount sufficient, without consideration of reinvestment, for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be;
- 110 -
B.an Opinion of Counsel in the United States to the effect that Holders of the relevant Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and in the case of legal defeasance only, such Opinion of Counsel in the United States must be based on a ruling of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other change in applicable U.S. federal income tax law);
C.an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying, defrauding or preferring any creditors of the Issuer;
D.an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which opinion of counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions), each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with;
E.an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940; and
F.the Issuer delivers to the Trustee all other documents or other information that the Trustee may reasonably require in connection with either defeasance option.
(ii) Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Notes at a future date in accordance with Article III.
Section 8.03. Deposited Money and U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations to be held in Trust. Subject to Section 8.04 hereof, all money and U.S. dollar- denominated Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or such other entity designated or appointed as agent by the Trustee for this purpose, or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.03, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section
8.01hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Section 8.04. Repayment to Issuer. The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuer upon request any money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article VIII which, in the written opinion of an internationally recognized firm of independent public accountants delivered to the Trustee (which
- 111 -
delivery shall only be required if U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations have been so deposited), are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent discharge or defeasance in accordance with this Article VIII.
Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors, and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
Section 8.05. Indemnity for Government Obligations. The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations.
Section 8.06. Reinstatement. If the Trustee is unable to apply any money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided, however, that if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations held by the Trustee.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders. Without the consent of any Holder,
the Issuer, the Trustee and the other parties thereto, as applicable, may amend or supplement any Notes Documents to:
A.cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect, error or inconsistency;
B.provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary under any Notes Document;
C.add to the covenants or provide for a Note Guarantee for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary;
- 112 -
D.make any change that would provide additional rights or benefits to the Trustee or the Holders or that does not adversely affect the rights or benefits to the Trustee or any of the Holders in any material respect under the Notes Documents;
E.make such provisions as necessary (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Parent) for the issuance of Additional Notes;
F.to provide for any Restricted Subsidiary to provide a Note Guarantee in accordance with Section 4.01 or Section 4.08, to add Note Guarantees with respect to the Notes, to add security to or for the benefit of the Notes, or to confirm and evidence the release, termination, discharge or retaking of any Guarantee or Lien (including the Collateral and the Security Documents) or any amendment in respect thereof with respect to the Notes when such release, termination, discharge or retaking or amendment is provided for under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, or the Security Documents;
G. | [reserved]; or |
H.to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement of a successor Trustee pursuant to the requirements thereof or to provide for the accession by the Trustee or the Security Agent to any Notes Document;
Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders. The Issuer and the Trustee may amend, supplement or otherwise modify the Notes Documents with the consent of Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) and, except as otherwise stated herein, any default or compliance with any provisions thereof may be waived with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes). However, without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected, an amendment or waiver may not:
A.reduce the percentage of principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, waiver or modification;
B.reduce the stated rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest on any Note;
C. | reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any |
Note;
- 113 -
D.reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed, in each case as described in Section 5 of the Notes;
E. | make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the |
Note;
F. | impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any |
Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;
G.make any change to Section 4.13 that adversely affects the right of any Holder of such Notes in any material respect or amends the terms of such Notes in a way that would result in a loss of an exemption from any of the Taxes described thereunder or an exemption from any obligation to withhold or deduct Taxes so described thereunder unless the Parent or the applicable Payor agrees to pay Additional Amounts, if any, in respect thereof;
H.release any security interests granted for the benefit of the Holders of Notes other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, or the applicable Security Documents, or make any change to the form ABL Intercreditor Agreement attached to this Indenture as Exhibit C prior to its effective date that adversely effects of right of any Holder of such Notes thereunder in any material respect;
I.waive a Default or Event of Default with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium or interest or Additional Amounts, if any, on the Notes (except pursuant to a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
J.release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement; or
K.make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions which require the Holders’ consent described in this sentence.
In respect of such matters described in Section 9.01 and this Section 9.02, the Trustee shall be entitled to require and rely absolutely on such evidence as it deems necessary, including Officer’s Certificates and Opinions of Counsel.
- 114 -
For the avoidance of doubt, no amendment to or deletion of, or actions taken in compliance with, the covenants contained in this Indenture shall be deemed to impair or affect any rights of Holders of the Notes to receive payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, on the Notes.
For so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules of such exchange so require, the Parent will publish notice of any amendment, supplement and waiver in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times). Such notice of any amendment, supplement and waiver may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of a daily newspaper to the extent and in the manner permitted by the rules of such exchange.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment of the Notes Documents, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. A consent to any amendment or waiver under this Indenture by any Holder of Notes given in connection with a tender of such Holder’s Notes will not be rendered invalid by such tender.
After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, in case of Holders of Definitive Notes, the Issuer shall mail or deliver to the Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.02.
Except as set forth in this Section 9.02, the Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes part of the same series will be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, including with respect to waivers and amendments. For the purposes of calculating the aggregate principal amount of Notes that have consented to or voted in favor of any amendment, waiver, consent, modifications or other similar action, the Issuer (acting reasonably and in good faith) shall be entitled to select a record date as of which the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount of any Notes shall be calculated in such consent or voting process.
Section 9.03. Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers.
(i)A written consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Notes that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the written consent or waiver as to such Holder’s Note or portion of the Note if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officer’s Certificate from the Issuer certifying that the requisite number of consents have been received. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective upon the (a) receipt by the Issuer or the Trustee of the requisite number of consents, (b) satisfaction of conditions to effectiveness as set forth in this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto containing such amendment or waiver and (c) in the case of an amendment,
- 115 -
execution of such amendment (or supplemental indenture) by the Issuer and the Trustee.
(ii)The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their written consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding Section 9.03(i), those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.
Section 9.04. Notation on or Exchange of Notes. If an amendment changes the terms of a Note, the Trustee may require the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determine, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment.
Section 9.05. Trustee and Security Agent to Sign Amendments. The Trustee and the and Security Agent shall sign any amendment or supplement authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment or supplement does not impose any personal obligations on the Trustee or the Security Agent or adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee or the Security Agent under this Indenture, as applicable. If it does, the Trustee and the Security Agent may, but need not, sign it. In signing such amendment or supplement the Trustee and the Security Agent shall be entitled to receive an indemnity or security satisfactory to it and to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment or supplement complies with this Indenture, the other Notes Documents and that such amendment or supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is the legally valid and binding obligation of the Issuer and the Guarantors enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.
ARTICLE X
NOTE GUARANTEES
Section 10.01. Note Guarantees.
(i)Subject to this Article X, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, each Guarantor, as primary obligor and not merely as a surety, jointly and severally, unconditionally, on a senior basis and subject to any limitations set out in any supplemental indenture, guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee (or the Authenticating Agent), to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and
- 116 -
enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuer hereunder or thereunder, that:
A.the principal of, Additional Amounts and premium, if any, and interest on, the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest, Additional Amounts and premium, if any, on the Notes (to the extent permitted by law) and all other obligations of the Issuer to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and
B.in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.
(ii)To the extent permitted by the applicable law and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, each Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder are unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action or any delay or omission to assert any claim or to demand or enforce any remedy hereunder or thereunder, any waiver, surrender, release or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.
(iii)If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to or for the benefit of the Issuer, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Issuer or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either the Issuer or the Guarantors to the Trustee or such Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force and effect.
(iv)Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed
- 117 -
hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand,
A.the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article VI hereof for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and
B.in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article VI, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Note Guarantee.
(v)Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including properly incurred attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expenses) incurred by the Trustee in enforcing any rights under this Section.
Section 10.02. Successors and Assigns. This Article X shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.
Each party to this Indenture hereby agrees and undertakes to execute and deliver all such documents and do all such acts and things which are legally required to fully and effectively give effect to this Section 10.02.
Section 10.03. No Waiver. Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of the Trustee or the Holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article X shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the Holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article X at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
Section 10.04. Modification. No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article X, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle such Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.
- 118 -
Section 10.05. Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Guarantors. Each Subsidiary which is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to this Indenture shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the form attached to this Indenture as Exhibit B pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor under this Article X. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate in each case, prepared in accordance with Section 12.02. The obligations of a Guarantor executing and delivering a supplemental indenture to this Indenture providing for a Note Guarantee of the Notes under this Article X shall be subject to such limitations as are mandated under applicable laws in addition to the limitations set forth in Section 10.07 and set out in the relevant supplemental indenture.
Section 10.06. Release of the Note Guarantees. (a) The Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will terminate and release:
(1)upon a sale or other disposition (including by way of consolidation or merger) of the Capital Stock of the relevant Guarantor (whether by direct sale or sale of a holding company) or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Guarantor (other than to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary) otherwise permitted by this Indenture;
(2)in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement;
(3) | upon defeasance or discharge of the Notes, as provided in Article VIII; |
(4) | as described under Article IX; |
(5) | as described under Section 4.08(b); |
(6) | as a result of a transaction permitted by Section 5.01(b); or |
(7) | [Reserved]. |
Upon the request of the Parent, the Trustee shall take all necessary actions to
effectuate any release of a Note Guarantee in accordance with these provisions, subject to customary protections and indemnifications. Each of the releases set forth above shall be effected by the Trustee without the consent of the Holders or any other action or consent on the part of the Trustee.
Section 10.07. Limitations on Obligations of Guarantors.
Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the obligations guaranteed hereunder by any Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed by the applicable Guarantor without rendering the Note Guarantee, as it relates to such Guarantor, voidable under applicable laws relating to fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer, improper corporate benefit, financial assistance or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally; provided that, with respect to
- 119 -
each relevant jurisdiction, such obligations shall be limited in the manner described in any supplemental indenture.
Section 10.08. Local Law Limitations.
(a) | Limitations on Liability of French Guarantors. |
(1)In the case of any Guarantor incorporated under the laws of France (a “French Guarantor”) its obligations under this Indenture shall apply only insofar as required to:
(A)guarantee the payment obligations under this Indenture and the Notes of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries which are or become Guarantors from time to time under this Indenture and incurred by those Subsidiaries in their capacity as Guarantor (without double counting) provided that where such Subsidiary itself guarantees the obligations of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which is not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the relevant French Guarantor, the amounts payable under this Section 10.08(a)(1)(A) in respect of the obligations of this Subsidiary as a Guarantor, shall be limited as set out in Section 10.08(a)(1)(B) below; and
(B)guarantee the payment obligations of (i) the Issuer or (ii) other Guarantors which are not direct or indirect Subsidiaries of that French Guarantor, provided that in such cases such guarantee shall be limited: (x) to the payment obligations of (i) the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes or (ii) such other Guarantors under this Indenture but in each case (y) not exceeding an amount equal to the aggregate of all amounts made available (directly or indirectly) to the Issuer or such other Guarantors under this Indenture and the Notes/and received out of the proceeds of the Notes and on-lent (directly or indirectly by way of intercompany loans) to that French Guarantor and outstanding at the time a call is made under its Guarantee (the “French Maximum Guaranteed Amount”); it being specified that any payment made by such French Guarantor under this Indenture in respect of the obligations of any Issuer or any other Guarantor shall reduce pro tanto the outstanding amount of the intercompany loans (if any) due by such French Guarantor under the relevant intercompany loan arrangements referred to above.
(2)For the avoidance of doubt, any payment made by a French Guarantor under Section 10.08(a)(1)(B) pursuant to the guarantees granted under this Indenture shall reduce pro tanto the French Maximum Guaranteed Amount.
(3)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, no French Guarantor shall secure liabilities under this Indenture and the Notes which would result in such
- 120 -
French Guarantor not complying with French financial assistance rules as set out in Article L. 225-216 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) or would constitute a misuse of corporate assets within the meaning of article L. 241-3, L. 242-6 or L. 244-1 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) or any other applicable law or regulations having the same effect, as interpreted by French courts.
(4)It is acknowledged that no French Guarantor is acting jointly and severally with the Issuer or other Guarantors as to its obligations arising under or in connection with this Indenture.
(5)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, (i) the representations, undertakings and warranties made in this Indenture by any French Guarantor (or by the Issuer) shall be made, in each case, in respect of itself and its Subsidiaries only and for the avoidance of any doubt will not apply in relation to matters pertaining exclusively to its shareholders or its holding companies; and (ii) the indemnities granted in this Indenture by each French Guarantor shall be, in each case, in respect of its own breach or that of (i) the Issuer (if the Issuer is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of that French Guarantor) or (ii) its Subsidiaries which are French Guarantors.
(b)Limitations on Liability of Spanish Guarantors. Any obligations or liabilities incurred or assumed under this Indenture by any Spanish Guarantor shall (i) not include any obligations or liabilities which, if incurred, would constitute a breach of the financial assistance limitations set out under Articles 143 and 150 of Spanish Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July, approving the consolidated text of the Spanish Capital Companies Act, as interpreted by Spanish courts, and (ii) with respect to Spanish Guarantors which are private limited liability companies (sociedad limitada), not exceed an amount equal to twice the amount of their respective own funds (recursos propios), but only to the extent that such limitation provided under Article 401.2 of the Spanish Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July, approving the consolidated text of the Spanish Capital Companies Act, as interpreted by Spanish courts, is compulsorily applicable to the obligations assumed by such Spanish Guarantors under this Indenture.
(c)Limitations on Liability of Norwegian Guarantors. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Indenture, the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor incorporated in Norway (each, a “Norwegian Guarantor”) under this Indenture shall be deemed to have been given only to the extent such obligations and liabilities do not violate the mandatory provisions of the Norwegian Private Limited Companies Act of 13 June 1997 no. 44 (the “Norwegian Companies Act”), including Sections 8-7 and 8-10, regulating unlawful financial assistance and other prohibited loans, guarantees and joint and several liability as well as providing of security, and the liability of each Norwegian Guarantor shall only apply to the fullest extent permitted by such provisions of the Norwegian Companies Act. The liabilities of any Norwegian Guarantor is limited to the maximum principal amount of amount equaling $500 million of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture, plus any unpaid amounts of interest, default interest, breaking costs, fees, commissions, costs, expenses and other derived liabilities under this Indenture. The limitations in this Section 10.08(c) shall apply mutatis mutandis to any Security Document to which a Norwegian Guarantor is party.
- 121 -
Section 10.09. Non-Impairment.
The failure to endorse a Note Guarantee on any Note shall not affect or impair the validity thereof.
ARTICLE XI
COLLATERAL AND SECURITY
Section 11.01. Security Documents.
(a)The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any, on, the Notes and the Guarantees when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium on, if any, interest and Additional Amounts, if any (to the extent permitted by law), on the Notes, the Guarantees and performance of all other obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Holders or the Trustee and the Security Agent under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, are secured as provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents. Each Holder, by its acceptance of a Note: (i) consents and agrees to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, any Additional Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents (including, without limitation, the provisions providing for foreclosure and release of Liens and authorizing the Security Agent to enter into any Security Document on its behalf) as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms and (ii) authorizes and directs the Security Agent to enter into the Security Documents and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Issuer will deliver to the Trustee copies of all documents delivered to the Security Agent pursuant to the Security Documents, and, subject to the Agreed Security Principles, the Issuer and the Guarantors will, and the Issuer will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be necessary or proper, or as may be required by the provisions of the Security Documents, to assure and confirm to the Trustee that the Security Agent holds, for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, duly created, enforceable and perfected Liens as contemplated hereby and by the Security Documents, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Notes and the Guarantees secured thereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. Subject to the Agreed Security Principles, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the Issuer and the Guarantors will take, upon request of the Trustee, any and all actions reasonably required to cause the Security Documents to create and maintain, as security for the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, a valid and enforceable Lien (i) on the Collateral held by the ABL Guarantors in accordance with the relative priorities set forth in the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) on the Collateral held by the Guarantors other than the ABL Guarantors in accordance with the relative priorities set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.
(b)Without prejudice to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, each of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders agree that the Security Agent shall be the joint creditor (together with the Holders) of each and every obligation
- 122 -
of the parties hereto under the Notes and this Indenture, and that accordingly the Security Agent will have its own independent right to demand performance by the Issuer of those obligations, except that such demand shall only be made with the prior written consent of the Trustee or as otherwise permitted under the Intercreditor Agreement or the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. However, any discharge of such obligation to the Security Agent, on the one hand, or to the Trustee or the Holders, as applicable, on the other hand, shall, to the same extent, discharge the corresponding obligation owing to the other.
(c)Each Holder, by accepting a Note, shall be deemed (i) to have authorized the Security Agent to enter into the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement entered into in compliance with Section 4.11 and (ii) to be bound thereby. Each Holder, by accepting a Note, appoints the Security Agent as its trustee under the Security Documents and authorizes it to act on such Holder’s behalf. The Trustee hereby acknowledges that the Security Agent is authorized to act under the Security Documents on behalf of the Trustee, with the full authority and powers of the Trustee thereunder, in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement. The Security Agent is hereby authorized to exercise such rights, powers and discretions as are specifically delegated to it by the terms of the Security Documents, including the power to enter into the Security Documents, as trustee on behalf of the Holders and the Trustee, in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, together with all rights, powers and discretions as are reasonably incidental thereto or necessary to give effect to the trusts created thereunder. The Security Agent shall however at all times be entitled to seek directions from the Trustee and shall be obligated to follow those directions if given (but the Trustee shall not be obligated to give such directions unless directed in accordance with this Indenture).
(d)Neither the Trustee nor the Security Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, attorneys or agents will be responsible or liable for the existence, genuineness, value or protection of any property securing the Notes, for the legality, enforceability, effectiveness or sufficiency of the Security Documents, for the creation, perfection, priority, sufficiency or protection of any Lien, or for any defect or deficiency as to any such matters, or for any failure to demand, collect, foreclose or realize upon or otherwise enforce any of the Liens or Security Documents or any delay in doing so.
Section 11.02. Release of Collateral.
Notwithstanding the Security Documents, upon receipt by the Security Agent of a certificate from the Issuer that complies with Section 11.05, and subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Agent is authorized to release the relevant Collateral.
Section 11.03. Authorization of Actions to Be Taken by the Trustee Under the Security Documents.
Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 and Section 7.02 hereof and the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, the Trustee may, in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Holders:
- 123 -
(A)direct, on behalf of the Holders, the Security Agent to take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to:
(1)enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement; and
(2)collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor hereunder; and
(B)take all actions it deems necessary or appropriate in order to collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the obligations of the Issuer hereunder.
Subject to the provisions hereof, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee will have power to institute and maintain, or direct the Security Agent to institute and maintain, such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the Liens over the Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral (including power to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair such Liens or be prejudicial to the interests of the Holders or of the Trustee).
Section 11.04. Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents
The Trustee and/or the Security Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders distributed under the Security Documents and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to the provisions of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement.
Section 11.05. Termination of Security Interest; Activity with Respect to Collateral.
(a) | Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor |
Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Agent shall, at the written request of the Issuer, release the relevant Collateral or execute such other appropriate instrument evidencing such release (in the form provided by, reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, and at the expense of the Issuer) under one or more of the following circumstances:
(1)upon payment in full of principal, interest and all other obligations under the Notes and this Indenture or the legal defeasance, covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as provided for in Article VIII;
- 124 -
(2)in the case of a Guarantor that is released from its Guarantee pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the release of property and assets, and Capital Stock, of such Guarantor;
(3)in connection with any sale or other disposition of Collateral, directly or indirectly, to (a) any Person other than the Parent, the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiaries (but excluding any transaction subject to Article V) if such sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.05 and is otherwise not prohibited by this Indenture or (b) the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary in a manner consistent with the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement, provided that, any Replacement Asset received as consideration for such sale or disposition of Collateral in accordance with this clause (3) or acquired with the proceeds of such Collateral shall secure the Notes to the extent and so long as the provision of such Replacement Asset as Collateral is not reasonably expected to result in (i) any violation of any applicable law or regulation, (ii) any liability of officers, directors or shareholders, (iii) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (including with respect to taxes) other than reasonable out-of- pocket expenses incurred in connection with any governmental or regulatory filings or (iv) inconsistency with the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement;
(4) | as provided for under Article IX; |
(5) | automatically without any action by the Trustee, as described in |
Section 4.03(b);
(6) | as otherwise provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL |
Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement;
(7)in order to effectuate a merger, consolidation, conveyance or transfer conducted in compliance with Article V;
(8)with respect to assets held by or the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary, in connection with a solvent liquidation of such Restricted Subsidiary, pursuant to which substantially all of the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary remain owned by the Issuer or a Guarantor; provided that, immediately following such solvent liquidation, a Lien of at least equivalent ranking over the same assets exists or is granted in favor of the Security Agent (on its own behalf and on behalf of the Trustee for the Holders);
(9)if on any date following the Issue Date, the Notes have achieved Investment Grade Status and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and
(10)as otherwise permitted in accordance with this Indenture, including pursuant to Section 4.15.
The Security Agent and the Trustee (but only if required in order to effect such release) will, subject to customary protections and/or indemnifications, take all necessary action reasonably requested by, and at the cost of, the Issuer to effectuate any release of Collateral securing the Notes and the Notes Guarantees, in accordance with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement or any Additional Intercreditor Agreement and the relevant Security
- 125 -
Document. Each of these releases set forth above shall be effected by the Security Agent and, to the extent required or necessary, the Trustee, without the consent of the holders of the Notes. The Security Agent and the Trustee shall be entitled to request and rely solely upon an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each certifying which circumstances give rise to the release of Collateral and that such release complies with this Indenture.
Section 11.06. Security Agent.
(a)The Security Documents and the Collateral will be administered by the Security Agent, in each case pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement for the benefit of all holders of secured obligations.
(b)Any resignation or replacement of the Security Agent shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the ABL Intercreditor Agreement.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.01. Notices. Any notice or communication shall be in writing, in the
English language, and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:
if to the Parent or Issuer:
Ferroglobe PLC
5 Fleet Place,
London EC4M 7RD,
United Kingdom
Attention: Thomas Wiesner
with copy to:
Milbank LLP
10 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7JD
United Kingdom
Attention: Tim Peterson
if to the Trustee
GLAS Trustees Limited
45 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JU
United Kingdom
Email: TES@GLAS.AGENCY
Attention: Trustee & Escrow Services
- 126 -
if to the Paying Agent
Global Loan Agency Services Limited
45 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JU
United Kingdom
Email : tes@glas.agency
Attention: Ferroglobe
if to the Registrar and Transfer Agent
GLAS Americas LLC
230 Park Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, New York 10169
United States of America
Telephone: +1 212 808 3050
Facsimile: +1 212 202 6246
Attention: Transaction Management
Email: Client Services Americas clientservices.americas@glas.agency
if to the Security Agent
GLAS Trust Corporation Limited
45 Ludgate Hill
London EC4M 7JU
United Kingdom
Email: TES@GLAS.AGENCY
Attention: Trustee & Escrow Services
The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
Any notice or communication sent to a Holder of Definitive Registered Notes shall be in writing and shall be made by first-class mail, postage prepaid, or by hand delivery to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar, with a copy to the Trustee.
For so long as any of the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, notices of the Issuer with respect to the Notes will be published in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times) or if, in the opinion of the Issuer such publication is not practicable, in an English language newspaper having general circulation in Europe. Notices may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in a daily newspaper so long as the rules of such exchange are complied with.
If and so long as any Notes are represented by one or more Global Notes and ownership of book-entry interests therein are shown on the records of Euroclear or Clearstream or any successor securities clearing agency appointed at the request of the Issuer, notices will be delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream or such successor clearing agency to such securities clearing agency for communication to the owners of
- 127 -
such book-entry interests and such notices shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered to such securities clearing agency.
Notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, will be deemed given five calendar days after mailing. Notices given by publication will be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or, if published more than once on different dates, on the first date on which publication is made; provided that, if notices are mailed, such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the later of such publication and the seventh day after being so mailed. Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed to such Person by first-class mail or other equivalent means and shall be sufficiently given to such Holder if so mailed within the time prescribed. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
Any notices provided by the Issuer to the Trustee or to an Agent shall be in the English language or a certified translation.
Section 12.02. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee:
(i)an Officer’s Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section
12.03 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and any other matters that the Trustee may reasonably request; and
(ii) if requested by the Trustee, an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.03 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with and any other matters that the Trustee may reasonably request.
Section 12.03. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:
(i)a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(ii)a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(iii)a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, such Person has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable that Person to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
- 128 -
(iv)a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such covenant or condition has been complied with.
Section 12.04. When Notes are to be Disregarded. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of the Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, the Notes owned by the Issuer or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes so owned about which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has been notified in accordance with this Indenture shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing, only Notes outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.
Section 12.05. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders. The Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
Section 12.06. Legal Holidays. If a payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a regular record date is not a Business Day, the record date shall not be affected.
Section 12.07. Governing Law. THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES, AND THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES THEREUNDER, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Section 12.08. Consent to Jurisdiction and Service. Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any suit, action or proceeding arising out of, related to, or in connection with this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any action arising under U.S. Federal or state securities laws, may be instituted in any U.S. federal or state court located in the State and City of New York, Borough of Manhattan; irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding; and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Parent and each of the Guarantors hereby appoint Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon whom process may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding which may be instituted in any Federal or state court located in the State of New York, Borough of Manhattan arising out of or based upon this Indenture, the Notes or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and any action brought under U.S. Federal or state securities laws. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors expressly consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such action and waives any other requirements of or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect thereto and waives any right to trial by jury. Such appointment shall be irrevocable unless and until replaced by an agent reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Issuer agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force
- 129 -
and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service to the Parent shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Issuer and any Guarantor.
Section 12.09. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Indenture or any Notes Documents, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.
Section 12.10. Successors. All agreements of the Issuer and each Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.
Section 12.11. Multiple Originals. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture.
Section 12.12. Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 12.13. Prescription. Claims against the Issuer and the Guarantors for the payment of principal, or premium, if any, on the Notes will be prescribed 10 years after the applicable due date for payment thereof. Claims against the Issuer and the Guarantors for the payment of interest on the Notes will be prescribed five years after the applicable due date for payment of interest.
Section 12.14. Severability.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
- 130 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
| FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY, PLC, | |||
| as Issuer | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Marco Levi | | |
| | Name: | MARCO LEVI | |
| | Title: | DIRECTOR | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe PLC, | |||
| as Parent | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ JAVIER LOPEZ MADRID | | |
| | Name: | JAVIER LOPEZ MADRID | |
| | Title: | EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe Holding Company Ltd., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Beatriz garcia-Cos Muntanola | | |
| | Name: | BEATRIZ GARCIA-COS MUNTANOLA | |
| | Title: | DIRECTOR | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Grupo FerroAtlántica S.A.U., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica Participaciones S.L.U., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Grupo Ferroatlantica De Servicios S.L.U., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica De Boo S.L.U., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica De Sabon S.L.U., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroatlantica del Cinca S.L., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Cuarzos Industriales S.A., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Netherlands B.V., | |||
| (having its corporate seat in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and registered with the Dutch trade register under number 34358567) | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| FerroPem, S.A.S., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Ferroglobe Manganese France S.A.S., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Globe Metallurgical, Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Alden Resources LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| ARL Resources, LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | Alden Resources LLC, | ||
| | as sole member | ||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| ARL Services, LLC, | |||
| | |||
| By: | Alden Resources LLC, | ||
| | as sole member | ||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Alden Sales Corp, LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Core Metals Group Holdings LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Core Metals Group LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Metallurgical Process Materials, LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Tennessee Alloys Company , LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Sales, Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Gatliff Services, LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Enterprises Holdings Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Enterprises LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GBG Holdings LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Globe Metals Enterprises LLC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Alloys II Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Alloys I Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Solsil Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GSM Financial Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Norchem, Inc., | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| QSIP Canada ULC, | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Wiesner | | |
| | Name: | THOMAS WIESNER | |
| | Title: | ATTORNEY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. | |||
| as Guarantor | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Lojek | | |
| | Name: | Paul Lojek | |
| | Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GLAS Trustees Limited, | |||
| as Trustee | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Cattermole | | |
| | Name: | PAUL CATTERMOLE | |
| | Title: | AUTHORISED SIGNATORY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| Global Loan Agency Services Limited, | |||
| as Paying Agent | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Cattermole | | |
| | Name: | PAUL CATTERMOLE | |
| | Title: | AUTHORISED SIGNATORY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GLAS Americas LLC, | |||
| as Registrar and Transfer Agent | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Martin Reeo | | |
| | Name: | MARTIN REEO | |
| | Title: | SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
| GLAS Trust Corporation Limited, | |||
| as Security Agent | |||
| | |||
| By: | /s/ Paul Cattermole | | |
| | Name: | PAUL CATTERMOLE | |
| | Title: | AUTHORISED SIGNATORY | |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
EXHIBIT A
PROVISIONS RELATING
TO THE NOTES
These provisions relating to the Notes are in addition to and not in lieu of the provisions relating to the Notes found in Articles II and III of the Indenture. In the event any inconsistency between the language in this Exhibit A and corresponding language in the Indenture, the language in the Indenture shall control.
1. | Definitions. |
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Exhibit A shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. For the purposes of this Exhibit A the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
“Definitive Registered Note” means a certificated Note that does not include the Global Notes Legend.
“Common Depositary” means Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, société anonyme, for Euroclear and Clearstream accounts, or any successor Person thereto.
“Global Notes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(iv) of this Exhibit A. “Global Notes Legend” means the legend set forth under that caption in Exhibit A-
1.
“Institutional Accredited Investors” means an “accredited investor” as defined in
Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) of Regulation D.
“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Regulation D” means Regulation D under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Notes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(ii) of this
Exhibit A.
“Regulation S Notes” means all Notes offered and sold outside the United States in
reliance on Regulation S.
“Restricted Global Notes” has the meaning given to it in Section 2.1(a)(i) of this
Exhibit A.
“Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend set forth under that caption in this
Exhibit A-1.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
A-1
“Rule 144A Notes” means all Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder, as amended.
“Transfer Restricted Notes” means Definitive Registered Notes and any other Notes that bear or are required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
“United States” and “U.S.” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
2. | The Notes. |
2.1 | Form and Dating. |
(a) | Global Notes. |
(i)Notes offered and sold within the United States to QIBs in accordance with Rule 144A shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global notes in fully registered form without interest coupons (collectively, the “144A Global Notes”). Notes offered and sold within the United States to Institutional Accredited Investors in reliance on Regulation D shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global notes in fully registered form without interest coupons (collectively, the “IAI Global Notes” and, collectively with the 144A Global Notes, the “Restricted Global Notes”).
(ii)Notes offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S and denominated in U.S. dollars shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global notes in fully registered form without interest coupons (collectively, the “Regulation S Global Notes”).
(iii)The Restricted Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes shall bear the Global Notes Legend. The Restricted Global Notes shall bear the Restricted Notes Legend. The Restricted Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Common Depositary, and registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, for the accounts of Euroclear and Clearstream, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent as provided in the Indenture.
(iv)The Restricted Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes are each referred to herein as a “Global Note” and are collectively referred to herein as “Global Notes”. The aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee or Registrar and the Common Depositary or its nominee and on the schedules thereto as hereinafter provided, in connection with transfers, exchanges, redemptions and repurchases of beneficial interests therein.
(b)Book-Entry Provisions. This Section 2.1(b) shall apply only to a Global Note deposited with or on behalf of the Common Depositary.
A-2
Members of, or participants and account holders in, Euroclear and Clearstream (“Participants”) shall have no rights under the Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Common Depositary or its nominee or by the Trustee, and the Common Depositary or its nominee may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Common Depositary or impair, as between the Common Depositary, on the one hand, and the Participants, on the other, the operation of customary practices of such persons governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.
The registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Participants and Persons that may hold interests through Participants, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.
(c)Definitive Registered Notes. Except as provided in Section 2.3 or 2.4 of this Exhibit A, owners of beneficial interests in Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Notes.
2.2Authentication. The Trustee or the Authenticating Agent, as the case may be, shall authenticate and make available for delivery the Notes upon a written Authentication Order of the Issuer signed by an Officer of the Issuer. Such Authentication Order shall (a) specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated, (b) direct the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent to authenticate such Notes and
(c) certify that all conditions precedent to the issuance of such Notes have been complied with in accordance with the terms hereof.
2.3 | Transfer and Exchange. |
(a)Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Registered Notes. When Definitive Registered Notes are presented to the Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, with a request:
(i) | to register the transfer of such Definitive Registered Notes; or |
(ii)to exchange such Definitive Registered Notes for an equal principal amount of Definitive Registered Notes of other authorized denominations,
the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met, provided, however, that the Definitive Registered Notes surrendered for transfer or exchange:
(1)shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and
(2)in the case of Transfer Restricted Notes, are accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:
A-3
(i)if such Definitive Registered Notes are being delivered to the Registrar or the Transfer Agent, as the case may be, by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note);
(ii)if such Definitive Registered Notes are being transferred to the Issuer, a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note); or
(iii)if such Definitive Registered Notes are being transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration in accordance with Rule 144A, Regulation S, Regulation D or Rule
144 under the Securities Act or in reliance upon another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, (x) a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note) and (y) if the Issuer or Registrar or Transfer Agent, as the case may be, so requests, an opinion of counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to it as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the legend set forth in Section 2.3(d) of this Exhibit A.
(b)Restrictions on Transfer of a Definitive Registered Note for a Beneficial Interest in a Global Note. A Definitive Registered Note may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Note except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below. Upon receipt by the Registrar of a Definitive Registered Note, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer, the Registrar and the Transfer Agent, together with:
(i)certification (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Note) that such Definitive Registered Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A or an Institutional Accredited Investor in accordance with Regulation D; and
(ii)written instructions directing the Registrar to make, or to direct the Registrar to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Note to reflect an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented by the Global Note, such instructions to contain information regarding the account to be credited with such increase, then the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall cancel such Definitive Registered Note and cause, or direct the Registrar to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between the Common Depositary and the Registrar, the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Global Note to be increased by the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Registered Note to be exchanged and shall credit or cause to be credited to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Global Note equal to the principal amount of the Definitive Registered Note so cancelled. If no Global Notes are then outstanding and the Global Note has not been previously exchanged for certificated securities pursuant to Section 2.4 of this Exhibit A, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent shall authenticate, upon written order of the Issuer in the form of an Authentication Order, a new Global Note in the appropriate principal amount.
A-4
(c) | Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. |
(i)The transfer and exchange of Global Notes or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Common Depositary, in accordance with the Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Common Depositary therefor. A transferor of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall deliver a written order given in accordance with the Common Depositary’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of the Common Depositary to be credited with a beneficial interest in such Global Note or another Global Note and such account shall be credited in accordance with such order with a beneficial interest in the applicable Global Note and the account of the Person making the transfer shall be debited by an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Global Note being transferred. Transfers and exchanges of book-entry interests in a Global Note to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a book-entry interest in a Global Note shall be made in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Global Notes Legend. Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through a Regulation S Global Note shall be made only upon receipt by the Registrar of a certification in the form provided in Exhibit B from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Regulation S or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 (if applicable) under the Securities Act.
(ii)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Exhibit A (other than the provisions set forth in Section 2.4 of this Exhibit A), a Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Common Depositary to a successor Common Depositary or a nominee of such successor Common Depositary.
(d) | Legend. |
(i)Except as permitted by the following paragraph (ii) or (iii), each Note certificate evidencing the Restricted Global Notes or any Definitive Registered Notes held by QIBs in accordance with Rule 144A or Institutional Accredited Investors in accordance with Regulation D (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (each defined term in the legend being defined as such for purposes of the legend only):
“THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURIITES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER JURISDICTION AND, NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF WITHIN THE UNITED STATES IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, NOR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
A-5
BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS AND ANY OF THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST:
(1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT) (A “QIB”), (B) IT HAS ACQUIRED THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or
(13) | OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN “IAI”); |
(2)AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED NOTES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUE AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THE NOTES (OR ANY PREDECESSOR THERETO) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A PERSON THAT THE SELLER, AND ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF, REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QIB PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QIB IN A TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, (C) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, (D) TO AN IAI THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN IAI, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR (F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, AND IN EACH OF SUCH CASES IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAW OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION; PROVIDED THAT THE ISSUER, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THAT AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR; AND
(3)AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED, A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.
A-6
THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE ISSUER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION”, AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
BY ACCEPTANCE AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE, EACH ACQUIRER AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH ACQUIRER OR TRANSFEREE TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN CONSTITUTES ASSETS OF ANY (I) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), (II) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY U.S. OR NON-U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR (III) ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (I) AND (II) (EACH OF THE FOREGOING DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (I), (II) AND (III) REFERRED TO AS A “PLAN”) OR (B) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL NOT CONSTITUTE OR RESULT IN A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR ANY SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.”
Each Definitive Registered Note held by QIBs in accordance with Rule 144A or Institutional Accredited Investors in accordance with Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act shall bear the following additional legend:
“IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS THE ISSUER MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS”.
(ii)Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Note that is a Definitive Registered Note, the Holder thereof shall be permitted to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a Definitive Registered Note that does not bear the legends set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Note if the Holder certifies in writing to the Transfer Agent and Registrar that its request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 (such certification to be in the form set forth on the reverse of the Note).
(iii)Any additional Notes sold in a registered offering under the Securities Act shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(e)Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Note. At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Note have either been exchanged for Definitive Registered Notes, transferred,
A-7
redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, such Global Note shall be returned by the Common Depositary to Trustee or the Authenticating Agent for cancellation or retained and cancelled by the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Definitive Registered Notes, transferred in exchange for an interest in another Global Note, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Registrar with respect to such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Registrar, to reflect such reduction.
(f) | Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges. |
(i)To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate, Definitive Registered Notes and Global Notes at the Registrar’s request.
(ii)No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessments, or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Section 2.07, 3.06, 4.05, 4.14 or 9.04 of the Indenture).
(iii)Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(iv)All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under the Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
(g) | No Obligation of the Trustee. |
(i)The Trustee and Agents shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in the Common Depositary or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Common Depositary or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Common Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or repurchase) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes shall be given or made only to the registered Holders (which shall be the Common Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through the Common Depositary subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Common Depositary. The Trustee and Agents may rely and shall be
A-8
fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Common Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.
(ii)The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance, and shall not be responsible or liable for compliance, with any restrictions on transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, imposed under the Indenture or under applicable law or regulation with respect to any transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable of any interest in any Note (including, without limitation, any transfers between or among Common Depositary participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of the Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof, it being understood that without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee shall not have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance, and shall not be responsible or liable for compliance, with restrictions on transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of minimum denominations imposed under the Indenture or under applicable law or regulation with respect to any transfer, exchange, redemption, purchase or repurchase, as applicable, of any interest in any Note.
2.4 | Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes for Definitive Registered Notes. |
(a)A Global Note deposited with the Common Depositary or with the Registrar pursuant to Section 2.1 of this Exhibit A shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of Definitive Registered Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note, in exchange for such Global Note, only if such transfer complies with Section 2.3 of this Exhibit A and (i) the Common Depositary notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Common Depositary for such Global Note and a successor Common Depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 120 days of such notice or after the Issuer become aware of such cessation, or (ii) if the owner of a book-entry interest in such Global Note requests such exchange in writing delivered through the Common Depositary following an Event of Default and enforcement action is being taken in respect thereof under the Indenture.
(b)Any Global Note that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be surrendered by the Common Depositary to the Trustee or the Registrar, to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Registered Notes of authorized denominations. Any portion of a Global Note transferred pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in minimum denominations of $1.00 and multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof and registered in such names as the Common Depositary shall direct. Any certificated Note in the form of a Definitive Registered Note delivered in exchange for an interest in the Global Note shall, to the extent required by Section 2.3(d) of this Exhibit A, bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(c)Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(d) of this Exhibit A, the registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent
A-9
Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under the Indenture or the Notes.
(d)In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 2.4(a)(i) or (ii) of this Exhibit A, the Issuer will promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Registered Notes in fully registered form without interest coupons.
A-10
EXHIBIT A-1
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
9.0% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2025
[Global Notes Legend:]
THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
THIS GLOBAL NOTE AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO MODIFY THE RESTRICTIONS ON AND PROCEDURES FOR RESALES AND OTHER TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE TO REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION (OR THE INTERPRETATION THEREOF) OR IN PRACTICES RELATING TO THE RESALE OR TRANSFER OF RESTRICTED SECURITIES GENERALLY. THE HOLDER OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED, BY THE ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, TO HAVE AGREED TO ANY SUCH AMENDMENT OR SUPPLEMENT.
[Restricted Global Notes Legend:]
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN, AND WILL NOT BE, REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “U.S. SECURITIES ACT”) OR THE SECURIITES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER JURISDICTION AND, NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF WITHIN THE UNITED STATES IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, NOR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTORS AND ANY OF THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST:
(1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT) (A “QIB”), (B) IT HAS
A-1-1
ACQUIRED THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN “IAI”);
(2) AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED NOTES THAT IT WILL NOT PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE DATE OF ORIGINAL ISSUE AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THE NOTES (OR ANY PREDECESSOR THERETO) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) RESELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE OR A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THIS NOTE EXCEPT i. TO THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, ii. TO A PERSON THAT THE SELLER, AND ANY PERSON ACTING ON ITS BEHALF, REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QIB PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QIB IN A TRANSACTION COMPLYING WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, iii. PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE
U.S. SECURITIES ACT, iv. TO AN IAI THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN IAI, FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, v. PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR vi. PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT, AND IN EACH OF SUCH CASES IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAW OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION; PROVIDED THAT THE ISSUER, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THAT AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER, THE TRUSTEE AND THE REGISTRAR IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR; AND
(3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED, A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.
THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE ISSUER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION”, AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT.
A-1-2
BY ACCEPTANCE AND HOLDING OF THIS NOTE, EACH ACQUIRER AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (A) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH ACQUIRER OR TRANSFEREE TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN CONSTITUTES ASSETS OF ANY (I) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), (II) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY U.S. OR NON-U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR (III) ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (I) AND (II) (EACH OF THE FOREGOING DESCRIBED IN CLAUSES (I), (II) AND (III) REFERRED TO AS A “PLAN”) OR (B) THE ACQUISITION, HOLDING AND SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OF THIS NOTE OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL NOT CONSTITUTE OR RESULT IN A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR ANY SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.”
[Each Definitive Registered Note shall bear the following additional legend:]
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS THE ISSUER MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
A-1-3
| [Rule 144A / IAI / Regulation S] | ||||
| | ||||
| Common Code | | |||
| ISIN | | |||
| | | |||
| Issue Date: | | |||
| | ||||
9.0% Senior Secured Note due 2025 | |||||
| | ||||
No. | | | $ | | |
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC
a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, having its registered office at 5 Fleet Place, London, England EC4M 7RD, United Kingdom, promises to pay [·], or its registered assigns, the principal sum of $ , subject to adjustments listed on the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in the Global Note attached hereto, on June 30, 2025.
Interest Payment Dates: January 31 and July 31, commencing on January 31, 2022.
Record Dates: [One Business Day immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date][for Global Notes]/[January 30 and July 30 immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date][for Definitive Registered Notes]
This Note and the Note Guarantees in respect thereof are also subject to the transfer restrictions set forth on the other side of this Note.
The maximum principal amount of the Notes may be increased in accordance with the provisions set forth under the Indenture.
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
(Signature page to follow.)
A-1-4
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.
Dated:
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC | ||
| | |
By: |
| |
| ||
Name: | ||
| ||
Title: | ||
A-1-5
Dated: | | | |
| | ||
Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication | | ||
| | ||
This is one of the 9.0% Senior Secured Notes due | | ||
2025 described in the within-mentioned Indenture. | | ||
| | ||
GLAS Trustees Limited, | | ||
as Trustee | | ||
| | ||
By: | | ||
Authorized Signatory | | ||
A-1-6
9.0% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2025
1. | Interest. |
Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (such company, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called the “Issuer”) promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate of 9.0% per annum. The Issuer shall pay interest on this Note semi- annually in arrears on January 31 and July 31, commencing on January 31, 2022. The Issuer will make each interest payment to Holders of record of the Notes one Business Day immediately preceding the relevant Interest Payment Date. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from the Issue Date until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
The Issuer will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at a rate that is 2.0% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) and Additional Amounts, if any, on overdue installments of interest, if any (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.
2. | Method of Payment. |
The Issuer shall pay interest on this Note (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are registered Holders of this Note at the close of business on the Record Date for the next Interest Payment Date even if this Note is cancelled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date. The Issuer shall pay principal and interest in euros in immediately available funds that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, that payment of interest may be made at the option of the Issuer by check mailed to the Holder.
The amount of payments in respect of interest on each Interest Payment Date shall correspond to the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note, as established by the Registrar at the close of business on the relevant Record Date. Payments of principal shall be made upon surrender of the Regulation S Global Note and the Restricted Global Note to the Paying Agent.
3. | Paying Agent and Registrar. |
Initially, Global Loan Agency Services Limited will act as Paying Agent and GLAS Americas LLC will act as Registrar and Transfer Agent. The Issuer may appoint and change any Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying Agent. The Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent.
4. | Indenture. |
The Issuer issued the Notes under the Indenture dated as of May 17, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Parent, the Guarantors, GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee (in
A-1-7
such capacity, the “Trustee”), Global Loan Agency Services Limited, as paying agent, and GLAS Americas LLC, as registrar and transfer agent. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture. Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of such terms and provisions. In the event of a conflict, the terms of the Indenture control.
The Notes are general, senior obligations of the Issuer. This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes and, if issued, any Additional Notes are treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase, except as otherwise provided for therein.
5. | Optional Redemption. |
(a)Except as provided in this Section 5, the Notes are not redeemable until the Transaction Effective Date.
(b)On and after the Transaction Effective Date, the Issuer may redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holder, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts (as defined below), if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the periods indicated below:
| Redemption | |
Period | | Price |
Period commencing on the Transaction Effective Date to the date falling | 100.000% | |
| | |
Period commencing after the date falling 15 months after the | 100.000% plus Applicable Premium | |
| | |
Period commencing after the date falling 24 months after the | 104.500% | |
| | |
Period commencing after the date falling 36 months after the | 100.000% | |
Any such redemption and notice may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent. If such redemption or notice is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the redemption date, or by the
A-1-8
redemption date so delayed; provided that in no case shall the notice have been delivered less than 10 days or more than 60 days prior to the date on which such redemption (if any) occurs. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.
(c)Prior to the date falling 24 months from the Transaction Effective Date, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including the principal amount of any Additional Notes), upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice, with funds in an aggregate amount (the “Redemption Amount”) not exceeding the Net Cash Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings at a redemption price of 109.000% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:
(1)at least 65% of the original principal amount of the Notes (including the principal amount of any Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption; and
(2) | the redemption occurs within 120 days after the closing of such Equity Offering. |
(d)Prior to the date falling 24 months from the Transaction Effective Date, the Issuer may redeem all or, from time to time, a part of the Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). Any such redemption and notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent.
“Applicable Premium” means with respect to any Note the greater of
(A) | (1% of the principal amount of such Note, and |
(B) | the excess (to the extent positive) of: |
(i)the present value at such redemption date of (1) the redemption price of such Note at the date falling 24 months from the Transaction Effective Date (such redemption price (expressed in percentage of principal amount) being set forth in the table above under Section 5(b) (excluding accrued and unpaid interest)), plus (2) all required interest payments due on such Note to and including the date falling 24 months from the Transaction Effective Date (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
(ii) | the outstanding principal amount of such Note, |
A-1-9
as calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuer by such Person as the Issuer shall designate. For the avoidance of doubt, calculation of Applicable Premium shall not be an obligation or duty of the Trustee or any Paying Agent or Registrar.
“Treasury Rate” means, as obtained by the Issuer, as of any date of redemption of Notes, the yield to maturity as of such date U.S. Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date notice of the applicable redemption of Notes is sent in accordance with the Indenture (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such date to the date falling 24 months from the Transaction Effective Date; provided, however, that if the period from such date to the date falling 24 months from the Transaction Effective Date, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
(e)On or prior to the Initial Notes Repayment Date, (i) the Issuer may redeem and (ii) following any acceleration of the principal amount of Initial Notes prior to their Stated Maturity the Issuer shall be required to redeem, all or, from time to time, part of the Initial Notes upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ notice to the Holder, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Initial Notes plus the Initial Notes Repayment Date Premium and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). Following the Initial Notes Repayment Date no Initial Notes Repayment Date Premium shall be due.
“Initial Notes Repayment Date” means the earlier to occur of:
(A) | the date on which the Lock-Up Agreement is terminated: (i) pursuant to Clause 9.1(a) of the Lock-Up Agreement; (ii) pursuant to Clauses 9.1(b)(iii), 9.1(b)(iv), 9.1 (c)(iv) or 9.1(c)(v) of the Lock- Up Agreement as a result of a breach or misrepresentation, as applicable, by any holder of the Notes in its capacity as a “Consenting Noteholder” under the Lock-Up Agreement; (iii) pursuant to Clause 9.2(b) of the Lock Up Agreement; (iv) because a scheme of arrangement seeking to implement the Transaction fails to get the requisite creditor consent or is not sanctioned by the court; |
(v) pursuant to Clauses 9.1(c)(viii) or 9.1(d)(viii) of the Lock Up Agreement where the event of default under the Lock-Up Agreement is termination of the Lock Up Agreement in the circumstances described in sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) of this paragraph (A); or (vi) pursuant to Clause 9.2(c) of the Lock-Up Agreement as a result of the Transaction Effective Date having occurred;
(B) | the date falling three months after the Lock-Up Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms; and |
A-1-10
(C) | the Parent or the Issuer becomes subject to Chapter 11 proceedings under the United States Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, administration, liquidation, receivership (in any form) or an analogous procedure in any jurisdiction, including under Bankruptcy Law. |
“Initial Notes Repayment Date Premium” means, for each $1,000 in principal amount of Initial Notes to be redeemed in accordance with this Section 5 or accelerated in accordance with Section 17, as applicable, an amount equal to $437.5.
6. | Optional Tax Redemption. |
The Issuer may redeem the Notes in whole, but not in part, at any time upon giving not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to the Holders of the Notes (which notice will be irrevocable) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date fixed for redemption (a “Tax Redemption Date”) (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) and all Additional Amounts (as defined in Section 4.13 of the Indenture), if any, then due and which will become due on the Tax Redemption Date as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if any, if the Issuer determines in good faith that, as a result of:
(1)any change in, or amendment to, the law or treaties (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (as defined in Section 4.13 of the Indenture) affecting taxation; or
(2)any amendment to, or change in an official application or interpretation of such laws, treaties, regulations or rulings (including a holding, judgment or order by a court of competent jurisdiction or a change in published administrative practice) (each of the foregoing in clauses (1) and (2), a “Change in Tax Law”),
a Payor (as defined below) is, or on the next interest payment date in respect of the Notes would be, required to pay Additional Amounts with respect of the Notes (but, in the case of a Guarantor, only if the payment giving rise to such requirement cannot be made by the Issuer or another Guarantor who can make such payment without the obligation to pay Additional Amounts) and such obligation cannot be avoided by taking reasonable measures available to the Payor (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of a new Paying Agent where this would be reasonable). Such Change in Tax Law must be announced and become effective on or after the Issue Date (or if the applicable Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction on a date after the Issue Date, such later date). The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor Person, after such successor Person becomes a party to the Indenture, with respect to a change or amendment occurring after the time such successor Person becomes a party to the Indenture.
Notice of redemption for taxation reasons will be published in accordance with the procedures described in Section 8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given (a) earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make such payment of Additional Amounts and (b) unless at the time such notice is
A-1-11
given, such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. Prior to the publication or mailing of any notice of redemption of Notes pursuant to the foregoing, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee (a) an Officer’s Certificate stating that it is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to its right so to redeem have been satisfied and (b) an opinion of an independent tax counsel of recognized standing to the effect that the Payor has been or will become obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on such Officer’s Certificate and opinion as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the conditions precedent described above, without further inquiry, in which event it will be conclusive and binding on the Holders.
7. | Mandatory Redemption and Sinking Fund. |
(a)Except as provided in this Section 7, the Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption payments or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
(b)[If, on the Transaction Effective Date, the Issuer issues Additional Notes with aggregate principal amount in excess of $20.0 million, the Issuer shall be required to redeem an aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes equivalent to the Initial Notes Reduction Amount on a pro rata basis at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Amounts, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption, which shall be the Business Day following the Transaction Effective Date. No notice of redemption shall be required to be provided to Holders in respect of the redemption set forth in this clause (b). For the avoidance of doubt, the Initial Note Repayment Date Premium shall not apply in respect of the redemption set forth in this clause (b).][To include only in the Notes to be issued on the Issue Date]
8. | Notice of Redemption. |
Subject to the next paragraph, not less than 10 days but not more than 60 days before a date for redemption of Notes, the Issuer shall transmit to each Holder (with a copy to the Trustee and Registrar) a notice of redemption in accordance with Section 12.01 of the Indenture; provided, however, that any notice of redemption provided for by Section 6 shall not be given (a) earlier than 60 days prior to the earliest date on which the Payor would be obligated to make a payment of Additional Amounts and (b) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay such Additional Amounts remains in effect. In addition, for so long as the Notes are listed on the Global Exchange Market of Euronext Dublin and the rules thereof so require, the Issuer shall publish notice of redemption in a daily newspaper with general circulation in Ireland (which is expected to be The Irish Times) and in addition to such publication, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, mail such notice to Holders by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at their respective addresses as they appear on the registration books of the Registrar. While in global form, notices to Holders may be delivered via Euroclear or Clearstream and in accordance with the applicable procedures of Euroclear or Clearstream in lieu of notice via registered mail. Such notice of redemption may also be published on the website of Euronext Dublin (www.euronext.com/en/markets/dublin) in lieu of publication in a daily newspaper to the extent and as permitted by the rules of Euronext Dublin. The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state the information required pursuant to Section 3.03 of the Indenture.
A-1-12
At the Issuer’s request, the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense. In such event, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee and the Paying Agent, with a copy to the Trustee, at least 5 Business Days prior to the date on which notice of redemption is to be delivered to the Holders (unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the Registrar), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Registrar give such notice and the information required and within the time periods specified by this Section 8.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed as follows: (i) if the Notes are listed on any securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal securities exchange on which the Notes are listed or (ii) if the Notes are not listed on any securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee deems fair and appropriate and in accordance with Euroclear or Clearstream procedures, provided, however, that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Note not redeemed to less than $1,000. None of the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor the Registrar will be liable for any selections made by it in accordance with this paragraph.
If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. In the case of a Definitive Registered Note, a new Definitive Registered Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of any Definitive Registered Note redeemed in part will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Definitive Registered Note. In the case of a Global Note, an appropriate notation will be made on such Note to decrease the principal amount thereof to an amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof. Subject to the terms of the applicable redemption notice, Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. Unless the Issuer defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption. If the Issuer elects to redeem the Notes or portions thereof and request the Trustee to distribute to the Holders of the Notes any amounts deposited in trust (which, for the avoidance of doubt, will include accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption) prior to the date fixed for redemption in accordance with the provisions set forth under Section 8.01 the applicable redemption notice will state that Holders of the Notes will receive such amounts deposited in trust prior to the date fixed for redemption and the payment date.
9. | Additional Amounts. |
All payments made by a Payor on the Notes or any Note Guarantee, as applicable, will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any Taxes subject to and in accordance with Section 4.13 of the Indenture.
10. | Repurchase of Notes at the Option of Holders upon (i) a Change of Control and (ii) the occurrence of certain Asset Sales. |
If a Change of Control occurs, each Holder of Notes will have the right, subject to certain conditions specified in the Indenture, to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of purchase (subject to the right of
A-1-13
Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date) as provided in, and subject to the terms of, the Indenture.
In accordance with Section 4.05 of the Indenture, the Issuer will be required to, or may be permitted to, offer to purchase Notes upon the occurrence of certain events, including certain Asset Dispositions.
11. | [Reserved] |
12. | Denominations, Transfer and Exchange. |
The Notes are in registered form without interest coupons in minimum denominations of $1.00 and multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof. A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The transfer of Notes may be registered, and Notes may be exchanged, as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.
13. | Persons Deemed Owners. |
Except as provided in Section 2, the registered Holder of this Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered Holders will have rights under the Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to enforcement and the pursuit of other remedies.
14. | Unclaimed Money. |
If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent shall pay the money back to the Issuer at its written request unless an abandoned property law designates another Person. After any such payment, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors and the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
15. | Discharge and Defeasance. |
Subject to certain conditions, the Issuer at any time may terminate all of its obligations and all obligations of each Guarantor under the Notes, any Note Guarantee and the Indenture if the Issuer, among other things, deposits or causes to be deposited with the Trustee money or U.S. dollar-denominated Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient, without consideration of reinvestment, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of deposit (in the case of Notes that have become due and payable), or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be.
16. | Amendment, Waiver. |
The Indenture and the Notes may be amended as set forth in the Indenture.
17. | Defaults and Remedies. |
A-1-14
Each of the following is an “Event of Default” under the Indenture:
(a)default in any payment of interest on any Note issued under the Indenture when due and payable, continued for 30 days;
(b)default in the payment of the principal amount of or premium, if any, on any Note issued under the Indenture when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;
(c)failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;
(d)failure by the Issuer or any Guarantor to comply for 30 days after written notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its obligation to make a Change of Control Offer under Section 4.14;
(e)failure by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 60 days after notice by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes with its other agreements contained in the Indenture (in each case, other than a default in performance, or breach of, a covenant or agreement specifically addressed in clauses (a) to (d) of this Section 17);
(f)default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) other than Indebtedness owed to the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:
(i)is caused by a failure to pay principal at stated maturity on such Indebtedness, immediately upon the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (“payment default”); or
(ii)results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its maturity (the “cross acceleration provision”),
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more;
(g)the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(i)commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;
A-1-15
(ii)consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;
(iii)consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;
(iv)makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
(v)admits in writing that it is unable to pay its debts as they become due;
(h)a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i)is for relief against the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Issuer or any such other Restricted Subsidiary, that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;
(ii)appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or
(iii)orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary,
and, in the case of any of (i), (ii) or (iii) of this clause (h), the order or decree remains un-stayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(i)failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $10.0 million (exclusive of any amounts that a solvent insurance company has acknowledged liability for), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days after the judgment becomes final (the “judgment default provision”);
(j)any Note Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee or this Indenture) or is declared invalid or unenforceable in a judicial proceeding or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms in writing its obligations under its Note Guarantee and any such Default continues for 10 days;
A-1-16
(k)any security interest under the Security Documents on any Collateral having a fair market value in excess of $5.0 million shall, at any time, cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the relevant Security Document, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement, and this Indenture) for any reason other than the satisfaction in full of all obligations under this Indenture or the release or amendment of any such security interest in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Intercreditor Agreement and any Additional Intercreditor Agreement or such Security Document or any such security interest created thereunder shall be declared invalid or unenforceable or the Parent, the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary shall assert in writing that any such security interest is invalid or unenforceable and any such Default continues for 10 days;
(l)any default under any ABL Facility of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries involving a principal amount of Indebtedness of $10.0 million or more in the aggregate, the effect of which is to permit the lenders under such ABL Facility to cause the Indebtedness under such ABL Facility to become due or to require the prepayment, repurchase, defeasance or redemption of the Indebtedness under such ABL Facility prior to its stated maturity; provided that this Section 6.01(l) shall not apply to the Indebtedness under any such ABL Facility that becomes due as a result of a refinancing thereof permitted by this Indenture; or
(m)the Lock-Up Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms other than (x)(a) pursuant to clause 9.1(a) of the Lock-Up Agreement or (b) pursuant to clauses 9.1(b)(iii), 9.1(b)(iv), 9.1 (c)(iv), or 9.1(c)(v) of the Lock-Up Agreement as a result of a breach or misrepresentation, as applicable, by the holders of the Notes in their capacity as “Consenting Noteholders” under the Lock-Up Agreement or (y) pursuant to clause 9.2 (c) of the Lock-Up Agreement.
The foregoing shall constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court of any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body. However, a default under clause (c), (d), (e), (f), (i), (k) or (l) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes under the Indenture notify the Parent of the default and, with respect to clause (d), (e), (i) or (k), the Parent does not cure such default within the time specified in clause (d), (e), (i) or (k), as applicable, after receipt of such notice.
18. | Trustee Dealings with the Issuer |
The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with and collect obligations owed to it by the Issuer or its Affiliates and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
19. | No Recourse Against Others. |
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or shareholder of the Parent or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the
A-1-17
Issuer or the Guarantors under the Notes Documents, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
20. | Authentication. |
This Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent manually signs the certificate of authentication on the other side of this Note. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the security has been authenticated under the Indenture.
21. | Abbreviations. |
Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as TEN COM (=tenants in common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (=joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors Act).
22. | Governing Law. |
THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
The Issuer will furnish to any Holder of Notes upon written request and without charge to the Holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Note.
A-1-18
[ASSIGNMENT FORM]
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to:
(Print or type assignee’s legal name)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
|
|
|
(Insert assignee’s name, address and zip or post code)
and irrevocably appoint
to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for it.
Date: | | |
Your Signature:
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
Signature Guarantee*:
*(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee)
A-1-19
[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTES]
This certificate relates to $[●] principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable box) book-entry or definitive registered form by the undersigned.
The undersigned (check one box below):
| ◻ | as requested the Trustee by written order to deliver, in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Note held by the Common Depositary, a Definitive Registered Note in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Note (or the portion thereof indicated above); |
| ◻ | as requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register the transfer of a Note. |
In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the period referred to in Rule 144(d) under the Securities Act, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW
(1)◻to the Issuer; or
(2)◻to the Registrar for registration in the name of the Holder, without transfer; or
(3)◻pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act; or
(4)◻inside the United Sates to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A; or
(5)◻outside the United Sates in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act;
(6)◻to an institutional investor that is an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) of Regulation D in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; or
(7)◻pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act or another available exemption from registration.
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Trustee or the Issuer have reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made
A-1-20
pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Date:
Your Signature:
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
Signature Guarantee*: | |
*(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee)
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (4) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.
Date:
Signature: | |
(to be executed by an executive officer of purchaser)
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (6) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (8), (9), (12) or (13) of Regulation D in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 506 of Regulation D or such other applicable exemption and the purchase of this Note is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state or territory of the United States.
Date:
Signature: | |
(to be executed by an executive officer of purchaser)
A-1-21
Schedule of Increases and Decreases in the Global Notes
The initial principal amount of this Global Note is $[·].The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
|
| |
| Amount of |
| Principal |
| |
| | Amount of | | Increase in | | Amount | | |
| | Decrease in | | Principal | | of | | Signature of |
| | Principal | | Amount | | this Global Note | | Authorized |
| | Amount | | of | | Following such | | Signatory of |
Date of | | of | | this Global | | Decrease or | | Registrar or |
Increase/Decrease | | this Global Note | | Note | | Increase | | Paying Agent |
A-1-22
[FORM OF OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE]
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.14 (Change of Control) or Section 4.05 (Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock) of the Indenture, check the box:
Asset Disposition ☐Change of Control ☐
If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.14 or Section 4.05 of the Indenture, state the amount (minimum amount of $1.00):
$
Date:
Your Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of the Note)
Signature Guarantee*: | |
*(SIGNATURE MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A PARTICIPANT IN A RECOGNIZED SIGNATURE GUARANTY MEDALLION PROGRAM OR OTHER SIGNATURE GUARANTOR ACCEPTABLE TO THE TRUSTEE)
A-1-23
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE No. [·] (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of [·], among [·], a company organized and existing under the laws of [·] (the “Additional Guarantor”), a subsidiary of Ferroglobe PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Parent”), Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Issuer”) and GLAS Trustees Limited, as trustee (the “Trustee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Issuer has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of May 17, 2021 providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s U.S. dollar- denominated 9.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances a Subsidiary may execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Note Guarantee”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Issuer, the Additional Guarantor and the Trustee are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Additional Guarantor and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:
1.CAPITALIZED TERMS. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2.AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE. The Additional Guarantor hereby agrees to provide an unconditional Note Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Note Guarantee and in the Indenture including but not limited to Article X thereof.
[In addition, pursuant to Section 10.07 of the Indenture, the obligations of the [Guarantor]/[Additional Guarantor] and the granting of its Guarantee shall be limited as follows: [·].]
3.NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of any Additional Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Additional Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture, the Note Guarantees or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives
B-1
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under applicable securities laws.
4.THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES.
5.Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that any suit, action or proceeding arising out of, related to, or in connection with the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any action arising under U.S. Federal or state securities laws, may be instituted in any U.S. federal or state court located in the State and City of New York, Borough of Manhattan; irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding; and irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor) has appointed (or hereby appoints) Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., as its authorized agent (the “Authorized Agent”) upon whom process may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding which may be instituted in any Federal or state court located in the State of New York, Borough of Manhattan arising out of or based upon the Indenture, this Supplemental Indenture, the Notes or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, and any action brought under U.S. Federal or state securities laws. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor) expressly consents to the jurisdiction of any such court in respect of any such action and waives any other requirements of or objections to personal jurisdiction with respect thereto and waives any right to trial by jury. Such appointment shall be irrevocable unless and until replaced by an agent reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The Issuer and each of the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor) represents and warrants that the Authorized Agent has agreed to act as said agent for service of process, and the Issuer agrees to take any and all action, including the filing of any and all documents and instruments, that may be necessary to continue such appointment in full force and effect as aforesaid. Service of process upon the Authorized Agent and written notice of such service to the Issuer shall be deemed, in every respect, effective service of process upon the Issuer and the Guarantors (including the Additional Guarantor).
6.COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
7.EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
8.THE TRUSTEE. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Additional Guarantor and the Issuer.
B-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
| FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC | |
| | |
| By: | |
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
B-3
| [ADDITIONAL GUARANTOR] | |
| | |
| By: | |
| | Name: |
| | Title: |
B-4
| GLAS Trustees Limited, as Trustee | ||
| | | |
| By: | | |
| | Name: | |
| | Title: | Authorized Signatory |
B-5
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF ABL INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
C-1
Schedule 1
Certain Existing Indebtedness
1. | The Financial support originally granted to FerroAtlántica, S.A.U. by the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Tourism of Spain by Resolution of December 1, 2016 of the General Secretary for Industry and SMEs, under the order IET/619/2014, of April 11, and subrogated to Ferrosolar OpCo Group SL pursuant to the authorization of the General Secretary for Industry and SMEs on May 6, 2019 (the “Reindus loan”) |
2. | Credit agreement dated July 26, 2013, as amended on January 23, 2015, between Silicio Ferrosolar, S.L.U. as borrower, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. as guarantor and el Centro Para el Desarollo Tecnológico Industrial as lender, and the credit agreement dated May 13, 2014, as amended on July 17, 2014, between Silicio Ferrosolar, S.L.U. as borrower, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. as guarantor and el Centro Para el Desarollo Tecnológico Industrial as lender (the “Silicio FerroSolar loan”) |
3. | FerroAtlantica del Cinca loan entered into on December 23, 2008 |
4. | A loan agreement dated July 23, 2020 and entered into between BNP Paribas as lender and Ferropem S.A.S. as borrower, pursuant to which a state-guaranteed amount of |
€4,300,000 was made available to the borrower in a single draw which is to be repaid (together with a €21,500 guarantee fee) in a single payment at the maturity of the loan on July 23, 2021 (the “French COVID loan”)
5. | A loan agreement dated June 2, 2020 and entered into between Investissement Quebec as lender and Silicium Québec Société en Commandite and Silicium Québec Commandité Inc as the borrowers, pursuant to which an amount of (CAD)$7,000,000 plus additional hypothec of 20% was made available to the borrowers at no interest with repayment occurring after 36 months in 84 monthly instalments of (CAD)$83 340 each payable to the lender. (the “Quebec Silicon loan”) |
Sch-1-1
Schedule 2
Security Documents
A. | Canada |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Issue Date
1. | Pledge Agreement entered into by GSM Netherlands B.V. as the initial pledgor in favour of GLAS Trust Corporation Limited with respect to a pledge over shares in QSIP Canada ULC. |
2. | General security agreement entered into between QSIP Canada ULC as the debtor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as the Security Agent. |
3. | Deed of Hypothec entered into by QSIP Canada ULC as grantor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as the hypothecary representative. |
B. | France |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Issue Date
1. | Securities Account Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Grupo FerroAtlantica |
S.A.U. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited with respect to the securities account opened in the name of Grupo FerroAtlantica S.A.U. and on which are recorded all the financial securities (titres financiers) issued by Ferropem S.A.S. and held by Grupo FerroAtlantica S.A.U.
2. | Securities Account Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Kintuck SAS as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited with respect to the securities account opened in the name of Kintuck SAS and on which are recorded all the financial securities (titres financiers) issued by Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. and held by Kintuck S.A.S. |
3. | Bank Accounts Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the bank accounts listed therein. |
4. | Bank Accounts Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese |
S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the bank accounts listed therein.
5. | Receivables Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the receivables listed therein. |
6. | Receivables Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the receivables listed therein. |
Sch-2-1
7. | Non-possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem |
S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(f) of the Agreed Security Principles.
8. | Non-possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(f) of the Agreed Security Principles. |
9. | Possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security shall only be required to be perfected if the requirements specified in paragraph 6(m) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisifed. |
10. | Possessory Inventory Pledge Agreement entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein provided that, such security shall only be required to be perfected if the requirements specified in paragraph 6(m) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisifed. |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Transaction Effective Date
1. | Notarized Mortgage Agreement (hypothèque) to be entered into by, among others, Ferropem |
S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the real property listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(i) of the Agreed Security Principles.
2. | Notarized Mortgage Agreement (hypothèque) to be entered into by, among others, Ferroglobe Manganese S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the real property listed therein provided that, such security satisfies the requirements specified in paragraph 4(i) of the Agreed Security Principles. |
Security Documents to be entered into 60 days after the Transaction Effective Date at the latest
1. Pledge of going concern agreement (nantissement de fonds de commerce) to be entered into by, among others, Ferropem S.A.S. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as security agent with respect to the going concern (fonds de commerce) identified therein provided that, such security shall be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraphs 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied.
C. | The Netherlands |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Issue Date
Sch-2-2
1. | Notarial Deed of Pledge of Shares. entered into by Globe Speciality Metals, Inc. as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee with respect to the shares in GSM Netherlands B.V. |
2. | Security Agreement entered into between GSM Netherlands B.V. as the pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee with respect to account bank receivables, intra-group receivables, insurance receivables, third party receivables, movable assets and intellectual property rights. |
3. | Power of Attorney granted by GSM Netherlands B.V. to a Stibbe civil notary. |
4. | Power of Attorney granted by Globe Speciality Metals, Inc. to a Stibbe civil notary. |
5. | Power of Attorney granted by GLAS Trust Corporation Limited to a Stibbe civil notary. |
D. | Norway |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Issue Date
1. | Share Pledge Agreement entered into by Kintuck AS as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the shares in Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS. |
2. | Security Agreement entered into by Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS as pledgor and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to intercompany loans, accounts receivables, inventory, operating assets, real property and bank accounts. |
E. | Spain |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Issue Date
1. | Pledges Agreement over Quota Shares entered into by Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U. as pledgors, Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca S.L., Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L. and Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios, S.L.U. as companies, and Global Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent, with respect to the shares in Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca S.L., Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L. and Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios, S.L.U. |
2. | Pledges Agreement over Shares entered into by Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd and Ferroatlantica Participaciones, S.L.U. as pledgors, Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. as companies, and Global Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent, with respect to the shares in Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. |
3. | Pledges Agreement over Credit Rights entered into by Ferropem, S.A.S., Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U., Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L., Ferroatlantica |
Sch-2-3
Participaciones S.L.U., Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as pledgors and Global Trust Corporation Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the bank accounts listed therein.
4. | Real Estate Promissory Mortgage entered into by Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. and Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as the promisors and Global Trust Corporation Limited as mortgagee and security agent. |
5. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. as pledgor and Global Trust Corporation Limited Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
6. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U. as pledgor and Global Trust Corporation Limited Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
7. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U. as pledgor and Global Trust Corporation Limited Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
8. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. as pledgor and Global Trust Corporation Limited Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
9. | Non-Possessory Pledge Agreement over Inventory entered into between Ferrosolar Opco Group S.L. as pledgor and Global Trust Corporation Limited Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to the inventory listed therein. |
10. | Pledges Agreement over Credit Rights entered into by Grupo Ferroatlantica S.A.U., Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U., Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L., Ferroatlantica Participaciones S.L.U., and Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as pledgors and Global Loan Agency Services Limited as pledgee and security agent with respect to intragroup receivables held vis- à-vis other Ferroglobe PLC subsidiaries. |
Security Documents to be entered into on or before the Transaction Effective Date at the latest
1. Mortgage entered into by Ferroatlantica de Boo S.L.U., Ferroatlantica de Sabon S.L.U., Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. and Ferrosolar OPCO Group S.L. as the mortgagors and Global Trust Corporation Limited as mortgagee and security agent over their real estate property and/or public concessions (as applicable), provided that, in case the mortgage is to be granted over a public concession, the mortgage will only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraphs 4(h) and (j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied.
Security Documents to be entered into 60 days after the Transaction Effective Date at the latest
Sch-2-4
1. | Real estate mortgages (hipoteca inmobiliaria) over mining concessions at Sonia, Conchitina, Segunda Esmeralda, Trasmonte, Merlan, Cristina and Cabenetas to be entered into by Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U. and Ferroatlantica del Cinca, S.L. as mortgagors and Global Loan Agency Services Limited as mortgagee and security agent, provided that such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
2. | Movable asset mortgages (hipoteca mobiliaria) over leaseholds at Madrid to be entered into by Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios S.L.U. as mortgagor and Global Loan Agency Services Limited as mortgagee and security agent, provided that such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
F. | England & Wales |
Debenture entered into between Ferroglobe PLC, Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC, Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited.
G. | United States |
Security Documents to be entered into on the Issue Date
1. | Pledge Agreement entered into by and among the Ferroglobe Holding Company Ltd. and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited |
2. | Pledge and Security Agreement entered into by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., Globe Metallurgical Inc., Alden Resources LLC, ARL Resources LLC, ARL Services LLC, Core Metals Group Holdings LLC, Core Metals Group LLC, Metalurgical Process Materials, LLC, Tennessee Alloys Company, LLC, Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc., GSM Sales, Inc. Gatliff Services LLC, GSM Financial Inc., Solsil, Inc., GSM Alloys I Inc., GSM Allows II Inc., Globe Metals Enterprises LLC, GBG Holdings LLC, Alden Sales Corp LLC, GSM Enterprises LLC, GSM Enterprises Holdings Inc., Norchem, Inc. and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited. |
3. | Patent Security Agreement by and among Globe Metallurgical Inc. and GLAS Trust Corporation Limited. |
Owned Properties
1. | the Open-End Mortgage (First Lien), Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 1595 Sparling Road, Waterford, Washington County, Ohio 45786. |
2. | the First Lien Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 2401 Old Montgomery Highway, Selma, Dallas County, Alabama 36703. |
3. | the First Lien Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 101 Garner Road, Bridgeport, Jackson County, Alabama 35740. |
Sch-2-5
4. | the First Lien Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing relating to 133 Franklin Street, Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana 47001. |
5. | the First Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 1595 Sparling Road, Waterford, Washington County, Ohio 45786. |
6. | the First Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 2401 Old Montgomery Highway, Selma, Dallas County, Alabama 36703. |
7. | the First Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 101 Garner Road, Bridgeport, Jackson County, Alabama 35740. |
8. | the First Lien UCC-1 Fixture Filing relating to 133 Franklin Street, Aurora, Dearborn County, Indiana 47001. |
Security Documents to be entered into 60 days after the Transaction Effective Date at the latest
| 1. | Control Agreement (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement referred to in Section G.2 above) by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., GLAS Trust Corporation Limited and Citizens Bank, N.A. in respect of Account #6238670197. |
| 2. | Control Agreement (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement referred to in Section G.2 above) by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., GLAS Trust Corporation Limited and Citizens Bank, N.A. in respect of Account #6302618189. |
3. | Control Agreement (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement referred to in Section G.2 above) by and among Globe Specialty Metals, Inc., GLAS Trust Corporation Limited and PNC Bank, National Association in respect of Account #8026437506. |
Leased Properties
| 1. | the First Lien Collateral Assignment of Lease relating to 3714 County Road 40 E, Lowndesboro, Alabama 36752 provided that, such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
| 2. | the First Lien Collateral Assignment of Lease relating to 600 Brickell Ave, Suite 3100, Miami, Florida 33131 provided that, such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
| 3. | the First Lien Collateral Assignment of Lease relating to 985-A Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 provided that, such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in paragraph 4(j) of the Agreed Security Principles are satisfied. |
Sch-2-6
Schedule 3
Agreed Security Principles
1 | Agreed Security Principles |
(a) | The guarantees and security to be provided under the Notes Documents will be given in accordance with the security principles set out in this Schedule 3 (Agreed Security Principles). This Schedule 3 identifies the Agreed Security Principles and determines the extent and terms of the guarantees and security proposed to be provided in relation to the Notes. |
(b) | Capitalised terms used in this Schedule 3 but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given in the Intercreditor Agreement. |
2 | Guarantees |
Subject to the guarantee limitations set out in the Notes Documents, each guarantee will be an upstream, cross-stream and downstream guarantee for all liabilities of the Issuer and the Guarantors under the Notes Documents in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements of these Agreed Security Principles in each relevant jurisdiction (references to “security” to be read for this purpose as including guarantees).
3 | Secured Liabilities |
Security documents will secure the borrowing and guarantee obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor respectively under the Notes Documents, in each case in accordance with, and subject to, the requirements of these Agreed Security Principles in each relevant jurisdiction.
4 | Overriding Principle |
The parties agree that the overriding intention is for security only to be granted by:
(a) | the Parent over shares owned by it in the capital of Ferroglobe Holding Company, Ltd (“Holdco”); |
(b) | Holdco over shares owned by it in the capital of the Issuer; |
(c) | the Parent and the Restricted Subsidiaries in each case over the shares owned by it in the capital of any Guarantor that is incorporated in any European jurisdiction (a “European Guarantor”); |
(d) | The Parent, Holdco, the Issuer and the European Guarantors in each case over its bank accounts other than: |
(i) | the bank accounts of Grupo Ferroatlantica at Caixa Bank and Bankinter (or any replacement accounts thereof) used to hold amounts for certain guarantees; and |
(ii) | the landfill account, FX account and tax deduction account of Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS (or any replacement accounts thereof); |
(e) | the Issuer and the European Guarantors in each case over intercompany receivables: |
Sch-3-1
(i) | arising as a result of cash pooling arrangements and tolling agreements between the European Guarantors; |
(ii) | arising in connection with the corporate reorganization or new money borrowing; and |
(iii) | that can be pledged under the relevant governing law in accordance with the general principles set out in these Agreed Security Principles; |
(f) | each European Guarantor in each case over its inventory (with respect to European Guarantors incorporated in France, to the extent stored in France); |
(g) | the Issuer and each European Guarantor (other than, without prejudice to paragraphs (h) to (j) below, those incorporated in France or Spain) over its real property, moveable machinery and plant and equipment; |
(h) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant European Guarantor, by way of promissory mortgage in respect of real property and concessions linked to real property, over the real property, moveable machinery and plant and equipment at the sites at Boo, Monzon, Sabon and Puertollano provided that, to the extent any such asset is a concession, such security will only be required to be granted to the extent that the requirements specified in sub-paragraphs (i) to |
(iii) of paragraph (j) below are satisfied;
(i) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant Restricted Subsidiary over the real property, moveable machinery and plant and equipment at the sites at Laudun, Les Clavaux, Chateau Feuillet, Pierrefitte, Anglefort, Montricher and Dunkirk (provided that such security shall be limited to mortgage (hypothèque) over real property owned by them); |
(j) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant Restricted Subsidiary over its rights in respect of |
(x) the Sonia, Conchitina, Segunda, Esmeralda, Trasmonte, Merlan, Cristina and Cabenetas mine concessions (which security shall be by way of mortgage); (y) the Chambery and Madrid leaseholds (which security shall be by way of pledge and provided that with respect to the Chambery leasehold, the security shall be a pledge of going concern (fonds de commerce) pursuant to articles L.142-1 of the French Code de commerce and to the extent (i) limited to the going concern operated in Chambery premises and (ii) limited the items listed in article L.142- 2 al. 3 of the same code but excluding any trademarks and similar rights); and (z) the Prattville, AL, Miami, FL and Ft Piece, FL leaseholds (which security shall be by way of collateral assignment), provided that such security shall only be required to be granted to the extent that:
(i) | consent has been granted by the relevant lessor or administrative authority for the granting of such security, it being agreed herein that neither the Parent, nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall have any obligation other than to use its reasonable endeavours to obtain such consent; |
(ii) | the fees, costs and expenses relating to the perfection of such security (and the compliance with the requirements of that security) are not disproportionate to the benefit obtained by the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement); and |
(iii) | the granting of such security (and compliance with the requirements thereof) would not unduly disrupt the business of the relevant security provider); |
(k) | each Restricted Subsidiary in each case over the shares owned by it in the capital of each of GSM Financial Inc., Globe Metallurgical Inc,. GSM Sales Inc., Solsil Inc., GSM Alloys I Inc., |
Sch-3-2
GSM Alloys II Inc., Globe Metals Enterprises LLC, Globe Specialty Metals Inc, Core Metals Group Holdings LLC, Core Metals Group LLC, Metallurgical Process Materials LLC, Tennessee Alloys Company LLC, Alabama Sand and Gravel Inc., Norchem Inc., GBG Holdings LLC, Alden Resources LLC, Alden Sales Corp LLC, Gatliff Services LLC, ARL Resources LLC, ARL Services LLC, GSM Enterprises LLC, GSM Enterprises Holdings Inc., QSIP Canada ULC and GSM Netherlands BV;
(l) | the Parent (if applicable) and each relevant Restricted Subsidiary over, by way of legal mortgage (first liens and second liens, if applicable), the real property at the Beverly (Waterford, OH), Selma (Selma, AL), Bridgeport (Bridgeport, AL) and Aurora (Aurora, IN) sites; and |
(m) | any Guarantor incorporated in Norway over its trade receivables, |
(the “Overriding Principle”) and that no other security shall be required to be given by any other person or in relation to any other asset provided that:
(A) | a Guarantor incorporated or otherwise formed in the United States of America (including the District of Columbia), Canada or the Netherlands will also grant customary all asset security over its personal property and such security shall be subject to the terms of these Agreed Security Principles; |
(B) | a Guarantor incorporated or otherwise formed in the United States of America (including the District of Columbia), Canada or the Netherlands will also grant, following its acquisition of any real property, customary security on such real property and such security shall be subject to the terms of these Agreed Security Principles; |
(C) | the Issuer and each Guarantor incorporated in the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction that recognises a floating charge (or equivalent security) will also grant a floating charge; |
(D) | if the date by which any security is required to be granted is expressly specified in the Lock-up Agreement, then that security shall not be required to be granted until that date, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Agreed Security Principles or in the relevant security document; and |
(E) | to the extent security in any category referred to in this paragraph 4 is granted on or before the Issue Date, any future security under the same category shall, subject to these Agreed Security Principles, be on the same terms unless otherwise required by law in order for the relevant security to be valid, effective and enforceable. |
5 | Governing Law and Jurisdiction of Security |
(a) | All security (other than share security) will be governed by the law of, and secure only assets located in, the jurisdiction of incorporation or formation of the applicable grantor of the security, provided that with respect to any company incorporated in the United States of America, all security agreements shall by governed by the laws of the State of New York and with respect to any Guarantor incorporated or otherwise formed in Canada, all security agreements shall be governed by the laws of the province of Nova Scotia, provided that a hypothec governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec shall also be entered into if such Guarantor has its registered office or tangible property located in the Province of Quebec, which security agreements and hypothec shall secure assets located in Canada. |
Sch-3-3
(b) | Share security over any subsidiary will be governed by the law of the place of incorporation or other formation of that subsidiary or, to the extent applicable, the place of incorporation or other formation of the financial intermediary with which the relevant shares are deposited, provided that with respect to share security over any company incorporated or otherwise formed in the United States of America, all share security shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York and with respect to share security over any company incorporated or otherwise formed in Canada, all share security shall be governed by the laws of the province in which such subsidiary has its registered office unless such subsidiary has its registered office in the Province of Quebec, in which case a hypothec governed by the laws of the Province of Quebec shall govern the share security. |
6 | Terms of security documents |
The following principles will be reflected in the terms of any security taken in connection with the Facilities:
(a) | the security will be first ranking to the extent possible unless otherwise agreed; |
(b) | security will not be enforceable until the occurrence of an Acceleration Event (or, in the case of Security governed by French law, until the occurrence of an Event of Default under paragraphs (a) and/or (b) of section 6.01 (Event of Default) of the Indenture which is continuing or the delivery of a notice of acceleration under section 6.03 (Acceleration) of the Indenture); |
(c) | the beneficiaries of the security or any agent will only be able to exercise a power of attorney following the occurrence of an Event of Default which is continuing or where the relevant security provider has failed to comply with a written request to fulfil a further assurance or perfection obligation; |
(d) | notices to account banks shall not request the account bank to amend or waive the standard terms and conditions of the account bank and any acknowledgement provided by an account bank shall be permitted to include a permission for any prior security interests in favour of the account bank created or arising by operation of law or in its standard terms and conditions; |
(e) | unless a security document specifies a later date, notices and other perfection steps are to be completed within five (5) Business Days after the date of the security document (or the date on which any security provider becomes a party to that security document); |
(f) | in relation to any asset which a security provider does not own on the date of a security document (or the date on which the security provider becomes a party to that security document) including the opening of a new bank account, any notices or other perfection steps shall, the Company shall ensure that, unless a security document specifies a later date, any notice, document, certificate or other requirement required to be sent, deposited or completed in respect of that asset in accordance with the terms of the relevant security document is sent, deposited or completed as soon as reasonably practicable after the relevant asset is acquired by the relevant security provider; |
(g) | until an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the security providers shall be permitted to retain and to exercise voting rights to any shares secured by them in a manner which does not materially adversely affect the validity or enforceability of the Security or cause an Event of Default to occur and the security providers shall be permitted to receive and retain dividends on secured shares/pay dividends upstream on secured shares; |
(h) | the security documents should only operate to create security rather than to impose new commercial obligations or repeat clauses in other Notes Documents; accordingly: |
Sch-3-4
(i) | they should not contain additional representations, undertakings or indemnities unless these are the same as or consistent with those contained in this Agreement or are required for the creation, perfection, protection, preservation or maintenance of security; and |
(ii) | notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any security document, the terms of a security document shall not operate or be construed so as to prohibit or restrict any transaction, matter or other step (or a grantor of security taking or entering into the same) or dealing in any manner whatsoever in relation to any asset with the exception of ULC Shares (as such term is defined below) (including all rights, claims, benefits, proceeds and documentation, and contractual counterparties in relation to such assets) the subject of (or expressed to be the subject of) the security document if not prohibited by the Notes Documents; |
(i) | security will, where possible and practical, automatically create security over future assets of the same type as those already secured; |
(j) | where local law requires supplemental pledges or stock transfer powers, unless the relevant security document specifies otherwise, lists of assets or notices to be delivered in respect of future acquired assets in order for effective security to be created over that class of asset, such supplemental pledges or notices, such lists of assets shall be delivered to the Security Agent promptly upon request by the Security Agent; |
(k) | to the extent possible under applicable law, each security document must contain a clause which records that if there is a conflict between the security document and this Agreement or the Intercreditor Agreement then (to the fullest extent permitted by law) the provisions of this Agreement or (as applicable) the Intercreditor Agreement will take priority over the provisions of the security document with the exception of any provision of the security document specifically relating to shares of stock or membership interests issued by any unlimited company or unlimited liability company (“ULC Shares”); |
(l) | if the date by which any security is required to be perfected, registered or stamped is expressly specified in the Lock-up Agreement, then that security shall not be required to be perfected, registered or stamped until that date, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Agreed Security Principles; and |
(m) | the security referred to in sub-paragraph (f) of paragraph 4 of these Agreed Security Principles shall, to the extent possessory security granted by a Guarantor incorporated in France, only be required to be perfected if: |
(i) | the fees, costs and expenses relating to the perfection of such possessory security (and the compliance with the requirements of that security) are not disproportionate to the benefit obtained by the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement); and |
(ii) | the perfection of such possessory security (and compliance with the requirements thereof) would not unduly disrupt the business of the relevant security provider, |
and any such perfection shall not be required to be completed until the date falling 60 days after the Transaction Effective Date.
7 | Additional Principles |
Sch-3-5
The Agreed Security Principles embody the recognition by all parties that there may be certain legal and practical difficulties in obtaining effective or commercially reasonable guarantees and/or security from the Parent and all relevant Restricted Subsidiaries in each jurisdiction in which it has been agreed that guarantees and security will be granted by those members. In particular:
(a) | general legal and statutory limitations, regulatory restrictions, financial assistance, anti-trust and other competition authority restrictions, corporate benefit, fraudulent preference, equitable subordination, “transfer pricing”, “thin capitalisation”, “earnings stripping”, “controlled foreign corporation” “fiscal unity requirements” and other tax restrictions, “exchange control restrictions”, “capital maintenance” rules and “liquidity impairment” rules, tax restrictions, retention of title claims, employee consultation or approval requirements and similar principles may limit the ability of the Parent or its Restricted Subsidiaries to provide a guarantee or security or may require that the guarantee or security be limited as to amount or otherwise and, if so, the guarantee or security will be limited accordingly, provided that, to the extent requested by the Security Agent before signing any applicable security or accession document, the Parent or relevant Restricted Subsidiary shall use its best efforts to overcome any such obstacle or otherwise such guarantee or security document shall be subject to such limit; |
(b) | a key factor in determining whether or not (and the terms of which) a guarantee or security will be taken (and in respect of the security, the extent of its perfection and/or registration) is the applicable time and cost (including adverse effects on taxes, interest deductibility, stamp duty, registration costs and taxes, notarial and registration costs, translation costs, guarantee fees payable to any person that is not the Parent or a Restricted Subsidiary and all applicable legal and notarial fees and adverse effects on the ability of the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary to obtain or maintain local facilities or other financing arrangements, including any factoring or similar arrangement (in each case not prohibited by this Agreement) which will not be disproportionate to the benefit accruing to the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) of obtaining such guarantee or security; |
(c) | the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be required to give guarantees or enter into security documents if it would conflict with the fiduciary or statutory duties of their directors or contravene any applicable legal or regulatory prohibition or restriction or have the potential to result in a material risk of personal or criminal liability for any director or officer of or for the Parent or any Restricted Subsidiary, provided that, to the extent requested by the Security Agent before signing any applicable security document or accession document, the Parent or relevant Restricted Subsidiary shall, in relation to a contractual prohibition or restriction only, use reasonable endeavours to overcome any such obstacle or otherwise such guarantee or security document shall be subject to such limit; |
(d) | guarantees and security (and/or the maximum guaranteed or secured amount thereunder) will be limited so that the aggregate of notarial costs and all registration and relevant taxes and duties relating to the provision of security will not exceed an amount to be agreed between the Issuer and the Security Agent; |
(e) | where a class of assets to be secured includes material and immaterial assets, if the cost of granting security over the immaterial assets is disproportionate to the benefit of such security, security will be granted over the material assets only; |
(f) | it is expressly acknowledged that it may be either impossible or impractical to create security over certain categories of assets in which event security will not be taken over such assets; |
Sch-3-6
(g) | the giving of a guarantee, the granting of security and the registration and/or the perfection of the security granted will not be required if it would have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Parent or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary to conduct its operations and business in the ordinary course as otherwise permitted by the Notes Documents; |
(h) | any security document will only be required to be notarised if required by law in order for the relevant security to become effective or admissible in evidence; |
(i) | to the extent possible or legally effective, all security will be given in favour of the Security Agent and not the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement) individually (with the Security Agent to hold one set of security documents for all the Noteholders); “parallel debt” provisions will be used where necessary (and included in the Intercreditor Agreement and not the individual security documents); |
(j) | no security may be provided on terms which are inconsistent with the turnover or sharing provisions in the Intercreditor Agreement; |
(k) | no guarantee or security shall guarantee or secure any “Excluded Swap Obligations” defined in accordance with the LSTA Market Advisory Update dated February 15, 2013 entitled “Swap Regulations’ Implications for Loan Documentation”, and any update thereto by the LSTA; |
(l) | other than a general security document and related filing, no perfection, filing or other action will be required with respect to assets of a type not owned by members of the Group; and |
(m) | no translation of any document relating to any security or any asset subject to any security will be required to be prepared or provided to the Secured Parties (as defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), unless required for such documents to become effective or admissible in evidence. |
Sch-3-7
Exhibit 4.6
ANNEX I
FINANCING AGREEMENT
made by and between
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U
As Applicant, Borrower, Beneficiary, and parent company of the Beneficiary Group
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SERVICIOS, S.L.U.
As Beneficiary
FERROGLOBE PLC
FERROGLOBE HOLDING COMPANY LTD
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC
as Guarantors
ROCAS, ARCILLAS Y MINERALES S.A.
CUARZOS INDUSTRIALES, S.A.U.
They appear for the purposes of clauses 13.6.1(C) to 13.6.1(H)
FONDO DE APOYO A LA SOLVENCIA PARA LAS EMPRESAS ESTRATÉGICAS
[STRATEGIC COMPANY INSOLVENCY SUPPORT FUND]
as Lender or Fund
And
SOCIEDAD ESTATAL DE PARTICIPACIONES INDUSTRIALES
[STATE INDUSTRIAL HOLDING COMPANY]
For € 34,500,000
1
CONTENTS
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION. | 11 |
1.1 | DEFINITIONS. | 11 |
1.2 | INTERPRETATION. | 12 |
2. | THE FINANCE. | 13 |
2.1 | AMOUNT OF THE FINANCE. | 13 |
2.2 | INSTRUMENTS OF THE FINANCE. | 14 |
2.3 | NATURE OF THE FINANCE. | 14 |
2.4 | PURPOSE OF THE FINANCE. | 15 |
3. | ACTIONS OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. | 15 |
3.1 | JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY OF THE BENEFICIARIES. | 15 |
3.2 | REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. | 16 |
4. | GRANTING AND DRAWDOWN OF THE FINANCE. | 17 |
4.1 | DRAWDOWN OF THE PROFIT-SHARING LOAN. | 17 |
4.2 | DRAWDOWN OF THE ORDINARY LOAN. | 17 |
4.3 | DRAWDOWN CONDITIONS. | 18 |
5. | INTEREST. | 19 |
5.1 | ACCRUAL AND CALCULATION OF INTEREST. | 19 |
5.2 | INTEREST PERIODS. | 20 |
5.3 | PAYMENT OF INTEREST | 20 |
5.4 | ORDINARY INTEREST RATE. | 21 |
5.5 | LATE-PAYMENT INTEREST RATE. | 23 |
6. | AMORTISATION. | 24 |
6.1 | TOTAL AMORTISATION DATE. | 24 |
6.2 | ORDINARY AMORTISATION. | 24 |
6.3 | VOLUNTARY PREMATURE AMORTISATION. | 24 |
6.4 | TOTAL MANDATORY PREMATURE AMORTISATION. | 25 |
6.5 | PARTIAL MANDATORY PREMATURE AMORTISATION. | 25 |
6.6 | RULES COMMON TO PREMATURE AMORTISATION (VOLUNTARY AND MANDATORY). | 27 |
7. | CONVERSION INTO SHARE CAPITAL. | 28 |
8. | PAYMENTS. | 28 |
2
8.1 | PAYMENTS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR DEMAND. | 28 |
8.2 | OFFSETTING | 29 |
8.3 | PAYMENT DATES. | 29 |
8.4 | IMPUTATION OF PAYMENTS. | 29 |
8.5 | INTEREST DEBT. | 30 |
8.6 | TAXES. | 30 |
9. | CHANGE OF LEGAL CIRCUMSTANCES. | 31 |
10. | INDEMNIFICATION. | 31 |
11. | REPRESENTATIONS. | 32 |
11.1. | REPRESENTATIONS. | 32 |
11.2 | LIABILITY. | 41 |
11.3 | REPETITION. | 42 |
12. | REPORTING OBLIGATIONS. | 42 |
12.1 | FINANCIAL REPORTING OBLIGATIONS. | 42 |
12.2 | OTHER REPORTING OBLIGATIONS | 44 |
13. | OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. | 46 |
13.1 | FULFILMENT OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE FINANCE. | 47 |
13.2 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE BUSINESS | 49 |
13.3 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. | 52 |
13.4 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE FINANCIAL AND EQUITY POSITION. | 53 |
13.5 | TAXATION MATTERS. | 53 |
13.6 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE ASSETS AND THE GUARANTEES. | 54 |
13.7 | ADHESION OF RELEVANT SUBSIDIARIES AS BENEFICIARIES OR GUARANTORS. | 57 |
13.8 | CONDITIONS OF GOVERNANCE. | 57 |
14. | ACCELERATED MATURITY. | 59 |
14.1 | ACCELERATED MATURITY CIRCUMSTANCES. | 59 |
14.2 | ALTERNATIVE CONSEQUENCES TO ACCELERATED MATURITY. | 65 |
14.3 | DILIGENCE OF THE BENEFICIARIES OF GUARANTORS. | 65 |
14.4 | DECLARATION OF ACCELERATED MATURITY OF THE FINANCE. | 66 |
14.5 | CONSEQUENCES OF ACCELERATED MATURITY. | 66 |
15. | ACCOUNTING OF THE FINANCE. | 67 |
3
15.1 | ACCOUNTING OF THE FUND. | 67 |
16. | GUARANTEES. | 67 |
16.1 | GUARANTEES TO BE GRANTED. | 67 |
16.2 | CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GUARANTEES. | 69 |
17. | SEPI ACTIONS. | 72 |
18. | ASSIGNMENTS. | 73 |
18.1 | ASSIGNMENT BY THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. | 73 |
19. | ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE. | 73 |
19.1 | DETERMINATION OF THE BALANCE. | 73 |
19.2 | ENFORCEMENT. | 73 |
20. | EXPENSES AND TAXES. | 74 |
21. | NOTICES. | 75 |
22. | GENERAL. | 75 |
22.1 | TRANSPARENCY. | 75 |
22.2 | CONFIDENTIALITY. | 76 |
22.3 | PRESS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. | 78 |
22.4 | WAIVERS AND RIGHTS. | 78 |
22.5 | LANGUAGE. | 78 |
22.6 | PARTIAL NULLIFICATION OR SUPERVENING UNLAWFULNESS. | 79 |
22.7 | COMMITMENT OF COLLABORATION. | 79 |
22.8 | DATES AND DEADLINES. | 79 |
22.9 | THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. | 79 |
23. | DATA PROTECTION. | 79 |
23.1 | PERSONAL DATA PROCESSING. | 79 |
23.2 | PURPOSE OF PERSONAL DATA PROCESSING. | 80 |
23.3 | TERM. | 80 |
23.4 | RIGHTS OF DATA SUBJECTS. | 80 |
24. | AMENDMENTS. | 80 |
25. | RECORDING IN A PUBLIC INSTRUMENT. | 81 |
26. | APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION. | 81 |
ANNEX 1.1 | 86 | |
4
Made in Madrid, on 3 March 2022
BY AND BETWEEN THE PARTIES
I. | Of the one part: |
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U., with registered office at Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, planta 49, 28046 Madrid, holder of Tax Identification Number A-85255370. It was incorporated for an indefinite duration under the same name by virtue of a deed notarised by the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova on 19 October 2007, under order number 3838 of his notarial archive, and registered in the Companies Register of Madrid, in Volume 24921, Page 24, Sheet number M-448707, Entry 1; converted into a public limited liability company by means of a deed executed on 21 July 2011 before the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova, under order number 2008 of his notarial archive, duly registered in the Companies Register of Madrid.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact, by virtue of decisions of the joint and several directors passed on 11 February 2022, recorded in public instruments by means of the deed executed in Madrid on 17 February 2022 before the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova, under notarial archive number 1470.
Hereinafter, the “Applicant” or “Borrower” or “Beneficiary” or “Parent Company of the Beneficiary Group”.
II. | Of another part: |
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SERVICIOS, S.L.U., with registered office at Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, planta 49, 28046 Madrid, holder of Tax Identification Number B-88463260. It was incorporated for an indefinite duration under the same name by virtue of a deed notarised by the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova, on 13 August 2019, under order number 4690 of his notarial archive, rectified by a further deed executed on 20 August 2019 before the Notary of Madrid, Mr Andrés Domínguez Nafría, under order number 3157 of his notarial archive. It is registered with the Companies Register of Madrid in Volume 39220, Page 62, Sheet M-696696, Entry 1.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact, by virtue of decisions of the joint and several directors passed on 11 February 2022, recorded in public instruments by means of the deed executed in Madrid on 22 February 2022 before the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova, under notarial archive number 1611.
5
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SERVICIOS, S.L.U., hereinafter referred to as Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, and together with the Applicant or Borrower or Beneficiary or Parent Company of the Beneficiary Group as the "Beneficiary", and collectively as the "Beneficiaries".
III. | And of another part: |
FERROGLOBE PLC, with registered office at 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD, England, registered in the Companies House of England and Wales under registration number 09425113, holder of Spanish Tax Identification Number N8266366-G.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact, by virtue of the power of attorney granted by Mr Nicola de Santis in his capacity as director of the company, on 17 February 2022, before the Notary Public of London, Mr Martin Anthony Charlton.
FERROGLOBE HOLDING COMPANY LTD, with registered office at 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD, England, registered in the Companies House of England and Wales under registration number 13347942, holder of Spanish Tax Identification Number N0087841-C.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact, by virtue of the power of attorney granted by Mr Gaurav Mehta in his capacity as director of the company, on 18 February 2022, before the Notary Public of London, Mr Martin Anthony Charlton.
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC., with registered office at 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD, England, registered in Companies House of England and Wales under registration number 13353128.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact.
Hereinafter, together with any other entities adhering to this agreement as Guarantors in accordance with the provisions of Clause 13.7.1(A), each of them shall be referred to as a “Guarantor”, and collectively as the “Guarantors”.
IV. | Of another part: |
ROCAS, ARCILLAS Y MINERALES S.A., with registered office at San Pedro de Vilanova s/n, Vedra, 15886 A Coruña, incorporated for indefinite duration in a deed executed before the Notary of Bilbao, Mr José Ignacio González del Valle
6
Llaguno, on 27 August 1968; registered in the Companies Register of A Coruña, in Volume 2346, Section 8, Page 125, Sheet number 24597, holder of Tax Identification Number A-39007943.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact, by virtue of decisions of the joint and several directors passed on 15 February 2022, recorded in a public instrument by means of the deed executed in Madrid on 17 February 2022 before the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova, under notarial archive number 1467.
CUARZOS INDUSTRIALES, S.A.U., with registered office at San Pedro de Vilanova s/n, Vedra, 15886 A Coruña, incorporated for indefinite duration in a deed executed on 16 April 1970 before the Notary of Santiago, Mr Ildefonso Sánchez Mera, under notarial archive number 926. Amended by other subsequent deeds, including the deed of relocation of registered office referred to above, by means of a deed executed in Madrid on 13 December 2000 before the Notary, Mr Rodrigo Tena Arregui, under number 2337 of his notarial archive. Registered in the Companies Register of La Coruña, in Volume 2430 of the Archive, General section, Page 137, Sheet C-26137, and holder of Tax Identification Number A-15016314.
It is here represented by Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras, of legal age, holder of valid National Identity Document number 50312775-E, in his capacity as attorney-in-fact, by virtue of decisions of the joint and several directors passed on 15 February 2022, recorded in a public instrument by means of the deed executed in Madrid on 17 February 2022 before the Notary of Madrid, Mr Jaime Recarte Casanova, under notarial archive number 1469.
Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. appear for the purposes of Clauses 13.6.1(C) to 13.6.1(H).
V. | And of another part: |
FONDO DE APOYO A LA SOLVENCIA DE EMPRESAS ESTRATÉGICAS (the "Fund"), created and regulated by Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, on urgent measures to support economic reactivation and employment (hereinafter, "RDL 25/2020"), and by virtue of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of 21 July 2020, establishing its functions, published by Order PCM/679/2020, of 23 July 2020 (the "Resolution of the Council of Ministers"), with registered office for these purposes at the address Calle Velázquez 34, Bloque V, Madrid.
The Fund is managed via SEPI (as defined below) by an Administrative Board, an inter-ministerial collegiate body attached to the Ministry of Finance through the Sub-Secretariat of Finance. All actions performed by the Fund shall be conducted in accordance with its own internal regulations.
7
It is here represented by Mr Bartolomé Lora Toro, in his capacity as Vice-President of SEPI, to which position he was appointed at a meeting of the Board of Directors of SEPI on 29 September 2017, the resolutions signed thereat having been recorded in a public instrument by means of a Deed executed on 11 October 2017 before the Notary of the Notaries Association of Madrid, Mr Ramón María Luis Sánchez González, under number 2788 of his notarial archive; and in accordance with the provisions of the Decision of 1 October 2021 issued by the Sub-Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance and Administration regarding the delegation of powers.
SOCIEDAD ESTATAL DE PARTICIPACIONES INDUSTRIALES (hereinafter “SEPI”) a public-law entity created by Act 5/1996, of 10 January 1996, creating certain public-law entities, attached to the Ministry of Finance and Administration, by virtue of Royal Decree 682/2021, of 3 August 2021, developing the basic organisational structure of the Ministry and amending Royal Decree 139/2020, of 28 January 2020, establishing the basic organisational structure of ministerial departments, with registered office at the address Calle Velázquez, 134, Madrid 28006.
Represented by Mr Bartolomé Lora Toro, by virtue of the powers of attorney granted on 11 October 2017 before the Notary of the Notaries Association of Madrid, Mr Ramón María Luis Sánchez González, under number 2786 of his notarial archive.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors, the Fund and SEPI, shall be referred to collectively as the "Parties", and each of them individually as a "Party".
RECITALS
I. | Whereas the Ferroatlántica Group or Beneficiary Group, the parent company of which is the Borrower, and which has as a subsidiary Beneficiary, Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, forms part of a non-financial corporate group, and has its registered office in Spain, its activity essentially comprising the production, distribution and marketing of ferroalloys, comprising a group of companies acting as a single economic unit, for the purposes of competition law (hereinafter, the "Beneficiary Group"). |
II. | Likewise, the Beneficiary Group forms part of a group of companies operating in different jurisdictions, headed by the Guarantor, Ferroglobe PLC, which is the holder of 100% of the share capital of the company Ferroglobe Holding |
8
Company Ltd, which in turn holds 100% of the share capital of Ferroglobe Finance Company PLC, of the Applicant and of Specialty Metals Inc.
On the other hand, various investee companies are dependent on the Applicant, and 100% owned by it: (i) Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios; (ii) Ferroquartz Holdings, Ltd; (iii) Ferroatlántica Participaciones, S.L.U.; (iv) Ferropem SAS.; (v) Kintuck, S.A.S.; (vi) Kintuck, AS.; (vii) Ferroglobe Innovation, S.L. and (viii) Silicon Smelters (Proprietary) Limited), and 3 companies controlled with a 90% stake: (i) Ferro Tambao, S.A.R.L.; (ii) Ferromanganese Mauritania, S.A.R.L.; and (iii) Ferroquartz Mauritania, S.A.R.L.; in addition to 25% of Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L.
Ferroglobe PLC and its dependent companies in turn have several subsidiaries operating in various jurisdictions, which are investees owned almost in their entirety by group companies (hereinafter, the "Ferroglobe Group").
III. | Whereas the Borrower is the owner of all shares representing the share capital of Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios. |
IV. | Whereas Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, on urgent measures to support economic reactivation and employment (hereinafter, "RDL 25/2020") created the “Fondo De Apoyo A La Solvencia Para Las Empresas Estratégicas” ("Strategic company solvency support fund”) a fund with no legal personality, attached to the General State Administration, through the Ministry of Finance and Administration, the functioning of which is established by means of a Resolution of the Council of Ministers. |
V. | The purpose of this Fund is, through temporary public support operations, to offset the impact of the health emergency on the balance sheet of solvent companies deemed to be strategic for the national or regional productive and economic system, among other reasons because of their sensitive social and economic impact, their significance for security, the health of the population, infrastructure, communications, or their contribution to the proper functioning of the markets, if credit or liquidity support measures are insufficient to ensure the continuation of their activity. |
VI. | Whereas the Guarantors, as companies of the Ferroglobe Group, must on a joint and several basis guarantee the refunding of the aid, and are as such involved in this agreement. |
VII. | The temporary public support operations may, following an explicit request by the beneficiary company, comprise the granting of profit-sharing loans, convertible debt, the subscription of shares or stock, or any other capital instrument. On a supplementary basis, the support may also take the form of monies drawn from the fund through any other credit facilities, such as the granting of loans or arrangement of privileged, ordinary or subordinate debt, either secured or without guarantees (the "Public Financial Support"). |
9
VIII. | On 15 January 2021, Mr Mateo Segui Giner, who was at the time joint and several director of the Applicant, acting for and on behalf of the Applicant, submitted to SEPI an application for Public Financial Support drawn from the Fund, for an amount of THIRTY-TWO MILLION EUROS (€32,000,000), by means of a profit-sharing loan and/or ordinary loan. |
The application included a Viability Plan and financial information, as well as self-declarations and certificates in accreditation of fulfilment of the eligibility requirements for access to Public Financial Support drawn from the Fund. This application was extended and improved by means of several supplementary written submissions.
As a consequence of the foregoing, the initial application was partially amended on 25 November 2021, and the Applicant requested Public Financial Support drawn from the Fund for an amount of THIRTY-FOUR MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€34,500,000), granted in one single drawdown in the formats of a profit-sharing loan and ordinary loan.
IX. | Following verification that the Beneficiaries comply with the eligibility requirements imposed by Annex II to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers in order to acquire beneficiary status, and having analysed the application and the improvements thereto, together with all the documentation submitted, in accordance with the provisions of subsection 2 in fine of Annex II of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers, SEPI submitted a preliminary proposal to the Fund Administrative Board for a decision as to the continuation of the procedure. |
X. | In accordance with the provisions of Article 82 of Common Administrative Proceedings of Public Administrations Act 39/2015, of 1 October 2015 (hereinafter, "Act 39/2015"), on 1 February 2022 an audience was granted to the Applicant, as the interested party, presenting it with the case record in order to allow it, within a period of no fewer than 10 days and no more than 15, to submit any arguments, documents and accreditation that it might see fit. |
XI. | On 4 February 2022, by the deadline granted for this purpose, the Applicant presented a written submission accepting the terms proposed in the Temporary Public Support Term Sheet, initiating the negotiation phase for the contractual documents, of which the Applicant was notified by means of notice served on 4 February 2022, together with suspension of the calculation of deadlines, pursuant to the provisions of Article 22(f) of Act 39/2015. |
XII. | The Beneficiaries, as provided in item 1.2 of Annex II to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers, approved the Temporary Public Financial Support Agreement (the "Support Agreement"), in addition to the remaining contractual documentation, specifically in the form of this Financing Agreement, the Management Agreement and the Guarantees Agreement attached to the Support Agreement as Annex I, Annex II, and Annex III, respectively, to be |
10
formalised simultaneously as one single act together with this Agreement (hereinafter they are all collectively referred to as the "Financial Documents"), by means of resolutions passed by their corresponding bodies of governance.
XIII. | The aforementioned contractual consent having been declared by the Applicant, it was served notice on 14 February 2022 of the conclusion of the negotiation phase and resumption of the period allowed for the procedure. |
XIV. | The Administrative Board of the Fund, in accordance with Article 2.6 of RDL 25/2020, examined the application at its meeting on 15 February 2022, issuing a favourable decision on the application for temporary public financial support submitted by the Applicant, establishing among other aspects the instruments to be used, the maximum amount and the specific conditions to be fulfilled by the Beneficiaries as set out in the Support Agreement, in the Financing Agreement, in the Management Agreement and in the Guarantees Agreement. |
XV. | Whereas, on 18 February 2022, the temporary public financial support operation was authorised by the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 2.6 of RDL 25/2020. |
XVI. | Whereas there is no need for authorisation by the European Commission for the Financial Public Support operation applied for, as it is a hybrid capital instrument which, considering the profit-sharing loan as such, covers an amount of less than two hundred and fifty million euros (€250,000,000.00), as provided in the European Commission Communication of 19 March 2020, and successive amendments thereto, of the Temporary Framework for state aid measures to support the economy in the current Covid-19 outbreak. |
XVII. | Whereas, by virtue of the foregoing, and in accordance with the provisions of Article 86.1 of Act 39/2015, and subject to the terms and conditions listed in the clauses included immediately below, and in particular on the basis of the accuracy and precision of the representations given by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, and the obligations accepted by them, and also the structure of guarantees here agreed, the Parties agree to formalise this financing agreement (the "Agreement" or the "Financing Agreement") pursuant to the following |
CLAUSES
1. | DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION. |
1.1 | DEFINITIONS. |
Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, or unless the context would indicate some other meaning, those terms and expressions beginning with a capital letter and that are not a proper name or the start of a sentence shall have the meaning assigned to them in Annex 1.1.
11
1.2 | INTERPRETATION. |
(A) | Except as expressly provided in this Agreement or unless so required by the context, this Agreement shall be subject to the following rules of interpretation: |
(i) | Any reference to a "company" must be interpreted as a reference to a company, entity, undertaking or other Person, irrespective of the location and form of incorporation. |
(ii) | Any reference to the Fund, to a Beneficiary, to a Guarantor, to the Borrower or to a Party, and any other parties to the Financial Documents, must be interpreted so as to include the successors of their rights and obligations or their authorised assignees, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the corresponding Financial Documents. |
(iii) | Any reference made to a Financial Document must be understood as referring to that Financial Document, as in force at the time in question (including any novations, amendments, variations, revisions or assignments). |
(iv) | Any reference to clauses, subsections, paragraphs and annexes refers to the clauses, subsections, paragraphs and annexes of this Agreement (unless explicitly indicated otherwise, or if there is a reference to the document to which they belong). |
(v) | Any time period or interval defined as a specific number of days before or after a specific event shall be calculated without including within this time, period or interval the date on which the event occurred. |
(vi) | Any reference to "days" shall be understood as referring to calendar days, and any reference to a time of day, shall be understood as referring to the CET time zone. |
(vii) | Any reference to one gender shall include the other gender and neuter. |
(viii) | Any term employed in this Agreement in the singular shall be understood to include the corresponding plural, and vice versa. |
(ix) | Any mention of "to the best of the understanding" of a party presupposes that the party in question has performed diligent and sufficient checks to establish its understanding of the matter in question. |
(x) | The titles of the clauses in this Agreement and in the text of the annexes are included only for ease of comprehension, and do not dictate or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. |
(xi) | The annexes form a part of this Agreement for all purposes. Any reference to this Agreement shall be understood to include all Annexes hereto. Likewise, any reference to any Financial Document shall be understood to refer to said Financial Document together with all corresponding annexes. |
12
(xii) | Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the terms employed in any other Financial Document, or in any communications or notifications served by any Party with regard to any Financial Document, shall have the meaning given to them in this Agreement. |
(xiii) | The words "include" and "including", or expressions such as "among others", "for example", and variations thereof shall not be understood in a limiting sense, but instead be understood to be followed by the words "without limitation". |
(xiv) | Any reference to the Regulations includes any amendment, modification, revision or Regulations repealing such Regulations. |
(B) | As this Agreement has been drawn up and negotiated in full by the Parties, and does not correspond to templates pre-established by any of them, nor does it contain general contractual conditions, the contractual clauses reflect the genuine will of the Parties upon formalisation of this Agreement. As a result, to the most general extent possible the rules of interpretation provided both in Article 1288 of the Civil Code and in Article 6 of the General Contractual Conditions Act and in any other specific principle or standard of consumer and user regulations are declared to be inapplicable. |
2. | THE FINANCE. |
2.1 | AMOUNT OF THE FINANCE. |
(A) | Pursuant to the terms and conditions established in this Agreement, the Fund grants the Borrower finance (the "Finance") for an amount of THIRTY-FOUR MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€34,500,000) (hereinafter, the "Amount of the Finance"). |
(B) | Without prejudice to the structuring of the Finance granted to the Beneficiary Group via the Borrower as the parent company of the Beneficiary Group, the potential recipients of the finance shall be solely the Beneficiaries, which accept joint and several responsibility for fulfilment of all obligations resulting from the Finance, as provided in RDL 25/2020, the Resolution of the Council of Ministers and the applicable EU regulations and the European Commission Decision of 2 April 2020 SA.56851 (2020/N), and the consideration thereof as public-law income. |
(C) | The Guarantors, as companies of the Ferroglobe Group, without being Beneficiaries of the Finance, accept the Finance and give a joint and several undertaking together with the Beneficiaries to make repayment to the Fund, under the terms and by the deadlines established in this Agreement, of all amounts owed to the Fund in connection with the Finance, including any amounts owed by way of principal, interest, fees, costs, taxes and expenses. The |
13
Guarantors likewise undertake to ensure that the established purpose of the Finance shall solely be for the purpose indicated in Clause 2.4 and that the recipients thereof shall only be the Beneficiaries, all the foregoing without prejudice to their commitment to repay the Finance in full and to fulfil all other obligations under this Agreement.
2.2 | INSTRUMENTS OF THE FINANCE. |
The Finance comprises the following financing instruments:
a) | A loan for an amount of SEVENTEEN MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€17,600,000), in the form of a profit-sharing loan under the terms established in the applicable regulations (the "Profit-sharing Loan"). |
b) | A loan for an amount of SIXTEEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€16,900,000), in the form of an ordinary loan (the "Ordinary Loan"). |
The Parties acknowledge that the Ordinary Loan and the Profit-sharing Loan are two entirely separate financing instruments, and must be treated as such for all purposes. The Parties declare that they are using one single document for both instruments solely in the interests of efficiency, and to the extent that the two instruments share similar terms.
2.3 | NATURE OF THE FINANCE. |
2.3.1Profit-sharing nature of the Profit-sharing Loan
The Parties agree that the Profit-sharing Loan has the status of profit-sharing debt, as provided in the regulations in force (as novated at any time).
By virtue of the above:
(i) | The Fund shall, as consideration for the Profit-sharing Loan, receive ordinary interest comprising a permanent variable component and a profit-sharing variable component determined in accordance with the evolution of the consolidated activity of the Beneficiary Group on the terms established in this Agreement. |
(ii) | The amount of the Profit-sharing Loan shall be considered net equity for accounting purposes, with regard to the reduction of share capital and liquidation of companies established in the Capital Companies Act. |
2.3.2Nature of public-law income.
(A) | The Parties likewise explicitly acknowledge that the credit rights derived from this Agreement in favour of the Fund shall have the status and nature of public-law income, under the provisions of Article 2.3 of RDL 25/2020, and subsection 1.6 of Annex I to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers. |
(B) | All powers and entitlements granted to the Fund and to SEPI under this Agreement correspond to the public nature of the income to which the |
14
Fund is entitled, thus being essential for the successful completion of the Finance.
2.4 | PURPOSE OF THE FINANCE. |
(A) | The Finance shall be used solely by the Beneficiary Group to restore the viability of the Beneficiaries, and may not entail an improvement to net equity beyond that registered at 31 December 2019. |
(B) | The Finance may not be used for other purposes nor allocated to entities other than the Beneficiaries, unless this corresponds to commercial operations on normal market terms, for legitimate reasons and in fulfilment of the applicable regulations in force. Cash pooling or invoice offsetting operations that would entail a net outgoing of funds may not be performed. |
(C) | The Finance shall be used solely in order partly to cover the working capital needs of the Beneficiaries, including, by way of example, but without being confined thereto: |
(i) | salary payments, Social Security charges and payment of taxes, |
(ii) | all other ordinary operating expenses of the activity; and |
(iii) | in general, the liquidity and financing needs of the Beneficiaries. |
The Finance must specifically not be used under any circumstances to cover the needs of the non-Beneficiary Guarantor companies.
(D) | The Parties explicitly agree that the Finance must not under any circumstances be used for the distribution of dividends, or interim dividends, the payment of non-mandatory coupons, or the acquisition of treasury stock or shares, the payment of premiums or any other variable remuneration elements or equivalent in favour of the members of the governing body of the Beneficiaries, and in general any other uses in breach of the regulations applicable to the Fund. |
(E) | Both SEPI and the Fund may occasionally ask the Borrower for any information they may see fit in connection with the use made of the Finance. |
3. | ACTIONS OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. |
3.1 | JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY OF THE BENEFICIARIES. |
(A) | In accordance with the provisions of Clauses 2.1(B) and 2.1(C) above, the Parties acknowledge that each of the Beneficiaries and the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally liable for full and timely performance of the present and future obligations derived from this Agreement and all the other Financing Documents |
(B) | By way of clarification, this joint and several liability of the Beneficiaries shall mean that they are all considered to be the main obligors for all purposes provided in the regulations, this occurring in accordance with the provisions of |
15
the Temporary Public Financial Support Resolution and the regulations governing the Fund. As a result, any obligations imposed under this Agreement on the Borrower must be understood likewise to be imposed on the other Beneficiaries, unless explicitly indicated otherwise.
(C) | In the event that Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios as Guarantor Subsidiary no longer forms part of the Beneficiary Group through operations authorised by the Fund, said subsidiary shall no longer be considered a Guarantor under this Agreement, for all purposes. |
3.2 | REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS . |
(A) | Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios and the Guarantors hereby grant the Borrower irrevocable powers of representation, appointing it as their agent and representative for the purposes of this Agreement, and explicitly authorising it, through its corporate bodies and attorneys-in-fact, to perform all actions attributed to Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios and to the Guarantors under this Agreement and the remaining Financing Agreements, even if this were to entail the concepts of self-dealing, multiple representation, or conflict of interest. The Borrower here and now accepts this appointment. |
In particular, without being confined thereto, the Borrower may perform any of the following actions for and on behalf of Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios and the Guarantors:
(i) | issue and receive any notices and communications derived from this Agreement and the remaining Financing Documents; likewise, provide SEPI with any documentation and information that must be provided in accordance with this Agreement and the remaining Financing Documents; |
(ii) | issue instructions, reach decisions and grant consent for any actions required for the development and performance of this Agreement and the remaining Financing Documents; |
(iii) | sign and formalise any documents related or supplementary to the Financing Documents that might be necessary, being explicitly entitled to ratify, clarify and agree amendments to this Agreement and to the remaining Financing Documents; |
(iv) | perform on its own account any payments required of it under this Agreement and the remaining Financing Documents; and |
(v) | in general, execute any public or private documents (including, without being confined to, documents of clarification, ratification and amendment of the preceding), and perform any action that might be necessary or desirable in connection with the development and performance of this Agreement and the remaining financing Documents. |
16
(B) | The above is to be understood without prejudice to performance by Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios and the Guarantors of the obligations imposed by this Agreement and the remaining Financing Documents. |
(C) | Without prejudice to the terms here established in Clause 3, SEPI may request of Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios and the Guarantors, if it sees fit, ratification of the actions taken by the Borrower as their representative and interlocutor for the purposes of this Agreement, in addition to the ratification and formalisation of any agreement or document (whether public or private) derived from this Agreement or the remaining Financing Documents (including, without being confined to, documents of clarification, ratification and amendment of the preceding). Neither Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios nor any Guarantee may refuse such a request. |
4. | GRANTING AND DRAWDOWN OF THE FINANCE. |
4.1 | DRAWDOWN OF THE PROFIT-SHARING LOAN. |
The Borrower irrevocably on this same date requests that the Fund grant and disburse in full the Profit-sharing Loan (hereinafter, the "Drawdown of the Profit-sharing Loan"), with the following conditions:
(i) | Amount: the total amount of the Profit-sharing Loan is: |
· | SEVENTEEN MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€17,600,000) |
(ii) | Date of effect of the Drawdown of the Profit-sharing Loan: two (2) Business Days after the Date of fulfilment of the conditions indicated in subsection 4.3. |
(iii) | Purpose: As provided in Clause 2.4. above. |
(iv) | Account into which the Drawdown of the Profit-sharing Loan is to be deposited: Bank account held by the Applicant at Bankinter, S.A. with IBAN number ES93 0128 9444 1601 0001 8157 (the “Account”). |
The Fund and SEPI hereby acknowledge notification of the request by the Borrower with regard to the Drawdown of the Profit-sharing Loan.
4.2 | DRAWDOWN OF THE ORDINARY LOAN. |
The Borrower hereby irrevocably requests of the Fund on this same date the disbursement of the Ordinary Loan (hereinafter, the "Drawdown of the Ordinary Loan") on the following conditions:
(i) | Amount: the total amount of the Ordinary Loan, in other words SIXTEEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€16,900,000); |
17
(ii) | Date of effect for the Drawdown of the Ordinary Loan: two (2) Business Days after the date of verification of fulfilment of the conditions indicated in subsection 4.3 . |
(iii) | Purpose: As provided in Clause 2.4. above. |
(iv) | Account into which the Drawdown of the Ordinary Loan is to be deposited: the Account |
The Fund and SEPI hereby acknowledge the request by the Borrower with regard to the Drawdown of the Ordinary Loan, upon signature of this Agreement.
Hereinafter, the amount of the Profit-sharing Loan and the amount of the Ordinary Loan shall be referred to as the "Amount Drawn Down".
4.3 | DRAWDOWN CONDITIONS. |
(A) | The Fund shall not be obliged to make any Drawdown to the Borrower in fulfilment of this Agreement, unless the following drawdown conditions are first or simultaneously fulfilled: |
(i) | The requirements applicable to the requested Drawdown are fulfilled; |
(ii) | There is no event that would constitute, or could reasonably be expected in the future to constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, nor has any event occurred that, as a consequence of the Drawdown, would or could reasonably be expected in the future to constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance; |
(iii) | There is no event that would constitute, or could reasonably be expected in the future to constitute a Material Adverse Effect, nor has any event occurred as a consequence of the Drawdown that would constitute, or could reasonably be expected to constitute a Material Adverse Effect; and |
(iv) | Neither the Beneficiaries nor the Guarantors have applied for insolvency or been declared insolvent, and there is no situation demonstrating their current or imminent insolvency, according to the provisions of the Spanish Insolvency Act, and they have not served the notification indicated in Article 583 et seq. of the Consolidated Text of the Insolvency Act of 5 May 2020 (the former Article 5 bis of Insolvency Act 22/2003); |
(v) | All Representations and Warranties remain true, complete and precise, and shall continue to be so after the Drawdown is performed; |
(vi) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors have signed all the Financial Documents, including the execution of any documents required in connection with the Personal and In Rem Guarantees (with regard to each guarantee, by the deadlines and with the content required by |
18
Clause 16), with those In Rem Guarantees that can be entered in the corresponding Public Registers having been presented for registration;
(vii) | Maintenance of direct or indirect ownership: (i) by the Borrower of the shares representing the percentage held by it at the date of this Agreement in the share capital of Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios; and (ii) by Ferroglobe PLC , of its indirect stake in the share capital of the Borrower. |
(viii) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors are in fulfilment of all obligations imposed by the Financing Documents. |
(ix) | The Beneficiaries have no outstanding taxation and Social Security obligations, presenting certificates for this purpose. |
(B) | The Borrower must present SEPI with an authentic document confirming fulfilment of the following conditions, on the following terms: |
(a) | Regarding conditions (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vii), (viii) and (ix), a written declaration by the Borrower declaring fulfilment thereof, signed by an authorised representative of the Borrower. |
(b) | Regarding condition (vi), presentation of the public document recording the granting of the Guarantees on the terms required by Clause 16 and of the request for registration filed with the corresponding Public Register. |
(C) | Regarding the third-ranked In Rem Right of Pledge over the shares of Globe Specialty Metals Inc., by presentation of (i) a copy formalised simultaneously on the Date of Signature; and (ii) a legal opinion in accreditation of the enforceability of the pledge and the capacity of the corresponding pledgor to grant the pledge. |
(D) | In the event that within a period of thirty (30) calendar days of the Date of Closure not all the drawdown conditions set out in this clause have been met, the Borrower must request an extension, the granting of which shall be referred by SEPI for consideration at the discretion of the Fund Administrative Board, which may reject this without the need to give any reasons, in which case this Agreement shall be deemed to be rescinded for all purposes, without the Parties being entitled to bring any claims against one another for any reason. |
(E) | The Date of signature of this Financing Agreement shall be considered to be the "Date of Closure" for the purposes of this Agreement. |
5. | INTEREST. |
5.1 | ACCRUAL AND CALCULATION OF INTEREST. |
(A) | Interest shall accrue from day to day in favour of the Funds on the Amount Drawn Down and pending repayment on each date up until full amortisation, at the variable interest rates established in this Agreement. |
19
(B) | This interest shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days in accordance with the number of calendar days actually transpiring in each Interest Period. The interest shall be calculated according to the following formula: |
(C x R x T) / 360
Where:
“C” is the amount drawn down and pending reimbursement;
“R” is the nominal interest rate applicable in each case (as a percentage); and
“T” is the duration of the Interest Period in days.
5.2 | INTEREST PERIODS. |
For the purposes of calculation of the interest accruing, the time between the Date of Closure and the Final Maturity Date shall be deemed to be divided into successive "Interest Periods", the duration of which shall comply with the following rules:
(i) | The first Interest Period shall begin on the Date of Closure. Upon conclusion of each Interest Period, a new Interest Period shall begin. |
(ii) | Except for the last Interest Period, the Interest Periods shall be of a duration of twelve (12) months. |
(iii) | The last Interest Period shall end on the Final Maturity Date, even if, as a consequence thereof, the duration of said Interest Period must be established in months, weeks or days. |
(iv) | The Interest Periods shall be calculated from date to date. |
(v) | For the purposes of calculation, accreditation and settlement of interest, the first day of the Interest Period in question shall be understood to have elapsed as a day, while the last day shall not have elapsed. |
5.3 | PAYMENT OF INTEREST |
(A) | Except for the interest corresponding to the Profit-sharing Component (which shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of subsection 5.4.1(B) below), the interest accruing in each Interest Period shall be settled at the end of that Interest Period, and must be paid by the Borrower to the Fund on the last day of said Interest Period, as provided in Clause 8.1 and without the need for any notification or payment demand. |
(B) | As an exception, in the event of premature amortisation (voluntary or mandatory) of the Finance under the terms established in Clauses 6.3, 6.4 or 6.5, the interest corresponding to the principal of the Finance prematurely amortised and accruing up to the date of premature amortisation shall be paid on the same date as said amortisation takes effect, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 6.6. |
20
5.4 | INTEREST RATE |
5.4.1Interest Rate of the Profit-sharing Loan.
(A) | Components of the Interest Rate of the Profit-sharing Loan |
The interest rate of the Profit-sharing Loan (hereinafter, the "Profit-sharing Loan Interest Rate" shall comprise the following components:
(i) | A permanent variable component (hereinafter, the "Permanent Component") applicable to each Interest Period, equivalent to an annual percentage equal to the sum total of the following items: |
(a) | the Reference Index; and |
(b) | the Spread. |
(ii) | A variable component in accordance with the evolution of the activity (hereinafter, the "Profit-sharing Component") applicable to each accounting year, equivalent to 1% per annum of the outstanding nominal value. |
(B) | Profit-sharing Component. |
The Profit-sharing Component shall accrue yearly from the drawdown date of the Profit-sharing Loan and on each date of close of the accounting year if the pre-tax result for the year closed according to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Beneficiary Group is positive. The variable profit-sharing component shall under no circumstances accrue if, as a consequence of such interest, the pre-tax result recorded in the aforementioned Consolidated Financial Statements would not be positive. The aforementioned Consolidated Financial Statements required to serve as the basis for this calculation must be audited by the accounts auditor and, where applicable, the consolidated statements shall be drawn up on the basis of the annual accounts of the companies of the Beneficiary Group.
As an exception, the Profit-sharing Component corresponding to the financial year of the Final Maturity Date shall accrue between 1 January in that financial year and the Final Maturity Date, on the basis of the consolidated profit and loss account, in accordance with the certificate issued by the governing body of the Borrower, corresponding to the period between 1 January and the last day of the month prior to the Final Maturity Date.
In the event that the Profit-sharing Component is payable, the Borrower must make payment thereof within a maximum of five (5) Business Days of availability of the auditor's report on the aforementioned Consolidated Financial Statements for the accounting year in question, which must in all cases be issued by 30 June each year.
21
(C) | Reference index of the Permanent Component. |
The "Reference Index" is to be understood as the twelve (12) month IBOR established by the European Commission applicable to Spain at the start of each annual ordinary interest accrual period in accordance with the provisions of the communication regarding the revision of the method for the setting of reference rates and updates of the European Commission, updated and published each year on the official portal (https://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/legislation/reference_rates.html).
In the event that the Reference Rate proves to be negative, for the purposes of calculation of the Permanent Component of the Profit-sharing Loan, the Reference Index shall be understood to be equivalent to 0.
(D) | Spread of the Permanent Component. |
The “Spread” shall be that applicable to each Interest Period in accordance with the terms set out below:
Period | Spread |
Up until the first anniversary of the Date of Closure | 250 bp |
From the end of the previous period up until the third anniversary of the Date of Closure | 350 bp |
From the end of the previous period up until the fifth anniversary of the Date of Closure | 500 bp |
From the end of the previous period up until the seventh anniversary of the Date of Closure | 700 bp |
(E) | Calculation of the rate of the Permanent Component of the Profit-sharing Loan. |
SEPI shall calculate the applicable rate of the Permanent Component of the Profit-sharing Loan two (2) Business Days before the start date of each Interest Period, and shall (in accordance with the rules set forth in Clause 21) notify the Borrower thereof by 17:00 hours on the Business Day before the start date of each Interest Period.
The Borrower must issue confirmation to SEPI in accordance with the rules set forth in Clause 21 by 18:00 hours on the Business Day prior to the start date of each Interest Period as to its acceptance of the Reference Index and the Spread notified under the above rules, it being understood that failure by the Borrower to issue such confirmation in due time and form constitutes its acceptance of the Reference Index and the Spread notified by SEPI.
As the rate of the Permanent Component of the Profit-sharing Loan is determined by means of an objective procedure, the Borrower may only reject this rate in the event of disagreement based on a clear error in the calculation, and must notify
22
SEPI of said circumstance by the time indicated in this clause (in accordance with the rules provided in Clause 21), in which case SEPI shall rectify this error and restart the procedure for notification of the rate of the Permanent Component of the Profit-sharing Loan. SEPI may provide sufficient accreditation of the correction of the rate of the Permanent Component of the Profit-sharing Loan applicable at any given time, without any further requirement, by means of the print-off of the corresponding screen.
5.4.2Interest Rate of the Ordinary Loan.
The interest rate of the Ordinary Loan (the "Interest Rate of the Ordinary Loan") applicable to each Interest Period shall be a fixed rate of two per cent (2.00%) per annum.
5.5 | LATE-PAYMENT INTEREST. |
(A) | Without prejudice to any action for cancellation that may be exercised, and any remedy or right to which the Funds might be entitled under the terms of this Agreement, if for any reason the Borrower has failed to meet any payment obligation under this Agreement in a timely manner, the Borrower shall, without the need for any demand, incur in favour of the Fund late-payment interest payable on those amounts that it did not pay when it should have done. |
(B) | The late-payment interest rate shall accrue from day to day on the sum total not paid, with a monthly settlement calculation (for as long as the amounts unpaid have not been settled in full) on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty (360) days, and shall be equal to the late-payment interest rate established at the time in question in the State General Budgets Act for this type of instrument (the "Late-payment Interest Rate"). |
(C) | Likewise, any payment obligations that are due and unpaid shall continue, without the need for any demand, to accrue in favour of the Fund the Interest Rate that was being applied to the instrument not paid at the time of the payment default. |
(D) | The Late-payment Interest Rate shall likewise be the interest rate for delays during legal proceedings. |
(E) | Accrual of the late-payment interest rate shall in all cases be in addition to the Spread of the Permanent Component as indicated in the table in Clause 5.4.1(D). |
(F) | The Late-payment Interest Rate does not preclude the obligation on the Borrower to indemnify the Fund for any damages on the terms set out in capitals 10. |
23
6. | AMORTISATION. |
6.1 | TOTAL AMORTISATION DATE. |
This Finance shall be amortised in full on 1 June 2025. Nonetheless, this Agreement shall remain in force up until the date when the Borrower has made payment of all amounts owed in any regard under this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents (hereinafter, the "Date of Total Amortisation").
6.2 | ORDINARY AMORTISATION. |
6.2.1 | Amortisation of the Profit-sharing Loan |
The amount drawn down under the Profit-sharing Loan shall be amortised by means of two (2) instalments, in accordance with the following amortisation structure:
Date | Amount |
On the third (3rd) anniversary of the Date of Closure | € 8,798,000.00 |
On 1 June 2025 | € 8,802,000.00 |
6.2.2 | Amortisation of the Ordinary Loan |
The amount drawn down under the Ordinary Loan shall be amortised by means of two (2) instalments, according to the following amortisation structure:
Date | Amount |
On the third (3rd) anniversary of the Date of Closure | € 8,452,000.00 |
On 1 June 2025 | € 8,448,000.00 |
6.3 | VOLUNTARY PREMATURE AMORTISATION. |
(A) | The Borrower may make a voluntary premature amortisation of all or part of the Finance, provided that the following conditions are fulfilled: |
(a) | the date when the premature amortisation occurs coincides with the last day of the Interest Period in progress at that time; |
(b) | the premature amortisation is for a minimum total amount of €1,000,000 or a greater amount, provided that this is a whole multiple of said amount (unless the amortisation is for the entire Finance pending amortisation, in which case the above limitations shall not apply); |
(c) | the Fund has received notice from the Borrower at least ten (10) Business Days in advance, indicating the date when it intends to make the premature amortisation, and the amount to be allocated to this purpose; and |
(d) | the Borrower bears all costs, expenses, fees and tariffs incurred by the Fund as a consequence of the premature amortisation. |
24
(B) | Once this notification has been received by the Fund, the decision of the Borrower to proceed to perform the premature amortisation on the stated terms shall be irrevocable. As a result, failure to perform the voluntary premature amortisation on the stated date shall constitute a breach of payment conditions under the terms of Clause 14.1.1. |
(C) | Any amounts of the Finance voluntarily amortised prematurely cannot subsequently again be drawn down by the Borrower. |
(D) | In any event, the Borrower may only make a premature amortisation of the Finance if it guarantees full compliance with the provisions of the regulations in force. |
6.4 | MANDATORY TOTAL PREMATURE AMORTISATION. |
6.4.1 | Mandatory total premature amortisation circumstance. |
(A) | The Borrower must amortise the entire Finance (together with the interest accruing up to the date of premature amortisation, and any commissions or other expenses owed under this Agreement), in the event of a change of legal circumstances of the Fund, on the terms set forth in Clause 9, and also in the event of occurrence of an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance as provided in Clause 14.1 below. |
6.4.2 | Specific rules applicable to mandatory total premature amortisation. |
(A) | Occurrence of the circumstance provided in Clause 6.4.1 shall require immediate notification of SEPI by the Borrower, with SEPI in turn informing the Fund, except under the terms provided in Clause 9 in which case the Fund must notify SEPI, which shall in turn inform the Borrower. |
(B) | In the circumstances provided here in Clause 6.4, the amortisation must be made immediately, even if the date in question does not coincide with an interest payment date. |
(C) | No amount amortised through occurrence of the circumstance of Clause 6.4.1 may again be drawn down by the Borrower. |
6.5 | MANDATORY PARTIAL PREMATURE AMORTISATION. |
6.5.1 | Mandatory partial premature amortisation circumstance. |
A partial, premature amortisation of the Finance shall take place (together with the interest accruing up to the date of premature amortisation, and any commissions or other expenses owed under this Agreement) in any of the following circumstances, and in accordance with the rules set out below:
(i) | Sale of assets, subsidiaries and businesses: notwithstanding the terms of Clause 13.6.5, the Borrower must allocate to premature amortisation of the Finance the Amount actually obtained by the Applicant or the Beneficiaries from the sale or disposal, outside the ordinary course of business, of |
25
tangible and intangible fixed assets, or those of any other kind, whether movable or real estate, including, without being confined thereto, shares or stock in other companies of the Group, wherever:
(a) | the Amounts accumulated each year and actually obtained through sales are in excess of two million euros (€2,000,000), with this limit excluding sales of assets for an amount of less than five hundred thousand euros (€500,000), up to the aforementioned aggregate amount of two million euros (€2,000,000), which shall under no circumstances have to be assigned to mandatory premature amortisation of the Finance; and |
(b) | the amount is not reinvested or committed for allocation, under a binding contractual agreement with a third party, to the acquisition of assets of a similar nature to those disposed of in the regular business of the Beneficiary Group within a period of six (6) months of receipt of the funds. |
(ii) | Insurance compensation: the Borrower must allocate to premature amortisation of the Finance the Net Amounts actually obtained by the Borrower or the Beneficiaries by way of compensation for the occurrence of losses insured under the insurance policies in existence, while excluding insurance covering (i) general civil liability before third party; (ii) cessation of activity and loss of profits; and (iii) surety insurance; wherever such amounts: |
(a) | are individually in excess of two hundred and fifty thousand euros (€250,000); and |
(b) | have not been reinvested or committed on a binding basis to reinvestment in the repair or replacement of the damaged assets in the regular business of the Beneficiary Group, or to cover the liabilities as a result of which the compensation was received, within a period of six (6) months of the date when the compensation was received, provided that in the event that there is only a binding reinvestment commitment, the effective reinvestment takes place within a period of twelve (12) months of the date when the aforementioned commitment was given. |
(iii) | Grants: the Borrower must allocate to premature amortisation of the Finance the Net Amounts of any grant not assigned to a specific purpose and received by the Beneficiaries: (i) that is not used for the purpose of the grant in question; and (ii) must not be reimbursed to the body or institution that awarded the grant. This obligation shall not extend to the final instalments of loans granted by the CDTI or other public bodies that |
26
are remitted as a consequence of fulfilment of the complete R&D+i project in question that they finance, and credit rights by way of the offsetting of indirect CO2 emissions costs.
(iv) | Cash Sweep: from 31 December 2023, the Borrower will be required each year to allocate 50% of Final Available Cash to mandatory premature amortisation of the Finance (subject to the application of funds rules set forth below). |
If the Borrower is obliged to make premature amortisation of the Finance in accordance with this paragraph, the Borrower must inform SEPI thereof (including the date when the premature amortisation is scheduled to take place), no later than the Business Day following the date when the certificate as to the Final Available Cash for the financial year in question is available.
6.5.2 | Specific rules applicable to partial mandatory premature amortisation. |
(A) | Receipt of any of the payments indicated in the above paragraphs will require that the Borrower serve immediate notification on SEPI, which shall in turn inform the Fund. |
(B) | The mandatory premature amortisations shall be made within five (5) Business Days of the obligation to make the amortisation arising, namely: |
(i) | in the event of the occurrence of any of the mandatory premature amortisation circumstances provided in subsections 6.5.1(i) and 6.5.1(ii), the date when the period of six (6) months provided in those subsections ends (or any prior date in the event that the Borrower decides not to make the corresponding reinvestment or repair, as applicable); |
(ii) | in the event of occurrence of the mandatory premature amortisation circumstance provided in subsection 6.5.1(iii), the end date of the period to make use of a grant, unless it has to be refunded to the entity that awarded it; |
(iii) | in the event of occurrence of any of the mandatory premature amortisation circumstances provided in subsection 6.5.1(iv), the date on which fifteen (15) Business Days have elapsed since presentation of the Final Available Cash Certificate. |
(C) | No amount amortised through the occurrence of the circumstances of Clause 6.5.1 may again be drawn down. |
6.6 | RULES COMMON TO PREMATURE AMORTISATION (VOLUNTARY AND MANDATORY). |
(A) | By way of clarification, all payments made by virtue of the voluntary or mandatory premature amortisations (total or partial) must be made in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 6.3, 6.4.2 and 6.5.1 above. |
27
(B) | Partial premature amortisation (voluntary or mandatory) performed with regard to the Finance shall be subject to the payment imputation regime established in Clause 8.4, in the order provided in Clauses 6.3 or 6.5.1 (as applicable). |
7. | CONVERSION INTO SHARE CAPITAL. |
(A) | In all cases of ordinary or premature mandatory amortisation or accelerated maturity of the Finance, in the event that the Applicant does not honour the payments to which it is obliged in such circumstances, the Administrative Board will have the option (but at no time the obligation) to convert all or part of the Profit-sharing Loan into share capital of the Applicant. |
(B) | The Administrative Board shall reach its decision having first conducted the relevant procedure, and will require authorisation from the Council of Ministers, in any event, if this gives rise to acquisition of State enterprise status, as well as authorisation from the European Commission if the operation fulfils the requirements for notification of said Community institution. |
(C) | The conversion of the Financial Support into capital shall be performed at the price that is the result of dividing the equity value prior to the conversion by the total number of shares or stock units in the Applicant (the "Conversion Price"). In order to determine the equity value prior to the conversion, the pre-conversion value shall be the result of deducting from the enterprise value of the Applicant affected by the conversion, the amount of the net financial debt and cost-free financial liabilities. |
(D) | As a consequence, the number of new shares in the Applicant to be issued in favour of the Fund shall be the result of dividing the amount of the Profit-sharing Loan to be converted, by the Conversion Price. |
(E) | For the purposes provided in this clause, the Applicant accepts a commitment to instigate approval by the general meeting of the Applicant of a capital increase for the purpose of conversion of the Profit-sharing Loan into capital as provided in this clause, at the earliest possible opportunity following occurrence of the conversion circumstance governed by this clause. |
8. | PAYMENTS. |
8.1 | PAYMENTS WITHOUT THE NEED FOR DEMAND. |
On each date when the Borrower is required to pay any amount under this Agreement or the remaining Financial Agreements, the Borrower shall, without the need for any payment demand, transfer the required funds, in Euros, by means of a bank transfer performed by 12:00 hours on the day when they are owed, with the same value date, into the account of the Fund or at the Bank of Spain, or otherwise the bank account indicated for this purpose by the Fund.
28
8.2 | OFFSETTING |
(A) | The Fund is explicitly and irrevocably empowered by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors to apply any credit rights that might exist in their favour, to the payment of any amounts due by any of them by virtue of the Financial Documents Due, liquid, enforceable and reciprocal obligations and credits derived from the Financial Documents shall be understood automatically to be offset to the applicable amount, if so decided by the Fund. |
(B) | To this end, each of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors empowers the Fund to sign and execute any documents that by be necessary or desirable, and on any terms that might be deemed appropriate, purely for the purpose of the provisions of this clause, explicitly authorising the Fund to engage in self-dealing. |
(C) | The offsetting agreed in this clause shall proceed even if the credit rights held by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors have not yet matured, and they shall, purely for the purposes of offsetting, be deemed enforceable. |
(D) | The Fund may exercise the powers granted to it by this clause without any other requirement than the payment being due, even if prematurely so, and if any debt has not been settled, without the need for authorisation or ratification by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, nor any declaration by a court, although once the offsetting has been performed, the Fund shall inform the Beneficiaries and Guarantors thereof via SEPI. |
8.3 | PAYMENT DATES. |
Any payment maturing on a non-Business Day must be made on the Business Day immediately following this, unless this would lie in the next calendar month, in which case the payment shall be brought forward to the last preceding Business Day of the month in question.
8.4 | IMPUTATION OF PAYMENTS. |
(A) | Payments made by the Borrower or by any third party on its account to the Fund (via SEPI or in any other way) shall be imputed to the Finance in accordance with the distribution explicitly agreed in this Agreement, in the following order: |
(i) | late-payment interest; |
(ii) | ordinary interest; |
(iii) | fees and commissions; |
(iv) | expenses and taxes; |
(v) | indemnification and additional costs; |
(vi) | court costs and expenses; and |
(vii) | principal pending amortisation. |
29
(B) | Within the above item, the imputation of payments shall begin with the longest-standing debts, without under any circumstances any made to specific debts constituting a waiver of others, even if they are of longer standing, and whether derived from this or any other item. |
(C) | Any amount pending amortisation in any regard, in addition to credit rights derived from the Finance and the remaining Financial Documents, shall have the status of public-law income, collection thereof being subject to the provisions of General Budgetary Act 47/2003, of 26 November 2003, by virtue of the provisions of Article 2.3 of Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, and Subsection 1.6 of Annex I of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers. |
8.5 | INTEREST DEBT. |
It is explicitly agreed that receipt by the Fund of a payment of principal under the Finance, even if the right to the agreed interest is not explicitly reserved, shall not terminate the obligation of the Borrower with regard to the interest.
8.6 | TAXES. |
(A) | In accordance with the provisions of Article 2.11 of RDL 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, on urgent measures to support economic reactivation and employment, all equity transfers, corporate operations and acts directly or indirectly derived from the application of the aforementioned provision, and even contributions of funds or capital increases that might be performed for the capitalisation and/or financial and equity restructuring of investee companies drawn from the Fund, shall be exempt from any national, regional or local tax, without in this last case giving rise to the offsetting referred to in Article 9.2 of Royal Legislative Decree 2/2004, of 5 March 2004, approving the consolidated text of the Local Public Finance Regulatory Act. Likewise, all the aforementioned transfers, operations and acts shall benefit from an exemption from payment of any professional fees and tariffs accruing through the involvement of notaries public and Land and Companies Registrars. |
(B) | Any amounts that the Fund might receive by way of any interest accruing through application of this Agreement shall not be subject to an interim Corporation Tax withholding, in accordance with the provisions of Article 128.4(a) in connection with Article 9.1(b) of Corporation Tax Act 27/2014, and Article 61(o) of the implementing Regulation thereof, approved by means of Royal Decree 634/2015, since the Fund enjoys a formal exemption from the aforementioned tax, since it forms part of the State Administration itself, as it lacks legal personality and is attached to the General State Administration through the Ministry of Finance, by virtue of the provisions of Article 2.1 of Royal Decree-Law 25/2020. |
(C) | For the purposes of accreditation of its exempt entity status, in fulfilment of the provisions of the aforementioned Article 61(o) of the Corporation Tax |
30
Regulation, Annex 8.6(C) to this agreement contains a copy of its Tax Identification Number ('NIF'), S2801456A, the letter 'S' being assigned to State and Autonomous Regional bodies, in accordance with Article 3 of Order EHA/451/2008, of 20 February 2008, governing the composition of tax identification numbers of legal persons and entities without legal personality.
(D) | Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions, all payments to be made by the Borrower under any of the Financial Documents shall be made in Euros, on the clear understanding that all payments regarding costs or expenses shall be made in the currency in which they arose. |
9. | CHANGE OF LEGAL CIRCUMSTANCES. |
(A) | If (i) performance of any of the obligations derived from this Agreement, or (ii) the granting of the Finance, or (iii) interpretation or application by any legal or administrative authority of the applicable regulations, would lead to the Fund being in breach of any legal or regulatory provision (EU, national, regional or any other), or any circular or official decision, the Fund must notify SEPI and the Borrower of said circumstance. |
(B) | Within fifteen (15) Business Days of said notification (or any shorter period that might prove necessary in order to comply with the rule leading to the change in legal circumstances), and without prejudice to the fact that the Parties shall attempt in good faith to apply the principle of legitimate trust; SEPI, the Borrower and the Fund shall make their best efforts (provided that this would be commercially acceptable and would not constitute a breach of the applicable legislation) to pursue an alternative solution serving to eliminate or mitigate said circumstance. |
(C) | In the event that this alternative solution is not possible, the Borrower must, without any premium or penalty, amortise the part of the Financing drawn down and pending amortisation, together with the interest and all other amounts owed to the Fund by virtue of this Agreement, all the foregoing in accordance with the provisions of Clause 6.4. |
(D) | This amortisation of the Finance must be performed on the first interest payment date after the fifth Business Day following receipt of the demand served for this purpose by SEPI. |
10. | INDEMNITY. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries and the Guarantors undertake to hold harmless SEPI and the Fund: |
(i) | Regarding any cost, claim, loss, expense or damages of any kind that either of them might suffer directly as a result of the occurrence of any events |
31
that could give rise to an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance or any breach by the Beneficiaries or Guarantors of the obligations imposed on them by this Agreement, including, without being confined to, any damages and, in particular, any costs that either of them might suffer through the collection of any amount on a date other than the date when said amount should have been collected under the terms of this Agreement.
(ii) | Regarding any damages that they might suffer as a result of obtaining the corresponding funds in the Drawdown of the Finance requested by the Borrower under the terms of this Agreement, but that did not take effect for any reason attributable to the Borrower. |
(iii) | Regarding any damages they might suffer as a result of the Borrower having served notice of its decision prematurely to amortise all or part of the Finance, without this premature amortisation ultimately taking place on the date notified, for a reason attributable to the Borrower, or in the event that the payment takes place on a date other than the interest payment date. |
(iv) | Regarding any damages as a result of acting or relying on any notice served by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of Clause 21. |
11. | REPRESENTATIONS. |
11.1 | REPRESENTATIONS. |
11.1.1General.
Each of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, as applicable, issues the following formal representations in favour of the Fund, regarding themselves (hereinafter, the "Representations"), which are essential in nature for the Fund to conclude this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, all the foregoing pursuant to the provisions of Clause 11.3 below.
11.1.2Existence and legal status.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors are companies validly incorporated and registered in the applicable companies registers based on their registered address, and enjoy full legal and operational capacity to perform their respective corporate purposes (including the capacity to dispose of and encumber all their assets).
11.1.3Binding obligations.
The Financial Documents are fully valid, and the obligations imposed on the Beneficiaries and Guarantors by the Financial Documents to which they are a party, are legal, valid, binding and enforceable.
32
11.1.4Absence of conflicts with other obligations.
The conclusion and performance of the Financial Documents by the Beneficiaries and the Guarantors, and the consummation of all the operations provided for therein (including, without being confined to, enforcement of the Guarantees):
(i) | do not constitute a breach of any law, regulation, order, rule, court, administrative or arbitration decision in Spain or abroad. |
(ii) | do not constitute a breach of the deed of incorporation nor any provision of the corporate bylaws, nor any shareholder or stockholder agreement. |
(iii) | do not require any consent, approval, authorisation or notification under the terms of any contract, agreement or other instrument to which they are party, nor conflict with these, nor cause a breach or termination of any such contract, agreement or other instrument; and |
(iv) | will not give rise to nor require the establishment of guarantees or encumbrances over all or part of their present or future income or assets, in favour of third-party creditors. |
11.1.5Capacity.
(A) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors enjoy full legal and operational capacity to execute the Financial Documents to which they are party, and to exercise the rights and accept and fulfil the obligations derived therefrom. |
(B) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors have passed corporate resolutions, and conducted all actions and procedures in order to ensure that the obligations imposed by the Financial Documents are valid and enforceable. The signatories of the Financial Documents are duly empowered to act as the representatives of the corresponding company. |
11.1.6Permits and licences.
(A) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors hold all essential licences, permits, authorisations, concessions and approvals as required in order to conduct their business activity. |
(B) | No notice has been served on the Beneficiaries and Guarantors of any modification or variation of the conditions of any of the essential licences, permits, authorisations, concessions and approvals in force. Nor have they received any notification from the competent authorities declaring the absence of essential licences, permits, authorisations or concessions, and demanding that these be applied for and obtained. There is no reason to believe that the essential licences, permits, authorisations, concessions and approvals held by them could be revoked, annulled or cancelled. |
33
11.1.7 | Eligibility conditions for beneficiaries of assistance drawn from the Fund. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries fulfil each and every one of the beneficiary company eligibility criteria established in subsection 2 of Annex II to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers, and confirm the accuracy, precision and integrity, in content and form, of all documentation required by the Guide for due formalisation of the application for temporary public financial support, published on 7 August 2020 on the official SEPI website, and presented by the Applicant, including, without being confined to, the application form of Annex I and the self-declarations of Annexes II, III and IV of the Guide, regarding, respectively, the prohibitions on beneficiaries, the minimum content of the Viability Plan, and the existence of certain eligibility conditions. Specifically, the Beneficiaries fulfil each and every one of the eligibility criteria for recipient companies as provided in subsections a), c), h), i), j), k) and l) of Annex II to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers |
(B) | The Beneficiaries declare that the amount, duration and conditions of the assistance requested are proportionate and are the minimums required to restore the viability of the Beneficiaries, and do not constitute any improvement to the net equity of the Beneficiaries beyond that registered at 31 December 2019. |
(C) | The Applicant declares that the Beneficiary Group does not constitute an undertaking in difficulty as at 31 December 2019, in the terms of Article 2 (18) of Commission Regulation (EU) 651/2014, of 17 June 2014, declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty. |
(D) | None of the Beneficiaries has applied for a declaration of voluntary insolvency, and has not been declared insolvent in any proceedings, nor declared in default of payments to creditors, and is not subject to any court intervention, nor disqualification under the Insolvency Act. |
(E) | None of the Beneficiaries has been found guilty in a final sentence disqualifying it from obtaining public aid or subsidies, nor found guilty of offences of improper actions, bribery, embezzlement of public funds, influence trafficking, fraud and illegal receipts, or urban planning offences. |
(F) | None of the Beneficiaries has been found guilty in a final decision of the termination of any contract concluded with the Public Authorities. |
(G) | Each of the Beneficiaries declares that there are no court proceedings, claims or administrative proceedings in which they are involved that could affect their economic stability or the temporary public financial support requested, that have not explicitly been mentioned in the aforementioned application. |
11.1.8 | Absence of situations of insolvency or equivalent. |
(A) | None of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors has been wound up or liquidated. |
34
(B) | No resolution has been passed to wind up or liquidate, nor are there any proceedings or petitions pending in order to obtain such winding-up or liquidation. |
(C) | The Beneficiaries and the Guarantors are not in a situation of mandatory winding-up under the terms established in the Capital Companies Act, in accordance with Act 3/2020, of 18 September 2020, nor any equivalent foreign insolvency legislation that would apply |
(D) | None of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors has, to the relevant extent: |
(i) | initiated any proceedings under the terms of Articles 583 et seq. of the consolidated text of the Insolvency Act of 5 May 2020 (former Article 5 bis of Insolvency Act 22/2003) or under any equivalent foreign insolvency legislation that would apply. |
(ii) | been declared in default of payments to creditors, or equivalent insolvency proceedings (in or out of court); |
(iii) | petitioned for a declaration of voluntary insolvency or equivalent insolvency proceedings; |
(iv) | notified the competent courts of the initiation of negotiations with creditors in order to reach an early agreement or equivalent insolvency proceedings; |
(v) | any pending proceedings or petition, nor is it aware of any such, intended to declare payment default or equivalent insolvency proceedings regarding any of them; nor |
(vi) | become subject to any situation demonstrating its current insolvency in accordance with the provisions of the Insolvency Act (in line with Act 3/2020, of 18 September 2020), nor any equivalent foreign insolvency legislation that would apply |
(E) | None of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors is subject to court administration or administrative intervention, nor any equivalent form of supervision or intervention. |
(F) | Following receipt of the Finance, the Beneficiaries and Guarantors shall be in a position of regularly fulfilling all their obligations (with no expectation that they would cease to be so). No enforcement or attachment has been processed against them or their assets, nor is any such action foreseeable, nor have any of the following situations occurred: |
(i) | general default in payment of their obligations; |
(ii) | liquidation of assets; or |
(iii) | widespread breach of their obligations. |
35
11.1.9 | Absence of immunity. |
In any proceedings brought in Spain in connection with the Financial Documents, none of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors will be legitimately entitled to claim any kind of immunity for themselves or their assets with regard to enforcement, attachment or similar proceedings contained in other similar and generally applicable legal standards.
11.1.10Registers and Taxes.
The Financial Documents, the documents connected therewith and the operations established therein are fully effective and may be raised in opposition against third parties, without the need for:
(A) | Registration thereof in public registers (except any real estate mortgages that may be constituted), courts or other bodies; or |
(B) | The payment of any amount by way of Documented Legal Acts Tax (except for the movable asset mortgages, and without prejudice, where applicable, to the provisions of Article 2.11 RDL 25/2020); or |
(C) | The payment of register fees or similar (other than any court fees that might apply at any given time, and without prejudice, where applicable, the provisions of Article 2.11 of RDL 25/2020). |
11.1.11Taxation matters.
(A) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors have no outstanding obligations under the regulations governing taxes and levies (in particular, regarding tax payment obligations) applicable to them, and no circumstances that could prevent such performance have arisen. |
(B) | No claim, proceedings, formal notification or investigation of any kind with regard to any taxation regulations have begun, and to the best of their knowledge they are not aware of any risk that such action could begin against the Beneficiaries. |
(C) | The Beneficiaries have their tax domicile in the jurisdiction where they are incorporated. |
(D) | Borrower forms part of a tax consolidation group headed by Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U. for the purposes of Corporation Tax. |
11.1.12Tax deduction.
In accordance with the legal provisions in force in Spain, as at the Date of Signature there will be no need to apply any deduction or withholding as a result of payments made in fulfilment of the Financial Documents to which they are a party.
36
11.1.13Absence of breaches.
There is no event which, to the best of their understanding, either itself or in combination with another circumstance, would, or could ultimately merely through the passage of time, constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, nor any risk of the occurrence thereof.
There is no other event or circumstance constituting a breach under the terms of any binding contract or instrument.
11.1.14Information provided.
(A) | All information provided by the Beneficiaries or Guarantors or by their advisers to SEPI, to the Fund or their advisers, including information of a financial nature, is true, correct, complete, and faithfully reflects in all material aspects their position to the full extent required of them, and has, where applicable, been drawn up in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. |
(B) | The opinions, calculations and projections included in the information presented to SEPI, to the Fund or their advisers, and the hypotheses and factors on which they are based, are reasonable, and have been provided in good faith, following due and prudent considerations and consultations. The Beneficiaries and Guarantors acknowledge and accept that this information is an element taken into particular consideration by the Fund for its involvement in the Finance. |
(C) | The individual and audited Financial Statements (including the balance sheet, profit and loss account, explanatory notes, comprehensive statement of changes in net equity, statement of cash flows, and any other applicable documents under the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) of the Beneficiaries, and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Beneficiary Group closed at 31 December 2019, in addition to each of the Financial Statements that are to be presented from time to time in fulfilment of the provisions of this Agreement, and all other financial and accounting information provided by the Beneficiaries at any given time, have been drawn up in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are complete and precise, and present a true and fair view of the equity, the results and the economic and financial position (including contingent liabilities) of each of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, and of the results of their operations during the period closed at the date in question. Between 31 December 2019 and the Date of the Drawdown, no significant change has occurred, other than those derived from the impact of Covid-19. |
(D) | There are no actions or omissions subsequent to the close of the Financial Statements that would undermine the information provided to the Fund, nor events or circumstances concerning the Beneficiaries or Guarantors, nor any contingencies (of any kind) of which the Funds should have been informed because of their relevance for the decision thereof to grant the Finance. |
37
11.1.15Absence of pending litigation.
They do not currently have in progress, either as plaintiffs or as respondents, any arbitration, litigation, or administrative proceedings, nor are there any reasons, to the best of their understanding, why any such should be instigated in the near future, nor are they aware of the initiation of any such proceedings, nor has any action or investigation begun or been announced by the competent authorities or by any third party, of which they are aware, in connection with the business or the assets of the Beneficiaries, that would or could negatively affect their capacity to fulfil the obligations imposed by the Financial Documents, or to pursue their business activity in accordance with typical standards in their sector of operations, except for the litigation identified in Annex 11.1.15.
11.1.16Regulatory compliance.
They have fulfilled the obligations established in the Regulations applicable to them, including, merely by way of example, corporate, commercial, civil, employment, administrative, environmental, taxation, accounting and data protection obligations, and have no outstanding payments under such obligations.
11.1.17Conclusion of contracts on market conditions
(A) | All contracts and agreements concluded by the Beneficiaries among themselves, or with any third party, have been concluded on market conditions, corresponding to legitimate reasons, and taking into account the corporate interest of the Beneficiaries. |
(B) | Under no circumstances have they been concluded in order to shift income, expenses or profits from one company to another, nor for any fraudulent purpose, nor with the intention of avoiding or deferring tax payments. |
11.1.18 | Compliance with regard to sanctions, bribery, corruption and money laundering. |
(A) | Neither the Beneficiaries nor the Guarantors, nor any natural or legal person controlling any of the foregoing (in accordance with the criteria in interpretation of the concept of ownership and control published by the Council of the European Union and OFAC in force at any given time), nor the directors, executives, representatives and general attorneys-in-fact thereof in said position: |
(i) | has been subjected to any Sanctions; |
(ii) | is located, has an operational base or is resident in a Sanctioned Territory; |
(iii) | has made or received payments, or made or maintained, or make or maintain, any transaction, operation or commercial relationship with, or associated with, any natural or legal person that, to the best of their knowledge and understanding, is subject to any Sanctions, or could reasonably be considered a Sanctioned Person; |
38
(iv) | is, to the best of their understanding, in breach of or subject to action or investigation concerning any Sanctions; |
(v) | (a) is participating in any operation for the purpose of fraudulently evading or avoiding any Sanction applicable to said party, and (b) with the shareholders, directors, executives, representatives and general attorneys-in-fact of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, is, to the best of their understanding, involved in any operation for the purpose of evading or avoiding any Sanction applicable to them; nor |
(vi) | is a Sanctioned Person. |
(B) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors, in addition to their respective directors, executives and (having diligently conducted all investigations and confirmations that would be necessary), their attorneys-in-fact and employees: |
(i) | have conducted their business in accordance with legislation governing anti-money laundering and the combating of public and private corruption as applicable to them; and |
(ii) | have implemented and maintained processes and policies designed to comply with such legislation and to prevent the actions prohibited thereby. |
(C) | The Representations given by virtue of this Clause 11.1.18 shall be understood to be given to the extent that they do not contravene or breach the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) number 2271/96, of 22 November 1996, protecting against the effects of the extra-territorial application of legislation adopted by a third country, and actions based thereon or resulting therefrom. |
11.1.19 | Debt. |
(A) | There has been no modification of any condition of the "Existing Debt" to the detriment of any right of the Funds derived from the Finance. |
(B) | The Beneficiaries do not maintain financing agreements that would create Debt other than the Permitted Debt. |
(C) | As at the Date of Signature, the only Debt arranged by the Beneficiaries is as listed in Annex 11.1.19 (hereinafter, the "Existing Debt"). |
(D) | As at the Date of Signature, there is no Subordinated Debt within the Beneficiary Group, or if this exists, it fulfils the conditions of Subordinated Debt (either on its own terms or by virtue of the signature of this Agreement). |
(E) | The Permitted Debt is compatible with the provisions of the Financial Documents, and in particular the documents structuring such Permitted Debt do not contain any clause or stipulation prohibiting or limiting the execution and performance of the provisions of the Financial Documents. |
39
11.1.20 | Rank of the In Rem Guarantees. |
(A) | The In Rem Guarantees shall, from the date of formalisation thereof, constitute valid and enforceable first-, second- and third-ranked in rem rights over the assets or rights that they affect, granting priority to the Fund for collection, in the event of insolvency of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, ahead of any other creditor that might create a lien or encumbrance over such assets or rights, except for those creditors whose priority is acknowledged because their guarantee enjoys a higher rank, or by legal mandate. |
(B) | Except for those in rem guarantees granted prior to the Date of Signature and identified in Annex 11.1.20 B) (hereinafter, the "Existing In Rem Guarantees", there is not, nor has any commitment been given for the creation of, any encumbrance, seizure, attachment or in rem guarantee over all or part of the present or future goods, income, rights or assets of the Beneficiaries except for (hereinafter, the "Permitted Guarantees"): |
(a) | the Existing In Rem Guarantees as set out in the aforementioned Annex; |
(b) | the encumbrances created by virtue of the In Rem Guarantees in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Documents; |
(c) | those created by law. |
11.1.21 | Pari passu. |
(A) | The credit rights of the Fund against the Beneficiaries and Guarantors as a result of the Financial Documents shall enjoy at least the same rank of priority (pari passu) as the rights of all other non-subordinated creditors of the Beneficiaries of the same nature as the Fund, except for those that enjoy priority as indicated in this agreement itself, by legal mandate, or the beneficiary creditors under the Existing In Rem Guarantees. |
(B) | Any amount pending amortisation in any regard, in addition to credit rights derived from the Finance and the remaining Financial Documents, shall have the status of public-law income, collection thereof be subject to the provisions of General Budgetary Act 47/2003, of 26 of November 2003, by virtue of the provisions of Article 2.3 of Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, and Subsection 1.6 of Annex I of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers. |
11.1.22 | Assets. |
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors are the owners, and enjoy just and legitimate title over, all real estate, installations, machinery, equipment and other types of fixed assets, non-current assets, rights, income or movable assets, and any other type of assets, whether tangible or intangible, used in their activities. All the aforementioned fixed assets, non-current assets, installations, machinery and any other asset have been properly maintained and are in appropriate conditions for their intended use, except for normal wear and tear derived from ordinary use.
40
11.1.23 | Industrial and Intellectual Property. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries and the Guarantors are the outright owners, free of any lien or encumbrance, of the intellectual and industrial property rights that they use in the pursuit of their business, which are duly registered in the corresponding registers, and they have adopted all necessary measures, including the payment of any required fees, to protect and maintain the validity of their ownership of such industrial property rights. |
(B) | They have not breached any intellectual or industrial property right of any third party. Nor has there been any breach, nor are there any proceedings to challenge, any rights owned or licensed. |
11.1.24 | Insurance. |
(A) | The insurance policies arranged in connection with their movable and immovable assets, relevant transactions and business properly cover the risks associated with them in accordance with market practices in the business in which they are engaged, and have been arranged with first-class insurance companies. |
(B) | They have performed all obligations derived from such insurance, and have no outstanding insurance premium payments. |
Said insurance policies are in force, and there is no existing circumstance which could lead to the cancellation thereof, or affect the right to receive the compensation and indemnification covered thereby.
11.1.25 | Organisational structure of the Group and share capital. |
As at the date of signature, the corporate structure of the Beneficiary Group and of the Ferroglobe Group is as set out in Annex 11.1.25, which is correct and complete for the purposes of this Agreement.
11.1.26 | Absence of Material Adverse Effect. |
There is no event or circumstance concerning any of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors that would constitute a Material Adverse Effect, or could foreseeably constitute a Material Adverse Effect.
11.1.27 | Centre of main interests and establishment. |
For the purposes of Council Regulation (EC) 848/2015 on insolvency proceedings (hereinafter, the "Regulation"), the centre of main interests (as said term is employed in Article 3(1) of the Regulation) of the Beneficiaries is located within the jurisdiction of their registered office.
11.2 | LIABILITY. |
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors warrant, on a joint and several basis, that the Representations given in this Agreement are accurate, precise and complete. The Beneficiaries and Guarantors otherwise undertake to hold the Fund harmless
41
regarding any damages it might suffer as a result of such lack of accuracy or precision, under the terms of Clause 10 above. The Representations set out in this Agreement are subject solely to the exceptions expressly indicated for each of them.
11.3 | REPETITION. |
The Representations (except for those, such as eligibility, which must refer to a specific date), must be fulfilled throughout the term of this Agreement, and shall be understood to be repeated on each start date of each Interest Period up to the Final Maturity Date with reference to the time in question, and the Beneficiaries and Guarantors must otherwise notify SEPI that any such Representation is no longer true, precise or complete, indicating the reasons, all the foregoing without prejudice to the fact that such falsehood or inaccuracy would constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, under the provisions of Clause 14 below. The references made to "this date", "today", "to date", and similar, shall be understood to refer to each of the dates when the Representations must be fulfilled in accordance with the foregoing.
12. | REPORTING OBLIGATIONS. |
12.1 | FINANCIAL REPORTING OBLIGATIONS. |
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors, as applicable, through the Applicant, undertake to provide SEPI with the following information, with the frequency and by the deadlines indicated below:
(A) | Yearly information |
As soon as available, and in any event within the four (4) months (except for the Guarantors, which shall be granted a period of six (6) months) following the end of each corporate financial year closed from 31 December 2021 onwards, the following information,
(i) | the Annual Financial Statements of the Beneficiaries and the Guarantors, in addition to the Consolidated Financial Statements, together with the corresponding audit report for those companies of the Group that are at the time in question legally obliged to audit their annual accounts under the regulations applicable to them, together with the auditor's agreed-upon procedures report as to the review of the consolidation of the Beneficiaries; and |
(ii) | a report detailing those obligations or contingencies not recorded on the balance sheet that exist at the date of the aforementioned report. |
42
(B) | Half-yearly information |
As soon as available, and in any event within the seventy-five (75) calendar days of the end of the first half of each corporate financial year (the half-year after the financial year closed at 31 December 2021 being the first half-year for which the documentation must be presented), the following information:
(i) | the Individual Half-Yearly Financial Statements and the Consolidated Half-Yearly Financial Statements of the Beneficiary Group; |
(ii) | a report detailing obligations or contingencies not recorded on the balance sheet in existence at the date of the aforementioned report; |
(iii) | Information on any employment matters of the Beneficiaries or their dependent companies that could affect the activity of the company or constitute a labour dispute; |
(iv) | Information about relevant or significant events occurring in each period, including matters concerning relevant litigation, taxes, relevant operations affecting the business, regulatory changes, etc.; |
(v) | Statement of position of the Finance Guarantees; and |
(vi) | Management oversight and monitoring report on the Viability Plan in force at the time in question, with any applicable corrective measures. |
(C) | Quarterly information |
The Beneficiaries undertake, within seventy-five (75) calendar days of the last day of each quarter, to provide Quarterly Information on the Consolidated Financial Statements, on a cumulative basis and with projections for the income statement, balance sheet and cash flows, in addition to a report signed by the chief financial officer or the Board of Directors, detailing:
(i) | The monthly forecasts up to the end of the financial year for the income statement and cash flows, in addition to any deviations that might have occurred from the previous forecast, with the corresponding explanation. |
(ii) | Detail of obligations or contingencies not recorded on the balance sheet and existing at the date of each report. |
(iii) | Information as to the allocation of the Financial Support and its distribution among the Beneficiaries. |
Without prejudice to the above, if the circumstances would make this advisable, in the judgment of the members of SEPI belonging to the Monitoring Committee, monthly information may be requested regarding the points detailed in subsection (A (ii)) above.
43
(D) | Ferroglobe Group report |
Together with the half-yearly Consolidated Financial Statements, a report identifying all the Ferroglobe Group Subsidiaries, and the percentage that they represent out of the EBITDA, consolidated assets and income of the Group.
(E) | Information as to the non-occurrence of any Material Adverse Change or Accelerated Maturity Circumstance |
Within the first five (5) Business Days of the end of each quarter, or at any time at the request of SEPI, the Borrower shall present SEPI with a certificate signed by a person with sufficient capacity, declaring that in their judgement no Material Adverse Change or Accelerated Maturity Circumstance has occurred.
All the documents indicated in this clause must (i) be presented to SEPI by the stated deadlines, (ii) be prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; and (iii) be signed by a duly empowered representative of the Borrower, certified by the Chief Financial Officer of the Beneficiary Group, and/or validated by the Auditor, as applicable.
12.2 | OTHER REPORTING OBLIGATIONS |
The Beneficiaries likewise undertake to comply (and to ensure that the companies of the Beneficiary Group comply) with the following obligations,
(A) | Aid under the Fund. |
Present to SEPI or the Fund any additional documentation required in accreditation of the allocation of the Finance to the purposes described in Clause 2.4 of this Agreement, and to verify compliance with the Regulations applicable to the Fund, and the conditions of the aid granted, as set forth in this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents.
(B) | Insolvency. |
Inform SEPI in writing as soon as they should learn of the initiation of any petition or proceedings intended to declare a creditor payment default or equivalent situation of insolvency on the part of any of the Group companies, including the notification provided for in Articles 583 et seq. of the Consolidated Text of the Insolvency Act of 5 May 2020 (former Article 5 bis of Insolvency Act 22/2003), and the occurrence of any circumstance demonstrating their current or imminent insolvency, under the provisions of the Insolvency Act, or any other insolvency regulations that might apply to them.
(C) | Litigation. |
Inform SEPI in writing if they should learn of any litigation, arbitration or administrative or any other proceedings initiated or the initiation of which they are informed of, against any company of the Ferroglobe Group that could materially harm the Beneficiaries or Guarantors and could give rise to a Material
44
Adverse Effect. To this end, SEPI must be provided with the necessary information in order to allow the Fund to reach an appropriate decision as to the proceedings in question.
(D) | Variation or inaccuracy in the information. |
Inform SEPI in writing and at the earliest possible opportunity of any significant variation occurring or significant inaccuracy noted in the data, documents or information provided to SEPI or the Fund.
(E) | Payment defaults. |
Inform SEPI as soon should learn of the occurrence of any breach by the Beneficiaries of payment obligations that are due and enforceable, for an individual or cumulative amount equal to or greater than: (a) € 2,500,000, in the case of payment obligations of a commercial nature; and (b) €2,500,000, in the case of payment obligations derived from financial Debt; and any other event or circumstance by virtue of which the aforementioned payment obligations could become due, payable and enforceable prior to their maturity date.
(F) | Regulatory changes. |
Inform SEPI as soon as they should learn of any planned modification to the regulations applicable to the activity of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, wherever such modification would result in or could potentially cause an effect on the terms and conditions of the Finance, or give rise to a Material Adverse Effect.
(G) | Commercial and professional decency. |
Provide the Fund with any information required in order to demonstrate the commercial and professional decency of the directors, and the executive personnel of the Beneficiaries.
(H) | Significant events. |
Inform SEPI immediately upon the occurrence of the following, even if the operations are explicitly authorised under this Agreement:
(i) | The sale or transfer of any real estate, fixed assets, branches of activity, shares or stock directly or indirectly belonging to any company of the Beneficiary wherever: (a) the individual or cumulative amount is equal to or greater than 2,500,000,€ ; or (b) represents a percentage of more than 1% of the total consolidated assets of the Group; |
(ii) | The assumption by any of the Beneficiaries of additional Permitted Debt beyond that in existence at the Date of Signature, for an individual or cumulative amount equal to or greater than €2,500,000; |
(iii) | Any other change in the structure of the main shareholders of the Borrower, of any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors; |
45
(iv) | Any significant change occurring in the composition of the governing bodies of the Borrower or of any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors; |
(v) | Operations for the merger, demerger, overall spin-off of assets, winding-up or liquidation of any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors; or |
(vi) | The modification of the corporate bylaws of any of the Beneficiaries Guarantors. |
(I) | Breaches |
Without prejudice to the provisions of the above paragraphs, inform SEPI in writing and immediately of the existence of any event that: (a) would or foreseeably could ultimately constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance; (b) would or could result in a Material Adverse Effect; (c) would or foreseeably could result in any of the Representations no longer being true and accurate; (d) would constitute a mandatory premature amortisation circumstance as provided in this Agreement; or (e) would or foreseeably could result in a breach of any of the Financial Documents, or give rise to the unlawfulness or unenforceability of relevant obligations derived from them.
(J) | Know your customer. |
(i) | Provide SEPI with any documents that the Fund might reasonably request in order to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and know your customer procedures applicable to them. |
(ii) | The fund must, immediately upon receipt of any request from SEPI for this purpose, provide or ensure the provision of documentation and any other information reasonably requested by SEPI (in its own name) in order to allow the latter to implement and satisfactorily fulfil all checks concerning the KYC procedure, or other similar checks in accordance with the applicable regulations or legislation in connection with the operations covered by the Financial Documents. |
Without prejudice to the obligations to present information as established in the above paragraphs, the Beneficiaries and Guarantors shall, as soon as possible, provide SEPI with supplementary economic or other data and any information as to the financial position or businesses of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors that might reasonably be requested of them by it. They must likewise address and respond to any requests for clarifications that SEPI might directly send to the Borrower as to the use of the Finance. The Borrower shall obtain the information from the relevant Ferroglobe Group company.
13. | OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. |
Under this Agreement, the Borrower undertakes to fulfil, and to ensure that the Beneficiaries and Guarantors fulfil, the following obligations:
46
13.1 | FULFILMENT OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE FINANCE. |
13.1.1 | Purpose of the Finance. |
Apply the Amount of the Finance solely to the purposes established in Clause 2.4 of this Agreement, not being entitled to transfer the funds to any third party other than the Beneficiaries.
13.1.2 | Fulfilment of the Financial Documents. |
Make payment to the Fund of all amounts owed under the Financial Documents, on the dates and in accordance with the terms and conditions established therein, and perform all actions that would be necessary to fulfil and maintain the validity of the Financial Documents, including, without being confined to, the Viability Plan, the Temporary Public Financial Support Agreement, the Management Agreement and the Guarantees.
13.1.3 | Initiatives regarding the ecological transition plan. |
Each of the Beneficiaries must fulfil the obligations and initiatives concerning their respective ecological transition plans, including the following provisions regarding the Boo and Sabón plants:
a) | Contracting of a bilateral electrical energy PPA supply agreement, intended to be signed during 2022, and covering 10% of energy consumption at each of the Boo and Sabón plants. |
b) | Plan for the deployment of electrical charging points at the facilities. A commitment is given to install an electrical charging point at each of the plants for private vehicles of the workforce in 2022. Depending on how this measure is received and the need for expansion regarding actual demand, the installation of further points in 2023 onwards shall be examined. |
c) | Reduction in the specific consumption of energy in the silica production process at the Sabón plant by 2.8% compared with the average registered in 2019 and 2020 (11.21 MWh/t) over the next 5 years, achieving a specific maximum consumption of 10.90 MWh/t by 2025. |
d) | Minimisation of generation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste (rubble, timber and plastic) generated by the Boo plant. Specifically, a 10% reduction in the generation of hazardous waste compared with the figures recorded in 2019, and a 10% reduction compared with the figures recorded in 2017 for non-hazardous waste comprising rubble, timber and plastic, through reuse in the manufacturing of ferroalloys. |
e) | Improved energy efficiency of the buildings at the Boo plant. Specifically, a 10% reduction in energy consumption in the office buildings and the plant's compressed air network. Achieving a target consumption per person per |
47
day of 27.39 kWh in the old offices and 34.05 kWh in the new offices, and consumption in the compressed air network of 438 kWh/casting.
f) | Implement improvements to the process digitalisation and automation systems so as to improve process control, improve the flow of information, and achieve faster and more effective resource management. |
13.1.4 | Authorisations and fulfilment of contracts and regulations. |
13.1.5Regulatory compliance.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must fulfil and remain in compliance with payment of their civil, accounting, employment, environmental, taxation, Social Security, corporate, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption obligations, in addition to the applicable regulations, at the local, regional and national levels, and those contained in international treaties signed by Spain, and EU Regulations, or any other regulations that might apply to them because they are not subject to the Spanish regulations. Comply at all times with the provisions of their respective corporate bylaws.
13.1.6Licences.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must obtain, maintain the validity of and renew in a timely manner throughout the lifespan of the Agreement, any authorisations, permits and licences or approvals that might be required by any standard or by any authority for the normal pursuit of their activities, likewise taking all actions required of them in such authorisations, permits and licenses or approvals, or any required by any authority to maintain them, in addition to any authorisations, permits and licences or approvals that would now or in the future prove necessary for the conclusion and fulfilment of the Financial Documents.
13.1.7Contractual fulfilment.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must:
(A) | Comply with and maintain the validity of any other relevant contractual agreements of any kind signed in the ordinary course of their business as required for the continuity of their activity, enforcing the rights and guarantees granted in their favour under such contractual agreements on commercially reasonable terms, without waiving or delaying in the exercise thereof. |
(B) | Undertake all actions required to ensure that the counterparties under such contractual agreements diligently comply with their respective obligations on commercially reasonable terms. |
13.1.8Financial assistance.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must comply in all aspects with Articles 143 and/or 150 of the Capital Companies Act, or any other equivalent regulations
48
regarding financial assistance that might apply to them in their respective jurisdictions, if any.
13.1.9Regulatory compliance in criminal and taxation matters.
The Beneficiaries must have a duly certified regulatory compliance system in force, covering criminal and taxation risks. The Fund must be provided with a certificate each year issued by and independent third party in accreditation of the proper functioning of the system, and without prejudice to the provisions of other clauses of this agreement, the Fund must be informed of the main incidents occurring during said period, how they are handled, and the outcome of the actions taken in this regard.
13.2 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE BUSINESS |
13.2.1Business management.
(A) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must administer their business with the diligence of a responsible trader, and enforce their rights under any law or contract. |
(B) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must at all times maintain an appropriate administrative team in order to manage the companies of the Beneficiary Group in accordance with standard practice in their sector. |
13.2.2Registered Office and Main Workplaces.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must refrain from adopting decisions that would entail a change to their registered office or tax domicile, including, in the latter case, a circumstance in which the change occurs as a result of a confirmation and rectification by the Tax Administration, and must not transfer their main workplaces outside Spain.
An exception applies to a case in which any of the events provided in this subsection is specifically provided for in the Viability Plan.
13.2.3Investments.
The Beneficiaries must refrain from approving investment operations in fixed assets that are not included in the Viability Plan, and which, in isolation or collectively, would as an aggregate throughout the lifespan of the Finance amount to a figure of more than 5,000,000 euros. This excludes the case of reinvestment for the replacement of assets permitted under this Agreement.
13.2.4Operations on market conditions.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must perform all commercial or financial operations with their stakeholders, companies of the Group, companies of the Ferroglobe Group, or any other third party, on standard market conditions, in accordance with legitimate reasons and taking into account their corporate
49
interest, and in fulfilment of the regulations in force as applicable to the Beneficiaries, with written documentation of such operations.
13.2.5Insurance.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must:
(A) | Maintain insurance with insurance companies of acknowledged standing and solvency, to cover the activity, assets, equipment and installations, in the manner, for the risks and for the amounts typical at companies within their sector, and in an appropriate manner in accordance with the practices of a responsible and prudent business operator. |
(B) | Maintain current and timely payment of all premiums, instalments and other amounts payable in connection with the insurance policies and in fulfilment of the terms and conditions of the insurance policies, without taking any form of action that would, or foreseeably could, give rise to the nullity, unenforceability, suspension or cancellation of the insurance policies. Present SEPI with copies of proofs of payment of the premiums corresponding to each of the insurance policies arranged, whenever so required thereby, with certified accreditation that such insurance remains in force. |
(C) | In addition, the Beneficiaries must apply the compensation received under the insurance or from a third party for the replacement or repair of the damaged assets, unless otherwise established in this Agreement (unless mandatory premature amortisation of the Finance must be performed under the terms of Clause 6.5.1(ii) above). |
13.2.6Acquisitions or incorporation of businesses.
The Beneficiaries must:
(A) | Without prejudice to the provisions of Clause 13.8(C), refrain from acquiring, assuming, subscribing or performing any type of legal business for the acquisition of shares or stock representing the capital stock of any other companies, nor enter into commitments for the acquisition thereof, nor give commitments to create or launch new businesses, activities or promotional developments (other than businesses lying within the corporate purpose, and provided that they are undertaken by the Beneficiaries in accordance with the obligations and all other stipulations of this Agreement), nor the creation of joint ventures, joint accounts or similar business structures (except for Temporary Joint Ventures, consortia and strategic alliances within the ordinary course of their business). |
(B) | Refrain from acquiring treasury shares or stock, whether to be held in a treasury stock portfolio, to be redeemed or for any other purpose. |
(C) | The prohibitions here established in Clause 13.2.6 do not apply to the following operations: |
50
(a) | The acquisition of shares or stock as a consequence of mergers or takeovers among Beneficiaries, on the terms indicated in Clause 13.2.8. |
(b) | Acquisitions or incorporations of businesses provided that the companies involved subscribe to this Agreement as a Relevant Subsidiary, in accordance with Clause 13.7. |
13.2.7Group.
The Beneficiaries must:
(A) | Maintain direct and indirect ownership of the stake in the dependent companies of the Beneficiary Group as at the Date of Signature, as set out in Annex 11.1.25, unless the transfer of companies involves one of the Permitted Disposals. |
(B) | In particular, maintain ownership of (i) Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. and (ii) Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U., as indicated in Annex 11.1.25. |
(C) | Exercise their voting rights at the companies of the Beneficiary Group in a manner consistent with the terms of the Financial Documents. |
(D) | Ensure, by any legally permitted manner, and to the extent legally possible, that the economic flows generated by Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios are transferred to the Applicant, at least for the amount required in order to make interest payments in a timely manner, and to cover the payment of the costs and expenses derived from its activity. |
13.2.8Structural modifications.
The Beneficiaries must:
(A) | Refrain from initiating or conducting any procedure intended for their winding-up, liquidation, demerger, merger, takeover, transformation, overall assignment of assets and liabilities, contribution to a third party of a branch of activity, or any other equivalent structural modification, as defined in Act 3/2009, of 3 April 2009, on structural modifications of commercial companies, unless this is legally mandatory, is provided for in the Viability Plan, or is authorised by the Fund. |
(B) | Refrain from passing resolutions that would directly or indirectly entail or lead to their winding-up or liquidation, or in any way the termination of their existence, or entail the creation of subsidiaries or an exchange of securities. |
An exception applies to a case in which any of the events provided in this subsection is specifically provided for in the Viability Plan.
13.2.9Modification of corporate purpose and cessation of activity.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must refrain from performing, and must not allow any Beneficiary to perform, any action without the prior, written consent of the Fund, that would entail a substantial modification to the nature or location of the activity comprising their corporate purpose, nor pass a resolution to terminate the activity or business of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors.
51
13.2.10Modification to corporate bylaws.
The Beneficiaries must:
(A) | Refrain from performing or agreeing to modifications to the corporate bylaws, the regulation of the Board of Directors or any shareholder agreement, nor accept the signature of any such, unless (a) they are legally imposed; or (b) are demanded by the Financial Documents; or (c) have no negative impact on the rights of the Funds derived from this Agreement or from the Financial Documents. |
(B) | In any event, refrain from passing or allowing resolutions for any of the following modifications: (a) capital reductions that would entail the refunding of contributions; (b) relocation of the registered office abroad; (c) alterations of the inherent rights of the shares or stock units into which the capital stock of the Beneficiaries is divided. |
(C) | Likewise, the Applicant shall refrain from modifying the duration, start or end date of the corporate and accounting year, which must coincide with the calendar year. |
13.2.11Change of Auditor.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must refrain from appointing an auditor other than an authorised auditor under this Agreement.
13.3 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries must prepare the Financial Statements, and maintain their books, accounts and records in accordance with Spanish legislation and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Spain at the time in question. |
(B) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must refrain from changing the accounting practices of the Beneficiaries and Guarantors as applicable to them and their dependent companies, except (a) to the extent required by the applicable legislation; or (b) if said change in accounting practice is performed in fulfilment or interpretation of the accounting regulations applicable to them. |
(C) | The Beneficiaries must refrain from paying the financial Balances and maintain at least the net commercial Balances for the amount of what are referred to as the "legacy" balances detailed in Annex 13.3.C to be paid by the Beneficiaries to the other companies of the Ferroglobe Group up until amortisation of the Finance; |
(D) | The Beneficiaries must refrain from paying interest on the financial debt of the Beneficiaries to the rest of the Ferroglobe Group for the 2021 and 2022 financial years, capitalising the amount thereof as an increase to the financial debt; |
(E) | The Beneficiaries must refrain from paying the restructuring costs assigned to the Beneficiaries corresponding to the refinancing of the Ferroglobe Group, capitalising the amount thereof as an increase to the financial debt; |
52
(F) | The Beneficiaries must, from the 2023 financial year onwards, and prior to the cash sweep detailed in subsection 6.5.1(iv) above, pay only the excess interest on the financial debt of the Beneficiaries to the rest of the Ferroglobe Group at the end of each financial year from the Final Available Cash, reduced by the amount pending reimbursement under the Finance. The interest on the financial debt of the Beneficiaries payable to the rest of the Ferroglobe Group that could not be paid because it did not comply with the aforementioned terms, shall be capitalised as debt under the Finance. |
(G) | The Beneficiaries must refrain from applying Transfer Pricing policies other than as included in the Transfer Pricing Specialists letter sent to the Applicant on 3 November 2021, attached as Annex 13.3.G |
(H) | The Beneficiaries must explicitly subordinate the Subordinated Debt to the Finance. |
13.4 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE FINANCIAL AND EQUITY POSITION. |
13.4.1Additional Debt.
The Beneficiaries must refrain from incurring any form of additional Debt other than any that may be considered to be Permitted Debt.
13.4.2Financing of third parties.
The Beneficiaries must refrain from granting any type of financing to third parties (including stockholders of the Applicant), and must not grant such third parties any type of sureties, personal guarantee, bank guarantee, counter-guarantee, comfort letter, or any similar type of commitment that would entail guaranteeing third-party obligations, nor, in general, facilitate any type of financing instrument or guarantee lying within the scope of the definition of Debt in favour of third parties, except for: (i) the Personal Guarantee granted by virtue of the provisions of this Agreement; and (ii) sureties, personal guarantees, bank guarantees, counter-guarantees or comfort letters granted by the Beneficiaries in favour of third parties to guarantee obligations of any of the subsidiaries of their consolidated group in the ordinary course of their business, and for legitimate reasons.
13.4.3Distributions.
The Beneficiaries must refrain from agreeing or paying, and must not allow any Beneficiary to agreeing or pay, any Distributions, and must not make payments in any other regard (a) in favour of any third party other than the Beneficiaries, or (b) in favour of the shareholders or related parties of the aforementioned.
13.5 | TAXATION MATTERS. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries undertake to make timely payment of any taxes that would apply, by the payment deadline established for this purpose (except in those cases where (1) the applicability of the payment or the amount has been |
53
challenged in good faith, (2) appropriate provisions have been established with regard to the disputed Taxes, and (3) it is legally possible to defer or suspend payment).
(B) | The Beneficiaries shall maintain their tax domicile in the jurisdiction where they are incorporated, and shall not operate through permanent establishment in other jurisdictions. |
(C) | The Beneficiaries shall not form part of any other tax consolidation group, other than that headed by the Applicant for the purposes of Corporation Tax and VAT. |
13.6 | OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING THE ASSETS AND THE GUARANTEES. |
13.6.1Ownership of assets.
The Beneficiaries must:
(A) | Notwithstanding the terms of Clause 13.6.5, maintain ownership or the legitimate right of use of their assets, both tangible and intangible, and in particular the industrial and intellectual property rights required to pursue their activities. |
(B) | Register and maintain the registration of registrable assets comprising their equity in the relevant public registers, and in particular real estate property owned by them, in the corresponding land registers. In particular, the companies Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. must file for entry or, where applicable, registration in the corresponding Land Registers of the Mining Concessions (as described below), the properties to which those Mining Concessions refer, and the right of first refusal referred to in paragraph (D) below within a period of four (4) months from the signature of this Agreement. The properties, the Mining Concessions and the right of first refusal must be registered in the corresponding Land Registers within a maximum of eight (8) months of the Date of Signature. |
(C) | In particular, Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. will be forbidden from proceeding to perform any transfer, lease or encumbrance of the concessions, land and installations used for the mining operations (the "Mining Concessions") as described in Annex 13.6.1(C), up to the date when the corresponding right of first refusal has been registered in the Land Register as provided in subsection 13.6.1 (D) below. |
(D) | Simultaneously upon signature of this Agreement, a right of first refusal has been granted over the Mining Concessions, on the terms provided in Annex 13.6.1(D). |
(E) | Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. may not proceed to perform a transfer of the Mining Concessions free of charge throughout the entire term of this Agreement. |
(F) | The Parties undertake to cancel the right of first refusal provided in subsection 13.6.1(D) above, once all the obligations provided in this Agreement have been fulfilled, and the Finance has been amortised. |
54
(G) | The Parties undertake to grant any documents that might be required to maintain the validity of the right of first refusal until all obligations provided in this Agreement have been fulfilled, and the Finance has been amortised. |
(H) | In the event that during the term of this Agreement the right of first refusal is not valid and registered in the corresponding Land Register because of any circumstance, the prohibition on disposal shall again apply, as provided in subsection 13.6.1(C). |
13.6.2Creation and consummation of the Guarantees.
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must:
(A) | Create and perform all actions required for the creation and consummation of the Guarantees, in accordance with the deadlines and conditions provided in Clause 16 (both those that must be granted before or simultaneously upon the Drawdown, and those that, according to the provisions of Clause 16 below, must be granted at some subsequent time), executing for this purpose any public or private documents that might be required. |
(B) | Maintain the validity and efficacy of the Guarantees, and in the event that, for reasons not attributable to the Beneficiaries or Guarantors, any of these guarantees is no longer valid or enforceable, proceed to lodge equivalent guarantees, to the extent that the Beneficiaries and Guarantors are owners of assets of an equivalent nature over which such new Guarantees can be established, in favour of the Fund and to the satisfaction of SEPI, within a maximum period of thirty (30) days of the date when called on so to do by SEPI. |
(C) | Adopt all corporate decisions required in order for any Relevant Subsidiaries that may exist to adhere to this agreement as guarantors, if so required. |
13.6.3Pari passu.
(A) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must maintain the credit rights of the Funds derived from the Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, as applicable, with at least the same rank of priority as those of other non-subordinated creditors of the Beneficiaries that are of the same nature as the Fund, except as provided in Clause 11.1.21. |
(B) | In any event, the credit rights derived from this Finance and the remaining Financial Documents shall have the status of public-law income, collection thereof being subject to the provisions of General Budgetary Act 47/2003, of 26 November 2003, by virtue of the provisions of Article 2.3 of Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, and Subsection 1.6 of Annex I to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of 21 July. |
55
13.6.4Creation of in rem guarantees.
(A) | The Beneficiaries must refrain from creating, and must not allow any Beneficiary to create, any type of in rem guarantee, encumbrance, reservation of ownership, option or right on the part of a third party, nor any type of guarantee or equivalent lien (including promises to create in rem guarantees with a fulfilment date prior to the date when all amounts owed under this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents have been settled), except as necessary from the perspective of the business (deposits to guarantee advance payments by clients, if the company does not have bank guarantees available) over goods or assets within the equity of the Beneficiaries or over their present or future rights, except for the Permitted Guarantees. |
(B) | Grant and ensure the granting by the relevant parties, of the In Rem Guarantees on the terms provided in Clause 16. |
13.6.5 | Disposal of assets. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries must refrain from selling, assigning, alienating, leasing, or disposing of any other way (and must not allow the Beneficiaries to take any such action) assets (including real estate, fixed assets, branches of activity, shares or stock, and tangible or intangible assets) or present or future rights owned by them, unless they are sold in the ordinary course of the activity, and those assets sold on market conditions and between independent parties, for an individual or annual cumulative amount in excess of 1,000,000 euros, unless the following requirements are fulfilled (hereinafter, the "Permitted Disposals"): |
(a) | the Borrower or the Beneficiaries demonstrate effective reinvestment or binding reinvestment commitment of the Amounts obtained through the sale of the assets, subsidiaries or businesses in assets, or the cancellation of liabilities, attached to the corresponding corporate purpose within a period of one hundred and eighty (180) Calendar Days of the date of collection of the aforementioned amounts; |
(b) | the operation is performed on market conditions; and |
(c) | wherever the reinvestment is not performed or committed to on the terms provided in subsection (a) above, if the consideration received is assigned to premature amortisation of the Finance under the terms of subsection 6.5.1(i). |
(B) | Transfers of assets encumbered by the In Rem Guarantees granted under this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents may under no circumstances be performed. |
56
13.7 | ADHESION OF RELEVANT SUBSIDIARIES AS GUARANTORS. |
13.7.1 | Adhesion of Subsidiaries as Guarantors. |
(A) | The Beneficiaries must ensure that any company of the group headed by the Applicant that becomes a Relevant Subsidiary at any time during the term of this Agreement adheres to this Agreement as Guarantor up until amortisation in full of the amounts owed under this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents. |
(B) | As soon as legally possible, the Relevant Subsidiary in question must appear before a notary to execute the document of adhesion, the template for which is hereto attached as Annex 13.7 (hereinafter, the "Adhesion Document"), to be subject to the regime of representations, obligations and accelerated maturity circumstances provided in the Agreement. The Adhesion Document shall be executed within a maximum period of ten (10) Business Days of the date of occurrence, under the terms of this Agreement, of the circumstances that would require said Relevant Subsidiary to adhere to this Agreement as a Guarantor Subsidiary (hereinafter, each of them referred to as a "Guarantor Subsidiary", and collectively as the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). |
(C) | The following are excepted from the requirement to execute the Adhesion Document: |
(i) | Relevant Subsidiaries that have external shareholders or stockholders with regard to the Group; |
(ii) | those Relevant Subsidiaries regarding which, at the Date of Signature or any other subsequent date when they might be required to adhere, it is demonstrated that there are binding contractual or legal restrictions preventing their adhesion; and |
(D) | Prior to or simultaneously upon execution of the Adhesion Agreement by the new Beneficiary Guarantor, SEPI must be presented with equivalent documentation to that provided with regard to those in existence at the Date of Signature in accreditation of their capacity to sign the corresponding Adhesion Agreement and to undertake to fulfil the corresponding obligations, in addition to approval of said adhesion on the part of their corporate bodies. All costs and expenses derived from adhesion or execution of the Adhesion Document (including the fees of any lawyers appointed for this purpose) shall be paid by the Applicant. |
13.8 | CONDITIONS OF GOVERNANCE. |
In any event, up until definitive repayment of the Finance drawn on the Fund, to reinforce its solvency, and except for the exceptions (where applicable) provided in items 6.2 and 6.3 of Annex II of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers regarding the functioning of the Fund, the Borrower shall be subject to the following conditions regarding governance and the improper distortion of
57
competition, with any adaptation that may from time to time be made to the Temporary Framework, being required to pass any corporate resolutions or, where applicable, bylaw modifications to ensure due and timely performance:
(A) | Prohibition on announcing Borrower status for commercial purposes. |
(B) | In order to avoid improper distortion of competition, no aggressive commercial expansion funded by state aid may be performed, nor may excessive risks be taken on. |
(C) | Until at least 75% of the Profit-sharing Loan has been repaid, no stakes of more than 10% may be acquired in companies active in the same sector or upstream or downstream markets, without the required authorisation of the European Commission, at the request of the Fund Administrative Board. |
(D) | Prohibition on the distribution of dividends, payment of non-mandatory coupons or acquisition of treasury stock (except for current liquidity agreements), other than those that are state-owned on the part of the Fund. |
(E) | Up until repayment of 75% of the Financial Support, no remuneration shall be paid to the directors of the Beneficiaries, in their role as directors. |
(F) | In accordance with the prohibition on the distribution of dividends established in this agreement, and Article 218 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July 2010, approving the consolidated text of the Capital Companies Act, prior to repayment of 75% of the Financial Support granted by means of capital instruments or hybrid capital instruments, no remuneration whatsoever may be paid to the directors of the Beneficiaries comprising a share in profits. |
(G) | Prior to the repayment of 75% of the Financial Support granted by means of capital instruments or hybrid capital instruments, any remuneration paid to those in the positions of CEO and CFO, respectively, at Ferroglobe Group1, the following conditions shall apply: |
a) | The fixed remuneration effectively borne by the Beneficiaries by way of the management fee service must be no greater than the levels effectively borne by the Beneficiaries at the close of the 2019 financial year, as set out in Annex 13.8(G)(a). |
b) | Under no circumstances shall the Beneficiaries effectively bear by way of the management fee service the payment of premiums or other variable remuneration elements or equivalent. |
1 | Both the CEO and the CFO currently receive their remuneration from Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. for performing the executive functions provided by both of them for the set of companies comprising the Ferroglobe Group. Grupo Ferroatlantica de Servicios, S.L.U. passes on a part of the remuneration of the CEO and of the CFO to each of these companies in accordance with what is known as the "management fee service". |
58
(H) | Should it prove necessary, the Beneficiaries shall adopt the necessary measures in order for these conditions to take effect at the earliest possible opportunity. |
(I) | Compliance with all requirements established by the applicable employment regulations. |
(J) | Compliance with the commitments set forth in the Viability Plan in force at any given time, and in particular, without being confined thereto, those regarding the investment in production capacity, in innovation, for ecological transition, digital transformation, enhanced productivity and human capital. |
(K) | Prohibition on the use of the financial support for the cross-subsidising of economic activities of Beneficiary Subsidiaries or other companies related the group of the Applicant other than the Beneficiaries. The Applicant shall to this end establish a clear separation between the accounts of each of the Beneficiaries so as to guarantee that the financial support does not benefit such activities. |
14. | ACCELERATED MATURITY. |
14.1 | ACCELERATED MATURITY CIRCUMSTANCES. |
The amounts owed by the Borrower under this Agreement may be declared due and enforceable by the Fund under the terms of Clause 14.4 in the event of any of the circumstances or breaches listed below (hereinafter, the "Accelerated Maturity Circumstances").
14.1.1Non-payment.
If the Borrower fails to pay on the corresponding due date (ordinary or premature) any amount owed by virtue of this Agreement, or the remaining Financial Documents, and in general if there is a breach by any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors of any payment obligations derived from the Financial Documents, unless such payment defaults are the result of administrative errors by the Borrower and are rectified within a maximum of five (5) Business Days.
14.1.2Inaccuracy.
(A) | If any of the representations and declarations contained in the Financial Documents (including, without being confined to, the Representations), whether with reference to the date when they were made or the time when said Representations are deemed to be repeated, is false, incorrect, inaccurate or omits substantial aspects of information, to the extent that this would constitute a Material Adverse Effect; or |
(B) | If the information provided by the Beneficiaries or Guarantors is incorrect or imprecise, such that if this falsehood, inaccuracy, imprecision or omission had not existed, the Fund would not have agreed to sign the Agreement or the other |
59
Financial Documents, to the extent that this would constitute a Material Adverse Effect;
(C) | All the foregoing without prejudice to the liabilities and effects provided in Article 69.4 of Act 39/2015. |
14.1.3Breach of the Viability Plan.
A clear breach of the strategic approaches set out in the Viability Plan in force at any given time.
14.1.4Breach of the purpose of the Finance.
(A) | If the funds received under the Finance are applied to other purposes or to entities other than the Beneficiaries, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2.4 above. |
(B) | The performance of centralised cash management or invoice offsetting operations that would entail a net outflow of funds, other than among the Beneficiaries. |
14.1.5Actions not covered by the corporate purpose.
If the Beneficiaries perform any operations or actions not lying within their respective corporate purposes or the ordinary course of their business, unless the amount involved is negligible.
14.1.6Related-party operations.
If the Beneficiaries perform any related-party operation, as defined in Article 18 of Corporation Tax Act 27/2014, of 27 November 2014, with any of the directors of any Beneficiary, or with any significant shareholder thereof, or any party related to any of the aforementioned if this does not lie within the ordinary course of business or is not performed on market terms.
This cause for accelerated maturity shall not be deemed to apply to those intra-group operations corresponding to the normal and legitimate course of business.
14.1.7Change of Control.
In the event of any Change of Control of the Beneficiaries.
14.1.8Administration and management.
In the event that de facto administration and management of the Beneficiaries is taken over by persons other than those legally entitled.
In the event that the Beneficiaries or Guarantors appoint as directors or members of their executive staff persons who are not fit and proper.
60
14.1.9 | Abandonments, waivers, settlements, separation of resources, negotiated agreements or other out of court dispute resolution agreements. |
If the Beneficiaries perform acts of abandonment, waiver, settlement, separation of resources, reach negotiated settlements or agree to other out of court dispute resolution arrangements, if such decisions (a) could compromise fulfilment of the obligations imposed within the framework of the Finance for the Viability Plan, or (b) do not appear to be sufficiently based on proper and independent legal counsel.
14.1.10 | Golden parachutes. |
If the Beneficiaries adopt any agreement that would make it possible for their executive personnel or members of the Board of Directors to demand from the former, prior to repayment of the amounts owed under this Agreement the payment of any type of compensation for termination of the commercial or senior management relationship between them. An exception applies to senior management personnel where compensation is agreed on a supplementary basis as provided in Royal Decree 1382/1985, of 1 August 1985, governing the special employment relationship of senior management personnel, but must not increase on the amounts indicated therein.
14.1.11 | Labour relations of the Beneficiaries. |
The adoption of employment measures that would substantially affect the terms of the Viability Plan.
14.1.12 | Breach of other obligations. |
If any Beneficiary is in breach of any obligation other than a payment obligation incumbent on it under this Agreement, whether with regard to itself or the remaining companies of the Beneficiary Group, in particular, without being confined to, the terms of Clauses 12 and 13) or the remaining Financial Documents, wherever this breach is not rectified within a maximum of fifteen (15) Business Days or whichever is the earlier of the following dates: (i) the time when SEPI notifies the Borrower of the existence of such breach, or (ii) the time when either of the Beneficiaries learns of said breach, or should have done so had it employed due diligence.
14.1.13 | Lack of validity of the Financial Documents and Guarantees. |
(A) | If any of the obligations of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors under any Financial Document is not, or ceases to be, legal, valid and binding at any time; |
(B) | If the Guarantees indicated in Clause 16.1 are not established before or simultaneously upon the Date of Signature; |
(C) | If: |
61
(i) | any of the Guarantees is not, or ceases to be, a valid guarantee of the rank specifically indicated in the Guarantee over any assets or rights that it would apply to; or |
(ii) | any circumstance arises that would or could prevent, prejudice or hamper the effectiveness of any Guarantee or its rank, or reduce the cover provided by any Guarantee; or |
(iii) | any Guarantee is cancelled or revoked prior to the Total Amortisation Date, in breach of the provisions of this Agreement; or |
(iv) | the mortgages granted are not filed for registration by the deadline established for this purpose in Clause 16 of this Agreement; or |
(v) | any of the companies indicated in Clause 13.7 as being required to become a Relevant Subsidiary fails to adhere to this Agreement in the manner and by the deadlines established in that clause. |
14.1.14 | Insolvency situations and equivalent. |
(A) | If any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantees: (a) has incurred a general default in the payment of its obligations; (b) a negotiation process has begun with all or a substantial part of their creditors to extend or reduce the amount of their obligations; or (c) an assignment of all or a substantial part of their assets or rights in favour of all or some of their creditors has been performed or is planned. |
(B) | If all or any of the financial creditors of any of the Beneficiaries or guarantors agrees to a delay or deferral in the fulfilment of their payment obligations; |
(C) | If any of the Beneficiaries serves notice on the competent insolvency judge as to the commencement of negotiations with creditors to obtain support for an anticipated agreement proposal or to negotiate a refinancing agreement, on the terms, respectively, of Articles 583 et seq. and Article 605 et seq. of the Consolidated Text of the Insolvency Act 5 May 2020 (previously Articles 5 bis and Additional Provision 4 of Insolvency Act 22/2003); |
(D) | If any Beneficiary or Guarantor files a petition for bankruptcy or any equivalent insolvency procedure; |
(E) | If a third party applies for a declaration of bankruptcy (or an equivalent insolvency procedure under the applicable legal system) of any Beneficiary or Guarantor, and said application is admitted for processing (unless the corresponding company affected can have it rejected or have admittance revoked within the next 30 days); |
(F) | If any Beneficiary or Guarantor is subject to court administration, seizure or intervention, or its shares or stock are expropriated; |
62
(G) | If any other similar judicial or private action occurs, with equivalent defects, or in some other way reveals the current or imminent insolvency of any Beneficiary or Guarantor under the terms of the Insolvency Act or the equivalent corresponding regulations under the applicable legal system; or |
(H) | If any Beneficiary or Guarantor has passed a resolution to wind up or liquidate (unless the winding-up or liquidation of companies is explicitly permitted under this Agreement), or there are any proceedings or requests pending in order to obtain such winding-up or liquidation, or they are subject to any situation of mandatory winding-up, under the terms provided in the Capital Companies Act or, in the case of the Guarantors, if any equivalent resolution has been passed in the competent jurisdiction. |
14.1.15 | Material Adverse Change. |
If a Material Adverse Change occurs.
14.1.16 | Cessation of business, expropriation. |
(A) | If there is a substantial modification or replacement of the corporate purpose or nature of the current business of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors, complete cessation or suspension of a substantial part of their commercial operations (unless such cessation or suspension is the consequence of the application of a legal provision or is the consequence of Covid-19), or the expropriation or threat of expropriation by any governmental or judicial authority of all or a substantial part of their respective assets. |
(B) | By way of clarification, the expropriation of a non-substantial part of the assets of any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors shall constitute a partial mandatory premature amortisation circumstance under the terms of Clause 6.5.1(i). |
14.1.17 | Absence of authorisations. |
(A) | If any present or future authorisation, licence or permit required for the validity, binding status or full enforceability of the fulfilment of any of the Financial Documents, or any that is essential to pursue the activities of the Beneficiaries, is not granted, renewed or fulfilled in due time and form; |
(B) | Is revoked, annulled or cancelled; or |
(C) | The conditions or requirements are modified such as to constitute a Material Adverse Change. |
14.1.18 | Payment default and cross breaches. |
(A) | If any of the Beneficiaries: (a) is in breach of any payment obligation derived from the Debt entered into with any other entity for amounts that, individually or cumulatively over a financial year, exceed €2,500,000) or the equivalent in the corresponding currency at the exchange rate applicable on the calculation date); or (b) is in breach of due and enforceable payment obligations of a commercial |
63
(non-financial) nature entered into with third parties for an individual or cumulative amount of more than €2,500,000 (or equivalent in the corresponding currency at the exchange rate applicable on the calculation date), unless such breaches are less than the average typical commercial breaches on the part of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors in the financial years 2016 to 2019.
(B) | If any creditor that has granted Debt to the Beneficiaries for an amount equal to or greater than €5,000,000 (or equivalent in the corresponding currency at the exchange rate applicable on the calculation date), is entitled to declare the amount payable, due and enforceable prior to the ordinary maturity date in response to a breach of their obligations by any of the Beneficiaries. |
14.1.19 | Litigation. |
If any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantees:
(A) | Will be obliged, by virtue of a court decision, binding arbitration award, or some other instrument adopted to achieve the out-of-court settlement of a dispute, to make payment to third parties of amounts that individually or cumulatively would substantially jeopardise the fulfilment of the Viability Plan, excluding any litigation begun or in progress prior to the Date of Signature; or |
(B) | Suffers attachments, or proceedings are initiated in or out of court to enforce guarantees over assets or amounts that individually or cumulatively would substantially jeopardise the fulfilment of the Viability Plan; or |
(C) | Is in breach of a binding court order that would substantially jeopardise the fulfilment of the Viability Plan. |
14.1.20 | Penalties. |
If any form of penalties are imposed against any of the Beneficiaries that have acquired binding status, and are for amounts that individually or cumulatively would substantially jeopardise the fulfilment of the Viability Plan.
14.1.21 | Qualifications in the audit report. |
If the Auditor:
(i) | does not issue an opinion ("opinion refused") on the Annual Financial Statements of the Borrower; or |
(ii) | issued a "qualified opinion" (unless the qualifications refer to the impact of Covid-19), or an "unfavourable opinion" on the Beneficiaries or Guarantors, all in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, wherever the qualifications could have an impact on the capacity of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors to fulfil the obligations entered into under the Financial Documents. |
64
14.1.22 | Payment of financial balances |
Breach of the obligation set forth in subsection 13.3(C) above, by failing to make payment of the Financial Balances and failing to maintain at least Commercial Balances for the amount of what are referred to as the "legacy" balances, on the part of the Beneficiaries with the remaining companies of the Ferroglobe Group prior to the amortisation of the Finance.
14.1.23 | Criminal conduct |
Any conduct that would constitute bribery, influence trafficking, fraud, or in general any irregularity in obtaining any type of finance, aid or subsidies from public funds. By way of clarification, any irregularity of this nature prior to the granting of this Finance shall give rise to accelerated maturity as soon as it is discovered.
14.1.24 | Ferroglobe Group Bond Issue |
Breach of any of the obligations of the Ferroglobe Group Bond Issue.
14.1.25 | Disposal of Mining Concessions |
Breach of the provisions of Clause 13.6.1(B), or breach of the obligations set forth in the right of first refusal described in Annex 13.6.1.(D), or breach of the obligation established in Clause 13.6.1(E).
14.2 | ALTERNATIVE CONSEQUENCES TO ACCELERATED MATURITY. |
In the event of any of the circumstances constituting an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, irrespective of the possibility that accelerated maturity may directly or subsequently be declared, the Fund may also raise the threshold from 75% up to 100% of the limitations set forth in Clause 13.8 on Conditions of Governance.
This consequence shall not apply in the event that the Fund explicitly waived this entitlement prior to the Accelerated Maturity Circumstance.
A failure to fulfil this demand shall in itself constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance.
Fulfilment of this penalty does not release the Beneficiaries and Guarantors from fulfilment of the obligations imposed (which shall remain enforceable), nor does it preclude the right of the Fund to be compensated for any damages that such breaches might have occasioned.
14.3 | DILIGENCE OF THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. |
For the purposes here set out in Clause 14, the Parties explicitly place on record that the occurrence of any of the circumstances set out above shall constitute an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, irrespective of the degree of responsibility or diligence shown by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors in order to prevent it.
65
Without prejudice to the above, if an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance occurs, in the opinion of the Fund, the Administrative Board may (but will not be obliged to) issue a resolution ordering the immediate repayment of the amount of the Finance, having first conducted the relevant procedure pursuant to Act 39/2015. In addition, and in any event, the Fund shall be entitled to indemnification for any damages that might have been occasioned to it. All the foregoing applies without prejudice to the liabilities and effects set forth in Article 69.4 of Act 39/2015.
14.4 | DECLARATION OF ACCELERATED MATURITY OF THE FINANCE. |
Following occurrence of any of the Accelerated Maturity Circumstances (which shall be understood to have occurred if the breach remains in place following expiry of any corresponding period granted for rectification), SEPI shall serve notice on the Fund of the occurrence of an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, in order for the Fund to decide, at its sole discretion, whether to apply accelerated maturity of the Finance. To this end, the Fund may issue a resolution ordering the immediate repayment of the amounts owed under the Finance, having first conducted the relevant procedure pursuant to Act 39/2015, or the conversion of the Profit-sharing Loan into share capital, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 7. For the collection of the amounts owed, in accordance with their status as public-law monetary income, the terms of General Budgetary Act 47/2003, of 26 November 2003, shall apply.
Following occurrence of an Accelerated Maturity Circumstance, consideration shall above all be given to the impact that this would or foreseeably could have on the capacity of the Group as a whole to fulfil the Viability Plan, or for the repayment of the Finance.
14.5 | CONSEQUENCES OF ACCELERATED MATURITY. |
(A) | In the event that, as provided in Clause 14.4, the Fund, as the case may be, declares accelerated maturity of the Finance, the Borrower will be obliged to make payment to the Fund within a period of two (2) Business Days of the date when it was notified of said circumstance, of the amount of the Finance drawn down and pending amortisation, in addition to any other amounts owed under this Agreement, including ordinary and compensatory interest, fees, taxes and expenses accruing in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, as well as any applicable compensation under Clause 10. |
(B) | If the declaration of total or partial accelerated maturity of the Finance occurs before the Borrower has drawn down the Finance, the Fund shall be released from its obligation to honour the Drawdown with regard to the Finance. |
66
15. | ACCOUNTING OF THE FINANCE. |
15.1 | ACCOUNTING OF THE FUND. |
For the purposes of the Agreement, the Fund shall maintain the corresponding account in its books to record the amounts owed by the Borrower, in the name thereof, in accordance with the internal accounting of the Fund, such that the sum total of the balance of said account shall represent the amount owed by the Borrower to the Fund at any given time, this being accepted by the Parties.
To the extent that this accounting record may also be opened and administered by SEPI for the benefit of the Fund, in exercising the inherent powers assigned to SEPI under the regulations governing the Fund, both SEPI and the Fund Administrative Board shall be entitled to certify the balance of said account for the relevant purposes, including, without being confined to, the relevant recovery actions during the voluntary payment period.
16. | GUARANTEES. |
16.1 | GUARANTEES TO BE GRANTED. |
(A) | Without prejudice to the personal and unlimited liability of the Beneficiaries and the joint and several corporate guarantee of the Guarantors, and in order to ensure full and timely fulfilment of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, as applicable, simultaneously establish in favour of the Fund, upon signature of this Agreement, and shall establish in favour of the Fund to guarantee fulfilment of the obligations to repay the Financial Support, together with the personal liability of the Applicants, the following personal and in rem guarantees (all referred to as the "Guarantees"): |
a) | Guarantee on a personal and joint and of Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U., Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios S.L.U. and of the Guarantors, who shall for these purposes act as joint and several guarantors of the repayment obligations (the "Personal Guarantee"). |
b) | Right in rem of second-ranked real estate mortgage over the assets enclosed in Annex 16.1.(B) |
c) | Second-ranked pledge without transfer of possession over the inventories enclosed in Annex 16.1.(C) |
d) | Second-ranked pledge over the credit rights enclosed in Annex 16.1.(D). |
e) | Right of pledge in rem over the balance of the Account. |
f) | Second-ranked right of pledge in rem over the shares/stock of Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U., Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios S.L.U., Ferroatlántica Participaciones, S.L.U., Ferroatlántica del Cinca, S.L., Ferrosolar Opco Grupo S.L. and Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. |
g) | Third-ranked right of pledge in rem over the shares of Globe Specialty Metals Inc. |
67
h) | Promise of right of pledge over any surplus CO2 rights of the Grupo Ferroatlántica de Boo and Sabón and Ferroatlántica de Cinca factories that might exist in the following financial years. |
i) | Right of pledge over any credit rights held by the Ferroatlántica de Boo, Ferroatlántica de Sabón and Ferroatlántica de Cinca factories by way of compensation for indirect CO2 emissions costs. |
(B) | The joint and several Personal Guarantee referred to in item (a) above is established together with the remaining guarantees (except for the third-ranked right of pledge in rem over the shares of Globe Specialty Metals Inc, which is granted in [*], USA, in accordance with the formalities applicable to it, the Borrower undertaking to provide proof of the granting thereof within two (2) days of the Date of Signature of this Agreement) in a public document, and shall be presented for registration in the corresponding public register within a maximum of two (2) Business Days of the Date of Signature of this Agreement, and shall remain in force throughout the term of this Agreement (hereinafter, together with all other guarantees in rem that might be granted at any given time to guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations, the "In Rem Guarantees", and together with the Personal Guarantee, the "Guarantees"). |
(C) | The real estate mortgages must be registered within a maximum period of three (3) months of the Date of presentation of the corresponding deeds in the appropriate public registers, in accordance with the deadline established in Clause 16.1(B) above. In this regard, the Beneficiaries and the Guarantors undertake to present appraisals of the real estate assets mortgaged to guarantee fulfilment of the obligations to repay the Financial Support within a maximum of three (3) months of the Date of Signature of this Agreement. |
(D) | The real estate mortgages must be registered within a maximum of three (3) months of the Date presentation of the corresponding deeds in the appropriate public registers, in accordance with the deadline established in Clause 16.1(B) above. In the event of a negative qualification with rectifiable defects, any such defects noted by the corresponding Registrar must be rectified within a period of ten (10) business days of receipt of the corresponding negative qualification. |
(E) | The calculation of the term of three (3) months shown above to achieve registration of the mortgages shall restart any time that a new rectification of the mortgages is presented to the Land Register. By way of clarification, this obligation shall not be deemed to have been breached if the delay in registration is caused by factors outside the control of the Parties, or if the defects identified by the Registrar cannot be rectified. In the event that the defect identified by the Registrar is considered not to be rectifiable (and in the event that the non-rectifiable defects could be overcome through a rewording of the documentation), a new mortgage must be executed on terms substantially identical to those of this Mortgage (except for the corresponding defects |
68
identified) within a period of ten (10) Business Days of receipt of the corresponding negative qualifications.
16.2 | CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GUARANTEES. |
(A) | Each Personal Guarantee is an abstract, autonomous, independent guarantee enforceable on first demand, and as a result in no case and under no circumstances may any of the Guarantors embark on consideration of whether or not the Guaranteed Obligations have been fulfilled by the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries, nor object to payment or specific performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in any regard (even if any litigation or court claim is instigated by the Borrower, Beneficiaries, or any third party in connection with the Guaranteed Obligations or the Personal Guarantees). |
It shall therefore be sufficient merely that a written demand be served by SEPI or the Fund, without it being required to justify the reason for the breach. As these are Personal Guarantees enforceable on first demand, rights of priority, excussion and division shall in no circumstances apply. The Guarantors explicitly waive the right to raise any exception or offsetting in opposition to the Fund.
Each Personal Guarantee shall be valid and shall remain in force until the obligations of the Beneficiaries under this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents have been fully, unconditionally, irrevocably and definitively cancelled or fulfilled, thus extending to any extensions, renewals, novations modifications of any kind, whether explicit or tacit, that might occur with regard to the Guaranteed Obligations contained in the Financial Documents. The Guarantors henceforth authorise and consent to any dispensation, extension, novation or refinancing of the Guaranteed Obligations that might in the future be agreed between the Applicant and the Fund, without this terminating or prejudicing the Personal Guarantee here provided.
Any payments that must be made by a Guarantor by virtue of its corresponding Personal Guarantee shall be made for their full amount, free of any withholding or deduction, and without the possibility of any offsetting, in freely transferable funds paid into the account specified by SEPI or the Fund within fifteen (15) Business Days of receipt of the payment demand served by SEPI or the Fund. In the event of a delay in payment of any amount claimed by virtue of the Personal Guarantee in question, the amount not paid on the date of the demand served by SEPI or the Fund shall accrue late-payment interest on the terms of accrual, settlement and payment established in Clause 5.5.
With regard to any monetary claims that might result from each Personal Guarantee, the Parties explicitly agree that for the purposes of enforcement, both in and out of court, the net amount payable by the Guarantors to the Fund shall be the balance derived from the certificate of amounts pending payment issued for this purpose by SEPI or the Fund. The Guarantors explicitly accept that any amounts that the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries might owe them as a
69
consequence of subrogation, recourse, reimbursement or refund, shall be subordinated to payment in full of the Obligations Guaranteed by the Personal Guarantees, such that the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries will not be able to pay any amount to any Guarantor (even by way of offsetting), nor may the latter subrogate the in rem or personal guarantees granted in favour of the Fund to guarantee any amounts that the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries might owe to the Fund by virtue of the Financial Documents, unless the Guaranteed Obligations by virtue of the Personal Guarantee(s) have been irrevocably satisfied in full. If the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries should, in breach of the terms of this paragraph, pay any amount to any of the Guarantors, that Guarantor shall proceed to make payment of said amount to the Fund, immediately and without the need for any prior indication.
At any time during the term of the Agreement, the Fund may explicitly and in writing release one or several of the Beneficiaries and/or Guarantors from their obligations under their respective Personal Guarantees, without the need for any cause or justification. In this case, the Agreement and the remaining financial Documents shall remain fully enforceable for the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries, which accept this entitlement of the Fund to release the Beneficiaries and/or Guarantors. Likewise, the Beneficiaries and/or Guarantors acknowledge that, in the event of any type of modification to the Guaranteed Obligations, including a term extension or increase in amount, without limitation, the corresponding Personal Guarantee shall remain fully valid.
If one or more of the Guarantors should, by virtue of the Personal Guarantees here granted, make partial payment to the Fund of the amount owed by the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries, the Fund shall be entitled to claim from the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries (and also from the Guarantors) the part not paid by the Guarantor with priority over the exercise by the latter of the rights derived from subrogation for the partial payment made, all the foregoing pursuant to Article 1213 of the Civil Code.
In the event of bankruptcy of the Borrower and/or Beneficiaries, the following rules shall apply.
(i) | The Fund shall be entitled to request inclusion in its favour on the list of creditors both of the remainder of its credit not settled and the entire credit to which the Guarantors would be entitled, through reimbursement or as a solidarity instalment, even if the latter have not notified their credit or have remitted the debt. |
(ii) | Any suspension of the accrual of interest that might occur with regard to the obligations guaranteed shall not benefit the Guarantors. |
(iii) | The suspension of any enforcement proceedings brought against the insolvent Beneficiaries shall not undermine the right of the Fund to |
70
demand payment of such obligations by the remaining Obligors, at any time.
(iv) | For the purposes of the provisions of Article 399.2 and Articles 605 et seq. of the Consolidated Text of the Insolvency Act, of 5 May 2020 (previously Articles 135.2 and the Fourth Additional Provision of Insolvency Act 22/2003), or in accordance with the regulations applicable to the Guarantors, the Guarantors shall remain bound by their respective Personal Guarantees, and on a joint and several basis with regard to one another. In the event that an agreement is reached between the Borrower and/or Beneficiary and their creditors within the context of insolvency proceedings, or a refinancing agreement is formalised with court approval in accordance with the terms of the Insolvency Act, the Guarantors may not benefit with regard to the Personal Guarantees from potential advantages (such as debt, reduction, deferral or others) established in that agreement (even in the event that the Fund or all of them have voted in favour of the approval of the agreement) and these Personal Guarantees must therefore remain fully in force and in effect with regard to the Guaranteed Obligations secured thereby, as they were prior to the modification. |
(v) | If the Fund is obliged to repay any amount received from the insolvent Beneficiaries because of any repayment or rescindment actions, the Guarantors will be obliged to pay the Fund the amount repaid, together with all amounts owed to it by the insolvent Beneficiaries. Consequently, the Guaranteed Obligations (secured by the Personal Guarantees) shall explicitly include the repayment credit resulting from the rescindment of any amount owed by virtue of this Agreement or the remaining Financial Documents. |
(B) | The Guarantees shall be established on a superimposed, joint and several basis, such that the Fund may choose to enforce any of them, in any order that they might deem appropriate, on an alternate, joint or successive basis, without the instigation of enforcement proceedings regarding one Guarantee conditioning or limiting the instigation of enforcement proceedings regarding other Guarantees. |
(C) | The Beneficiaries and Guarantors shall bear any expenses, tariffs and levies accruing as a result of the formalisation of the contracts serving to establish the Guarantees or for the enforcement, consummation, or rectification or creation, rectification and enforcement, in the case of promises of guarantees, including the granting and registration of any Guarantees open to registration, without prejudice, where applicable, to the provisions of Article 2.11 of RDL 25/2020. |
(D) | In the event of a breach by the Beneficiaries or Guarantors of their obligation to bear such costs and expenses, SEPI or the Fund may use any funds in its |
71
possession or advance the necessary funds, subsequently passing the amount thereof on against the Borrower.
(E) | For the purposes of the granting of guarantees, the consent and authorisation of the governing bodies of the companies affected shall be required, with the Borrower granting full and irrevocable powers of representation for any acts derived from or necessary for the execution of the terms here agreed. |
(F) | In the event that for any reason it is not possible to establish any of the In Rem Guarantees here indicated in Clause 16, the Beneficiaries and Guarantors must make their best efforts to offer alternative guarantees that would be sufficient in the judgment of SEPI. |
17. | SEPI ACTIONS. |
(A) | Without in any way undermining the independent status of the obligations of the Fund under this Agreement, it is acknowledged that with regard to the development and operation of this Agreement, SEPI acts for the benefit of the Fund in fulfilling the powers attributed to it in the regulations governing the Fund. |
(B) | Likewise, and until otherwise established in the Financial Documents, any notice served or received by SEPI shall have the same effect as if served or received by the Fund. |
(C) | The value date of payments shall be the date of collection by the Fund. Unless explicitly otherwise provided in this Agreement, all payments by way of principal, interest and commissions made by the Borrower (or, where applicable, the other Beneficiaries or Guarantors) under this Agreement, shall be paid to the Fund. |
(D) | The Fund undertakes to provide assistance and to collaborate to the necessary extent with SEPI, including participation in the negotiation and execution of any public or private documents that might be necessary or desirable for the execution and effectiveness of the terms established in this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, including, should this prove necessary, ratification of actions taken by SEPI in fulfilment of its obligations under this Agreement. |
(E) | The rules here set forth in Clause 17 regarding the powers and operational regime of SEPI may not be raised as arguments or objections by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors to delay or fail to honour precise fulfilment of their obligations under this Agreement, or any of the other Financial Documents. |
72
18. | ASSIGNMENTS. |
18.1 | ASSIGNMENT BY THE BENEFICIARIES AND GUARANTORS. |
The assignment of the contractual position of any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors under this Agreement, or of their rights and obligations hereunder, shall require the prior, written consent of the Fund, and to the extent that such actions constitute an amendment of the Temporary Public Financial Support Resolution, they shall be governed by the terms established in Clause 24.
19. | PROCEDURE FOR ENFORCEMENT. |
19.1 | DETERMINATION OF THE BALANCE. |
In any of the circumstances of ordinary or accelerated maturity or rescindment, SEPI or the Fund shall, in accordance with the provisions of Clause 14.4, perform a settlement calculation of the credit accounts as referred to in Clause 15. It is explicitly acknowledged that for the purposes of enforceability, the payable, due and enforceable amount owed by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors shall be understood to be the balance of the accounts referred to in Clause 15 derived from the settlement calculation issued for this purpose by SEPI or the Fund, provided that it is placed on record in a reliable document that the settlement calculation was performed in the manner agreed by the Parties in this Agreement, and that the balance coincides with that recorded in the corresponding account opened for the Borrower in connection with the Finance.
SEPI shall notify the Borrower of the enforceable amount resulting from the settlement calculation.
19.2 | ENFORCEMENT. |
(A) | As the amounts owed under this Agreement and the remaining financial Documents have the status and nature of public-law income, by virtue of the provisions of Article 2.3 of Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, and Subsection 1.6 of Annex I of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of 21 July, the Parties acknowledge that for the purposes of claim and enforcement action brought as a result of this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, the corresponding regulations shall apply. |
(B) | The Parties acknowledge that the settlement calculation to determine the debt that may be claimed may be performed by SEPI, which may certify the debt payable by the Borrower, in addition to the statement of credit and debit entries and entries corresponding to the application of ordinary interest, late-payment interest, reasonable expenses and documents, and any other amounts owed by virtue of this Agreement, increased by the amount accruing from the date of the settlement calculation up until enforcement, determining the specific balance in question. |
73
20. | EXPENSES AND TAXES. |
(A) | The provisions of this clause are to be understood without prejudice, where applicable, to the terms of Article 2.11 of RDL 25/2020, regarding the exemption from any levies, tariffs and professional fees of notaries public and Land and Companies Registrars that might result from the transfers, operations and actions of the Fund. |
(B) | Irrespective of the payment obligations entered into by way of principal, interest, commissions, indemnification and expenses, all listed in the preceding clauses, the Borrower accept its obligation to pay any other fees, tariffs, remuneration, expenses, levies and other amounts that might now or in the future be owed or might accrue, as a consequence of the preparation, conclusion, performance, amendment, assignment by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, execution and termination of this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, which would include, merely by way of example, the following: |
(i) | the tariffs and expenses of notaries used for the formalisation of this Agreement in a public document, and the formalisation in a public document of the Guarantees (and, where applicable, the public deed of irrevocable power of attorney) or any other Financial Documents, including the cost of issuing copies, and the respective amendments, unless otherwise provided in this Agreement; |
(ii) | the tariffs and expenses of notaries used for the formalisation in a public document of the mortgage established, including the cost of issuing copies, and the respective amendments, and any expenses derived from entry in the corresponding public registers; the Parties likewise explicitly agree that the Fund will pass on to the mortgaging company the Asset Transfer and Documented Legal Acts Tax, in the Document Legal Acts format ("Actos Jurídicos Documentados", or hereinafter, "AJD") accruing as a result of the granting of said mortgage in a public deed. The corresponding amount must be reimbursed to the Fund, in addition to any increase to the AJD payment and corresponding late-payment interest, that might arise as a consequence of any subsequent administrative confirmation. The AJD payment must be deposited by the mortgaging company in the account designated by the Fund at the time of execution of the deed creating the mortgage, at least five Business Days prior to the due date for payment of the tax; |
(iii) | the remuneration and expenses corresponding to the Auditor on the terms agreed with each of them, and the expenses resulting from any appraisals that might be necessary in order to fulfil the obligations of this Agreement; |
(iv) | the expenses, costs and court fees, including the fees of lawyers and court bailiffs, and the tariffs of notaries, accruing as a consequence of the |
74
enforcement, breach or termination of this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents; and
(v) | any taxes, surcharges or levies, whether national or not, applied now or in the future to the conclusion of this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, in addition to the amendment, execution and termination thereof as provided in this Agreement or, in default thereof, by Law. |
21. | SERVICE. |
(A) | All notices, demands and any other communications that would or could be served in connection with this Agreement shall be sent in writing or electronically (including email), and shall be issued in Spanish (except for any documentation the original text of which is in another language and has been sent by one Party to the other, in which case a translation into Spanish will not be necessary). |
(B) | When the notice is served on a Party, at the corresponding address as established in Annex 21 (or any other address that said Party has, in accordance with this Clause 21, designated in writing, notifying the other Party five Business Days in advance), and explicitly and clearly refers to this Agreement, the date of service of the notice shall be deemed to be: (a) the date of delivery, if delivered via a notary, registered post office fax with confirmation of receipt and certification of contents, or some other courier or notification service providing confirmation of the date and contents of the notification; or (b) the date when it was sent, if the notification is sent by email during the regular business hours of the place of receipt, and if it arrives outside such hours, the Business Day immediately thereafter, unless prior to the Business Day immediately thereafter the recipient Party confirms receipt of the notification, in which case that shall be deemed to be the date of service. |
(C) | In order for notices sent by email to be deemed valid, they must necessarily be sent to each and every one of the email addresses indicated in Annex 21 for each of the Parties. |
(D) | If any notification is sent by any means other than email, a copy of the notification in question must also be sent to the corresponding Party, at the earliest possible opportunity, by email sent to the corresponding email addresses. |
22. | GENERAL. |
22.1TRANSPARENCY.
(A) | For the purposes of ensuring due transparency, pursuant to subsection 7.1 of Annex II of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of 21 July 2020: |
75
(a) | Within a maximum period of three months of the Date of Closure of this Agreement, the Fund shall publish relevant information, such as the identity of the Beneficiaries, the nominal amounts of the aid granted, and the terms thereof. |
(b) | The Beneficiaries shall on their corporate portals publish information as to the usage of the aid received within a period of 12 months of the Date of Closure, and subsequently do so periodically every 12 months, up until the Total Amortisation Date. This publication shall include information as to the way in which the aid received is used to support their activities in a manner consistent with the objectives of the European Union and the national obligations connected with ecological and digital transformation, including the objective of the European Union to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. |
22.2 | CONFIDENTIALITY. |
(A) | The terms and conditions of this agreement, including its existence, are confidential, and must be treated as such by the Parties. Likewise, any other information handed over by one of the Parties to the other in connection with this Agreement which, prior to handover, was classified by the Party handing it over as confidential or privileged (or equivalent terms in translation), or must otherwise be understood as such, employing commercially reasonable criteria (hereinafter, the "Confidential Information") must be treated as confidential information by the Party receiving it. Consequently, the Parties shall treat and preserve the Confidential Information received from the other Party, and the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including its existence) at all times as confidential documents and secrets, and shall not communicate or disclose them directly or indirectly (whether verbally or in writing) to any other Person except for their directors, employees, agents, external professional consultants (legal or other) and auditors (hereinafter, the "Representatives") to the extent that such communication would be necessary for the signature, consummation, execution and fulfilment of this Agreement, or required for the purposes of auditing, accounting or internal control at each of the Parties. In order for one Party to be able to make such communication to any of its Representatives, it must first sign with the Representative in question, unless the legal standards governing the profession thereof would make this unnecessary, a non-disclosure agreement on the same terms of this clause, except, specifically, for the possibility of communicating the information to Representatives. |
(B) | In any event, any data, documents and information in the possession of the Fund Administrative Board and SEPI by virtue of the functions entrusted to them by RDL 25/2020 shall, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2.17 of RDL 25/2020, have confidential status, and with the exceptions provided in the regulations in force, may not be disclosed to any person or authority, nor used for purposes other than those for which they were obtained. Any accounts auditors, |
76
legal consultants and other independent experts that may be appointed by the Fund Administrative Board and SEPI in connection with the fulfilment of the functions legally attributed to them shall likewise be responsible for maintaining secrecy and not using the information received for purposes other than that for which it was supplied to them. This confidential status shall cease from the moment when the parties concerned publish the circumstances to which the data, documents and information refer.
(C) | Confidential Information shall not be deemed to include: (i) any information that enters the public domain, unless it does so as a result of a breach of this Agreement attributable to the Party receiving the information, or its Representatives; (ii) non-confidential information that the recipient Party had access to prior to it being provided to it by the other Party, or that the recipient Party learned of independently; and (iii) any information received by a Party via third parties, without this entailing any breach of this Agreement. |
(D) | Notwithstanding the above, each Party may disclose Confidential Information received from the other Party, or the terms and conditions of this agreement (including its existence) when and to the extent that: |
(i) | such disclosure is required in order to perform any action, fulfil any obligation, or exercise any right provided in this Agreement; or |
(ii) | such disclosure is required by the applicable Regulations, by an administrative or court ruling, or by the rules and regulations of any stock market or other regulatory body to which the Party in question is subject; on the clear understanding that in this latter case, and to the extent that this would be commercially reasonable: |
- | the Party that is to disclose the Confidential Information or the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including its existence) informs the other Party in advance that it is to perform such disclosure, in order to grant the latter the opportunity to adopt any measures intended to prevent such disclosure, and |
- | if this is not possible or the disclosure is not foreseen for some other reason, the Party that is to make the disclosure communicates only that part of the Confidential Information or of the terms and conditions of the Agreement that it is legally required to do, employing commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the information disclosed is handled in accordance with its confidential status. |
- | The obligation to serve prior notice on the other Party accepted by the Party that is to disclose the Confidential Information or the terms and conditions of this agreement (including its existence) is to be understood without prejudice to the right thereof subsequently to |
77
disclose all or part of the Confidential Information or the terms and conditions of this Agreement (including its existence) as required to comply with the aforementioned laws, regulations or rulings.
(E) | This non-disclosure obligation shall remain in force throughout the term of the Agreement and following termination thereof, for the next 2 years. |
(F) | This clause constitutes the full agreement reached by the Parties regarding obligations concerning Confidential Information, and shall prevail over any other prior, explicit or tacit agreement in connection herewith. |
22.3 | PRESS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. |
Notwithstanding the terms of Clause 22.1 above, neither of the Parties may, without the prior, written consent of the other Party, issue a press release or public statement with regard to the operations covered by this Agreement. In the event that because of rules or regulations applicable to one or both Parties, an announcement or statement must be published as to the conclusion of this Agreement, the Parties must adopt all reasonable measures to reach agreement as to the contents thereof.
22.4 | WAIVERS AND RIGHTS. |
(A) | Neither of the Parties may waive a right or provision of this Agreement, grant consent or approval on the terms demanded by this Agreement or grant consent or approval for the other Party to abandon performance or fulfilment thereof in whole or in part, unless this is set out in writing and signed by the Party against which the application of said waiver, consent or approval is requested. This waiver, consent or approval shall take effect only in the specific case and for the purposes for which it was granted. At no time shall a failure by either of the Parties to exercise, or a delay in exercising or enforcing, any condition, provision, remedy, measure, right or part of this Agreement be construed as (i) a waiver of the condition, provision, remedy, measure, right or part thereof, or (ii) a forfeiture of the right to demand performance in the future. |
(B) | Unless otherwise provided, the rights enjoyed by each of the Parties should be understood as applying on a cumulative basis, and if one of them is exercised, this must not be construed as restricting the exercise of some other rights granted under this Agreement, or under the applicable Regulations. |
22.5 | LANGUAGE. |
(A) | This Agreement has been drawn up, negotiated and signed in Spanish. |
(B) | Any translation of the contents of this Agreement into any language shall be purely for information purposes, and shall not be binding. The Parties agree that any such translation cannot be employed for the purposes of interpretation of the Spanish version of the Agreement, even if a disagreement or dispute has arisen between the Parties as to the interpretation of a specific clause of this Agreement. |
78
22.6 | PARTIAL NULLIFICATION OR SUPERVENING UNLAWFULNESS. |
If any of the stipulations of this Agreement is or becomes null and void, unlawful or ineffective, the validity, lawfulness and efficacy of the remaining stipulations shall in no way be affected or prejudiced. The Parties shall in this case negotiate in good faith the new terms of the corresponding stipulation deemed null and void, unlawful or ineffective, such that its effects would be as similar as possible.
22.7 | COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION. |
Each Party to this Agreement must, upon demand of the other Party, sign, acknowledge, deliver, present or register, and ensure signature, acknowledgement, delivery, presentation or registration, of any certificates, modifications, instruments or documents, and take any other actions that might be required by the applicable regulations or might be necessary or desirable, in the reasonable opinion of the requesting Party, for the purposes of effective fulfilment of the provisions of this Agreement.
22.8 | DATES AND DEADLINES. |
The Parties place on record that all dates and deadlines established or referred to in this Agreement are essential for the execution and fulfilment of this Agreement by the Parties.
22.9 | THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. |
Unless explicitly provided otherwise, the Agreement has been signed for the sole benefit of the Parties, and is not intended to benefit, nor to create rights in favour of, any third party, and no clause or provision of this Agreement should be interpreted as a stipulation in favour of a third party.
23. | DATA PROTECTION. |
23.1 | PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA. |
(A) | The Parties have been informed that the personal data gathered by virtue of this Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents, and all those concerning representatives or employees of a Party that might be communicated to the other during the contractual relationship, shall be processed under the responsibility of the recipient Party for the consummation, execution, fulfilment and oversight of this Agreement and the remaining Financial Agreements, the fulfilment of their respective legal obligations under the provisions of Personal Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights Act 3/2018, of 5 December 2018, and all other applicable regulations |
(B) | The data shall be processed solely by the Parties, and by any third parties to which the Parties might be legally or contractually obliged to communicate them. The Parties may likewise transfer personal data in the event of assignment by the |
79
fund and/or establishment of encumbrances or guarantees over their credit rights resulting from this Agreement.
(C) | Before each Party communicates the personal data of third parties to the other, the communicating Party must have fulfilled the requirements applicable to said communication, including the duties of information and applicability of a legal basis, without the recipient Party being required to perform any additional action whatsoever vis-à-vis the data subjects. |
23.2 | PURPOSE OF PERSONAL DATA PROCESSING. |
The data processing is necessary for the purposes indicated in Clause 23.1 above, the legal basis being the consummation, execution, administration and fulfilment of this contractual relationship and, where applicable, the fulfilment of legal obligations. In particular, if any legal obligation applies, personal data will be processed for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist funding, in order to allow compliance with obligations as regards the gathering of information and identification, and the provision of information regarding payment operations to authorities in other countries, within and outside the European Union, on the basis of the legislation of certain countries and agreements signed by and between them.
23.3 | DURATION. |
(A) | The personal data will be processed for the duration of the Agreement and thereafter for a period of five years unless, on an exceptional basis, any longer period is applicable to the Parties under the statute of limitation regarding any legal or contractual actions. |
23.4 | RIGHTS OF DATA SUBJECTS. |
(A) | The personal data subjects may exercise rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection and portability, and may withdraw the consent granted, or any other legally acknowledged rights, by serving written notice on the corresponding Party, for the attention of the data protection officer, in accordance with Clause 21 to be sent to the addresses indicated in Annex 21. |
(B) | The personal data subjects are entitled to file grievances with the Spanish Data Protection Agency. |
24. | MODIFICATIONS. |
(A) | Any modification, alteration or supplementation of the terms of this Agreement will, in accordance with the regulations governing the Fund, require that the relevant administrative procedure first be conducted, with a specific decision issued by the Fund Administrative Board, being subject, where and as applicable, to the authorisation of the Council of Ministers and/or the relevant European Union bodies. |
80
(B) | Any modification or novation of this Agreement must furthermore be formalised by means of a written document, duly signed by all the Parties. |
25. | CONFIRMATION BY PUBLIC INSTRUMENT. |
The Beneficiaries and Guarantors undertake to appear before a Notary Public with the Fund and SEPI for the purposes of recording this Agreement in a public instrument no later than whichever is the earlier of the following dates:
(a) | the first Business Day after one month has passed since the Date of Signature; or |
(b) | the date of formalisation of any of the In Rem Guarantees referred to in Clause 16 above. |
26. | APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND JURISDICTION. |
This Agreement shall be governed by applicable standard Spanish and EU regulations, and in any event, without being confined thereto, by Article 2 of RDL 25/2020, the Resolution of the Council of Ministers, the European Commission Communication of 19 March 2020, and subsequent amendments, entitled "Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current Covid-19 outbreak", and all other applicable legislation. In particular, for the collection of the amounts to be reimbursed under the Finance, in accordance with the public-law income status thereof, the terms of General Budgetary Act 47/2003, of 26 November 2003, shall apply.
The resolution of any dispute derived from the interpretation, application and/or execution of this Agreement, shall be covered by the sole jurisdiction of the Courts of the City of Madrid, Spain.
[Signature page follows]
81
FONDO DE APOYO A LA SOLVENCIA PARA LAS EMPRESAS ESTRATÉGICAS | |
As the Fund | |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Bartolomé Lora Toro | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
SOCIEDAD ESTATAL DE PARTICIPACIONES INDUSTRIALES | |
By proxy | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Bartolomé Lora Toro | |
| |
82
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. | |
As Applicant | |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SERVICIOS, S.L.U. | |
As Beneficiary | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
| |
| |
FERROGLOBE PLC | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
FERROGLOBE HOLDING COMPANY LTD | |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
83
FERROGLOBE FINANCE COMPANY PLC | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
ROCAS, ARCILLAS Y MINERALES, S.A. | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
CUARZOS INDUSTRIALES, S.A.U. | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Mr Jorge Manuel Lavín de las Heras | |
| |
84
ANNEXES TO THE TEMPORARY PUBLIC FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT
Annex I. - Financing Agreement
Annex II. - Management Agreement
ANNEX III.- Guarantees Agreement
ANNEX IV.- | Certification of the resolutions corresponding to the competent corporate bodies of the Beneficiaries |
ANNEX V. | Self-declaration by the Beneficiaries in connection with the eligibility criteria required by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers |
85
ANNEX 1.1
DEFINITIONS
“Support Agreement”” | has the meaning indicated in Recital XII. |
“Management Agreement” | has the meaning indicated in Recital XII. |
| |
“Guarantees Agreement” | means all the documents establishing the structure of the guarantees for the finance. |
"Public Financial Support" | means the temporary public financial support granted by the Fund to the Applicant by virtue of the Support Agreement and the Financing Agreement. |
| |
“Auditor” | Means any audit firm of established standing that might in the future be appointed by the Borrower, unless rejected by SEPI, in a reasonable and duly justified manner |
“Final Available Cash” | Initial cash less the minimum Cash Allocation (15,000,000 euros), plus the Cash Flow generated in the financial year. The Borrower and the Beneficiary shall allocate to premature amortisation of the Finance fifty per cent (50%) of the Final Available Cash at the close of each financial year from 2023 inclusive. Calculation of the Final Available Cash shall be performed on the basis of the Consolidated Financial Statements each financial year from the financial year ended at 31 December 2023 onwards. In the event that the Borrower and the Beneficiary are obliged prematurely to amortise the Finance in accordance with this subsection, the Borrower must inform SEPI thereof (including the date when it plans to make the premature amortisation), no later than the Business Day after the date when the auditor's certificate as to the aforementioned Consolidated Financial Statements for |
86
| the applicable financial year is available. This must in any event be issued by 30 June each year. |
“Minimum Operating Cash” | means the amount specified in the Viability Plan of the Ferroatlántica Group (15,000,000 euros). |
“Change of Control” | means, with regard to the Applicant, (a) that Ferroglobe plc is no longer direct or indirect holder of a stake of at least 51% in the voting share capital of the Borrower, or by any other means none of them controls any of said companies on the terms provided in Article 42 of the Code of Commerce, or otherwise they no longer have the right to appoint the majority of the members of the corresponding governing body, or (b) that Grupo Villar Mir, S.A.U. is no longer the holder of a stake of at least 35% of the voting share capital of Ferroglobe PLC , or loses the rights that it enjoys as the holder of such a stake or greater, by virtue of a shareholder agreement at Ferroglobe PLC , or (c) that the Borrower is no longer the direct or indirect holder of a stake of one hundred per cent (100%) of Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, or in the voting rights of Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, or otherwise loses the right to appoint the majority of members of the corresponding governing body of the Borrower. Notwithstanding the provisions of the above paragraph, in the case of investors subject to any of the circumstances provided in paragraphs (a) or (b) of Article 7 Bis.1 of Act 19/2003, 4 July 2003, on the legal regime for capital movements and economic transactions with foreign territories, and certain anti-money laundering measures ("Act 19/2003"), or paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of Article 7 Bis.3 of the aforementioned Act 19/2003, the percentage capital the direct or indirect acquisition of which by any of the aforementioned means will give rise to a Change of Control shall be 10%. |
“CapEx” | means, at a consolidated Group level, cash investments in tangible, intangible or financial fixed assets, including capitalised expenses that entail effective disbursements of cash actually performed during the financial year in |
87
| question. |
“Civil Code” | means the Civil Code approved by the Royal Decree of 24 July 1889. |
“Code of Commerce” | means the Code of Commerce approved by the Royal Decree of 22 August 1885. |
“Profit-sharing Component” | Has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.4.1(A)(ii) |
“Permanent Component” | Has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.4.1(A)(i) |
"Administrative Board" | Means the inter-ministerial board attached to the Ministry of Finance through the Sub-Secretariat of Finance. |
“Agreement" or "Financing Agreement" | means this financing agreement. |
“Account” | Current account held by the Borrower at Bankinter, S.A. with IBAN code ES93 0128 9444 1601 0001 8157, into which the Finance is to be deposited. |
“Financial Documents” | means: (A) this Agreement; (B) the Temporary Public Financial Support (C) the Management Agreement (D) the Viability Plan; (E) the Guarantees; (F) the irrevocable powers of attorney granted in connection with the Guarantees and the Promise of Mortgage; (G) any other document executed as a consequence of the inclusion or execution of the foregoing or in connection therewith, in addition to any other document or agreement required by the regulations in force for access to temporary public financial support drawn on the Fund; and any other agreements and documents that SEPI or the Fund and the Borrower might mutually designate as such. |
“Representations” | means the representations given by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors, regarding themselves and the remaining companies of the Group, in Clause 11. |
88
“Permitted Debt” | means: (A) that owed under the Financial Documents; (B) any Subordinated Debt; (C) the Existing Debt; (D) any unsecured Debt of an operational or commercial nature entered into by the Beneficiaries or another company of the Group in the ordinary course of their business, with a maximum term of 12 months and up to a maximum amount of €2,500,000 throughout the Finance (without calculation of this limit including the Date indicated in subsection (E) below); (E) any other Debt explicitly authorised by SEPI. |
“Subordinated Debt” | means any Debt granted in favour of any Ferroglobe Group Company (hereinafter, the "Subordinated Debtor") by any of the companies of the Group (hereinafter, the "Subordinated Creditor"), regarding which the Subordinated Debtor and the Subordinated Creditor irrevocably accept through signature of this Agreement (or in the event that the Subordinated Creditor is not party to the Agreement, it must allow SEPI in its own name and right for the benefit of the Fund to accept) the following stipulations in favour of third parties, for the purposes of Article 1257 in fine of the Civil Code: (A) that the obligations assumed now or in the future by the Beneficiaries and Guarantors under the Financial Documents shall enjoy absolute priority over any obligations assumed now or in the future by the Subordinated Debtor vis-à-vis the Subordinated Creditors; (B) that SEPI or the Fund, in the name of the Borrower is entitled directly to demand that the Subordinated Creditor implement any provisions that would be necessary or desirable at any given time; (C) that the interest on the Subordinated Debt is capitalised; (D) that any payment of principal, commissions or |
89
| expenses resulting from the Principal Debt is postponed until a date after the date when all obligations derived from the Financial Documents have been settled in full; (E) that the Subordinated Creditors are not entitled to modify the terms of the Subordinated Debt without the prior consent of SEPI or the Fund; (F) that the Subordinated Creditors are not entitled to declare the accelerated maturity of any payment derived from the Subordinated Debt until all obligations derived from the Financial Documents have been settled in full; (G) that the Subordinated Debt is not guaranteed by any type of personal or in rem guarantee; and (H) that any payments (whether by way of principal, interest of any type, commissions, expenses or any other concept) that they might be entitled to receive from the Borrower by virtue of the Subordinated Debt shall be of a lower rank and shall be subordinated to payment of any amounts that the Borrower might owe to the Fund, and to any third-party creditors as provided in Article 281.2 of the Consolidated Text of the Insolvency Act of 5 May 2020. The Beneficiaries and Guarantors must inform SEPI at least 15 Business Days in advance of the intention of any Subordinated Data to arrange Subordinated Debt, presenting any documents that might be required so as to verify compliance with the aforementioned requirements. Once the above requirements have been fulfilled, the Subordinated Debt shall not be calculated as Debt. |
“Working Day” | means: (A) for the purposes of setting rates and payments, all days of the week, except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in the city of Madrid, Spain, when TARGET 2 (Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer System) is operational; and |
90
| (B) for all other purposes, all days of the week, except for Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in the city of Madrid, Spain. |
“Drawdown” | means handover to the Borrower of available funds under the Finance on account of the Amount of the Finance, under the terms of Clause 4. |
| |
“Distributions” | means any payment by the Beneficiaries or Guarantors to their shareholders or parties related to them, whether in cash, in kind or through offsetting, for any concept, including: (A) dividends or interim dividends (in cash, in kind or charged to reserves); (B) capital reductions with refunding of contributions; (C) interest, principal, commissions or other concept (including premature amortisation of the principal) under any loan or credit agreements (whether or not considered to be Subordinated Debt); (D) consideration for the provision of goods or services, or payments under management contracts and other service provision contract; (E) redemption or acquisition of shares representing the share capital of the Borrower; and (F) any other operations of a similar or analogous nature to the foregoing the effect of which would be the remuneration or refunding of contributions. |
| |
"Temporary Public Support Term Sheet" | Means the document recording to a sufficient degree of detail those elements accepted by the Applicant at the hearing stage, to be set out in the corresponding agreements in the negotiation phase. |
“Material Adverse Effect” | means any event or circumstance (or a combination of events and circumstances) that might occur or come to light after the Date of Signature, and that, requiring prior agreement by the Fund in order to be invoked: (i)would or foreseeably could have a Material |
91
| Adverse Change on the financial position, solvency, business, assets, goods or rights of any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors, or the Group viewed as a whole; or (ii) would or foreseeably could adversely affect the capacity of the Borrower or the remaining Beneficiaries and Guarantors to fulfil the obligations entered into by them under the Agreement and the other Financial Documents; or (iii) would or foreseeably could cause any of the Financial Documents or any of the rights granted thereby to the Fund, including, without being confined to, the Guarantees given at any given time in favour of the Fund, to become unlawful, invalid, ineffective or unenforceable vis-à-vis the Beneficiaries and Guarantors. (iv) cause this Agreement and/or any of the remaining Financial Documents to become unlawful, invalid, ineffective or unenforceable vis-à-vis any of the Beneficiaries or Guarantors. |
"Bond Issue" | Means the bond issue of 15 February 2017 subscribed by Ferroglobe PLC, together with Globe Specialty Metals, Inc (a company of the Ferroglobe Group), as co-issuers, and Wilmington Trust, as a trustee, for an amount of three hundred and fifty million dollars ($350,000,000) (as novated to date). |
“Permitted Disposals” | has the meaning provided in Clause 13.6.5. |
“Debt” | means at any given time the sum total of amounts owed by any company of the Group by virtue of long- and short-term debt instruments, whether to financial institutions or to third parties, including, merely by way of example, the amounts owed by virtue of the following concept: (i) loan, credit, discount, recourse factoring, current account overdraft agreements; (ii) issuance of securities representing debt in the form of debentures, debentures convertible into shares, bonds, promissory notes, or any other class of similar instruments or securities; (iii)financial or operating lease and/or rental |
92
| agreements with or without purchase option; (iv) any contracts, agreements or commitments to purchase assets from third parties with the price deferred (except those regarding purchases of raw materials); (v) derivatives or other financial instruments of a similar nature hedging fluctuations in prices, exchange rates or interest rates; (vi) bonds, sureties, guarantees, counter-guarantees, comfort letters or any other undertakings entailing the guaranteeing of third-party obligations, whether on a joint and several, subsidiary or any other basis; (vii) amounts deposited by way of capital or premium for the issuance of redeemable shares; (viii) commitments to purchase treasury stock, to repurchase treasury stock or sell treasury stock below its fair value; and (ix) any other obligations, commitments or financial agreements or those of a similar nature or effect to the above provided by the any company of the Group and with a commercial effect analogous to that of a credit, guarantee or deferral. |
“Existing Debt” | Means the debt described in Annex 11.1.19. |
“Financial Statements” | means, for the company in question, the annual accounts (including in all cases the balance sheet, the profit and loss account, the statement of cash flows, revenue and expenses, the statement of changes in net equity and the explanatory notes) and the management report corresponding to the period in question, and any other accounting documents that the company in question is required to draw up with such frequency, as applicable, in accordance with the corporate legislation in force in each jurisdiction and at any given time. |
"Annual Financial Statements" | means the individual Financial Statements of each Beneficiary, together with the corresponding audit report issued by the Auditor, where this would be a legal requirement. |
93
“Consolidated Financial Statements” | means the financial statements resulting from consolidation of the entities Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. and Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, S.L.U., verified by the accounts auditor on the basis of the audited financial statements of the Group. |
“Half-Yearly Consolidated Financial Statements” | means the Financial Statements resulting from consolidation of the entities Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. and Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, S.L.U., closed at the end of the first half of each corporate financial year and comprising information regarding that half-year. |
“Half-Yearly Individual Financial Statements” | means the individual Financial Statements of each Beneficiary and Guarantor closed at the end of the first half of each corporate financial year and comprising information regarding that half-year. |
“IBOR” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.4.1(B). |
| |
“Total Amortisation Date” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 6.1. |
“Date of Closure” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 4.3(E). |
| |
“Date of Signature” | means the date of signature of this Agreement. |
“Final Maturity Date” | means 1 June 2025. |
“Subsidiary” | means any company that: (A) is directly or indirectly controlled by any company of the Group; (B) directly or indirectly controls any company of the Group; or (C) is directly or indirectly controlled by any company that in turn directly or indirectly controls any company of the Group. In all the above cases, "control" shall be understood as indicated in Article 42 of the Code of Commerce. |
"Relevant Subsidiary" | those Spanish companies of the group headed by the Applicant under the terms of Article 42 of the Code of Commerce representing at any given time at least 5% of the total assets, of the EBITDA or the total revenue of the group headed by the Applicant. |
94
| Following the conclusion of each corporate financial year, it shall be determined on the basis of the Consolidated Financial Statements for that financial year which companies of the Group meet the conditions to be considered Relevant Subsidiaries, as provided in Clause 13.7. |
“Guarantor Subsidiaries” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 13.7.1. |
“Beneficiary Subsidiaries” | means Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. |
“Financing Facility” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 2.1(A). |
| |
“Borrower” | means Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. |
“Cash Flow” | means, with regard to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Beneficiary Group for the financial year in question, the variation in cash flows contained in the statement of cash flows. |
| |
“Strategic Company Solvency Support Fund” | has the meaning indicated in Recital IV. |
“Shareholder Equity” | means the set of contributions of funds comprising: (A) capital stock paid up; (B) disbursed share premium; (C) contributions to freely available reserves; and (D) contributions to account 118 under the General Accounting Standards. |
“Guarantor” | Means Ferroglobe PLC; Ferroglobe Holding Company Ltd and Ferroglobe Finance Company PLC , and any other entities adhering to this Agreement as Guarantors. |
“Personal Guarantee” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 16. |
“Guarantees” | means, collectively, the Personal Guarantee and the In Rem Guarantees |
“Permitted Guarantees” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 11.1.20. |
“In Rem Guarantees” | means all in rem guarantees established or to be established in the future in favour of the Fund, under the provisions of this Agreement, to secure or guarantee the obligations derived from this Agreement, and the |
95
| obligations derived from the remaining Financial Documents. |
“Existing In Rem Guarantees” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 11.1.20. |
| |
“Ferroglobe Group ” | Means Ferroglobe PLC and its dependent companies. |
“FerroAtlántica Group” | Means the Beneficiaries. |
“Beneficiary Group” or “Group” “Reference Index” | Means the Beneficiaries. Has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.4.1(B). |
“Amount of the Finance” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 2.1. |
"Amounts" | means the amounts obtained by the Beneficiaries by virtue of the disposal of assets, subsidiaries and businesses, the collection of insurance compensation, subsidies, or any other operations through which they obtain an economic flow, following deduction of taxes paid and directly levied on the operation, in addition to justified expenses and costs derived from such operations. In the event that the assets disposed of are encumbered to guarantee any form of Debt with an in rem guarantee of a prior rank to the Guarantees, any amounts that must be paid to the creditors by way of payment of the guaranteed Debt in order to cancel the in rem guarantee encumbering the asset disposed of shall be deducted, for the purposes of calculation of the Amounts. |
“Confidential Information” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 22.2(A). |
“VAT” | means Value Added Tax. |
“Act 39/2015” | means Common Administrative Proceedings of Public Authorities Act 39/2015, of 1 October 2015. |
“Insolvency Act” | means the Consolidated Text of the Insolvency Act of 5 May 2020, as amended from time to time. |
“Civil Proceedings Act” | means Civil Proceedings Act 1/2000, 7 January 2000, as amended from time to time. |
“Capital Companies Act” | means the consolidated text of the Capital Companies Act (as amended from time to time), approved by Royal |
96
| Legislative Decree 1/2010, of 2 July 2010. |
"General Budgetary Act" | means General Budgetary Act 47/2003, of 26 November 2003. |
“Margin” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.4.1(D). |
“Regulations” | means any constitution, treaty, law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, interpretation, directive, European regulation, order, mandate, decree, interim remedy, judgment, order to act or refrain from acting, provisions and conditions of permits, grants, concessions, incentives, subsidies, licences, registrations and other operating permissions, whether national or supranational (including European), regional, local or foreign, any judgment or decision, resolution or any other demand of any administrative authority; or any amendment or modification of any of the above. |
“Guaranteed Obligations” | Means all present and future payment obligations owed or incurred at any given time by the Beneficiaries vis-à-vis the Fund in connection with the Financial Documents, including, by way of example, without being confined to amortisation of the principal, payment of ordinary and late payment interest, indemnification, expenses and taxes and any expenses or costs incurred in or out of court in the creation, effectiveness or enforcement of all guarantees established by virtue of the Financing Agreement, including any expenses arising as a consequence of accelerated maturity or as a result of cancellation of the Financial Documents |
| |
“Party” | means each party to this Agreement. |
| |
“Interest Period” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.2. |
“Person” | means any natural or legal person, trade union, civil society, commercial company, capital company, enterprise, association, joint venture, cooperative, legal representative, foundation, civil partnership, economic interest grouping, temporary joint venture, or any organisational entity of any kind, including any administrative authority. |
97
"Sanctioned Person" | means at any given time: (A) any natural or legal person included on any list of designated persons for the purpose of Sanctions maintained by the Security Council of the United Nations, the European Union or any of its Member States or the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of Treasury (OFAC), or the State Department of the United States of America; (B) any natural or legal person operating, incorporated or resident in a Sanctioned Territory; (C) any legal person controlled by a Sanctioned Person; (D) any natural or legal person subject to Sanctions, or if the signature of any document with them would for the Fund constitute the imposition of Sanctions; or (E) a natural or legal person acting on behalf of the above for the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempting to evade or avoid the imposition of Sanctions (or to facilitate the evasion or avoidance thereof). |
“Viability Plan” | means the viability plan presented by the Applicant on the date of registration of entry at SEPI, 20 January 2022, as potentially updated under the terms established in the Management Agreement. |
| |
“Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” | Means those accounting principles set out in the Spanish General Accounting Standards approved by Royal Decree 1514/2007, of 16 November 2007, or any others that might replace them in the future and be applicable in Spain. |
| |
“RDL 25/2020” | means Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, on urgent measures to support economic reactivation and employment. |
| |
“Regulation” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 11.1.27 |
“Representatives” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 22.2. |
98
"Net Financial Balances and Commercial Balances designated as the legacy balances payable by the Beneficiaries to the remaining companies of the Ferroglobe Group" | means the net financial balances and commercial balances designated as "legacy" balances payable by the Beneficiaries to the remaining companies of the Ferroglobe Group at 30 June 2021, as described in Annex 13.3.C. |
“Sanctions” | means any sanction, prohibition, restriction or embargo of an economic, financial or commercial nature imposed at any time as a consequence of a breach of any punitive regulations regarding exports, economic sanctions and embargoes adopted or executed by the stated public bodies or organisations: (A) the United Nations Security Council; (B) the European Union or any of its member states; (C) the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of Treasury (OFAC) or the Office of Export Enforcement of the US Department of Commerce; (D) Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom; or (E) any other competent authority that might replace the above or exercise equivalent functions or powers. |
| |
“Applicant” | Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. |
“Accelerated Maturity Event” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 14.1. |
“Sanctioned Territory” | means at any given time any country, region or territory regarding which any Sanction has been imposed (at the Date of Signature, this definition includes, for clarification purposes, North Korea, Crimea, Iran, Sudan, South Sudan and Syria). |
“Late-Payment Interest” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.5. |
“Interest Rate” | has the meaning indicated in Clause 5.4. |
99
ANNEX 8.6 (C)
FUND TAX IDENTIFICATION
Tax Identification Number ('NIF') of the Fund S2801456A
100
ANNEX 11.1.15
GROUP LITIGATION
Ordinary Proceedings 584/2016, pursued before Court of First Instance 13 of Madrid | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Plaintiff |
Against | Bankia, S.A. |
Brief description of the matter | Ordinary Proceedings. Complaint filed together with GVM and Fertiberia against Bankia. The Court of First Instance, in a Ruling of 7 March 2017, rejected the petition by Bankia for a joinder with actions in other proceedings to which other subsidiary companies of GVM were party. |
Amount | 3,451,699 euros of principal, plus interest and costs, where applicable |
Proceedings pursued between before the Central Administrative Economic Tribunal | |
Company | FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABÓN, S.L.U. |
Position | Plaintiff |
Against | A Coruña Provincial Authority |
Brief description of the matter | Public law litigation proceedings brought by FerroAtlántica against A Coruña Provincial Authority, since it disputed the power rating at which FerroAtlántica has the furnaces at the Sabón factory, and their taxation under Economic Activities Tax ('IAE'). |
Amount | 425,416 (2009), 408,026 (2010), 390,170 (2011), 372,944 (2012) and 356,419 (2013) |
Proceedings pursued before the Central Major Taxpayer Office. | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Plaintiff |
Against | AEAT – Central Office for Major Taxpayers |
101
Brief description of the matter | Proceedings for rectification of a self-assessed settlement with refunding of undue income from the Corporation Tax return for the taxation periods 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. |
Amount | A petition was filed for rectification of the self-assessed settlement with the refund of undue income in these regards, for a total amount of 1,262,000 euros. |
Proceedings pursued before the Central Major Taxpayer Office. | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Plaintiff |
Against | AEAT – Central Office for Major Taxpayers |
Brief description of the matter | Proceedings for rectification of a self-assessed settlement with refunding of undue income from the Corporation Tax return for the taxation periods 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. |
Amount | On 1 March 2021 a ruling was received partially upholding the refund petition, for an amount of 75,362 euros. Appealed before the TEAC (Central Administrative Economic Tribunal). Arguments submitted, petitioning for the refund of interest for 1P 2018. |
Proceedings pursued before the Regional Delegation of Cantabria. | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Respondent (joint respondent) |
Against | Heirs of the employee of the contractor company Tecnelt, S.L. |
Brief description of the matter | Reconciliation proceedings lodged by the heirs of the employee, claiming that as a consequence of contact with asbestos and the lack of health and safety at work measures for which the joint respondents were responsible, the employee suffered physical harm leading to his death in June 2018. |
Amount | 175,000 euros (to be distributed between the respondents on a joint and several basis) |
102
Ordinary Proceedings 395/2021 pursued before Employment Court 3 | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Defendant |
Against | ORECLA (Overall claim) |
Brief description of the matter | Mediation in claim proceedings for payment of an overtime rate of 75% on public holidays, Sundays or at night. |
Amount | |
Ordinary Proceedings 410/2021 pursued before Employment Court 5 | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Defendant |
Against | ORECLA (Individual claim) |
Brief description of the matter | A worker was penalised with two days of suspension from work without pay, for a serious fault, according to Article 66(l) of the Regional Collective Bargaining Agreement of the Steelmaking Industry of Cantabria. The letter stated that the circumstances recounted could be punishable as a very serious fault, under the provisions of Article 67(h); because of his apologies (the next day) and recognition of the error, this was reduced to a serious fault. The Respondent received a reconciliation petition indicating that there was no justified reason to impose the penalty. |
Amount | |
Ordinary Proceedings 882/2021 pursued before Employment Court 2 | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Defendant |
Against | ORECLA (Overall claim) |
103
Brief description of the matter | Claim regarding excess working hours by workers on split shifts and intensive split shifts, following issuance of the judgment declaring that 24 and 31 December should be calculated as days actually worked, despite being classified as public holidays. The position of Management is that during 2020, because of the pandemic we experienced, the working hours of these people were reduced from 8:00 to 14:00 and the total calculation of the annual hours of work therefore does not give rise to such excess of working hours. |
Amount | |
Ordinary Proceedings 2310/2021 | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Defendant |
Against | ORECLA (Individual claim) |
Brief description of the matter | Monetary claim petition filed by the worker Antonio Jose Pérez Saiz for an accident which occurred on 15 November 2019. He was as a result granted the status of total permanent unfitness for his regular profession. |
Amount | 140,980.82 euros |
Penalty proceedings 269/2021 | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Defendant |
Against | Directorate-General for Employment - Employment Inspectorate |
Brief description of the matter | Penalty notice of €10,000 for the accident which occurred on 15 November 2019 corresponding to a worker |
Amount | 140,980.82 euros |
Administrative Proceedings 23/2021 | |
Company | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, S.A.U. |
Position | Defendant |
Against | Directorate-General for Employment - Employment Inspectorate |
104
Brief description of the matter | Commencement of administrative proceedings for the appraisal of a benefits surcharge of 40% because of a lack of health and safety at work measures, applied to benefits derived from the occupational accidents suffered by a worker (prior permanent unfitness for work claim). |
Amount | 140,980.82 euros |
105
ANNEX 11.1.19
EXISTING DEBT
- | Credit facility for the discounting of commercial paper operations and other operations, signed by Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U. and Bankinter S.A. on 28 September 2021, for a maximum total amount of 3,000,000 euros. |
- | Credit facility for the issuance of a letter of credit, signed by Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U. and Bankinter S.A. on 25 February 2022, for a maximum total amount of 5,000,000 euros. |
- | Factoring facility arranged between Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U. and La Banque Postale Leasing & Factoring, S.A. on 2 October 2020, for a maximum total amount of 32,000,000 euros. |
- | Factoring facility (pending signature) between Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U. and Bankinter S.A., for a total maximum amount of 46,000,000 euros, following approval of the operation by the Board of Directors of Ferroglobe PLC. This operation is included for information purposes, although it is not classified as Debt, and cannot therefore be replaced by Debt for the same amount. |
106
ANNEX 11.2.20 (B)
EXISTING IN REM GUARANTEES
Agreement | Date | Pledgor | Object |
1. Pledge agreement without transfer of possession over inventory | 17 May 2021 29 July 2021 | FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABÓN S.L.U. | Assets valued at 5,880,595 euros as at the date of signature.2 |
2. Pledge agreement without transfer of possession over inventory | 17 May 2021 29 July 2021 | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO | Assets valued at 5,820,757 euros as at the date of signature. |
3. Pledge agreement over credit rights | 17 May 2021 29 July 2021 | GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, SAU FERROATLÁNTICA PARTICIPACIONES, S.L.U. FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABON FERROATLÁNTICA DEL CINCA S.L. CUARZOS INDUSTRIALES S.A.U. FERROSOLAR ORCO GROUP, S.L. GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SERVICIOS, S.L.U. | Intra-group, cash management account and profit-sharing loans. |
4. Pledge agreement over bank account credit rights | 17 May 2021 29 July 2021 | FERROPEM, S.A.S. GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA, SAU FERROATLÁNTICA PARTICIPACIONES, S.L.U. | Bank accounts of each of the Pledgors. |
107
| | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABON FERROATLÁNTICA DEL CINCA S.L. CUARZOS INDUSTRIALES S.A.U. FERROSOLAR ORCO GROUP, S.L. GRUPO FERROATLÁNTICA DE SERVICIOS, SLU | |
5. Pledge over corporate stock | 17 May 2021 | FERROATLÁNTICA FERROATLÁNTICA PARTICIPACIONES, S.L.U. | Grupo FerroAtlántica pledges the shares in the following companies: -FerroAtlántica Participaciones, S.L.U. -Shares 1,091,227 (1 - 1,091,227) (100%) -FerroAtlántica de Servicios: Shares 1,091,227 (1 - 1,091,227) (100%) -FerroAtlántica de Boo Shares, 1,091,227 (1 - 1,091,227) (100%). -FerroAtlántica de Sabón: Shares 1,091,227 (1 - 1,091,227) (100%). -Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L. 3,198,667(9,596,001- 12,794,667) (25%) Ferroatlantica pledges the shares of the following companies: Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L. 9,596,000 (1- 9,596,000) (75%) Ferroatlántica de Cinca, |
108
| | | S.L. 3,205,407 (2982-3209388 (99,875%) |
6. Pledge over corporate stock | 17 May 2021 | FERROGLOBE HOLDING COMPANY LTD; and FERROATLÁNTICA PARTICIPACIONES, S.L.U | FERROGLOBE HOLDING COMPANY LTD, pledges all shares in Grupo FerroAtlántica SAU (i.e. the 200,000 shares identified by numbers (1 - 200,000) (100%) FerroAtlántica Participaciones, S.L.U. pledges the shares in Cuarzos Industriales, SAU. |
7. Promise of mortgage | 17 May 2021 | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABON S.L.U, FERROATLÁNTICA DEL CINCA, S.L. FERROSOLAR OPCO GROUP, S.L. | The following properties and concessions: Ferro de Boo, S.L.U. 1. Santander Land Register 2: 48,481 2. Administrative concession - Santander Land Register 2: 27,464 3. Santander Land Register 2: 16,046 4. Santander Land Register 2: 1,020 5. Administrative concession - Santander Land Register 2: 9,793 6. Administrative concession - Santander Land Register 2: 9,792 7. Santander Land Register 2: 48,479 8. Santander Land Register 2: 2.759 9. Santander Land Register 2: 2.491 10. Santander Land Register 2: 2.659 |
109
| | | 11. Santander Land Register 2: 17,845 12. Santander Land Register 2: 2.279 Ferro de Sabón, S.L.U. 13. Arteixto property – 15223 14. Arteixto property – 15203 Likewise over the Ferrosolar Opco and Ferroatlántica del Cinca properties. |
8. Mortgage dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4608 and 4627 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | First-ranked real estate mortgage over the property identified by number 48481. Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2884, Book 521, Page 28, Entry 5. |
9. Mortgage dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4609 and 4630 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | First-ranked real estate mortgage over the property identified by number 1020. Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2884, Book 521, Page 24, Entry 3. |
10. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4614 and 4634 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 9793. |
110
11. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4615 and 4637 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 17845. |
12. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4616 and 4633 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 27464. |
13. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4617 and 4639 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 2279. |
14. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4618 and 4631 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 2659. |
111
15. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4619 and 4635 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 9792. |
16. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4620 and 4636 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 2759. |
17. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4621 and 4632 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 2491 |
18. Maximum amount mortgage over administrative concession dated 29 July 2021, executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4622 and 4638 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE BOO S.L.U. | FerroAtlántica de Boo as the holder of nine (9) concessions on land classified as "marsh", located within the municipalities of Astillero and Camargo. Mortgage over the administrative concession identified as 48479. |
112
19. Maximum amount mortgage dated 29 July 2021 executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4612 and 4625 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABÓN | Property number 15203, Arteixo |
20. Maximum amount mortgage dated 29 July 2021 executed before the Notary Mr Francisco Miras Ortiz under numbers 4613 and 4628 of his notarial archive | 29 July 2021 (x2) | FERROATLÁNTICA DE SABÓN | Property number 15223, Arteixo |
113
ANNEX 11.1.25
SHAREHOLDING STRUCTURE OF THE BENEFICIARY GROUP AND THE FERROGLOBE GROUP
114
ANNEX 13.3.C
FINANCIAL BALANCES AND NET COMMERCIAL BALANCES REFERRED TO AS "LEGACY"
Detail of the net Legacy and current commercial balances and the Financial Balances payable to Ferroglobe Group Companies at 30 June 2021.
(Information in thousands of euros)
"Legacy" Group Company Receivables | 207,307 |
"Legacy" Group Company Suppliers | (371,026) |
Total "Legacy" Commercial Balances (*) | (163,719) |
Current Group Company Receivables | 6,072 |
Current Group Company Suppliers | (25,925) |
Long-term debts with Group Companies (*) | (245,987) |
Short-term debts with Group Companies (*) | (52,872) |
115
ANNEX 13.3.G
TRANSFER PRICING POLICIES
116
ANNEX 13.6.1 (C)
MINING CONCESSIONS
Holder company | Concession |
Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. | Conchitina Mining Operation |
Conchitina Segunda Mining Operation | |
Esmeralda Mining Operation | |
Sonia Mining Operation | |
Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. | Serrabal Mining Operation |
117
ANNEX 13.6.1.(D)
RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL OVER THE MINING CONCESSIONS
NUMBER
In Madrid, on
Before me, *, notary of the Notaries Association of *, practising in this city,
THERE HERE APPEAR:
Of the one part, representing the grantor company:
*, of legal age, *, of * nationality, domiciled for these purposes at *and holder of valid National Identity Document number *.
And of another part, representing FONDO DE APOYO A LA SOLVENCIA DE EMPRESAS ESTRATÉGICAS (assignee):
*, of legal age, *, domiciled for these purposes at *and holder of valid National Identity Document number *.
THEY HERE ACT:
A. *, acting as * for and on behalf of the company “*” (hereinafter the "Grantor"), a company validly Incorporated and of good standing under *. Registered in the Companies Register of *, in Volume *, Section *, Page *, Sheet *, and holder of valid Tax Identification Number *.
He declares that the purpose of the company comprises *.
His powers here to act are derived from *.
The representative assures me that the legal capacity, operational capacity and other identifying circumstances of the entity he represents remain unchanged from the details recorded in this deed, in particular its purpose and registered office.
DECLARATION OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP: *
B. *, acting as *, representing the State Company named "SOCIEDAD ESTATAL DE PARTICIPACIONES INDUSTRIALES" (SEPI), of registered office at the address Calle Velázquez, 134, Madrid, holder of Tax Identification Code Q-2820015-B, a Spanish public enterprise entity created by Royal Decree-Law 5/1995, of 16 June 1995, confirmed on 10 January 1996 by Act 5/1996, for the Creation of Certain Public-Law Entities, for the purpose of administering publicly owned enterprise holdings.
He acts in accordance with the powers derived from *.
I, the Notary, having performed the corresponding verification by means of the Secure Verification Code, attach to this instrument the hard copy of the corresponding certification presented to me by the person here appearing.
In my judgment, it demonstrates that he enjoys sufficient powers to execute this public deed.
He declares that his powers remain valid and that the legal capacity and circumstances of the company for which he here acts remain in place.
He likewise acts for and on behalf of FONDO DE APOYO A LA SOLVENCIA PARA LAS EMPRESAS ESTRATÉGICA (as "Lender" or the "Fund"), holder of Tax Identification
118
Number S2801456A, created and regulated by Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, on urgent measures to support economic reactivation and employment, and the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of 21 July 2020, establishing the functioning thereof, published by Order PCM/679/2020, of 23 July 2020.
He acts in accordance with the powers derived from *.
The Fund is managed through the state company "SEPI" by an Administrative Board, an inter-ministerial collegiate body attached to the Ministry of Finance and Administration through the Sub-Secretariat of Finance.
The Grantor, the Fund and SEPI, as administration entity of the Fund, shall each be referred to individually as a "Party", and collectively as the "Parties".
I, the Notary, place on record in fulfilment of the terms of Article 23 of the Notariat Act, that I have consulted the list of revoked tax identification numbers of the STATE TAX ADMINISTRATION AGENCY by means of the access enabled via SIGNO (the Integrated Notarial Management System), revealing that the companies here represented are not included on said list, and the execution of this deed may therefore proceed.
I have identified the persons here appearing by means of the documents shown, and in the stated capacities, in my judgment and as stated, they enjoy sufficient legal standing to formalise this deed of RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL to which end they issue these:
RECITALS:
I. The Grantor declares that it has been awarded the concession *, the details of which are indicated below:
TITLE. *
REGISTRATION. *.
ENCUMBRANCE STATUS: *.
PROPERTIES COVERED BY THE CONCESSION: Annex II hereto attached contains the list of the properties owned by the Grantor, on which the operation authorised by the Administrative Concession is performed, and which are free of liens, encumbrances and occupants, according to the statements of the Grantor.
II, The Grantor forms part of a corporate group headed by the company Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U (hereinafter, Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U. and Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios S.L.U., shall be referred to as “Ferroatlántica Group”) which in turn forms part of a higher-level corporate group operating in various jurisdictions, and headed by Ferroglobe PLC (“Ferroglobe Group”). On 15 January 2021 the company Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. (an investee company 100% indirectly owned by Ferroglobe PLC (the "Borrower")) submitted an application for temporary public financial support drawn from the Fund, to which the company Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. (an investee 100% owned by the Borrower) adheres as beneficiary, for a total amount of THIRTY-TWO MILLION EUROS (€32,000,000) to be structured by means of a profit-sharing loan and/or an ordinary loan. Following various demands for rectification and improvement of the application so as to specify the ultimate beneficiaries of the temporary public financial support, the structure thereof and allocation of the funds, on 25 November 2021 the Borrower submitted a new application for aid, increasing the total amount of the initial application to THIRTY-FOUR MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€34,500,000), divided into a profit-sharing loan for a total amount
119
of SEVENTEEN MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€17,600,000), and an ordinary loan for a total amount of SIXTEEN MILLION NINE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS (€16,900,000) (the "Finance").
III. Within the context of the aforementioned Finance, the Fund has called on the Grantor (in its capacity as a company of the Ferroglobe Group) to grant a right of first refusal over the Mining Concession.
Within the context of the foregoing, by virtue hereof the Grantor grants the Fund a right of first refusal over ownership of the Mining Concession, pursuant to the following
CLAUSES:
ONE. CONCESSION
The Grantor grants the Fund, which accepts, a right of first refusal over the Mining Concession, which the latter may exercise solely and exclusively in the event that the Grantor intends to transfer or assign ownership of the aforementioned Mining Concession for payment to any third party from outside the Ferroatlántica Group (the "Potential Acquirer").
TWO. CONDITIONS FOR EXERCISE OF THE RIGHT:
2.1. To exercise the right of first refusal hereby granted, in the event that the Grantor should wish to transfer the aforementioned Mining Concession to a Potential Acquirer, before proceeding to perform the transfer, it must inform the Fund via a notary of the conditions on which it plans to proceed to perform the transfer.
If the Fund wishes to exercise its right of first refusal with regard to the notified transfer, it must serve notice via a notary within a period twenty (20) days of receipt of the aforementioned notification, as to its intention to make use of the right of first refusal, either itself or through a third party belonging to the public sector as freely designated by it, on the same conditions as contained in the notification sent by the Grantor, indicating for this purpose the date when the public deed exercising the right of first refusal is to be formalised, which may under no circumstances be more than forty (40) days of receipt of the aforementioned notification, and authorisation of the transfer by the competent administrative body. Within ten (10) days of receipt of this notification, the Grantor shall notify the Fund of the identity and address of the Notary of Madrid before whom the transfer is to be performed.
On the stated date, the Fund, or the freely designated third party belonging to the public sector, must pay the amount corresponding to the transfer and the associated expenses, and must formalise the transfer on the terms set out in the notification served.
In the event that the Fund fails to serve notice by the stated deadline of its intent either itself or through a designated third party belonging to the public sector, of its intention to exercise the right of first refusal in accordance with the stated requirements, or if it makes this declaration but does not intend to execute the deed of transfer, or does not formalise it on the established terms, the Grantor may transfer the Mining Concession on said terms to the Potential Acquirer within thirty (30) days of the expiry of (i) the deadline for the right of first refusal to be exercised (if it has not been exercised) or (ii) of the date scheduled for the deed to be executed, if the Fund stated its intention to exercise the right of first refusal, but ultimately the Fund, or the designated third party belonging to the public sector, failed to appear to execute the deed of transfer, or did not do so on the established terms. For registration of the deed of transfer, it shall be
120
sufficient that accreditation thereof be given in the notice served on the Fund and (i) a declaration by the holder of the Mining Concession that the right of first refusal has not been exercised by the established deadline or (ii) a Notarial Record in accreditation that on the date when the Fund had served notice of its intention to proceed to execute the transfer, this did not take place.
If the Fund has not exercised its right of first refusal, the Grantor must serve notice on the Fund via a notary of the transfer performed to the Potential Acquirer, on the terms thereof, within ten (10) days of the execution thereof.
In the event that the price for which the transfer of the Mining Concession was made to the Potential Acquirer is less than that of which the Fund was initially notified, the Fund may inform the Grantor of its intention to acquire the Mining Concession within a period of twenty (20) days of receipt of the aforementioned notification, either itself or through a third party belonging to the public sector freely designated by it, on the same terms as the transfer to the Potential Acquirer was performed, indicating for this purpose the date when the public deed of sale and purchase is to be formalised, which must under no circumstances be more than forty (40) days after receipt of the aforementioned notification, and authorisation of the transfer by the competent administrative body.
Within ten (10) days of receipt of this notification, the Grantor shall notify the Fund of the identity and address of the Notary of Madrid before whom the transfer is to be performed.
On the stated date, the Fund, or the freely designated third party belonging to the public sector, must pay the amount corresponding to the transfer and the associated expenses, and must formalise the transfer on the terms set out in the notification served.
Any transfer performed to a third party in breach of any of the terms and conditions established for the right of first refusal to be exercised, shall be null and void.
Exercise of the right of first refusal by the Fund or by a third party belonging to the public sector freely designated by it shall in any event be subject to the applicable procedure of administrative authorisation in accordance with any regulations that would apply.
THREE. DEADLINE FOR THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL:
The right of first refusal granted by means of this deed shall remain in force up until 1 October 2025.
FOUR. REGISTRATION WITH THE LAND REGISTER
The three clauses above shall have in rem status, and the Land Registrar is therefore specifically requested to register this for the purposes of attributing erga omnes efficacy to this right.
FIVE. NOTICES
The notices that the Parties are to serve in connection with this deed shall be sent to the addresses indicated in the preamble hereto.
Any change of address shall take effect only from the date when confirmed notification of the change was received.
SIX. CANCELLATION OF THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL
121
The right of first refusal granted shall be cancelled (i) upon expiry of the Mining Concession, (ii) upon an explicit waiver by the Fund of the exercise of its right of first refusal; and (iii) as a result of fulfilment of the obligations imposed on the Borrower and Grupo Ferroatlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. (in its capacity as beneficiary) under the terms of the finance agreement signed with the Fund.
In the event of cancellation, the Parties must request that the Registrar cancel the right of first refusal in the books under his authority. In the event that either of the parties refuses to execute the public or private documents required for this purpose, it will be liable before the other for any damages occasioned to it.
SEVEN. EXPENSES AND TAXES
Any expenses and taxes resulting from this deed shall be paid by the Grantor.
EIGHT. PARTIAL UNENFORCEABILITY
Should any clause contained in this deed be declared null and void or unenforceable in an arbitration award or judgment, this shall not affect the validity and enforceability of all clauses not affected by that ruling.
For the purposes of the above paragraph, the Parties shall in good faith negotiate a mutually satisfactory substitution or modification to the clause or clauses declared null and void or unenforceable by means of other similar terms which can legally be fulfilled.
NINE. ACCEPTANCE OF JURISDICTION
Both Parties waive any other legal forum that might correspond to them, and explicitly agree, irrespective of the type of legal action brought, to accept the jurisdiction and authority of the Courts of Madrid, as the domicile of the Parties here appearing, and the location where payment obligations must be fulfilled.
Regarding communication of this act to the Land Register: I have informed the acquiring party of the right that it enjoys under Article 249.2 of the Notarial Regulation, namely that I, the Notary, would inform the corresponding Land Register of this act by fax. It declares that it wishes to exercise this right.
I have verbally stated the reservations and legal notices; in particular, and for taxation purposes and other aspects, I have served notice of the taxation obligations and liabilities incumbent on the Parties in their material, formal and punitive aspects, and all manner of consequences that would result from any inaccuracy in their representations.
122
ANNEX 13.7
ADHESION DOCUMENT
In [place] on [date]
Before me, Mr [name of the notary], notary of the Notaries Association of [location]
THE FOLLOWING PARTIES APPEAR:
I. | Of the one part: |
[…] (the “Company ”), a company incorporated under the laws of […], of registered office at […] and holder of Tax Identification Number [… ]. It is here duly represented for this purpose.
II. | Of another part, |
Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. (the “Applicant” or the “Borrower”), a company incorporated under the laws of Spain, of registered office at Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, 49, 28046 Madrid and holder of Tax Identification Number A-85255370. It is here duly represented for this purpose.
The Applicant appears in its own name and right, and as the representative of the Beneficiaries and/or Guarantors, by virtue of the mandate vested in it in Clause 3 of the Agreement.
III. | Of another part, |
FONDO DE APOYO A LA SOLVENCIA DE EMPRESAS ESTRATÉGICAS (the "Fund"), created and regulated by Royal Decree-Law 25/2020, of 3 July 2020, on urgent measures to support economic reactivation and employment (hereinafter, "RDL 25/2020"), and by virtue of the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of 21 July 2020, establishing its functions, published by Order PCM/679/2020, of 23 July 2020 (the "Resolution of the Council of Ministers"), of registered office for these purposes at the address Calle Velázquez 34, Bloque V, Madrid.
The Fund is managed by SEPI (as defined below) by an Administrative Board, an inter-ministerial collegiate body attached to the Ministry of Finance through the Sub- Secretariat of Finance. All actions performed by the Fund shall be conducted in accordance with its own internal regulations.
It is here represented by Ms María Belén Gualda González, holder of National Identity Document number 445 6158-H, in her position as President of the Administrative Board of the Fund, in accordance with the terms of item 5. a) of Annex III to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers. Likewise, her position as President of the Fondo de Apoyo a la Solvencia de Empresas Estratégicas (the "Administrative Board") is derived from her position as President of Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales, by virtue of Royal Decree 218/2021, of 30 March 2021, appointing Ms María Belén Gualda González as President of Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales, and in accordance with item 4 of Annex III the Resolution of the Council of Ministers.
123
SOCIEDAD ESTATAL DE PARTICIPACIONES INDUSTRIALES (hereinafter “SEPI”) a public-law entity created by Act 5/1996, of 10 January 1996, creating certain public-law entities, attached to the Ministry of Finance and Administration, by virtue of Royal Decree 682/2021, of 3 August 2021, developing the basic organisational structure of the Ministry and amending Royal Decree 139/2020, of 28 January 2020, establishing the basic organisational structure of ministerial departments, of registered office at the address Calle Velázquez, 134, Madrid 28006.
It is here represented by Ms María Belén Gualda González, in her position as President of SEPI, by virtue of point 4. a) of the Order of 13 July 1995 on the organisation and functions of Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales.
The Company, the Borrower, the Fund and SEPI, and the persons acting on their behalf, shall collectively be referred to as the "Parties", and each of them individually as a "Party".
RECITALS
I. | Whereas the Borrower is a Spanish company the activity of which essentially comprises the production, distribution and sale of ferroalloys. |
II. | Whereas on 3 March 2022 the Obligors, the Guarantors, SEPI and the Fund formalised a financing agreement for an amount of €34,500,000 which was recorded in a public instrument on this same date before the Notary of Madrid Mr Andrés Domínguez Nafría (the “Financing Agreement”). Those terms contained in this deed that begin with a capital letter and are not defined herein shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Financing Agreement. |
III. | Whereas, pursuant to the provisions of Clause 13.8 of the Financing Agreement, the Company, as it fulfils the conditions established in the Financing Agreement to be considered a "Relevant Subsidiary", is obliged to adhere hereto, and thereby also to the other Financial Documents, as ["Guarantor"/"Obligor"] for the purpose of espousing the regime of representations, reporting obligations and other obligations established for the [Guarantors/Obligors] in the Agreement. |
IV. | Whereas the Company explicitly declares that adhesion to the Financing Agreement referred to in Clause 1 of this agreement is a mere instrument for the performance of obligations entered into in the Financing Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents derived therefrom, and it acknowledges and accepts that the obligations to adhere as [Guarantor/Obligor] are essential elements without which the Funds would not have agreed to conclude the Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents. |
V. | Now, therefore, in the light of the foregoing, the Parties have agreed to execute this agreement of adhesion to the Financing Agreement, pursuant to the following |
124
CLAUSES
1. | ADHESION AND ACQUISITION OF THE CONDITION OF RELEVANT SUBSIDIARY |
1.1. | Under this agreement, the Company adheres as [Guarantor/Obligor] to the Financing Agreement and the remaining financial Documents, as explicitly hereby accepted and agreed by SEPI and the Fund. |
1.2. | As a consequence of the adhesion, the Company explicitly, irrevocably and unconditionally declares that it is bound and obliged, as [Guarantor/Obligor], by all terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement, and by application and reference, the remaining Financial Documents, from the date of signature of this agreement, and thus accepts all obligations and responsibilities resulting for it as [Guarantor/Obligor] from the Financing Agreement and the remaining Financial Documents. |
1.3. | [In particular, without being confined thereto, the Company hereby: (i) reiterates the Representations set forth in Clause 11 of the Financing Agreement as given by the Obligors; and (ii) assumes all obligations provided in Clauses 12 and 13 of the Agreement.] |
1.4. | The Company explicitly declares that it has passed the corporate resolutions and performed all actions necessary for the execution of this adhesion agreement. |
1.5. | Likewise, the Company unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide SEPI with any additional information that the latter might request for compliance with the money laundering regulations applicable to it. |
1.6. | The Company grants the Borrower, which accepts, its irrevocable powers of representation, authorising it, through its corporate bodies and attorneys-in-fact, to act as its representative in all actions, communications (to be sent or received) and decisions attributed to it under this agreement, the Financing Agreement, and all other Financial Documents. As a consequence, the Borrower, in its capacity as representative of the Company, shall be the sole interlocutor to represent it in the procedures for the performance of this agreement, of the Financing Agreement and the other Financial Documents, without prejudice to performance by each of the Obligors (including the Company) and by the Borrower of their obligations as a result of the Financing Agreement and the other Financial Documents. |
2. | EXPENSES AND TAXES |
Any notarial fees, taxes and other costs and expenses derived from the preparation and conclusion of this agreement, and its execution or cancellation (including any expenses or fees of lawyers and court agents, even if their involvement is not legally mandatory) shall be settled in accordance with the terms of the Financing Agreement.
3. | SERVICE |
All notices between the Parties connected with this agreement, or derived herefrom, must be served on the terms and at the addresses indicated in Clause 21 of the Financing Agreement.
125
Regarding the Company, the address for service [is that indicated for the Beneficiaries in accordance with Annex 21 to the Financing Agreement/is as follows]:
- | Address: [… ] |
- | For the attention of: Mr/Ms [… ] |
- | Telephone: [… ] |
- | Email: [… ] |
4. | APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION |
This adhesion agreement shall be subject to standard Spanish law.
The Parties explicitly waive their own legal forum and explicitly and irrevocably agree to be bound by the jurisdiction of the Courts of the City of Madrid in the event of any issues which may arise out of the interpretation, validity or performance of this adhesion agreement.
126
ANNEX 13.8.(G)a)
Cost actually borne by the Beneficiaries by way of the management fee during the 2019 financial year corresponding to the fixed remuneration received by the CEO and CFO of Ferroglobe Group during said financial year for performing their executive functions
Position | Fixed remuneration borne in |
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | 94,142 euros |
Chief Executive Officer CEO) | 97,283 euros |
Total | 191,425 euros |
127
ANNEX 16.1.(B)
ASSETS OVER WHICH A SECOND-RANKED REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE SHALL BE ESTABLISHED
A) Properties owned by Ferroatlántica del Cinca, S.L.:
a) Property number 8607
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 103, Entry 7, Monzón property 8607.
b) Property number 9641
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 105, Entry 7, Monzón property 9641.
c) Property number 5652
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 99, Entry 14, Monzón property 5652.
d) Property number 12699
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 680, Book 146, Page 98, Entry 3, Monzón property 12699.
e) Property number 4771
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 95, Entry 6, Monzón property 4771.
f) Property number 4772
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 97, Entry 6, Monzón property 4772.
g) Property number 3644
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 84, Entry 3, Monzón property 3644.
h) Property number 2946
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 78, Entry 3, Monzón property 2946
i) Property number 3862
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 93, Entry 2, Monzón property 3862.
j) Property number 3872
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 91, Entry 2, Monzón property 3872.
128
k) Property 8606
Registered in the Land Register of Barbastro, Volume 1390, Book 371, Page 101, Entry 5, Monzón property 8606.
B) Properties owned by Ferrosolar Opco Group, S.L.:
a) Property number 47273
Registered in the Land Register of Almodóvar del Campo, Volume 2373, Book 921, Page 143, Marginal Note 7, Puertollano property number 47273.
b) Property number 51,529
Registered in the Land Register of Almodóvar del Campo, Volume 2376, Book 923, Page 118, Marginal Note 4, Puertollano property number 51529.
C) Properties owned by Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. (Sabón):
a) Property number 15203
Registered in the Land Register of ARTEIXO, in Volume 2479, Book 2479, Page 304, Property number 15203.
b) Property number 15223
Registered in the Land Register of ARTEIXO, in Volume 2479, Book 304, Page 10, Property number 15223.
D) Properties owned by Grupo Ferroatlántica, S.A.U. (Boo):
a) Property number 48481
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2884, Book 521, Page 28, Entry 4, Camargo property number 48481
b) Property number 1020
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2884, Book 521, Page 24, Entry 3, Astillero property number 1020.
c) Property number 9793
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2075, Book 88, Page 15, Entry 6, Astillero property number 9793.
d) Property number 17845
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3501, Book 652, Page 211, Entry 3, Camargo property number 17845.
e) Property number 27464
129
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3342, Book 608, Page 160, Entry 3, Camargo property number 27464.
f) Property number 2659
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3502, Book 316, Page 37, Entry 6, Astillero property number 2659.
g) Property number 2279
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3502, Book 316, Page 35, Entry 6, Astillero property number 2279.
h) Property number 9792
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2075, Book 88, Page 12, Entry 6, Astillero property number 9792.
i) Property number 2759
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3502, Book 316, Page 33, Entry 5, Astillero property number 2759.
j) Property number 2491
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3502, Book 316, Page 31, Entry 6, Astillero property number 2491.
k) Property 48479
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 2884, Book 521, Page 24, Entry 3, Camargo property number 48479.
l) Property 52099
Registered in Land Register 2 of Santander, Volume 3545, Book 663, Page 207, Entry , Santander property 52099.
130
ANNEX 16.1.(C)
SECOND-RANKED PLEDGE WITHOUT TRANSFER OF POSSESSION OVER INVENTORIES
Sabón factory
(data as at December 2021 and in euros)
131
Ferroatlántica de Boo
(data as at December 2021 and in euros)
132
Ferroatlántica del Cinca S.L.
(data as at December 2021 and in euros)
133
Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U.
(data as at December 2021 and in euros)
Ferrosolar Opco Grupo S.L.
(data as at December 2021 and in euros)
134
ANNEX 16.1(D)
SECOND-RANKED PLEDGE WITHOUT TRANSFER OF POSSESSION OVER CREDIT RIGHTS
Grupo Ferroatlántica S.A.U.
(data as at November 2021 and in euros)
Ferroatlántica de Servicios S.A.U.
(data as at November 2021 and in euros)
135
Cuarzos Industriales S.A.U.
(data as at November 2021 and in euros)
Ferrosolar Opco Grupo S.L.
(data as at November 2021 and in euros)
Ferroatlántica del Cinca S.L.
(data as at November 2021 and in euros)
Ferroatlántica Participaciones S.L.U.
(data as at November 2021 and in euros)
136
ANNEX 21
NOTICES
For the Applicant, Beneficiary, Guarantors and non-Beneficiary Guarantors
Paseo de la Castellana 259D, Planta 49,
28046 Madrid (Spain)
+34915903219
Attn. Thomas Wiesner and Beatriz García-Cos Muntañola
thomas.wiesner@ferroglobe.com and beatriz.garciacos@ferroglobe.com
For SEPI and the Fund:
Management of Fondo de Apoyo a la Solvencia de Empresas Estratégicas
Calle Velázquez, 134
28006 Madrid, Spain
Tel: +34-913961590
notificaciones.FASEE@sepi.es
137
Exhibit 8.1
SUBSIDARIES OF THE REGISTRANT*
| |
|
Name |
| Registered |
Alabama Sand and Gravel, Inc. |
| United States |
Alden Resources, LLC |
| United States |
Alden Sales Corp, LLC |
| United States |
ARL Resources, LLC | | United States |
ARL Services, LLC | | United States |
Core Metals Group Holdings, LLC |
| United States |
Core Metals Group, LLC |
| United States |
Gatliff Services, LLC |
| United States |
GBG Financial, LLC | | United States |
GBG Holdings, LLC |
| United States |
Globe BG, LLC | | United States |
Globe Metallurgical Inc. |
| United States |
Globe Metals Enterprises, LLC. |
| United States |
GSM Alloys I, Inc. |
| United States |
GSM Alloys II, Inc. |
| United States |
GSM Enterprises Holdings, Inc. |
| United States |
GSM Enterprises, LLC | | United States |
GSM Financial, Inc. | | United States |
GSM Sales, Inc. | | United States |
LF Resources, Inc. |
| United States |
Metallurgical Process Materials, LLC | | United States |
Norchem, Inc. |
| United States |
QSIP Canada ULC |
| Canada |
| Canada | |
Quebec Silicon Limited Partnership |
| Canada |
Tennessee Alloys Company, LLC |
| United States |
West Virginia Alloys, Inc. |
| United States |
WVA Manufacturing, LLC |
| United States |
Cuarzos Industriales, S.A.U. |
| Spain |
Ferroatlántica del Cinca, S.L. | | Spain |
Ferroglobe Mangan Norge AS | | Norway |
Ferroglobe Manganese France SAS | | France |
FerroPem, S.A.S. |
| France |
Grupo FerroAtlántica, S.A.U |
| Spain |
Hydroelectricite De Saint Beron, SAS | | France |
Kintuck (France) SAS | | France |
Kintuck AS | | Norway |
Mangshi Ferroatlantica Mining Industry Service Company Limited | | China |
Rocas, Arcillas y Minerales, S.A. |
| Spain |
Rebone Mining (Pty.), Ltd. |
| South Africa |
Silicon Smelters (Pty.), Ltd. |
| South Africa |
Silicon Technology (Pty.), Ltd. |
| South Africa |
Thaba Chueu Mining (Pty.), Ltd. |
| South Africa |
Cuarzos Indus. de Venezuela (Cuarzoven), S.A. |
| Venezuela |
Emix, S.A.S. |
| France |
ECPI, Inc. | | United States |
Ferroatlántica de México, S.A. |
| Mexico |
Ferroatlántica de Venezuela (FerroVen), S.A. |
| Venezuela |
Ferroatlántica Deutschland, GmbH |
| Germany |
Ferroatlántica do Brasil Mineraçao Ltda. |
| Brazil |
Ferroatlántica Participaciones, S.L.U. | | Spain |
| United Kingdom | |
Ferroglobe Finance Company, PLC |
| United Kingdom |
FerroManganese Mauritania SARL |
| Mauritania |
Ferroquartz Holdings, Ltd (Hong Kong) |
| Hong Kong |
FerroQuartz Mauritania SARL |
| Mauritania |
Ferrosolar OPCO Group SL. | | Spain |
Ferrosolar R&D SL. | | Spain |
FerroTambao, SARL |
| Burkina Faso |
Globe Metales S.R.L. |
| Argentina |
Globe Specialty Metals, Inc. |
| United States |
Grupo FerroAtlántica de Servicios, S.L.U. | | Spain |
GSM Netherlands, BV | | Netherlands |
Laurel Ford Resources, Inc. | | United States |
Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industrial Co., Ltd. |
| China |
Photosil Industries, SAS | | France |
Ferroglobe Innovation, S.L.U | | Spain |
Solsil, Inc. | | United States |
Ultracore Energy SA | | Argentina |
* The names of other subsidiaries that would not constitute a significant subsidiary in the aggregate have been omitted.
Exhibit 12.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Marco Levi, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Ferroglobe PLC;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 2, 2022
Exhibit 12.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Beatriz García-Cos, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Ferroglobe PLC;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in U.S. Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 2, 2022
|
|
|
|
| By: |
| /s/ Beatriz García-Cos |
|
| Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting | |
Exhibit 13.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report of Ferroglobe PLC (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the period ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge:
(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: May 2, 2022
|
|
|
| By: | /s/ Marco Levi |
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |
|
|
|
| By: | /s/ Beatriz García-Cos |
| Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |
This certification is being furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission with this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by such Act, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to Ferroglobe and will be retained by Ferroglobe and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 15.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference into (a) Registration Statement No. 333-208911 on Form S-8, (b) Registration Statement No. 333-259445 on Form F-3, (c) Registration Statement No. 333-258254 on Form F-3 and (d) Registration Statement No. 333-255973 on Form F-3, of our reports dated May 2, 2022 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Ferroglobe PLC and the effectiveness of Ferroglobe PLC’s internal control over financial reporting (which report expresses an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting because of material weaknesses), appearing in this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Ferroglobe PLC for the year ended December 31, 2021
/s/ Deloitte, S.L.
Madrid, Spain
May 2, 2022
Exhibit 16.1
Mine Safety and Health Administration Safety Data
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) was enacted. Section 1503 of the Act contains new reporting requirements regarding coal or other mine safety.
We are committed to providing a safe workplace for all of our employees. We continue to engage proactively with federal and state agencies in support of measures which can legitimately improve the safety and well-being of our employees.
The operation of our mines located in the United States is subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the “Mine Act”). MSHA inspects our mines on a regular basis and issues various citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. We present information below regarding certain mining safety and health violations, orders and citations issued by MSHA, as well as related assessments and legal actions with respect to our mining operations. In evaluating this information, consideration should be given to factors such as the following: (i) the number of violations, citations and orders will vary depending on the size of the mine, (ii) the number of citations and orders issued will vary from inspector to inspector and mine to mine, and (iii) violations, citations and orders can be contested and appealed, and in that process, may be reduced in severity and amount, and are sometimes dismissed.
The table below includes references to specific sections of the Mine Act. We are providing the information in the table by mining complex because that is how we manage and operate our business. The information in the table reflects violations, citations and orders issued to us by MSHA and related assessments and legal actions during the year ended December 31, 2021, as reflected in our records. Due to timing and other factors, the data in our system may not agree with the data maintained by MSHA.
For each mine, of which we or one of our Subsidiaries is an operator (number of occurrences, except for proposed assessment U.S. Dollar values).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (A) | | | | |
Mine of Operating Name/MSHA Identification Number | | Section 104 | | Section 104(b) Orders (#) | | Section 104(d) Citations and Orders (#) | | Section 110(b)(2) Violations (#) | | Section 107(a) Orders (#) | | Total Dollar Value of MSHA Assessments Proposed | | Total Number of Mining Related Fatalities | | Received Notice of Pattern of Violations Under Section 104(e) | | Received Notice of Potential to Have Pattern Under Section 104(e) | | Legal Actions Pending as of Last Day of Period | | Legal Actions Initiated During the Period | | Legal Actions Resolved During Period |
Alden Resources – Right Fork - 1519891 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 1,125 | | - | | No | | No | | 0.00 | | 9.00 | | 9.00 |
Alden Resources – Mosley Gap - 1519894 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 1,000 | | - | | No | | No | | 0.00 | | 8.00 | | 8.00 |
Alden Resources - King Mountain- 1519854 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 250 | | - | | No | | No | | 0.00 | | 2.00 | | 2.00 |
Alden Resources - Gatliff Plant - 1509938 | | 4 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 709 | | - | | No | | No | | 0.00 | | 5.00 | | 5.00 |
Alden Resources - Harps Creek - 1518466 | | 4 | | 3 | | - | | - | | - | | 2,254 | | - | | No | | No | | 0.00 | | 21.00 | | 21.00 |
Alden Resources Mine #5 Log Cabin - 1518426 | | 7 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | 6,351 | | - | | No | | No | | 0.00 | | 41.00 | | 41.00 |
ARL Resources - Emlyn Tipple - 1508019 | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | - | | No | | No | | - | | - | | - |
(A) The pending legal actions are all contests of citations and orders, which typically are filed prior to an operator’s receipt of a proposed penalty assessment from MSHA or relate to orders for which penalties are not assessed (such as imminent danger orders under Section 107 of the Mine Act). This category includes:
● contests of citations or orders issued under section 104 of the Mine Act,
● contests of imminent danger withdrawal orders under section 107 of the Mine Act, and
● emergency response plan dispute proceedings (as required under the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-236, 120 Stat. 493).