8-K

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 6, 2017

 

 

 

LOGO

Charter Communications, Inc.

CCO Holdings, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

001-33664   84-1496755
001-37789   86-1067239
(Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

400 Atlantic Street

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(203) 905-7801

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

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

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

  Written communications pursuant Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company   ☐

If an emerging growth company, 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.   ☐

 

 

 


ITEM 1.01. ENTRY INTO A MATERIAL DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT.

Issuance of 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 and 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047

On July 6, 2017 (the “Closing Date”), Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“CCO”) and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”), subsidiaries of Charter Communications, Inc. (the “Company”), issued (i) $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 (the “Additional Notes”), which form part of the same series as the Issuers $1.25 billion principal amount of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 issued on April 20, 2017 (together with the Additional Notes, the “2047 Notes”) and (ii) $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes,” and together with the Additional Notes, the “Notes”). The Notes were sold to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

In connection therewith, the Issuers entered into the below agreements.

Secured Notes Indentures

On April 20, 2017, the Issuers, CCO Holdings, LLC (the “Parent Guarantor”) and the other guarantors party thereto (together with the Parent Guarantor, the “Guarantors”) entered into a Fifth Supplemental Indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), in connection with the issuance of the 2047 Notes and the terms thereof (the “Fifth Supplemental Indenture”). The Fifth Supplemental Indenture supplements a base indenture entered into on July 23, 2015, by and among the Issuers, CCO Safari II, LLC, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent (the “Base Indenture” and, together with the Fifth Supplemental Indenture, the “2047 Notes Indenture”) providing for the issuance of senior secured notes of the Issuers generally.

On the Closing Date, the Issuers and the Guarantors entered into a Sixth Supplemental Indenture with the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, in connection with the issuance of the 2028 Notes and the terms thereof (the “Sixth Supplemental Indenture”). The Sixth Supplemental Indenture supplements the Base Indenture (as so supplemented, the “2028 Notes Indenture,” and the 2028 Notes Indenture together with the 2047 Notes Indenture, the “Indentures”).

The Indentures provide, among other things, that the Notes are general secured obligations of the Issuers and the Guarantors. Interest is payable on the 2028 Notes on each July 15 and August 15, commencing July 15, 2018. Interest is payable on the 2047 Notes on each May 1 and November 1, commencing November 1, 2017. At any time and from time to time prior to November 15, 2027, the Issuers may redeem the outstanding 2028 Notes in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, and special interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. On or after November 15, 2027, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the outstanding 2028 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2028 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, on the principal amount being redeemed, to, but not including, the redemption date. At any time and from time to time prior to November 1, 2046, the Issuers may redeem the outstanding 2047 Notes in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date and a make-whole premium. On or after November 1, 2046, the Issuers may redeem some or all of the outstanding 2047 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2047 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Issuers. The Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Parent Guarantor and all of the subsidiaries of the Issuers that guarantee the obligations of CCO under its credit agreement. The Notes and the guarantees are secured by a pari passu, first priority security interest, subject to certain permitted liens, in the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ assets that secure obligations under the credit agreement.

The terms of the Indentures, among other things, limit the ability of the Issuers to grant liens, sell all or substantially all of their assets or merge or consolidate with other entities.

The Indentures provide for customary events of default which include (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), among others, nonpayment of principal or interest; breach of other covenants or agreements in the Indentures; failure of certain guarantees to be enforceable; cessation of a material portion of the collateral subject to liens or disaffirmation of obligations under the security documents establishing the security interest in the collateral securing the Notes; and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or the holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of a series may declare all the Notes of such series to be due and payable immediately.


Exchange and Registration Rights Agreements

In connection with the sale of the 2028 Notes, the Issuers and the Guarantors entered into an Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the 2028 Notes, dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “2028 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement”), with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined in the 2028 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement). In certain circumstances, under the 2028 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 2028 Notes for a new issue of substantially identical notes registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), to cause the exchange offer registration statement to be declared effective and to consummate the exchange offer no later than 365 days following the Closing Date. The Issuers may be required to provide a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the 2028 Notes under certain circumstances. If the foregoing obligations are not satisfied, the Issuers may be required to pay holders of the 2028 Notes additional interest at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the principal amount thereof for 90 days immediately following the occurrence of any registration default. Thereafter, the amount of additional interest will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum of the principal amount thereof to 0.50% per annum of the principal amount thereof until all registration defaults have been cured.

In connection with the sale of the Additional Notes, the Issuers entered into an Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement with respect to the Notes, dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “2047 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement”), with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined in the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement). In certain circumstances, under the 2047 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the Additional Notes for a new issue of substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act, to cause the exchange offer registration statement to be declared effective and to consummate the exchange offer no later than 365 days following April 20, 2017. The Issuers may be required to provide a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the Additional Notes under certain circumstances. If the foregoing obligations are not satisfied, the Issuers may be required to pay holders of the Additional Notes additional interest at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the principal amount thereof for 90 days immediately following the occurrence of any registration default. Thereafter, the amount of additional interest will increase by an additional 0.25% per annum of the principal amount thereof to 0.50% per annum of the principal amount thereof until all registration defaults have been cured.

Copies of the Fifth Supplemental Indenture and the form of the 2047 Notes were previously filed and are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the Sixth Supplemental Indenture and the form of the 2028 Notes are filed herewith as Exhibits 4.3 and 4.4, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the 2028 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement and the 2047 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing descriptions of the Indentures, the Notes, the 2028 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement and the 2047 Notes Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of those documents.

 

ITEM 2.03. CREATION OF A DIRECT FINANCIAL OBLIGATION OR AN OBLIGATION UNDER AN OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENT OF A REGISTRANT.

The information under the heading “Secured Notes Indentures” in Item 1.01 above is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 8.01. OTHER EVENTS.

On the Closing Date, the Company completed the issuance and sale of the Notes and issued a press release announcing the closing. The press release announcing the closing of the sale of the Notes is attached as Exhibit 99.1.


ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

4.1*    Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by CCO Holdings, LLC on April 26, 2017).
4.2*    Form of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 (included in Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report filed by CCO Holdings, LLC on April 26, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein).
4.3    Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 6, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent.
4.4    Form of 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (included in Exhibit 4.3).
10.1    Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2017, relating to the 3.750% Senior Notes due 2028, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein).
10.2    Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2017, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2047, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein).
99.1    Press release dated July 6, 2017, announcing the closing of the sale of the 3.750% Senior Notes due 2028 and the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047.

 

* Incorporated by reference and not filed herewith.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, the notes offering and use of proceeds. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, the risk factors described in our reports or documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this report may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend” and “potential,” among others.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We are under no duty or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, each of Charter Communications, Inc., and CCO Holdings, LLC has duly caused this Current Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

   

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.,

Registrant

    By:  

/s/ Kevin D. Howard

      Kevin D. Howard
Date: July 11, 2017       Senior Vice President – Finance, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
   

CCO HOLDINGS, LLC,

Registrant

    By:  

/s/ Kevin D. Howard

      Kevin D. Howard
Date: July 11, 2017       Senior Vice President – Finance, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
 

Description

  4.1*   Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by CCO Holdings, LLC on April 26, 2017).
  4.2*   Form of 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 (included in Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report filed by CCO Holdings, LLC on April 26, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein).
  4.3   Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 6, 2017, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee and collateral agent.
  4.4   Form of 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (included in Exhibit 4.3).
  10.1   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2017, relating to the 3.750% Senior Notes due 2028, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein).
  10.2   Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 6, 2017, relating to the 5.375% Senior Notes due 2047, among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several Purchasers (as defined therein).
  99.1   Press release dated July 6, 2017, announcing the closing of the sale of the 3.750% Senior Notes due 2028 and the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047.

 

* Incorporated by reference and not filed herewith.
EX-4.3

Exhibit 4.3

 

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

and

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.,

as Issuers,

CCO HOLDINGS, LLC

and

THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO,

as Note Guarantors,

and

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as Trustee and Collateral Agent

 

 

SIXTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

Dated as of July 6, 2017

 

 

3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028

 

 


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

Trust Indenture

Act Section

  

Indenture

Section

310 (a)(1)

   7.10

(a)(2)

   7.10

(a)(3)

   N.A.

(a)(4)

   N.A.

(a)(5)

   7.10

(b)

   7.10

(c)

   N.A.

311 (a)

   7.11

(b)

   7.11

(c)

   N.A.

312 (a)

   2.05

(b)

   12.03

(c)

   12.03

313 (a)

   7.06

(b)(1)

   N.A.

(b)(2)

   7.06; 7.07

(c)

   7.06; 12.02

(d)

   7.06

314 (a)

   4.04; 12.02; 12.04

(b)

   N.A.

(c)(1)

   12.04

(c)(2)

   12.04

(c)(3)

   N.A.

(d)

   N.A.

(e)

   12.05

(f)

   N.A.

315 (a)

   7.01; 7.02

(b)

   7.05; 12.02

(c)

   7.01

(d)

   7.01

(e)

   6.11

316 (a) (last sentence)

   2.09

(a)(1)(A)

   6.05

(a)(1)(B)

   6.04

(a)(2)

   N.A.

(b)

   6.07

(c)

   2.12

317 (a)(1)

   6.08

(a)(2)

   6.09

(b)

   2.04

318 (a)

   12.01

(b)

   N.A.

(c)

   12.01

N.A. means not applicable.

* This Cross Reference Table is not part of this Sixth Supplemental Indenture.

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE 1

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.01

   Definitions      2  

Section 1.02

   Other Definitions      7  

ARTICLE 2

 

THE NOTES

 

Section 2.01

   Form and Dating      8  

Section 2.02

   Execution and Authentication      9  

Section 2.03

   Registrar and Paying Agent      9  

Section 2.04

   Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      10  

Section 2.05

   Holder Lists      10  

Section 2.06

   Transfer and Exchange      11  

Section 2.07

   Replacement Notes      24  

Section 2.08

   Outstanding Notes      24  

Section 2.09

   Treasury Notes      25  

Section 2.10

   Temporary Notes      25  

Section 2.11

   Cancellation      25  

Section 2.12

   Defaulted Interest      25  

Section 2.13

   CUSIP Numbers      26  

Section 2.14

   FATCA      26  

ARTICLE 3

 

REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

 

Section 3.01

   Notices to Trustee      26  

Section 3.02

   Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed      26  

Section 3.03

   Notice of Redemption      27  

Section 3.04

   Effect of Notice of Redemption      28  

Section 3.05

   Deposit of Redemption Price      28  

Section 3.06

   Notes Redeemed in Part      29  

Section 3.07

   Optional Redemption      29  

Section 3.08

   Mandatory Redemption      29  

 

-ii-


ARTICLE 4

 

COVENANTS

 

Section 4.03

   Reports      30  

ARTICLE 5

 

SUCCESSORS

 

ARTICLE 6

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

ARTICLE 7

 

TRUSTEE

 

ARTICLE 8

 

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

ARTICLE 9

 

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

Section 9.01

   Without Consent of Holders of Notes      31  

ARTICLE 10

 

GUARANTEE

 

ARTICLE 11

 

[RESERVED.]

 

ARTICLE 12

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 12.13

   Table of Contents, Headings, etc.      33  

Section 12.16

   Supplemental Indenture Controls      33  

Section 12.17

   Submission to Jurisdiction          33  

 

-iii-


ARTICLE 13

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

Section 13.03

   Satisfaction and Discharge of Supplemental Indenture      34  

Section 13.04

   Application of Trust Money      35  

 

-iv-


SIXTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (and any successor Person thereto, “CCO”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Capital Corp” and, together with CCO, the “Issuers”), CCO Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“CCO Holdings”), the subsidiary guarantors party hereto (together with CCO Holdings, the “Note Guarantors”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (and together with its successors in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as Collateral Agent (and together with its successors in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”).

WHEREAS, the Issuers, CCO Safari II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent have previously executed and delivered an Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Base Indenture”), providing for the issuance from time to time of one or more series of senior secured debt securities of the Issuers;

WHEREAS, Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture provides that the Issuers, the Note Guarantors and the Trustee may enter into a supplemental indenture to the Base Indenture to, among other things, establish the form or terms of any series of Notes (as defined in the Base Indenture) as permitted by Section 2.01 hereof and Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture;

WHEREAS, clause (13) of Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture provides that the, the Issuers, the Note Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may enter into a supplemental indenture changing or eliminating any provision of the Base Indenture; provided, that any such change shall become effective only when there are no outstanding Notes (as defined in the Base Indenture) of such series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is entitled to the benefit of such provisions;

WHEREAS, the Issuers and the Note Guarantors are entering into this Supplemental Indenture to, among other things, establish the form and terms of the Issuers’ new series of 3.750% senior secured notes due 2028 (the “Notes”), pursuant to the Base Indenture, as modified by this Supplemental Indenture; and

WHEREAS, all conditions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture and to make it a valid and binding obligation of the Issuers and the Note Guarantors have been satisfied or performed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Issuers, the Note Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders, hereby enter into this Supplemental Indenture to, among other things, establish the terms of the Notes pursuant to Section 2.01 of the Base Indenture and there is hereby established the Issuers’ “3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028,” as a separate series of Notes (as defined in the Base Indenture) and such parties further agree that this Supplemental Indenture affects the Issuers’ Notes only and not any other series of Notes (as defined in the Base Indenture).


ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01 Definitions. The terms defined in this Section 1.01 (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context of this Supplemental Indenture otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Supplemental Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto that governs the Notes have the respective meanings specified in this Section 1.01. All other terms used in this Supplemental Indenture that are defined in the Base Indenture or the TIA, either directly or by reference therein (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context of this Supplemental Indenture otherwise requires), have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Base Indenture or the TIA, as the case may be, as in force at the date of this Supplemental Indenture as originally executed.

Additional Notes” means Notes issued pursuant to the terms of this Supplemental Indenture in addition to Initial Notes (other than any Notes issued in respect of Initial Notes pursuant to Sections 2.06, 2.07, 2.10 or 3.06 of this Supplemental Indenture or Section 9.05 of the Base Indenture).

The Notes issued pursuant to this Supplemental Indenture shall, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute “Additional Notes” as defined in the Indenture for the purposes of the Collateral Agreement, dated May 18, 2016, by and among CCO, Capital Corp, the Collateral Agent and the other grantors party thereto from time to time, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.

“Applicable Premium” means with respect to a Note the greater of (A) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (B) on any redemption date, the excess (to the extent positive) of:

(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) 100% of the principal amount of such Note on the Par Call Date, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Note to and including the Par Call Date (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed upon the redemption date using a discount rate equal to the Applicable Treasury Rate at such redemption date plus 25 basis points; over

(b) the outstanding principal amount of such Note; in each case, as calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuers by such Person as the Issuers shall designate.

Applicable Treasury Rate” with respect to a Note means, as of any redemption date, the weekly average rounded to the nearest 1/100th of a percentage point (for the most recently completed week for which such information is available as of the date that is two Business Days prior to the redemption date) of the yield to maturity United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 with respect to each applicable day during such week (or, if such statistical release is not so published or available, any publicly available source of similar market data selected by the Issuer in good faith)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to the Par Call

 

2


Date for such Note; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to such Par Call Date is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which such an average yield is given, the Applicable Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to such applicable date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

Base Indenture” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

Capital Corp” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

CCO” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

CCO Holdings” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

Depositary” means, with respect to the Global Notes, the Person specified in Section 2.03 as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Supplemental Indenture.

Exchange Notes” means any notes issued in exchange for Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or similar agreement.

Exchange Offer” means the offer of the Issuers to issue and deliver to Holders of Notes that are not prohibited by law or policy of the SEC from participating in such offer in exchange for such Notes, a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement” means a registration statement relating to the Exchange Offer as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(ii) which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Supplemental Indenture.

Indenture” means the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture and as further amended or supplemented from time to time with respect to the Notes.

 

3


Initial Notes” means the Notes issued on the Issue Date (and any Notes issued in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.06, 2.07, 2.10 or 3.06 of this Supplemental Indenture or Section 9.05 of the Base Indenture).

Initial Purchasers” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, UBS Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc., MUFG Securities Americas Inc. , Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, LionTree Advisors LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Academy Securities, Inc., Lebenthal & Co., LLC, Samuel A. Ramirez & Company, Inc. and The Williams Capital Group, L.P.

Issue Date” means July 6, 2017.

“Issuers” means collectively, CCO and Capital Corp, as the context requires.

Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Issuers and sent to all Holders of any Additional Notes for use by such Holders in connection with any Exchange Offer.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

Note” or “Notes” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble and includes the Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes.

Note Guarantors” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

Offering Memorandum” means the final offering memorandum, dated June 27, 2017, relating to the offering by the Issuers of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes.

Par Call Date” means November 15, 2027.

Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(i)(A) to be placed on all Additional Notes issued under this Supplemental Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture.

Register” means a register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuers shall provide for the registration of the Notes and of transfers and exchanges of such Notes which the Issuers shall cause to be kept at the appropriate office of the Registrar in accordance with Section 2.03.

 

4


Registration Rights Agreement” means (1) with respect to the Notes issued on the Issue Date, the Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated the Issue Date, among the Issuers, the Note Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers and (2) with respect to any Additional Notes, any registration rights agreement between the Issuers and the other parties thereto relating to the registration by the Issuers of such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and the Regulation S Legend deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in an initial denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of any Additional Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.

Regulation S Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(iii) which is required to be placed on all Regulation S Global Notes issued under this Supplemental Indenture.

Rule 144A Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in an initial denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of any Additional Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

Shelf Registration Statement” means a “shelf” registration statement providing for the registration and the sale on a continuous or delayed basis of any Additional Notes as may be provided in the Registration Rights Agreement.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

Special Interest” means all additional interest owing on the Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Supplemental Indenture” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

Trustee” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Supplemental Indenture.

Unrestricted Global Note” means a permanent Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing the Initial Notes or any Additional Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.

With respect to the Notes only, the following definition is added to Section 1.01 of the Base Indenture:

Existing Secured Notes” means the Issuers’ previously or concurrently issued $17.25 billion aggregate principal amount of debt securities under the Base Indenture, as supplemented from time to time, which do not constitute the same “series” of debt securities as the Notes.

 

5


With respect to the Notes only, the definition of “Credit Agreement” in the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 18, 1999, as amended and restated as of May 18, 2016, among CCO Holdings, LLC, CCO, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other parties thereto together with the related documents thereto (including any term loans and revolving loans thereunder, any guarantees and security documents), as further amended, extended, renewed, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to time, and any agreement (and related document) governing indebtedness incurred to refinance, in whole or in part, the borrowings and commitments then outstanding or permitted to be outstanding under such Credit Agreement or a successor Credit Agreement, whether by the same or any other lender or group of lenders.

With respect to the Notes only, the definition of “Designated Parent Companies” in the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Designated Parent Companies” means Charter Communications, Inc., CCH II, CCH and CCHC.

With respect to the Notes only, the definition of “Existing TWC Notes” in the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Existing TWC Notes” means any debt securities of Time Warner Cable, LLC or any of its Subsidiaries (other than debt securities held by Time Warner Cable, LLC or any of its Subsidiaries) outstanding on the Issue Date.

With respect to the Notes only, the definition of “Permitted Liens” in the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Permitted Liens” means:

(1) Liens Incurred by Subsidiaries of CCO to secure Indebtedness of such Subsidiaries to CCO or to one or more other Subsidiaries of CCO;

(2) Liens existing on the Issue Date (other than Liens securing obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Notes, the Existing Secured Notes or the Existing TWC Notes);

(3) Liens (excluding for the avoidance of doubt, any Liens securing the Existing TWC Notes) affecting property of a Person existing at the time it becomes a Subsidiary of CCO or at the time it merges into or consolidates with CCO or a Subsidiary of CCO or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties of such Person to CCO or any of its Subsidiaries;

(4) Liens (excluding for the avoidance of doubt, any Liens securing the Existing TWC Notes) on property or assets existing at the time of the acquisition thereof or incurred to secure payment of all or a part of the purchase price thereof or to secure indebtedness incurred prior to, at the time of, or within 18 months after the acquisition thereof for the purpose of financing all or part of the purchase price thereof, in a principal amount not exceeding 110% of the purchase price;

 

6


(5) Liens on any property to secure all or part of the cost of improvements or construction thereon or indebtedness incurred to provide funds for such purpose in a principal amount not exceeding 110% of the cost of such improvements or construction;

(6) Liens on shares of stock, indebtedness or other securities or assets of a Person that is not a Subsidiary of CCO;

(7) any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Liens described in clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (9), (10) and (11) (it being understood that any such Liens described in clause (10) extended, renewed or replaced shall still be deemed outstanding for the purposes of such clause (10) and permitted thereunder), of this definition, for amounts not exceeding the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (plus an amount equal to any premiums, accrued interest, fees and expenses payable in connection therewith); provided, however, that such extension, renewal or replacement Lien is limited to all or a part of the same assets that were covered by the Lien extended renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such assets and any Liens on assets that could have secured the Indebtedness pursuant to written agreements and instruments existing at the time);

(8) with respect to the Notes, Liens securing Obligations in respect of the Notes and the Note Guarantees thereof and Liens in favor of the Trustee;

(9) Liens resulting from progress payments or partial payments under United States government contracts or subcontracts;

(10) Liens arising or existing in connection with Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding at the time such Lien is issued, created or assumed the greater of (a) 15% of the Consolidated Net Worth of CCO and (b) $7 billion; and

(11) Liens securing the Increased Amount of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money so long as the Lien securing such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money was permitted under this Indenture.

Section 1.02 Other Definitions.

 

Term    Defined
in Section
 

“Authentication Order”

     2.02  

“DTC”

     2.03  

“Paying Agent”

     2.03  

“Registrar”

     2.03  

“series”

     2.01  

 

7


ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

With respect to the Notes only, Article 2 of the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Section 2.01 Form and Dating.

(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A. The Notes are a separate “series” of Notes for the purposes of the Base Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage or this Supplemental Indenture. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Supplemental Indenture and the Issuers and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Supplemental Indenture, the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A, including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto. Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of: Exhibit A, without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto. Each Global Note shall represent such outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06.

(c) Form of Initial Notes, Etc. All Initial Notes issued on the Issue Date are being or will be offered and sold by the Initial Purchasers only (i) to QIBs (in which case they will be evidenced by one or more Rule 144A Global Notes) or (ii) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (in which case they will be evidenced by one or more Regulation S Global Notes).

(d) Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable. The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream (or, in each case, equivalent documents setting forth the procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream) shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in Regulation S Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

 

8


Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.

Two Officers shall sign the Notes for each Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.

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

A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature (which may be by facsimile) of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Supplemental Indenture.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture, the Issuers may deliver Notes executed by the Issuers to the Trustee for authentication; and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (i) Initial Notes for original issue in the aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000,000, (ii) Additional Notes from time to time for original issue in aggregate principal amount specified by the Issuers and (iii) Exchange Notes from time to time for issue in exchange for a like principal amount of Initial Notes or Additional Notes, in each case specified in clauses (i) through (iii) above, upon a written order of the Issuers signed by an Officer of each Issuer (an “Authentication Order”). Such Authentication Order shall specify the amount and series of Notes to be authenticated and the date on which the Notes are to be authenticated, whether such Notes are to be Initial Notes, Additional Notes or Exchange Notes and whether the Notes are to be issued as one or more Global Notes and such other information as the Issuers may include or the Trustee may reasonably request. The aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Supplemental Indenture is unlimited.

On the Issue Date, the Issuers will issue Initial Notes in the form of one or more Rule 144A Global Notes and/or one or more Regulation S Global Notes, as provided in Section 2.01(c). Any Notes offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereunder or Rule 144A shall be issued as one or more Rule 144A Global Notes. Any Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued as one or more Regulation S Global Notes.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuers to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Supplemental Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Issuers.

Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent.

The Issuers shall maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying

 

9


Agent”). Until otherwise designated by the Issuers, the Issuers’ office or agency in New York shall be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. The Registrar shall keep the Register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuers may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon not less than 10 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Issuers. The Issuers shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent not a party to this Supplemental Indenture, which shall incorporate any applicable terms of the TIA. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Supplemental Indenture. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

The Issuers initially appoint The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

Principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including Special Interest, if any) on the Notes will be payable at the office of the Paying Agent or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest (including Special Interest, if any) may be made by check mailed to Holders at their respective addresses set forth in the Register; provided, all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest (including Special Interest, if any) with respect to the Notes represented by one or more Global Notes registered in the name or held by the Depositary shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to accounts specified by the Holder prior to 10:00 a.m., New York time, on each due date of the principal and interest on any Note. The Issuers shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest (including Special Interest, if any) on the Notes, and shall 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. The Issuers at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than an Issuer or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If an Issuer or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Issuers, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.05 Holder Lists.

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders, and the Issuers shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).

 

10


Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes shall be exchanged by the Issuers for Definitive Notes if:

(i) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Issuers within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary;

(ii) the Issuers in their sole discretion determine that the Global Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and deliver a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; or

(iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10. Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a); however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f).

(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes.

The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Prior to the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S, beneficial interests in any Regulation S Global Notes may be held only through Euroclear or Clearstream unless transferred in accordance with Section 2.06(b)(iii)(B). Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

 

11


(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend. Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(i).

(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either:

(A) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and

(B) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase; or

(C) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and

(D) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (A) above.

Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.06(f), the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Supplemental Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h).

(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

 

12


(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and

(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any Holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the relevant Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) such exchange or transfer is effected after the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S and the Registrar receives the following:

(1) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(i) thereof; or

(2) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

13


If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.

Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.

(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If any Holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(i) thereof (provided that any such beneficial interest in Regulation S Global Note shall not be so exchangeable until after the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S);

(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(i) thereof;

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3)(iv) thereof, if applicable;

 

14


(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Issuers, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(ii) thereof; or

(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(iii) thereof,

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h), and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the Holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

(ii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the relevant Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) such exchange or transfer is effected after the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S and the Registrar receives the following:

(1) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(ii) thereof; or

 

15


(2) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(iii) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any Holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii), the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h), and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iii) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the Holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iii) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Global Notes.

(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(ii) thereof;

(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

16


(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non- U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(i) thereof;

(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(ii) thereof; or

(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(iii) thereof,

the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of subparagraph (A) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of subparagraph (B) above, the Rule 144A Global Note or, in the case of subparagraph (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note.

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the relevant Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

17


(D) such exchange or transfer is effected after the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S and the Registrar receives the following:

(1) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(iii) thereof; or

(2) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.

If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraph (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.

(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e):

 

18


(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and

(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the relevant Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

(C) any such transfer is effected by a broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

(D) such exchange or transfer is effected after the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S and the Registrar receives the following:

(1) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

(2) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

19


and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.

(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of an Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not broker-dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the relevant Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers, and accepted for exchange in the relevant Exchange Offer and (ii) Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the relevant Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.

(g) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Supplemental Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Supplemental Indenture:

(i) Private Placement Legend.

(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Restricted Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:

THE NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT

 

20


PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUERS THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (I) (A) TO A PERSON WHO IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (B) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (D) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE ISSUERS SO REQUEST), (II) TO CCO, OR (III) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER FROM IT OF THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY.

(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Initial Note and any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(ii), (c)(iii), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE

 

21


FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY 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. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (“DTC”), TO EACH ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

(iii) Regulation S Legend. Each Regulation S Global Note should bear a legend in substantially the following form:

THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION ORIGINALLY EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY U.S. PERSON EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. TERMS USED ABOVE HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

 

22


(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon the Issuers’ order or at the Registrar’s request.

(ii) No service charge shall be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof and Section 9.05 of the Base Indenture).

(iii) The Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuers, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Supplemental Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(v) The Issuers shall not be required to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.

(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuers may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest (including Special Interest, if any) on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuers shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(vii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02.

(viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.

(ix) Each Holder of a Note agrees to indemnify the Issuers and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment of such Holder’s Note in violation of any provision of this Supplemental Indenture and/or applicable United States Federal or state securities law.

 

23


(x) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Supplemental Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary Participants or beneficial owners of interests 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, this Supplemental Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(xi) Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.

Section 2.07 Replacement Notes.

If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Issuers and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Issuers, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuers to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuers may charge for their expenses in replacing a Note.

Every replacement Note is an additional legally binding obligation of the Issuers and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Supplemental Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes.

The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.09, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note.

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 of the Base Indenture, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

If the Paying Agent (other than an Issuer, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest.

 

24


Section 2.09 Treasury Notes.

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Issuers, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuers or, if the TIA is applicable to this Supplemental Indenture, to the extent required by the TIA, any person controlling the Issuers, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.

Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuers may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Issuers consider appropriate for temporary Notes and as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuers shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.

Holders of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Supplemental Indenture.

Section 2.11 Cancellation.

The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of such canceled Notes in its customary manner. The Issuers may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that they have paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.

If the Issuers default in a payment of interest (including Special Interest, if any) on the Notes, the Issuers shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, which interest on defaulted interest shall accrue until the defaulted interest is deemed paid hereunder, 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 4.01 of the Base Indenture. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Issuers shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date shall 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) shall mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

 

25


Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers.

The Issuers in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the 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 in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

Section 2.14 FATCA.

The Issuers hereby agree (i) to give notice to the Trustee upon becoming aware that any payment under the Indenture will be treated as a withholdable payment, as such term is used in Sections 1471-1474 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Applicable Law”); and (ii) that the Trustee shall be entitled to make any withholding or deductions from payments under the Indenture (and shall not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to any such withholding or deduction on or in respect of the Notes) to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law.

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

With respect to the Notes only, Article 3 of the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.

If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 15 days but not more than 30 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the clause of this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price; provided that the Issuers shall notify the Trustee 5 days prior to any such redemption, which notice period may be waived by the Trustee.

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, if the Notes are held in definitive form, the Trustee shall select the Notes for redemption, on a pro rata basis, by lot or in accordance with any other method as the Trustee shall deem appropriate, if the Notes are held in global form, the Notes shall be selected for redemption by the depositary in accordance with their applicable procedures.

 

26


In the event of partial redemption by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 15 nor more than 30 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; except that if all of a Holder’s Notes are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Supplemental Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.

At least 15 days but not more than 30 days before a redemption date, the Issuers shall transmit or cause to be transmitted, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address.

The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:

(a) the redemption date;

(b) the redemption price;

(c) if any Note is being redeemed in part only, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Note;

(d) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

(e) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

(f) that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption and redeemed ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

(g) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;

(h) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes;

(i) any conditions to the Issuers’ obligations to redeem the Notes as contemplated by Section 3.04; and

(j) the CUSIP number, if any.

 

27


At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 30 days prior to the redemption date (or such shorter period as to which the Trustee may agree in its sole discretion), an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.

Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

Once notice of redemption is transmitted in accordance with Section 3.03, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price; provided that any redemption or notice of any redemption may, at the Issuers’ discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of an equity offering, other offering, Incurrence of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money, or other corporate transaction or event and notice of any redemption in respect thereof may be given prior to the completion thereof and may be partial as a result of only some of the conditions being satisfied; provided, however, that any such conditions precedent shall be set forth in the notice of redemption and that 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 waived by the Issuers in their sole discretion), 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 (or waived by the Issuers in their sole discretion) by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed.

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price.

At or prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest (including Special Interest, if any) on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuers any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuers in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued interest (including Special Interest, if any) on, all Notes to be redeemed.

If the Issuers comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest (including Special Interest, if any) shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Issuers to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest (including Special Interest, if any) shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 of the Base Indenture.

 

28


Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed in Part.

No Notes of $2,000 principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part. Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuers shall issue and, upon the Issuers’ written request, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuers a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered.

Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.

(a) Except as set forth in Section 3.07(c), the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem Notes pursuant to this Section 3.07(a) prior to the Par Call Date of the Notes. On or after the Par Call Date for the Notes, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the Issuers’ option, on at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, prior notice to the Holders thereof, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on a record date to receive the related interest payment on the related interest payment date).

(b) [Reserved.]

(c) At any time and from time to time prior to the Par Call Date of the Notes, the Issuers may redeem outstanding Notes, in whole or in part, at the Issuers’ option, at any time or from time to time, on at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, prior notice to the Holders thereof, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium plus accrued but unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on a record date to receive the related interest payment on the related interest payment date).

(d) [Reserved.]

Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01 through 3.06.

Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.

The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption payments with respect to the Notes.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers hereby agree to expressly subject themselves to the provisions of Article 4 of the Base Indenture.

With respect to the Notes only, Section 4.03 of the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

 

29


Section 4.03 Reports.

CCO shall file with the Trustee, and transmit to Holders, such information, documents and other reports, and such summaries thereof, as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant to such Act; provided that any such information, documents or reports required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act shall be filed with the Trustee within 15 days after the same is so required to be filed with the Commission. CCO shall also comply with the other provisions of Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a). Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

With respect to any Notes that have not been exchanged for notes in a transaction registered under the Securities Act, CCO shall provide the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes with (i) annual consolidated financial statements of CCO audited by CCO’s independent public accountants within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of CCO and (ii) unaudited quarterly consolidated financial statements (including a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement for the fiscal quarter or quarters then ended and the corresponding fiscal quarter or quarters from the prior year) within 45 days of the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each Fiscal Year of CCO. Such annual and quarterly financial statements will be prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, for so long as the Issuers are direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiaries of any Parent (or other Person which, directly or indirectly, owns a majority of the outstanding common equity interests of CCO), if such Parent (or other Person which, directly or indirectly, owns a majority the outstanding common equity interests of CCO) has furnished the Holders of the Notes or filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) the reports described in the preceding paragraphs with respect to such Parent (or other Person which, directly or indirectly, owns a majority of the outstanding common Equity Interests of CCO) and such reports include a brief explanation (or such explanation is otherwise made available to the Holders) of the material differences between the financial statements of such Parent and that of CCO, then the Issuers shall be deemed to be in compliance with this covenant.

Any information filed with the SEC and available at www.SEC.gov or made available on any Parent’s website shall be deemed transmitted, filed and delivered as required under this Section 4.03.

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers hereby agree to expressly subject themselves to the provisions of Article 5 of the Base Indenture.

 

30


ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers hereby agree to expressly subject themselves to the provisions of Article 6 of the Base Indenture.

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers hereby agree to expressly subject themselves to the provisions of Article 7 of the Base Indenture.

ARTICLE 8

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers shall apply the provisions of Article 8 of the Base Indenture.

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers shall apply the provisions of Article 9 of the Base Indenture.

With respect to the Notes only, Section 9.01 of the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, any Note Guarantee, any Security Document or the Notes without the consent of any Holder of a Note to:

(1) cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency;

(2) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuers or any Note Guarantor under the Indenture or the Security Documents;

(3) to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated notes (provided that the uncertificated notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code);

 

31


(4) to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or to add additional Collateral to secure the Notes and the Note Guarantees;

(5) to add to the covenants of the Issuers or any Note Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuers or any Note Guarantor;

(6) make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to Holders of any series or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any such Holder;

(7) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, any Note Guarantee, the Intercreditor Agreement or any Security Document to the description and terms of such Notes in the offering circular, offering memorandum, prospectus supplement or other offering document applicable to such Notes as the time of the initial sale thereof;

(8) to make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes; provided, however, that (a) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (b) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes;

(9) to release Collateral from the Lien under the Security Document when permitted or required by the Security Documents, the Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreement;

(10) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Indenture of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(11) to issue Exchange Notes and related Note Guarantees as provided for in the Registration Rights Agreement relating to the Notes;

(12) to release a Note Guarantor pursuant to the terms of Article 10; or

(13) change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall not be effective with respect to any outstanding Notes of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture that is entitled to the benefit of such provision.

The consent of the Holders of the Notes is not necessary to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.

Upon the request of the Issuers accompanied by a resolution of their respective boards of directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee and the Collateral Agent an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel pursuant to Section 9.06, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall join with the Issuers and any Note Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee and the Collateral Agent shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

32


ARTICLE 10

GUARANTEE

With respect to the Notes only, the Issuers and the Note Guarantors hereby agree to expressly subject themselves to the provisions of Article 10 of the Base Indenture.

ARTICLE 11

[Reserved.]

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

With respect to the Notes only, Section 12.13 of the Base Indenture is hereby replaced with the following:

Section 12.13 Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Supplemental Indenture and the Base Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Supplemental Indenture or the Base Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions. Unless otherwise expressly specified, references in this Supplemental Indenture to specific Articles, Sections or clauses refer to Articles, Sections and clauses contained in this Supplemental Indenture, unless such Article, Section or clause is incorporated herein by reference to the Base Indenture or no such Article, Section or clause appears in this Supplemental Indenture, in which case such references refer to the applicable section of the Base Indenture.

With respect to the Notes only, the following Sections 12.16 and 12.17 are hereby added to Article 12 of the Base Indenture:

Section 12.16 Supplemental Indenture Controls.

In case any provision of this Supplemental Indenture conflicts with any provision of the Base Indenture, the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture shall govern and be controlling, solely with respect to the Notes.

Section 12.17 Submission to Jurisdiction.

The parties irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Supplemental Indenture. To the fullest

 

33


extent permitted by applicable law, the parties irrevocably waive and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, any claim that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

ARTICLE 13

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

With respect to the Notes only, the following is hereby added as Sections 13.03 and 13.04 to Article 13 of the Base Indenture:

Section 13.03 Satisfaction and Discharge of Supplemental Indenture

This Supplemental Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Notes herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuers, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Supplemental Indenture, when

(1) either

(a) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Notes which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.07 and (ii) Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuers and thereafter repaid to the Issuers or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(b) all such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

(i) have become due and payable, or

(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 satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuers,

and the Issuers, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including Special Interest, if any) to the date of such deposit (in the case of Notes which have become due and payable) or to the maturity or redemption thereof, as the case may be;

(2) the Issuers have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuers; and

 

34


(3) the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Supplemental Indenture have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Supplemental Indenture pursuant to this Article 13, the obligations of the Issuers to the Trustee under Section 7.07 of the Base Indenture, and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 13.03, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 13.04 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.

Section 13.04 Application of Trust Money.

All money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 13.03 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Supplemental Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest (including Special Interest, if any) for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.

[Signatures on following page]

 

35


Dated as of July 6, 2017

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC, as an Issuer

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
  Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and         Corporate Treasurer

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP., as an Issuer

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
  Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and         Corporate Treasurer

 

THE NOTE GUARANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO, as Note Guarantors

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
  Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and         Corporate Treasurer


THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee

By:  

/s/ R. Tarnas

  Name: R. Tarnas
  Title: Vice President

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST         COMPANY, N.A., as Collateral Agent

 

By:  

/s/ R. Tarnas

  Name: R. Tarnas
  Title: Vice President


SCHEDULE I

Note Guarantors

CCO Holdings, LLC

Adcast North Carolina Cable Advertising, LLC

Alabanza LLC

America’s Job Exchange LLC

American Cable Entertainment Company, LLC

Athens Cablevision, LLC

BHN Home Security Services, LLC

BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC

Bresnan Broadband Holdings, LLC

Bresnan Communications, LLC

Bresnan Digital Services, LLC

Bresnan Microwave of Montana, LLC

Bright House Networks Information Services (Alabama), LLC

Bright House Networks Information Services (California), LLC

Bright House Networks Information Services (Florida), LLC

Bright House Networks Information Services (Indiana), LLC

Bright House Networks Information Services (Michigan), LLC

Bright House Networks, LLC

Cable Equities Colorado, LLC

Cable Equities of Colorado Management LLC

CC 10, LLC

CC Fiberlink, LLC

CC Michigan, LLC

CC Systems, LLC

CC V Holdings, LLC

CC VI Fiberlink, LLC

CC VI Operating Company, LLC

CC VII Fiberlink, LLC

CC VIII Fiberlink, LLC

CC VIII Holdings, LLC

CC VIII Operating, LLC

CC VIII, LLC

CCO Fiberlink, LLC

CCO Holdco Transfers VII, LLC

CCO LP, LLC

CCO NR Holdings, LLC

CCO Purchasing, LLC

CCO SoCal I, LLC

CCO SoCal II, LLC

CCO SoCal Vehicles, LLC

CCO Transfers, LLC

 

I-1


Charter Advanced Services (AL), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (CA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (CO), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (CT), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (GA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (IL), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (IN), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (KY), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (LA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MD), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MI), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MN), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MO), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MS), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (MT), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (NC), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (NE), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (NH), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (NV), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (NY), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (OH), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (OR), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (PA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (SC), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (TN), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (TX), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (UT), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (VA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (VT), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (WA), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (WI), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (WV), LLC

Charter Advanced Services (WY), LLC

Charter Advanced Services VIII (MI), LLC

Charter Advanced Services VIII (MN), LLC

Charter Advanced Services VIII (WI), LLC

Charter Advertising of Saint Louis, LLC

Charter Cable Operating Company, LLC

Charter Cable Partners, LLC

Charter Communications Entertainment I, LLC

Charter Communications Entertainment II, LLC

Charter Communications Entertainment, LLC

Charter Communications of California, LLC

Charter Communications Properties LLC

Charter Communications Ventures, LLC

 

I-2


Charter Communications VI, L.L.C.

Charter Communications VII, LLC

Charter Communications, LLC

Charter Distribution, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Alabama, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Georgia, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Illinois, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Maryland II, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Michigan, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Missouri, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Nebraska, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Pennsylvania, LLC

Charter Fiberlink – Tennessee, LLC

Charter Fiberlink AR-CCVII, LLC

Charter Fiberlink CA-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink CC VIII, LLC

Charter Fiberlink CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink CT-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink LA-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink MA-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink MS-CCVI, LLC

Charter Fiberlink NC-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink NH-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink NV-CCVII, LLC

Charter Fiberlink NY-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink OH-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink OR-CCVII, LLC

Charter Fiberlink SC-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink TX-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink VA-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink VT-CCO, LLC

Charter Fiberlink WA-CCVII, LLC

Charter Helicon, LLC

Charter Home Security, LLC

Charter Leasing Holding Company, LLC

Charter Leasing of Wisconsin, LLC

Charter RMG, LLC

Charter Stores FCN, LLC

Charter Video Electronics, LLC

DukeNet Communications Holdings, LLC

DukeNet Communications, LLC

Falcon Cable Communications, LLC

Falcon Community Cable, L.P.

Falcon First Cable of the Southeast, LLC

Falcon First, LLC

Falcon Video Communications, L.P.

 

I-3


Helicon Partners I, L.P.

Hometown T.V., LLC

HPI Acquisition Co. LLC

ICI Holdings, LLC

Insight Blocker LLC

Insight Capital LLC

Insight Communications Company, L.P.

Insight Communications Midwest, LLC

Insight Communications of Central Ohio, LLC

Insight Communications of Kentucky, L.P.

Insight Interactive, LLC

Insight Kentucky Capital, LLC

Insight Kentucky Partners I, L.P.

Insight Kentucky Partners II, L.P.

Insight Midwest Holdings, LLC

Insight Midwest, L.P.

Insight Phone of Indiana, LLC

Insight Phone of Kentucky, LLC

Insight Phone of Ohio, LLC

Interactive Cable Services, LLC

Interlink Communications Partners, LLC

Intrepid Acquisition LLC

Long Beach, LLC

Marcus Cable Associates, L.L.C.

Marcus Cable of Alabama, L.L.C.

Marcus Cable, LLC

Midwest Cable Communications, LLC

NaviSite LLC

New Wisconsin Procurement LLC

Oceanic Time Warner Cable LLC

Parity Assets LLC

Peachtree Cable TV, L.P.

Peachtree Cable TV, LLC

Renaissance Media LLC

Rifkin Acquisition Partners, LLC

Robin Media Group, LLC

Scottsboro TV Cable, LLC

The Helicon Group, L.P.

Time Warner Cable Business LLC

Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Alabama), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Arizona), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (California), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Colorado), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Hawaii), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Idaho), LLC

 

I-4


Time Warner Cable Information Services (Illinois), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Indiana), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kansas), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kentucky), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Maine), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Massachusetts), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Michigan), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Missouri), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Nebraska), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Hampshire), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Jersey), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Mexico) LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New York), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (North Carolina), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Ohio), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Pennsylvania), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (South Carolina), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Tennessee), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Texas), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Virginia), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Washington), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (West Virginia), LLC

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Wisconsin), LLC

Time Warner Cable International LLC

Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings III LLC

Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings LLC

Time Warner Cable Internet LLC

Time Warner Cable Media LLC

Time Warner Cable Midwest LLC

Time Warner Cable New York City LLC

Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC

Time Warner Cable Pacific West LLC

Time Warner Cable Services LLC

Time Warner Cable Southeast LLC

Time Warner Cable Sports LLC

Time Warner Cable Texas LLC

TWC Administration LLC

TWC Communications, LLC

TWC Digital Phone LLC

TWC Media Blocker LLC

Time Warner Cable, LLC

TWC News and Local Programming Holdco LLC

TWC News and Local Programming LLC

TWC Regional Sports Network I LLC

TWC Security LLC

TWC SEE Holdco LLC

 

I-5


TWC Wireless LLC

TWC/Charter Dallas Cable Advertising, LLC

TWCIS Holdco LLC

Vista Broadband Communications, LLC

Wisconsin Procurement Holdco LLC

TWC/Charter Los Angeles Cable Advertising, LLC

TWC/Charter Green Bay Cable Advertising, LLC

Falcon Cable Media, a California Limited Partnership

Falcon Cable Systems Company II, L.P.

Falcon Cablevision, a California Limited Partnership

Falcon Community Ventures I Limited Partnership

Falcon Telecable, a California Limited Partnership

Bresnan Broadband of Colorado, LLC

Bresnan Broadband of Montana, LLC

Bresnan Broadband of Utah, LLC

Bresnan Broadband of Wyoming, LLC

 

I-6


EXHIBIT A

[THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY 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. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (“DTC”), TO THE ISSUERS OR THEIR AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]1

[THE NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH

 

 

1 

Include Global Note Legend, if applicable.

 

A-1


REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUERS THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (I) (A) TO A PERSON WHO IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (B) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (D) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE ISSUERS SO REQUEST), (II) TO CCO, OR (III) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER FROM IT OF THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE NOTE EVIDENCED HEREBY.]2

[THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION ORIGINALLY EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY U.S. PERSON EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. TERMS USED ABOVE HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]3

 

 

2  Include Private Placement Legend, if applicable.
3  Include Regulation S Legend, if applicable.

 

A-2


[Face of Note]

CUSIP NO. [                     ]

3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028

No. [    ]

$[                     ]

Charter Communications Operating, LLC

and

Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

promise to pay to [            ] or to registered assigns the principal amount of [            ] DOLLARS on February 15, 2028

Interest Payment Dates: February 15 and August 15

Record Dates: February 1 and August 1

Subject to Restrictions set forth in this Note.

 

A-3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuers have caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: [                     ]

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

A-4


This is one of the Notes referred to

in the within-mentioned Supplemental Indenture:

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

Dated: [                     ]

 

A-5


[Back of Note]

3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Supplemental Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated. For the purposes of this Note, “Notes” shall refer to the 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 of the Issuers.

1. INTEREST. The Issuers promise to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate of 3.570% per annum from the Issue Date until maturity. The interest rate on the Notes is subject to increase pursuant to the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. The Issuers will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year (each an “Interest Payment Date”), or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day. Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided, further, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be February 15, 2018. The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1.00% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

2. METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Issuers shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on February 1 and August 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Supplemental Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, and provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest and premium on all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

A-6


3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., the Trustee under the Supplemental Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4. INDENTURE. The Issuers issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Base Indenture”), among the CCO Safari II, LLC, Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee and Collateral Agent, as supplemented by the Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Supplemental Indenture”), among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., the guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee and Collateral Agent. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Supplemental Indenture and those made part of the Supplemental Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Supplemental Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Supplemental Indenture, the provisions of the Supplemental Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

(a) Except as set forth in paragraph 5(b) below, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes pursuant to this paragraph 5 prior to November 15, 2027 (the “Par Call Date”). On or after the Par Call Date, the Issuers may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at the Issuers’ option, on at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, prior notice to the Holders thereof, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on a record date to receive the related interest payment on the related interest payment date).

(b) At any time and from time to time prior to the Par Call Date, the Issuers may redeem outstanding Notes, in whole or in part, at the Issuers’ option, at any time or from time to time, on at least 15 days, but not more than 30 days, prior notice to the Holders thereof, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium plus accrued but unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on a record date to receive the related interest payment on the relate interest payment date).

6. MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption payments with respect to the Notes.

7. [Reserved].

8. [Reserved].

 

A-7


9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Supplemental Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and the Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Supplemental Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.

10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

11. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions, the Supplemental Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, any Note Guarantee, the Security Documents or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes). Subject to certain exceptions, any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Supplemental Indenture or the Notes may be waived, including by way of amendment, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Issuers, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may amend or supplement the Supplemental Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, any Note Guarantee, any Security Document, or the Notes (i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency, (ii) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuers or any Note Guarantor under the Supplemental Indenture or the Security Documents, (iii) to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated notes (provided that the uncertificated notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code), (iv) to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or to add additional Collateral to secure the Notes and the Note Guarantees, (v) to add to the covenants of the Issuers or any Note Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuers or any Note Guarantor, (vi) make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Supplemental Indenture of any such Holder, (vii) to conform the text of the Supplemental Indenture, the Notes, any Note Guarantee, the Intercreditor Agreement or any Security Document to any provision under the heading “Description of Notes” in the Offering Memorandum, (viii) to make any amendment to the provisions of the Supplemental Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of notes; provided, however, that (a) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (b) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer notes; (ix) to release Collateral from the Lien under the Security Document when permitted or required by the Security Documents, the Supplemental Indenture or the

 

A-8


Intercreditor Agreement, (x) to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under the Supplemental Indenture of a successor Trustee or Collateral Agent thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof, (xi) to issue Exchange Notes and related Note Guarantees as provided for in the Registration Rights Agreement relating to the Notes or (xii) to release a Note Guarantor pursuant to the terms of Article 10 of the Indenture.

12. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. Each of the following is an Event of Default: (i) default for 30 consecutive days in the payment when due of interest on the Notes, (ii) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Notes when due at maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required purchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise, (iii) the failure by the Issuers or any Note Guarantor to comply for 90 days after notice with its covenants or other agreements (other than those described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) and (ii) above), provided that a default under this clause (iii) will not constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes until the Trustee or the Holders of 30% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Issuers of the default and the Issuers do not cure such default within the time specified after receipt of such notice, (iv) (I) the Issuers or any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Code: (a) commences a voluntary case, (b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (c) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or (d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or (II) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under the Bankruptcy Code that (a) is for relief against the Issuers or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case; (b) appoints a custodian of the Issuers or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuers or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary; or (c) orders the liquidation of the Issuers or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; (v) any Note Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or Note Guarantees of any group of Subsidiary Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) ceases to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Note Guarantee and/or this Indenture) or any Note Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee; and (vi) a material portion of the Collateral ceases to be subject to the Liens of the Security Documents (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Security Documents) or any Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under the Security Documents to which it is party.

In the case of an Event of Default arising from (vi) above with respect to the Issuers, all outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders of the Notes.

If any other Event of Default with respect to the Notes occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuers or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuers and the Trustee may declare the Notes to be due and payable immediately.

 

A-9


The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders rescind an acceleration and its consequences with respect to such Notes if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except non-payment of principal, interest or premium that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.

13. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH ISSUERS. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for any Issuer or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with any Issuer or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

14. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. A director, officer, employee, incorporator, member or stockholder of the Issuers, as such, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers under the Notes or the 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 and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

15. GOVERNING LAW. THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS NOTE AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THE HOLDERS AGREE TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE.

16. AUTHENTICATION. This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

17. 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 right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

18. ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Supplemental Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

19. CUSIP NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

A-10


The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Supplemental Indenture, the Base Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement, as applicable. Requests may be made to the Issuers:

c/o Charter Communications, Inc.

400 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

Attention: Corporate Secretary

Telecopier No.: (314) 965-6440

 

A-11


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(i) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:                                                                                                                                                                                   

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

 

 

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

 

 

 

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

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

Date:                                                              

Your Signature:                                                                                                                   

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee*:                                                                                                         

 

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

 

A-12


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of
decrease in
Principal Amount
of this Global
Note
   Amount of
increase in
Principal Amount
of this Global
Note
   Principal Amount
of this Global
Note following
such decrease (or
increase)
   Signature of
authorized officer
of Trustee or Note
Custodian

 

A-13


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

c/o Charter Communications, Inc.

400 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

2 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1020

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Facsimile No.: (312) 827-8542

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Re: Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

☐ 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (CUSIP [             ]) (the “Notes”)

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Base Indenture”), among CCO Safari II, LLC, Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“CCO”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), as supplemented by the Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) among the Issuers, the guarantors party thereto, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Base Indenture and/or the Supplemental Indenture, as applicable.

                    (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $            in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to                     (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

1. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Note or a Definitive Note Pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive

 

B-1


Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Rule 144A Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Supplemental Indenture and the Securities Act.

☐ 2. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act and (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Supplemental Indenture and the Securities Act. If the Transfer of the beneficial interest occurs prior to the expiration of the 40-day distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S, the transferred beneficial interest will be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear or Clearstream.

☐ 3. Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

☐ (i) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act; or

☐ (ii) such Transfer is being effected to the Issuers or a subsidiary thereof; or

 

B-2


☐ (iii) such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; or

☐ (iv) such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Supplemental Indenture and (2) an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Note and/or the Definitive Notes and in the Supplemental Indenture and the Securities Act.

☐ 4. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.

☐ (i) Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Supplemental Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Supplemental Indenture.

☐ (ii) Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Supplemental Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Supplemental Indenture.

 

B-3


☐ (iii) Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Supplemental Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Supplemental Indenture.

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.

 

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:
Dated:  

 

 

B-4


ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

1.         The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

☐        (a)         a beneficial interest in the:

☐        (i)         Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP             ), or

☐        (ii)        Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP             ), or

☐        (b)         a Restricted Definitive Note.

2.         After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

[CHECK ONE]

☐        (a)         a beneficial interest in the:

☐        (i)         Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP             ), or

☐        (ii)        Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP             ), or

☐        (iii)       Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP             ); or

☐        (b)         a Restricted Definitive Note; or

☐        (c)         an Unrestricted Definitive Note,

in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture.

 

B-5


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

c/o Charter Communications, Inc.

400 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

2 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1020

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Facsimile No.: (312) 827-8542

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Re: Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

☐ 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (CUSIP [            ]) (the “Notes”)

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Base Indenture”), among CCO Safari II, LLC, Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“CCO”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), as supplemented by the Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) among the Issuers, the guarantors party thereto, the Trustee and and the Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Base Indenture and/or Supplemental Indenture, as applicable.

                    (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $            in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

☐ (i) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s

 

C-1


own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. If the Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner further certifies that it is either (x) a non-U.S. Person to whom Notes would be transferred in accordance with Regulation S or (y) a U.S. Person who purchased Notes in a transaction that did not require registration under the Securities Act.

☐ (ii) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

☐ (iii) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. If the Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note to an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner further certifies that it is either (x) a non-U.S. Person to whom Notes could be transferred in accordance with Regulation S or (y) a U.S. Person who purchased Notes in a transaction that did not require registration under the Securities Act.

☐ (iv) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the

 

C-2


transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Supplemental Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

☐ (i) Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. If the Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note to a Restricted Definitive Note, the Owner further certifies that it is either (x) a non-U.S. Person to whom Notes could be transferred in accordance with Regulation S or (y) a U.S. Person who purchased Notes in a transaction that did not require registration under the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Supplemental Indenture and the Securities Act.

☐ (ii) Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] ☐ Rule 144A Global Note or ☐ Regulation S Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Supplemental Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Supplemental Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

C-3


This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.

 

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:
Dated:  

 

 

C-4


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM

ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR

Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

c/o Charter Communications, Inc.

400 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

2 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1020

Chicago, Illinois 60602

Facsimile No.: (312) 827-8542

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

Re: Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp.

☐ 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (CUSIP [             ]) (the “Notes”)

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Base Indenture”), among CCO Safari II, LLC, Charter Communications Operating, LLC(“CCO”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity,the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), as supplemented by the Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) among the Issuers, the guarantors party thereto, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Base Indenture and/or Supplemental Indenture, as applicable.

In connection with our proposed purchase of $            aggregate principal amount of:

(i) ☐ a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or

(ii) ☐ a Definitive Note,

we confirm that:

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

 

D-1


2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (a) to the Issuers or any subsidiary thereof, (b) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined therein), (c) to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Issuers a signed letter substantially in the form of this letter and an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, (d) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (e) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144(d) under the Securities Act or (f) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to provide to any person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (a) through (e) of this paragraph a notice advising such purchaser that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.

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

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

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

You and the Issuers are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:
Dated:  

 

 

D-2

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

3.750% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2028

EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

July 6, 2017

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Incorporated

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

UBS Securities LLC

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

As representatives (“Representatives”) of the Purchasers

c/o Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Charter Communications Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CCO”), and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”), propose, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to the Purchasers (as defined herein) upon the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein) $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “Notes”) on July 6, 2017. In satisfaction of a condition to the obligations of the Purchasers under the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers and the Guarantors (as defined herein) agree with the Purchasers for the benefit of holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Registrable Securities (as defined herein) as follows:

SECTION 1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

Additional Guarantors” shall mean any subsidiary of the Issuers that executed a Joinder Agreement and guarantee supplemental indenture under the Indenture after the Closing Date.

Agreement” shall mean this Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

Base Indenture” shall mean the Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015, among the Issuers, CCO Safari II, LLC, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.


Base Interest” shall mean the interest that would otherwise accrue on the Notes under the terms thereof and the Indenture, without giving effect to the provisions of this Agreement.

broker-dealer” shall mean any broker or dealer registered with the Commission under the Exchange Act.

CCH II” shall mean CCH II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CCO” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Charter” shall mean Charter Communications Inc. a Delaware corporation.

Charter Holdings” shall mean Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2017.

Collateral Agent” shall mean the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent under the Indenture.

Commission” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal agency at the time administering the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, whichever is the relevant statute for the particular purpose.

Company” shall mean CCO Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Conduct Rules” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(e)(xix) hereof.

Effective Time,” in the case of (i) an Exchange Offer Registration, shall mean the time and date as of which the Commission declares the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective or as of which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement otherwise becomes effective and (ii) a Shelf Registration, shall mean the time and date as of which the Commission declares the Shelf Registration Statement effective or as of which the Shelf Registration Statement otherwise becomes effective.

Electing Holder” shall mean any holder of Registrable Securities that has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers in accordance with Section 3(e)(ii) or 3(e)(iii) hereof.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any successor thereto, and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Exchange Date” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

 

-2-


Exchange Notes” shall mean the senior secured notes issued by the Issuers under the Indenture substantially identical in all material respects to the Notes (and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture which shall be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act), except that they have been registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and do not contain provisions for the additional interest contemplated in Section 2(c) hereof, to be issued to holders in exchange for Registrable Securities.

Exchange Offer” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(c) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchanging Dealer” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 6(a) hereof.

FINRA” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(e)(xix) hereof.

Guarantors” shall mean each person that executes this Agreement as a guarantor and each Additional Guarantor.

holder” shall mean, unless the context otherwise indicates, each of the Purchasers and other persons who acquire Registrable Securities from time to time (including, without limitation, any successors or assigns), in each case for so long as such person is a registered holder of any Registrable Securities.

Indenture” shall mean the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Sixth Supplemental Indenture, as the same shall be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Issuers” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Annex A hereto.

Losses” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 6(d) hereof.

Notes” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the introductory paragraph hereto and shall include any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof pursuant to the Indenture.

Notice and Questionnaire” shall mean a Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

 

-3-


Parent Companies” shall mean, collectively, (i) Charter, (ii) Charter Holdings, (iii) Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and (iv) CCH II.

person” shall mean a corporation, association, partnership, organization, limited liability company, business, individual, government or political subdivision thereof or governmental agency.

Purchase Agreement” shall mean the Purchase Agreement, dated June 27, 2017, among Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated as representative of the several purchasers listed in Schedule I thereto, the Issuers and the Guarantors relating to the Notes.

Purchasers” shall mean the Purchasers named in Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement.

Registrable Securities” shall mean the Notes (and to the extent set forth in clause (i) of this definition and in Section 2(d) hereof, certain Exchange Notes); provided, however, that a Note or Exchange Note shall cease to be a Registrable Security when (i) in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(a) hereof, such Note has been exchanged for an Exchange Note in an Exchange Offer as contemplated in Section 2(a) hereof (provided that any Exchange Note that, pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 2(a), is included in a prospectus for use in connection with resales by broker-dealers shall be deemed to be a Registrable Security with respect to Sections 5, 6 and 9 hereof until resale of such Registrable Security has been effected within the 180-day period referred to in Section 2(a)(y)); (ii) in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(b) hereof, a Shelf Registration Statement registering such Note or Exchange Note under the Securities Act has been declared or becomes effective and such Note or Exchange Note has been sold or otherwise transferred by the holder thereof pursuant to and in a manner contemplated by such effective Shelf Registration Statement; (iii) such Note or Exchange Note is sold pursuant to Rule 144 under circumstances in which any legend borne by such Note or Exchange Note relating to restrictions on transferability thereof, under the Securities Act or otherwise, is removed by the Issuers pursuant to the Indenture; or (iv) such Note or Exchange Note shall cease to be outstanding.

Registration Default” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Registration Default Period” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) thereof.

Registration Expenses” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4 hereof.

Representatives” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the addressee block hereto.

Resale Period” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

 

-4-


Restricted Holder” shall mean (i) a holder that is an affiliate of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405, (ii) a holder who acquires Exchange Notes outside the ordinary course of such holder’s business, (iii) a holder who has arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing Exchange Notes and (iv) a holder that is a broker-dealer, but only with respect to Exchange Notes received by such broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities acquired by the broker-dealer directly from the Issuers.

Rule 144,” “Rule 405” and “Rule 415” shall mean, in each case, such rule promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor provision), as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, or any successor thereto, and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Shelf Filing Deadline” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b) hereof.

Sixth Supplemental Indenture” shall mean the sixth supplemental indenture to the Base Indenture, dated as of the Closing Date, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, relating to the Notes.

Special Interest” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Transfer Restricted Notes” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Trust Indenture Act” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or any successor thereto, and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Trustee” shall mean The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the Indenture.

Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference herein to a “Section” or “clause” refers to a Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Agreement, and the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision. Any reference herein to “Notes” or “Exchange Notes” refers also to any guarantees thereof by the Guarantors.

 

-5-


SECTION 2. Registration Under the Securities Act.

(a) Except as set forth in Section 2(b) below, the Issuers and the Guarantors agree to file under the Securities Act, as soon as practicable, a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange (such registration statement, the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement,” and such offer, the “Exchange Offer”) any and all Registrable Securities for a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes. The Issuers and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become or be declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable after the Closing Date. The Exchange Offer will be registered under the Securities Act on the appropriate form and will comply with the Exchange Act. The Issuers and the Guarantors further agree to use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer not later than 365 days following the Closing Date (or if such 365th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) (the “Exchange Date”) and to exchange Exchange Notes for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn on or prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable United States federal and state securities laws to complete the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be less than 20 business days after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to holders. The Exchange Offer will be deemed to have been completed only if the Exchange Notes received by holders, other than Restricted Holders, in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities are, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without restriction under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of a substantial majority of the States of the United States of America. The Exchange Offer shall be deemed to have been completed upon the earlier to occur of (i) the Issuers having exchanged the Exchange Notes for all outstanding Registrable Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer and (ii) the Issuers having exchanged, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Exchange Notes for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn before the expiration of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Guarantors agree (x) to include in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement a prospectus for use in any resales by any holder of Exchange Notes that is a broker-dealer and identifies itself as such by written notice to the Issuers prior to the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and (y) to keep such Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective for a period (the “Resale Period”) beginning when Exchange Notes are first issued in the Exchange Offer and ending upon the earlier of the expiration of the 180th day after the Exchange Offer has been completed or such time as such broker-dealers no longer own any Registrable Securities. With respect to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, such holders shall have the benefit of the rights of indemnification and contribution set forth in Sections 6(a), (c), (d) and (e) hereof.

(b) If (i) on or prior to the time the Exchange Offer is completed existing law or Commission policy or interpretations are changed such that the Exchange Notes received by holders, other than Restricted Holders, in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities are not or would not be, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without restriction under the Securities Act, (ii) the Exchange Offer has not been completed by the Exchange Date, (iii) any Purchaser so requests with respect to Registrable Securities that are not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer and that are held by it following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, or (iv) the Exchange Offer is not available to any holder (other than a Purchaser) which notifies the Issuers in writing, then, in each case, the Issuers and the

 

-6-


Guarantors shall, in lieu of (or, in the case of clause (iii) or (iv), in addition to) conducting the Exchange Offer contemplated by Section 2(a), file a “shelf” registration statement in accordance with the remainder of this Section 2(b) below, under the Securities Act with respect to the Registrable Securities that could not be exchanged for any reason set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall, on or prior to 30 business days after the time such obligation to file arises, file a “shelf” registration statement providing for the registration of, and the sale on a continuous or delayed basis by the holders of, all the Registrable Securities, pursuant to Rule 415 or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission (such filing, the “Shelf Registration” and such registration statement, the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The Issuers and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts (x) to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to become or be declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the later of 365 days (or if such 365th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) following the Closing Date and the 90th day (or if such 90th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) after the date such filing obligations arises (the “Shelf Filing Deadline”) and to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending on the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the Effective Time or (ii) such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities outstanding; provided, however, that no holder (other than a Purchaser) shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement or to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities unless such holder is an Electing Holder, and (y) after the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, promptly upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities that is not then an Electing Holder, to take any action reasonably necessary to enable such holder to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any action necessary to identify such holder as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that nothing in this clause (y) shall relieve any such holder of the obligation to return a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers in accordance with Section 3(e)(iii) hereof. The Issuers and the Guarantors further agree to supplement or make amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement, as and when required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Issuers and the Guarantors for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act for shelf registration, and the Issuers and the Guarantors agree to furnish to each Electing Holder copies of any such supplement or amendment prior to its being used or promptly following its filing with the Commission.

(c) In the event that (i) the Shelf Registration Statement has not become effective or been declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the Shelf Filing Deadline, (ii) the Exchange Offer has not been completed on or prior to the Exchange Date, (iii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement required by Section 2(a) hereof is filed and becomes or is declared effective but thereafter shall either be withdrawn by the Issuers and the Guarantors or shall become subject to an effective stop order issued pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Securities Act suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement (except as specifically permitted herein) without being succeeded immediately by an additional registration statement filed and declared effective, in each case prior to the completion of the Exchange Offer or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement required by Section 2(b) hereof is filed and becomes or is declared effective but shall thereafter either be withdrawn by the Issuers and the Guarantors or shall become subject to an effective stop order issued pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Securities Act suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement (except as specifically permitted herein) without being succeeded immediately by an additional registration statement filed and declared effective (each

 

-7-


such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a “Registration Default” and each period during which a Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, a “Registration Default Period”), then, as liquidated damages for such Registration Default, subject to the provisions of Section 9(b), special interest (“Special Interest”), in addition to the Base Interest, shall accrue on the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Transfer Restricted Notes (as defined below) affected by such Registration Default at a per annum rate of 0.25% for the first 90 days of the Registration Default Period and at a per annum rate of 0.50% thereafter for the remaining portion of the Registration Default Period, commencing on (A) the 90th day after the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement was required, in the case of clause (i) above (but in no event prior to the 365th day after the Closing Date), (B) the 365th day after the Closing Date, in the case of clause (ii) above, (C) the day such Exchange Offer Registration Statement ceases to be effective, in the case of clause (iii) above and (D) the day such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective, in the case of clause (iv) above. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults relating to particular Transfer Restricted Notes (which shall be the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement in the case of clause (i) above, the date of the completion of the Exchange Offer, in the case of clause (ii) above, the date that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement again becomes effective, in the case of clause (iii) above, and the date that the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective, in the case of clause (iv) above), the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Notes will be reduced to the original interest rate borne by such Transfer Restricted Notes; provided, however, that, if after any such reduction in interest rate, a different Registration Default occurs, the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Notes shall again be increased pursuant to the foregoing provisions. All accrued Special Interest shall be paid in cash by the Issuers and the Guarantors on each Interest Payment Date (as defined in the Indenture). For purposes of this Agreement, “Transfer Restricted Notes” shall mean, with respect to any Registration Default, any Notes or Exchange Notes which have not ceased being Registrable Securities pursuant to the definition thereof in Section 1 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, Special Interest shall be the sole and exclusive remedy with respect to a Registration Default.

(d) If any Purchaser determines that it is not eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer with respect to the exchange of Registrable Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, at the request of such Purchaser, then, subject to any prohibitions or restrictions imposed by any applicable law or regulations, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to issue and deliver to such Purchaser, in exchange for such Registrable Securities, a like principal amount of Exchange Notes. Such issuance shall not be deemed to be part of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the CUSIP Service Bureau to issue the same CUSIP number for Exchange Notes described in this Section 2(d) as for Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Any such Exchange Notes shall, at the time of issuance, and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1 hereof, constitute Registrable Securities for purposes of this Agreement (other than Section 2(a) hereof).

(e) The Issuers and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to take all actions necessary or advisable to be taken by them to ensure that the transactions contemplated herein are effected as so contemplated in Section 2(a) or 2(b) hereof.

 

-8-


(f) Any reference herein to a registration statement as of any time shall be deemed to include any document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, therein by reference as of such time and any reference herein to any post-effective amendment to a registration statement as of any time shall be deemed to include any document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, therein by reference as of such time.

SECTION 3. Registration Procedures. If the Issuers and the Guarantors file a registration statement pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b), the following provisions shall apply:

(a) At or before the Effective Time of the Exchange Offer or the Shelf Registration, as the case may be, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

(b) In the event that such qualification would require the appointment of a new trustee under the Indenture, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall appoint a new trustee thereunder pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture.

(c) In connection with the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the registration of Exchange Notes as contemplated by Section 2(a) (the “Exchange Offer Registration”), if applicable, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, as soon as practicable (or as otherwise specified):

(i) prepare and file with the Commission an Exchange Offer Registration Statement on any form which may be utilized by the Issuers and the Guarantors and which shall permit the Exchange Offer and resales of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers during the Resale Period to be effected as contemplated by Section 2(a);

(ii) as soon as practicable prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein as may be necessary to effect and maintain the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement for the periods and purposes contemplated in Section 2(a) hereof and as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions applicable to the form of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and promptly provide each broker-dealer holding Exchange Notes with such number of copies of the prospectus included therein (as then amended or supplemented), in conformity in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, as such broker-dealer reasonably may request prior to the expiration of the Resale Period, for use in connection with resales of Exchange Notes;

(iii) prepare and furnish to each such holder a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus supplemented or amended so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of such Exchange Notes during the Resale Period, such prospectus conforms in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

 

-9-


(iv) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto as soon as practicable;

(v) use their reasonable best efforts to (A) register or qualify the Exchange Notes under the securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are contemplated by Section 2(a) no later than the commencement of the Exchange Offer, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect and comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of offers, sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions until the expiration of the Resale Period and (C) take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each broker-dealer holding Exchange Notes to consummate the disposition thereof in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that neither of the Issuers or the Guarantors shall be required for any such purpose to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in any jurisdiction wherein it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for the requirements of this Section 3(c)(v), (2) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other organizational document) or any agreement between it and holders of its ownership interests;

(vi) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the consent or approval of each governmental agency or authority, whether federal, state or local, which may be required to effect the Exchange Offer Registration, the Exchange Offer and the offering and sale of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers during the Resale Period;

(vii) provide a CUSIP number for all Exchange Notes, not later than the applicable Effective Time;

(viii) comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to their securityholders as soon as practicable but no later than eighteen months after the effective date of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 thereunder);

(ix) mail to each holder a copy of the prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of instruction and related documents;

 

-10-


(x) utilize the services of a depositary for the Exchange Offer, which may be the Trustee, any new trustee under the Indenture, or an affiliate of any of them;

(xi) permit holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last business day on which the Exchange Offer is open;

(xii) prior to the Effective Time, provide a supplemental letter to the Commission (i) stating that the Issuers are conducting the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the Commission in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (pub. avail. May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (pub. avail. June 5, 1991); and (ii) including a representation that the Issuers have not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any person to distribute the Exchange Notes to be received in the Exchange Offer and that, to the best of the Issuers’ information and belief, each holder participating in the Exchange Offer is acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes; and

(xiii) provide the Representatives, in advance of filing thereof with the Commission, a draft of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement substantially in the form to be filed with the Commission, each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission and each amendment or supplement thereto (including any documents incorporated by reference therein after the initial filing), and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as are reasonably proposed.

(d) As soon as practicable after the close of the Exchange Offer, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall:

(i) accept for exchange all Registrable Securities tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer;

(ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes so accepted for exchange; and

(iii) cause the Trustee promptly to authenticate and deliver to each holder a principal amount of Exchange Notes equal to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

(e) In connection with the Issuers and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the Shelf Registration, if applicable, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, as soon as practicable (or as otherwise specified):

 

-11-


(i) prepare and file with the Commission within the time periods specified in Section 2(b), a Shelf Registration Statement on any form which may be utilized by the Issuers and the Guarantors and which shall register all the Registrable Securities for resale by the holders thereof in accordance with such method or methods of disposition as may be specified by such of the holders as, from time to time, may be Electing Holders and use their reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to become or be declared effective within the time periods specified in Section 2(b);

(ii) not less than 30 calendar days prior to the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, mail the Notice and Questionnaire to the holders of Registrable Securities; no holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement as of the Effective Time, and no holder shall be entitled to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless such holder has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers by the deadline for response set forth therein; provided, however, that holders of Registrable Securities shall have at least 28 calendar days from the date on which the Notice and Questionnaire is first mailed to such holders to return a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers;

(iii) after the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities that is not then an Electing Holder, promptly send a Notice and Questionnaire to such holder; provided that the Issuers shall not be required to take any action to name such holder as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement or to enable such holder to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities until such holder has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers;

(iv) as soon as practicable prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Shelf Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein as may be necessary to effect and maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement for the period specified in Section 2(b) and as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions applicable to the form of such Shelf Registration Statement, and furnish to the Electing Holders copies of any such supplement or amendment simultaneously with or prior to its being used or filed with the Commission;

(v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all the Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the Electing Holders provided for in such Shelf Registration Statement;

(vi) provide (A) the Electing Holders, (B) the underwriters (which term, for purposes of this Agreement, shall include a person deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act), if any, thereof, (C) any sales or placement agent therefor, (D) counsel for any such underwriter or agent, (E) not more than one counsel for all the Electing Holders and (F) the Representatives, in advance of filing thereof with the Commission, a draft

 

-12-


of such Shelf Registration Statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission and each amendment or supplement thereto (including any documents incorporated by reference therein after the initial filing), in each case in substantially the form to be filed with the Commission, and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as are reasonably proposed;

(vii) for a reasonable period prior to the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement, and throughout the period specified in Section 2(b), make available at reasonable times at each Issuer’s or each Guarantor’s principal place of business, or such other reasonable place for inspection by the persons referred to in Section 3(e)(vi) who shall certify to the Issuers and the Guarantors that they have a current intention to sell the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration such financial and other relevant information and books and records of the Issuers and the Guarantors, each of their subsidiaries and, as relevant, Parent Companies, and cause each of their officers, employees, counsel and independent certified public accountants to supply all relevant information and to respond to such inquiries, as shall be reasonably necessary, in the judgment of the respective counsel referred to in such Section, to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that each such party shall be required to maintain in confidence and not to disclose to any other person any information or records reasonably designated by the Issuers or any Guarantor as being confidential, until such time as (A) such information becomes a matter of public record (whether by virtue of its inclusion in such registration statement or otherwise, except as a result of a breach of this or any other obligation of confidentiality to the Issuers), or (B) such person shall be required so to disclose such information pursuant to a subpoena or order of any court or other governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the matter (subject to the requirements of such order, and only after such person shall have given the Issuers prompt prior written notice of such requirement), or (C) such information is required to be set forth in such Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or in an amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to such prospectus in order that such Shelf Registration Statement, prospectus, amendment or supplement, as the case may be, complies with applicable requirements of the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Commission and does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, provided further, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this clause (vii), any such person (and each employee, representative, or other agent of such person) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation, the U.S. tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the matters covered by and relating to this Agreement (including opinions or other tax analysis that are provided to such party relating to such tax treatment and tax structure); provided, however, that no person (and no employee, representative, or other agent of any person) shall disclose any other information that is not relevant to understanding the tax treatment and tax structure of the matters

 

-13-


covered by and relating to this Agreement (including the identity of any party and any information that could lead another to determine the identity of any party), or any other information to the extent that such non-disclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable securities law;

(viii) promptly notify each of the Representatives, the Electing Holders, any sales or placement agent therefor and any underwriter thereof (which notification may be made through any managing underwriter that is a representative of such underwriter for such purpose) and confirm such advice in writing, (A) when such Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or any prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to such Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of any comments by the Commission and by the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state with respect thereto, or any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to such Shelf Registration Statement or prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Issuers and the Guarantors, threatening of any proceedings for that purpose, (D) if at any time the representations and warranties of the Issuers and the Guarantors contemplated by Section 3(e)(xvii) or Section 5 hereof cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (E) of the receipt by the Issuers of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Issuers, threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, or (F) if at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, that such Shelf Registration Statement, prospectus, prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment does not conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

(ix) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto as soon as practicable;

(x) if requested by any managing underwriter or underwriters, any placement or sales agent or any Electing Holder, promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as is required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and as such managing underwriter or underwriters, such agent or such Electing Holder specifies should be included therein relating to the terms of the sale of such Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, information (i) with respect to the principal amount of Registrable Securities being sold by such Electing Holder or agent or to any underwriters, the name and description of such Electing Holder, agent or underwriter, the offering price of such Registrable Securities, and any discount, commission

 

-14-


or other compensation payable in respect thereof and the purchase price being paid therefor by such underwriters and (ii) with respect to any other material terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold by such Electing Holder or agent or to such underwriters; and make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment upon notification of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(xi) furnish to each Electing Holder, each placement or sales agent, if any, therefor, each underwriter, if any, thereof and the respective counsel referred to in Section 3(e)(vi) hereof an executed copy (or, in the case of an Electing Holder, a conformed copy) of such Shelf Registration Statement, each such amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto (in the case of an Electing Holder of Registrable Securities, upon request) and documents incorporated by reference therein) and such number of copies of such Shelf Registration Statement (excluding exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein unless specifically so requested by such Electing Holder, agent or underwriter, as the case may be) and of the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement (including, without limitation, each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus), in conformity in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, and such other documents, as such Electing Holder, agent, if any, and underwriter, if any, may reasonably request in order to facilitate the offering and disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder, offered or sold by such agent or underwritten by such underwriter and to permit such Electing Holder, agent and underwriter to satisfy the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; and the Issuers and the Guarantors hereby consent to the use of such prospectus (including, without limitation, such preliminary and summary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto by each such Electing Holder and by any such agent and underwriter, in each case in the form most recently provided to such person by the Issuers and the Guarantors, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by the prospectus (including, without limitation, such preliminary and summary prospectus) or any supplement or amendment thereto;

(xii) use their reasonable best efforts to (A) register or qualify the Registrable Securities to be included in such Shelf Registration Statement under such securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Electing Holder and each placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and underwriter, if any, thereof shall reasonably request, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect and comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of offers, sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions during the period the Shelf Registration is required to remain effective under Section 2(b) above and for so long as may be necessary to enable any such Electing Holder, agent or underwriter to complete its distribution of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement and (C) take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each such Electing Holder, agent, if any, and underwriter, if any, to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of such Registrable

 

-15-


Securities; provided, however, that none of the Issuers or the Guarantors shall be required for any such purpose to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in any jurisdiction wherein it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for the requirements of this Section 3(d)(xii), (2) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other organizational document) or any agreement between it and holders of its ownership interests;

(xiii) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the consent or approval of each governmental agency or authority, whether federal, state or local, which may be required to effect the Shelf Registration or the offering or sale in connection therewith or to enable the selling holder or holders to offer, or to consummate the disposition of, their Registrable Securities;

(xiv) unless any Registrable Securities shall be in book-entry only form, cooperate with the Electing Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold, which certificates, if so required by any securities exchange upon which any Registrable Securities are listed, shall be penned, lithographed or engraved, or produced by any combination of such methods, on steel engraved borders, and which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends; and, in the case of an underwritten offering, enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriters may request at least two business days prior to any sale of the Registrable Securities;

(xv) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities, not later than the applicable Effective Time;

(xvi) enter into one or more underwriting agreements, engagement letters, agency agreements, “best efforts” underwriting agreements or similar agreements, as appropriate, including customary provisions relating to indemnification and contribution (but no less favorable than those set forth in Section 6 with respect to all parties indemnified under Section 6), unless such provisions are acceptable to Electing Holders of at least 50% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities and any managing underwriters, and take such other actions in connection therewith as any Electing Holders of at least 20% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding shall request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(xvii) whether or not an agreement of the type referred to in Section 3(e)(xvi) hereof is entered into, and whether or not any portion of the offering contemplated by the Shelf Registration is an underwritten offering or is made through a placement or sales agent or any other entity, (A) make such representations and warranties to the Electing Holders and the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the underwriters, if any, thereof in form, substance and scope as are customarily made in connection with an offering of debt securities pursuant to any appropriate agreement or to a registration statement filed on the form applicable

 

-16-


to the Shelf Registration; (B) obtain an opinion of counsel to the Issuers and the Guarantors in customary form, subject to customary limitations, assumptions and exclusions, and covering such matters, of the type customarily covered by such an opinion, as the managing underwriters, if any, or as any Electing Holders of at least 20% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding may reasonably request, addressed to such Electing Holder or Electing Holders and the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the underwriters, if any, thereof and dated the date of the Effective Time of such Shelf Registration Statement (and if such Shelf Registration Statement contemplates an underwritten offering of a part or all of the Registrable Securities, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement relating thereto) (it being agreed that the matters to be covered by such opinion shall include the matters set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 8 of the Purchase Agreement to the extent applicable to an offering of this type); (C) obtain a “cold comfort” letter or letters from the independent certified public accountants of the Issuers and the Guarantors addressed to the selling Electing Holders, the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor or the underwriters, if any, thereof, dated (i) the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement and (ii) the effective date of any prospectus supplement to the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement or post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement which includes unaudited or audited financial statements as of a date or for a period subsequent to that of the latest such statements included in such prospectus (and, if such Shelf Registration Statement contemplates an underwritten offering pursuant to any prospectus supplement to the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement or post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement which includes unaudited or audited financial statements as of a date or for a period subsequent to that of the latest such statements included in such prospectus, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement relating thereto), such letter or letters to be in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by letters of such type; (D) deliver such documents and certificates, including, without limitation, officers’ certificates, as may be reasonably requested by any Electing Holders of at least 20% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding or the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriters, if any, thereof to evidence the accuracy of the representations and warranties made pursuant to clause (A) above or those contained in Section 5(a) hereof and the compliance with or satisfaction of any agreements or conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other similar agreement entered into by the Issuers and the Guarantors pursuant to Section 3(e)(xvi); and (E) undertake such obligations relating to expense reimbursement, indemnification and contribution as are provided in Section 6 hereof;

(xviii) notify in writing each holder of Registrable Securities of any proposal by the Issuers and the Guarantors to amend or waive any provision of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9(h) hereof and of any amendment or waiver effected pursuant thereto, each of which notices shall contain the substance of the amendment or waiver proposed or effected, as the case may be;

 

-17-


(xix) in the event that any broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act shall underwrite any Registrable Securities or participate as a member of an underwriting syndicate or selling group or “assist in the distribution” (within the meaning of the Conduct Rules (the “Conduct Rules”) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) or any successor thereto, as amended from time to time) thereof, whether as a holder of such Registrable Securities or as an underwriter, a placement or sales agent or a broker or dealer in respect thereof, or otherwise, assist such broker-dealer in complying with the requirements of such Conduct Rules, including, without limitation, by (A) if such Conduct Rules shall so require, engaging a “qualified independent underwriter” (as defined in such Conduct Rules) to participate in the preparation of the Shelf Registration Statement relating to such Registrable Securities, to exercise usual standards of due diligence in respect thereto and, if any portion of the offering contemplated by such Shelf Registration Statement is an underwritten offering or is made through a placement or sales agent, to recommend the yield of such Registrable Securities, (B) indemnifying any such qualified independent underwriter to the extent of the indemnification of underwriters provided in Section 6 hereof (or to such other customary extent as may be requested by such underwriter), and (C) providing such information to such broker-dealer as may be required in order for such broker-dealer to comply with the requirements of the Conduct Rules; and

(xx) comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable but in any event not later than eighteen months after the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement, an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 thereunder).

(f) In the event that the Issuers or any Guarantor would be required, pursuant to Section 3(e)(viii)(F) hereof, to notify the Electing Holders, the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriters, if any, thereof, the Issuers or such Guarantor shall prepare and furnish to each of the Electing Holders, to each placement or sales agent, if any, and to each such underwriter, if any, a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus supplemented or amended so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of Registrable Securities, such prospectus conforms in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, and shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing. Each Electing Holder agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Issuers or the Guarantors pursuant to Section 3(e)(viii)(F) hereof, such Electing Holder shall forthwith discontinue the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement applicable to such Registrable Securities until such Electing Holder shall have received copies of such amended or supplemented prospectus, and if so directed by the Issuers or the Guarantors, such Electing Holder shall deliver to the Issuers and the Guarantors (at the Issuers’ and each Guarantor’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Electing Holder’s possession of the prospectus covering such Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of such notice.

 

-18-


(g) In the event of a Shelf Registration, in addition to the information required to be provided by each Electing Holder in its Notice and Questionnaire, the Issuers and the Guarantors may require such Electing Holder to furnish to the Issuers and the Guarantors such additional information regarding such Electing Holder and such Electing Holder’s intended method of distribution of Registrable Securities as may be required in order to comply with the Securities Act. Each such Electing Holder agrees to notify the Issuers and the Guarantors as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Issuers and the Guarantors or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any prospectus relating to such Shelf Registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, and promptly to furnish to the Issuers and the Guarantors any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing.

(h) Until the Issuers and the Guarantors shall have complied with all of their obligations under Section 2 of this Agreement, the Issuers shall cause each newly acquired or created Subsidiary Guarantor (as defined in the Indenture), upon such creation or acquisition, to execute a counterpart to this Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A and to deliver such counterpart to the Purchasers no later than five Business Days following the execution thereof.

SECTION 4. Registration Expenses. The Issuers and the Guarantors agree, subject to the last sentence of this Section 4, to bear and to pay or cause to be paid promptly all expenses incident to the Issuers’ and each Guarantor’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) all Commission and any FINRA registration, filing and review fees and expenses including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the placement or sales agent or underwriters in connection with such registration, filing and review, (b) all fees and expenses in connection with the qualification of the Notes for offering and sale under the securities laws and blue sky laws referred to in Section 3(e)(xii) hereof and determination of their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as any managing underwriters or the Electing Holders may designate, including, without limitation, any fees and disbursements of counsel for the Electing Holders or underwriters in connection with such qualification and determination, (c) all expenses relating to the preparation, printing, production, distribution and reproduction of each registration statement required to be filed hereunder, each prospectus included therein or prepared for distribution pursuant hereto, each amendment or supplement to the foregoing, the expenses of preparing the Notes for delivery and the expenses of printing or producing any underwriting agreements, agreements among underwriters, selling agreements and blue sky or legal investment memoranda and all other documents in connection with the offering, sale or delivery of Notes to be disposed of (including, without limitation,

 

-19-


certificates representing the Notes), (d) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses relating to the offering, sale or delivery of Notes and the preparation of documents referred in clause (c) above, (e) fees and expenses of the Trustee under the Indenture, any agent of the Trustee and any reasonable fees and expenses for counsel for the Trustee and of any collateral agent or custodian, (f) internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of each Issuer’s and each Guarantor’s officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (g) fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel and independent certified public accountants of the Issuers and the Guarantors (including, without limitation, the expenses of any opinions or “cold comfort” letters required by or incidental to such performance and compliance), (h) reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of one counsel for the Electing Holders retained in connection with a Shelf Registration, as selected by the Electing Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities held by Electing Holders (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers and the Guarantors), (i) any fees charged by securities rating services engaged by the Issuers for rating the Notes, and (j) reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any other persons, including, without limitation, special experts, retained by the Issuers and the Guarantors in connection with such registration (collectively, the “Registration Expenses”). To the extent that any Registration Expenses are incurred, assumed or paid by any holder of Registrable Securities or any placement or sales agent therefor or underwriter thereof, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall reimburse such person for the full amount of the Registration Expenses so incurred, assumed or paid promptly after receipt of a request therefor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of the Registrable Securities being registered shall pay all agency fees and commissions and underwriting discounts and commissions attributable to the sale of such Registrable Securities and the fees and disbursements of any counsel or other advisors or experts retained by such holders (severally or jointly), other than the counsel and experts specifically referred to above.

SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Except with respect to clauses (a) and (b) below, the Issuers and the Guarantors represent and warrant to, and agree with, each Purchaser and each of the holders from time to time of Registrable Securities the information set forth in this Section 5.

With respect to clauses (a) and (b) below, the Issuers and the Guarantors covenant that:

(a) Each registration statement covering Registrable Securities and each prospectus (including, without limitation, any preliminary or summary prospectus) contained therein or furnished pursuant to Section 3(e) or Section 3(c) hereof and any further amendments or supplements to any such registration statement or prospectus, when it becomes effective or is filed with the Commission, as the case may be, and, in the case of an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities, at the time of the closing under the underwriting agreement relating thereto, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at all times subsequent to the Effective Time when a prospectus would be required to be delivered under the Securities Act, other than from (i) such time as a notice has been given to holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3(e)(viii)(F) or Section 3(c)(iii) hereof until (ii) such

 

-20-


time as the Issuers and the Guarantors furnish an amended or supplemented prospectus pursuant to Section 3(f) or Section 3(c)(iii) hereof, each such registration statement, and each prospectus (including, without limitation, any preliminary or summary prospectus) contained therein or furnished pursuant to Section 3(e) or Section 3(c) hereof, as then amended or supplemented, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing; provided, however, that this covenant shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuers and the Guarantors by a holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein.

(b) Any documents incorporated by reference in any prospectus referred to in Section 5(a) hereof, when they become or became effective or are or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform or conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of such documents will contain or contained an untrue statement of a material fact or will omit or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that this covenant shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuers and the Guarantors by a holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein.

(c) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Issuers.

SECTION 6. Indemnification.

(a) The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each holder of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, covered by any Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (including each Purchaser and, with respect to any prospectus delivery as contemplated in Section 3(c)(ii) or (iii) hereof, each holder (which may include any Purchaser) that is a broker-dealer and elects to exchange for Exchange Notes any Registrable Securities that it acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (but not directly from the Issuers, the Guarantors, or any affiliate of the Issuers) for Exchange Notes) (each an “Exchanging Dealer”), the affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents of each such holder and each person who controls any such holder within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any preliminary prospectus or the prospectus included in any registration statement, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary

 

-21-


to make the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Issuers and the Guarantors will not be liable in any case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Issuers and the Guarantors by or on behalf of any such holder specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Issuers and the Guarantors may otherwise have.

The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, also agree to indemnify or contribute as provided in Section 6(d) to Losses of any underwriter of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, registered under a Shelf Registration Statement, their directors, officers, employees or agents and each person who controls such underwriter within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification of the Purchasers and the selling holders provided in this Section 6(a) and shall, if requested by any holder, enter into an underwriting agreement reflecting such agreement, as provided in Section 3(e)(xvi) hereof.

(b) Each holder of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes covered by an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (including each Purchaser and, with respect to any prospectus delivery as contemplated in Section 3(c)(ii) or Section 3(f)(iv) hereof, each Exchanging Dealer) severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers and the Guarantors and each of their affiliates, directors, employees, members, managers and agents and each Person who controls the Issuers and the Guarantors within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Issuers and the Guarantors to each such holder, but only with reference to written information relating to such holder furnished to the Issuers and the Guarantors by or on behalf of such holder specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any such holder may otherwise have.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 6 or notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 6, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses; and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, except as provided in the next sentence, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election to so assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case

 

-22-


subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party’s rights in the prior sentence, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ its own counsel (and one local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of interest; (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party; (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action; or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. No indemnifying party shall, in connection with any one action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general circumstances or allegations, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for all indemnified parties. An indemnifying party shall not be liable under this Section 6 to any indemnified party regarding any settlement or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent is consented to by such indemnifying party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 6 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, then each applicable indemnifying party agrees to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending same) (collectively “Losses”) to which such indemnifying party may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party on the one hand and by the indemnified party on the other from the offering of the Notes. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Issuers shall be deemed to be equal to the sum of (x) the total net proceeds from the initial placement of the Notes (before deducting expenses) reflected in the Purchase Agreement and (y) the total amount of Special Interest which the Issuers were not required to pay as a result of registering the securities covered by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. Benefits received by the Purchasers shall be deemed to be equal to the total purchase discounts and commissions as reflected in the Purchase Agreement, and benefits received by any other holders shall be deemed to be equal to the proceeds received from the sale of the Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as applicable. Benefits received by any underwriter shall be

 

-23-


deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth in the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party on the one hand or the indemnified party on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the holders or any agents or underwriters or all of them were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no holder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities (after deducting any fees, discounts and commissions applicable thereto) exceeds the amount of any damages which such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission, and no underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price of the Registrable Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The holders’ and any underwriters’ obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to the principal amount of Registrable Securities registered or underwritten, as the case may be, by them, and not joint. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 6, each person who controls any holder, agent or underwriter within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of a holder, agent or underwriter shall have the same rights to contribution as such holder, agent or underwriter, and each person who controls the Issuers or the Guarantors within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and each officer and director of the Issuers or the Guarantors shall have the same rights to contribution as the Issuers or the Guarantors, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).

(e) The provisions of this Section will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any holder or the Issuers or the Guarantors or any of the officers, directors or controlling persons referred to in this Section hereof, and will survive the sale by a holder of securities covered by an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement.

 

-24-


SECTION 7. Underwritten Offerings.

(a) Selection of Underwriters. If any of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration are to be sold pursuant to an underwritten offering, the managing underwriter or underwriters thereof shall be designated by Electing Holders holding at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities to be included in such offering, provided that such designated managing underwriter or underwriters is or are reasonably acceptable to the Issuers and the Guarantors.

(b) Participation by Holders. Each holder of Registrable Securities hereby agrees with each other such holder that no such holder may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such holder (i) agrees to sell such holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements with respect to such Registrable Securities approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

(c) Minimum Requirements. With respect to the Notes, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall not have any obligations with respect to any underwriters or underwritten offering except a single underwritten offering of $270 million or more of Registrable Securities.

SECTION 8. Rule 144.

(a) Each of the Issuers and each Guarantor covenants to the holders of Registrable Securities that to the extent it shall be required to do so under the Exchange Act, it shall timely file the reports required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (including, without limitation, the reports under Section 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in subparagraph (c)(1) of Rule 144), and shall take such further action as any holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144, or any similar or successor rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission. Upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities in connection with that holder’s sale pursuant to Rule 144, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall deliver to such holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

(b) At any time while any of the Notes are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144, if the Issuers are no longer subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Issuers shall prepare and furnish to any Holder, any beneficial owner of the Notes and any prospective purchaser of Notes designated by a Holder or a beneficial owner of the Notes, promptly upon request, the information required pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) (or any successor thereto) under the Securities Act in connection with the offer, sale or transfer of Notes.

SECTION 9. Miscellaneous.

(a) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Issuers and the Guarantors represent, warrant, covenant and agree that they have not granted, and shall not grant, registration rights with respect to Registrable Securities or any other Notes which would be inconsistent with the terms contained in this Agreement.

 

-25-


(b) Specific Performance. Except with respect to a Registration Default, the parties hereto acknowledge that there would be no adequate remedy at law if the Issuers or the Guarantors fail to perform any of their obligations hereunder and that the Purchasers and the holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities may be irreparably harmed by any such failure, and accordingly agree that the Purchasers and such holders, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of the obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in any court of the United States or any State thereof having jurisdiction.

(c) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if delivered personally or by courier, (ii) when sent by facsimile (with written confirmation of receipt), provided that a copy is mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or (iii) three days after being deposited in the mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) as follows: if to the Issuers, c/o CCO Holdings, LLC, 400 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, Attention: General Counsel, Facsimile No.: (203) 564-1377 and if to a holder, to the address of such holder set forth in the security register or other records of the Issuers, or to such other address as the Issuers or any such holder may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, with a copy in like manner c/o Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, NY1-050-12-01, New York, New York 10020, Attention: High Grade Transaction Management/Legal, Facsimile No.: (646) 855-5958. Notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(d) Parties in Interest. All the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and the holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities and the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto and such holders. In the event that any person shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by gift, bequest, purchase, operation of law or otherwise, such transferee shall, without any further writing or action of any kind, be deemed a beneficiary hereof for all purposes and such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such transferee shall be entitled to receive the benefits, and be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by all the applicable terms and provisions, of this Agreement. If the Issuers or the Guarantors shall so request, any such successor, assign or transferee shall agree in writing to acquire and hold the Registrable Securities subject to all the applicable terms hereof.

(e) Survival. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and each other provision set forth in this Agreement or made pursuant hereto shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation (or statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any holder of Registrable Securities, any director, officer or partner of such holder, any agent or underwriter or any director, officer or partner thereof, or any controlling person of any of the foregoing, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the transfer and registration of Registrable Securities by such holder and the consummation of an Exchange Offer.

 

-26-


(f) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(g) Headings. The descriptive headings of the several Sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(h) Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement and the other writings referred to herein (including, without limitation, the Indenture and the form of Notes) or delivered pursuant hereto which form a part hereof contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by a written instrument duly executed by the Issuers, the Guarantors and the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding. Each holder of any Registrable Securities at the time or thereafter outstanding shall be bound by any amendment or waiver effected pursuant to this Section 9(h), whether or not any notice, writing or marking indicating such amendment or waiver appears on such Registrable Securities or is delivered to such holder.

(i) Inspection. For so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, this Agreement and a complete list of the names and addresses of all the holders of Registrable Securities shall be made available for inspection and copying, upon reasonable prior notice, on any business day during normal business hours by any holder of Registrable Securities for proper purposes only (which shall include any purpose related to the rights of the holders of Registrable Securities under the Notes, the Indenture and this Agreement) at the offices of the Issuers at the address thereof set forth in Section 9(c) above and at the office of the Trustee under the Indenture.

(j) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

(k) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be in any way impaired or affected thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(l) Securities Held by the Issuers, etc. Whenever the consent or approval of holders of a specified percentage of principal amount of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes is required hereunder, Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as applicable, held by the Issuers or their affiliates (other than subsequent holders of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes if such subsequent holders are deemed to be affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the holders of such required percentage.

 

-27-


(m) Additional Notes. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, any registration statement and exchange offer herein contemplated may include other securities issued by the Issuers and guaranteed by the Guarantors.

SECTION 10. Release of Guarantors. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Guarantor is released from its obligations under the Indenture in accordance with the terms thereof, such Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations hereunder.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

-28-


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Purchasers, this Agreement and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement among the parties hereto. It is understood that your acceptance of this Agreement on behalf of each of the Purchasers is pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of agreement among Purchasers, the form of which shall be submitted to the Issuers and Guarantors for examination upon request, but without warranty on your part as to the authority of the signers thereof.

 

Very truly yours,

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP., as an Issuer

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC, as an Issuer

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

CCO HOLDINGS, LLC, as guarantor
By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

THE GUARANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name: Thomas M. Degnan
 

Title: Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


Accepted as of the date hereof:

Acting on behalf of itself and the several Purchasers

By: MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED

 

By:  

/s/ Kevin Wehler

  Name: Kevin Wehler
  Title: Managing Director

Charter - Registration Rights Agreement (Secured Notes)


SCHEDULE I

Guarantors

 

Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Adcast North Carolina Cable Advertising, LLC

   Delaware

Alabanza LLC

   Delaware

America’s Job Exchange LLC

   Delaware

American Cable Entertainment Company, LLC

   Delaware

Athens Cablevision, LLC

   Delaware

BHN Home Security Services, LLC

   Delaware

BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC

   Delaware

Bresnan Broadband Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

Bresnan Broadband of Colorado, LLC

   Colorado

Bresnan Broadband of Montana, LLC

   Montana

Bresnan Broadband of Utah, LLC

   Utah

Bresnan Broadband of Wyoming, LLC

   Wyoming

Bresnan Communications, LLC

   Delaware

Bresnan Digital Services, LLC

   Delaware

Bresnan Microwave of Montana, LLC

   Delaware

Bright House Networks Information Services (Alabama), LLC

   Delaware

Bright House Networks Information Services (California), LLC

   Delaware

Bright House Networks Information Services (Florida), LLC

   Delaware

Bright House Networks Information Services (Indiana), LLC

   Delaware

Bright House Networks Information Services (Michigan), LLC

   Delaware

Bright House Networks, LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Cable Equities Colorado, LLC

   Delaware

Cable Equities of Colorado Management LLC

   Delaware

CC 10, LLC

   Delaware

CC Fiberlink, LLC

   Delaware

CC Michigan, LLC

   Delaware

CC Systems, LLC

   Delaware

CC V Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

CC VI Fiberlink, LLC

   Delaware

CC VI Operating Company, LLC

   Delaware

CC VII Fiberlink, LLC

   Delaware

CC VIII Fiberlink, LLC

   Delaware

CC VIII Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

CC VIII Operating, LLC

   Delaware

CC VIII, LLC

   Delaware

CCO Fiberlink, LLC

   Delaware

CCO Holdco Transfers VII, LLC

   Delaware

CCO Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

CCO LP, LLC

   Delaware

CCO NR Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

CCO Purchasing, LLC

   Delaware

CCO SoCal I, LLC

   Delaware

CCO SoCal II, LLC

   Delaware

CCO SoCal Vehicles, LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

CCO Transfers, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (AL), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (CA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (CO), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (CT), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (GA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (IL), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (IN), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (KY), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (LA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MD), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MI), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MN), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MO), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MS), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (MT), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (NC), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (NE), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (NH), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (NV), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (NY), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (OH), LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Charter Advanced Services (OR), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (PA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (SC), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (TN), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (TX), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (UT), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (VA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (VT), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (WA), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (WI), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (WV), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services (WY), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services VIII (MI), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services VIII (MN), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advanced Services VIII (WI), LLC

   Delaware

Charter Advertising of Saint Louis, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Cable Operating Company, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Cable Partners, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications Entertainment I, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications Entertainment II, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications Entertainment, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications of California, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications Properties LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Charter Communications Ventures, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications VI, L.L.C.

   Delaware

Charter Communications VII, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Communications, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Distribution, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Alabama, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Georgia, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Illinois, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Maryland II, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Michigan, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Missouri, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Nebraska, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Pennsylvania, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink – Tennessee, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink AR-CCVII, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink CA-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink CC VIII, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink CT-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink LA-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink MA-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink MS-CCVI, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink NC-CCO, LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Charter Fiberlink NH-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink NV-CCVII, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink NY-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink OH-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink OR-CCVII, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink SC-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink TX-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink VA-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink VT-CCO, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Fiberlink WA-CCVII, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Helicon, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Home Security, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Leasing Holding Company, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Leasing of Wisconsin, LLC

   Delaware

Charter RMG, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Stores FCN, LLC

   Delaware

Charter Video Electronics, LLC

   Delaware

DukeNet Communications Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

DukeNet Communications, LLC

   Delaware

Falcon Cable Communications, LLC

   Delaware

Falcon Cable Media, a California Limited Partnership

   California

Falcon Cable Systems Company II, L.P.

   California

Falcon Cablevision, a California Limited Partnership

   California


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Falcon Community Cable, L.P.

   Delaware

Falcon Community Ventures I Limited Partnership

   California

Falcon First Cable of the Southeast, LLC

   Delaware

Falcon First, LLC

   Delaware

Falcon Telecable, a California Limited Partnership

   California

Falcon Video Communications, L.P.

   Delaware

Helicon Partners I, L.P.

   Delaware

Hometown T.V., LLC

   Delaware

HPI Acquisition Co. LLC

   Delaware

ICI Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Blocker LLC

   Delaware

Insight Capital LLC

   Delaware

Insight Communications Company, L.P.

   Delaware

Insight Communications Midwest, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Communications of Central Ohio, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Communications of Kentucky, L.P.

   Delaware

Insight Interactive, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Kentucky Capital, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Kentucky Partners I, L.P.

   Delaware

Insight Kentucky Partners II, L.P.

   Delaware

Insight Midwest Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Midwest, L.P.

   Delaware

Insight Phone of Indiana, LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Insight Phone of Kentucky, LLC

   Delaware

Insight Phone of Ohio, LLC

   Delaware

Interactive Cable Services, LLC

   Delaware

Interlink Communications Partners, LLC

   Delaware

Intrepid Acquisition LLC

   Delaware

Long Beach, LLC

   Delaware

Marcus Cable Associates, L.L.C.

   Delaware

Marcus Cable of Alabama, L.L.C.

   Delaware

Marcus Cable, LLC

   Delaware

Midwest Cable Communications, LLC

   Delaware

NaviSite LLC

   Delaware

New Wisconsin Procurement LLC

   Delaware

Oceanic Time Warner Cable LLC

   Delaware

Parity Assets LLC

   Delaware

Peachtree Cable TV, L.P.

   Delaware

Peachtree Cable TV, LLC

   Delaware

Renaissance Media LLC

   Delaware

Rifkin Acquisition Partners, LLC

   Delaware

Robin Media Group, LLC

   Delaware

Scottsboro TV Cable, LLC

   Delaware

The Helicon Group, L.P.

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Business LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Alabama), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Arizona), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (California), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Colorado), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Hawaii), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Idaho), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Illinois), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Indiana), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kansas), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kentucky), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Maine), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Massachusetts), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Michigan), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Missouri), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Nebraska), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Hampshire), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Jersey), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Mexico) LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (New York), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (North Carolina), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Ohio), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Pennsylvania), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (South Carolina), LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Tennessee), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Texas), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Virginia), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Washington), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (West Virginia), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Wisconsin), LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable International LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings III LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Internet LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Media LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Midwest LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable New York City LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Pacific West LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Services LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Southeast LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Sports LLC

   Delaware

Time Warner Cable Texas LLC

   Delaware

TWC Administration LLC

   Delaware

TWC Communications, LLC

   Delaware

TWC Digital Phone LLC

   Delaware

TWC Media Blocker LLC

   Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Time Warner Cable, LLC

   Delaware

TWC News and Local Programming Holdco LLC

   Delaware

TWC News and Local Programming LLC

   Delaware

TWC Regional Sports Network I LLC

   Delaware

TWC Security LLC

   Delaware

TWC SEE Holdco LLC

   Delaware

TWC Wireless LLC

   Delaware

TWC/Charter Dallas Cable Advertising, LLC

   Delaware

TWCIS Holdco LLC

   Delaware

Vista Broadband Communications, LLC

   Delaware

Wisconsin Procurement Holdco LLC

   Delaware

TWC/Charter Los Angeles Cable Advertising, LLC

   Delaware

TWC/Charter Green Bay Cable Advertising, LLC

   Delaware


EXHIBIT A

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

INSTRUCTION TO DTC PARTICIPANTS

(Date of Mailing)

URGENT — IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE: [DATE]1

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) has identified you as a DTC Participant through which beneficial interests in the Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Company”), and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with the Company, the “Issuers”) 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued on July 6, 2017 (the “Notes”) are held.

The Issuers are in the process of registering the Notes under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for resale by the beneficial owners thereof. In order to have their Notes included in the registration statement, beneficial owners must complete and return the enclosed Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire.

It is important that beneficial owners of the Notes receive a copy of the enclosed materials as soon as possible as their rights to have the Notes included in the registration statement depend upon their returning the Notice and Questionnaire by [Deadline For Response]. Please forward a copy of the enclosed documents to each beneficial owner that holds interests in the Notes through you. If you require more copies of the enclosed materials or have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact the Issuers c/o Charter Communications Operating, LLC, 440 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, Attention: Secretary.

 

1  Not less than 28 calendar days from date of mailing.

 

A-1


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

Notice of Registration Statement

and

Selling Securityholder Questionnaire

(Date)

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement (the “Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement”) by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Company”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the guarantors party thereto, and the Purchasers named therein. Pursuant to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers have filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Issuers’ 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued on July 6, 2017 (the “Notes”). A copy of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement is attached hereto. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial owner of Registrable Securities is entitled to have the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it included in the Shelf Registration Statement. In order to have Registrable Securities included in the Shelf Registration Statement, this Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire (“Notice and Questionnaire”) must be completed, executed and delivered to the Issuers’ counsel at the address set forth herein for receipt ON OR BEFORE [Deadline for Response]. Beneficial owners of Registrable Securities who do not complete, execute and return this Notice and Questionnaire by such date (i) will not be named as selling securityholders in the Shelf Registration Statement and (ii) may not use the Prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus.

 

A-2


ELECTION

The undersigned holder (the “Selling Securityholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include in the Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item (3). The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, agrees to be bound with respect to such Registrable Securities by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 6 of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, as if the undersigned Selling Securityholder were an original party thereto.

Upon any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, the Selling Securityholder will be required to deliver to the Issuers and the Trustee the Notice of Transfer Pursuant to Registration Statement set forth in Exhibit B to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

The Selling Securityholder hereby provides the following information to the Issuers and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

QUESTIONNAIRE

 

(1) (a) Full Legal Name of Selling Securityholder:

(b) Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same as in (a) above) of Registrable Securities Listed in Item (3) below:

(c) Full Legal Name of DTC Participant (if applicable and if not the same as (b) above) Through Which Registrable Securities Listed in Item (3) below are Held:

 

(2) Address for Notices to Selling Securityholder:
 

 

  
 

 

  
 

 

  
  Telephone:   

 

  
  Fax:   

 

  
  Contact Person:   

 

  

 

(3) Beneficial Ownership of Notes:

Except as set forth below in this Item (3), the undersigned does not beneficially own any Notes.

 

  (a) Principal amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned:

 

                 

 

     CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Securities:                                                                                                                                                       

 

  (b) Principal amount of Notes other than Registrable Securities beneficially owned:
    

 

 

A-3


                 
     CUSIP No(s). of such other Notes:                                                                                                                                                                          

 

  (c) Principal amount of Registrable Securities which the undersigned wishes to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement:
                 

 

CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Securities to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement:

                 

 

 

(4) Beneficial Ownership of Other Securities of the Issuers:

Except as set forth below in this Item (4), the undersigned Selling Securityholder is not the beneficial or registered owner of any other securities of the Issuers other than the Notes listed above in Item (3).

State any exceptions here:

 

(5) Relationships with the Issuers:

Except as set forth below, neither the Selling Securityholder nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (5% or more) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Issuers (or their respective predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.

State any exceptions here:

 

(6) Plan of Distribution:

Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all): Such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder or, alternatively, through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, or (iv) through the writing of options. In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Registrable Securities.

 

A-4


State any exceptions here:

By signing below, the Selling Securityholder acknowledges that it understands its obligation to comply, and agrees that it will comply, with the provisions of the Exchange Act including, without limitation, Regulation M.

In the event that the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) above after the date on which such information is provided to the Issuers, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s) at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

By signing below, the Selling Securityholder consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (6) above and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus. The Selling Securityholder understands that such information will be relied upon by the Issuers in connection with the preparation of the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

In accordance with the Selling Securityholder’s obligation under Section 3(e) of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the Selling Securityholder agrees to promptly notify the Issuers of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein which may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains in effect. All notices hereunder and pursuant to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing, by hand-delivery, first-class mail, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery as follows:

(i) To the Issuers:

  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  

(ii) With a copy to:

  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  
  

 

  

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the Selling Securityholder and received by the Issuers’ counsel, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns of the Issuers and the Selling Securityholder (with respect to the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Securityholder and listed in Item (3) above). This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any provisions relating to conflicts of laws.

 

A-5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

Dated:                                         

 

 

Selling Securityholder

(Print/type full legal name of beneficial owner of Registrable Securities)

 

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RECEIPT ON OR BEFORE [DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE] TO THE ISSUERS’ COUNSEL AT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-6


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF TRANSFER PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

440 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

Attention: Secretary

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

[Address]

Attention: Trust Officer

 

  Re: Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. and Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Issuers”) 3.750% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 issued on July 6, 2017 (the “Notes”)

Dear Sirs:

Please be advised that                     has transferred $            aggregate principal amount of the above-referenced Notes pursuant to an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-            ) filed by the Issuers.

We hereby certify that the prospectus delivery requirements, if any, of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been satisfied and that the above-named beneficial owner of the Notes is named as a “Selling Holder” in the prospectus dated [date] or in supplements thereto, and that the aggregate principal amount of the Notes transferred are the Notes listed in such prospectus opposite such owner’s name.

Dated:

 

Very truly yours,

 

(Name)
By:  

 

(Authorized Signature)

 

B-1


ANNEX A

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CCO”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”), the guarantors party thereto and the Representatives. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Registration Rights Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given them in the Registration Rights Agreement.

1. Joinder of the Additional Guarantor(s). Each other signatory hereto (each, a “Guarantor”), hereby agrees to become bound by the terms, conditions, representations and warranties, covenants and other provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement with all attendant rights, duties and obligations stated therein, with the same force and effect as if originally named as “Guarantor” therein and as if such Guarantor executed the Registration Rights Agreement on the date thereof.

2. Governing Law. THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

3. Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Joinder Agreement by facsimile, email or other electronic transmission (i.e., “pdf”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.

4. Amendments. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Joinder Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

5. Headings. The headings in this Joinder Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

Annex A-1


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please indicate your acceptance of this Joinder Agreement by signing in the space provided below, whereupon this Joinder Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement will become binding agreements among the Issuers and the Guarantors party hereto in accordance with their terms.

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC
By:  

 

  Title:
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.
By:  

 

  Title:
[ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS]
By:  

 

  Title:

 

Annex A-2

EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

5.375% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2047

EXCHANGE AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

July 6, 2017

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Incorporated

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

UBS Securities LLC

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

As representatives (“Representatives”) of the Purchasers

c/o Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

One Bryant Park

New York, NY 10036

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Charter Communications Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CCO”), and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with CCO, the “Issuers”), propose, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to the Purchasers (as defined herein) upon the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement (as defined herein) $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 (the “Notes”) on June 27, 2017. In satisfaction of a condition to the obligations of the Purchasers under the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers and the Guarantors (as defined herein) agree with the Purchasers for the benefit of holders (as defined herein) from time to time of the Registrable Securities (as defined herein) as follows:

SECTION 1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the following terms shall have the following respective meanings:

Additional Guarantors” shall mean any subsidiary of the Issuers that executed a Joinder Agreement and guarantee supplemental indenture under the Indenture after the Closing Date.

Agreement” shall mean this Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

Base Indenture” shall mean the Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015, among the Issuers, CCO Safari II, LLC, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.


Base Interest” shall mean the interest that would otherwise accrue on the Notes under the terms thereof and the Indenture, without giving effect to the provisions of this Agreement.

broker-dealer” shall mean any broker or dealer registered with the Commission under the Exchange Act.

CCH II” shall mean CCH II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

CCO” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Charter” shall mean Charter Communications Inc. a Delaware corporation.

Charter Holdings” shall mean Charter Communications Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Closing Date” shall mean July 6, 2017.

Collateral Agent” shall mean the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as collateral agent under the Indenture.

Commission” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal agency at the time administering the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, whichever is the relevant statute for the particular purpose.

Company” shall mean CCO Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Conduct Rules” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(e)(xix) hereof.

Effective Time,” in the case of (i) an Exchange Offer Registration, shall mean the time and date as of which the Commission declares the Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective or as of which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement otherwise becomes effective and (ii) a Shelf Registration, shall mean the time and date as of which the Commission declares the Shelf Registration Statement effective or as of which the Shelf Registration Statement otherwise becomes effective.

Electing Holder” shall mean any holder of Registrable Securities that has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers in accordance with Section 3(e)(ii) or 3(e)(iii) hereof.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any successor thereto, and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Exchange Date” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

 

-2-


Exchange Notes” shall mean the senior secured notes issued by the Issuers under the Indenture substantially identical in all material respects to the Notes (and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture which shall be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act), except that they have been registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and do not contain provisions for the additional interest contemplated in Section 2(c) hereof, to be issued to holders in exchange for Registrable Securities.

Exchange Offer” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(c) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchanging Dealer” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 6(a) hereof.

Fifth Supplemental Indenture” shall mean the fifth supplemental indenture to the Base Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2017, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, relating to the Notes.

FINRA” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3(e)(xix) hereof.

Guarantors” shall mean each person that executes this Agreement as a guarantor and each Additional Guarantor.

holder” shall mean, unless the context otherwise indicates, each of the Purchasers and other persons who acquire Registrable Securities from time to time (including, without limitation, any successors or assigns), in each case for so long as such person is a registered holder of any Registrable Securities.

Indenture” shall mean the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Fifth Supplemental Indenture, as the same shall be amended or supplemented from time to time.

Issuers” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Annex A hereto.

Losses” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 6(d) hereof.

Notes” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the introductory paragraph hereto and shall include any Notes issued in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof pursuant to the Indenture.

 

-3-


Notice and Questionnaire” shall mean a Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

Parent Companies” shall mean, collectively, (i) Charter, (ii) Charter Holdings, (iii) Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and (iv) CCH II.

person” shall mean a corporation, association, partnership, organization, limited liability company, business, individual, government or political subdivision thereof or governmental agency.

Purchase Agreement” shall mean the Purchase Agreement, dated June 27, 2017, among Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several purchasers listed in Schedule I thereto, the Issuers and the Guarantors relating to the Notes.

Purchasers” shall mean the Purchasers named in Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement.

Registrable Securities” shall mean the Notes (and to the extent set forth in clause (i) of this definition and in Section 2(d) hereof, certain Exchange Notes); provided, however, that a Note or Exchange Note shall cease to be a Registrable Security when (i) in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(a) hereof, such Note has been exchanged for an Exchange Note in an Exchange Offer as contemplated in Section 2(a) hereof (provided that any Exchange Note that, pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 2(a), is included in a prospectus for use in connection with resales by broker-dealers shall be deemed to be a Registrable Security with respect to Sections 5, 6 and 9 hereof until resale of such Registrable Security has been effected within the 180-day period referred to in Section 2(a)(y)); (ii) in the circumstances contemplated by Section 2(b) hereof, a Shelf Registration Statement registering such Note or Exchange Note under the Securities Act has been declared or becomes effective and such Note or Exchange Note has been sold or otherwise transferred by the holder thereof pursuant to and in a manner contemplated by such effective Shelf Registration Statement; (iii) such Note or Exchange Note is sold pursuant to Rule 144 under circumstances in which any legend borne by such Note or Exchange Note relating to restrictions on transferability thereof, under the Securities Act or otherwise, is removed by the Issuers pursuant to the Indenture; or (iv) such Note or Exchange Note shall cease to be outstanding.

Registration Default” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Registration Default Period” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) thereof.

Registration Expenses” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4 hereof.

Representatives” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the addressee block hereto.

 

-4-


Resale Period” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(a) hereof.

Restricted Holder” shall mean (i) a holder that is an affiliate of the Issuers within the meaning of Rule 405, (ii) a holder who acquires Exchange Notes outside the ordinary course of such holder’s business, (iii) a holder who has arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing Exchange Notes and (iv) a holder that is a broker-dealer, but only with respect to Exchange Notes received by such broker-dealer pursuant to an Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities acquired by the broker-dealer directly from the Issuers.

Rule 144,” “Rule 405” and “Rule 415” shall mean, in each case, such rule promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor provision), as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, or any successor thereto, and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Shelf Filing Deadline” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(b) hereof.

Special Interest” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Transfer Restricted Notes” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Trust Indenture Act” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or any successor thereto, and the rules, regulations and forms promulgated thereunder, all as the same shall be amended from time to time.

Trustee” shall mean The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the Indenture.

Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference herein to a “Section” or “clause” refers to a Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Agreement, and the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision. Any reference herein to “Notes” or “Exchange Notes” refers also to any guarantees thereof by the Guarantors.

 

-5-


SECTION 2. Registration Under the Securities Act.

(a) Except as set forth in Section 2(b) below, the Issuers and the Guarantors agree to file under the Securities Act, as soon as practicable, a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange (such registration statement, the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement,” and such offer, the “Exchange Offer”) any and all Registrable Securities for a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes. The Issuers and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to become or be declared effective under the Securities Act as soon as practicable after the Closing Date. The Exchange Offer will be registered under the Securities Act on the appropriate form and will comply with the Exchange Act. The Issuers and the Guarantors further agree to use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer not later than 290 days following the Closing Date (or if such 290th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) (the “Exchange Date”) and to exchange Exchange Notes for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn on or prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall keep the Exchange Offer open for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable United States federal and state securities laws to complete the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be less than 20 business days after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to holders. The Exchange Offer will be deemed to have been completed only if the Exchange Notes received by holders, other than Restricted Holders, in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities are, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without restriction under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of a substantial majority of the States of the United States of America. The Exchange Offer shall be deemed to have been completed upon the earlier to occur of (i) the Issuers having exchanged the Exchange Notes for all outstanding Registrable Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer and (ii) the Issuers having exchanged, pursuant to the Exchange Offer, Exchange Notes for all Registrable Securities that have been properly tendered and not withdrawn before the expiration of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Guarantors agree (x) to include in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement a prospectus for use in any resales by any holder of Exchange Notes that is a broker-dealer and identifies itself as such by written notice to the Issuers prior to the effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and (y) to keep such Exchange Offer Registration Statement effective for a period (the “Resale Period”) beginning when Exchange Notes are first issued in the Exchange Offer and ending upon the earlier of the expiration of the 180th day after the Exchange Offer has been completed or such time as such broker-dealers no longer own any Registrable Securities. With respect to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, such holders shall have the benefit of the rights of indemnification and contribution set forth in Sections 6(a), (c), (d) and (e) hereof.

(b) If (i) on or prior to the time the Exchange Offer is completed existing law or Commission policy or interpretations are changed such that the Exchange Notes received by holders, other than Restricted Holders, in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Registrable Securities are not or would not be, upon receipt, transferable by each such holder without restriction under the Securities Act, (ii) the Exchange Offer has not been completed by the Exchange Date, (iii) any Purchaser so requests with respect to Registrable Securities that are not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer and that are held by it following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, or (iv) the Exchange Offer is not available to any holder (other than a Purchaser) which notifies the Issuers in writing, then, in each case, the Issuers and the

 

-6-


Guarantors shall, in lieu of (or, in the case of clause (iii) or (iv), in addition to) conducting the Exchange Offer contemplated by Section 2(a), file a “shelf” registration statement in accordance with the remainder of this Section 2(b) below, under the Securities Act with respect to the Registrable Securities that could not be exchanged for any reason set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall, on or prior to 30 business days after the time such obligation to file arises, file a “shelf” registration statement providing for the registration of, and the sale on a continuous or delayed basis by the holders of, all the Registrable Securities, pursuant to Rule 415 or any similar rule that may be adopted by the Commission (such filing, the “Shelf Registration” and such registration statement, the “Shelf Registration Statement”). The Issuers and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts (x) to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to become or be declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the later of 290 days (or if such 290th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) following the Closing Date and the 90th day (or if such 90th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day) after the date such filing obligations arises (the “Shelf Filing Deadline”) and to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective for a period ending on the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the Effective Time or (ii) such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities outstanding; provided, however, that no holder (other than a Purchaser) shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement or to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities unless such holder is an Electing Holder, and (y) after the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, promptly upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities that is not then an Electing Holder, to take any action reasonably necessary to enable such holder to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, any action necessary to identify such holder as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that nothing in this clause (y) shall relieve any such holder of the obligation to return a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers in accordance with Section 3(e)(iii) hereof. The Issuers and the Guarantors further agree to supplement or make amendments to the Shelf Registration Statement, as and when required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Issuers and the Guarantors for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act for shelf registration, and the Issuers and the Guarantors agree to furnish to each Electing Holder copies of any such supplement or amendment prior to its being used or promptly following its filing with the Commission.

(c) In the event that (i) the Shelf Registration Statement has not become effective or been declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the Shelf Filing Deadline, (ii) the Exchange Offer has not been completed on or prior to the Exchange Date, (iii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement required by Section 2(a) hereof is filed and becomes or is declared effective but thereafter shall either be withdrawn by the Issuers and the Guarantors or shall become subject to an effective stop order issued pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Securities Act suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement (except as specifically permitted herein) without being succeeded immediately by an additional registration statement filed and declared effective, in each case prior to the completion of the Exchange Offer or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement required by Section 2(b) hereof is filed and becomes or is declared effective but shall thereafter either be withdrawn by the Issuers and the Guarantors or shall become subject to an effective stop order issued pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Securities Act suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement (except as specifically permitted herein) without being succeeded immediately by an additional registration statement filed and declared effective (each

 

-7-


such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), a “Registration Default” and each period during which a Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, a “Registration Default Period”), then, as liquidated damages for such Registration Default, subject to the provisions of Section 9(b), special interest (“Special Interest”), in addition to the Base Interest, shall accrue on the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Transfer Restricted Notes (as defined below) affected by such Registration Default at a per annum rate of 0.25% for the first 90 days of the Registration Default Period and at a per annum rate of 0.50% thereafter for the remaining portion of the Registration Default Period, commencing on (A) the 90th day after the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement was required, in the case of clause (i) above (but in no event prior to the 290th day after the Closing Date), (B) the 290th day after the Closing Date, in the case of clause (ii) above, (C) the day such Exchange Offer Registration Statement ceases to be effective, in the case of clause (iii) above and (D) the day such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective, in the case of clause (iv) above. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults relating to particular Transfer Restricted Notes (which shall be the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement in the case of clause (i) above, the date of the completion of the Exchange Offer, in the case of clause (ii) above, the date that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement again becomes effective, in the case of clause (iii) above, and the date that the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective, in the case of clause (iv) above), the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Notes will be reduced to the original interest rate borne by such Transfer Restricted Notes; provided, however, that, if after any such reduction in interest rate, a different Registration Default occurs, the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Notes shall again be increased pursuant to the foregoing provisions. All accrued Special Interest shall be paid in cash by the Issuers and the Guarantors on each Interest Payment Date (as defined in the Indenture). For purposes of this Agreement, “Transfer Restricted Notes” shall mean, with respect to any Registration Default, any Notes or Exchange Notes which have not ceased being Registrable Securities pursuant to the definition thereof in Section 1 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, Special Interest shall be the sole and exclusive remedy with respect to a Registration Default.

(d) If any Purchaser determines that it is not eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer with respect to the exchange of Registrable Securities constituting any portion of an unsold allotment, at the request of such Purchaser, then, subject to any prohibitions or restrictions imposed by any applicable law or regulations, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to issue and deliver to such Purchaser, in exchange for such Registrable Securities, a like principal amount of Exchange Notes. Such issuance shall not be deemed to be part of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Guarantors shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the CUSIP Service Bureau to issue the same CUSIP number for Exchange Notes described in this Section 2(d) as for Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer. Any such Exchange Notes shall, at the time of issuance, and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 1 hereof, constitute Registrable Securities for purposes of this Agreement (other than Section 2(a) hereof).

(e) The Issuers and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to take all actions necessary or advisable to be taken by them to ensure that the transactions contemplated herein are effected as so contemplated in Section 2(a) or 2(b) hereof.

 

-8-


(f) Any reference herein to a registration statement as of any time shall be deemed to include any document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, therein by reference as of such time and any reference herein to any post-effective amendment to a registration statement as of any time shall be deemed to include any document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, therein by reference as of such time.

SECTION 3. Registration Procedures. If the Issuers and the Guarantors file a registration statement pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b), the following provisions shall apply:

(a) At or before the Effective Time of the Exchange Offer or the Shelf Registration, as the case may be, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

(b) In the event that such qualification would require the appointment of a new trustee under the Indenture, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall appoint a new trustee thereunder pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Indenture.

(c) In connection with the Issuers’ and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the registration of Exchange Notes as contemplated by Section 2(a) (the “Exchange Offer Registration”), if applicable, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, as soon as practicable (or as otherwise specified):

(i) prepare and file with the Commission an Exchange Offer Registration Statement on any form which may be utilized by the Issuers and the Guarantors and which shall permit the Exchange Offer and resales of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers during the Resale Period to be effected as contemplated by Section 2(a);

(ii) as soon as practicable prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Exchange Offer Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein as may be necessary to effect and maintain the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement for the periods and purposes contemplated in Section 2(a) hereof and as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions applicable to the form of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, and promptly provide each broker-dealer holding Exchange Notes with such number of copies of the prospectus included therein (as then amended or supplemented), in conformity in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, as such broker-dealer reasonably may request prior to the expiration of the Resale Period, for use in connection with resales of Exchange Notes;

(iii) prepare and furnish to each such holder a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus supplemented or amended so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of such Exchange Notes during the Resale Period, such prospectus conforms in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and shall not contain an untrue statement of a

 

-9-


material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

(iv) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto as soon as practicable;

(v) use their reasonable best efforts to (A) register or qualify the Exchange Notes under the securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are contemplated by Section 2(a) no later than the commencement of the Exchange Offer, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect and comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of offers, sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions until the expiration of the Resale Period and (C) take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each broker-dealer holding Exchange Notes to consummate the disposition thereof in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that neither of the Issuers or the Guarantors shall be required for any such purpose to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in any jurisdiction wherein it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for the requirements of this Section 3(c)(v), (2) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other organizational document) or any agreement between it and holders of its ownership interests;

(vi) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the consent or approval of each governmental agency or authority, whether federal, state or local, which may be required to effect the Exchange Offer Registration, the Exchange Offer and the offering and sale of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers during the Resale Period;

(vii) provide a CUSIP number for all Exchange Notes, not later than the applicable Effective Time;

(viii) comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to their securityholders as soon as practicable but no later than eighteen months after the effective date of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement, an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 thereunder);

(ix) mail to each holder a copy of the prospectus forming part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of instruction and related documents;

 

-10-


(x) utilize the services of a depositary for the Exchange Offer, which may be the Trustee, any new trustee under the Indenture, or an affiliate of any of them;

(xi) permit holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to the close of business, New York time, on the last business day on which the Exchange Offer is open;

(xii) prior to the Effective Time, provide a supplemental letter to the Commission (i) stating that the Issuers are conducting the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the Commission in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (pub. avail. May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (pub. avail. June 5, 1991); and (ii) including a representation that the Issuers have not entered into any arrangement or understanding with any person to distribute the Exchange Notes to be received in the Exchange Offer and that, to the best of the Issuers’ information and belief, each holder participating in the Exchange Offer is acquiring the Exchange Notes in the ordinary course of business and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes; and

(xiii) provide the Representatives, in advance of filing thereof with the Commission, a draft of such Exchange Offer Registration Statement substantially in the form to be filed with the Commission, each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission and each amendment or supplement thereto (including any documents incorporated by reference therein after the initial filing), and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as are reasonably proposed.

(d) As soon as practicable after the close of the Exchange Offer, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall:

(i) accept for exchange all Registrable Securities tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer;

(ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes so accepted for exchange; and

(iii) cause the Trustee promptly to authenticate and deliver to each holder a principal amount of Exchange Notes equal to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities of such Holder so accepted for exchange.

(e) In connection with the Issuers and the Guarantors’ obligations with respect to the Shelf Registration, if applicable, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, as soon as practicable (or as otherwise specified):

 

-11-


(i) prepare and file with the Commission within the time periods specified in Section 2(b), a Shelf Registration Statement on any form which may be utilized by the Issuers and the Guarantors and which shall register all the Registrable Securities for resale by the holders thereof in accordance with such method or methods of disposition as may be specified by such of the holders as, from time to time, may be Electing Holders and use their reasonable best efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to become or be declared effective within the time periods specified in Section 2(b);

(ii) not less than 30 calendar days prior to the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, mail the Notice and Questionnaire to the holders of Registrable Securities; no holder shall be entitled to be named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement as of the Effective Time, and no holder shall be entitled to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities at any time, unless such holder has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers by the deadline for response set forth therein; provided, however, that holders of Registrable Securities shall have at least 28 calendar days from the date on which the Notice and Questionnaire is first mailed to such holders to return a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers;

(iii) after the Effective Time of the Shelf Registration Statement, upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities that is not then an Electing Holder, promptly send a Notice and Questionnaire to such holder; provided that the Issuers shall not be required to take any action to name such holder as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement or to enable such holder to use the prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities until such holder has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Issuers;

(iv) as soon as practicable prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such Shelf Registration Statement and the prospectus included therein as may be necessary to effect and maintain the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement for the period specified in Section 2(b) and as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and the instructions applicable to the form of such Shelf Registration Statement, and furnish to the Electing Holders copies of any such supplement or amendment simultaneously with or prior to its being used or filed with the Commission;

(v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all the Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the Electing Holders provided for in such Shelf Registration Statement;

(vi) provide (A) the Electing Holders, (B) the underwriters (which term, for purposes of this Agreement, shall include a person deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act), if any, thereof, (C) any sales or placement agent therefor, (D) counsel for any such underwriter or agent, (E) not more than one counsel for all the Electing Holders and (F) the Representatives, in advance of filing thereof with the Commission, a draft

 

-12-


of such Shelf Registration Statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the Commission and each amendment or supplement thereto (including any documents incorporated by reference therein after the initial filing), in each case in substantially the form to be filed with the Commission, and shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to reflect in each such document, when so filed with the Commission, such comments as are reasonably proposed;

(vii) for a reasonable period prior to the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement, and throughout the period specified in Section 2(b), make available at reasonable times at each Issuer’s or each Guarantor’s principal place of business, or such other reasonable place for inspection by the persons referred to in Section 3(e)(vi) who shall certify to the Issuers and the Guarantors that they have a current intention to sell the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration such financial and other relevant information and books and records of the Issuers and the Guarantors, each of their subsidiaries and, as relevant, Parent Companies, and cause each of their officers, employees, counsel and independent certified public accountants to supply all relevant information and to respond to such inquiries, as shall be reasonably necessary, in the judgment of the respective counsel referred to in such Section, to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that each such party shall be required to maintain in confidence and not to disclose to any other person any information or records reasonably designated by the Issuers or any Guarantor as being confidential, until such time as (A) such information becomes a matter of public record (whether by virtue of its inclusion in such registration statement or otherwise, except as a result of a breach of this or any other obligation of confidentiality to the Issuers), or (B) such person shall be required so to disclose such information pursuant to a subpoena or order of any court or other governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the matter (subject to the requirements of such order, and only after such person shall have given the Issuers prompt prior written notice of such requirement), or (C) such information is required to be set forth in such Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or in an amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement or an amendment or supplement to such prospectus in order that such Shelf Registration Statement, prospectus, amendment or supplement, as the case may be, complies with applicable requirements of the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Commission and does not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, provided further, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this clause (vii), any such person (and each employee, representative, or other agent of such person) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation, the U.S. tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the matters covered by and relating to this Agreement (including opinions or other tax analysis that are provided to such party relating to such tax treatment and tax structure); provided, however, that no person (and no employee, representative, or other agent of any person) shall disclose any other information that is not relevant to understanding the tax treatment and tax structure of the matters

 

-13-


covered by and relating to this Agreement (including the identity of any party and any information that could lead another to determine the identity of any party), or any other information to the extent that such non-disclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable securities law;

(viii) promptly notify each of the Representatives, the Electing Holders, any sales or placement agent therefor and any underwriter thereof (which notification may be made through any managing underwriter that is a representative of such underwriter for such purpose) and confirm such advice in writing, (A) when such Shelf Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein or any prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to such Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the same has become effective, (B) of any comments by the Commission and by the blue sky or securities commissioner or regulator of any state with respect thereto, or any request by the Commission for amendments or supplements to such Shelf Registration Statement or prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Issuers and the Guarantors, threatening of any proceedings for that purpose, (D) if at any time the representations and warranties of the Issuers and the Guarantors contemplated by Section 3(e)(xvii) or Section 5 hereof cease to be true and correct in all material respects, (E) of the receipt by the Issuers of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or, to the knowledge of the Issuers, threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, or (F) if at any time when a prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, that such Shelf Registration Statement, prospectus, prospectus amendment or supplement or post-effective amendment does not conform in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, or contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing;

(ix) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto as soon as practicable;

(x) if requested by any managing underwriter or underwriters, any placement or sales agent or any Electing Holder, promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as is required by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and as such managing underwriter or underwriters, such agent or such Electing Holder specifies should be included therein relating to the terms of the sale of such Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, information (i) with respect to the principal amount of Registrable Securities being sold by such Electing Holder or agent or to any underwriters, the name and description of such Electing Holder, agent or underwriter, the offering price of such Registrable Securities, and any discount, commission

 

-14-


or other compensation payable in respect thereof and the purchase price being paid therefor by such underwriters and (ii) with respect to any other material terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold by such Electing Holder or agent or to such underwriters; and make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment upon notification of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(xi) furnish to each Electing Holder, each placement or sales agent, if any, therefor, each underwriter, if any, thereof and the respective counsel referred to in Section 3(e)(vi) hereof an executed copy (or, in the case of an Electing Holder, a conformed copy) of such Shelf Registration Statement, each such amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto (in the case of an Electing Holder of Registrable Securities, upon request) and documents incorporated by reference therein) and such number of copies of such Shelf Registration Statement (excluding exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein unless specifically so requested by such Electing Holder, agent or underwriter, as the case may be) and of the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement (including, without limitation, each preliminary prospectus and any summary prospectus), in conformity in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, and such other documents, as such Electing Holder, agent, if any, and underwriter, if any, may reasonably request in order to facilitate the offering and disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Electing Holder, offered or sold by such agent or underwritten by such underwriter and to permit such Electing Holder, agent and underwriter to satisfy the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act; and the Issuers and the Guarantors hereby consent to the use of such prospectus (including, without limitation, such preliminary and summary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto by each such Electing Holder and by any such agent and underwriter, in each case in the form most recently provided to such person by the Issuers and the Guarantors, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by the prospectus (including, without limitation, such preliminary and summary prospectus) or any supplement or amendment thereto;

(xii) use their reasonable best efforts to (A) register or qualify the Registrable Securities to be included in such Shelf Registration Statement under such securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Electing Holder and each placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and underwriter, if any, thereof shall reasonably request, (B) keep such registrations or qualifications in effect and comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of offers, sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions during the period the Shelf Registration is required to remain effective under Section 2(b) above and for so long as may be necessary to enable any such Electing Holder, agent or underwriter to complete its distribution of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement and (C) take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each such Electing Holder, agent, if any, and underwriter, if any, to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of such Registrable Securities;

 

-15-


provided, however, that none of the Issuers or the Guarantors shall be required for any such purpose to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as the case may be, in any jurisdiction wherein it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for the requirements of this Section 3(d)(xii), (2) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) make any changes to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other organizational document) or any agreement between it and holders of its ownership interests;

(xiii) use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the consent or approval of each governmental agency or authority, whether federal, state or local, which may be required to effect the Shelf Registration or the offering or sale in connection therewith or to enable the selling holder or holders to offer, or to consummate the disposition of, their Registrable Securities;

(xiv) unless any Registrable Securities shall be in book-entry only form, cooperate with the Electing Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold, which certificates, if so required by any securities exchange upon which any Registrable Securities are listed, shall be penned, lithographed or engraved, or produced by any combination of such methods, on steel engraved borders, and which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends; and, in the case of an underwritten offering, enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriters may request at least two business days prior to any sale of the Registrable Securities;

(xv) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities, not later than the applicable Effective Time;

(xvi) enter into one or more underwriting agreements, engagement letters, agency agreements, “best efforts” underwriting agreements or similar agreements, as appropriate, including customary provisions relating to indemnification and contribution (but no less favorable than those set forth in Section 6 with respect to all parties indemnified under Section 6), unless such provisions are acceptable to Electing Holders of at least 50% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities and any managing underwriters, and take such other actions in connection therewith as any Electing Holders of at least 20% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding shall request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(xvii) whether or not an agreement of the type referred to in Section 3(e)(xvi) hereof is entered into, and whether or not any portion of the offering contemplated by the Shelf Registration is an underwritten offering or is made through a placement or sales agent or any other entity, (A) make such representations and warranties to the Electing Holders and the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the underwriters, if any, thereof in form, substance and scope as are customarily made in connection with an offering of debt securities pursuant to any appropriate agreement or to a registration statement filed on the form applicable

 

-16-


to the Shelf Registration; (B) obtain an opinion of counsel to the Issuers and the Guarantors in customary form, subject to customary limitations, assumptions and exclusions, and covering such matters, of the type customarily covered by such an opinion, as the managing underwriters, if any, or as any Electing Holders of at least 20% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding may reasonably request, addressed to such Electing Holder or Electing Holders and the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the underwriters, if any, thereof and dated the date of the Effective Time of such Shelf Registration Statement (and if such Shelf Registration Statement contemplates an underwritten offering of a part or all of the Registrable Securities, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement relating thereto) (it being agreed that the matters to be covered by such opinion shall include the matters set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 8 of the Purchase Agreement to the extent applicable to an offering of this type); (C) obtain a “cold comfort” letter or letters from the independent certified public accountants of the Issuers and the Guarantors addressed to the selling Electing Holders, the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor or the underwriters, if any, thereof, dated (i) the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement and (ii) the effective date of any prospectus supplement to the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement or post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement which includes unaudited or audited financial statements as of a date or for a period subsequent to that of the latest such statements included in such prospectus (and, if such Shelf Registration Statement contemplates an underwritten offering pursuant to any prospectus supplement to the prospectus included in such Shelf Registration Statement or post-effective amendment to such Shelf Registration Statement which includes unaudited or audited financial statements as of a date or for a period subsequent to that of the latest such statements included in such prospectus, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement relating thereto), such letter or letters to be in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by letters of such type; (D) deliver such documents and certificates, including, without limitation, officers’ certificates, as may be reasonably requested by any Electing Holders of at least 20% in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding or the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriters, if any, thereof to evidence the accuracy of the representations and warranties made pursuant to clause (A) above or those contained in Section 5(a) hereof and the compliance with or satisfaction of any agreements or conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other similar agreement entered into by the Issuers and the Guarantors pursuant to Section 3(e)(xvi); and (E) undertake such obligations relating to expense reimbursement, indemnification and contribution as are provided in Section 6 hereof;

(xviii) notify in writing each holder of Registrable Securities of any proposal by the Issuers and the Guarantors to amend or waive any provision of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9(h) hereof and of any amendment or waiver effected pursuant thereto, each of which notices shall contain the substance of the amendment or waiver proposed or effected, as the case may be;

 

-17-


(xix) in the event that any broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act shall underwrite any Registrable Securities or participate as a member of an underwriting syndicate or selling group or “assist in the distribution” (within the meaning of the Conduct Rules (the “Conduct Rules”) of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) or any successor thereto, as amended from time to time) thereof, whether as a holder of such Registrable Securities or as an underwriter, a placement or sales agent or a broker or dealer in respect thereof, or otherwise, assist such broker-dealer in complying with the requirements of such Conduct Rules, including, without limitation, by (A) if such Conduct Rules shall so require, engaging a “qualified independent underwriter” (as defined in such Conduct Rules) to participate in the preparation of the Shelf Registration Statement relating to such Registrable Securities, to exercise usual standards of due diligence in respect thereto and, if any portion of the offering contemplated by such Shelf Registration Statement is an underwritten offering or is made through a placement or sales agent, to recommend the yield of such Registrable Securities, (B) indemnifying any such qualified independent underwriter to the extent of the indemnification of underwriters provided in Section 6 hereof (or to such other customary extent as may be requested by such underwriter), and (C) providing such information to such broker-dealer as may be required in order for such broker-dealer to comply with the requirements of the Conduct Rules; and

(xx) comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable but in any event not later than eighteen months after the effective date of such Shelf Registration Statement, an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries complying with Section 11(a) of the Securities Act (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158 thereunder).

(f) In the event that the Issuers or any Guarantor would be required, pursuant to Section 3(e)(viii)(F) hereof, to notify the Electing Holders, the placement or sales agent, if any, therefor and the managing underwriters, if any, thereof, the Issuers or such Guarantor shall prepare and furnish to each of the Electing Holders, to each placement or sales agent, if any, and to each such underwriter, if any, a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus supplemented or amended so that, as thereafter delivered to purchasers of Registrable Securities, such prospectus conforms in all material respects to the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act, and shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing. Each Electing Holder agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Issuers or the Guarantors pursuant to Section 3(e)(viii)(F) hereof, such Electing Holder shall forthwith discontinue the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement applicable to such Registrable Securities until such Electing Holder shall have received copies of such amended or supplemented prospectus, and if so directed by the Issuers or the Guarantors, such Electing Holder shall deliver to the Issuers and the Guarantors (at the Issuers’ and each Guarantor’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such Electing Holder’s possession of the prospectus covering such Registrable Securities at the time of receipt of such notice.

 

-18-


(g) In the event of a Shelf Registration, in addition to the information required to be provided by each Electing Holder in its Notice and Questionnaire, the Issuers and the Guarantors may require such Electing Holder to furnish to the Issuers and the Guarantors such additional information regarding such Electing Holder and such Electing Holder’s intended method of distribution of Registrable Securities as may be required in order to comply with the Securities Act. Each such Electing Holder agrees to notify the Issuers and the Guarantors as promptly as practicable of any inaccuracy or change in information previously furnished by such Electing Holder to the Issuers and the Guarantors or of the occurrence of any event in either case as a result of which any prospectus relating to such Shelf Registration contains or would contain an untrue statement of a material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities or omits to state any material fact regarding such Electing Holder or such Electing Holder’s intended method of disposition of such Registrable Securities required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing, and promptly to furnish to the Issuers and the Guarantors any additional information required to correct and update any previously furnished information or required so that such prospectus shall not contain, with respect to such Electing Holder or the disposition of such Registrable Securities, an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the circumstances then existing.

(h) Until the Issuers and the Guarantors shall have complied with all of their obligations under Section 2 of this Agreement, the Issuers shall cause each newly acquired or created Subsidiary Guarantor (as defined in the Indenture), upon such creation or acquisition, to execute a counterpart to this Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Annex A and to deliver such counterpart to the Purchasers no later than five Business Days following the execution thereof.

SECTION 4. Registration Expenses. The Issuers and the Guarantors agree, subject to the last sentence of this Section 4, to bear and to pay or cause to be paid promptly all expenses incident to the Issuers’ and each Guarantor’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including, without limitation, (a) all Commission and any FINRA registration, filing and review fees and expenses including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel for the placement or sales agent or underwriters in connection with such registration, filing and review, (b) all fees and expenses in connection with the qualification of the Notes for offering and sale under the securities laws and blue sky laws referred to in Section 3(e)(xii) hereof and determination of their eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions as any managing underwriters or the Electing Holders may designate, including, without limitation, any fees and disbursements of counsel for the Electing Holders or underwriters in connection with such qualification and determination, (c) all expenses relating to the preparation, printing, production, distribution and reproduction of each registration statement required to be filed hereunder, each prospectus included therein or prepared for distribution pursuant hereto, each amendment or supplement to the foregoing, the expenses of preparing the Notes for delivery and the expenses of printing or producing any underwriting agreements, agreements among underwriters, selling agreements and blue sky or legal investment memoranda and all other documents in connection with the offering, sale or delivery of Notes to be disposed of (including, without limitation,

 

-19-


certificates representing the Notes), (d) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses relating to the offering, sale or delivery of Notes and the preparation of documents referred in clause (c) above, (e) fees and expenses of the Trustee under the Indenture, any agent of the Trustee and any reasonable fees and expenses for counsel for the Trustee and of any collateral agent or custodian, (f) internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of each Issuer’s and each Guarantor’s officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), (g) fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel and independent certified public accountants of the Issuers and the Guarantors (including, without limitation, the expenses of any opinions or “cold comfort” letters required by or incidental to such performance and compliance), (h) reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of one counsel for the Electing Holders retained in connection with a Shelf Registration, as selected by the Electing Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities held by Electing Holders (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Issuers and the Guarantors), (i) any fees charged by securities rating services engaged by the Issuers for rating the Notes, and (j) reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any other persons, including, without limitation, special experts, retained by the Issuers and the Guarantors in connection with such registration (collectively, the “Registration Expenses”). To the extent that any Registration Expenses are incurred, assumed or paid by any holder of Registrable Securities or any placement or sales agent therefor or underwriter thereof, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall reimburse such person for the full amount of the Registration Expenses so incurred, assumed or paid promptly after receipt of a request therefor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holders of the Registrable Securities being registered shall pay all agency fees and commissions and underwriting discounts and commissions attributable to the sale of such Registrable Securities and the fees and disbursements of any counsel or other advisors or experts retained by such holders (severally or jointly), other than the counsel and experts specifically referred to above.

SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Except with respect to clauses (a) and (b) below, the Issuers and the Guarantors represent and warrant to, and agree with, each Purchaser and each of the holders from time to time of Registrable Securities the information set forth in this Section 5.

With respect to clauses (a) and (b) below, the Issuers and the Guarantors covenant that:

(a) Each registration statement covering Registrable Securities and each prospectus (including, without limitation, any preliminary or summary prospectus) contained therein or furnished pursuant to Section 3(e) or Section 3(c) hereof and any further amendments or supplements to any such registration statement or prospectus, when it becomes effective or is filed with the Commission, as the case may be, and, in the case of an underwritten offering of Registrable Securities, at the time of the closing under the underwriting agreement relating thereto, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; and at all times subsequent to the Effective Time when a prospectus would be required to be delivered under the Securities Act, other than from (i) such time as a notice has been given to holders of Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 3(e)(viii)(F) or Section 3(c)(iii) hereof until (ii) such

 

-20-


time as the Issuers and the Guarantors furnish an amended or supplemented prospectus pursuant to Section 3(f) or Section 3(c)(iii) hereof, each such registration statement, and each prospectus (including, without limitation, any preliminary or summary prospectus) contained therein or furnished pursuant to Section 3(e) or Section 3(c) hereof, as then amended or supplemented, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing; provided, however, that this covenant shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuers and the Guarantors by a holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein.

(b) Any documents incorporated by reference in any prospectus referred to in Section 5(a) hereof, when they become or became effective or are or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, will conform or conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of such documents will contain or contained an untrue statement of a material fact or will omit or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that this covenant shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Issuers and the Guarantors by a holder of Registrable Securities expressly for use therein.

(c) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Issuers.

SECTION 6. Indemnification.

(a) The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each holder of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, covered by any Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (including each Purchaser and, with respect to any prospectus delivery as contemplated in Section 3(c)(ii) or (iii) hereof, each holder (which may include any Purchaser) that is a broker-dealer and elects to exchange for Exchange Notes any Registrable Securities that it acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (but not directly from the Issuers, the Guarantors, or any affiliate of the Issuers) for Exchange Notes) (each an “Exchanging Dealer”), the affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents of each such holder and each person who controls any such holder within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any preliminary prospectus or the prospectus included in any registration statement, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary

 

-21-


to make the statements therein not misleading, and agrees to reimburse each such indemnified party, as incurred, for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however, that the Issuers and the Guarantors will not be liable in any case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Issuers and the Guarantors by or on behalf of any such holder specifically for inclusion therein. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Issuers and the Guarantors may otherwise have.

The Issuers and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, also agree to indemnify or contribute as provided in Section 6(d) to Losses of any underwriter of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, registered under a Shelf Registration Statement, their directors, officers, employees or agents and each person who controls such underwriter within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, on substantially the same basis as that of the indemnification of the Purchasers and the selling holders provided in this Section 6(a) and shall, if requested by any holder, enter into an underwriting agreement reflecting such agreement, as provided in Section 3(e)(xvi) hereof.

(b) Each holder of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes covered by an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement (including each Purchaser and, with respect to any prospectus delivery as contemplated in Section 3(c)(ii) or Section 3(f)(iv) hereof, each Exchanging Dealer) severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers and the Guarantors and each of their affiliates, directors, employees, members, managers and agents and each Person who controls the Issuers and the Guarantors within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Issuers and the Guarantors to each such holder, but only with reference to written information relating to such holder furnished to the Issuers and the Guarantors by or on behalf of such holder specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which any such holder may otherwise have.

(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 6 or notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under this Section 6, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the indemnifying party (i) will not relieve it from liability under paragraph (a) or (b) above unless and to the extent such action and such failure results in the forfeiture by the indemnifying party of substantial rights and defenses; and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the indemnifying party from any obligations to any indemnified party other than the indemnification obligation provided in paragraph (a) or (b) above. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, except as provided in the next sentence, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election to so assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently

 

-22-


incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. Notwithstanding the indemnifying party’s rights in the prior sentence, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ its own counsel (and one local counsel), and the indemnifying party shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the indemnifying party to represent the indemnified party would present such counsel with a conflict of interest; (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party; (iii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such action; or (iv) the indemnifying party shall authorize the indemnified party to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party. No indemnifying party shall, in connection with any one action or separate but substantially similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general circumstances or allegations, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) for all indemnified parties. An indemnifying party shall not be liable under this Section 6 to any indemnified party regarding any settlement or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual or potential parties to such claim or action) unless such settlement, compromise or consent is consented to by such indemnifying party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(d) In the event that the indemnity provided in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 6 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party for any reason, then each applicable indemnifying party agrees to contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending same) (collectively “Losses”) to which such indemnifying party may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party on the one hand and by the indemnified party on the other from the offering of the Notes. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law or if the indemnified party failed to give the notice required under subsection (c) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Benefits received by the Issuers shall be deemed to be equal to the sum of (x) the total net proceeds from the initial placement of the Notes (before deducting expenses) reflected in the Purchase Agreement and (y) the total amount of Special Interest which the Issuers were not required to pay as a result of registering the securities covered by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. Benefits received by the Purchasers shall be deemed to be equal to the total purchase discounts and commissions as reflected in the Purchase Agreement, and benefits received by any other holders shall be deemed to be equal to the proceeds received from the sale of the Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as applicable. Benefits received by any underwriter shall be

 

-23-


deemed to be equal to the total underwriting discounts and commissions, as set forth in the prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement which resulted in such Losses. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party on the one hand or the indemnified party on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the holders or any agents or underwriters or all of them were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no holder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the dollar amount of the proceeds received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities (after deducting any fees, discounts and commissions applicable thereto) exceeds the amount of any damages which such holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission, and no underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price of the Registrable Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. The holders’ and any underwriters’ obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to the principal amount of Registrable Securities registered or underwritten, as the case may be, by them, and not joint. Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph (d), no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section 6, each person who controls any holder, agent or underwriter within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and each director, officer, employee and agent of a holder, agent or underwriter shall have the same rights to contribution as such holder, agent or underwriter, and each person who controls the Issuers or the Guarantors within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act and each officer and director of the Issuers or the Guarantors shall have the same rights to contribution as the Issuers or the Guarantors, subject in each case to the applicable terms and conditions of this paragraph (d).

(e) The provisions of this Section will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any holder or the Issuers or the Guarantors or any of the officers, directors or controlling persons referred to in this Section hereof, and will survive the sale by a holder of securities covered by an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement.

 

-24-


SECTION 7. Underwritten Offerings.

(a) Selection of Underwriters. If any of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration are to be sold pursuant to an underwritten offering, the managing underwriter or underwriters thereof shall be designated by Electing Holders holding at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities to be included in such offering, provided that such designated managing underwriter or underwriters is or are reasonably acceptable to the Issuers and the Guarantors.

(b) Participation by Holders. Each holder of Registrable Securities hereby agrees with each other such holder that no such holder may participate in any underwritten offering hereunder unless such holder (i) agrees to sell such holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements with respect to such Registrable Securities approved by the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

(c) Minimum Requirements. With respect to the Notes, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall not have any obligations with respect to any underwriters or underwritten offering except a single underwritten offering of $270 million or more of Registrable Securities.

SECTION 8. Rule 144.

(a) Each of the Issuers and each Guarantor covenants to the holders of Registrable Securities that to the extent it shall be required to do so under the Exchange Act, it shall timely file the reports required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act (including, without limitation, the reports under Section 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in subparagraph (c)(1) of Rule 144), and shall take such further action as any holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitations of the exemption provided by Rule 144, or any similar or successor rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission. Upon the request of any holder of Registrable Securities in connection with that holder’s sale pursuant to Rule 144, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall deliver to such holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements.

(b) At any time while any of the Notes are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144, if the Issuers are no longer subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Issuers shall prepare and furnish to any Holder, any beneficial owner of the Notes and any prospective purchaser of Notes designated by a Holder or a beneficial owner of the Notes, promptly upon request, the information required pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) (or any successor thereto) under the Securities Act in connection with the offer, sale or transfer of Notes.

SECTION 9. Miscellaneous.

(a) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Issuers and the Guarantors represent, warrant, covenant and agree that they have not granted, and shall not grant, registration rights with respect to Registrable Securities or any other Notes which would be inconsistent with the terms contained in this Agreement.

 

-25-


(b) Specific Performance. Except with respect to a Registration Default, the parties hereto acknowledge that there would be no adequate remedy at law if the Issuers or the Guarantors fail to perform any of their obligations hereunder and that the Purchasers and the holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities may be irreparably harmed by any such failure, and accordingly agree that the Purchasers and such holders, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of the obligations of the Issuers or the Guarantors under this Agreement in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, in any court of the United States or any State thereof having jurisdiction.

(c) Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if delivered personally or by courier, (ii) when sent by facsimile (with written confirmation of receipt), provided that a copy is mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested or (iii) three days after being deposited in the mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested) as follows: if to the Issuers, c/o CCO Holdings, LLC, 400 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, Attention: General Counsel, Facsimile No.: (203) 564-1377 and if to a holder, to the address of such holder set forth in the security register or other records of the Issuers, or to such other address as the Issuers or any such holder may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, with a copy in like manner c/o Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, NY1-050-12-01, New York, New York 10020, Attention: High Grade Transaction Management/Legal, Facsimile No.: (646) 855-5958. Notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

(d) Parties in Interest. All the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the parties hereto and the holders from time to time of the Registrable Securities and the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto and such holders. In the event that any person shall acquire Registrable Securities, in any manner, whether by gift, bequest, purchase, operation of law or otherwise, such transferee shall, without any further writing or action of any kind, be deemed a beneficiary hereof for all purposes and such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such transferee shall be entitled to receive the benefits, and be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by all the applicable terms and provisions, of this Agreement. If the Issuers or the Guarantors shall so request, any such successor, assign or transferee shall agree in writing to acquire and hold the Registrable Securities subject to all the applicable terms hereof.

(e) Survival. The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and each other provision set forth in this Agreement or made pursuant hereto shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation (or statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any holder of Registrable Securities, any director, officer or partner of such holder, any agent or underwriter or any director, officer or partner thereof, or any controlling person of any of the foregoing, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the transfer and registration of Registrable Securities by such holder and the consummation of an Exchange Offer.

 

-26-


(f) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(g) Headings. The descriptive headings of the several Sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

(h) Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement and the other writings referred to herein (including, without limitation, the Indenture and the form of Notes) or delivered pursuant hereto which form a part hereof contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to its subject matter. This Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only by a written instrument duly executed by the Issuers, the Guarantors and the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities at the time outstanding. Each holder of any Registrable Securities at the time or thereafter outstanding shall be bound by any amendment or waiver effected pursuant to this Section 9(h), whether or not any notice, writing or marking indicating such amendment or waiver appears on such Registrable Securities or is delivered to such holder.

(i) Inspection. For so long as this Agreement shall be in effect, this Agreement and a complete list of the names and addresses of all the holders of Registrable Securities shall be made available for inspection and copying, upon reasonable prior notice, on any business day during normal business hours by any holder of Registrable Securities for proper purposes only (which shall include any purpose related to the rights of the holders of Registrable Securities under the Notes, the Indenture and this Agreement) at the offices of the Issuers at the address thereof set forth in Section 9(c) above and at the office of the Trustee under the Indenture.

(j) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by the parties in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

(k) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions hereof shall not be in any way impaired or affected thereby, it being intended that all of the rights and privileges of the parties shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

(l) Securities Held by the Issuers, etc. Whenever the consent or approval of holders of a specified percentage of principal amount of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes is required hereunder, Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes, as applicable, held by the Issuers or their affiliates (other than subsequent holders of Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes if such subsequent holders are deemed to be affiliates solely by reason of their holdings of such Registrable Securities or Exchange Notes) shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the holders of such required percentage.

 

-27-


(m) Additional Notes. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, any registration statement and exchange offer herein contemplated may include other securities issued by the Issuers and guaranteed by the Guarantors.

SECTION 10. Release of Guarantors. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Guarantor is released from its obligations under the Indenture in accordance with the terms thereof, such Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations hereunder.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

-28-


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Purchasers, this Agreement and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement among the parties hereto. It is understood that your acceptance of this Agreement on behalf of each of the Purchasers is pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of agreement among Purchasers, the form of which shall be submitted to the Issuers and Guarantors for examination upon request, but without warranty on your part as to the authority of the signers thereof.

 

Very truly yours,

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP., as an Issuer

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name:   Thomas M. Degnan
  Title:   Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC, as an Issuer

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name:   Thomas M. Degnan
  Title:   Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

 

CCO HOLDINGS, LLC, as guarantor

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name:   Thomas M. Degnan
  Title:   Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

 

THE GUARANTORS LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO

 

By:  

/s/ Thomas M. Degnan

  Name:   Thomas M. Degnan
  Title:   Senior Vice President – Finance and Corporate Treasurer

[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]


Accepted as of the date hereof:

 

Acting on behalf of itself and the several Purchasers

By: MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH  INCORPORATED

 

By:  

/s/ Kevin Wehler

  Name: Kevin Wehler
  Title: Managing Director

Charter - Registration Rights Agreement (Secured Notes)


SCHEDULE I

Guarantors

 

Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Adcast North Carolina Cable Advertising, LLC    Delaware
Alabanza LLC    Delaware
America’s Job Exchange LLC    Delaware
American Cable Entertainment Company, LLC    Delaware
Athens Cablevision, LLC    Delaware
BHN Home Security Services, LLC    Delaware
BHN Spectrum Investments, LLC    Delaware
Bresnan Broadband Holdings, LLC    Delaware
Bresnan Broadband of Colorado, LLC    Colorado
Bresnan Broadband of Montana, LLC    Montana
Bresnan Broadband of Utah, LLC    Utah
Bresnan Broadband of Wyoming, LLC    Wyoming
Bresnan Communications, LLC    Delaware
Bresnan Digital Services, LLC    Delaware
Bresnan Microwave of Montana, LLC    Delaware
Bright House Networks Information Services (Alabama), LLC    Delaware
Bright House Networks Information Services (California), LLC    Delaware
Bright House Networks Information Services (Florida), LLC    Delaware
Bright House Networks Information Services (Indiana), LLC    Delaware
Bright House Networks Information Services (Michigan), LLC    Delaware
Bright House Networks, LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Cable Equities Colorado, LLC    Delaware
Cable Equities of Colorado Management LLC    Delaware
CC 10, LLC    Delaware
CC Fiberlink, LLC    Delaware
CC Michigan, LLC    Delaware
CC Systems, LLC    Delaware
CC V Holdings, LLC    Delaware
CC VI Fiberlink, LLC    Delaware
CC VI Operating Company, LLC    Delaware
CC VII Fiberlink, LLC    Delaware
CC VIII Fiberlink, LLC    Delaware
CC VIII Holdings, LLC    Delaware
CC VIII Operating, LLC    Delaware
CC VIII, LLC    Delaware
CCO Fiberlink, LLC    Delaware
CCO Holdco Transfers VII, LLC    Delaware
CCO Holdings, LLC    Delaware
CCO LP, LLC    Delaware
CCO NR Holdings, LLC    Delaware
CCO Purchasing, LLC    Delaware
CCO SoCal I, LLC    Delaware
CCO SoCal II, LLC    Delaware
CCO SoCal Vehicles, LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

CCO Transfers, LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (AL), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (CA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (CO), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (CT), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (GA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (IL), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (IN), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (KY), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (LA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MD), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MI), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MN), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MO), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MS), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (MT), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (NC), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (NE), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (NH), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (NV), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (NY), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (OH), LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Charter Advanced Services (OR), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (PA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (SC), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (TN), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (TX), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (UT), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (VA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (VT), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (WA), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (WI), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (WV), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services (WY), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services VIII (MI), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services VIII (MN), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advanced Services VIII (WI), LLC    Delaware
Charter Advertising of Saint Louis, LLC    Delaware
Charter Cable Operating Company, LLC    Delaware
Charter Cable Partners, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications Entertainment I, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications Entertainment II, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications Entertainment, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications of California, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications Properties LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Charter Communications Ventures, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications VI, L.L.C.    Delaware
Charter Communications VII, LLC    Delaware
Charter Communications, LLC    Delaware
Charter Distribution, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Alabama, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Georgia, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Illinois, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Maryland II, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Michigan, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Missouri, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Nebraska, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Pennsylvania, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink – Tennessee, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink AR-CCVII, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink CA-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink CC VIII, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink CT-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink LA-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink MA-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink MS-CCVI, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink NC-CCO, LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Charter Fiberlink NH-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink NV-CCVII, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink NY-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink OH-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink OR-CCVII, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink SC-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink TX-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink VA-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink VT-CCO, LLC    Delaware
Charter Fiberlink WA-CCVII, LLC    Delaware
Charter Helicon, LLC    Delaware
Charter Home Security, LLC    Delaware
Charter Leasing Holding Company, LLC    Delaware
Charter Leasing of Wisconsin, LLC    Delaware
Charter RMG, LLC    Delaware
Charter Stores FCN, LLC    Delaware
Charter Video Electronics, LLC    Delaware
DukeNet Communications Holdings, LLC    Delaware
DukeNet Communications, LLC    Delaware
Falcon Cable Communications, LLC    Delaware
Falcon Cable Media, a California Limited Partnership    California
Falcon Cable Systems Company II, L.P.    California
Falcon Cablevision, a California Limited Partnership    California


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Falcon Community Cable, L.P.    Delaware
Falcon Community Ventures I Limited Partnership    California
Falcon First Cable of the Southeast, LLC    Delaware
Falcon First, LLC    Delaware
Falcon Telecable, a California Limited Partnership    California
Falcon Video Communications, L.P.    Delaware
Helicon Partners I, L.P.    Delaware
Hometown T.V., LLC    Delaware
HPI Acquisition Co. LLC    Delaware
ICI Holdings, LLC    Delaware
Insight Blocker LLC    Delaware
Insight Capital LLC    Delaware
Insight Communications Company, L.P.    Delaware
Insight Communications Midwest, LLC    Delaware
Insight Communications of Central Ohio, LLC    Delaware
Insight Communications of Kentucky, L.P.    Delaware
Insight Interactive, LLC    Delaware
Insight Kentucky Capital, LLC    Delaware
Insight Kentucky Partners I, L.P.    Delaware
Insight Kentucky Partners II, L.P.    Delaware
Insight Midwest Holdings, LLC    Delaware
Insight Midwest, L.P.    Delaware
Insight Phone of Indiana, LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Insight Phone of Kentucky, LLC    Delaware
Insight Phone of Ohio, LLC    Delaware
Interactive Cable Services, LLC    Delaware
Interlink Communications Partners, LLC    Delaware
Intrepid Acquisition LLC    Delaware
Long Beach, LLC    Delaware
Marcus Cable Associates, L.L.C.    Delaware
Marcus Cable of Alabama, L.L.C.    Delaware
Marcus Cable, LLC    Delaware
Midwest Cable Communications, LLC    Delaware
NaviSite LLC    Delaware
New Wisconsin Procurement LLC    Delaware
Oceanic Time Warner Cable LLC    Delaware
Parity Assets LLC    Delaware
Peachtree Cable TV, L.P.    Delaware
Peachtree Cable TV, LLC    Delaware
Renaissance Media LLC    Delaware
Rifkin Acquisition Partners, LLC    Delaware
Robin Media Group, LLC    Delaware
Scottsboro TV Cable, LLC    Delaware
The Helicon Group, L.P.    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Business LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Alabama), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Arizona), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (California), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Colorado), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Hawaii), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Idaho), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Illinois), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Indiana), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kansas), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kentucky), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Maine), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Massachusetts), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Michigan), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Missouri), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Nebraska), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Hampshire), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Jersey), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (New Mexico) LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (New York), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (North Carolina), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Ohio), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Pennsylvania), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (South Carolina), LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Time Warner Cable Information Services (Tennessee), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Texas), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Virginia), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Washington), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (West Virginia), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Wisconsin), LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable International LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings III LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Internet Holdings LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Internet LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Media LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Midwest LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable New York City LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Northeast LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Pacific West LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Services LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Southeast LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Sports LLC    Delaware
Time Warner Cable Texas LLC    Delaware
TWC Administration LLC    Delaware
TWC Communications, LLC    Delaware
TWC Digital Phone LLC    Delaware
TWC Media Blocker LLC    Delaware


Guarantor

  

Jurisdiction of

Organization

Time Warner Cable, LLC    Delaware
TWC News and Local Programming Holdco LLC    Delaware
TWC News and Local Programming LLC    Delaware
TWC Regional Sports Network I LLC    Delaware
TWC Security LLC    Delaware
TWC SEE Holdco LLC    Delaware
TWC Wireless LLC    Delaware
TWC/Charter Dallas Cable Advertising, LLC    Delaware
TWCIS Holdco LLC    Delaware
Vista Broadband Communications, LLC    Delaware
Wisconsin Procurement Holdco LLC    Delaware
TWC/Charter Los Angeles Cable Advertising, LLC    Delaware
TWC/Charter Green Bay Cable Advertising, LLC    Delaware


EXHIBIT A

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

INSTRUCTION TO DTC PARTICIPANTS

(Date of Mailing)

URGENT — IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUESTED

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE: [DATE]1

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) has identified you as a DTC Participant through which beneficial interests in the Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Company”), and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with the Company, the “Issuers”) 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 issued on July 6, 2017 (the “Notes”) are held.

The Issuers are in the process of registering the Notes under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for resale by the beneficial owners thereof. In order to have their Notes included in the registration statement, beneficial owners must complete and return the enclosed Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire.

It is important that beneficial owners of the Notes receive a copy of the enclosed materials as soon as possible as their rights to have the Notes included in the registration statement depend upon their returning the Notice and Questionnaire by [Deadline For Response]. Please forward a copy of the enclosed documents to each beneficial owner that holds interests in the Notes through you. If you require more copies of the enclosed materials or have any questions pertaining to this matter, please contact the Issuers c/o Charter Communications Operating, LLC, 440 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, Attention: Secretary.

 

 

1  Not less than 28 calendar days from date of mailing.

 

A-1


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

Notice of Registration Statement

and

Selling Securityholder Questionnaire

(Date)

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement (the “Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement”) by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Company”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the guarantors party thereto, and the Purchasers named therein. Pursuant to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers have filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Issuers’ 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 issued on July 6, 2017 (the “Notes”). A copy of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement is attached hereto. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

Each beneficial owner of Registrable Securities is entitled to have the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it included in the Shelf Registration Statement. In order to have Registrable Securities included in the Shelf Registration Statement, this Notice of Registration Statement and Selling Securityholder Questionnaire (“Notice and Questionnaire”) must be completed, executed and delivered to the Issuers’ counsel at the address set forth herein for receipt ON OR BEFORE [Deadline for Response]. Beneficial owners of Registrable Securities who do not complete, execute and return this Notice and Questionnaire by such date (i) will not be named as selling securityholders in the Shelf Registration Statement and (ii) may not use the Prospectus forming a part thereof for resales of Registrable Securities.

Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Shelf Registration Statement and related prospectus.

 

A-2


ELECTION

The undersigned holder (the “Selling Securityholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include in the Shelf Registration Statement the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by it and listed below in Item (3). The undersigned, by signing and returning this Notice and Questionnaire, agrees to be bound with respect to such Registrable Securities by the terms and conditions of this Notice and Questionnaire and the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 6 of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, as if the undersigned Selling Securityholder were an original party thereto.

Upon any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, the Selling Securityholder will be required to deliver to the Issuers and the Trustee the Notice of Transfer Pursuant to Registration Statement set forth in Exhibit B to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

The Selling Securityholder hereby provides the following information to the Issuers and represents and warrants that such information is accurate and complete:

QUESTIONNAIRE

 

(1) (a) Full Legal Name of Selling Securityholder:

(b) Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same as in (a) above) of Registrable Securities Listed in Item (3) below:

(c) Full Legal Name of DTC Participant (if applicable and if not the same as (b) above) Through Which Registrable Securities Listed in Item (3) below are Held:

 

(2) Address for Notices to Selling Securityholder:

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone:                                                              

Fax:                                                                         

Contact Person:                                                       

 

(3) Beneficial Ownership of Notes:

Except as set forth below in this Item (3), the undersigned does not beneficially own any Notes.

 

  (a) Principal amount of Registrable Securities beneficially owned:

 

 

CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Securities:                                                                                                                       

 

  (b) Principal amount of Notes other than Registrable Securities beneficially owned:

 

 

 

 

A-3


CUSIP No(s). of such other Notes:                                                                                                                                                 

 

  (c) Principal amount of Registrable Securities which the undersigned wishes to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement:

CUSIP No(s). of such Registrable Securities to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement:                                              

 

(4) Beneficial Ownership of Other Securities of the Issuers:

Except as set forth below in this Item (4), the undersigned Selling Securityholder is not the beneficial or registered owner of any other securities of the Issuers other than the Notes listed above in Item (3).

State any exceptions here:

 

(5) Relationships with the Issuers:

 

  Except as set forth below, neither the Selling Securityholder nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (5% or more) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Issuers (or their respective predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.

 

  State any exceptions here:

 

(6) Plan of Distribution:

 

  Except as set forth below, the undersigned Selling Securityholder intends to distribute the Registrable Securities listed above in Item (3) only as follows (if at all): Such Registrable Securities may be sold from time to time directly by the undersigned Selling Securityholder or, alternatively, through underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. Such Registrable Securities may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. Such sales may be effected in transactions (which may involve crosses or block transactions) (i) on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the Registrable Securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale, (ii) in the over-the-counter market, (iii) in transactions otherwise than on such exchanges or services or in the over-the-counter market, or (iv) through the writing of options. In connection with sales of the Registrable Securities or otherwise, the Selling Securityholder may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of the Registrable Securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Securityholder may also sell Registrable Securities short and deliver Registrable Securities to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge Registrable Securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such Registrable Securities.

 

  State any exceptions here:

 

A-4


By signing below, the Selling Securityholder acknowledges that it understands its obligation to comply, and agrees that it will comply, with the provisions of the Exchange Act including, without limitation, Regulation M.

In the event that the Selling Securityholder transfers all or any portion of the Registrable Securities listed in Item (3) above after the date on which such information is provided to the Issuers, the Selling Securityholder agrees to notify the transferee(s) at the time of the transfer of its rights and obligations under this Notice and Questionnaire and the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

By signing below, the Selling Securityholder consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items (1) through (6) above and the inclusion of such information in the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus. The Selling Securityholder understands that such information will be relied upon by the Issuers in connection with the preparation of the Shelf Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

In accordance with the Selling Securityholder’s obligation under Section 3(e) of the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement to provide such information as may be required by law for inclusion in the Shelf Registration Statement, the Selling Securityholder agrees to promptly notify the Issuers of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein which may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Shelf Registration Statement remains in effect. All notices hereunder and pursuant to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement shall be made in writing, by hand-delivery, first-class mail, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery as follows:

 

  (i) To the Issuers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (ii) With a copy to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once this Notice and Questionnaire is executed by the Selling Securityholder and received by the Issuers’ counsel, the terms of this Notice and Questionnaire, and the representations and warranties contained herein, shall be binding on, shall inure to the benefit of and shall be enforceable by the respective successors, heirs, personal representatives, and assigns of the Issuers and the Selling Securityholder (with respect to the Registrable Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Securityholder and listed in Item (3) above). This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any provisions relating to conflicts of laws.

 

A-5


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.

Dated:                                              

 

 

Selling Securityholder

(Print/type full legal name of beneficial owner of Registrable Securities)

 

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RECEIPT ON OR BEFORE [DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE] TO THE ISSUERS’ COUNSEL AT:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-6


EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF TRANSFER PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC

440 Atlantic Street, 10th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut 06901

Attention: Secretary

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

[Address]

Attention: Trust Officer

 

  Re: Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. and Charter Communications Operating, LLC (the “Issuers”) 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2047 issued on July 6, 2017 (the “Notes”)

Dear Sirs:

Please be advised that             has transferred $            aggregate principal amount of the above-referenced Notes pursuant to an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-            ) filed by the Issuers.

We hereby certify that the prospectus delivery requirements, if any, of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, have been satisfied and that the above-named beneficial owner of the Notes is named as a “Selling Holder” in the prospectus dated [date] or in supplements thereto, and that the aggregate principal amount of the Notes transferred are the Notes listed in such prospectus opposite such owner’s name.

Dated:

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

(Name)

 
By:  

 

  (Authorized Signature)
 
 

 

Annex A-1


ANNEX A

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Reference is hereby made to the Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 6, 2017 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), by and among Charter Communications Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “CCO”), Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (“CCO Capital” and, together with CCO, the “Issuers”), the guarantors party thereto and the Representatives. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Registration Rights Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given them in the Registration Rights Agreement.

1. Joinder of the Additional Guarantor(s). Each other signatory hereto (each, a “Guarantor”), hereby agrees to become bound by the terms, conditions, representations and warranties, covenants and other provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement with all attendant rights, duties and obligations stated therein, with the same force and effect as if originally named as “Guarantor” therein and as if such Guarantor executed the Registration Rights Agreement on the date thereof.

2. Governing Law. THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

3. Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Joinder Agreement by facsimile, email or other electronictransmission (i.e., “pdf”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.

4. Amendments. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Joinder Agreement, nor any consent or approval to any departure therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

5. Headings. The headings in this Joinder Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

Annex A-1


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please indicate your acceptance of this Joinder Agreement by signing in the space provided below, whereupon this Joinder Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement will become binding agreements among the Issuers and the Guarantors party hereto in accordance with their terms.

 

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING, LLC]
By:  

 

  Title:
 
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING CAPITAL CORP.
 
By:  

 

  Title:
 
[ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS]
 
By:  

 

  Title:
 

 

Annex A-2

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO    LOGO

 

Charter Closes $1.5 Billion Senior Secured Notes

STAMFORD, Connecticut – July 6, 2017 – Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, “Charter”) today announced that its subsidiaries, Charter Communications Operating, LLC and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. (collectively, the “Issuers”), have closed on $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of Notes consisting of the following securities:

 

    $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due February 2028 (the “2028 Notes”). These notes bear interest at a rate of 3.750% per annum and were issued at a price of 99.166% of the aggregate principal amount.

 

    $500 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due May 2047 (the “Follow-on Notes,” and together with the 2028 Notes, the “Notes”). The Follow-on Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and were issued at a price of 106.529% of the aggregate principal amount. The Follow-on Notes form a part of the same series as the 5.375% Senior Secured Notes issued on April 20, 2017 in the aggregate principal amount of $1.25 billion.

The Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The offering is subject to, among other things, market conditions.

 

1


This news release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale, nor is it an offer to purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale is unlawful.

About Charter

Charter (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services, including Spectrum TV™ video entertainment programming, Spectrum Internet™ access, and Spectrum Voice™. Spectrum Business™ similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband communications solutions to business organizations, such as business-to-business Internet access, data networking, business telephone, video and music entertainment services, and wireless backhaul. Charter’s advertising sales and production services are sold under the Spectrum Reach™ brand. More information about Charter can be found at www.charter.com.

# # #

Contact:

 

Media:    Analysts:
Justin Venech    Stefan Anninger
203-905-7818    203-905-7955

 

2