10-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ý	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009, or
o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                to
Commission file number 1-14330

POLYMER GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	57-1003983 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
9335 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 300 Charlotte, North Carolina (Address of principal executive offices)	28269 (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (704) 697-5100 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Class
Class A common stock
Class B common stock
Series A warrants to subscribe for shares of Class D common stock
Series B warrants to subscribe for shares of Class E common stock

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer ý Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of the Company's voting stock held by non-affiliates as of June 28, 2008 was approximately $74.6 million, based on the average of the closing bid and ask price of the Class A common stock on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. Solely for the purposes of the foregoing calculation, affiliates are considered to be Directors, Executive Officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners of the Registrant's common equity. As of March 11, 2009, there were 19,446,911 shares of Class A common stock, 87,671 shares of Class B common stock and 24,319 shares of Class C common stock outstanding. No shares of Class D or Class E common stock were outstanding as of such date. The par value for each class of common stock is $.01 per share.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

         Portions of the Registrant's Notice of 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement—Part III

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2009

INDEX

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS FORM 10-K		3
PART I
Item 1.	Business	5
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	16
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	22
Item 2.	Properties	23
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	24
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	24
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	25
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	27
Item 7.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	28
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	50
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	52
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	99
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	99
Item 9B.	Other Information	101
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	101
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	101
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	102
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	102
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	102
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	103
	Signatures	108

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS FORM 10-K

        Readers should consider the following information as they review this Form 10-K:

        The terms "Polymer Group," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" as used in this Form 10-K refer to Polymer Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Safe Harbor-Forward-Looking Statements

        From time to time, we may publish forward-looking statements relative to matters such as, including, without limitation, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new product introductions, cost savings, research and development activities and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "target" or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes.

        Various statements contained in this report, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Unless required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements and caution against any undue reliance on them. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions about future events. Although management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. See Item 1A. "Risk Factors" below. There can be no assurance that these events will occur or that our results will be as estimated.

        Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements include:

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general economic factors including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, foreign currency translation rates, consumer confidence, trends in disposable income, changes in consumer demand for goods produced, and cyclical or other downturns;

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substantial debt levels and potential inability to maintain sufficient liquidity to finance our operations and make necessary capital expenditures;

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inability to meet existing debt covenants;

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information and technological advances;

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changes in environmental laws and regulations;

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achievement of objectives for strategic acquisitions and dispositions;

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cost and availability of raw materials, labor and natural and other resources and the inability to pass raw material cost increases along to customers;

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changes to selling prices to customers which are based, by contract, on an underlying index;

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inability to achieve successful or timely start-up on new or modified production lines;

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domestic and foreign competition;

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reliance on major customers and suppliers; and

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risks related to operations in foreign jurisdictions.

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Fiscal Year-End

        Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31. Fiscal 2008 ended January 3, 2009 and included the results of operations for a fifty-three week period. Fiscal 2007 ended December 29, 2007 and included the results of operations for a fifty-two week period. Fiscal 2006 ended December 30, 2006 and included the results of operations for a fifty-two week period. References herein to "2008," "2007," and "2006," generally refer to fiscal 2008, fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Additional Information

        Our website is located at www.polymergroupinc.com. Through the website, we make available, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

        Polymer Group, Inc. is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of engineered materials, focused primarily on the production of nonwovens. Nonwovens are high value-added, high performance and low-cost alternative materials developed as an outgrowth of paper, textile and chemical technologies, with critical characteristics including absorbency, tensile strength, softness and barrier properties. Our products, which typically comprise only a small percentage of the final product's total cost, are the critical substrates and components for disposable consumer applications such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, household and personal wipes, disposable medical applications, such as surgical gowns and drapes, and for various durable industrial applications including furniture and bedding, filtration and protective apparel.

        We have one of the largest global platforms in our industry, with seventeen manufacturing and converting facilities throughout the world, and a presence in eight countries. We are strategically located near many of our key customers in order to increase our effectiveness in addressing local and regional demand as many of our products do not ship economically over long distances. We work closely with our customers, which include well-established multi-national and regional consumer and industrial product manufacturers, and use innovative technologies to provide engineered solutions to meet increasing consumer demand for more sophisticated products. We believe that we are one of the leading participants in the majority of the markets in which we compete and have, we believe, one of the broadest and most advanced technology portfolios in the industry.

        We have been built through a series of capital expansions and business acquisitions that have broadened our technology base, increased our product lines and expanded our global presence. Moreover, our worldwide resources have enabled us to better meet the needs of existing customers, to serve emerging geographic markets, and to exploit niche market opportunities through customer-driven product development.

Industry Overview

        We compete primarily in the worldwide nonwovens market. According to certain industry sources, the nonwovens market is in excess of $20.0 billion in annual sales. Historically, the global market has been expected to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0 to 8.0%. The recent change in the macro economic conditions have negatively impacted certain market segments, specifically durable products used in industrial applications. The recent severe and unexpected decline in the global marketplace has made long-term growth forecasts difficult. Based on available data, we still expect continued growth in the market, specifically in the developing regions and in end-use market segments that are more disposable in nature. Demand in certain developing regions is still forecasted to grow in excess of a 10.0% CAGR over the next five years. However, the overall growth rate expectation is lower than prior year indications. Demand in developed regions (North America, Western Europe and Japan) over this period is expected to increase by a 1.0 to 3.0% CAGR, driven by increased penetration, the development of new applications for nonwovens and a recovery of certain underlying markets beginning in 2010. We believe that future growth will depend upon the continuation of improvements in raw materials and technology, which should result in the development of high-performance nonwovens, leading to new uses and markets. We believe our unique global platform and technological leadership, with an increasing presence in the higher-growth developing regions, will allow us to achieve growth and increased profitability. However, our growth rate may differ from the industry averages depending upon the regions and markets we choose to operate in and the technology that we develop.

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Business Strategy

        Our goal is to be the global leader in the hygiene and medical markets and to participate in the industrial and wipes markets where we can build scale and a sustainable market leading position. We strive to be the premier partner of choice for companies seeking materials that, in simplest terms, perform better and offer superior value. We expect to achieve this by delivering outstanding customer satisfaction and innovative solutions that help our clients succeed. We are committed to improving the way people work and live by providing the highest quality products to customers in four markets around the world: hygiene, medical, wipes and industrial. The contributions of our people will be recognized as the key to our success in achieving market leadership and creating value for stakeholders.

        We plan to grow our core businesses in line with our markets by expanding in key geographic markets and continuing to develop new technologies to capitalize on new product opportunities. We also seek to expand our capabilities to take advantage of the penetration and growth of our core products internationally, particularly in emerging countries. We are committed to excellence throughout our business to increase total delivered value to customers by leveraging our global presence and functional scale to deliver products to customers with best-in-class reliability and efficiency.

        Our business strategy is one based on achieving differentiated leadership in the markets in which we compete. We will accomplish this by leveraging and investing in our core competencies of Global Presence, Innovation, Operational Excellence and Customer Satisfaction. To execute our strategy and drive continued success, we are focused on the following:

Global Presence.    We expect to continue our successful strategy of adding capacity in both developed and developing regions to follow and grow with global, regional and local customers. This also includes leveraging global best practices, functionally and technologically, with a strong local market presence. We intend to utilize our proven strategy of expanding in markets with attractive supply and demand characteristics through a detailed market assessment which includes identifying a majority of new product volumes in advance of commercialization. Our strategic expansion projects target a return on our investment over a three to five-year period following the start up of the project. Additionally, we will selectively continue to evaluate strategic consolidation opportunities, focusing on companies, technologies and products that complement our business, competitive position and product offerings.

Innovation.    We expect to continue to work with industry leading customers to develop new and innovative products and solutions. We intend to leverage our culture of innovation, our global organization and the efficiency of our research and development investments to deliver both innovative products and processes that are category game changers as well as next generation products tailored to meet demanding and evolving specifications and address consumer preferences.

Operational Excellence.    We expect to continue to operate our facilities with manufacturing excellence characterized by best-in-class reliability, performance, yield, product quality and consistency. We plan to continue to organize for success by leveraging our global platform through an interconnected global and regional functional management structure in areas such as manufacturing, sales, marketing, procurement, finance and human resources. In addition, we will look for opportunities to improve supply chain management and offer solutions to customers to reduce costs and streamline manufacturing operations and corporate functions.

Customer Satisfaction.    We expect to continue to partner with our global customer base of leading consumer and industrial players to grow in the regions and markets where they are growing. To do this, we seek to actively engage customer feedback through various sources to identify what customers value most and deliver it to them. We will continue to collaborate with our customers and strategically align our business focus to best address customer needs. We intend to work closely with our customers to develop next-generation products and provide innovative solutions to satisfy end-user requirements.

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        We develop, manufacture and sell a broad array of products. Our sales are focused in two operating divisions: "Nonwovens" and "Oriented Polymers" that provide opportunities to leverage our advanced technology and substantial capacity. For financial information by business segment and geographic area, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 16 "Segment Information" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Nonwovens segment

        The Nonwovens segment develops and sells products in various consumer and industrial markets, including hygiene, medical, industrial, and wiping. Nonwovens segment sales were approximately $971.4 million, $885.7 million and $848.3 million of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and represented approximately 85%, 84% and 83% of our consolidated net sales in each of those years.

        Nonwovens are categorized as either disposable (estimated to be approximately 50% to 55% of worldwide industry sales) or durable (estimated to be approximately 45% to 50% of worldwide industry sales). We primarily compete in disposable products, which account for approximately 70% of our total nonwoven sales. We believe that disposable products are less cyclical and will have higher growth rates in the future, driven primarily by the increasing adoption of these materials in developing economies due to rising per capita income and population growth. We sell a diverse array of durable products to a variety of niche industrial end markets. Our products are a mix of roll goods and downstream and integrated finished products. We endeavor to add value to our products through our printing, laminating and small roll converting capabilities and, in some instances, convert product ourselves and sell directly to the end consumer. With this downstream presence we are a more valuable supplier to our customers with a more efficient distribution chain and knowledge of the consumer of the end product.

Hygiene applications.    In the hygiene market, our substrates are the critical components providing superior absorbency, barrier strength, fit and softness in diapers, training pants, feminine sanitary protection and adult incontinence products. Our broad product offerings provide customers with a full range of these specialized and highly engineered components, including top sheet, transfer layer, backsheet fabric, leg cuff fabric, sanitary protective facings, absorbent pads for incontinence guard, panty shield, and absorbent core applications. In developing regions, such as certain parts of Latin America and Asia, where penetration rates for nonwoven hygiene products such as disposable diapers are low (less than 50%), growth is expected to be driven by increased disposable product penetration resulting from increasing standards of living. We believe that we are well positioned to participate in this growth through our global presence in these markets and as a result of our recent expansions in Cali, Colombia, Buenos Aires, Argentina and our previously announced expansion in San Luis Potosi, Mexico (addressing growth in the U.S. and Mexican markets).

        In developed regions, growth is expected to be driven by our customers' continued demand for enhanced functionality and greater sophistication in their end-products. We frequently partner with select, industry-leading manufacturers to jointly develop leading-edge products to meet changing consumer demands.

Medical applications.    Our medical products are the principal, high-performance materials that are used in disposable surgical packs, apparel such as operating room gowns and drapes, face masks, shoe covers and wound care sponges and dressings. Nonwovens feature characteristics and properties which address barrier performance, breathability, strength and softness. Our previously launched innovative Medisoft® Ultra™ line delivers enhanced softness and comfort, as well as drapability and breathability, combined with higher protection and superior cost effectiveness than traditional medical nonwovens. Our well-respected position in the industry is rooted in our acquisition of Johnson & Johnson's medical nonwovens business in 1995. We believe we hold the largest global market position

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in nonwoven-based medical fabrics. Growth in the United States is expected to be driven by demand for improved barrier properties and enhanced protection due to new regulations, such as those imposed by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. In Europe, where the nonwoven medical penetration rate of 40% is significantly lower than that of North America, growth is expected to be driven by increased use of disposable products as end-use customers switch to nonwovens from materials that are less breathable and that do not provide adequate barrier properties. Medical products, whose final production steps are labor intensive, are increasingly being converted and manufactured in low cost labor regions such as China. We are uniquely positioned to participate in the growth from this trend through our proximity to regional medical converters and the finishing capabilities of our new plants in Suzhou and Nanhai, China.

Wiping applications.    We produce nonwoven products for the consumer wipes market, which includes personal care and facial wipes (in-market examples, including those that we do not supply, consist of wipes from Olay® and Neutrogena®), baby wipes and household wipes (in-market examples, including those that we do not supply, consist of Clorox® and Lysol® disinfectant wipes and Swiffer® and Pledge® dry dusting wipes). We also market a converted line of wipes under our own industry-leading Chix® brand directly to industrial, foodservice, and janitorial markets. Wipes producers rely on nonwovens to provide features that enable product performance demanded by consumers such as abrasiveness and liquid dispensability. For example, our proprietary APEX™ technology enables us to impart three-dimensional images, which enhance performance by creating ridges for dust collection and increase abrasiveness, as well as improve branding and customer appeal. The consumer wipes market is expected to grow significantly as a result of increased sales of these value-added consumer products and continued innovations such as the additions of lotions, exfoliates, and skin cleansing delivery systems to the wipes. In 2008, we commercialized a new family of products based upon our unique Spinlace™ technology that meets customers' demand for products that are a better value and offer improved functionality, such as improved strength and absorbency.

Industrial applications.    Our industrial business serves a diverse collection of niche end markets that includes cable wrap, furniture and bedding, home furnishings, filtration and landscape and agricultural applications. We focus on markets where there is a demand for highly engineered and tailored materials which can be served by our technological capabilities and where our customers place significant value. Growth in industrial products is driven by category-specific demand dynamics, such as increased nonwovens consumption as a result of applicable EPA regulations for filtration applications and the United States' more stringent standards for flame-retardant fabrics in mattresses, for which we have been able to utilize our proprietary APEX™ technology. Additionally, we are taking advantage of numerous opportunities to utilize engineered materials in new applications where they have not traditionally been utilized, such as in the roofing and packaging markets.

Oriented Polymers segment

        The Oriented Polymers segment provides flexible packaging products that utilize coated and uncoated oriented polyolefin fabrics. Oriented Polymers segment sales were approximately $174.2 million, $174.0 million and $173.3 million for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and represented approximately 15%, 16% and 17% of our consolidated net sales in each of those years.

        The Oriented Polymers segment utilizes extruded polyolefin processes and woven technologies to produce a wide array of products for industrial packaging, building products, agriculture and protective apparel markets. These include concrete fiber, housewrap, lumberwrap, fiberglass packaging tubes, balewrap, steel wrap, coated bags for specialty chemicals and mineral fibers, performance fabrics for firemen turnout gear and other performance fabrics. Our woven slit film component of the business primarily competes in niche markets, delivering more complex products versus supplying uncoated markets such as carpet backing fabric, geotextiles and bags. The industrial packaging markets in which we compete include applications such as lumberwrap, steel wrap and fiberglass packaging. The

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building products applications encompass structural concrete reinforcement fiber, as well as high-strength protective coverings, printed billboard material and specialized components that are integrated into a variety of industrial products (e.g., roofing substrates and flame-retardant fabric). We maintain leading market positions in this segment, as evidenced by our #2 position in North America in concrete fiber and flame-retardant performance fabrics. We are focusing efforts on diversifying away from large volume, commodity products within this division through the continued product innovation.

Competitive strengths

        Our competitive strengths are a function of our global footprint, our leading technology platform and our strong customer relationships with leading manufacturers that enable us to participate most effectively in the growth of the nonwovens market.

Global footprint with access to growing end markets

        We are differentiated from our competition by having developed a global footprint, which enables us to broadly serve both global consumer and industrial leaders and local and regional players, in both developed and high-growth developing regions. With manufacturing and converting operations in seventeen locations around the globe and a presence in eight countries on four continents, we have built the broadest global asset base of any of our competitors, providing us with a leading market position. We believe that we will participate in the growth of the nonwovens market as a result of our global footprint, which gives us superior access to growing regions. Our global presence also allows us to provide consistent product to large global consumer and industrial leaders from similar manufacturing equipment across the world. We have completed five expansions in the past four years including three in high growth regions in Latin America and Asia. An additional international expansion for a new line in San Luis Potosi, Mexico is expected to be fully installed by the middle of 2009. Our Asian headquarters are located at our new facility in Suzhou, China, which is strategically located to satisfy the increasing demand from local converters of medical products such as gowns and drapes destined for North American and European markets. Future expansion will focus on high growth regions and potential new markets for us, such as the Middle East and India, where there is needed capacity given the low nonwoven penetration rates.

Technology innovation platform

        We believe that we are the industry leading, technology-driven developer and innovator of nonwovens and engineered materials. We have the broadest nonwovens technology base of any of our competitors, underscored by an array of proprietary technologies. We also maintain a comprehensive R&D program, which gives us a significant competitive advantage and ability to grow. Our R&D efforts have yielded such product innovations as flame retardant materials, moldable substrates, and the MediSoft® Ultra™ and Spinlace® families of products. We have a total of over 350 trademark and domain name registrations and pending trademark applications worldwide and over 500 patents and pending patent applications worldwide.

        We expect to continue with our technology initiatives through further investment in existing assets, and to upgrade their capabilities to produce innovative and technologically superior products. Recent investments into existing hydroentanglement infrastructure have resulted in the introduction of a new Spinlace® material, an entirely new category of high-performance, cost-effective engineered materials for wipes and other uses that we expect will be the cornerstone of future product development.

Strong customer relationships with leading manufacturers

        We have cultivated strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse set of global, regional and local customers who are among the technology and market leaders in the hygiene, medical, wipes and

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industrial markets. We frequently work on leading-edge products as a development partner with our customers to ensure that we are providing the best level of service to meet their standards of global scale, consistency and highly technical product specifications. Our customers typically have stringent qualifications and process standards that create significant challenges for less advanced competitors. Through our relationships, we have become integral to the product development cycles of our customers, which gives us insight into end market trends. Our marketing and research and development teams work closely with these customers in the development of next generation products. This technical support helps to ensure that our products will continue to be incorporated into our customers' future product designs.

Marketing and Sales

        We sell to customers in the domestic and international marketplace. Approximately 40%, 23%, 17%, 11% and 9% of our 2008 net sales were from manufacturing facilities in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Canada, respectively. The Procter & Gamble Company, which is our largest customer, accounted for 11%, 12% and 13% of our net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Sales to our top 20 customers represented approximately 49%, 49% and 51% of our net sales in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

        We generally employ direct sales representatives who are active in our new product development efforts and are strategically located in the major geographic regions in which our products are utilized. The oriented polyolefin products are sold primarily through a well-established network of converters and distributors. Converters add incremental value to our products and distributors service the small order size requirements typical of many end users.

Manufacturing Processes

        General.    Our competitive strengths include high-quality manufacturing processes and a broad range of process technologies, which allow us to offer our customers the best-suited product for each respective application. Additionally, we have made significant capital investments in modern technology and have developed proprietary processes and manufacturing techniques. We have a wide range of manufacturing capabilities that allow us to produce specialized products that, in certain cases, cannot be reproduced in the market. Substantially all of our manufacturing sites have plant-wide real time control and monitoring systems that constantly monitor key process variables using a sophisticated closed loop system of computers, sensors and custom software.

        Nonwovens.    We have a comprehensive array of nonwoven manufacturing technologies that encompass capabilities spanning the entire spectrum of nonwoven applications. Nonwoven rollgoods typically have three process steps: web formation, web consolidation or bonding, and finishing. Web formation is the process by which previously prepared fibers, filaments or films are arranged into loosely held networks called webs, batts or sheets. In each process, the fiber material is laid onto a forming or conveying surface, which may be dry or molten. The dry-laid process utilizes fiber processing equipment, called "cards," that have been specifically designed for high-capacity nonwoven production. The carding process converts bales of entangled fibers into uniform oriented webs that then feed into the bonding process. In a molten polymer-laid process, extrusion technology is used to transform polymer pellets into filaments, which are laid on a conveying screen and interlocked by thermal fusion. In this process, the fiber formation, web formation and web consolidation are generally performed as a continuous simultaneous operation, making this method very efficient from a manufacturing and cost perspective.

        Web consolidation is the process by which fiber or film are bonded together using mechanical, thermal, chemical or solvent means. The bonding method greatly influences the end products' strength, softness, loft and utility. The principal bonding processes are thermal bond, resin or adhesive bond,

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hydroentanglement or spunlace, binder fiber or through-air bond, calender, spunbond, meltblown, SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) and ultrasonic bond. Thermal bond utilizes heated calender rolls with embossed patterns to point bond or fuse the fibers together. In the resin bond process, an adhesive, typically latex, is pad rolled onto the web to achieve a bond. Spunlace, or hydroentanglement, uses high pressure water jets to mechanically entangle the fibers. Through-air bonding takes place through the fusion of bi-component fibers in a blown hot air drum. Spunbond and meltblown take advantage of the melt properties of the resins and may use thermal fusion with the aid of calender rolls. SMS and SMMS (spunbond-meltblown-meltblown-spunbond) are integrated processes of combining spunbond and meltblown sheets in a laminated structure, creating very strong, lightweight and uniform fabrics. Ultrasonic bonding utilizes high-frequency sound waves that heat the bonding sites.

        We recently developed a Spinlace® fabric, which is targeted as a high-performance, cost-effective engineered material for the wipes and other markets. The fabric is made through an internally developed process that combines spunbonding, airlaid and hydroentanglement techniques without the use of cards. This nonwoven material is stronger, more absorbent and can incorporate three-dimensional images at lower weights and with a better value proposition than traditional manufacturing methods.

        Special Films and Composite Structures.    We have a proprietary continuous process for manufacturing unique reticulated films. These highly engineered films have unique capabilities due to the way precision holes are imparted during the process of forming the film. Since these films can be composed of two or more layers of different polymers, the functionality can be different on one side versus the other. These films are typically customized for each customer and are especially popular in Asia as a component for premium feminine hygiene products. The Company also manufactures composites which are combinations of different nonwoven and /or film structures where each structure lends its properties or attributes to the end product. An example is house wrap. House wrap is the result of mating an especially strong spunbond fabric with a highly engineered film. The resulting fabric is very strong, economical, and has excellent wind barrier properties while allowing humidity to pass through the fabric.

        Finishing, or post-treatment, adds value and functionality to the product and typically includes surface treatments for fluid repellency, aperturing, embossing, laminating, printing and slitting. Spunlace and resin bond systems also have a post-treatment drying or curing step. Certain products also go through an aperturing process in which holes are opened in the fabric, improving absorbency.

        Oriented Polyolefins.    The oriented/film process begins with plastic resin, which is extruded into a thin plastic film or into monofilament strands. The film is slit into narrow tapes. The slit tapes or monofilament strands are then stretched or "oriented," the process through which it derives its high strength. The tapes are wound onto spools that feed weaving machines or twisters. In the finishing process, the product is coated for water or chemical resistance, ultraviolet stabilization and protection, flame retardancy, color and other specialized characteristics. In the twisting process, either oriented slit tapes or monofilament strands are twisted and packaged on tightly spooled balls for distribution as agricultural and commercial twine. We operate coating lines that have been equipped with the latest technology for gauge control, print treating, lamination, anti-slip finishes and perforation. We also laminate oriented products to paper and have the additional capability of printing multiple colors on a wide-width printing press located in North America.

Competition

        Our primary competitors in our nonwoven product markets are E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Fiberweb plc, Ahlstrom Corp, Avgol LTD., First Quality Enterprises, Inc., Grupo Providencia, Toray Saehan, Inc. and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Japan. Our primary competitors in the oriented polymers products markets are Intertape Polymer Group Inc. and Propex Fabrics, Inc. Generally, product

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innovation and performance, quality, service, distribution and cost are the primary competitive factors, with technical support being highly valued by the largest customers.

Raw Materials

        The primary raw materials used to manufacture most of our products are polypropylene resin, polyester fiber, polyethylene resin and, to a lesser extent, rayon and tissue paper. These primary raw materials are available from multiple sources and we purchase such materials from a variety of global suppliers. The prices of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester are a function of, among other things, manufacturing capacity, demand and the price of crude oil and natural gas liquids. Historically, the prices of polypropylene and polyethylene resins and polyester fibers have fluctuated. We have not historically hedged the exposure to raw material increases, but we have certain customer contracts that contain price adjustment provisions which provide for the pass-through of any cost increases or decreases in raw materials, although there is often a lag between the time that we incur the new raw material cost and the time that we adjust the selling price to our customers. In periods of rising raw material costs, to the extent we are not able to pass along price increases of raw materials, or to the extent any such price increases are delayed, our cost of goods sold would increase and our operating profit would correspondingly decrease. By way of example, if the price of polypropylene was to rise $.01 per pound, and we were not able to pass along any of such increase to our customers, we would realize a decrease of approximately $4.1 million, on an annualized basis, in our reported pre-tax operating income.

        During fiscal 2007 and the first eight months of fiscal 2008, the cost of polypropylene resin, our largest volume raw material, increased significantly, particularly during the May 2008 to August 2008 timeframe and, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the cost of polypropylene resin decreased dramatically. Additionally, on a global basis, other raw material costs continue to fluctuate, including recent reductions in the cost of rayon fiber, in a much narrower range. These costs primarily fluctuate in response to certain global economic factors, including the regional supply versus demand dynamics for the raw materials and the volatile price of oil. There can be no assurance that the prices of our raw materials, including polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester will not substantially increase in the future, or that we will be able to pass on any increases to our customers not covered by contracts with price escalation clauses. In periods of rising raw material costs, to the extent that we are able to pass along price increases of raw materials, or to the extent that any such increases are delayed, our cost of goods would increase and our operating profit would correspondingly decrease. Increases in raw material costs that cannot be passed on to customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In periods of declining raw material costs, our cost of goods would decrease and our operating profit would correspondingly increase; however, such increases would be offset, in whole or in part, by reductions in selling prices offered to customers by contract or in light of current market conditions. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and "Raw Material and Commodity Risks" included in Item 7A of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of the impact of raw material costs on our operations in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

        We believe that the loss of any one or more of our suppliers would not have a long-term material adverse effect on us because other manufacturers with whom we conduct business would be able to fulfill our requirements. However, the loss of certain of our suppliers could, in the short-term, adversely affect our business until alternative supply arrangements were secured or alternative suppliers were qualified with customers. We have not experienced, and do not expect, any significant disruptions in supply as a result of shortages in raw materials.

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Environmental

        We are subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to the pollution and protection of the environment. Among the many environmental requirements applicable to us are laws relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling, disposal and release of solid and hazardous substances and wastes and remediation of soil, surface and groundwater contaminations. We believe our operations are currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of our business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.

        We are also subject to laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), that may impose liability retroactively and without regard to fault for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at on-site or off-site locations.

Patents and Trademarks

        We consider our patents and trademarks, in the aggregate, to be important to our business and seek to protect this proprietary know-how in part through United States and foreign patent and trademark registrations. We have a total of over 350 trademark and domain name registrations and pending trademark applications worldwide, over 500 patents and pending patent applications worldwide and maintain certain trade secrets for which, in order to maintain the confidentiality of such trade secrets, we have not sought patent protection.

Inventory and Backlogs

        Inventories at January 3, 2009 were $121.9 million, a decrease of $17.8 million from inventories of $139.7 million at December 29, 2007. We had inventory representing approximately 50 days of cost of sales on hand at January 3, 2009 compared to 56 days of cost of sales on hand at December 29, 2007. The net decrease in inventory during fiscal 2008 is primarily attributable to (i) the effects of currency movements, (ii) lower unit costs related to inventory at the end of fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007, (iii) lower quantities of goods on hand at the end of fiscal 2008, and (iv) increases associated with the installation of our new spunmelt line in Argentina. Unfilled orders as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 amounted to approximately $51.2 million and $72.5 million, respectively. The level of unfilled orders is affected by many factors, including the timing of orders and the delivery time for the specific products. Consequently, we do not consider the amount of unfilled orders a meaningful indicator of levels of future sales.

Research and Development

        Our investment in research and development approximated $15.2 million, $13.7 million and $12.5 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Seasonality

        Use and consumption of our products in most regions and markets do not fluctuate significantly due to seasonality.

Employees

        As of January 3, 2009, we had approximately 3,168 employees. Of this total, approximately 39% of our employees are represented by labor unions or trade councils that have entered into separate collective bargaining agreements with us. Approximately 30% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements that will expire within one year. There were no known unionizing attempts during

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fiscal 2008. We believe that we generally have good relationships with both our union and non-union employees.

Business Restructuring

        Our restructuring and plant realignment activities in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 are discussed in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        In fiscal 2008 we recognized restructuring and plant realignment costs primarily associated with (a) our previously announced closure of the Neunkirchen, Germany nonwovens facility in the amount of $3.9 million, which included employee severance, equipment relocation and other shutdown costs; (b) our previously announced closing of the Landisville, New Jersey nonwovens facility in the amount of $1.0 million, which included employee severance and other shutdown costs; (c) severance costs associated with a management restructuring within our Latin American operations in the amount of $1.0 million; and (d) other restructuring efforts, primarily in the U.S., in the amount of $0.5 million.

        In fiscal 2007 our restructuring and plant realignment efforts were principally associated with (a) the closure of certain U.S. nonwoven facilities and consolidation of production and centralization of business process, for which we recognized employee severance, equipment relocation and other associated costs of approximately $11.6 million; (b) costs associated with the continued reorganization and consolidation of our European businesses of $9.6 million associated with employee severance, equipment removal and relocation and plant exit costs; (c) settlement of employee benefit plans at a net cost of $0.6 million, primarily attributable to the Canadian restructuring initiatives; and (d) other relocation and restructuring initiatives amounting to $1.7 million in the U.S. associated with the corporate relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina initiated in fiscal 2006 and severance and outplacement costs for the Oriented Polymers operations.

        In fiscal 2006 we recognized restructuring and plant realignment costs principally associated with (a) our restructuring and consolidation plan for Europe, which included termination benefits provided to one of our executive officers, pursuant to Dutch law, in the amount of $2.1 million and costs associated with the closure of the Sweden plant, which resulted in the reduction of nineteen employees and a charge of $1.1 million; (b) costs related to the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina in the amount of $3.0 million; (c) downsizing certain Canadian operations resulting in severance costs of $0.6 million associated with the reduction of 26 employees; and (d) costs in the amount of $0.3 million related to exiting the leased facilities at Gainesville, Georgia.

        Our strategy with respect to the consolidation efforts in the U.S. and Europe is focused on the elimination of cash fixed costs at the closed plant sites, and the transfer of business and equipment to sites in regions with lower variable costs and which are closer to our customers, as necessary and practical, to retain the existing business with the potential to expand sales volumes.

        We review our business on an ongoing basis relative to current and expected market conditions, attempting to match our production capacity and cost structure to the demands of the markets in which we participate, and strive to continuously streamline our manufacturing operations consistent with world-class standards. Accordingly, in the future we may or may not decide to undertake certain restructuring efforts to improve our competitive position, especially in the more mature markets of the U.S., Europe and Canada. In such mature markets, the prices for commodity roll goods continue to fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics relative to the assets employed in that geographic region. We actively and continuously pursue initiatives to prolong the useful life of our long-lived assets through product and process innovation. In some instances we may decide, as was the case with our current plans to consolidate operations in the U.S. and Europe, as further described in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that our fixed cost structure will be enhanced through consolidation. To the extent further

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decisions are made to improve our long-term performance, such actions could result in the incurrence of cash restructuring charges and asset impairment charges associated with the consolidation, and such charges could be material.

Debt Structure and Refinancing

        On November 22, 2005, we refinanced our then outstanding bank debt with a new Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") and entered into Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 8, 2006, to the Credit Facility, which provided us with additional financial flexibility. Our Credit Facility consists of a $45.0 million secured revolving credit facility that matures on November 22, 2010 and a $410.0 million first-lien term loan that matures on November 22, 2012. In addition, on March 3, 2009, we announced that we intend, through our subsidiaries, to make market purchases of up to $70.0 million of our first-lien term loan over the next two years. See "Liquidity Summary" in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details.

Recent Expansion Initiatives

        We have completed five expansions within the past four years, including three in high growth regions such as Latin America and Asia to address growing demand for regional hygiene and global medical products. Capital expenditures during the four-year period ended January 3, 2009 totaled $242.1 million and consisted of four commercially operating spunmelt facilities, including one that initiated commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, a retrofitted hydroentanglement line to produce Spinlace™ products, construction costs associated with our new spunmelt line in San Luis Potosi, Mexico which is expected to commence commercial production in mid 2009, maintenance capital spending and certain other smaller projects.

        The Cali, Colombia line, which was installed in the latter part of fiscal 2005, performed at expected levels during fiscal 2007 and 2008. The Mooresville, North Carolina line, which began production in the latter part of the second quarter of fiscal 2006, has performed at expected levels since its start up. The Suzhou, China line began operations in the latter part of the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Despite the fact that the qualification process with customers on the Suzhou line for high grade finished medical fabric took longer than anticipated, the process was substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2007, allowing for the transition from hygiene and lower grades of medical fabrics to a more profitable mix of finished medical fabric sales in fiscal 2008.

        Additionally, in fiscal 2007, we completed two major capital projects: (i) construction of a new spunmelt line at our facility near Buenos Aires, Argentina, which initiated commercial production during the first quarter of fiscal 2008; and (ii) the retrofit of an existing hydroentanglement line at our Benson, North Carolina facility to produce Spinlace™ products, which started-up early in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

        We have also commenced construction for the previously announced installation of a state-of-the-art spunmelt line in San Luis Potosi, Mexico to serve medical and hygiene customers in the U.S. and Mexico, which is expected to commence commercial production by the middle of fiscal 2009.

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        Set forth below are some of the risks and uncertainties that, if they were to occur, could materially adversely affect our business or that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other public statements made by us.

        Shareholders and prospective investors should carefully consider and evaluate all of the risk factors described below. These risk factors may change from time to time and may be amended, supplemented, or superceded by updates to the risk factors contained in periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the future.

Risks Related to the Company's Business

Because the specialized markets in which we sell our products are highly competitive, we may
        have difficulty growing our business year after year.

        The markets for our products are highly competitive. The primary competitive factors include product innovation and performance, quality, service, distribution and cost and technical support for our largest customers. In addition, we compete against a small number of competitors in each of our markets. Some of these competitors are much larger companies that have greater financial, technological, manufacturing and marketing resources than us. A reduction in overall demand, a significant increase in market capacity or increased costs to design and produce our products would likely further increase competition and that increased competition could cause us to reduce our prices, which could lower our profit margins and impair our ability to grow from year to year.

We must continue to invest significant resources in developing innovative products in order to
        maintain a competitive edge in the highly specialized markets in which we operate.

        Our continued success depends, in part, upon our ability to maintain our technological capabilities and to continue to identify, develop and commercialize innovative products for the nonwoven and oriented polyolefin industries. We must also protect the intellectual property rights underlying our new products to realize the full benefits of our efforts. If we fail to continue to develop products for our markets or to keep pace with technological developments by our competitors, we may lose market share, which could reduce product sales, lower our profits and impair our financial condition.

The loss of only a few of our large volume customers could significantly reduce our revenues and profits.

        A significant amount of our products are sold to a relatively small number of large volume customers. For example, sales to The Procter & Gamble Company represented approximately 11% of our net sales in fiscal 2008. Sales to our top 20 customers represented approximately 49% of our net sales in fiscal 2008. As a result, a decrease in business from, or the loss of, any large volume customer such as The Procter & Gamble Company could materially reduce our product sales, lower our profits and impair our financial condition.

Increases in prices for raw materials or the unavailability of raw materials could reduce our profit
        margins.

        The primary raw materials used to manufacture most of our products are polypropylene resins, polyester fiber, polyethylene resin and, to a lesser extent, rayon and tissue paper. The prices of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester are a function of, among other things, manufacturing capacity, demand and the price of crude oil and natural gas liquids. To the extent that we are able to pass along at least a portion of raw material price increases to some of our customers, there is often a delay between the time we are required to pay the increased raw material price and the time we are able to pass the increase on to our customers. To the extent we are not able to pass along all or a portion of such

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increased prices of raw materials, our cost of goods sold would increase and our operating income would correspondingly decrease. By way of example, as of January 3, 2009, if the price of polypropylene were to rise $0.01 per pound and we were not able to pass along any of such increase to our customers, we would realize a decrease of approximately $4.1 million on an annualized basis in our reported pre-tax operating income. There can be no assurance that the prices of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester will not increase in the future or that we will be able to pass on any increases to our customers. Material increases in raw material prices that cannot be passed on to customers could have a material adverse effect on our profit margins, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the loss of any of our key suppliers in the short-term could disrupt our business until we secure alternative supply arrangements or alternative suppliers were qualified with customers.

Reductions in our selling prices to customers, pursuant to contractual requirements, could reduce
        our profit margins.

        In cases where changes in our selling prices to customers are determined via contract based on changes in an underlying index, such as the index for polypropylene, and the index decreases, sales would decrease and our operating income would correspondingly decrease if we are not able to obtain corresponding reductions in our raw material costs, which decreases in operating income could be material. There can be no assurance that the index used in such contracts will not decrease in the future or that we will be able to obtain corresponding reductions in our raw material costs.

In response to changing market conditions, we may decide to restructure certain of our operations
        resulting in additional cash restructuring charges and asset impairment charges.

        We review our business on an ongoing basis relative to current and expected market conditions, attempting to match our production capacity and cost structure to the demands of the markets in which we participate, and strive to continuously streamline our manufacturing operations consistent with world-class standards. Accordingly, in the future we may or may not decide to undertake certain restructuring efforts to improve our competitive position, especially in the more mature markets of the U.S., Europe and Canada. To the extent further decisions are made to improve our long-term performance, such actions could result in the incurrence of cash restructuring charges and asset impairment charges associated with the consolidation, and such charges could be material.

Our substantial indebtedness could harm our ability to react to changes in business or market
        developments and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our indebtedness.

        As of January 3, 2009, our consolidated indebtedness outstanding was approximately $413.7 million and for fiscal 2008, our interest expense, net plus capitalized interest costs amounted to $34.0 million. Our substantial level of indebtedness, as well as any additional indebtedness we may draw under the unused portions of our Credit Facility, combined with a potential downturn in business due to economic or other factors beyond our control, increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash sufficient to pay, when due, the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. Our substantial debt could increase our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse competitive and industry conditions by limiting our flexibility to plan for, or to react to, changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate. This limitation could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt and more cash to insulate their operations from market downturns and to finance new business opportunities.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt
        service obligations to increase significantly.

        In accordance with the terms of our Credit Facility, we have maintained a cash flow hedge to lessen our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. However, approximately 34% of our exposure to variable

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interest rates under our Credit Facility is not hedged and bears interest at floating rates. As a result, a modest interest rate increase could result in a substantial increase in interest expense.

To service our indebtedness and fund our capital expenditures, we will require a significant
        amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

        Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to fund our operations and capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. However, our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations for a variety of reasons, including general downturns in the economy, delays in the start-up of expansion projects, changes in the currency exchange rates in countries in which we operate, local laws restricting the movement of cash between our subsidiaries and the parent and many other potential reasons. If we cannot generate sufficient cash to service our debt, we will have to take such actions as reducing or delaying capital investments, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our debt or seeking additional equity capital. Any of these actions may not be affected on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, the credit agreement with respect to our Credit Facility may, without waiver or amendment from our lenders, restrict us from adopting any of these alternatives.

Non-compliance with covenants contained in our Credit Facility, without waiver or amendment
        from our lenders, could adversely affect our ability to borrow under the Credit Facility and
        render all outstanding borrowings immediately due and payable.

        Our Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants, including a leverage ratio and an interest expense coverage ratio, certain of which covenants adjust automatically on April 4, 2009 and at the end of the March quarter in fiscal 2010, and will be more difficult to meet. We may not be able to satisfy these ratios, especially if operating results fall below management's expectations. A breach of any of these covenants or our inability to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a default under the Credit Facility, unless we are able to remedy any default within the allotted cure period or obtain the necessary waivers or amendments to the Credit Facility. In the event that a default is not waived, and subject to appropriate cure periods as provided for in the Credit Facility, the lenders under the Credit Facility could elect to not lend any additional amounts to us and could elect to declare all outstanding borrowings, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable. If we are unable to repay the borrowings with respect to the Credit Facility when due, the lenders could proceed against their collateral, which consists of (i) a lien on substantially all of our assets and the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and certain of our non-domestic subsidiaries, (ii) a pledge of all or a portion of the stock of our domestic subsidiaries and certain of our non-domestic subsidiaries and (iii) a pledge of certain secured intercompany notes.

Because a significant number of our employees are represented by labor unions or trade councils
        and work under collective bargaining agreements, any employee slowdown or strikes or the
        failure to renew our collective bargaining agreements could disrupt our business.

        As of January 3, 2009, approximately 39% of our employees are represented by labor unions or trade councils and work under collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 30% of our labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements that expire within one year. We may not be able to maintain constructive relationships with these labor unions or trade councils. We may not be able to successfully negotiate new collective bargaining agreements on satisfactory terms in the future. The loss of a substantial number of these employees or a prolonged labor dispute could disrupt our business. Any such disruption could in turn reduce our revenues from sales, increase our costs to bring products to market and result in significant losses.

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We generate most of our revenue from the sale of manufactured products that are used in a wide
        variety of consumer and industrial applications and the potential for product liability exposure
        could be significant.

        We manufacture a wide variety of products that are used in consumer and industrial applications, such as disposable diapers, baby wipes, surgical gowns, wound dressings, carpet backing and industrial packaging. As a result, we may face exposure to product liability claims in the event that the failure of our products results, or is alleged to result, in property damage, bodily injury and/or death. In addition, if any of our products are, or are alleged to be, defective, we may be required to make warranty payments or to participate in a recall involving those products.

        The future costs associated with defending product liability claims or responding to product warranties could be material and we may experience significant losses in the future as a result. A successful product liability claim brought against us in excess of available insurance coverage or a requirement to participate in any product recall could substantially reduce our profitability and cash generated from operations.

We rely on a limited number of suppliers to provide significant machinery and components used in
        our production facilities. A material interruption in supply could prevent or limit our ability to
        accept and fill orders for our products.

        We currently depend upon a limited number of outside unaffiliated suppliers for key machinery and components used in our manufacturing and converting facilities. We cannot produce most of our nonwoven and oriented polyolefin products within the specifications required by our customers without such key machinery and components. If any of our suppliers cease to provide new machinery and components or replacement parts for existing machinery and components in sufficient quantity to meet our needs, there may not be adequate alternative sources of supply. To date, we have been able to obtain the required machinery and components to allow us to expand our business and supply products to our customers within their required specifications without any significant delays or interruptions. Obtaining alternative sources of such machinery and components could involve significant delays and other costs and these supply sources may not be available to us on reasonable terms or at all. In some cases, we expect that it would take several months, or longer, for a new supplier to begin providing machinery and components to specification. Any disruption of machinery and component supplies could result in lost or deferred sales which could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our international operations pose risks to our business that are not present with our domestic
        operations.

        Our manufacturing facilities in the United States accounted for 40% of net sales for fiscal 2008, with facilities in Europe, Latin America, Canada and Asia accounting for 60%. As part of our growth strategy, we may expand operations in existing or other foreign countries. Our foreign operations are, and any future foreign operations will be, subject to certain risks that are unique to doing business in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, inflation, economic or political instability, shipping delays, changes in applicable laws, reduced protection of intellectual property in some countries outside of the United States and regulatory policies and various trade restrictions. All of these risks could have a negative impact on our ability to deliver products to customers on a competitive and timely basis. This could reduce or impair our net sales, profits, cash flows and financial position. We have not historically hedged our exposure to foreign currency risk.

We could incur substantial costs to comply with environmental laws, and violations of such laws
        may increase costs or require us to change certain business practices.

        We use and generate a variety of chemicals in our manufacturing operations. As a result, we are subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. These environmental laws govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, the handling,

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storage and release of wastes and hazardous substances and cleanup of contaminated sites. We regularly incur costs to comply with environmental requirements, and such costs could increase significantly with changes in legal requirements or their interpretation or enforcement. For example, certain local governments have adopted ordinances prohibiting or restricting the use or disposal of certain plastic products, such as certain of the plastic wrapping materials that we produce. Widespread adoption of such prohibitions or restrictions could adversely affect demand for our products and thereby have a material adverse effect upon us. In addition, a decline in consumer preference for plastic products due to environmental considerations could have a material adverse effect upon us. We could incur substantial costs, including clean-up costs, fines and sanctions and third-party property damage or personal injury claims, as a result of violations of environmental laws. Failure to comply with environmental requirements could also result in enforcement actions that materially limit or otherwise affect our operations at our manufacturing facilities involved. We are also subject to laws, such as CERCLA, that may impose liability retroactively and without fault for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at on-site or off-site locations.

If we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property, we could lose a significant
        competitive advantage.

        Our success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our unique technologies and products against competitive pressure and to defend our intellectual property rights. If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, competitors may manufacture and market similar products, which could adversely affect our market share and results of operations. We consider our patents and trademarks, in the aggregate, to be important to our business and seek to protect our proprietary know-how in part through United States and foreign patent and trademark registrations. We have a total of over 350 trademark and domain name registrations and pending trademark applications worldwide and over 500 patents and pending patent applications worldwide, and maintain certain trade secrets for which, in order to maintain the confidentiality of such trade secrets, we have not sought patent protection. We may not receive patents for all our pending patent applications, and existing or future patents or licenses may not provide competitive advantages for our products. Our competitors may challenge, invalidate or avoid the application of any existing or future patents, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights that we receive or license. In addition, patent rights may not prevent our competitors from developing, using or selling products that are similar or functionally equivalent to our products. The loss of protection for our intellectual property could reduce the market value of our products, reduce product sales, lower our profits, and impair our financial condition.

Due to the particular industry in which we operate, the loss of our senior management could
        disrupt our business.

        Our senior management is important to the success of our business because there is significant competition for executive personnel with experience in the nonwoven and oriented polyolefin industries. As a result of this need and the competition for a limited pool of industry-based executive experience, we may not be able to retain our existing senior management. In addition, we may not be able to fill new positions or vacancies created by expansion or turnover or attract additional senior management personnel. The loss of any member of our senior management team without retaining a suitable replacement (either from inside or outside our existing management team) could restrict our ability to enhance existing products in a timely manner, sell products to our customers or manage the business effectively.

The success of our business depends, in part, on achieving our objectives for strategic
        acquisitions and dispositions.

        We may pursue acquisitions or joint ventures as part of our long-term business strategy. These transactions may involve significant challenges and risks including that the transaction does not

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advance our business strategy, that we do not realize a satisfactory return on the investment made, or that we experience difficulty in the integration of new operations, employees, business systems, and technology, or diversion of management's attention from our other businesses. These factors could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

        We may, as part of our long-term business strategy, evaluate the potential disposition of assets and businesses that may no longer be in alignment with our strategic direction. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the accomplishment of strategic objectives, or we may dispose of a business at a price or on terms which are less than optimal. In addition, there is a risk that we sell a business whose subsequent performance exceeds expectations, in which case the decision would have potentially sacrificed enterprise value. Correspondingly, we may be too optimistic about a particular business's prospects, in which case we may be unable to find a buyer at an acceptable price and, therefore, may have potentially sacrificed enterprise value.

Our business may be adversely affected by economic downturns

        In 2008 and 2009, general worldwide economic conditions have experienced a downturn due to the sequential effects of the subprime lending crisis, general credit market crisis, collateral effects on the finance and banking industries, increased energy costs, concerns about inflation, slower economic activity, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns. These conditions make it difficult for our customers, our vendors and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and they could cause U.S. and foreign businesses to slow spending on our products, primarily in the industrial sector, which would delay and lengthen sales cycles. We cannot predict the timing or duration of any economic slowdown or the timing or strength of a subsequent economic recovery, worldwide, or in the specific end markets we serve. If certain of the markets we serve significantly deteriorate due to these economic effects, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, the downturn in economic conditions has negatively impacted the equity markets. As a result, we may experience changes in the funding positions of our defined benefit plans, which may result in increased funding requirements in the future. These factors have also resulted in a tightening in the global credit markets which could impact the ability to renew or extend short-term financing arrangements by us or our customers.

Risks Related to our Class A Common Stock

The nature of the stock market in general, and our Class A Common Stock in particular, could
        minimize the use of equity markets as a source of capital to fund future capital spending or
        acquisitions.

        The stock market in general, and the market for industrial product manufacturing companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry factors may adversely affect the market price of our Class A Common Stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. These trading price fluctuations may also make it more difficult for us to use our Class A Common Stock as a means to make acquisitions or to use our equity-based incentive plans to attract and retain employees. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management's attention and resources.

        Because we have no plans to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future, investors must look solely to stock appreciation for a return on their investment in us. Additionally, as the trading volume in our Class A Common Stock has not been significant, making our stock relatively illiquid, an investor may not be able to resell the investment in a desired timeframe.

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Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws contain
        provisions that could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider
        favorable and adversely affect the trading price of our Class A Common Stock.

        Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or changes in our management. These provisions include the following:

•

in the event another person acquires all or substantially all of our assets or more than 51% of our voting capital stock, our various classes of common stock may be subject to certain distribution privileges;

•

the right of the board of directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or due to the resignation or departure of an existing board member;

•

the prohibition of cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect director candidates;

•

the requirement for the advance notice of nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at a stockholders' meeting;

•

the ability of our board of directors to alter our by-laws without obtaining stockholder approval; and

•

the ability of the board of directors to issue, without stockholder approval, shares of preferred stock with terms set by the board of directors, which rights could be senior to those of our Class A Common Stock.

A significant stockholder has the ability to substantially influence us and its interests may conflict
        with or differ from your interests as a stockholder.

        MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners, L.P. and certain of its affiliates, which we refer to collectively as the GOF Parties, beneficially owns approximately 70% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock. Pursuant to a Shareholders' Agreement, the GOF Parties have the ability to affect the composition of our Board of Directors and the voting of the shares held by them with respect to the nomination, election and removal of directors. In addition, the GOF Parties have the ability to, subject to applicable law, substantially influence actions to be taken by us and our Board of Directors, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws and approval of significant corporate transactions, including mergers and sales of substantially all of our assets. For example, the concentration of ownership held by the GOF Parties could delay, defer or prevent a change of control of our company or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination. In addition, a sale of a substantial number of shares of stock in the future by funds affiliated with the GOF Parties could cause our stock price to decline in the future.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes a provision stating that we have elected not to be governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which would have imposed additional requirements regarding mergers and other business combinations with significant stockholders. Section 203 would have offered stockholder protection by requiring prior Board or stockholder approval for mergers and other business combinations with significant stockholders, but because we have opted out of Section 203, this pre-approval protection is not available, including with respect to future acquisitions of our Class A Common Stock by the GOF Parties.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

22

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

        The Company and its subsidiaries operate the following principal manufacturing plants and other facilities, all of which are owned, except as noted. All of the Company's owned properties are subject to liens in favor of the lenders under the Company's Credit Facility. The Company believes that its facilities are generally well-maintained, in good condition and adequate for its current needs.

Location	Principal Function
Nonwovens U.S.
North Little Rock, Arkansas	Manufacturing and Warehousing
Benson, North Carolina	Manufacturing, Warehousing and Research and Development
Mooresville, North Carolina	Manufacturing and Research and Development
Waynesboro, Virginia	Manufacturing, Warehousing and Research and Development
Waynesboro, Virginia(1)	Warehousing
Nonwovens Europe
Bailleul, France	Manufacturing, Marketing, Warehousing, Research and Development and Administration
Cuijk, The Netherlands	Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and Research and Development
Nonwovens Latin America
Buenos Aires, Argentina(2)	Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
Cali, Colombia	Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
San Luis Potosi, Mexico	Manufacturing, Sales, Warehousing, Marketing and Administration
Nonwovens Asia
Nanhai, China(3)	Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
Suzhou, China	Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
Oriented Polymers Division
Kingman, Kansas	Manufacturing, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
Guntown, Mississippi(1)	Converting and Warehousing
Portland (Clackamas), Oregon	Manufacturing
Clearfield, Utah(1)	Manufacturing, Marketing and Warehousing
North Bay, Ontario	Manufacturing, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
Magog, Quebec	Manufacturing, Marketing, Warehousing and Administration
Montreal, Quebec(1)	Sales, Marketing and Administration
Corporate Offices
Charlotte, North Carolina(1)	Sales, Marketing and Administration

(1)

Leased.

(2)

60% interest in a joint venture/partnership-type arrangement (Dominion Nonwovens Sudamerica S.A.) with Guillermo Enrique Kraves.

(3)

Primarily an 80% interest in a joint venture/partnership-type arrangement (Nanhai Nanxin Non-Woven Co. Ltd.) with Nanhai Chemical Fiber Enterprises Co.

        Capacity utilization during 2008 varied by geographic location and manufacturing capabilities. However, it can be generally stated that most of the facilities operated moderately below capacity.

23

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        We are not currently a party to any pending legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company, none of which are deemed material.

        We are subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to pollution and protection of the environment. We believe that we are currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements and do not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on our operations, financial or competitive position as a result of our efforts to comply with environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of our business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.

        On July 5, 2007, we received a call from the Division of Enforcement of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding the investigation in fiscal 2006 by our Audit Committee into certain transactions between us and an equipment supplier and related matters. In response to various requests from the SEC, we furnished documents to, and met with, the SEC to explain the Audit Committee's process and to otherwise respond to any questions. On October 2, 2008, we were notified that this investigation has been completed as to us and that the Division of Enforcement does not intend to recommend any enforcement action by the SEC against us in this matter.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.

24

PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

        Since March 5, 2003, our Class A and Class B Common Stock have been trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (the "OTCBB") under the symbols "POLGA" and "POLGB," respectively. Our common stock is divided into five classes: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E. The Class A and Class B Common Stock trade on the OTCBB. No shares of Class D or Class E Common Stock are outstanding. There is no established trading market for the Class C Common Stock and, as such, no ticker symbol has been assigned to the Class C Common Stock. The Class B Common Stock is convertible to Class A Common Stock and, accordingly, the Class B Common Stock trades on a comparable basis to the Class A Common Stock. The following table sets forth for fiscal 2008 and 2007 the high and low bids for the Company's Class A Common Stock as reported on the OTCBB for the periods indicated:

	2008				2007
	High		Low		High		Low
First Quarter	$	21.00	$	11.00	$	26.10	$	22.50
Second Quarter		16.75		11.50		31.00		26.00
Third Quarter		13.00		9.50		30.00		23.25
Fourth Quarter		11.70		5.50		28.00		19.00

        We did not pay any dividends on our Class A Common Stock during fiscal years 2008 or 2007. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the further expansion and continued growth of our business. In addition, our Credit Facility limits restricted payments, which includes dividends payable in cash, to $5.0 million in the aggregate since the effective date of the Credit Facility.

        As of March 6, 2009, there were 150 registered holders of record of our Class A Common Stock, 332 registered holders of record of our Class B Common Stock and one registered holder of record of our Class C Common Stock.

25

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

        The following graph compares the Company's cumulative total stockholder return since December 31, 2003 with the Russell 2000 Index and with selected companies that the Company believes are similar to the Company (the "Peer Group"). The Company's Peer Group is comprised of the following companies: Intertape Polymer Group, Inc., Lydall Corporation, Bemis Company, Inc., Tredegar Corporation and Buckeye Technologies, Inc.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG POLYMER GROUP,
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX(1)

(1)

Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2003, all dividends reinvested and all fiscal years ending on December 31.

	12/31/2003		3/31/2004		6/30/2004		9/30/2004		12/31/2004		3/31/2005
POLYMER GROUP		100.00		180.00		174.67		153.33		253.33		319.33
PEER GROUP INDEX		100.00		100.05		106.67		104.28		116.82		116.16
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX		100.00		106.00		106.67		103.32		117.49		110.91

	6/30/2005		9/30/2005		12/31/2005		3/31/2006		6/30/2006		9/29/2006
POLYMER GROUP		342.00		340.00		319.87		358.67		339.60		343.33
PEER GROUP INDEX		102.16		93.28		103.15		117.49		112.56		121.34
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX		115.35		120.42		121.40		137.97		130.76		130.92

	12/31/2006		3/30/2007		6/29/2007		9/28/2007		12/31/2007		3/31/2008
POLYMER GROUP		340.67		334.67		393.47		366.80		280.00		193.33
PEER GROUP INDEX		132.22		133.29		133.94		116.37		109.03		104.78
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX		142.12		143.78		149.71		142.05		135.10		121.33

	6/30/2008		9/30/2008		12/31/2008
POLYMER GROUP		173.33		153.33		73.33
PEER GROUP INDEX		92.34		104.80		91.53
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX		121.63		119.86		88.09

26

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth certain selected historical consolidated financial information for fiscal years 2004 through 2008. The table should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

		Fiscal Year Ended
		January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006			December 31, 2005			January 1, 2005
Statement of Operations:
Net sales		$	1,145,637		$	1,059,663		$	1,021,608		$	948,848		$	844,734
Cost of goods sold			960,769			890,800			865,405			787,369			691,272
Gross profit			184,868			168,863			156,203			161,479			153,462
Selling, general and administrative expenses			122,604			108,122			110,406			104,545			99,163
Special charges (credits), net:
	Asset impairment charges		13,096			37,445			26,434			—			2,253
	Other		6,992			24,289			12,249			9			(11,245	)
Other operating (income) loss, net			5,013			(554	)		1,229			671			2,027
Operating income (loss)			37,163			(439	)		5,885			56,254			61,264
Other expense (income):
	Interest expense, net		33,157			32,377			29,248			32,617			40,252
	Write-off of loan acquisition costs		—			—			—			4,008			5,022
	Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net		(988	)		(2,494	)		517			(948	)		667
Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interests			4,994			(30,322	)		(23,880	)		20,577			15,323
	Income tax expense		6,398			8,838			8,457			10,885			8,816
	Minority interests, net of tax		(6,757	)		1,986			2,195			2,695			1,775
Net income (loss)			5,353			(41,146	)		(34,532	)		6,997			4,732
Accrued and paid-in-kind dividends on PIK Preferred Shares			—			—			—			27,998			5,566
Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders		$	5,353		$	(41,146	)	$	(34,532	)	$	(21,001	)	$	(834	)
Per Share Data:
Income (loss) per share applicable to common shareholders—basic		$	0.27		$	(2.13	)	$	(1.79	)	$	(1.60	)	$	(0.09	)
Income (loss) per share applicable to common shareholders—diluted		$	0.27		$	(2.13	)	$	(1.79	)	$	(1.60	)	$	(0.09	)
Cash dividends		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Operating and other data:
Cash provided by operating activities		$	59,275		$	38,974		$	66,760		$	70,932		$	69,896
Cash used in investing activities			(31,443	)		(53,831	)		(64,268	)		(77,604	)		(23,144	)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities			(12,860	)		12,719			(1,934	)		(2,488	)		(28,133	)
Gross margin (a)			16.1	%		15.9	%		15.3	%		17.0	%		18.2	%
Depreciation and amortization		$	51,603		$	58,199		$	60,663		$	57,550		$	53,230
Capital expenditures			34,277			60,720			68,167			78,902			24,791
Balance sheet data (at end of period):
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments		$	45,718		$	31,698		$	32,104		$	30,963		$	41,296
Working capital			174,139			175,957			159,447			173,447			187,338
Total assets			702,462			750,671			741,290			765,001			754,558
Long-term debt, less current portion			392,505			415,514			402,416			405,955			403,560
Minority interests			12,939			19,745			16,654			16,611			14,912
16% Series A convertible pay-in-kind preferred shares			—			—			—			—			58,286
Total shareholders' equity			80,272			98,532			109,096			131,482			73,849

Note to Selected Consolidated Financial Data

(a)

Gross margin represents gross profit as a percentage of net sales.

27

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, it should be noted that our gross profit margins may not be comparable to other companies since some entities classify shipping and handling costs in cost of goods sold and others, including us, include such costs in selling, general and administrative expenses. Similarly, some entities, including us, include foreign currency gains and losses resulting from operating activities as a component of operating income, and some entities classify all foreign currency gains and losses outside of operating income.

Overview

        The recent change in macro economic conditions have negatively impacted certain market segments, most significantly, the durable products used in industrial applications. Notwithstanding these conditions, we produced very stable results for 2008 despite this challenging economic environment. Our consolidated sales increased by 8.1% in fiscal 2008 and our gross profit increased by 9.5% in fiscal 2008. However, if certain of the markets we serve significantly deteriorate due to current recessionary trends, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Major contributors to our 2008 results (as compared to the results for 2007) are described in the "Results of Operations" discussions below.

        Fiscal 2008 ended January 3, 2009 and included the results of operations for a fifty-three week period. Fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively and included the results of operations for a fifty-two week period.

Recent Expansion Initiatives

        We have completed five expansions within the past four years, including three in high growth regions such as Latin America and Asia to address growing demand for regional hygiene and global medical products. Capital expenditures during the four-year period ended January 3, 2009 totaled $242.1 million and consisted of four commercially operating spunmelt facilities, including one that initiated commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, a retrofitted hydroentanglement line to produce Spinlace™ products, construction costs associated with our new spunmelt line in San Luis Potosi, Mexico which is expected to commence commercial production in mid 2009, maintenance capital spending and certain other smaller projects.

        The Cali, Colombia line, which was installed in the latter part of fiscal 2005, performed at expected levels during fiscal 2007 and 2008. The Mooresville, North Carolina line, which began production in the latter part of the second quarter of fiscal 2006, has performed at expected levels since its start up. The Suzhou, China line began operations in the latter part of the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Despite the fact that the qualification process with customers on the Suzhou line for high grade finished medical fabric took longer than anticipated, the process was substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2007, allowing for the transition from hygiene and lower grades of medical fabrics to a more profitable mix of finished medical fabric sales in fiscal 2008.

        Additionally, in fiscal 2007, we completed in two major capital projects: (i) construction of a new spunmelt line at our facility near Buenos Aires, Argentina, which initiated commercial production during the first quarter of fiscal 2008; and (ii) the retrofit of an existing hydroentanglement line at our Benson, North Carolina facility to produce Spinlace™ products, which started-up in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

28

        We have also commenced construction for the previously announced installation of a state-of-the-art spunmelt line in San Luis Potosi, Mexico to serve medical and hygiene customers in the U.S. and Mexico, which is expected to commence commercial production by the middle of fiscal 2009.

Plant Consolidation and Realignment

        As discussed herein, in fiscal 2008 we incurred special charges, net of $20.1 million, including $13.1 million of non-cash asset impairment charges resulting from our evaluation of our long-lived assets for recoverability, $6.4 million of restructuring and plant realignment costs and other costs of $0.6 million.

        We review our businesses on an ongoing basis relative to current and expected market conditions, attempting to match our production capacity and cost structure to the demands of the markets in which we participate, and strive to continuously streamline our manufacturing operations consistent with world-class standards. We announced three plant consolidation plans in the U.S. and Europe that were initiated in fiscal 2007 and completed in early fiscal 2008 to better align our cost structure. We announced an additional plant closing in the U.S. in May of 2008, which ceased production in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Our strategy with respect to the consolidation efforts in the U.S. and Europe is focused on the elimination of cash fixed costs at the closed plant sites, and the transfer of business and equipment to sites in regions with lower variable costs and which are closer to our customers, as necessary and practical, to retain the existing business with the potential to expand sales volumes.

        In the future, we may or may not decide to undertake certain restructuring efforts to improve our competitive position, especially in the more mature markets of the U.S., Europe and Canada. In such mature markets, the prices for commodity roll goods continue to fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics relative to the assets employed in that geographic region. We actively and continuously pursue initiatives to prolong the useful life of our long-lived assets through product and process innovation. In some instances we may decide, as was the case with our plans to consolidate operations in the U.S. and Europe, and as further described in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that our fixed cost structure will be enhanced through consolidation. To the extent further decisions are made to improve our long-term performance, such actions could result in cash restructuring charges and asset impairment charges associated with the consolidation, and such charges could be material.

29

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth the percentage relationships to net sales of certain Consolidated Statement of Operations items for fiscal 2008 in comparison with such items for the 2007 and 2006 fiscal years:

		2008			2007			2006
Net sales			100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of goods sold:
	Material		55.6			54.1			53.9
	Labor		7.3			7.7			8.1
	Overhead		21.0			22.3			22.7
			83.9			84.1			84.7
Gross profit			16.1			15.9			15.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses			10.7			10.2			10.8
Special charges, net			1.8			5.8			3.8
Other operating (income) loss, net			0.4			—			0.1
Operating income (loss)			3.2			(0.1	)		0.6
Other expense (income):
	Interest expense, net		2.9			3.0			2.9
	Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net		(0.1	)		(0.2	)		0.1
Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interests			0.4			(2.9	)		(2.4	)
Income tax expense			0.5			0.8			0.8
Minority interests, net of tax			(0.6	)		0.2			0.2
Net income (loss)			0.5	%		(3.9	)%		(3.4	)%

Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007

        Our reportable segments consist of our two operating divisions, Nonwovens and Oriented Polymers. For additional information regarding segment data, see Note 16 "Segment Information" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table sets forth components of the Company's net sales and operating income (loss) by operating division for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009, the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 and the corresponding change from 2007 to 2008 (in millions):

		2008			2007			Change
Net sales
	Nonwovens	$	971.4		$	885.7		$	85.7
	Oriented Polymers		174.2			174.0			0.2
		$	1,145.6		$	1,059.7		$	85.9
Operating income (loss)
	Nonwovens	$	72.2		$	79.4		$	(7.2	)
	Oriented Polymers		10.4			0.1			10.3
	Unallocated Corporate, net of eliminations		(25.3	)		(18.2	)		(7.1	)
			57.3			61.3			(4.0	)
	Special charges, net		(20.1	)		(61.7	)		(41.6	)
		$	37.2		$	(0.4	)	$	37.6

30

        The amounts for special charges, net have not been allocated to our reportable business divisions because our management does not evaluate such charges on a division-by-division basis. Division operating performance is measured and evaluated before such items.

Net sales

        Net sales were $1,145.6 million in 2008, an increase of $85.9 million, or 8.1%, over 2007 net sales of $1,059.7 million. Net sales for fiscal 2008 improved in the Nonwovens segment over comparable 2007 results by 9.7%, and net sales in fiscal 2008 in the Oriented Polymers segment increased 0.1% from 2007 results. A reconciliation of the change in net sales between 2007 and 2008 is presented in the following table (in millions):

	Nonwovens		Oriented Polymers			Total
Net sales—2007	$	885.7	$	174.0		$	1,059.7
Change in sales due to:
Volume		0.4		(16.3	)		(15.9	)
Price/mix		69.0		16.1			85.1
Changes in foreign currency rates		16.3		0.4			16.7
Net sales—2008	$	971.4	$	174.2		$	1,145.6

        As raw material costs have increased, we have attempted to pass raw material costs along to our customers where allowable by contract terms and where acceptable based on market conditions. In general, with respect to contracted business, there is usually a one-quarter lag between the change in raw material cost and the change in sales price.

        The net volume increase of $0.4 million in Nonwovens sales includes declines in the U.S. and Europe partially offset by growth in Asia and Latin America. The sales declines in the U.S. and Europe were impacted by the plant closures that were completed in fiscal 2007 and our decision to exit certain marginally profitable businesses. The increases are attributable to the continued expansion of sales in Latin America and Asia. Most of the growth in Latin America was in hygiene sales, including sales generated by our new facility in Argentina, and the growth in Asia was paced by year-over-year growth, predominately in medical sales. The improvement in price/mix was largely due to price increases resulting from the pass-through of higher raw material costs and the retrofit of a hydroentangling line in the U.S. to produce Spinlace™ products. Oriented Polymers' net sales for 2008 increased $0.2 million from 2007 and was primarily the result of higher selling prices, offset by lower sales volumes. Oriented Polymers' sales volumes continued to be negatively impacted by reduced housing starts and a slowdown in various industrial business sectors, a reduction in commodity industrial packaging volumes, and reduced sales to the protective apparel markets, caused in part by economic factors and raw material supply interruptions.

        The Chinese renminbi and Euro currencies were the predominant currencies that were stronger against the U.S. dollar during 2008 compared to 2007. As a result, net sales increased $16.7 million due to the change in foreign currency rates. Further discussion of foreign currency exchange rate risk is contained in Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included below.

Gross margin

        Gross margin in fiscal 2008 improved to 16.1% from 15.9% in fiscal 2007, primarily driven by improved price/mix and lower depreciation charges resulting from impairments recognized in fiscal 2007. Partially offsetting these positive effects was higher raw material costs, as the raw material component of cost of goods sold, as a percentage of net sales, increased from 54.1% in 2007 to 55.6% in 2008. On the strength of improved sales, initial benefits from certain of the consolidation and

31

restructuring initiatives, generation of sales from the new spunmelt lines and lower depreciation resulting from impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2007, our labor and overhead components of the cost of goods sold decreased as a percentage of net sales from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008. As a percentage of sales, labor decreased from 7.7% to 7.3%, or 0.4%, and overhead decreased from 22.3% to 21.0%, or 1.3%. All of the above percentages were also impacted by higher sales due to increases in selling prices resulting from the pass-through of higher raw material costs.

Operating income

        A reconciliation of the change in operating income between fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008 is presented in the following table (in millions):

Operating loss—2007		$	(0.4	)
Change in operating income due to:
	Price/mix		93.9
	Higher raw material costs		(81.5	)
	Volume		(1.9	)
	Higher manufacturing costs		(0.5	)
	Changes in foreign currency rates		(8.9	)
	Lower depreciation and amortization expense		6.6
	Lower special charges		41.6
	Increased share-based compensation costs		(0.4	)
	Higher SG&A costs (excluding foreign currency translation, depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation costs)		(12.1	)
	All other		0.8
Operating income—2008		$	37.2

        Consolidated operating income was $37.2 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to an operating loss of $0.4 million in 2007. This improvement was significantly affected by a $41.6 million decrease in special charges, net during the 2008 period and sales price/mix improvements of $93.9 million, which was primarily generated by price increases obtained through the pass-through of higher raw material costs. Additionally, we were able to improve our product mix with the commercialization of Spinlace™, which replaced lower margin hydroentanglement volume in fiscal 2007. These improvements were largely offset by higher raw material costs of $81.5 million and a $12.1 million increase in SG&A costs, which increase was largely attributable to higher export and distribution costs. The cost of certain raw materials, especially polypropylene resin, increased throughout the first eight months of fiscal 2008, and decreased significantly during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Operating income was positively impacted by lower depreciation and amortization charges in 2008 resulting from impairments recognized in fiscal 2007, primarily in the oriented polymers segment. Further contributing to the higher operating income in fiscal 2008 was $1.5 million in license fees received from a customer under a license agreement related to the manufacture of product by a third party.

        Special charges, net in fiscal 2008 were $20.1 million, representing a decrease of $41.6 million over the $61.7 million for the comparable period of fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, special charges, net included noncash charges of $13.1 million associated with the impairment of assets, primarily in our U.S. operations, and plant realignment costs primarily associated with (a) our previously announced closure of the Neunkirchen, Germany nonwovens facility in the amount of $3.9 million, which included employee severance, equipment relocation and other shutdown costs; (b) our previously announced closing of the Landisville, New Jersey nonwovens facility in the amount of $1.0 million, which included employee severance and other shutdown costs; (c) severance costs associated with a management restructuring within our Latin America operations in the amount of $1.0 million; and (d) other restructuring efforts, primarily in the U.S., in the amount of $0.5 million. Further discussion of special charges, net is contained

32

in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        We expect that depreciation expense will be approximately $1.9 million lower in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 as a result of the aforementioned non-cash impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2008.

        In fiscal 2007, special charges, net of $61.7 million included (i) noncash charges of $37.4 million associated with the impairment of assets, primarily in our Canadian, U.S. and European operations, (ii) restructuring and plant realignment costs of $23.5 million primarily related to plant closures in the U.S. and Germany, associated equipment relocation costs, and relocation of administrative functions, and (iii) other costs of $0.8 million.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $14.5 million, from $108.1 million in 2007 to $122.6 million in 2008, partially due to volume-related increases in Latin America and Asia, strengthening of foreign currencies versus the U.S. dollar, executive separation and termination costs of approximately $1.6 million and increases in research and development and administrative costs on a global basis. Selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of net sales increased from 10.2% in 2007 to 10.7% in 2008.

Interest and other expense

        Net interest expense increased $0.8 million, from $32.4 million during fiscal 2007 to $33.2 million during fiscal 2008. The increase in net interest expense was largely due to (i) lower interest capitalization of approximately $1.5 million with respect to major capital expenditure projects, (ii) increased borrowings primarily related to our capital expansion in Argentina, and (iii) the effects of the interest rate swap agreements discussed below, and partially offset by (a) lower interest costs on our long-term debt due to lower interest rates and (b) a decrease in outstanding balances.

        During fiscal 2007, we entered into a new cash flow hedge agreement, effective May 8, 2007 and maturing on June 29, 2009, which effectively converted $240.0 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 5.085%. This new agreement replaced the cash flow hedge agreement originally entered into in fiscal 2004, which agreement terminated on May 8, 2007 and effectively converted $212.5 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 3.383%.

        Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net declined by $1.5 million, from a gain of $2.5 million in fiscal 2007 to a gain of $1.0 million in fiscal 2008. Included as a gain in Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net in fiscal 2007 is the cash recovery of approximately $1.8 million from a minority shareholder of our Argentine subsidiary for legal and other costs associated with a prior period legal action and net gains of $2.8 million on the sale of property and equipment.

Income tax expense

        We recognized income tax expense of $6.4 million for fiscal 2008 on consolidated income before income taxes of $5.0 million for such period. This income tax expense is significantly different than such expense determined at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in certain jurisdictions for which no income tax benefits are anticipated, foreign withholding taxes for which tax credits are not anticipated, U.S. state income taxes, tax uncertainties under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" (FIN 48), foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates different than the U.S. federal statutory rate and the institution of a flat tax regime in Mexico. During fiscal 2007, we recognized an income tax expense of $8.8 million on a consolidated loss before income taxes of $30.3 million. The income tax expense is significantly different than such expense determined at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions for which no

33

income tax benefits were recognized or where recognition was limited to the extent of existing deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, the income tax expense was impacted by foreign withholding taxes, for which tax credits are not anticipated, U.S. state income taxes and foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates different than the U.S. federal statutory rate.

Minority interests

        Minority interests, net of tax represents the minority partners' interest in the income or loss of consolidated subsidiaries which are not wholly owned by us. These interests include a 40% minority interest in Dominion Nonwovens Sudamerica S.A. (our Argentine subsidiary) and a 20% minority interest in Nanhai Nanxin Non-Woven Co. Ltd. (one of our subsidiaries in China). In fiscal 2008, these subsidiaries incurred a net loss on a combined basis, and in fiscal 2007 these subsidiaries generated net income on a combined basis.

Net income (loss)

        As a result of the above, we recognized net income of $5.4 million, or $0.27 per share, for fiscal 2008 compared to a net loss of $41.1 million, or $2.13 per share, for fiscal 2007.

Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

        Our reportable segments consist of our two operating divisions, Nonwovens and Oriented Polymers. For additional information regarding segment data, see Note 16 "Segment Information" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table sets forth components of the Company's net sales and operating income (loss) by operating division for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 and the corresponding change from 2006 to 2007 (in millions):

		2007			2006			Change
Net sales
	Nonwovens	$	885.7		$	848.3		$	37.4
	Oriented Polymers		174.0			173.3			0.7
		$	1,059.7		$	1,021.6		$	38.1
Operating income (loss)
	Nonwovens	$	79.4		$	66.6		$	12.8
	Oriented Polymers		0.1			4.3			(4.2	)
	Unallocated Corporate, net of eliminations		(18.2	)		(26.3	)		8.1
			61.3			44.6			16.7
	Special charges, net		(61.7	)		(38.7	)		(23.0	)
		$	(0.4	)	$	5.9		$	(6.3	)

        The amounts for special charges, net have not been allocated to our reportable business divisions because our management does not evaluate such charges on a division-by-division basis. Division operating performance is measured and evaluated before such items.

Net sales

        Net sales were $1,059.7 million in 2007, an increase of $38.1 million, or 3.7%, over 2006 net sales of $1,021.6 million. Net sales for fiscal 2007 improved in the Nonwovens segment over comparable 2006 results by 4.4%, and net sales in fiscal 2007 in the Oriented Polymers segment increased 0.4% from 2006

34

results. A reconciliation of the change in net sales between 2006 and 2007 is presented in the following table (in millions):

	Nonwovens		Oriented Polymers			Total
Net sales—2006	$	848.3	$	173.3		$	1,021.6
Change in sales due to:
Volume		17.0		(0.6	)		16.4
Price/mix		3.1		(0.8	)		2.3
Foreign currency translation		17.3		2.1			19.4
Net sales—2007	$	885.7	$	174.0		$	1,059.7

        As raw material costs have increased, we have attempted to pass raw material costs along to our customers, where allowable by contract terms and where acceptable based on market conditions. In general, with respect to contracted business, there is usually a one-quarter lag between the change in raw material cost and the change in sales price.

        A significant component of the $37.4 million increase in Nonwovens sales was due to volume growth, primarily generated in Latin America and Asia. The increases in Asian sales are attributable to sales from our new spunmelt facility in Suzhou, China, which commenced production in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. The Latin America region also experienced improvement in sales volume, which was paced by year-over-year growth in hygiene sales. The aforementioned increases in sales and the sales from the new spunmelt line at Mooresville, North Carolina, which initiated operations in the latter part of the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were partially offset by decreases associated with business exited during fiscal 2007. Oriented Polymers' net sales for 2007 increased $0.7 million from fiscal 2006. Oriented Polymers' sales volumes and selling prices continue to be negatively impacted by reduced housing starts affecting their industrial business and imported commodity products affecting lumberwrap volumes, as well as raw material supply interruptions that negatively affected the protective apparel markets.

        The Canadian dollar, the Chinese renminbi and the Euro were stronger against the U.S. dollar during 2007 compared to 2006. As a result, net sales increased $19.4 million due to the favorable foreign currency translation. Further discussion of foreign currency exchange rate risk is contained in Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included below.

Gross margin

        Gross margin in fiscal 2007 improved to 15.9% from 15.3% in fiscal 2006, driven by improved sales volumes and mix of sales and improved manufacturing costs, which offset the impact of higher raw material costs during fiscal 2007. The raw material component of the cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased from 53.9% in 2006 to 54.1% in 2007. On the strength of improved sales and the initial benefits from certain of the consolidation and restructuring initiatives as well as the generation of additional sales from the new spunmelt lines, our labor and overhead components of the cost of goods sold decreased as a percentage of net sales from fiscal 2006 to fiscal 2007. As a percentage of sales, labor decreased from 8.1% to 7.7%, or 0.5%, and overhead decreased from 22.7% to 22.3%, or 0.2%.

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Operating income

        A reconciliation of the change in operating income between fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007 is presented in the following table (in millions):

Operating income—2006		$	5.9
Change in operating income due to:
	Price/mix		9.9
	Higher raw material costs		(15.8	)
	Volume		5.5
	Lower manufacturing costs		7.6
	Changes in foreign currency rates		2.2
	Lower depreciation and amortization expense		2.5
	Higher special charges, net		(23.0	)
	Decreased share-based compensation costs		2.3
	All other		2.5
Operating loss—2007		$	(0.4	)

        Consolidated operating loss was $0.4 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to operating income of $5.9 million in 2006, which comparison was significantly affected by $23.0 million of increased special charges, net during the 2007 period and higher raw material costs of $15.8 million, of which a significant percentage was experienced in the fourth quarter of 2007 and only partially offset by sales price/mix improvements of $9.9 million. These higher raw material costs were primarily attributable to polypropylene, rayon and polyester fiber increases in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006. Operating income was positively impacted by the volume gains in the nonwovens markets, lower noncash compensation costs related to share-based awards made under our stock option and restricted stock plans, lower depreciation and amortization expense, favorable foreign currency movement and lower manufacturing costs, which were primarily attributable to the improvement in manufacturing efficiencies and absorption of costs associated with the spunmelt lines operating closer to full manufacturing capacity.

        Special charges, net in fiscal 2007 were $61.7 million, representing an increase of $23.0 million over the comparable period of fiscal 2006. In fiscal 2007, special charges, net included (i) noncash charges of $37.4 million associated with the write-down of assets, primarily in our Canadian, U.S. and European operations, (ii) restructuring and plant realignment costs of $23.5 million related to the closure of two of our plants and the consolidation of production and centralization of business processes in the U.S., the closure of our plant in Neunkirchen, Germany and the relocation of equipment to another facility in Cuijk, The Netherlands and other lesser restructuring initiatives, and (iii) other costs of $0.8 million. Further discussion of special charges, net is contained in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        During fiscal 2007, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $37.4 million comprised of: (i) a write-down of $4.1 million relating to assets of our Nonwoven segment production facilities located in the U.S. which experienced a decline in profits and cash flows resulting from market declines and from our global repositioning of production capacity, and from certain other nonwovens assets which were removed from service, (ii) a write-down of $2.9 million associated with our plans to reorganize and consolidate certain of our Nonwoven segment operations in Europe, which plans called for the closure of our Neunkirchen, Germany plant, and the subsequent transfer of certain of the business and equipment to our plant in Cuijk, The Netherlands, and (iii) a write-down of approximately $30.4 million, relating to assets in the Oriented Polymers segment, to estimated fair value as a result of continued weakening of sales, earnings and cash flows, and in consideration of our continuing negotiations with a

36

third party whereby the third party had previously offered to purchase certain business units in the Oriented Polymers segment at amounts less than their current carrying values.

        In fiscal 2007 our restructuring and plant realignment efforts were principally associated with (a) the closure of certain U.S. Nonwoven facilities and consolidation of production and centralization of business process, for which we recognized employee severance, equipment relocation and other associated costs of approximately $11.6 million; (b) costs associated with the continued reorganization and consolidation of our European businesses of $9.6 million associated with employee severance, equipment removal and relocation and plant exit costs; (c) settlement of employee benefit plans at a net cost of $0.6 million, primarily attributable to the Canadian and U.S. restructuring initiatives; and (d) other relocation and restructuring initiatives amounting to $1.7 million in the U.S. associated with the corporate relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina initiated in fiscal 2006 and severance and outplacement costs for the Oriented Polymers operations.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2.3 million, from $110.4 million in 2006 to $108.1 million in 2007, primarily due to lower noncash stock-based compensation costs described earlier, partially offset by higher incentive compensation costs and costs associated with increased sales volumes during 2007. Selling, general and administrative costs as a percent of net sales improved from 10.8% in 2006 to 10.2% in 2007.

Interest and other expense

        Net interest expense increased $3.2 million, from $29.2 million during fiscal 2006 to $32.4 million during fiscal 2007. The increase in net interest expense was largely due to the lower interest capitalization of approximately $0.8 million, with respect to major capital expenditure projects, in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 and higher interest costs on our long-term debt, impacted by the effects of the interest rate swap agreements, discussed below, partially offset by reduced levels of borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

        During fiscal 2007, we entered into a new cash flow hedge agreement, effective May 8, 2007 and maturing on June 29, 2009, which effectively converted $240.0 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 5.085%. This new agreement replaced the cash flow hedge agreement originally entered into in fiscal 2004, which agreement terminated on May 8, 2007 and effectively converted $212.5 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 3.383%.

        Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net improved by $3.0 million, from a loss of $0.5 million in fiscal 2006 to a gain of $2.5 million in fiscal 2007. Improvements in Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net in 2007 are primarily attributable to the cash recovery of approximately $1.8 million from a minority shareholder of our Argentine subsidiary of legal and other costs associated with a prior period legal action and net gains of $2.8 million on the sale of certain property and equipment.

Income tax expense

        We recognized income tax expense of $8.8 million for fiscal 2007 on a consolidated loss before income taxes of $30.3 million for such period. The tax expense is significantly different than such expense determined at the U.S. federal statutory tax rate primarily due to losses in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions for which no income tax benefits were recognized or where recognition was limited to the extent of existing deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, the income tax expense was impacted by foreign withholding taxes, for which tax credits are not anticipated, U.S. state income taxes and foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates less than the U.S. federal statutory rate. During fiscal 2006, we recognized an income tax expense of $8.5 million on a consolidated pre-tax loss of $23.9 million. This income tax expense is significantly different than the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to losses in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions for which no income tax benefits were recognized or where

37

recognition was limited to the extent of existing deferred tax liabilities. Additionally, the income tax expense was impacted by foreign withholding taxes, for which tax credits are not anticipated, U.S. state income taxes, and foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates less than the U.S. federal statutory rate.

Net loss

        As a result of the above, we recognized a net loss of $41.1 million, or $2.13 per share, for fiscal 2007 compared to a net loss of $34.5 million, or $1.79 per share, for fiscal 2006.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Our principal sources of liquidity for operations and expansions are currently funds generated from operations and borrowing availabilities under the Credit Facility, consisting of a revolving credit facility of $45.0 million and a first-lien term loan of $410.0 million at the original borrowing date. The revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility terminates on November 22, 2010 and the remaining balance (after mandatory annual payments of $4.1 million and additional payments, if any, under the excess cash flow provision of the Credit Facility or optional payments) of the first-lien term loan is due November 22, 2012. The Credit Facility, as amended, contains covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type, including leverage and interest expense coverage covenants. At January 3, 2009, we were in compliance with all such financial covenants. See "Liquidity Summary" below for further discussion of financial covenants. Additionally, as of January 3, 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and capacity under the revolving credit facility had been reserved for outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $2.9 million. As of January 3, 2009, we also had other outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $2.4 million primarily for certain raw material vendors. None of these letters of credit had been drawn on at January 3, 2009.

		January 3, 2009		December 29, 2007
		(In Millions)
Balance sheet data:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	45.7	$	31.7
	Working capital		174.1		176.0
	Total assets		702.5		750.7
	Total debt		413.7		427.0
	Total shareholders' equity		80.3		98.5

		Fiscal Year Ended
		January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007
		(In Millions)
Cash flow data:
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	59.3		$	39.0
	Net cash used in investing activities		(31.4	)		(53.8	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(12.9	)		12.7

Operating Activities

        Net cash provided by operating activities was $59.3 million during 2008, a $20.3 million increase from the $39.0 million provided by operating activities during 2007. The net increase from 2007 to 2008 in cash flows from operating activities was driven by increased cash generated from gross profit on sales during fiscal 2008 and decreases in the amount of working capital employed at the end of fiscal 2008. We expect to see further negative impacts from the deterioration in global economic factors and this is expected to be most visible in the durable goods sectors. Our overall business profile is one that

38

provides that approximately two-thirds of our sales are generated from disposable products, which are less susceptible to macro market swings than durable goods and other discretionary items.

        We had working capital of approximately $174.1 million at January 3, 2009 compared with $176.0 million at December 29, 2007. Accounts receivable at January 3, 2009 was $134.0 million as compared to $139.5 million on December 29, 2007, a decrease of $5.5 million. The net decrease in accounts receivable during fiscal 2008 is primarily attributable to (i) the effects of currency movements, (ii) higher unit selling prices resulting from the pass-through of raw material cost increases, (iii) an overall reduction in the days sales outstanding, and (iv) increases associated with the installation of our new spunmelt line in Argentina. Accounts receivable represented approximately 44 days of sales outstanding at January 3, 2009 as compared to 48 days of sales outstanding at December 29, 2007.

        Inventories at January 3, 2009 were $121.9 million, a decrease of $17.8 million from inventories at December 29, 2007 of $139.7 million, with component decreases in finished goods, work-in-process and raw materials of $10.2 million, $2.9 million and $4.7 million, respectively. The net decrease in inventory during fiscal 2008 is primarily attributable to (i) the effects of currency movements, (ii) lower unit costs related to inventory at the end of fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007, (iii) lower quantities of goods on hand at the end of fiscal 2008, and (iv) increases associated with the installation of our new spunmelt line in Argentina. We had inventory representing approximately 50 days of cost of sales on hand at January 3, 2009 compared to 56 days of cost of sales on hand at December 29, 2007.

        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at January 3, 2009 were $133.8 million as compared to $150.4 million at December 29, 2007, a decrease of $16.6 million. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities represented approximately 55 days of cost of sales outstanding at January 3, 2009 compared to 60 days of cost of sales outstanding at December 29, 2007. The net decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities from December 29, 2007 to January 3, 2009 was impacted by the effects of currency movements, faster payment of trade payables partially offset by a delay in payments to certain raw material vendors in Latin America, lower unit costs related to the price of raw materials, a reduction in payables for construction-in-progress payments and increases in purchases associated with the start-up of our new spunmelt line in Argentina. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances can also be impacted by accruals with respect to incentive compensation plans and the timing of payroll cycles, acceptance of vendor discounts, changes in terms regarding purchases of raw materials from certain vendors, as well as the movement of certain purchases of raw materials, for which there is limited availability, to vendors that require us to pay cash prior to delivery and reductions in restructuring accruals.

        Our restructuring and plant realignment activities in fiscal 2008 and 2007 are discussed in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        In fiscal 2008, restructuring and plant realignment activities, and related costs, include:

(i)

non-cash impairment charges of $13.1 million relating to certain assets of our nonwoven segment production facilities located in the U.S. This charge reflects a decline in profits and cash flows resulting from market declines and from the continued economic downturn which has negatively impacted certain of our industrial businesses, including the automotive business which, as previously announced, we will exit in fiscal 2009;



(ii)

$3.9 million of cash restructuring charges related to the previously announced closure of the Neunkirchen, Germany facility. Production activities at the facility ceased as of September 29, 2007. The current year charges include $0.6 million related to employee termination expenses and $3.3 million primarily related to equipment relocation, employee costs during the shutdown period, facility overhead expenses and other associated shut-down costs;

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(iii)

a total of $1.0 million of restructuring costs related to the previously announced closing of our Landisville, New Jersey plant. Production activities at the facility ceased in August, 2008. The current year charges include $0.5 million of employee termination costs and $0.5 million of other associated shut-down costs. In addition, we incurred $0.5 million of additional costs for other U.S. restructuring initiatives; and



(iv)

$1.0 million of severance and related costs associated with a management restructuring of our Latin American operations.

        During fiscal 2008, we incurred $0.6 million of costs associated with the previously disclosed negotiations regarding the sale of certain assets in the Oriented Polymers segment. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we terminated such negotiations and the sale transaction is not currently expected to occur.

        We expect to make future cash payments of approximately $4.0 to $6.0 million associated with current restructuring initiatives, of which $2.7 million has been accrued as of January 3, 2009. In addition, we currently anticipate future proceeds from the sale of closed facilities and idled equipment in the range of $4.0 to $6.0 million, which is expected to be received in fiscal 2009.

        During fiscal 2007, we recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $37.4 million comprised of: (i) a write-down of $4.1 million relating to assets of our nonwoven segment production facilities located in the U.S., which experienced a decline in profits and cash flows resulting from market declines and from our global repositioning of production capacity, and from certain other nonwovens assets which were removed from service, (ii) a write-down of $2.9 million associated with our plans to reorganize and consolidate certain of our nonwoven segment operations in Europe, which plans called for the closure of our Neunkirchen, Germany plant, and the subsequent transfer of certain of the business and equipment to our plant in Cuijk, The Netherlands, and (iii) a write-down of approximately $30.4 million relating to assets in the oriented polymers segment to estimated fair value as a result of continued weakening of sales, earnings and cash flows, and in consideration of our continuing negotiations with a third party whereby the third party had previously offered to purchase certain business units in the oriented polymers segment at amounts less than their current carrying values.

        Our strategy with respect to the consolidation efforts in the U.S. and Europe is focused on the elimination of cash fixed costs at the closed plant sites, and the transfer of business and equipment to sites in regions with lower variable costs and which are closer to our customers, as necessary and practical, to retain the existing business with the potential to expand sales volumes.

        We review our business on an ongoing basis relative to current and expected market conditions, attempting to match our production capacity and cost structure to the demands of the markets in which we participate, and strive to continuously streamline our manufacturing operations consistent with world-class standards. Accordingly, in the future we may or may not decide to undertake certain restructuring efforts to improve our competitive position, especially in the more mature markets of the U.S., Europe and Canada. In such mature markets, the prices for commodity roll goods continue to fluctuate based on supply and demand dynamics relative to the assets employed in that geographic region. We actively and continuously pursue initiatives to prolong the useful life of our long-lived assets through product and process innovation. In some instances we may decide, as was the case with our current plans to consolidate operations in the U.S., as further described in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that our fixed cost structure will be enhanced through consolidation. To the extent further decisions are made to improve our long-term performance, such actions could result in cash restructuring charges and asset impairment charges associated with the consolidation, and such charges could be material.

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Investing and Financing Activities

        Net cash used in investing activities amounted to $31.4 million and $53.8 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Capital expenditures during 2008 totaled $34.3 million, a decrease of $26.4 million from capital spending of $60.7 million in 2007. A significant portion of the capital expenditures in 2008 related to the construction of a new spunmelt line at our facility near Buenos Aires, Argentina. Investing activities during 2008 and 2007 also include proceeds from the sale of assets of $3.4 million and $7.8 million, respectively. We estimate our annual minimum sustaining capital expenditures to be $5.0 million to $10.0 million. In response to additional working capital investments resulting from raw material price increases during the first nine months of fiscal 2008, we lowered our capital expenditures for the second half of fiscal 2008, enabling us to appropriately balance cash flows from operations with capital expenditures.

        On September 30, 2008, we entered a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a third-party financial institution, the objective of which is to hedge the changes in fair value of a firm commitment to purchase equipment attributable to changes in foreign currency rates between the Euro and U.S. dollar through the date of acceptance of the equipment. The notional amount of the contracts with the third party, which expire on various dates through fiscal 2009, was $33.3 million. Cash settlements under the forward contracts coincide with the payment dates on the equipment purchase contract.

        Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $12.9 million in 2008, compared to $12.7 million of net cash provided by financing activities in 2007. In 2008, we repaid, on a net basis, $13.0 million of debt whereas we borrowed, on a net basis, $15.5 million of debt during 2007. In fiscal 2008, we repaid $24.1 million of term loans, $3.7 million of short-term borrowings in Asia and $0.6 million of term loans in Canada and borrowed a net amount of $15.5 million associated with the new spunmelt line in Argentina. Additionally, in 2007 we repaid the remaining balance of $2.8 million related to an advance received in 2006 from an equipment supplier.

Dividends

        Our Board of Directors has not declared a dividend on our common stock since we emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on March 5, 2003.

        The Credit Facility limits restricted payments to $5.0 million, including cash dividends, in the aggregate since the effective date of the Credit Facility. We do not currently have any plans to pay dividends on our common stock.

Contractual Obligations

        A schedule of the required payments under existing debt agreements, the amounts due under operating leases that have initial or non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year as of January 3, 2009 and purchase commitments as of January 3, 3009, are presented in tabular form below (in millions):

	Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations	Total		2009		2010		2011		2012		2013		Thereafter
Debt, including short-term borrowings	$	413.7	$	21.2	$	9.1	$	9.1	$	358.9	$	4.4	$	11.0
Obligations under third party/nonaffiliate operating lease agreements	$	10.7	$	4.2	$	3.0	$	1.6	$	0.8	$	0.7	$	0.4
Purchase commitments (see below)	$	83.7	$	83.7		—		—		—		—		—

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        Additionally, we expect to contribute approximately $5.6 million to our pension plans in 2009. Contributions in subsequent years will be dependent upon various factors, including actual return on plan assets, regulatory requirements and changes in actuarial assumptions such as the discount rate on projected benefit obligations.

        As noted in the table above, we have approximately $413.7 million of debt outstanding as of January 3, 2009. We have fixed the interest rate on $240.0 million of the Credit Facility debt through June 2009 through the use of a cash flow hedge. In addition, on February 12, 2009, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap, effectively converting the variable LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $240.0 million of the debt to fixed amounts at a LIBOR rate of 1.96%. The notional amount of the contract, which becomes effective on June 30, 2009 and expires on June 30, 2011, is $240.0 million. Assuming the rate of interest remains unchanged from January 3, 2009, cash interest payments would be approximately $21.1 million, $15.6 million, $15.0 million, $13.5 million and $1.0 million for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

        The first-lien term loan requires mandatory payments of approximately $1.0 million per quarter and requires us to use a percentage of proceeds from excess cash flows, as defined by the Credit Facility and determined based on year-end results, to reduce our then outstanding balances under the Credit Facility. Excess cash flows required to be applied to the repayment of the Credit Facility are generally calculated as 50.0% of the net amount of our available cash generated from operations adjusted for the cash effects of interest, taxes, capital expenditures, changes in working capital and certain other items. There are no additional amounts due currently under the excess cash flow provisions of the Credit Facility and we have included the mandatory payments of approximately $1.0 million per quarter in Current portion of long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 3, 2009 included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We may, in our discretion and based on projected operating cash flows and anticipated cash requirements, elect to make additional repayments of debt under the Credit Facility in excess of the mandatory debt repayments and excess cash flow payments.

        On March 3, 2009, we announced that we intend, through our subsidiaries, to make market purchases of up to $70.0 million of our first-lien term loan over the next two years. As we make such purchases, the purchased term loans will be held by one or more of our subsidiaries and will not be retired prior to its planned maturity date.

        We lease certain manufacturing, warehousing and other facilities and equipment under operating leases. The leases on most of the properties contain renewal provisions. Rent expense (net of sub-lease income), including incidental leases, approximated $5.1 million, $5.7 million and $4.3 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Rental income approximated $0.2 million in 2005. The expenses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

        At January 3, 2009, we had commitments of approximately $83.7 million related to the purchase of raw materials, maintenance, converting services and capital projects which are expected to result in cash payments during 2009. In addition, we had outstanding letters of credit at January 3, 2009 of approximately $5.3 million. None of these letters of credit have been drawn on at January 3, 2009.

        We may be required to make significant cash outlays related to our unrecognized tax benefits. However, due to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash outflows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement, if any, with the respective taxing authorities. Accordingly, unrecognized tax benefits of $16.5 million as of January 3, 2009 have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. For further information related to unrecognized tax benefits, see Note 10 "Income Taxes" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Liquidity Summary

        As discussed more fully in Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have a Credit Facility, which we entered into on November 22, 2005 and amended as of December 8, 2006, which consists of a $45.0 million secured revolving credit facility maturing in 2010 and a $410.0 million first-lien term loan that matures in 2012.

        All borrowings under the Credit Facility are U.S. dollar denominated and are guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each and all of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Facility and the related guarantees are secured by (i) a lien on substantially all of our assets, our domestic subsidiaries and certain of our non-domestic subsidiaries, (ii) a pledge of all or a portion of the stock of our domestic subsidiaries and of certain of our non-domestic subsidiaries, and (iii) a pledge of certain secured intercompany notes. Commitment fees under the Credit Facility are equal to 0.50% of the daily unused amount of the revolving credit commitment. The Credit Facility limits restricted payments to $5.0 million, including cash dividends, in the aggregate since the effective date of the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type, including leverage and interest expense coverage covenants, as well as default provisions related to certain types of defaults by us or our subsidiaries in the performance of our obligations regarding borrowings in excess of $10.0 million. The Credit Facility requires that we maintain a leverage ratio of not more than 4.00:1.00, as of January 3, 2009, with decreases over time, with the next change occurring April 4, 2009, at which time the leverage ratio requirement will be 3.50:1.00, thereby narrowing the margin for compliance. The interest expense coverage ratio requirement at January 3, 2009 was that it not be less than 2.75:1.00, with increases over time, with the next change occurring April 4, 2009, at which time the requirement will be 3.00:1.00. On January 3, 2009, our leverage ratio was 3.57:1.00 and our interest expense coverage ratio was 3.70:1.00. Therefore, we were in compliance with the debt covenants under the Credit Facility as of January 3, 2009. However, as noted above, these ratios adjust, effective April 4, 2009, and are calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis. As a result, any decline in our future operating results will negatively impact our coverage ratios. While we intend to remain in compliance with these covenant requirements, our failure to comply with these financial covenants, without waiver or amendment from our lenders, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and operations, including limiting our ability to borrow under the Credit Facility.

        The first-lien term loan requires mandatory payments of approximately $1.0 million per quarter and requires us to use a percentage of proceeds from excess cash flows, as defined by the Credit Facility and determined based on year-end results, to reduce our then outstanding balances under the Credit Facility. Excess cash flows required to be applied to the repayment of the Credit Facility are generally calculated as 50% of the net amount of our available cash generated from operations adjusted for the cash effects of interest, taxes, capital expenditures, changes in working capital and certain other items. We currently estimate that the excess cash flow payment with respect to fiscal 2008, which would be payable in March 2009, will be lower than the amount of repayments made on the first-lien term loan during fiscal 2008 and that no additional amount will be due with respect to fiscal 2008. We have classified the mandatory payments of approximately $1.0 million per quarter in the Current portion of long-term debt in our unaudited interim Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Credit Facility is based on either three-month or one-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a specified margin. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the first-lien term loan and the revolving credit facility is 225 basis points. We may, from time to time, elect to use an Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") for our borrowings under the revolving credit facility based on the bank's base rate plus a margin of 75 to 125 basis points based on our total leverage ratio. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of January 3, 2009. As of January 3, 2009, capacity under the revolving credit facility had been reserved for outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $2.9 million. Average daily borrowings under the revolving credit facility, which

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were primarily Alternate Base Rate-based borrowings, were $5.7 million at an average interest rate of 6.35% for the period from December 30, 2007 (the first day of fiscal 2008) to January 3, 2009. The revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility matures on November 22, 2010.

        Additionally, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility, we maintained our position in a cash flow hedge, effectively converting $240.0 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 5.085%. The cash flow hedge agreement, which became effective May 8, 2007, terminates on June 29, 2009. Previously, we had maintained a position in a cash flow hedge agreement, which matured on May 8, 2007, which effectively converted $212.5 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 3.383%. In addition, on February 12, 2009, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap, effectively converting the variable LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $240.0 million of the Company's first-lien term loan to fixed amounts at a LIBOR rate of 1.96%. The notional amount of this contract, which becomes effective on June 30, 2009 and expires on June 30, 2011, is $240.0 million.

        We have also incurred third-party debt in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 to finance the ongoing installation of our new spunmelt line in Argentina. As of January 3, 2009, this debt is comprised of long-term facilities of $35.3 million, for which we began to make principal and interest payments in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 with the loans maturing in 2012 through 2016. Current maturities of this debt amount to approximately $5.0 million. Additionally, in fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008, our operations in Argentina entered into multiple short-term credit facilities intended to finance working capital requirements. Outstanding indebtedness under these facilities was $12.0 million at January 3, 2009, which facilities mature at various dates through July 2009 and are shown in Short-term borrowings in our audited Consolidated Balance Sheets. Total third-party debt incurred by our Argentine subsidiary amounted to $47.3 million as of January 3, 2009.

        We have entered into factoring agreements to sell, without recourse, certain of our U.S. and non-U.S. company-based receivables to unrelated third party financial institutions. Under the terms of the factoring agreement related to the sale of U.S. company-based receivables, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $20.0 million, which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold. Under the terms of the factoring agreement related to the sale of non-U.S. company-based receivables, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $10.0 million, which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold. The sale of these receivables accelerated the collection of our cash, reduced credit exposure and lowered our net borrowing costs. The Credit Facility permits us to increase the sale of non-U.S. based receivables, under factoring agreements, to $20.0 million.

        With respect to the restructuring and plant realignment activities discussed in Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we expect to make future cash payments of approximately $4.0 to $6.0 million, of which $2.7 million has been accrued as of January 3, 2009. Additionally, we currently anticipate future proceeds in the range of approximately $4.0 to $6.0 million from the sale of idled facilities and equipment, most of which is expected to be received in fiscal 2009.

        As discussed in Note 18, "Commitments and Contingencies" to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have committed capital projects, including the installation of a new spunmelt line in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Total remaining payments due related to these expansion projects as of January 3, 2009 amounted to approximately $41.0 million, which are expected to be substantially expended through the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

        We expect to see further negative impacts in certain of our businesses, primarily in the industrial sector, from the deterioration in global economic factors, and are experiencing significant volatility in raw

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material pricing; however, based on our ability to generate positive cash flows from operations and the financial flexibility provided by the Credit Facility, as amended, we believe that we currently have the financial resources necessary to meet our operating needs, fund our capital expenditures and make all necessary contributions to our retirement plans in the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Effect of Inflation

        Inflation generally affects us by increasing the costs of labor, overhead, and equipment. The impact of inflation on our financial position and results of operations was minimal during 2008, 2007 and 2006. However, we continue to be impacted by rising raw material costs. See "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" included in Item 7A of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

New Accounting Standards

        In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS No. 157"), which clarifies the definition of fair value whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. Specifically, the standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. SFAS No. 157 does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances, and must be applied on a prospective basis except in certain cases. The standard also requires expanded financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements, including disclosure of the methods used and the effect on earnings.

        In February 2008, FASB Staff Position ("FSP") FAS No. 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157" ("FSP No. 157-2") was issued. FSP No. 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Examples of items within the scope of FSP No. 157-2 are nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination (but not measured at fair value in subsequent periods), and long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets measured at fair value for an impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144.

        The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008 with respect to financial assets and financial liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 14 "Derivative and Other Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fair value measurement disclosures for these assets and liabilities. We are in the process of analyzing the potential impact of SFAS No. 157 relating to our planned January 4, 2009 adoption of the remainder of the standard.

        On December 30, 2007 (the first day of fiscal 2008), we adopted SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("SFAS No. 159"). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, which are not otherwise currently required to be measured at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, the decision to measure items at fair value is made at specified election dates on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. Entities electing the fair value option are required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and to expense upfront costs and fees associated with the item for which the fair value option is elected. The new standard did not

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impact our consolidated financial statements as we did not elect the fair value option for any instruments existing as of the adoption date. However, we currently plan to evaluate the fair value measurement election with respect to financial instruments we enter into in the future.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141(R)"). SFAS No. 141(R) changes how an entity accounts for the acquisition of a business. While it retains the requirement to account for all business combinations using the acquisition method, the new rule will apply to a wider range of transactions or events and requires, in general, acquisition-date fair value measurement of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling ownership interests held in the acquiree, among other items. We are continuing to review the provisions of SFAS No. 141(R), which applies prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements: an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS No. 160"). SFAS No. 160 replaces the term minority interests with the newly-defined term of noncontrolling interests and establishes this line item as an element of stockholders' equity, separate from the parent's equity. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. We are continuing to review the provisions of SFAS No. 160, which is effective the first quarter of fiscal 2009, and currently expect this new accounting standard to result in changes in the presentation of minority interests in the consolidated financial statements, consistent with the new standard.

        In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS No. 161"), to expand the disclosure framework in FASB Statement 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 161 requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information about how and why the company uses derivative instruments; how the company accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items under Statement 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The expanded disclosure guidance also requires a company to provide information about its strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments; disclose credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements and information about counterparty credit risk; and present the fair value of derivative instruments and related gains or losses in a tabular format. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods that begin after November 15, 2008. We intend to adopt SFAS No. 161 effective January 4, 2009 and apply its provisions prospectively by providing the additional disclosures in our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

        In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" ("SFAS No. 162"). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of non-governmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. We currently do not anticipate that this new accounting standard will have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FSP 132(R)-1, "Employers Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets," which provides additional guidance regarding employers' disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This interpretation is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. We will adopt the provisions of FSP 132(R)-1 as of January 2, 2010. The adoption of this interpretation will increase the disclosures in the financial statements related to the assets of our postretirement benefit plans.

        No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year has had or is expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

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Critical Accounting Policies And Other Matters

        The analysis and discussion of our financial position and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, the actual results will inevitably differ from the estimates. We evaluate these estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis including, but not limited to, those related to revenue recognition, accounts receivable, including concentration of credit risks, inventories, income taxes, impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation and restructuring. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The impact and any associated risks related to estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies are discussed within "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, if applicable, where such estimates, assumptions, and accounting policies affect our reported and expected results.

        We believe the following accounting policies are critical to our business operations and the understanding of results of operations and affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

        Revenue recognition:    Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risks of ownership pass to the customer, which is on the date of shipment to the customer, or upon delivery to a place named by the customer, dependent upon contract terms and when collectibility is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. Revenue includes amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling. Provision for rebates, promotions, product returns and discounts to customers is recorded as a reduction in determining revenue in the same period that the revenue is recognized. We base our estimate of the expense to be recorded each period on historical returns and allowance levels. We do not believe the likelihood is significant that materially higher deduction levels will result based on prior experience.

        Accounts receivable and concentration of credit risks:    Accounts receivable potentially expose us to a concentration of credit risk, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 105, "Disclosure of Information about Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk and Financial Instruments with Concentration of Credit Risk." We provide credit in the normal course of business and perform ongoing credit evaluations on our customers' financial condition as deemed necessary, but generally do not require collateral to support such receivables. We also establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other information. Also, in an effort to reduce our credit exposure to certain customers, as well as accelerate our cash flows, we sell, on a non-recourse basis, certain of our receivables pursuant to factoring agreements. At January 3, 2009, a reserve of $8.1 million has been recorded as an allowance against trade accounts receivable. We believe that the allowance is adequate to cover potential losses resulting from uncollectible accounts receivable and deductions resulting from sales returns and allowances. While our credit losses have historically been within our calculated estimates, it is possible that future losses could differ significantly from these estimates.

        Inventory reserves:    We maintain reserves for inventories valued using the first in, first out (FIFO) method. Such reserves for inventories can be specific to certain inventory or general based on judgments about the overall condition of the inventory. Specific reserves are established based on a determination of the obsolescence of the inventory and whether the inventory value exceeds amounts to be recovered through the expected sales price of such inventories, less selling costs. Reserves are also

47

established based on percentage write-downs applied to inventories aged for certain time periods, or for inventories that are slow-moving. Estimating sales prices, establishing markdown percentages and evaluating the condition of the inventories require judgments and estimates, which may impact the inventory valuation and gross profits. We believe, based on our prior experience of managing and evaluating the recoverability of our slow moving or obsolete inventory, that such established reserves are materially adequate. If actual market conditions and product sales were less favorable than we have projected, additional inventory writedowns may be necessary.

        Income taxes:    We record an income tax valuation allowance when, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, consideration is given to, among other factors, the trend of historical and projected future taxable income, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the carryforward period for net operating losses and tax credits, as well as tax planning strategies available to us. Additionally, we have not provided U.S. income taxes for undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be retained indefinitely for reinvestment. Certain judgments, assumptions and estimates are required in assessing such factors and significant changes in such judgments and estimates may materially affect the carrying value of the valuation allowance and deferred income tax expense or benefit recognized in our consolidated financial statements.

        We adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48") effective December 31, 2006, the first day of fiscal 2007. In accordance with FIN 48, we recognize a tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position when, in our judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we initially and subsequently measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. The effective tax rate includes the net impact of changes in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and subsequent adjustments as considered appropriate by management.

        A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate. Favorable resolution of an unrecognized tax benefit could be recognized as a reduction in the effective tax rate in the period of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of an unrecognized tax benefit could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the period of resolution. Accordingly, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments due to the closure of tax examinations, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements, changes in tax laws or other relevant events.

        Additionally, consistent with the provisions of SOP 90-7, recognition of tax benefits from preconfirmation net operating loss carryforwards and other deductible temporary differences not previously recognized will be applied to reduce goodwill to zero, then to reduce intangible assets that existed at the date of emergence from bankruptcy with any excess tax benefits credited directly to Additional Paid-in Capital.

        Impairment of long-lived assets:    Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For assets held and used, an impairment may occur if projected undiscounted cash

48

flows are not adequate to cover the carrying value of the assets. In such cases, additional analysis is conducted to determine the amount of the loss to be recognized. The impairment loss is determined by the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the fair value measured by future discounted cash flows. The analysis, when conducted, requires estimates of the amount and timing of projected cash flows and, where applicable, judgments associated with, among other factors, the appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary. In addition, future events impacting cash flows for existing assets could render a writedown necessary that previously required no writedown.

        For assets held for disposal, an impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value less costs to sell. Estimates are required of fair value, disposal costs and the time period to dispose of the assets. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary. Actual cash flows received or paid could differ from those used in estimating the impairment loss, which would impact the impairment charge ultimately recognized. As of January 3, 2009, based on our current operating performance, as well as future expectations for the business, we do not anticipate any material writedowns for long-lived asset impairments. However, conditions could deteriorate, which could impact our future cash flow estimates, and there exists the potential for further consolidation and restructuring in the more mature markets of the U.S., Europe and Canada, either of which could result in an impairment charge that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

        Stock-based compensation:    We account for stock-based compensation related to our employee share-based plans in accordance with the methodology defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123(R)"). The compensation costs recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) related to all new grants and any unvested portion of prior grants have been measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), awards are considered granted when all required approvals are obtained and when the participant begins to benefit from, or be adversely affected by, subsequent changes in the price of the underlying shares and, regarding awards containing performance conditions, when we and the participant reach a mutual understanding of the key terms of the performance conditions. Additionally, accruals for compensation costs for share-based awards with performance conditions are based on the probability of the achievement of such performance conditions.

        We have estimated the fair value of each stock option grant by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Under SFAS No. 123(R) and the option pricing model, the estimate of fair value is based on the share price and other pertinent factors at the grant date (as defined pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R)), such as expected volatility, expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, forfeitures and expected lives. Assumptions are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience. Although we believe the assumptions are appropriate, differing assumptions would affect compensation costs.

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        Restructuring:    Accruals have been recorded in conjunction with our restructuring actions. These accruals include estimates primarily related to facility consolidations and closures, census reductions and contract termination costs. Actual costs may vary from these estimates. Restructuring- related accruals are reviewed on a quarterly basis, and changes to the restructuring actions are appropriately recognized when identified.

Environmental

        We are subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to the pollution and protection of the environment. We believe that we are currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements and do not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on our operations, financial or competitive position as a result of our efforts to comply with environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of our business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

        We are exposed to market risks for changes in foreign currency rates and interest rates and we have exposure to commodity price risks, including prices of our primary raw materials. The overall objective of our financial risk management program is to seek a reduction in the potential negative earnings impact of changes in interest rates, foreign exchange and raw material pricing arising in our business activities. We manage these financial exposures, where possible, through operational means and by using various financial instruments. These practices may change as economic conditions change.

Long-Term Debt and Interest Rate Market Risk

        Our long-term borrowings under the Credit Facility are variable interest rate debt. As such, to the extent not protected by interest rate hedge agreements, our interest expense will increase as interest rates rise and decrease as interest rates fall. It is our policy to enter into interest rate derivative transactions only to meet our stated overall objective. We do not enter into these transactions for speculative purposes. To that end, as further described in Notes 9 "Debt" and 14 "Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have entered into an interest rate swap contract which effectively converts $240.0 million of our variable-rate debt to fixed-rate debt. The interest rate swap contract matures on June 29, 2009. Hypothetically, a 1% change in the interest rate affecting all of our financial instruments not protected by the interest rate swap contract would change interest expense by approximately $1.7 million.

        Additionally, on February 12, 2009, the Company entered a similar pay-fixed, receive variable interest rate swap contract to become effective June 30, 2009. The notional principal amount of this new contract, which expires on June 30, 2011, is $240.0 million and effectively fixes the LIBOR interest rate on that amount of debt at 1.96%.

        The estimated fair value of the Company's debt at January 3, 2009 was approximately $305.5 million.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

        We manufacture, market and distribute certain of our products in Europe, Canada, Latin America and Asia. As a result, our results of operations could be significantly affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency rates in the foreign markets in which we maintain a manufacturing or distribution presence. However, such currency fluctuations have much less effect on local operating results because we, to a significant extent, sell our products within the countries in which they are manufactured. During

50

2008 and 2007, certain currencies of countries in which we conduct foreign currency denominated business moved against the U.S. dollar and had a significant impact on sales, with a lesser effect on operating income. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        We have not historically hedged our exposure to foreign currency risk. However, we periodically review our hedge strategy with respect to our U.S. dollar exposure on certain foreign currency based obligations such as firm commitments related to certain capital expenditure projects. Accordingly, on September 30, 2008, we entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a third-party financial institution, the objective of which is to hedge the changes in fair value of a firm commitment to purchase equipment attributable to changes in foreign currency rates between the Euro and U.S. dollar through the date of acceptance of the equipment. The notional amount of the contracts with the third party, which expire on various dates through fiscal 2009, was $33.3 million. Cash settlements under the forward contracts coincide with the payment dates on the equipment purchase contract.

        In addition, in most foreign operations, there is a partial natural currency hedge due to similar amounts of costs of materials and production as revenues in such local currencies. Furthermore, in certain circumstances, we have utilized insurance programs to mitigate our currency risk exposure associated with the potential inconvertibility of local currency into U.S. dollars (or other hard currency) and to transfer such hard currency out of the foreign countries where certain of our foreign businesses are domiciled.

Raw Material and Commodity Risks

        The primary raw materials used in the manufacture of most of our products are polypropylene resin, polyester fiber, polyethylene resin, and, to a lesser extent, rayon and tissue paper. The prices of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester are a function of, among other things, manufacturing capacity, demand and the price of crude oil and natural gas liquids. We have not historically hedged our exposure to raw material increases, but we have certain customer contracts with price adjustment provisions which provide for the pass-through of any cost increases or decreases in raw materials, although there is often a delay between the time we incur the new raw material cost and the time that we are able to adjust the selling price to our customers. Raw material prices as a percentage of sales have increased from 54.1% in fiscal 2007 to 55.5% in fiscal 2008.

        During fiscal 2007 and the first eight months of fiscal 2008, the cost of polypropylene resin, our largest volume raw material, increased significantly, particularly during the May 2008 to August 2008 timeframe and, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the cost of polypropylene resin decreased dramatically. Additionally, on a global basis, other raw material costs continue to fluctuate, including recent reductions in the cost of rayon fiber, in a much narrower range. These costs primarily fluctuate in response to certain global economic factors, including the regional supply versus demand dynamics for the raw materials and the volatile price of oil.

        In periods of rising raw material costs, to the extent we are not able to pass along price increases of raw materials, or to the extent any such price increases are delayed, our cost of goods sold would increase and our operating profit would correspondingly decrease. By way of example, if the price of polypropylene was to rise $.01 per pound, and we were not able to pass along any of such increase to our customers, we would realize a decrease of approximately $4.1 million, on an annualized basis, in our reported pre-tax operating income. Material increases in raw material prices that cannot be passed on to customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In periods of declining raw material costs, our cost of goods sold would decrease and our operating profit would correspondingly increase; however, such increase would be offset, in whole or in part, by reductions to selling prices offered to customers by contract or in light of current market conditions. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in Item 7 of Part II to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

51

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	53
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007	54
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006	55
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006	56
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006	57
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006	58

52

REPORT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Polymer Group, Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Polymer Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company) as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2009. Our audits of the basic financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Polymer Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        As discussed in the notes to consolidated financial statements, effective December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109;" effective December 30, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Retirement Plans: an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)" and, effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment".

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Polymer Group, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report, dated March 18, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP 
Charlotte, North Carolina
March 18, 2009

53

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

				January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007
A S S E T S
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	45,718		$	31,698
	Accounts receivable, net				134,003			139,505
	Inventories				121,906			139,726
	Deferred income taxes				1,826			2,371
	Other current assets				29,932			26,535
		Total current assets			333,385			339,835
Property, plant and equipment, net					347,590			394,770
Intangibles and loan acquisition costs, net					8,156			9,965
Deferred income taxes					580			41
Other assets					12,751			6,060
		Total assets		$	702,462		$	750,671
L I A B I L I T I E S  A N D  S H A R E H O L D E R S'  E Q U I T Y
Current liabilities:
	Short-term borrowings			$	11,987		$	3,654
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				133,820			150,365
	Income taxes payable				4,266			2,069
	Current portion of long-term debt				9,173			7,790
		Total current liabilities			159,246			163,878
Long-term debt					392,505			415,514
Deferred income taxes					14,286			20,185
Other noncurrent liabilities					43,214			32,817
		Total liabilities			609,251			632,394
Minority interests					12,939			19,745
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
	Preferred stock—0 shares issued and outstanding				—			—
	Class A common stock—19,400,455 and 19,274,415 issued and outstanding at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively				194			193
	Class B convertible common stock—93,949 and 107,805 shares issued and outstanding at January 3, 3009 and December 29, 2007, respectively				1			1
	Class C convertible common stock—24,319 and 24,319 shares issued and outstanding at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively				—			—
	Class D convertible common stock—0 shares issued and outstanding				—			—
	Class E convertible common stock—0 shares issued and outstanding				—			—
	Additional paid-in capital				192,796			190,147
	Retained deficit				(131,089	)		(136,442	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income				18,370			44,633
		Total shareholders' equity			80,272			98,532
			Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	702,462		$	750,671

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

54

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

		Fiscal Year Ended
		January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006
Net sales		$	1,145,637		$	1,059,663		$	1,021,608
Cost of goods sold			960,769			890,800			865,405
Gross profit			184,868			168,863			156,203
Selling, general and administrative expenses			122,604			108,122			110,406
Special charges, net			20,088			61,734			38,683
Other operating (income) loss, net			5,013			(554	)		1,229
Operating income (loss)			37,163			(439	)		5,885
Other expense (income):
	Interest expense, net		33,157			32,377			29,248
	Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net		(988	)		(2,494	)		517
Income (loss) before income tax expense and minority interests			4,994			(30,322	)		(23,880	)
Income tax expense			6,398			8,838			8,457
Minority interests, net of tax			(6,757	)		1,986			2,195
Net income (loss)		$	5,353		$	(41,146	)	$	(34,532	)
Income (loss) per common share—Basic:
	Average common shares outstanding		19,261			19,301			19,295
	Income (loss) per common share	$	0.27		$	(2.13	)	$	(1.79	)
Income (loss) per common share—Diluted:
	Average common shares outstanding		19,332			19,301			19,295
	Income (loss) per common share	$	0.27		$	(2.13	)	$	(1.79	)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

55

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the Fiscal Years Ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006

(In Thousands)

	Common Stock											Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
						Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings (Deficit)									Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Shares			Amount											Total
Balance—December 31, 2005		19,053		$	190	$	165,652		$	(54,820	)	$	20,460		$	131,482
Net loss					—		—			(34,532	)		—			(34,532	)	$	(34,532	)
Cash flow hedge adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment					—		—			—			(2,370	)		(2,370	)		(2,370	)
Compensation recognized on share-based awards		289			3		4,914			—			—			4,917			—
Surrender of shares to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations		(48	)		—		(1,266	)		—			—			(1,266	)		—
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax					—		—			—			2,724			2,724			—
Minimum pension liability, net of tax					—		—			—			(9,093	)		(9,093	)		(9,093	)
Recognition of tax benefits from utilization of preconfirmation net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes					—		4,068			—			—			4,068			—
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax					—		—			—			13,166			13,166			13,166
Balance—December 30, 2006		19,294		$	193	$	173,368		$	(89,352	)	$	24,887		$	109,096
																		$	(32,829	)
Net loss					—		—			(41,146	)		—			(41,146	)	$	(41,146	)
Cash flow hedge adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment					—		—			—			(5,759	)		(5,759	)		(5,759	)
Compensation recognized on share-based awards		126			1		2,652			—			—			2,653			—
Surrender of shares to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations		(13	)		—		(294	)		—			—			(294	)		—
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Interpretation No. 48					—		13,078			(5,944	)		—			7,134			—
Employee benefit plans, net of tax					—		—			—			6,034			6,034			6,034
Recognition of tax benefits from utilization of preconfirmation net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes					—		1,343			—			—			1,343			—
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax					—		—			—			19,471			19,471			19,471
Balance—December 29, 2007		19,407		$	194	$	190,147		$	(136,442	)	$	44,633		$	98,532
																		$	(21,400	)
Net income					—		—			5,353			—			5,353		$	5,353
Cash flow hedge adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment					—		—			—			(194	)		(194	)		(194	)
Compensation recognized on share-based awards		153			1		3,201			—			—			3,202			—
Surrender of shares to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations		(46	)		—		(579	)		—			—			(579	)		—
Exercise of stock options		5			—		27			—			—			27			—
Employee benefit plans, net of tax					—		—			—			(15,061	)		(15,061	)		(15,061	)
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax					—		—			—			(11,008	)		(11,008	)		(11,008	)
Balance—January 3, 2009		19,519		$	195	$	192,796		$	(131,089	)	$	18,370		$	80,272
																		$	(20,910	)

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

56

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

					Fiscal Year Ended
					January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007			December 30, 2007
Operating activities:
	Net income (loss)				$	5,353		$	(41,146	)	$	(34,532	)
		Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
			Asset impairment charges			13,096			37,445			26,434
			Investment and other (gains) losses			36			(3,462	)		(734	)
			Minority interests, net of tax			(6,757	)		1,986			2,195
			Settlement of employee benefit plans (gain) loss, net			—			546			—
			Deferred income taxes			(1,412	)		3,368			(1,728	)
			Depreciation and amortization			51,603			58,199			60,663
			Noncash compensation			3,202			2,653			4,917
		Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
				Accounts receivable, net		1,309			(3,746	)		(5,942	)
				Inventories		11,505			26			(9,236	)
				Other current assets		1,425			(7,004	)		3,170
				Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(5,981	)		(4,293	)		24,111
				Other, net		(14,104	)		(5,598	)		(2,558	)
	Net cash provided by operating activities					59,275			38,974			66,760
Investing activities:
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment					(34,277	)		(60,720	)		(68,167	)
	Proceeds from sale of assets					3,424			7,841			4,306
	Acquisition of intangibles and other					(590	)		(952	)		(407	)
	Net cash used in investing activities					(31,443	)		(53,831	)		(64,268	)
Financing activities:
	Proceeds from borrowings					52,809			62,514			67,827
	Repayment of borrowings					(65,696	)		(46,989	)		(71,952	)
	Advances from (to) equipment supplier					—			(2,792	)		2,792
	Other, net					27			(14	)		(601	)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities					(12,860	)		12,719			(1,934	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash						(952	)		1,732			583
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents						14,020			(406	)		1,141
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period						31,698			32,104			30,963
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period					$	45,718		$	31,698		$	32,104

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

57

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Background and Basis of Consolidation

Background

        Polymer Group, Inc. (the "Company") is a publicly-traded, leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of engineered materials, focused primarily on the production of nonwoven products. The Company has one of the largest global platforms in the industry, with seventeen manufacturing and converting facilities throughout the world, and a presence in eight countries. The Company's main sources of revenue are the sales of primary and intermediate products to the hygiene, medical, wipes and industrial markets.

Basis of Consolidation

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Polymer Group, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. The accounts of all foreign subsidiaries have been included on the basis of fiscal periods ended on the same dates as the accompanying consolidated financial statements. All amounts are presented in United States ("U.S.") dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Note 2. Accounting Policies and Financial Statement Information

Fiscal Year

        The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to December 31. Fiscal 2008 ended January 3, 2009 and included the results of operations for a fifty-three week period. Fiscal 2007 ended December 29, 2007 and included the results of operations for a fifty-two week period. Fiscal 2006 ended December 30, 2006 and included the results of operations for a fifty-two week period.

Reclassifications

        Certain amounts previously presented in the consolidated financial statements and footnotes for prior periods have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The accounting estimates that require management's most significant judgments include the valuation of allowances for accounts receivable and inventory, the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets and the recognition and measurement of severance-related liabilities, current and deferred income tax amounts, share-based compensation and obligations under the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans. These estimates are reviewed periodically to determine if a change is required. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

        An allowance for doubtful accounts is established by the Company based upon factors including the credit risk of specific customers, the age of the receivables, historical trends and other information. Management believes that the allowance is adequate to cover potential losses resulting from uncollectible accounts. Additionally, sales returns and allowances, a component of net sales, are recorded in the period in which the related sales are recorded. Management bases its estimate of the expense to be recorded each period on historical return and allowance levels.

58

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The Company maintains reserves for inventories, which are valued primarily using the first in, first out ("FIFO") method. Such reserves for inventories can be specific to certain inventory or based on age or judgments about the overall condition of the inventory. Specific reserves are established based on a determination of the obsolescence of the inventory and whether the inventory value exceeds amounts to be recovered through expected sales price, less selling costs. Reserves are also established based on percentage write-downs applied to inventories aged for certain time periods or for inventories which are considered slow-moving. Estimating sales prices, establishing write-down percentages and evaluating the condition of the inventories require judgments and estimates which impact inventory valuation and gross profits.

        Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. For assets held and used, an impairment may occur if projected undiscounted cash flows are not adequate to cover the carrying value of the assets. In such cases, additional analysis is conducted to determine the amount of the loss to be recognized. The impairment loss is determined by the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the fair value of the asset, primarily measured by future discounted cash flows and other indicators of fair value. The analysis, when conducted, requires estimates of the amount and timing of projected cash flows and, where applicable, judgments associated with, among other factors, the appropriate discount rate. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary. In addition, future events impacting the amount, and/or timing, of cash flows for existing assets could render a write-down necessary that previously required no write-down.

        For assets held for disposal, an impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value less costs to sell. Estimates are required of fair value, disposal costs and the time period to dispose of the assets. Such estimates are critical in determining whether any impairment charge should be recorded and the amount of such charge if an impairment loss is deemed to be necessary. Actual cash flows received could differ from those used in estimating the impairment loss, which would impact the impairment charge ultimately recognized.

        The Company has pension and postretirement plans with costs and obligations which are dependent on assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. These assumptions include discount rates, inflation rates, salary growth percentages, long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates and other factors. While the Company believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect its pension and postretirement costs and obligations.

        The Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants for measuring compensation costs using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which model is dependent on certain assumptions. These assumptions are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience and include expected dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, forfeitures and expected lives. Although the Company believes the assumptions utilized are appropriate, differing assumptions would affect compensation costs.

        The Company has estimated the fair values of financial instruments as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value for non-traded financial instruments. Accordingly, such estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company would realize in a current market exchange. The carrying amount of cash

59

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, other current assets and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values. Fair value of the Company's debt was estimated using information regarding pricing of recent trades in the market, which market is not active, or by using interest rates at those dates for issuance of such financial instruments with similar terms, credit ratings and remaining maturities. The estimated fair value of debt, based on such valuation methodologies, at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 was $305.5 million and $413.3 million, respectively.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risks of ownership pass to the customer, which is on the date of shipment to the customer, or upon delivery to a place named by the customer, dependent upon contract terms and when collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. Revenue includes amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling. Provision for rebates, promotions, product returns and discounts to customers is recorded as a reduction in determining revenue in the same period that the revenue is recognized.

Cash Equivalents

        Cash equivalents are defined as short-term investments having an original maturity of three months or less. Interest income is presented as a reduction of Interest expense, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and consists primarily of income from highly liquid investment sources. Interest income approximated $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risks

        Accounts receivable potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk, as defined by SFAS No. 105, "Disclosure of Information about Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk and Financial Instruments with Concentration of Credit Risk." The Company provides credit in the normal course of business and performs ongoing credit evaluations on its customers' financial condition, as deemed necessary, but generally does not require collateral to support such receivables. Customer balances are considered past due based on contractual terms and the Company does not accrue interest on the past due balances. Also, in an effort to reduce its credit exposure to certain customers, as well as accelerate its cash flows, the Company has sold on a non-recourse basis, certain of its receivables pursuant to factoring agreements. The provision for losses on uncollectible accounts is determined principally on the basis of past collection experience applied to ongoing evaluations of the Company's receivables and evaluations of the risk of repayment. The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $8.1 million and $6.1 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively, which management believes is adequate to provide for credit losses in the normal course of business, as well as losses for customers who have filed for protection under bankruptcy laws. Once management determines that the receivables are not recoverable, the amounts are removed from the financial records along with the corresponding reserve balance. With respect to the $2.0 million increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts from December 29, 2007 to January 3, 2009, $1.7 million of such increase was related to the identification of specific accounts with a significant risk of becoming uncollectible largely due to recent worldwide economic events, including the devaluation of the Brazilian Real during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Sales to the Procter & Gamble Company ("P&G") accounted for 11%, 12% and 13% of the Company's sales in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

60

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Inventories

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market primarily using the FIFO method of accounting.

Long-Lived Assets

        Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The estimated useful lives established for building and improvements range from 5 to 31 years, and the estimated useful lives established for machinery, equipment and other fixed assets range from 2 to 15 years. Costs of repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Costs of the construction of certain long-lived assets include capitalized interest that is amortized over the estimated useful life of the related asset. The Company capitalized approximately $0.8 million, $2.3 million and $3.1 million of interest costs during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Derivatives

        The Company records all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended ("SFAS No. 133"). Changes in the fair value of a derivative are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, depending on the type of hedge transaction. Ineffective portions, if any, of all hedges are recognized in current period earnings.

        As more fully described in Note 14 "Derivative and Other Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" to the consolidated financial statements, the Company, in the normal course of business, periodically enters into derivative financial instruments, principally swaps and forward contracts, with high-quality counterparties as part of its risk management strategy. These financial instruments are limited to non-trading purposes and are used principally to manage market risks and reduce the Company's exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency and interest rates. Most interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedges of the variability in cash flows associated with interest payments to be made on variable rate debt obligations or fair value hedges of foreign currency-denominated transactions.

        The Company documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions and the methodologies that will be used for measuring effectiveness and ineffectiveness. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow or fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments. The Company then assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. Such assessments are conducted in accordance with the originally documented risk management strategy and methodology for that particular hedging relationship.

        For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of recognized derivative gains and losses reclassified from other comprehensive income is classified consistent with the classification of the hedged item. For example, derivative gains and losses associated with hedges of interest rate payments are recognized in Interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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        For fair value hedges, changes in the value of the derivatives, along with the offsetting changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged exposure are recorded in earnings each period in Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes and corresponding balance sheet accounts are determined in accordance with the liability method. Tax provisions and credits are recorded at statutory rates for taxable items included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations regardless of the period for which such items are reported for tax purposes. Additionally, federal income taxes are provided on that portion of the income of foreign subsidiaries that is expected to be remitted to the U.S. and be taxable. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based upon temporary differences between the basis of certain assets and liabilities for income tax and financial reporting purposes. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future. Valuation allowances are reviewed each period on a tax jurisdiction by jurisdiction basis to analyze whether a change in circumstances has occurred to provide enough evidence to support a change in the judgment about the realization of the related deferred tax asset in future years.

        The Company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings effective March 5, 2003 (the "Effective Date"). For accounting purposes the Company recognized the emergence on March 1, 2003, which was the end of the February 2003 accounting period. In accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 90-7, "Financial Reporting of Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code ("SOP 90-7"), the Company adopted fresh-start accounting as of March 1, 2003, and the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 resulted in a new reporting entity. Consistent with the provisions of SOP 90-7, recognition of tax benefits from preconfirmation net operating loss carryforwards and deductible temporary differences and other tax attributes not recognized at the Effective Date are applied to reduce goodwill to zero, then reduce intangible assets that existed at the Effective Date with any excess tax benefits credited directly to Additional Paid-in Capital.

        On December 31, 2006, the first day of fiscal 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48") and FASB Staff Position No. FIN 48-1, "Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48." FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Under FIN 48, the financial statement effects of a tax position should initially be recognized when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Stock-Based Compensation

        The Company accounts for stock-based compensation related to its employee share-based plans in accordance with the methodology defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123(R)"), using the modified prospective transition method. The compensation costs recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) related to all new grants and any unvested portion of prior grants are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award. Consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), awards are considered granted when all required approvals are obtained and when the participant begins to benefit from, or be adversely affected by, subsequent changes in the price of the underlying shares and, regarding awards containing performance conditions, when the Company and the participant reach a mutual understanding of the key terms of the performance conditions. Additionally, accruals for compensation costs for share-based awards with performance conditions are based on the probability of the achievement of such performance conditions.

        The Company has estimated the fair value of each stock option grant by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Assumptions are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for assumptions utilized in the estimation of grant date fair value pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R).

Research and Development Costs

        The cost of research and development is charged to expense as incurred and is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company incurred approximately $15.2 million, $13.7 million and $12.5 million of research and development expense during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

        Shipping and handling costs include costs to store goods prior to shipment, prepare goods for shipment and physically move goods from the Company's sites to the customers' premises. The cost of shipping and handling is charged to expense as incurred and is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company incurred $28.4 million, $26.0 million and $25.6 million of shipping and handling costs during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Special Charges

        The Company records severance-related expenses once they are both probable and estimable in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits," ("SFAS No. 112"), for severance provided under an ongoing benefit arrangement. One-time, involuntary benefit arrangements and disposal costs, contract termination costs and other exit costs are accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" ("SFAS No. 146"). The Company evaluates impairment of long-lived assets under the provisions of SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No. 144").

Foreign Currency Translation

        The Company accounts for, and reports, translation of foreign currency transactions and foreign currency financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation." All

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

assets and liabilities in the balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated at period-end exchange rates, while income, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period. Translation gains and losses are not included in determining net income, but are presented as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income (loss).

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

        Accumulated other comprehensive income of $18.4 million at January 3, 2009 consisted of $39.9 million of currency translation gains (net of income taxes of $6.9 million), ($17.0) million of transition net assets, gains or losses and prior service costs not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs (net of income taxes of $1.8 million) and $4.5 million in cash flow hedge losses. Accumulated other comprehensive income of $44.6 million at December 29, 2007 consisted of $50.8 million of currency translation gains (net of income taxes of $10.6 million), ($1.9) million of transition net assets, gains or losses and prior service costs not recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs (net of income taxes of $1.3 million) and $4.3 million of cash flow hedge losses. Comprehensive loss for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 is net of a reclassification adjustment pertaining to the cash flow hedge adjustment of ($3.9) million, $1.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

        Comprehensive income (loss) is reported in accordance with the SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS No. 130"). SFAS No. 130 requires unrealized actuarial gains and losses, unrealized gains or losses on the Company's available for sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments, to be included in other comprehensive income.

Income (Loss) Per Common Share

        Basic earnings per share exclude any dilutive effects of share-based awards and convertible securities and are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution from common shares potentially issuable through share-based awards and convertible securities and is computed by dividing net income (loss), as adjusted for the effects of the conversion to common stock, by the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding for the period. Shares issuable pursuant to stock option plans will have a dilutive effect only when the average market price for the reporting period exceeds the strike price of the option. A reconciliation of the amounts

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

included in the computation of income (loss) per share for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 is presented in the following table (in thousands):

		2008		2007			2006
Income (loss):
	Net income (loss)	$	5,353	$	(41,146	)	$	(34,532	)
	Effect of dilutive securities—convertible securities and share-based awards		—		—			—
	Net income (loss)	$	5,353	$	(41,146	)	$	(34,532	)
Outstanding shares:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		19,261		19,361			19,295
	Effect of dilutive securities—convertible securities and share-based awards		71		—			—
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—assuming dilution		19,332		19,361			19,295

        For fiscal years 2007 and 2006, the effect of potentially dilutive securities such as convertible securities and share-based awards are not considered in the above table as the effects are anti-dilutive. Under the treasury stock method, shares represented by the exercise of 34,844 options and 88,080 nonvested restricted shares were not included in diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2008 because to do would have been anti-dilutive.

Recent Accounting Standards

        In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" ("SFAS No. 157"), which clarifies the definition of fair value whenever another standard requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. Specifically, the standard clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. SFAS No. 157 does not expand the use of fair value to any new circumstances, and must be applied on a prospective basis except in certain cases. The standard also requires expanded financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements, including disclosure of the methods used and the effect on earnings.

        In February 2008, FASB Staff Position ("FSP") FAS No. 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157" ("FSP No. 157-2") was issued. FSP No. 157-2 defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, for all nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Examples of items within the scope of FSP No. 157-2 are nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination (but not measured at fair value in subsequent periods), and long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and intangible assets measured at fair value for an impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144.

        The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008 with respect to financial assets and financial liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. See Note 14 "Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" for the fair value measurement

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

disclosures for these assets and liabilities. The Company is in the process of analyzing the potential impact of SFAS No. 157 relating to its January 4, 2009 adoption of the remainder of the standard.

        On December 30, 2007 (the first day of fiscal 2008), the Company adopted SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("SFAS No. 159"). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value, which are not otherwise currently required to be measured at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, the decision to measure items at fair value is made at specified election dates on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. Entities electing the fair value option are required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and to expense upfront costs and fees associated with the item for which the fair value option is elected. The new standard did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company did not elect the fair value option for any instruments existing as of the adoption date. However, the Company currently plans to evaluate the fair value measurement election with respect to financial instruments the Company enters into in the future.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141(R)"). SFAS No. 141(R) changes how an entity accounts for the acquisition of a business. While it retains the requirement to account for all business combinations using the acquisition method, the new rule will apply to a wider range of transactions or events and requires, in general, acquisition-date fair value measurement of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling ownership interests held in the acquiree, among other items. The Company is continuing to review the provisions of SFAS No. 141(R), which applies prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements: an amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS No. 160"). SFAS No. 160 replaces the term minority interests with the newly-defined term of noncontrolling interests and establishes this line item as an element of stockholders' equity, separate from the parent's equity. SFAS No. 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. The Company is continuing to review the provisions of SFAS No. 160, which is effective the first quarter of fiscal 2009, and expects this new accounting standard to result in changes in the presentation of minority interests in the consolidated financial statements, consistent with the new standard.

        In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133," (SFAS No. 161") to expand the disclosure framework in FASB Statement 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 161 requires companies with derivative instruments to disclose information about how and why the company uses derivative instruments; how the company accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items under Statement 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The expanded disclosure guidance also requires a company to provide information about its strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments; disclose credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements and information about counterparty credit risk; and present the fair value of derivative instruments and related gains or losses in a tabular format. SFAS No. 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods that begin after November 15, 2008. The Company intends to adopt SFAS No. 161 effective January 4, 2009 and apply its provisions prospectively by providing the additional disclosures in its financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" ("SFAS No. 162"). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of non-governmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. The Company currently does not anticipate that this new accounting standard will have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FSP 132(R)-1, "Employers Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets," which provides additional guidance regarding employers' disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This interpretation is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company will adopt the provisions of FSP 132(R)-1 as of January 2, 2010. The adoption of this interpretation will increase the disclosures in the financial statements related to the assets of the Company's postretirement benefit plans.

Note 3. Special Charges, Net

        The Company's operating income (loss) includes special charges, net resulting from corporate-level decisions or Board actions, such as to consolidate and relocate its corporate offices, restructure certain operations or pursue certain transaction opportunities. Additionally, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including those aforementioned, indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. A summary of such charges (credits), net is presented in the following table (in thousands):

	2008		2007		2006
Asset impairment charges	$	13,096	$	37,445	$	26,434
Restructuring and plant realignment costs		6,388		23,543		7,135
Other costs		604		746		1,143
Abandoned acquisition costs		—		—		3,971
	$	20,088	$	61,734	$	38,683

Asset impairment charges

        The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If the carrying amounts are not recoverable, the Company, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, records a non-cash charge associated with the write-down of such assets to estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated based on the present value of expected future cash flows, appraisals and other indicators of value.

        During fiscal 2008, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $13.1 million relating to certain assets of the Company's nonwoven segment production facilities located in the U.S. which experienced a decline in profits and cash flows resulting from market declines and from the continued economic downturn which has negatively impacted certain of the Company's industrial businesses, including the automotive business which, as previously announced, the Company will exit in fiscal 2009. The Company expects that depreciation expense will be approximately $1.9 million lower in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 as a result of the aforementioned non-cash impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2008.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        During fiscal 2007, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $37.4 million comprised of: (i) a write-down of $4.1 million relating to assets of the Company's nonwoven segment production facilities located in the U.S. which experienced a decline in profits and cash flows resulting from market declines and from the Company's global repositioning of production capacity, and from certain other nonwovens assets which were removed from service, (ii) a write-down of $2.9 million associated with the Company's plans to reorganize and consolidate certain of its nonwoven segment operations in Europe, which plans called for the closure of the Company's Neunkirchen, Germany plant, and the subsequent transfer of certain of the business and equipment to the Company's plant in Cuijk, The Netherlands, and (iii) a write-down of approximately $30.4 million, relating to assets in the oriented polymers segment, to estimated fair value as a result of continued weakening of sales, earnings and cash flows, and in consideration of the Company continuing negotiations with a third party whereby the third party had previously offered to purchase certain business units in the oriented polymers segment at amounts less than their current carrying values.

        During fiscal 2006, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges totaling $26.4 million comprised of: (i) a write-down of $11.4 million for nonwovens assets in the U.S., including facilities for which the Company had announced closure plans, as well as an impairment charge taken with respect to another facility, for which projected future cash flows had been negatively impacted by the loss of a major automotive platform and the anticipated loss of certain other business, (ii) a write-down of $7.2 million associated with a nonwovens manufacturing line located in The Netherlands due to the expected shutdown of the line due to the loss of certain low-margin business platforms, (iii) a write-down of $5.5 million based on an impairment evaluation, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, of certain of the Company's Canadian oriented polymers assets, triggered by a weakening of sales, earnings and cash flows experienced during early fiscal 2006, and (iv) a write-down of $2.3 million related to the initiation of the restructuring and consolidation strategy for the European operations, which included the closure of the nonwovens facility in Sweden.

Restructuring and plant realignment costs

        Accrued costs for restructuring efforts are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These costs generally arise from restructuring initiatives intended to result in lower working capital levels and improved operating performance and profitability through: (i) reducing headcount at both the plant and corporate levels and the realignment of management structures; (ii) improving manufacturing productivity and reducing corporate costs; and (iii) rationalizing

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

certain assets, businesses and employee benefit programs. The following table summarizes the components of the accrued liability for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands):

		2008			2007			2006
Balance accrued at beginning of year		$	5,903		$	2,044		$	163
Restructuring and plant realignment costs:
	First Quarter		1,352			6,207			1,633
	Second Quarter		1,398			3,068			2,740
	Third Quarter		1,512			8,175			692
	Fourth Quarter		2,126			6,093			2,070
	Total		6,388			23,543			7,135
Cash payments			(9,739	)		(19,371	)		(5,284	)
Loss on settlement of employee benefit plans, net			—			(546	)		—
Adjustments			120			233			30
Balance accrued at end of year		$	2,672		$	5,903		$	2,044

        The restructuring and plant realignment activities during fiscal 2008 primarily relate to: (i) $3.9 million of costs related to the previously announced closure of the Neunkirchen, Germany nonwovens facility, (ii) $1.0 million of costs related to the previously announced closing of the Landisville, New Jersey nonwovens facility, (iii) $1.0 million of costs related to a management restructuring within the Company's Latin America operations, and (iv) $0.5 million of severance and other costs associated with other restructuring efforts throughout the Company, primarily in the U.S.

        The Company recognized $3.9 million of cash restructuring charges in fiscal 2008 related to the previously announced closure of the Neunkirchen, Germany facility. Production activities at the facility ceased as of September 29, 2007. The current year charges include $0.6 million related to employee termination expenses and $3.3 million primarily related to equipment relocation, employee costs during the shutdown period, facility overhead expenses and other associated shut-down costs.

        On May 30, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan to consolidate certain of its U.S. operations. In June 2008, the Company communicated a plan to affected employees that it planned to close the Landisville, New Jersey plant by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2008 to better align the Company's capabilities with its long-term strategic direction. The plant closing included the reduction of approximately 77 positions. Production activities at the facility ceased in August, 2008. During fiscal 2008, the Company recognized $0.5 million of employee termination costs and $0.5 million of other associated shut-down costs. In addition, during fiscal 2008, the Company incurred approximately $1.0 million of severance and related costs associated with a management restructuring of its Latin American operations.

        The restructuring and plant realignment activities during fiscal 2007 primarily relate to: (i) restructuring activities in the U.S., including the Company's closure of two nonwovens plants resulting in severance, equipment relocation and other costs of $8.9 million, (ii) other initiatives to restructure certain nonwoven operations in the U.S. resulting in the centralization of certain business processes, the integration of certain operations and the elimination of certain positions resulting in severance and other costs of $2.7 million, (iii) employee severance, equipment removal and relocation and shut-down costs related to the closure of the Neunkirchen, Germany nonwovens facility in the amount of $9.6 million, (iv) the restructuring of certain of the Company's oriented polymers operations resulting in severance and outplacement costs of $0.9 million, (v) $0.8 million of costs related to the corporate headquarters

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

relocation initially undertaken in fiscal 2006, and (vi) the restructuring of certain pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. and Canada in the amount of $0.6 million.

        The restructuring and plant realignment costs for fiscal 2006 were principally associated with (i) the Company's restructuring and consolidation plan for Europe, which included termination benefits provided to an executive officer of the Company, pursuant to Dutch law, in the amount of $2.1 million and costs associated with the planned closure of the Sweden plant of $1.1 million, (ii) costs related to the relocation of the corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina in the amount of $3.0 million, (iii) downsizing certain Canadian operations resulting in severance costs of $0.6 million, and (iv) costs in the amount of $0.3 million related to exiting leased facilities in Gainesville, Georgia.

Other costs

        During fiscal 2008, the Company incurred $0.6 million of costs associated with the previously disclosed negotiations regarding the sale by the Company of certain assets in the oriented polymers segment. During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company terminated such negotiations and the sale is not currently expected to occur.

        During fiscal 2006, the Company and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, with assistance from special counsel, conducted an investigation which focused on a review of two settlement agreements and the relationship of these agreements with certain equipment purchase contracts and service agreements, which were negotiated between the Company and an equipment supplier in or about the same time frame. As a result of these actions, the Company concluded that the economic substance of the settlement agreements and the equipment purchase contracts and service agreements were substantially interdependent. On September 21, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company asked the Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President, Global Purchasing to resign, and pending receipt of their resignations, relieved them of their duties as officers of the Company. Shortly thereafter, the Company entered into termination agreements with both executives. As a result of these events, the Company has incurred costs with respect to the investigation, termination benefits and other costs in the amount of $1.1 million during fiscal 2006 and an additional $0.7 million during fiscal 2007.

Abandoned acquisition costs

        During fiscal 2006, the Company incurred $4.0 million of costs, which were primarily comprised of third-party professional fees, in connection with a potential acquisition. When the negotiations with the acquisition target reached an impasse in the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company abandoned its efforts to consummate the acquisition and, accordingly, charged all costs with respect to the acquisition to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Note 4. Accounts Receivable Factoring Agreements

        The Company has entered into a factoring agreement to sell, without recourse or discount, certain U.S. company-based receivables to an unrelated third-party financial institution. Under the current terms of the factoring agreement, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $20.0 million, which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold. Additionally, the Company has entered into a factoring agreement to sell, without recourse or discount, certain non-U.S. company-based receivables to an unrelated third-party financial institution. Under the terms of the factoring agreement, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $10.0 million,

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which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold.

        Approximately $249.2 million, $186.7 million and $190.2 million of receivables have been sold under the terms of the factoring agreements during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The sale of these receivables accelerated the collection of the Company's cash, reduced credit exposure and lowered the Company's net borrowing costs. Such sales of accounts receivable are reflected as a reduction of Accounts receivable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as they meet the applicable criteria of SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities" ("SFAS No. 140"). The amount due from the factoring companies, net of advances received from the factoring companies, was $6.1 million and $7.4 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively, and is shown in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company pays factoring fees associated with the sale of receivables based on the dollar value of the receivables sold. Such fees, which are considered to be primarily related to the Company's financing activities, are immaterial and are included in Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note 5. Inventories

        Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

	January 3, 2009		December 29, 2007
Finished goods	$	61,637	$	71,855
Work in process		17,197		20,125
Raw materials and supplies		43,072		47,746
	$	121,906	$	139,726

        Inventories are net of reserves, primarily for obsolete and slow-moving inventories, of approximately $13.4 million and $13.0 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. Management believes that the reserves are adequate to provide for losses in the normal course of business.

Note 6. Property, Plant and Equipment

        Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

	January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007
Land	$	11,580		$	13,824
Buildings and land improvements		99,031			108,410
Machinery, equipment and other		479,313			445,940
Construction in progress		12,853			49,442
		602,777			617,616
Less accumulated depreciation		(255,187	)		(222,846	)
	$	347,590		$	394,770

        Depreciation charged to expense was $49.4 million, $56.1 million and $54.9 million for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The significant decrease in construction in progress during fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 is primarily due to the capital expansion project under construction at December 29, 2007 of a new spunmelt line at the Company's facilities near Buenos Aires, Argentina, which was commercialized during fiscal 2008.

        During fiscal year 2008, the Company approved plans to sell its remaining assets at its plants located in Landisville, New Jersey and Neunkirchen, Germany. Each facility has been written down to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. As of January 3, 2009, approximately $5.8 million of assets were considered assets held for sale and are included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company expects the sale of such assets to be completed in fiscal 2009.

Note 7. Intangibles and Loan Acquisition Costs

        Intangibles and loan acquisition costs consist of the following (in thousands):

		January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007
Cost:
	Proprietary technology	$	2,667		$	2,328
	Loan acquisition costs		9,205			9,205
	Other		2,910			2,864
			14,782			14,397
Less accumulated amortization			(6,626	)		(4,432	)
		$	8,156		$	9,965

        Components of amortization expense are shown in the table below (in thousands):

		2008		2007		2006
Amortization of:
	Intangibles with finite lives, included in selling, general and administrative expense	$	837	$	701	$	4,438
	Loan acquisition costs, included in interest expense, net		1,406		1,386		1,339
	Total amortization expense	$	2,243	$	2,087	$	5,777

        Aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be as follows: 2009, $2.2 million; 2010, $2.0 million; 2011, $1.9 million; 2012, $1.0 million; and 2013, $0.4 million. Intangibles are generally amortized over periods generally ranging from 4 to 6 years. Loan acquisition costs are amortized over the life of the related debt.

Note 8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets include salaries, wages and other fringe benefits of $20.7 million and $18.3 million as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 9. Debt

        Long-term debt consists of the following:

		January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007
Credit Facility, as defined below, interest rates for U.S. dollar borrowings are based on a specified base plus a specified margin and are subject to certain terms and conditions:
	First Lien Term Loan—average interest at 3.72% and 7.09% as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively; due in mandatory quarterly payments of approximately $1.0 million, subject to additional payments from annual excess cash flows, as defined by the Credit Facility, with the balance due November 22, 2012	$	366,200		$	390,300
Argentine Facility:
	Argentine Peso Loan—interest at 14.50% and 13.28% as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007; denominated in Argentine pesos due in 32 quarterly payments of approximately $0.3 million		7,170			7,617
	Argentine Peso Loan for working capital—interest at 14.50% as of January 3, 2009; denominated in Argentine pesos due in 18 quarterly payments of approximately $0.1 million		2,218			—
	United States Dollar Loan—interest at 5.72% and 8.26% as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007; denominated in U.S. dollars due in 32 quarterly payments of approximately $0.9 million		25,880			24,524
Other			210			863
			401,678			423,304
Less: Current maturities			(9,173	)		(7,790	)
		$	392,505		$	415,514

Scheduled Maturities

        The scheduled maturities of long-term debt at January 3, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

2009	$	9,173
2010		9,148
2011		9,078
2012		358,857
2013		4,408
2014 and thereafter		11,014
Total	$	401,678

Credit Facility

        The Company's credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), which was entered into on November 22, 2005 and amended as of December 8, 2006, consists of a $45.0 million secured revolving credit facility and a $410.0 million first-lien term loan at the original borrowing date.

        All borrowings under the Credit Facility are U.S. dollar denominated and are guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by each and all of the direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries of the Company. The

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Credit Facility and the related guarantees are secured by (i) a lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company, its domestic subsidiaries and certain of its non-domestic subsidiaries, (ii) a pledge of all or a portion of the stock of the domestic subsidiaries of the Company and of certain non-domestic subsidiaries of the Company, and (iii) a pledge of certain secured intercompany notes. Commitment fees under the Credit Facility are equal to 0.50% of the daily unused amount of the revolving credit commitment. The Credit Facility limits restricted payments to $5.0 million, including cash dividends, in the aggregate since the effective date of the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type, including leverage and interest expense coverage covenants, as well as default provisions related to certain types of defaults by the Company or its subsidiaries in the performance of their obligations regarding borrowings in excess of $10.0 million. The Credit Facility requires that the Company maintain a leverage ratio of not more than 4.00:1.00 as of January 3, 2009, with decreases over time, with the next change occurring April 4, 2009, at which time the leverage ratio requirement will be 3.50:1.00, thereby narrowing the margin for compliance. The interest expense coverage ratio requirement at January 3, 2009 was that it not be less than 2.75:1.00, with increases over time, with the next change occurring April 4, 2009, at which time the requirement will be 3.00:1.00. The Company was in compliance with the debt covenants under the Credit Facility at January 3, 2009. These ratios are calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis. As a result, any decline in the Company's future operating results will negatively impact its coverage ratios. Although the Company intends to remain in compliance with these covenant requirements, the Company's failure to comply with these financial covenants, without waiver or amendment from its lenders, could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity and operations, including limiting the Company's ability to borrow under the Credit Facility.

        The first-lien term loan requires mandatory payments of approximately $1.0 million per quarter and requires the Company to use a percentage of proceeds from excess cash flows, as defined by the Credit Facility and determined based on year-end results, to reduce its then outstanding balances under the Credit Facility. Excess cash flows required to be applied to the repayment of the Credit Facility are generally calculated as 50% of the net amount of the Company's available cash generated from operations adjusted for the cash effects of interest, taxes, capital expenditures, changes in working capital and certain other items. There are no additional amounts due currently under the excess cash flow provisions of the Credit Facility and the Company has classified the mandatory payments of approximately $1.0 million per quarter in the Current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007. No additional amounts were due under the excess cash flow provisions of the Credit Facility with respect to fiscal 2007.

        The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Credit Facility is based on either three-month or one-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a specified margin. The applicable margin for borrowings under both the first-lien term loan and the revolving credit facility is 225 basis points. The Company may, from time to time, elect to use an Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") for its borrowings under the revolving credit facility based on the bank's base rate plus a margin of 75 to 125 basis points based on the Company's total leverage ratio. There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility as of January 3, 2009 or December 29, 2007. As of January 3, 2009, capacity under the revolving credit facility has been reserved for outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $2.9 million, as described below. Average daily borrowings under the revolving credit facility, which were primarily Alternate Base Rate-based borrowings, were $5.7 million at an average interest rate of 6.35% for the period from December 30, 2007 to January 3, 2009. The revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility matures on November 22, 2010.

        In accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company maintained its position in a cash flow hedge agreement originally entered into in February 2007. This cash flow hedge agreement

74

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

effectively converts $240.0 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 5.085%. The cash flow hedge agreement terminates on June 29, 2009 and is described more fully in Note 14 "Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities" to the consolidated financial statements. During fiscal 2007, the Company had a position in a prior cash flow hedge agreement, which terminated on May 8, 2007 and effectively converted $212.5 million of notional principal amount of debt from a variable LIBOR rate to a fixed LIBOR rate of 3.383%.

        Subject to certain terms and conditions, a maximum of $25.0 million of the Credit Facility may be used for revolving letters of credit. As of January 3, 2009, the Company has effectively reserved capacity under the revolving credit facility in the amount of $2.9 million relating to standby and documentary letters of credit outstanding. These letters of credit are primarily provided to certain administrative service providers. None of these letters of credit had been drawn on at January 3, 2009. As of January 3, 2009, the Company also had other outstanding letters of credit in the amount of $2.4 million primarily provided to certain raw material vendors. None of these letters of credit had been drawn on at January 3, 2009.

Subsidiary Indebtedness

        In fiscal 2008, the Company's operations in Argentina entered into short-term credit facilities to finance working capital requirements. Total outstanding indebtedness under these short-term borrowing facilities was $12.0 million at January 3, 2009 and mature at various dates through July 2009. As of January 3, 2009, the average interest rate of these borrowings was 7.58%. Borrowings under these facilities are shown in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In fiscal 2006, the Company's operations in China entered into short-term credit facilities denominated in Chinese renminbi with financial institutions in China. These short-term credit facilities, which had an outstanding balance of $3.7 million at December 29, 2007 and were used to finance working capital requirements, were paid in full during fiscal 2008.

        In January 2007, the Company's subsidiary in Argentina entered into an arrangement with banking institutions in Argentina to finance the installation of a new spunmelt line at the joint venture facility near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The maximum borrowings available under the arrangement, excluding any interest added to principal, amount to 26.5 million Argentine pesos with respect to an Argentine peso-denominated loan, and $30.3 million with respect to a U.S. dollar-denominated loan and are secured by pledges covering (i) the subsidiary's existing equipment lines; (ii) the outstanding stock of the subsidiary; and (iii) the new machinery and equipment being purchased, as well as a trust assignment agreement related to a portion of receivables due from certain major customers of the subsidiary. As of January 3, 2009, the outstanding indebtedness was approximately $35.3 million, consisting of $9.4 million Argentine peso-denominated loans and a $25.9 million U.S. dollar-denominated loan. Current maturities of this debt amount to $5.0 million as of January 3, 2009. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under these term loans is based on LIBOR plus 290 basis points for the U.S. dollar-denominated loan and Buenos Aires Interbanking Offered Rate plus 475 basis points for the Argentine peso-denominated loan. Principal and interest payments began in July 2008 with the loans maturing as follows: approximately $2.2 million in September 2012, approximately $7.2 million in April 2016 and the balance of $25.9 million maturing in May 2016.

        In March 2006, one of the Company's wholly-owned Canadian subsidiaries entered into a term loan totaling approximately $0.6 million with an agency of the Canadian government, which agency focuses on generating capital investment in the country. In December 2008, the Company elected to repay the loan in its entirety. This debt is shown in Current portion of long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 29, 2007.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 10.  Income Taxes

        The components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

	2008			2007			2006
Domestic	$	(9,323	)	$	(6,446	)	$	(31,445	)
Foreign		14,317			(23,876	)		7,565
	$	4,994		$	(30,322	)	$	(23,880	)

        The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):

		2008			2007		2006
Current:
	Federal and state	$	(237	)	$	969	$	1,020
	Foreign		8,046			4,501		9,165
Deferred:
	Federal and state		(14	)		644		678
	Foreign		(1,397	)		2,724		(2,406	)
Income tax expense		$	6,398		$	8,838	$	8,457

        Provision has been made for U.S. and additional foreign taxes for the anticipated repatriation of earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company. The Company considers the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries above the amount already provided to be indefinitely reinvested. These additional foreign earnings could become subject to additional tax if remitted, or deemed remitted, as a dividend. However the determination of the additional amount of tax that would be incurred is not practicable because of the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation. At January 3, 2009, the unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries for which U.S. taxes have not been provided amounted to approximately $58.4 million. Also, in the event of additional tax, unrecognized tax credits may be available to reduce some portion of any U.S. income tax liability.

        The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 were $16.5 million and $14.3 million, respectively. These amounts include accrued interest and penalties of $6.1 million and $6.5 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. Further, the total unrecognized tax benefits of $16.5 million represent the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate of the Company in future periods.

        During fiscal 2008, the Company increased its unrecognized tax benefits by $3.2 million. Further, in fiscal 2008, the Company recognized benefits of $0.5 million and $0.1 million related to settlements of state audits and the lapse in statute of limitations in certain jurisdictions, respectively.

        A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions, is as follows (in thousands):

Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 29, 2007	$	7,781
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years		970
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		(916	)
Increases in tax positions for the current year		3,211
Settlements		(463	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(144	)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of January 3, 2009	$	10,439

76

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The Company continues to evaluate unrecognized tax benefits as additional legislation and tax rulings are issued by the various tax authorities to which the Company is subject and as additional facts and circumstances develop. The Company does not anticipate a significant increase or decrease of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months due to legislation, settlements or tax rulings.

        Management judgment is required in determining tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. Although management believes its tax positions and related provisions reflected in the consolidated financial statements are fully supportable, it recognizes that these tax positions and related provisions may be challenged by various tax authorities. These tax positions and related provisions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted as additional facts and information become available, including progress on tax audits, changes in interpretations of tax laws, developments in case law and closing of statute of limitations. The Company's tax provision includes the impact of recording reserves and any changes thereto. As of January 3, 2009, the Company has a number of open tax years with various taxing jurisdictions that range from 2001 to 2008. Although the results of current tax audits and reviews related to open tax years have not been finalized, management believes that the ultimate outcomes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

        Income taxes computed at the Company's U.S. federal statutory rate differed from the provision for income taxes as follows (in thousands):

	2008			2007			2006
Computed income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate	$	1,747		$	(10,613	)	$	(8,358	)
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		(152	)		1,629			1,623
Worthless stock deduction		(16,792	)		—			—
Valuation allowance		26,489			16,091			7,738
Withholding taxes and tax credits		806			1,243			1,339
Effect of foreign operations, net		(5,553	)		(1,763	)		777
Effect of foreign earnings on U.S. taxes and other, net		(1,954	)		(2,361	)		5,338
Increase in FIN 48 liability		1,807			4,612			—
Income tax expense	$	6,398		$	8,838		$	8,457

        The Company's financial reorganization, through the Chapter 11 process, caused an ownership change for federal income tax purposes. As a result, future tax deductions related to certain "built-in deductions and losses" will be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended ("Section 382") during the five-year period following the ownership change (the recognition period). The Company had substantial amounts of such built-in deductions and losses (primarily depreciation deductions) scheduled to be realized during the recognition period. Under Section 382, such built-in losses will be subject to an annual usage limitation of approximately $3.4 million during the recognition period.

77

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        At January 3, 2009, the Company had the following significant net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes (in thousands):

Country	Amount		Year of Expiration
Canada	$	15,846		2009–2027
Germany		43,848		Indefinite
Netherlands		36,856		2011–2017
Sweden		809		Indefinite
Argentina		13,471		2013
United States (State)		1,040,939		Various
United States (Federal)		224,074		2024–2027

        In addition, the Company had the following credits for income tax purposes as of January 3, 2009 (in thousands):

Country	Type of Credit	Amount		Year of Expiration
Mexico	Asset Tax	$	1,884		2009–2012
United States	North Carolina Tax Credit		1,170		2009–2020
United States	Foreign Tax		15,169		2009
United States	Alternative Minimum Tax		692		Indefinite

        The Company conducts business in foreign jurisdictions which grant holidays from income taxes for a specified period. The Company recognized approximately $0.8 million and $0.6 million of tax benefits during fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively, related to tax holidays in China.

        Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as net operating loss and other tax credit carryforwards. Significant components of the Company's net deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

		January 3, 2009			December 29, 2007
Deferred tax assets:
	Provision for bad debts	$	2,218		$	1,838
	Inventory capitalization and allowances		4,119			3,434
	Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards		118,619			97,100
	Tax credits		2,545			1,351
	Foreign tax credits		16,340			15,169
	Property, plant and equipment and intangibles, net		27,622			42,677
	Other		26,285			24,920
	Total deferred tax assets		197,748			186,489
Valuation allowance			(183,567	)		(172,695	)
Net deferred tax assets			14,181			13,794
Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment and intangibles, net		(8,525	)		(8,082	)
	Stock basis of subsidiaries		(7,709	)		(7,709	)
	Other, net		(9,827	)		(15,776	)
Total deferred tax liabilities			(26,061	)		(31,567	)
Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(11,880	)	$	(17,773	)

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        A valuation allowance is recorded when, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends on the ability of the Company to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers, among other factors, the trend of historical and projected future taxable income with appropriate consideration given to the fact that the Company is five years removed from the Chapter 11 process, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the carryforward period for net operating losses and tax credits as well as tax planning strategies available to the Company. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and negative, the Company has determined that valuation allowances of $183.6 million and $172.7 million are appropriate as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively.

        The major jurisdictions where the Company files income tax returns include the United States, Canada, China, The Netherlands, France, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. The U.S. federal tax returns have been examined through fiscal 2004 and the foreign jurisdictions generally remain open and subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities for the tax years 2001 through 2008.

        The Company continues to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

        There were income tax refunds receivable of $2.5 million and $1.8 million at January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. These amounts are included in Other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 11. Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, which required employers to recognize the funded status of defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefit plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the plan's funded status recognized as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 has been applied by the Company as of December 30, 2006.

        The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor multiple defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefit plans that cover certain employees. Benefits are primarily based on years of service and the employee's compensation. It is the Company's policy to fund such plans in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The benefit obligations and related assets under these plans with respect to the

79

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

2008 and 2007 disclosures have been measured as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively.

	U.S. Plans Pension Benefits						Non-U.S. Plans Pension Benefits
	2008			2007			2008			2007
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(12,918	)	$	(12,880	)	$	(109,588	)	$	(119,149	)
Additional benefit obligations		—			—			—			—
Service costs		—			—			(2,504	)		(2,473	)
Interest costs		(772	)		(736	)		(5,789	)		(5,066	)
Participant contributions		—			—			(163	)		(150	)
Plan amendments		—			—			—			(38	)
Actuarial (loss)/gain		283			(403	)		981			9,092
Currency translation adjustment and other		—			—			10,027			(13,885	)
Settlements/curtailments		—			—			—			18,998
Benefit payments		1,185			1,101			3,368			3,083
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	(12,222	)	$	(12,918	)	$	(103,668	)	$	(109,588	)
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	12,811		$	11,700		$	104,782		$	108,298
Actual return on and additional plan assets		(4,295	)		1,485			(4,267	)		(366	)
Employer and plan participant contributions		771			729			5,070			3,905
Plan amendments		—			—			—			—
Actuarial (loss)/gain		—			—			—			—
Settlements/curtailments		—			—			—			(17,456	)
Benefit payments		(1,185	)		(1,103	)		(3,368	)		(3,083	)
Currency translation adjustment and other		—			—			(8,454	)		13,484
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	8,102		$	12,811		$	93,763		$	104,782
Funded status	$	(4,120	)	$	(107	)	$	(9,905	)	$	(4,806	)

        The Company has plans whose fair value of plan assets exceeds the benefit obligation. In 2008 and 2007, the total amount netted in the funded status above for such plans approximates $1.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The total amount of prepaid benefit cost included in the net prepaid (accrued) benefit cost recognized related to these plans approximates $1.0 million in 2008 and $1.1 million in 2007.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

	U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans						Non-U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans
	2008			2007			2008			2007
	(In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	(132	)	$	(3,313	)	$	(6,584	)	$	(5,961	)
Additional benefit obligations		—			—			(268	)		—
Service costs		—			(103	)		(79	)		(53	)
Interest costs		(6	)		(171	)		(347	)		(325	)
Participant contributions		—			(36	)		—			—
Plan amendments		—			—			—			—
Actuarial gain		—			646			528			378
Currency translation adjustment and other		—			—			1,266			(1,070	)
Settlements/curtailments		36			2,583			—			—
Benefit payments		18			262			433			447
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	(84	)	$	(132	)	$	(5,051	)	$	(6,584	)
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		—			—			—			—
Acquisition		—			—			—			—
Employer and plan participant contributions		18			225			433			441
Plan amendments		—			36			—			—
Benefit payments		(18	)		(261	)		(433	)		(441	)
Currency translation adjustment and other		—			—			—			—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status	$	(84	)	$	(132	)	$	(5,051	)	$	(6,584	)

        The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company's pension plans as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 (in thousands):

		U.S. Pension Plans						Non-U.S. Pension Plans
		2008			2007			2008			2007
Other assets		$	—		$	—		$	1,307		$	1,556
Accrued liabilities			—			—			(215	)		(179	)
Other liabilities			(4,120	)		(107	)		(10,997	)		(6,183	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss			4,530			(549	)		16,229			6,582
	Net amounts recognized	$	410		$	(656	)	$	6,324		$	1,776

81

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The following table summarizes the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the Company's postretirement benefit plans as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 (in thousands):

		U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans						Non-U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans
		2008			2007			2008			2007
Other assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Accrued liabilities			(42	)		(45	)		(415	)		(472	)
Other liabilities			(42	)		(87	)		(4,636	)		(6,112	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss			(54	)		(233	)		(1,967	)		(2,348	)
	Net amounts recognized	$	(138	)	$	(365	)	$	(7,018	)	$	(8,932	)

        The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes, for the Company's pension plans as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 (in thousands):

		U.S. Pension Plans					Non-U.S. Pension Plans
		2008		2007			2008			2007
Transition net asset		$	—	$	—		$	62		$	86
Net actuarial (gain) loss			4,530		(549	)		18,563			9,840
Prior service cost			—		—			(2,396	)		(2,629	)
	Net amounts recognized	$	4,530	$	(549	)	$	16,229		$	7,297

        The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income, before taxes, for the Company's postretirement benefit plans as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 (in thousands):

		U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans						Non-U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans
		2008			2007			2008			2007
Transition net asset		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Net actuarial (gain) loss			(40	)		(205	)		(1,481	)		(1,756	)
Prior service cost			(14	)		(28	)		(486	)		(592	)
	Net amounts recognized	$	(54	)	$	(233	)	$	(1,967	)	$	(2,348	)

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        Components of net periodic benefit costs for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

		U.S. Plans Pension Benefits									Non-U.S. Plans Pension Benefits
		2008			2007			2006			2008			2007			2006
		(In Thousands, Except Percent Data)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Current service costs	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,504		$	2,473		$	2,452
	Interest costs on projected benefit obligation and other		772			736			717			5,789			5,066			5,245
	Return on plan assets		4,295			(1,485	)		(1,425	)		4,267			366			(6,287	)
	Settlement loss		—			—			—			—			3,849			—
	Net amortization of transition obligation and other		(5,361	)		559			607			(10,612	)		(6,273	)		(306	)
	Periodic benefit cost, net	$	(294	)	$	(190	)	$	(101	)	$	1,948		$	5,481		$	1,104
Weighted average assumption rates:
	Return on plan assets		8.0	%		8.0	%		8.0	%		2.75-7.5	%		2.375-7.5	%		2.2-7.5	%
	Discount rate on projected benefit obligations		6.50			5.75			5.75			5.50-9.00			5.30-8.25			4.50-5.00
	Salary and wage escalation rate		N/A			N/A			N/A			2.0-3.0			2.0-3.0			2.0-3.0

		U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans									Non-U.S. Postretirement Benefit Plans
		2008			2007			2006			2008			2007			2006
		(In Thousands, Except Percent Data)
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Current service costs	$	—		$	103		$	217		$	79		$	53		$	78
	Interest costs on projected benefit obligation and other		6			171			212			347			325			348
	Plan amendment		—			—			—			—			—			—
	Curtailment/settlement (gain) loss		(36	)		(3,303	)		—			—			—			—
	Net amortization of transition obligation and other		(180	)		(211	)		(26	)		(272	)		(250	)		(94	)
	Periodic benefit cost, net	$	(210	)	$	(3,240	)	$	403		$	154		$	128		$	332
Weighted average assumption rates:
	Discount rate on projected benefit obligations		6.50	%		5.75	%		5.75	%		6.25-6.50	%		5.00-5.25	%		5.00-5.25	%

        Discount rates are primarily based on the market yields of global bond indices for AA-rated corporate bonds, applied to a portfolio for which the term and currency correspond with the estimated term and currency of the obligation. During fiscal 2009, the Company expects to recognize amortization of actuarial gains/losses, prior service cost and transition obligation as components of net periodic benefit cost in the amounts of $0.5 million, $(0.3) million and $0.0 million, respectively.

        During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, as part of its restructuring and related cost reduction initiatives for oriented polymers, the Company negotiated certain changes with the union representing the employees of one of the Company's Canadian operations, including a partial curtailment of a defined benefit pension plan. No net gain or loss was incurred as a result of the partial curtailment. However, based on elections made by plan participants during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, and as approved by Canadian regulatory authorities on January 16, 2007, the Company incurred a settlement loss associated with employees who have exited the plan. The loss incurred as a result of the partial

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

settlement of the defined benefit pension plan, consisting of the recognition of previously unamortized actuarial losses in the amount of approximately $3.8 million, was recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 commensurate with governmental approval of the terms of the settlement and upon fulfillment by the Company of its funding requirements in February 2007. Additionally, the Company approved amendments to various postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. which curtailed or eliminated defined benefits previously available under the plans. The amendments, as adopted, eliminated the postretirement benefit for all current retirees of the Company, and substantially all active employees, as of the end of fiscal 2007. In accordance with SFAS No. 106 "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" (as amended), the Company recognized a gain in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 of approximately $3.3 million on the settlement of such plans.

        The assumed annual composite rate of increase in the per capita cost of Company provided health care benefits are reflected in the following table:

Year	Composite Rate of Increase
2009		6.7	%
2010		6.5	%
2011		6.0	%
2012		6.0	%
2013		5.5	%
2014		5.5	%
2015 and thereafter		5.0	%

        A one-percentage point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased aggregate service and interest cost in 2008 by $0.1 million and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of January 3, 2009 by $0.3 million. A one-percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have decreased aggregate service and interest cost in 2008 by $0.1 million and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of January 3, 2009 by $0.2 million.

        The plan sponsor selects the expected long-term rate-of-return on assets assumption in consultation with their investment advisors and actuary. This rate is intended to reflect the average rate of earnings expected to be earned on the funds invested or to be invested to provide plan benefits. Historical performance is reviewed, especially with respect to real rates of return (net of inflation), for the major asset classes held or anticipated to be held by the trust, and for the trust itself. Undue weight is not given to recent experience that may not continue over the measurement period, with higher significance placed on current forecasts of future long-term economic conditions.

        Because assets are held in a qualified trust, anticipated returns are not reduced for taxes. Further, solely for this purpose, the plans are assumed to continue in force and not terminate during the period during which assets are invested. However, consideration is given to the potential impact of current and future investment policy, cash flow into and out of the trust, and expenses (both investment and non-investment) typically paid from plan assets (to the extent such expenses are not explicitly estimated within periodic cost).

84

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The plans' weighted-average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:

		2008			2007
Equity Securities			32	%		40	%
Debt Securities			64			55
Other			4			5
	Total		100	%		100	%

        The trust funds are sufficiently diversified to maintain a reasonable level of risk without imprudently sacrificing return, with an overall targeted asset allocation of 40%-55% fixed income debt securities, 40%-55% equity securities and the remainder in cash or cash equivalents. The Investment Managers select investment fund managers with demonstrated experience and expertise, and funds with demonstrated historical performance, for the implementation of the plans' investment strategy. The Investment Managers will consider both actively and passively managed investment strategies and will allocate funds across the asset classes to develop an efficient investment structure.

        It is the responsibility of the Trustee to administer the investments of the Trust within reasonable costs. These costs include, but are not limited to, management and custodial fees, consulting fees, transaction costs and other administrative costs chargeable to the Trust.

        The Company's practice is to fund amounts for its qualified pension plans at least sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set forth in applicable employee benefit laws and local tax laws. Liabilities for amounts in excess of these funding levels are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Employer contributions to its pension plans in 2009 are expected to approximate $5.6 million.

Expected Benefit Payments

        The following table reflects the total benefits projected to be paid from the plans, or from the Company's general assets, under the current actuarial assumptions used for the calculation of the projected benefit obligations and, therefore, may differ from projected benefit payments.

        The expected level of payments to, or on the behalf of, participants is as follows (in thousands):

	Pension		Postretirement
2009	$	5,911	$	406
2010		5,772		407
2011		5,945		361
2012		6,391		358
2013		7,244		354
2014-2017		35,828		1,696

        The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans through its domestic subsidiaries covering employees who meet certain service requirements. The Company makes contributions to the plans based upon a percentage of the employees' contribution in the case of its 401(k) plans or upon a percentage of the employees' salary or hourly wages in the case of its noncontributory money purchase plans. The cost of the plans was $2.8 million, $2.1 million and $2.5 million for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

85

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 12. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans

Stock Option Plans

        The Polymer Group, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan (the "2003 Option Plan"), which expires December 3, 2013, was approved by the Company's Board of Directors and shareholders and is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 2003 Option Plan approved the issuance of 400,000 non-qualified stock options to acquire shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. All options awarded provide for an exercise price of $6.00 per share, have a five-year life and vest, based on the achievement of various service and financial performance criteria, over a four-year period, with the initial awards beginning their vesting terms as of January 4, 2004. Vesting of the stock options may be accelerated on the occurrence of a change in control or other events, as defined. With respect to post-vesting restrictions, the 2003 Option Plan provides that each option must be exercised, if at all, upon the earlier to occur of (i) the date that is five years after the award date of the option or (ii) concurrently upon the consummation of a change in control, as defined. As of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, the Company had awarded grants of non-qualified stock options to purchase 178,622 and 380,675 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, respectively. In addition, 10,941 stock options were exercised and 164,372 stock options expired without exercise during fiscal 2008. Accordingly, at January 3, 2009, there remain 210,437 stock options available to be awarded pursuant to the 2003 Option Plan.

        The Company accounts for the 2003 Option Plan in accordance with the methodology defined in SFAS No. 123(R). As of January 3, 2009, with respect to the 178,622 options to purchase Class A Common Stock awarded under the 2003 Option Plan, 18,330 are subject to future vesting based on the attainment of future performance targets, which targets had not been established as of January 3, 2009. Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), 160,292 options to purchase Class A Common Stock have been considered granted under the 2003 Option Plan as of January 3, 2009. For fiscal 2008, no compensation costs were recognized for awards with performance-based vesting as the performance targets were not achieved. For fiscal 2007, the Company achieved 51% of its performance targets; accordingly, the Company recognized compensation costs for 51% of the compensation attributable to performance-based awards for the 2007 fiscal year. On March 12, 2008, the Compensation Committee, in exercise of its discretion, granted 58 participants vesting credit equal to 100% of target representing 46,603 additional awards with a fair value at the grant date of $0.3 million. As a result, the Company has recognized compensation expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 associated with the vesting of such awards not earned through the achievement of performance targets for fiscal 2007. For fiscal 2006, no compensation costs were recognized for awards with performance-based vesting as the performance targets were not achieved. The compensation costs related to the 2003 Option Plan were $0.7 million, $1.1 million and $0.2 million during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

86

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The following table summarizes the stock option activity related to the 2003 Option Plan for the years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006:

		2008			2007			2006
Unexercised options outstanding—beginning of period			380,675			310,500			400,000
	Granted		46,093			76,300			—
	Exercised		(10,941	)		—			—
	Forfeited		(72,833	)		(6,125	)		(89,500	)
	Expired/canceled		(164,372	)		—			—
Unexercised options outstanding—end of period			178,622			380,675			310,500

        All options granted under the 2003 Option Plan provide for an exercise price of $6.00 per share. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 was $6.35 and $26.32, respectively.

		2008		2007		2006
2003 Option Plan:
	Vested options as of year-end		128,092		199,352		174,454
	Exercisable options as of year-end		—		—		—
	Shares available for future grant as of year-end		210,437		19,325		89,500
Weighted average exercise price per share		$	6.00	$	6.00	$	6.00

        Information regarding the Company's stock options granted, as defined by SFAS No. 123(R), and outstanding as of January 3, 2009 is as follows:

		Vested		Expected to Vest
For options granted and outstanding:
	Number of options		128,092		32,200
	Weighted average exercise price	$	6.00	$	6.00
	Aggregate intrinsic value (in $000s)		—		—
For nonvested options:
	Compensation cost not yet recognized (in $000s)			$	318
	Weighted average period of recognition (years)				1.1

        The fair value of options granted is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:

	2008			2007			2006
Annual dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
Weighted average expected life (years)		1.6			2.6			3.4
Risk-free interest rate		1.6	%		4.6	%		4.3	%
Expected volatility		40.6	%		39.3	%		41.0	%
Weighted average fair value per option granted	$	6.15		$	26.32		$	18.87

        Expected volatility is based primarily on historical volatility. Historical volatility was computed using daily price observations for the period subsequent to the Effective Date. The Company believes this method produces an estimate that is representative of our expectations of the volatility over the expected life of its options. The Company has no reason to believe future volatility over the expected life of these options is likely to differ materially from historical volatility. The weighted-average expected life is based

87

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

on the mandatory exercise provisions contained in the 2003 Option Plan. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury security rate estimated for the expected life of the options at the date of grant.

        SFAS No. 123(R) requires the estimation of forfeitures when recognizing compensation expense and that the estimate of forfeiture be adjusted over the requisite service period should actual forfeitures differ from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures, if significant, are recognized through a cumulative adjustment, which is recognized in the period of change and which impacts the amount of unamortized compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

Restricted Stock Plans

2004 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors

        The Company's shareholders and Board of Directors approved the 2004 Polymer Group, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan for Directors (the "2004 Restricted Plan"), which expires in 2014, for the issuance of restricted shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to Directors of the Company, as defined in the 2004 Restricted Plan. The 2004 Restricted Plan approved for issuance 200,000 restricted shares and is administered by a committee of the Company's Board of Directors not eligible to receive restricted shares under the 2004 Restricted Plan.

        In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company awarded 18,065, 7,920 and 9,313 restricted shares, respectively, to members of the Company's Board of Directors for their Board service to the Company. In addition, 12,500 restricted shares were approved for issuance by the Company's Board of Directors in September 2006 to the Company's Chairman of the Board as a component of his compensation for serving as interim Chief Executive Officer. The cost associated with these restricted stock grants, which vest over periods ranging to eighteen months, totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        Additionally, in April 2007, 50,000 restricted shares were issued pursuant to the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement entered into with the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Such shares vest over a four year service period effective April 23, 2007, and such vesting will be accelerated upon a change in control and the completion of a minimum service period, as defined. The compensation costs associated with such restricted shares issued under the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement totaled $0.3 million and $0.2 million for fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, and were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In addition, during fiscal 2008, 3,937 shares were surrendered to satisfy withholding requirements. Compensation cost not yet recognized for such nonvested restricted shares issued under the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement was approximately $0.8 million as of January 3, 2009, and the weighted average period of recognition for such compensation was 1.2 years as of January 3, 2009.

        As of January 3, 2009, there remain 60,259 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock available to be awarded under the 2004 Restricted Plan.

2005 Employee Restricted Stock Plan

        The Polymer Group, Inc. 2005 Employee Restricted Stock Plan (the "2005 Stock Plan") was approved by the Company's Board of Directors and shareholders and is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The 2005 Stock Plan, which expires in 2015, approved for issuance 482,000 restricted shares to employees of the Company. The Compensation Committee may, from time to time, award up to 384,000 shares of restricted stock under the 2005 Stock Plan to such employees and in such amounts and with specified restrictions as it

88

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

determines appropriate in the circumstances. The award of shares of restricted stock by the Compensation Committee in excess of the 384,000 shares will also require the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company. Other than for certain shares initially awarded and immediately vested on January 20, 2006 and March 12, 2008, shares awarded under the 2005 Stock Plan primarily vest 25% on each of the grant's anniversary dates based on a combination of service and/or the achievement of certain performance targets. Vesting of the restricted shares, other than those shares issued pursuant to the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement entered into with the Company's Chief Executive Officer, may be accelerated on the occurrence of a change in control or other events, as defined. Vesting of shares awarded under the Executive Employment Agreement will be accelerated under a change in control and the completion of a minimum service period, as defined.

        During fiscal 2008, 158,304 restricted shares were awarded to certain employees of the Company, of which 35,000 shares were awarded, and up to 40,000 shares are available to be awarded in March 2009 based on achievement of 2008 performance targets, under the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement. In addition, 41,917 shares were surrendered during fiscal 2008 by employees to satisfy withholding requirements and to satisfy the exercise price for options exercised during fiscal 2008; 35,219 shares were forfeited during fiscal 2008.

        During fiscal 2007, 71,800 restricted shares were awarded to certain employees of the Company, of which 50,000 shares were awarded under the terms of the Executive Employment Agreement entered into with the Company's Chief Executive Officer. In addition, 12,439 shares were surrendered during fiscal 2007 by employees to satisfy withholding requirements and 4,510 shares were forfeited during fiscal 2007.

        A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested shares issued under the 2005 Stock Plan as of January 3, 2009, and changes for the year ended January 3, 2009, is presented below:

		Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at December 29, 2007			101,480		$	24.78
Shares:
	Granted		165,369			15.37
	Vested		(109,847	)		18.64
	Forfeited		(32,759	)		22.96
Nonvested shares at January 3, 2009			124,243			18.40

        The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, December 30, 2006 were $2.2 million, $0.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

        The compensation costs associated with the 2005 Stock Plan totaled $1.8 million, $1.1 million and $4.2 million for fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of January 3, 2009, awards of 354,687 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock were outstanding and 127,313 shares were available for future award under the 2005 Stock Plan.

        The Company accounts for the 2005 Stock Plan in accordance with the methodology defined in SFAS No. 123(R). As of January 3, 2009, of the 354,687 shares awarded and outstanding under the 2005 Stock Plan, 58,983 shares are subject to future vesting based on the attainment of future performance targets, which targets had not been established as of January 3, 2009. Accordingly, pursuant to the provisions of SFAS 123(R), 295,704 restricted shares are considered granted under the 2005 Stock Plan

89

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

as of January 3, 2009. Compensation cost not yet recognized for nonvested restricted shares considered granted under the 2005 Stock Plan was approximately $1.4 million as of January 3, 2009, and the weighted average period of recognition for such compensation was 1.3 years as of January 3, 2009.

2008 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan

        The Polymer Group, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (the "2008 LTI Stock Plan") was approved by the Company's shareholders and Board of Directors and is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The 2008 LTI Stock Plan, which expires in 2018 unless terminated by the Company's Board of Directors sooner, reserves for issuance 425,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to employees of the Company. The Compensation Committee may, from time to time, award a variety of equity-based incentives under the 2008 LTI Stock Plan to such employees and in such amounts and with specified restrictions as it determines appropriate in the circumstances. Such awards may be granted under the 2008 LTI Stock Plan in the form of either incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, performance awards or other types of stock awards that involve the issuance of, or that are valued by reference to, shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. Vesting, which will be determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, may be accelerated on the occurrence of a change in control or other events, as defined.

        During fiscal 2008, various awards were approved and issued to certain employees of the Company under the 2008 LTI Stock Plan. These awards included 52,316 service-based restricted shares, 15,510 service-based restricted stock units and 135,443 restricted stock units that vest based on the achievement of 2008 performance targets and the completion of requisite service periods. In addition, during fiscal 2008, 6,369 shares and 12,931 restricted stock units were forfeited. All restricted stock units will be settled in the form of restricted shares upon vesting. The compensation costs associated with the 2008 LTI Stock Plan totaled $0.2 million for fiscal 2008 and are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of January 3, 2009, awards of 45,947 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock and 138,022 restricted stock units were outstanding and unvested, and 241,031 shares were available for future grant under the 2008 LTI Stock Plan. Compensation cost not yet recognized for awards under the 2008 LTI Stock Plan was approximately $2.4 million as of January 3, 2009, and the weighted average period of recognition for such compensation was 0.9 years as of January 3, 2009.

Note 13. Other Operating (Income) Loss, Net

        For fiscal 2008, Other operating (income) loss, net includes (i) $1.5 million received from a customer under a license agreement related to the third-party manufacture of product, and (ii) $6.5 million of net foreign currency losses. For the 2007 and 2006 fiscal years, Other operating (income) loss, net includes $0.6 million of net foreign currency gains and $1.2 million of net foreign currency losses, respectively. See Note 17 "Foreign Currency (Gain) Loss, Net."

Note 14. Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

        The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage market risks and reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed under clearly defined policies and procedures, which prohibit the use of financial instruments for trading purposes.

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POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        The Company uses interest-rate derivative instruments to manage its exposure related to movements in interest rates with respect to its debt instruments. As indicated in Note 9 "Debt" to the consolidated financial statements, to mitigate its interest rate exposure as required by the Credit Facility, the Company has entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap, effectively converting the variable LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $240.0 million of the debt to fixed amounts at a LIBOR rate of 5.085%. The notional amount of this contract, which became effective on May 8, 2007 and expires on June 29, 2009, was $240.0 million. Cash settlements are made quarterly and the floating rate is reset quarterly, coinciding with the reset dates of the current Credit Facility. Previously, the Company had a similar pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap contract, which effectively converted the variable LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $212.5 million of the debt to fixed amounts at a LIBOR rate of 3.383%, which expired on May 8, 2007.

        In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company designated these swaps as cash flow hedges of the variability of interest payments with changes in fair value of the swap recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the interest rate swap that expires on June 29, 2009, based on indicative price information obtained via a third-party valuation, was an obligation of $4.5 million and $4.3 million as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, respectively. Those amounts are included in Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The interest rate swap is valued on a recurring basis at fair value, as described above (Level 2 input, as defined by SFAS No. 157). The unrealized loss in the interest rate swap's fair value of $0.2 million during fiscal 2008 was reported as an adjustment to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 3, 2009.

        The impacts of these swaps on Interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were an increase of $3.9 million for fiscal year 2008 and decreases of $1.8 million and $3.7 million for fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively.

        On February 12, 2009, the Company entered into a pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swap, effectively converting the variable LIBOR-based interest payments associated with $240.0 million of the Company's first-lien term loan to fixed amounts at a LIBOR rate of 1.96%. The notional amount of this contract, which becomes effective on June 30, 2009 and expires on June 30, 2011, is $240.0 million.

        On September 30, 2008, the Company entered a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a third-party financial institution, the objective of which is to hedge the changes in fair value of a firm commitment to purchase equipment attributable to changes in foreign currency rates between the Euro and U.S. dollar through the date of acceptance of the equipment. The notional amount of the contracts with the third party, which expire on various dates through fiscal 2009, was $33.3 million. Cash settlements under the forward contracts coincide with the payment dates on the equipment purchase contract. As of January 3, 2009, the Company recorded $1.4 million for the change in the fair value of the foreign exchange forward contracts in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the $1.4 million change for the fair value of the firm commitment in Other Assets. There were no outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts with third party financial institutions at December 29, 2007.

        The following table shows assets and liabilities as of January 3, 2009, that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Level 1		Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2			Unobservable Inputs Level 3
Derivative assets		—	$	1,388			—
Derivative liabilities		—		(5,846	)		—

91

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 15. Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity

        As of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, the Company's authorized capital stock consisted of the following classes of stock:

Type	Par Value		Authorized Shares
Preferred stock	$	.01		173,000
Class A common stock	$	.01		39,200,000
Class B convertible common stock	$	.01		800,000
Class C convertible common stock	$	.01		118,453
Class D convertible common stock	$	.01		498,688
Class E convertible common stock	$	.01		523,557

        All classes of the common stock have similar voting rights. In accordance with the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, all shares of Class B, C, D and E Common Stock may be converted into an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock. The shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time with such designation, preferences, participation rights and optional or special rights (including, but not limited to, dividend rates, voting rights, maturity dates and the like) as determined by the Board of Directors.

        All authorized shares of the Class D Common Stock and Class E Common Stock are issuable upon the exercise, at $.01 per share, of Series A warrants to purchase shares of Class D common stock and Series B warrants to purchase shares of Class E common stock, respectively ("Warrants"). Such Warrants have (i) customary adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, and consolidations, (ii) specified anti-dilution protection for sales of securities by the Company at a price below the fair market value of such securities if offered to common stockholders and (iii) specified anti-dilution protection for sales of securities by the Company at a discount that exceeds 25% of the fair market value of such securities. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, the Warrants do not have anti-dilution provisions. The Warrants (a) are exercisable in the event of a notice provided by the Company of a distribution to shareholders of a minimum amount ($600 million in the case of the Series A Warrants, and $1.15 billion in the case of the Series B Warrants), and (b) terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) March 4, 2010, or (ii) a change in control of the Company (as defined in the warrant certificates). Pursuant to the adjustment provisions of the warrant certificates, the Company may be required, immediately prior to exercise of the warrants, to increase the authorized shares of Class D Common Stock and Class E Common Stock presented in the table above relating to the Series A Warrants and the Series B Warrants, respectively, if the authorized shares are insufficient for the number of Warrants to be exercised.

Note 16. Segment Information

        The Company's reportable segments consist of its primary operating divisions—Nonwovens and Oriented Polymers. This reflects how the overall business is managed by the Company's senior management and reviewed by the Board of Directors. Each of these businesses sells to different end-use markets, such as hygiene, medical, wipes and industrial markets. Sales to P&G accounted for more than 10% of the Company's sales in each of the periods presented. Sales to this customer are reported primarily in the Nonwovens segment and the loss of these sales would have a material adverse effect on this segment. The Company recorded charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 relating to special charges, net that have not been allocated to the segment data.

92

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        Financial data by segment is as follows (in thousands):

		2008			2007			2006
Net sales
	Nonwovens	$	971,423		$	885,672		$	848,281
	Oriented Polymers		174,214			173,991			173,327
		$	1,145,637		$	1,059,663		$	1,021,608
Operating income (loss)
	Nonwovens	$	72,197		$	79,445		$	66,586
	Oriented Polymers		10,386			77			4,340
	Unallocated Corporate		(25,332	)		(18,227	)		(26,616	)
	Eliminations		—			—			258
			57,251			61,295			44,568
	Special charges, net		(20,088	)		(61,734	)		(38,683	)
		$	37,163		$	(439	)	$	5,885
Depreciation and amortization expense included in operating income (loss)
	Nonwovens	$	45,337		$	45,886		$	48,998
	Oriented Polymers		4,316			10,460			10,373
	Unallocated Corporate		544			725			211
	Eliminations		—			(258	)		(258	)
	Depreciation and amortization expense included in operating income		50,197			56,813			59,324
	Amortization of loan acquisition costs		1,406			1,386			1,339
		$	51,603		$	58,199		$	60,663
Capital spending
	Nonwovens	$	33,258		$	58,908		$	64,952
	Oriented Polymers		421			969			2,438
	Corporate		598			843			777
		$	34,277		$	60,720		$	68,167
Division assets
	Nonwovens	$	717,814		$	761,750		$	736,754
	Oriented Polymers		70,954			85,428			116,368
	Corporate		1,619			12,197			390
	Eliminations		(87,925	)		(108,704	)		(112,222	)
		$	702,462		$	750,671		$	741,290

Geographic Data:

        Export sales from the Company's United States operations to unaffiliated customers approximated $55.6 million, $78.3 million and $66.7 million during fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

93

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Geographic data for the Company's operations, based on the geographic region that the sale is made from, are presented in the following table (in thousands):

		2008			2007			2006
Net sales
	United States	$	460,497		$	453,697		$	466,956
	Canada		98,374			109,225			108,571
	Europe		197,393			197,446			185,231
	Asia		122,880			86,525			54,474
	Latin America		266,493			212,770			206,376
		$	1,145,637		$	1,059,663		$	1,021,608
Operating income (loss)
	United States	$	8,308		$	5,916		$	(8,822	)
	Canada		4,327			(3,937	)		(1,073	)
	Europe		10,801			14,066			15,422
	Asia		16,336			11,459			5,560
	Latin America		17,479			33,791			33,481
			57,251			61,295			44,568
	Special charges, net		(20,088	)		(61,734	)		(38,683	)
		$	37,163		$	(439	)	$	5,885
Depreciation and amortization expense included in operating income (loss)
	United States	$	17,929		$	19,578		$	25,478
	Canada		2,260			8,264			8,139
	Europe		6,856			8,628			9,226
	Asia		8,853			7,821			5,025
	Latin America		14,299			12,522			11,456
	Depreciation and amortization expense included in operating income		50,197			56,813			59,324
	Amortization of loan acquisition costs		1,406			1,386			1,339
		$	51,603		$	58,199		$	60,663
Property, plant and equipment, net
	United States	$	114,707		$	140,419		$	151,883
	Canada		5,558			7,372			38,937
	Europe		37,354			50,849			55,475
	Asia		62,826			65,060			66,390
	Latin America		127,145			131,070			98,369
		$	347,590		$	394,770		$	411,054

94

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 17. Foreign Currency (Gain) Loss, Net

        Components of foreign currency (gain) loss are shown in the table below (in thousands):

	2008			2007			2006
Included in other operating (income) loss, net	$	6,513		$	(554	)	$	1,229
Included in other expense (income)		(1,801	)		315			68
	$	4,712		$	(239	)	$	1,297

        For international subsidiaries which have the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, local currency transactions are remeasured into U.S. dollars, using current rates of exchange for monetary assets and liabilities. Gains and losses from the remeasurement of such monetary assets and liabilities are reported in Other operating (income) loss, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Likewise, for international subsidiaries which have the local currency as their functional currency, gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in the local currency are reported in Other operating (income) loss, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, currency gains and losses have been incurred on intercompany loans between subsidiaries, and to the extent that such loans are not deemed to be permanently invested, such currency gains and losses are also reflected in Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        The Company includes gains and losses on receivables, payables and other operating transactions as a component of operating income in Other operating (income) loss, net. Other foreign currency gains and losses, primarily related to intercompany loans and debt and other non-operating activities, are included in Foreign currency and other (gain) loss, net.

Note 18.  Commitments and Contingencies

Non-affiliate Leases

        The Company leases certain manufacturing, warehousing and other facilities and equipment under operating leases. The leases on most of the properties contain renewal provisions. Rent expense (net of sub-lease income), including incidental leases, approximated $5.1 million, $5.7 million and $4.3 million in fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The expenses are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. The approximate net minimum rental payments required under non-affiliate operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year at January 3, 2009 are presented in the following table (in thousands):

	Gross Minimum Rental Payments
2009	$	4,200
2010		2,971
2011		1,618
2012		763
2013		724
Thereafter		446
	$	10,722

95

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Purchase Commitments

        At January 3, 2009, the Company had commitments of approximately $42.7 million related to the purchase of raw materials, maintenance and converting services. Additionally, the Company has several major committed capital projects, including the installment of a new spunmelt line at the Company's facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Total remaining payments with respect to major capital expansion projects as of January 3, 2009 totaled approximately $41.0 million, which are expected to be substantially expended through the third quarter of fiscal 2009. On September 30, 2008, the Company entered into a series of foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional amount of $33.8 million to manage its U.S. dollar exposure on Euro-based obligations for firm commitments related to a capital expenditure project. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Company designated the forward contracts as a fair value hedge of an unrecognized firm commitment. In addition, the forward contracts, which mature at varying dates in fiscal 2009, are expected to be completely effective in hedging the specifically-covered unrecognized firm commitment.

        In June 2006, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Fabpro Oriented Polymers, L.L.C. ("Fabpro") entered into an agreement relating to the sale of certain assets for $2.3 million and a supply and marketing rights agreement ("supply agreement") with an unrelated third party. Under the terms of the supply agreement, which has an initial term of 10 years, Fabpro has committed to purchase a minimum level of product (as defined in the supply agreement), representing approximately $7.1 million per year, based on current sales prices, through the year 2012. In the event that Fabpro does not purchase such minimum quantities, Fabpro will be obligated to pay a 12.5% penalty on the value of the committed amounts not purchased, based on sales prices in effect at that time.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

        At January 3, 2009, the Company had approximately 3,168 employees worldwide. Of this total, approximately 39% of these employees are represented by labor unions or trade councils that have entered into separate collective bargaining agreements with the Company. Approximately 30% of the Company's labor force is covered by collective bargaining agreements that will expire within one year.

Environmental

        The Company is subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to pollution and protection of the environment. The Company believes that it is currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements and does not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on its operations, financial or competitive position as a result of its efforts to comply with environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of the Company's business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.

Litigation

        The Company is not currently a party to any pending legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to the business of the Company, none of which is deemed material.

        On July 5, 2007, the Company received a call from the Division of Enforcement of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regarding the investigation in fiscal 2006 by the Company's Audit Committee into certain transactions between the Company and an equipment supplier and related matters. In response to various requests from the SEC, the Company has furnished documents to, and met with, the SEC to explain the Audit Committee's process and to otherwise

96

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

respond to any questions. On October 2, 2008, the Company was notified that this investigation was completed as to the Company, and that the Division of Enforcement does not intend to recommend any enforcement action by the SEC.

Note 19. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

        Quarterly financial data for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 and the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 is presented below (amounts in thousands, except for per share data). All 2008 and 2007 fiscal quarters were comprised of 13 weeks, except for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, which consisted of 14 weeks.

Quarterly data for fiscal 2008:

	Fourth Quarter Ended January 3, 2009			Third Quarter Ended September 27, 2008		Second Quarter Ended June 28, 2008		First Quarter Ended March 29, 2008
Operating data:
Net sales	$	279,954		$	301,037	$	290,873	$	273,773
Gross profit		53,049			43,026		45,887		42,906
Net income (loss)		(1,873	)		3,422		2,380		1,424
Income (loss) per common share—basic	$	(0.10	)	$	0.18	$	0.12	$	0.07
Income (loss) per common share—diluted	$	(0.10	)	$	0.18	$	0.12	$	0.07

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, results were positively impacted by increases in selling prices and decreases in raw material costs during the quarter; additionally, the Company recorded special charges, net of approximately $15.3 million. See Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details related to such special charges, net recognized in fiscal 2008. The Company also recognized $1.5 million received from a customer under a license agreement related to the third-party manufacture of product. Additionally, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $1.3 million on a pre-tax loss of $8.3 million. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was unfavorably impacted by losses in the U.S. and other jurisdictions for which no tax benefit has been recognized, as well as the impact of changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and changes in tax legislation. See Note 10 "Income Taxes" to the consolidated financial statements for additional details related to the fiscal year 2008 income tax provision.

Quarterly data for fiscal 2007:

	Fourth Quarter Ended December 29, 2007			Third Quarter Ended September 29, 2007			Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2007		First Quarter Ended March 31, 2007
Operating data:
Net sales	$	265,425		$	256,186		$	271,015	$	267,037
Gross profit		38,866			39,671			44,288		46,038
Net income (loss)		(21,769	)		(20,910	)		1,243		290
Income (loss) per common share—basic	$	(1.12	)	$	(1.08	)	$	0.06	$	0.01
Income (loss) per common share—diluted	$	(1.12	)	$	(1.08	)	$	0.06	$	0.01

97

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company recorded special charges, net of approximately $31.5 million. See Note 3 "Special Charges, Net" to the consolidated financial statements for additional details related to such special charges, net recognized in fiscal 2007. The Company also recognized gains on the sale of certain assets of approximately $2.4 million. Additionally, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $3.5 million on a pre-tax loss of $24.8 million. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was unfavorably impacted by losses in the U.S. and other jurisdictions for which no tax benefit has been recognized, as well as the impact of changes in tax legislation. See Note 10 "Income Taxes" to the consolidated financial statements for additional details related to the fiscal year 2007 income tax provision.

Note 20. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

        Cash payments of interest and taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

	2008		2007		2006
Cash payments of interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	31,879	$	31,833	$	27,546
Cash payments of income taxes, net		4,491		7,676		6,498

        Noncash investing or financing transactions in fiscal 2008 included the surrender of 45,854 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to the Company by participants in the 2005 Stock Plan and the 2004 Restricted Plan in the amount of $0.6 million to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations and to satisfy the exercise price for options exercised in fiscal 2008.

        Noncash investing or financing transactions in fiscal 2007 included the surrender of 12,439 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to the Company by participants in the 2005 Stock Plan in the amount of $0.3 million to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations. Also, the Company recorded $7.1 million of property, plant and equipment additions, for which payment had not been made as of December 29, 2007 and $1.0 million of proceeds on the sale of certain assets, for which payment had not been received as of December 29, 2007.

        Noncash investing or financing transactions in fiscal 2006 included the surrender of 47,688 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to the Company by participants in the 2005 Stock Plan in the amount of $1.3 million to satisfy employee withholding tax obligations.

98

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Securities and Exchange Commission reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management has carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as such item is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of January 3, 2009.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company's assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company's management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 3009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 3, 2009.

        The Company's independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

99

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Polymer Group, Inc.

        We have audited Polymer Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Polymer Group, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, including the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Polymer Group, Inc. and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, Polymer Group, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 3, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Polymer Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 3, 2009, and our report dated March 18, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP 
Charlotte, North Carolina
March 18, 2009

100

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

        None.

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        Information required by this Item is set forth under the captions "Nominees for Director" and "Executive Officers" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        Information on the beneficial ownership reporting for our directors, executive officers, and certain beneficial owners is contained under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        Information on stockholder nominations to our Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert is set forth under the caption "Information About the Board of Directors" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        We have a Code of Conduct that applies to all officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and other key financial and accounting officers. The Code of Conduct can be found on the Investors' page of our publicly-available website (www.polymergroupinc.com). We will post any amendments to the Code of Conduct, and any waivers that are required to be disclosed by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, on our website.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        Information required under this Item relating to executive compensation and director compensation is set forth under the caption "Executive Compensation" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        Information required under this Item relating to Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation is set forth under the caption "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        The Compensation Committee Report required under this Item is set forth under the caption "Compensation Committee Report" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

101

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        Information required under this Item is set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        The following table provides certain information as of January 3, 2009 with respect to our equity compensation plans:

Plan category		(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		(b) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
	—2003 Stock Option Plan		178,622	$	6.00		210,437
	—2004 Restricted Stock Plan for Directors(1)		—		—		60,259
	—2005 Employee Restricted Stock Plan		—		—		167,313
	—2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan		—		—		379,053
Total			178,622				817,062

(1)

Under the 2004 Restricted Stock for Directors, and unless otherwise determined by a committee of our Board of Directors not eligible to receive restricted shares under the plan, 50% of a director's annual retainer fee will be payable in shares of our Class A Common Stock. In addition, directors may elect to receive restricted stock in lieu of cash payments for the balance of their fees.

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

        Information required under this Item relating to certain relationships and related transactions is set forth under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

        Information required under this Item relating to director independence is set forth under the caption "Information About the Board of Directors" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        Information required under this Item is set forth under the caption "Independent Public Accountants" in our definitive proxy materials, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

102

PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)   1. Financial Statements

        The following consolidated financial statements and report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required by this Item are filed herewith under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

•

Report of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

•

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007.

•

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.

•

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal years ended January 3 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.

•

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.

•

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2009, December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006.

(a)   2. Financial Statement Schedules

        Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts ("Schedule II"). Supplemental schedules other than Schedule II are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto.

(a)   3. Exhibits

        Exhibits required in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed below. Certain exhibits are incorporated by reference to other documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with which they are physically filed, to be a part of this report as of their respective dates.

Exhibit Number	Document Description
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. (1)
3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company. (2)
4.1	Shareholders Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2003. (3)
4.2	Amendment No. 1 to Shareholders Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2004. (4)
10.1	Credit Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2005, among Polymer Group, Inc. as Borrower, the Lenders referred to therein, Citicorp North America, Inc. as Administrative Agent, Document Agent, Collateral Agent and Syndication Agent, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner (the "2005 Credit Agreement").
10.2	Security Agreement, by Polymer Group, Inc., and the domestic subsidiaries party thereto, as Grantors, and Citicorp North America, Inc. as Collateral Agent, dated as of November 22, 2005. (5)
10.3	Pledge Agreement, by Polymer Group, Inc., and the domestic subsidiaries party thereto, as pledgors, and Citicorp North America, Inc. as Collateral Agent, dated as of November 22, 2005. (6)
10.4	Guarantee Agreement, dated as of November 22, 2005, among each of the subsidiaries listed on Schedule I thereto of Polymer Group, Inc., Citicorp North America, Inc. as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent. (7)

103

Exhibit Number	Document Description
10.5	Amendment No. 1 to the 2005 Credit Agreement, dated as of December 8, 2006. (8)
10.6	Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2007, between Polymer Group, Inc. and Veronica M. Hagen. (9)**
10.7	Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 30, 2007, to Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2006, between Polymer Group, Inc. and Willis C. Moore, III. (10)**
10.8	Change in Control Severance Compensation Agreement, dated as of January 23, 2008, between Willis C. Moore, III and Polymer Group, Inc. (This agreement was terminated by the Separation Agreement entered into on April 8, 2008 between Willis C. Moore, III and Polymer Group, Inc.) (11)*
10.9	Change in Control Severance Compensation Agreement, dated as of January 23, 2008, between Robert J. Kocourek and Polymer Group, Inc. (This agreement was amended on April 10, 2008 between Robert J. Kocourek and Polymer Group, Inc.) (12)**
10.10	Change in Control Severance Compensation Agreement, dated as of January 23, 2008, between Michael W. Hale and Polymer Group, Inc. (13)**
10.11	Separation Agreement, dated as of April 8, 2008, between Willis C. Moore, III and Polymer Group, Inc. (14)**
10.12	Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Severance Compensation Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2008, between Robert J. Kocourek and Polymer Group, Inc. (15)**
10.13	Form of Change in Control Severance Compensation Agreements. (16)**
10.14	Polymer Group, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan. (17)**
10.15	Polymer Group, Inc. 2003 Stock Option Plan Amendments. (18)**
10.16	Polymer Group, Inc. 2004 Restricted Stock Plan. (19)**
10.17	Polymer Group, Inc. 2005 Stock Option Plan. (20)**
10.18	Form of Stock Option Agreement for 2003 Plan. (21)**
10.19	Polymer Group, Inc. Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. (22)**
10.20	Polymer Group, Inc. 2005 Employee Restricted Stock Plan. (23)**
10.21	Polymer Group, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (24)**
10.22	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. (25)**
10.23	Form of Polymer Group, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement (26)**
10.24	Consulting Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2006, between PGI Nonwovens B.V. and Mr. R. Altdorf. (27)
21	List of Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1	Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

(1)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2003.

(2)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2008.

(3)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 19, 2003.

104

(4)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2005.

(5)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.

(6)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.

(7)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2006.

(8)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on April 5, 2007.

(9)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 10, 2007.

(10)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 10, 2007.

(11)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2008.

(12)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2008.

(13)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 8, 2008.

(14)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 7, 2008.

(15)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 7, 2008.

(16)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 11, 2006.

(17)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on December 14, 2004.

(18)

Incorporated by reference to Annex I of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 15, 2005.

(19)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on December 14, 2004.

(20)

Incorporated by reference to Annex III of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 15, 2005.

(21)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on December 14, 2004.

(22)

Incorporated by reference to Annex II of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 15, 2005.

(23)

Incorporated by reference to Annex I of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 21, 2006.

105

(24)

Incorporated by reference to Annex I of the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 25, 2008.

(25)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 30, 2006.

(26)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2008.

(27)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 15, 2006.

*

The Company has no remaining obligations under these agreements. These documents are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, which requires the filing of every material agreement that was entered into not more than two years before the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

106

POLYMER GROUP, INC.
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In Thousands)

			COLUMN C
COLUMN A	COLUMN B								COLUMN D			COLUMN E
			ADDITIONS
									DEDUCTIONS
	Balance at beginning of period		Charged To costs and expenses			Charged to other accounts (Describe)						Balance at end of period
Description									(Describe)
Fiscal Year ended January 3, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	6,137		2,311	(1)		(181	)(2)		130	(3)	$	8,137
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		172,695		16,630			3,092	(2)(4)		8,850	(5)		183,567
Plant realignment		5,903		6,388			120			9,739	(6)		2,672
Fiscal Year ended December 29, 2007
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	7,580		74	(7)		(84	)(2)		1,433	(3)	$	6,137
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		117,427		16,091			39,821	(4)		644	(5)		172,695
Plant realignment		2,044		23,543			233			19,917	(6)		5,903
Fiscal Year ended December 30, 2006
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	9,586		(523	)(8)		35	(2)		1,518	(3)	$	7,580
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		98,536		8,835			11,754	(4)		1,698	(9)		117,427
Plant realignment		163		7,135			30			5,284	(6)		2,044

(1)

Current year provision.

(2)

Foreign currency translation adjustments.

(3)

Uncollectible accounts written-off.

(4)

Foreign currency translation adjustments and valuation allowance related to temporary differences not impacting the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(5)

Net reductions due to realizations of deferred tax assets and valuation allowance related to temporary differences not impacting the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(6)

Cash payments and adjustments.

(7)

Reserve adjustments of $682, net of current year provision of $756.

(8)

Reserve adjustments of $1,232, net of current year provision of $709.

(9)

Net reduction to goodwill.

107

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	POLYMER GROUP, INC.
Date: March 18, 2009	By:	/s/ ROBERT J. KOCOUREK Robert J. Kocourek Chief Financial Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 18, 2009.

Signature	Title
/s/ VERONICA M. HAGEN Veronica M. Hagen	Chief Executive Officer and Director
/s/ ROBERT J. KOCOUREK Robert J. Kocourek	Chief Financial Officer
/s/ WILLIAM B. HEWITT William B. Hewitt	Chairman of the Board of Directors
Ramon Betolaza	Director
/s/ ELIZABETH ANNE FESSENDEN Elizabeth Anne Fessenden	Director
/s/ KEITH B. HALL Keith B. Hall	Director
/s/ JAMES OVENDEN James Ovenden	Director
/s/ MARK PATTERSON Mark Patterson	Director
/s/ CHARLES E. VOLPE Charles E. Volpe	Director

108

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

$455,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of November 22, 2005

among

POLYMER GROUP, INC.,
as Borrower,

THE LENDERS REFERRED TO HEREIN,

CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC.,
as Administrative Agent, Documentation Agent,
Collateral Agent and Syndication Agent,

and

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.,
as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
80 Pine Street
New York, New York  10005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01.	Defined Terms	1
SECTION 1.02.	Classification of Loans and Borrowings	27
SECTION 1.03.	Terms Generally	27
ARTICLE II
THE CREDITS
SECTION 2.01.	Credit Commitments	27
SECTION 2.02.	Procedure for Borrowing	28
SECTION 2.03.	Conversion and Continuation Options for Loans	29
SECTION 2.04.	Swingline Loans	30
SECTION 2.05.	Optional and Mandatory Prepayments of Loans; Repayments of Term Loans	31
SECTION 2.06.	Letters of Credit	34
SECTION 2.07.	Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt	37
SECTION 2.08.	Interest Rates and Payment Dates	38
SECTION 2.09.	Computation of Interest	39
SECTION 2.10.	Fees	39
SECTION 2.11.	Termination, Reduction or Adjustment of Commitments	40
SECTION 2.12.	Inability to Determine Interest Rate; Unavailability of Deposits; Inadequacy of Interest Rate	40
SECTION 2.13.	Pro Rata Treatment and Payments	41
SECTION 2.14.	Illegality	42
SECTION 2.15.	Requirements of Law	42
SECTION 2.16.	Taxes	43
SECTION 2.17.	Indemnity	45
SECTION 2.18.	Change of Lending Office	45
SECTION 2.19.	Sharing of Setoffs	45
SECTION 2.20.	Assignment of Commitments Under Certain Circumstances	46
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 3.01.	Organization, etc.	47
SECTION 3.02.	Due Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.	47
SECTION 3.03.	Government Approval, Regulation, etc.	47
SECTION 3.04.	Validity, etc.	48
SECTION 3.05.	Financial Information	48
SECTION 3.06.	No Material Adverse Effect	48
SECTION 3.07.	Litigation	48
SECTION 3.08.	Compliance with Laws and Agreements	48
SECTION 3.09.	Subsidiaries	48

i

SECTION 3.10.	Ownership of Properties	48
SECTION 3.11.	Taxes	49
SECTION 3.12.	Pension and Welfare Plans	49
SECTION 3.13.	Environmental	50
SECTION 3.14.	Regulations U and X	51
SECTION 3.15.	Disclosure; Accuracy of Information; Pro Forma Balance Sheets and Projected Financial Statements	51
SECTION 3.16.	Insurance	52
SECTION 3.17.	Labor Matters	52
SECTION 3.18.	Solvency	52
SECTION 3.19.	Securities	52
SECTION 3.20.	Indebtedness Outstanding	53
SECTION 3.21.	Security Documents	53
SECTION 3.22.	Anti-Terrorism Laws	54
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS
SECTION 4.01.	Effective Date	54
SECTION 4.02.	Conditions to Each Credit Event	60
ARTICLE V
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
SECTION 5.01.	Financial Information, Reports, Notices, etc.	61
SECTION 5.02.	Compliance with Laws, etc.	63
SECTION 5.03.	Maintenance of Properties	63
SECTION 5.04.	Insurance	63
SECTION 5.05.	Books and Records; Visitation Rights	64
SECTION 5.06.	Environmental Covenant	64
SECTION 5.07.	Information Regarding Collateral	65
SECTION 5.08.	Existence; Conduct of Business	66
SECTION 5.09.	Performance of Obligations	66
SECTION 5.10.	Casualty and Condemnation	66
SECTION 5.11.	Pledge of Additional Collateral	66
SECTION 5.12.	Further Assurances	67
SECTION 5.13.	Use of Proceeds	67
SECTION 5.14.	Payment of Taxes	67
SECTION 5.15.	Equal Security for Loans and Notes	67
SECTION 5.16.	Guarantees	68
SECTION 5.17.	Subordination of Intercompany Loans	68
SECTION 5.18.	Interest Rate Protection	68
ARTICLE VI
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
SECTION 6.01.	Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities	69
SECTION 6.02.	Liens	71

ii

SECTION 6.03.	Fundamental Changes; Line of Business	73
SECTION 6.04.	Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions	74
SECTION 6.05.	Asset Sales	75
SECTION 6.06.	Sale and Leaseback Transactions	76
SECTION 6.07.	Restricted Payments	77
SECTION 6.08.	Transactions with Affiliates	77
SECTION 6.09.	Restrictive Agreements	78
SECTION 6.10.	Amendments or Waivers of Certain Documents; Prepayments of Certain Indebtedness	78
SECTION 6.11.	No Other “Designated Senior Indebtedness.”	78
SECTION 6.12.	Interest Expense Coverage Ratio	79
SECTION 6.13.	Total Leverage Ratio	80
SECTION 6.14.	Capital Expenditures	81
SECTION 6.15.	Anti-Terrorism Law	81
SECTION 6.16.	Embargoed Person	82
SECTION 6.17.	Anti-Money Laundering	82
ARTICLE VII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
SECTION 7.01.	Listing of Events of Default	82
SECTION 7.02.	Action if Bankruptcy	84
SECTION 7.03.	Action if Other Event of Default	85
SECTION 7.04.	Action if Event of Termination	85
ARTICLE VIII
THE AGENTS
SECTION 8.01.	The Agents	85
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01.	Notices	87
SECTION 9.02.	Survival of Agreement	88
SECTION 9.03.	Binding Effect	88
SECTION 9.04.	Successors and Assigns	88
SECTION 9.05.	Expenses; Indemnity	91
SECTION 9.06.	Right of Setoff	93
SECTION 9.07.	Applicable Law	93
SECTION 9.08.	Waivers; Amendment	93
SECTION 9.09.	Interest Rate Limitation	97
SECTION 9.10.	Entire Agreement	97
SECTION 9.11.	WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL	97
SECTION 9.12.	Severability	97
SECTION 9.13.	Counterparts	97
SECTION 9.14.	Headings	97
SECTION 9.15.	Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process	98

iii

SECTION 9.16.	Confidentiality	98
SECTION 9.17.	Citigroup Direct Website Communications	98

iv

EXHIBIT A	Form of Administrative Questionnaire
EXHIBIT B	Form of Borrowing Request
EXHIBIT C	Form of Assignment and Acceptance
EXHIBIT D	Form of Compliance Certificate
EXHIBIT E	Form of Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement
EXHIBIT F-1	Form of Term Note
EXHIBIT F-2	Form of Revolving Note
EXHIBIT F-3	Form of Swingline Note
EXHIBIT G	Form of Closing Certificate
EXHIBIT H	Form of Guarantee Agreement
EXHIBIT I	Form of Pledge Agreement
EXHIBIT J	Form of Security Agreement
EXHIBIT K	Form of Opinion of Local Counsel
EXHIBIT L	Form of Solvency Certificate
EXHIBIT M	Form of Mortgage
EXHIBIT N	Form of Landlord Access Agreement
SCHEDULE 1.01	Permitted Restructuring
SCHEDULE 1.02	Existing Letters of Credit
SCHEDULE 2.01	Lenders and Commitments
SCHEDULE 3.05	Financial Information
SCHEDULE 3.09	Subsidiaries
SCHEDULE 3.10(b)	Leased and Owned Real Property
SCHEDULE 3.13(a)	Facilities/Properties Not in Compliance with Environmental Laws
SCHEDULE 3.13(b)	Environmental Claims
SCHEDULE 3.13(c)	Hazardous Materials
SCHEDULE 3.16	Insurance
SCHEDULE 3.19	Securities
SCHEDULE 3.20(a)	Indebtedness to Be Paid
SCHEDULE 3.20(b)	Liens to Be Terminated
SCHEDULE 3.21(d)	Mortgage Filing Offices
SCHEDULE 4.01(f)	Local Counsel
SCHEDULE 4.01(u)(A)	Mortgaged Properties
SCHEDULE 4.01(u)(C)	Title Insurance Amounts
SCHEDULE 6.01	Existing Indebtedness
SCHEDULE 6.02	Existing Liens
SCHEDULE 6.04	Existing Investments
SCHEDULE 6.09	Existing Restrictions

v

CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of November 22, 2005, among POLYMER GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”);  the financial institutions listed on Schedule 2.01, as such Schedule may from time to time be supplemented and amended (the “Lenders”); CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders, as documentation agent (in such capacity, the “Documentation Agent”), as syndication agent (in such capacity, the “Syndication Agent”), and as collateral agent for the Secured Parties (the “Collateral Agent”); and CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC. (“CGMI”), as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner (in such capacity, the “Lead Arranger”).

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01.Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings specified below:

“ABR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of ABR Loans.

“ABR Loan” means any Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate in accordance with the provisions of Article II.

“Acquisition Consideration” means the purchase consideration for any Permitted Acquisition and all other payments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in exchange for, or as part of, or in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, whether paid in cash or by exchange of Equity Interests or of assets, by the assumption of Indebtedness or otherwise and whether payable at or prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition or deferred for payment at any future time, whether or not any such future payment is subject to the occurrence of any contingency, and includes any and all payments representing the purchase price and any assumptions of Indebtedness, “earn-outs” and other agreements to make any payment the amount of which is, or the terms of payment of which are, in any respect subject to or contingent upon the revenues, income, cash flow or profits (or the like) of any person or business.

“Additional Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.11.

“Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

“Administrative Agent” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in the form of Exhibit A.

“Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person which, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person (excluding any trustee under, or any committee with responsibility for administering, any Plan).  A Person shall be deemed to be “controlled by” any other Person if such other Person possesses, directly or indirectly, power

(a)to vote 10% or more of the securities (on a fully diluted basis) of such Person having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or managing general partners; or

(b)to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by contract or otherwise.

“Agent Fees” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(c).

“Agents” means the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

“Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure” means the aggregate amount of the Revolving Lenders’ Revolving Credit Exposures.

“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

“Alternate Base Rate” means for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s Base Rate in effect on such day, (b) 0.5% per annum above the latest three-week moving average of secondary market morning offering rates in the United States for three-month certificates of deposit of major United States money market banks, such three-week moving average being determined weekly on each Monday (or, if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day) for the three-week period ending on the next previous Friday by the Administrative Agent on the basis of such rates reported by certificate of deposit dealers to and published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or, if such publication shall be suspended or terminated, on the basis of quotations for such rates received by the Administrative Agent from three New York certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent, in either case adjusted to the nearest 0.25% or, if there is no nearest 0.25%, to the next higher 0.25% (the “Certificate of Deposit Rate”), and (c) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%.  Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Base Rate, the Certificate of Deposit Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the effective day of such change in the Base Rate, the Certificate of Deposit Rate or the Federal Funds Rate, respectively.

“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, (i) with respect to Term Loans, (A) 1.25% per annum, in the case of ABR Loans, and (B) 2.25% per annum, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, and (ii) with respect to Revolving Loans, (A) before the Trigger Date, (x) 1.25% per annum, in the case of ABR Loans, and (y) 2.25% per annum, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, and (B) on and after the Trigger Date, the applicable rate per annum set forth in the table below (x) under the caption “ABR Revolving Loans Spread,” in the case of ABR Loans, and (y) under the caption “Eurodollar Revolving Loans Spread,” in the case of Eurodollar Loans, in each case based upon the Total Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date:

Total Leverage Ratio	ABR Revolving Loans Spread		Eurodollar Revolving Loans Spread
>3.00 to 1.00	1.25	%	2.25	%
<3.00 to 1.00 >2.50 to 1.00	1.00	%	2.00	%
<2.50 to 1.00	0.75	%	1.75	%

For purposes of such calculation of the Applicable Rate with respect to Revolving Loans on and after the Trigger Date, (i) the Total Leverage Ratio shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower’s fiscal year based upon the Borrower’s consolidated financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) and (ii) each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a

2

change in the Total Leverage Ratio shall be effective three (3) Business Days after the date on which the Administrative Agent shall have received the applicable financial statements and a Compliance Certificate calculating the Total Leverage Ratio.  If at any time the Borrower has not submitted to the Administrative Agent the applicable information as and when required under Section 5.01(a) or (b), the Applicable Rate shall be the highest rate set forth in the table above until such time as the Borrower has provided the information required under Section 5.01(a) or (b).  Within one (1) Business Day of receipt of the applicable information as and when required under Section 5.01(a) or (b), the Administrative Agent shall give each Lender telefacsimile or telephonic notice (confirmed in writing) of the Applicable Rate in effect from such date.

“Asset Sale” means any direct or indirect sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any of its Property, including any sale or issuance of any Equity Interests of any Subsidiary, except (a) sales, dispositions and leases permitted by Section 6.05 (other than subsection (ix) thereof) and (b) any such transaction or series of transactions which, if an Asset Sale, would not generate Net Proceeds in excess of $2.0 million (or, when taken together with all other such transactions, in excess of $5.0 million in any Fiscal Year).

“Assignment and Acceptance” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit C or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.

“Attributable Indebtedness”  means, when used with respect to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate determined by the Borrower in good faith as its cost of borrowing for Indebtedness of comparable term) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in any such Sale and Leaseback Transaction; provided that if such Sale and Leaseback Transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense”.

“Authorized Officer” means, with respect to the Borrower, those of its officers whose signature and incumbency has been certified to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders by the Secretary of the Borrower in a certificate dated the Effective Date or any successor thereto.

“Available Revolving Credit Commitment” means as to any Revolving Lender, at any time of determination, an amount equal to such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment at such time minus such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure at such time.

“Base Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.14(a).

“Base Rate” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its base rate in effect at its principal office in New York City (the Base Rate not being intended to be the lowest rate of interest charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with extensions of credit to debtors) (any change in such rate announced by the Administrative Agent shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change).

“Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

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“Borrower” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Borrowing” means a Loan or group of Loans to the Borrower of the same Class and Type made (including through a conversion or continuation) by the applicable Lenders on a single date and as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

“Borrowing Date” means any Business Day specified in a notice pursuant to Section 2.02 as a date on which the Borrower requests Loans to be made hereunder.

“Borrowing Request” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.02(a).

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

“Canadian Dollars” and “Cdn. $” means lawful money of Canada.

“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, any and all expenditures made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in such period for assets added to or reflected in its property, plant and equipment accounts or other similar capital asset accounts or comparable items (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current operations) or any other capital expenditures that are, or should be, set forth as “additions to plant, property and equipment” on the financial statement prepared in accordance with GAAP, whether such asset is purchased for cash or financed as an account payable or by the incurrence of Indebtedness, accrued as a liability or otherwise, but excluding expenditures made in connection with the repair, replacement, substitution or restoration of property pursuant to Section 2.05(c)(iv) or in connection with the reinvestment in capital assets pursuant to Section 2.05(c)(iii).

“Capital Lease Obligations” means all monetary or financial obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries under any leasing or similar arrangement conveying the right to use real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which, in accordance with GAAP, would or should be classified and accounted for as capital leases, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP and the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date on which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.

“Cash Equivalents” means Permitted Investments (other than as described in clause (g) of the definition thereof).

“Cash Interest Expense” means, for any period, Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, excluding any interest expense not payable in cash (such as, for example, amortization of discount and amortization of debt issuance costs), net of interest income.

“CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

“CERCLIS” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List.

“Certificate of Deposit Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Alternate Base Rate”.

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“CGMI” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

“Change in Control” means any one or more of the following events shall occur and be continuing:

(i)any Person (other than the GOF Holders) shall own, collectively, on a fully-diluted basis (in other words, giving effect to the exercise of any warrants, options and conversion and other rights), more than 35% of the aggregate shares of voting capital stock of the Borrower (representing at least 35% of the votes that may be cast in an election of directors of the Borrower); or

(ii)during any period of 12 consecutive calendar months, at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall no longer be composed of individuals (w) who were appointed by one or more of the GOF Holders, (x) who were members of said Board on the first day of such period, (y) whose election or nomination to said Board was approved by individuals referred to in clause (x) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of said Board or (z) whose election or nomination to said Board was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (w), (x) and (y) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of said Board.

“Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.09.

“Class,” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Term Loans or Swingline Loans and, when used in reference to any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Revolving Credit Commitment or Term Commitment and, when used in reference to any Lender, refers to whether such Lender is a Revolving Lender or a Term Lender.

“Closing Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit G.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

“Collateral” means each Mortgaged Property and any and all other Property of whatever kind and nature pledged as collateral under any Security Document.

“Collateral Account” means the collateral account or sub-account established and maintained by the Collateral Agent in its name as Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in accordance with the provisions of the Security Agreement.

“Collateral Agent” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Commitment” means, with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment or Term Commitment or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

“Commitment Fee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(a).

“Commitment Fee Average Daily Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(a).

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“Commitment Fee Percentage” means 0.50% per annum; provided, however, that after the Trigger Date, the Commitment Fee Percentage shall mean the applicable percentage set forth in the table below under the appropriate caption:

Total Leverage Ratio	Commitment Fee Percentage
>2.50:1	0.500	%
<2.50:1	0.375	%

For purposes of such calculation of the Commitment Fee Percentage on and after the Trigger Date, (i) the Total Leverage Ratio shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower’s fiscal year based upon the Borrower’s consolidated financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) and (ii) each change in the Commitment Fee Percentage resulting from a change in the Total Leverage Ratio shall be effective three (3) Business Days after the date on which the Administrative Agent shall have received the applicable financial statements and a Compliance Certificate calculating the Total Leverage Ratio.  If at any time the Borrower has not submitted to the Administrative Agent the applicable information as and when required under Section 5.01(a) or (b), the Commitment Fee Percentage shall be the higher rate set forth in the table above until such time as the Borrower has provided the information required under Section 5.01(a) or (b).  Within one (1) Business Day of receipt of the applicable information as and when required under Section 5.01(a) or (b), the Administrative Agent shall give each Lender telefacsimile or telephonic notice (confirmed in writing) of the Commitment Fee Percentage in effect from such date.

“Commitment Fee Termination Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(a).

“Commitment Percentage” means the percentage of the Total Revolving Credit Commitment represented by such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment.  If the Revolving Credit Commitments have terminated or expired, the Commitment Percentage shall be determined based upon the Revolving Credit Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.

“Commitments” means the Revolving Credit Commitments, the Swingline Commitments and the Term Commitments.

“Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17(a).

“Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(a) and shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit D.

“Conduit Financing Arrangement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16.

“Consolidated Current Assets” means, as at any date of determination, the total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current assets on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP (other than cash and Cash Equivalents).

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“Consolidated Current Liabilities” means, as at any date of determination, the total liabilities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which may properly be classified as current liabilities (other than the current portion of any Loans) on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of:  (a) the aggregate amount of Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, (b) the aggregate amount of income and franchise tax expense for such period, (c) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization for such period, (d) all unusual or non-recurring non-cash charges during such period (excluding any non-cash item of expense requiring an accrual or reserve for future cash expense), (e) plant restructuring and realignment costs not to exceed $25.0 million in the aggregate during the term of this Agreement, (f) all fees and expenses paid during such period directly relating to the refinancing of the Existing Credit Agreement and (g) all non-cash stock compensation expense; and minus, without duplication and to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, all non-recurring non-cash gains during such period; all as determined on a consolidated basis with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.  Other than for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis to give effect to the Transactions, any Permitted Acquisition and Asset Sales consummated at any time on or after the first day of the Test Period thereof as if the Transactions and each such Permitted Acquisition had been effected on the first day of such period and as if each such Asset Sale had been consummated on the day prior to the first day of such period.

“Consolidated Indebtedness” means, at a particular date, the aggregate stated balance sheet amount of all Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP at such date.

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the total consolidated interest expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP plus, without duplication:

(a)imputed interest on Capital Lease Obligations and Attributable Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period;

(b)commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit securing financial obligations, bankers’ acceptance financing and receivables financings for such period;

(c)amortization of debt issuance costs, debt discount or premium and other financing fees and expenses incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for such period;

(d)all interest paid or payable with respect to discontinued operations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for such period;

(e)the interest portion of any deferred payment obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for such period; and

(f)all interest on any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of the type described in clause (iii) or (x) of the definition of “Indebtedness” for such period

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Consolidated Interest Expense and Cash Interest Expense (other than for purposes of calculating Excess Cash Flow) shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis to give effect to any Indebtedness incurred, assumed or permanently repaid or extinguished during the relevant Test Period in connection with the Transactions, any Permitted Acquisitions and Asset Sales as if such incurrence, assumption, repayment or extinguishing had been effected on the first day of such period.

“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the sum of net income (or loss) and minority interests for such period of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but excluding:  (a) any income (or loss) of any Person if such Person is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, except that the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower as a dividend or other distribution shall be included; (b) the amount of any cash distributed by any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary to a Person other than the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; (c) gains and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values and the related tax effects determined in accordance with GAAP for such period; (d) unrealized gains and losses with respect to Hedging Agreements for such period; and (e) the income of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary of that income is prohibited by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Subsidiary.

“Contested Collateral Lien Conditions” means (a) any proceeding instituted contesting such Lien shall conclusively operate to stay the sale or forfeiture of any portion of the Collateral on account of such Lien; and (b) in the event the amount of any such Lien shall exceed $2.0 million, the Loan Party or its applicable Subsidiary shall either obtain a bond or maintain cash reserves, in either case, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge such Lien and the Collateral Agent’s reasonable estimate of all interest and penalties related thereto.

“Credit Event” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.02.

“Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount” shall mean, at any date, an amount, not less than zero, determined on a cumulative basis equal to (x) the amount of Excess Cash Flow for all Fiscal Years (commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 30, 2006) which is not (and, in the case of any Fiscal Year where the respective required date of prepayment has not yet occurred pursuant to Section 2.05(c)(v), will not on such date of required prepayment be) required to be applied in accordance with Section 2.05(c)(v) minus (y) the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made on or prior to such date pursuant to Section 6.14(b)(ii).

“Debt Incurrence” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(c)(ii).

“Debt Repayments” means, for any period, principal repayments permitted by Section 6.10 and optional prepayments (to the extent such repayments and optional prepayments are made from internally generated funds) of  Indebtedness made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period (other than repayments or prepayments of intercompany loans); provided that, with respect to payments of Revolving Loans, such payments shall only be included in this definition to the extent that such payment is accompanied by a simultaneous reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitments).

“Default” means any Event of Default, any Event of Termination and any event or condition which upon notice, lapse of time or both would constitute an Event of Default or Event of Termination.

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“Destruction” means any and all damage to, or loss or destruction of, or loss of title to, all or any portion of the Property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

“Disqualified Equity Interests” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(b).

“Documentation Agent” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

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

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Non-U.S. Subsidiary.

“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.08).

“Engagement Letter” means the Engagement Letter dated October 17, 2005 between CGMI and the Borrower.

“Environment” means ambient air, surface water and groundwater (including potable water, navigable water and wetlands), the land surface or subsurface strata, natural resources such as flora and fauna, or as otherwise defined in any applicable Environmental Law.

“Environmental Claim” means any written accusation, allegation, notice of violation, claim, demand, order, directive, cost recovery action or other cause of action by, or on behalf of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person for damages, injunctive or equitable relief, personal injury (including sickness, disease or death), Remedial Action costs, tangible or intangible property damage, natural resource damages, nuisance, pollution, any adverse effect on the Environment caused by any Hazardous Material, or for fines, penalties or restrictions, resulting from or based upon:  (a) the existence, or the continuation of the existence, of a Release or threatened Release (including sudden or non-sudden, accidental or non-accidental Releases); (b) exposure to any Hazardous Material; (c) the presence, generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Material; or (d) the violation or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit.

“Environmental Laws” means any and all applicable treaties, laws (including common law), rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the Environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, Release or threatened Release of, or exposure to, any Hazardous Material.

“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including, but not limited to, any liability for damages, natural resource damage, costs of environmental remediation, administrative oversight costs, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials or (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the Environment.

“Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, authorization, certificate, license, variance, filing or permission required by or from any Governmental Authority pursuant to any Environmental Law.

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“Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person.

“Equity Issuance” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(c)(i).

“Equity Rights” means all securities convertible or exchangeable for Equity Interests and all warrants, options or other rights to purchase or subscribe for any Equity Interests, whether or not presently convertible, exchangeable or exercisable.

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

“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with any Loan Party, is treated as a single employer under Sections 414(b) or (c) of the Code, and for the purpose of Section 302 of ERISA and/or Section 412, 4971, 4977, 4980D, 4980E and/or each “applicable section” under Section 414(t)(2) of the Code, within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

“ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event,” as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Pension Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived by regulation); (b) the existence with respect to any Pension Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived, the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 412(m) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Pension Plan; (d) the incurrence by any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan; (e) the receipt by any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Pension Plan, to appoint a trustee to administer any Pension Plan, or to take any other action with respect to a Pension Plan that could result in material liability to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or the occurrence of any event or condition which could reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under ERISA for the termination of or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (f) the incurrence by any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (g) the receipt by a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate of any notice concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA; (h) the making of any amendment to any Pension Plan which could result in the imposition of a lien or the posting of a bond or other security; or (i) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could result in liability to a Loan Party or any of the Subsidiaries.

“Eurodollar Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of Eurodollar Loans.

“Eurodollar Loan” means any Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate in accordance with the provisions of Article II.

“Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.

“Event of Termination” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.

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“Excess Cash Flow” means, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, for any period, (a) the sum, without duplication, of:

(i)            Consolidated EBITDA for such period;

(ii)           extraordinary or non-recurring cash receipts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, if any, during such period and not included in Consolidated EBITDA;

(iii)          reductions to non-cash working capital of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period (i.e., the decrease, if any, in Consolidated Current Assets minus Consolidated Current Liabilities from the beginning to the end of such period); and

(iv)          to the extent subtracted in determining Consolidated EBITDA, all items that did not result from a cash payment by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period,

minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of:

(i)            the amount of any cash income and franchise taxes paid by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect to such period;

(ii)           Cash Interest Expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period;

(iii)          Capital Expenditures committed or made in cash only from internally generated funds in accordance with Section 6.14(a) and (c) during such period (and not deducted from Excess Cash Flow in any prior year);

(iv)          extraordinary or non-recurring expenses and losses to the extent paid in cash by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, if any, during such period and not included in Consolidated EBITDA;

(v)           additions to non-cash working capital of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period (i.e., the increase, if any, in Consolidated Current Assets minus Consolidated Current Liabilities from the beginning to the end of such period);

(vi)          the amount of all fees and expenses paid in cash during such period directly relating to the refinancing of the Existing Credit Agreement;

(vii)         expenses or losses excluded from the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA during such period by operation of clause (e) of the definition thereof to the extent paid in cash during such period; and

(viii)        to the extent added to determine Consolidated EBITDA, all items that did not result from a cash payment to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during such period;

provided that, to the extent otherwise included herein, the Net Proceeds of Asset Sales, Destructions, Takings, Debt Incurrences and Equity Issuances which are applied towards the prepayment of Loans and/or the reduction of Commitments and/or the repair, replacement, substitution, restoration of or reinvestment

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in property in accordance with Section 2.05(c) shall be excluded from the calculation of Excess Cash Flow.

“Excess Cash Flow Percentage” means, as of any date of determination, (i) 50% if the Total Leverage Ratio is greater than or equal to 3.0x as of such date and (ii) 25% if the Total Leverage Ratio is less than 3.0x as of such date.

“Exchange” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(h).

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

“Excluded Equity Issuance” means (a) the issuance of any warrants, options or Equity Interests to directors, officers or employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and any Equity Interests of the Borrower issued upon the exercise of such warrants or options, (b) any issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower to the GOF Holders and (c) any issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower to the extent the proceeds thereof are contemporaneously applied to fund Permitted Acquisitions permitted by Section 6.04 or to fund Capital Expenditures permitted by Section 6.14(a).

“Existing Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2004 among the Borrower, Citicorp North America Inc., as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions party thereto, as amended.

“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the weighted average of the rates (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; provided that (a) if the day for which such rate is to be determined is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate for such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average of the quotations for the day of such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

“Fees” means the Commitment Fees, the LC Fees and the Agent Fees.

“Financial Covenants” means those covenants and agreements of the Loan Parties set forth in Sections 6.12 through 6.14, inclusive.

“Financial Officer” of any corporation, partnership or other entity means the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer, Treasurer or Controller of such corporation, partnership or other entity.

“Fiscal Quarter” means any quarter of a Fiscal Year.

“Fiscal Year” means any period of twelve consecutive calendar months which form the basis for the Borrower’s financial statements in its Form 10-K; references to a Fiscal Year with a number corresponding to any calendar year (e.g., the “2005 Fiscal Year”) refer to the Fiscal Year as disclosed in the Borrower’s SEC filings.

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“Foreign Plan” means any employee benefit plan, program, policy, arrangement or agreement maintained or contributed to outside the United States by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary primarily for the benefit of employees of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary employed outside the United States.

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis.

“GOF” means MatlinPatterson Global Opportunities Partners LP.

“GOF Holders” means GOF and each of its Affiliates that hold the equity of the Borrower on the date hereof, so long as such entities continue to be managed or controlled by GOF or are Affiliates or Subsidiaries of GOF.

“Governmental Authority” means any Federal, state, local or foreign court or governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or regulatory body, including any central bank.

“Greenshoe Option” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.08(g).

“Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof (including pursuant to a “synthetic lease”), (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The amount of the obligation under any Guarantee shall be deemed to be the lower of (a) an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Guarantee is made (including principal, interest and fees) and (b) the maximum amount for which such guarantor may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Guarantee, unless such primary obligation and the maximum amount for which such guarantor may be liable are not stated or determinable, in which case the amount of the obligation under such Guarantee shall be such guarantor’s maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guarantor in good faith; irrespective, in any such case, of any amount thereof that would, in accordance with GAAP, be required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such Person.

“Guarantee Agreement” means the Guarantee Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit H, made by the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

“Hazardous Materials” means all pollutants, contaminants, wastes, substances, chemicals, materials and constituents, including without limitation, crude oil, petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) or PCB-containing materials or equipment of any nature which can give rise to liability under, or are subject to regulation pursuant to, any Environmental Law.

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“Hedging Agreement” means any interest rate protection agreement, foreign currency exchange agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement and all other similar agreements or arrangements designed to alter the risks of any Person arising from fluctuations in interest rate, currency values or commodity prices.

“Impermissible Qualification” means, relative to the opinion or certification of any independent public accountant as to any financial statement of the Borrower, any qualification or exception to such opinion or certification:

(a)           which is of a “going concern” or similar nature;

(b)           which relates to the limited scope of examination of matters relevant to such financial statement; or

(c)           which relates to the treatment or classification of any item in such financial statement and which, as a condition to its removal, would require an adjustment to such item the effect of which would be to cause the Borrower to be in default of any of its obligations under any of Sections 6.12 or 6.13.

“Increased Cost Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.

“Indebtedness” of any Person means the sum of all indebtedness of such Person on a consolidated basis (without duplication) with respect to (i) borrowed money or represented by bonds, debentures, notes and the like; (ii) the aggregate amount of Capital Lease Obligations; (iii) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on any Property of such Person; (iv) all indebtedness representing the deferred purchase price of Property or services, excluding trade payables in the ordinary course of business; (v) all obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor in respect of letters of credit, letters of guaranty, bankers’ acceptances and similar credit transactions; (vi) all obligations under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such Person; (vii) synthetic lease obligations of such Person; (viii) all obligations under Hedging Agreements to the extent required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such Person; (ix) all Attributable Indebtedness of such Person; and (x) direct Guarantees and indemnities in respect of, and to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, or to assure an obligee against failure to make payment in respect of, liabilities, obligations or indebtedness of the kind described in clauses (i) through (ix).

“Indebtedness to Be Paid” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.20(a).

“Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement” means the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

“Information Memorandum” means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated as of November 2005 and posted electronically on Intralinks relating to the Borrower and this Agreement.

“Installment Payment Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(d).

“Interest Expense Coverage Ratio” means, for any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Cash Interest Expense, in each case for such Test Period.

“Interest Payment Date” means, with respect to any Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing

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with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, (a) each day that would have been an Interest Payment Date had successive Interest Periods of three months’ duration been applicable to such Borrowing and, in addition, (b) the date of any refinancing of such Borrowing with a Borrowing of a different Type.

“Interest Period” means (a) as to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing (including any date on which such Borrowing shall have been converted from a Borrowing of a different Type) or on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing, as the case may be, and ending on the numerically corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding day, on the last day) in the calendar month that is 1, 2, 3 or 6 months (or if available to all Lenders, two weeks or 9 or 12 months) thereafter, as the Borrower may elect; or (b) as to any ABR Borrowing (other than a Swingline Borrowing), the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing (including any date on which such Borrowing shall have been converted from a Borrowing of a different Type) or on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing, as the case may be, and ending on the earliest of (i) the next succeeding March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31, (ii) the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and (iii) the date such Borrowing is prepaid in accordance with Section 2.05 or converted in accordance with Section 2.03 and (c) as to any Swingline Loan, a period commencing on the date of such Loan and ending on the earliest of (i) the fifth Business Day thereafter, (ii) the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and (iii) the date such Loan is prepaid in accordance with Section 2.05; provided, however, that if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day.  Interest shall accrue from and including the first day of an Interest Period to but excluding the last day of such Interest Period.

“Investment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.

“Issuing Bank” means Citibank NA, in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i), or any other Revolving Lender approved by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.  The Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

“Landlord Access Agreement” means a landlord access agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit N attached hereto

“LC Disbursement” means a payment made by the Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time.  The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Commitment Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time.

“LC Fees” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.10(b).

“Lead Arranger” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

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“Lender Affiliate” means (a) with respect to any Lender, (i) an Affiliate of such Lender or (ii) any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, trust or otherwise) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and is administered or managed by a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender and (b) with respect to any Lender that is a fund which invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund that invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor.

“Lenders” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

“Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and shall also include the letters of credit issued by Citibank NA under the Existing Credit Agreement and set forth on Schedule 1.02 hereto.

“LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period the rate appearing on Page 3750 of the Telerate Service (or on any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such Service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such Service, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for Dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period.  In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBO Rate” with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate supplied to the Administrative Agent at its request quoted by the Reference Banks in the London interbank market as of the day two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period as the rate for Dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period.

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, lien, pledge, encumbrance, charge, assignment, hypothecation or security interest in or on such asset, in each of the foregoing cases whether voluntary or imposed by law, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement relating to such asset, (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities, (d) in the case of any investment property or deposit account, any contract or other agreement under which any third party has the right to control such investment property or deposit account and (e) any other agreement intended to create any of the foregoing.

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement, the Security Documents, each Note and, solely for purposes of Section 7.01(a), the Engagement Letter.

“Loan Parties” means the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

“Loans” means the Revolving Loans, the Swingline Loans and the Term Loans.

“Material Adverse Effect” means a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, properties, financial condition or liabilities of the Loan Parties and their consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) the ability of any Loan Party to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents, (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Lenders under any Loan Document or (d) the value of the Collateral or the validity, enforceability, perfection or priority of the Liens granted to the

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Collateral Agent (for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Secured Parties) on the Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents.

“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit) of any one or more of the Borrower and the Borrower’s Subsidiaries, individually or in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10.0 million.  For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time.

“Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.09.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

“Mortgage” means a mortgage, deed of trust, leasehold mortgage or deed of trust or other security document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit M.

“Mortgaged Property” means, initially, each parcel of real property and the improvements thereto owned or leased by a Loan Party and identified on Schedule 4.01(u)(A), and includes each other parcel of real property and improvements thereto with respect to which a Mortgage is granted pursuant to Section 5.11 or 5.12.

“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (i) to which any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate is then making or has an obligation to make contributions, (ii) to which any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate has within the preceding six plan years made contributions, including any Person which ceased to be an ERISA Affiliate during such six year period, or (iii) with respect to which Loan Party or any Subsidiary could incur liability.

“Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any Equity Issuance, Debt Incurrence, Asset Sale, Destruction or Taking, (a) the cash proceeds actually received in respect of such event, including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds, but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a Destruction, insurance proceeds only to the extent in excess of $2.5 million, in the aggregate for all such events and (iii) in the case of a Taking, condemnation awards and similar payments only to the extent in excess of $2.5 million, in the aggregate for all such events, net of (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with such event, (ii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and (iii) in the case of an Asset Sale, Destruction or Taking, the amount of all payments required to be made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by a Prior Lien (as defined in the Security Agreement or applicable Mortgage) on such asset and the amount of any reserves established by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding two years, and that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Borrower); provided that any amount by which such reserves are reduced for reasons other than payment of any such contingent liabilities shall be considered “Net Proceeds” upon such reduction.

“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.20.

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“Non-U.S. Jurisdiction” means each jurisdiction of organization of a Subsidiary of the Borrower other than the United States (or any State thereof) or the District of Columbia.

“Non-U.S. Pledge Agreements” means one or more pledge agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent covering 65% of the Equity Interests owned by a Loan Party directly in a Non-U.S. Subsidiary.

“Non-U.S. Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that is or becomes organized under the laws of a Non-U.S. Jurisdiction, other than following the consummation of the Permitted Restructuring, Chicopee Holdings B.V., to the extent that such Subsidiary is a “disregarded entity” for purposes of United States tax laws.

“Note” means a note substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1, -2, or -3.

“Obligations” means the (a) unpaid principal of and interest on (including interest accruing after the maturity of the Loans made to the Borrower and interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding) the Loans made to or LC Disbursements made pursuant to Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower and all other obligations and liabilities of the Loan Parties to any Secured Party, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, or now existing or hereafter incurred, which may arise under, out of, or in connection with, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other document made, delivered or given in connection herewith, whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnities, costs or expenses (including, without limitation, all reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel), or otherwise, (b) the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties under each interest rate protection agreement constituting a Hedging Agreement relating to the Loans entered into with any counterparty that was a Lender or a Lender Affiliate at the time such interest rate protection agreement was entered into and (c) the due and punctual payment and performance of all obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of overdrafts and related liabilities owed to any Lender, any Lender Affiliate or any Agent arising from treasury, depositary and cash management services or in connection with any automated clearinghouse transfer of funds.

“Organic Document” means (i) relative to each Person that is a corporation, its charter, its by-laws and all shareholder agreements, voting trusts and similar arrangements applicable to any of its authorized shares of capital stock, (ii) relative to each Person that is a partnership, its partnership agreement and any other similar arrangements applicable to any partnership or other equity interests in the Person and (iii) relative to any Person that is any other type of legal entity, such documents as shall be comparable to the foregoing.

“Overdraft Obligations” means the obligations described in clause (c) of the definition of “Obligations.”

“Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(f).

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA.

“Pension Plan” means a “pension plan,” as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) and to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate may have liability, including any liability by reason of having been a

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substantial employer within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA at any time during the preceding five years, or by reason of being deemed to be a contributing sponsor under Section 4069 of ERISA.

“Perfection Certificate” means a certificate in the form of Annex 2 to the Security Agreement or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

“Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of all or substantially all the assets of, or all the Equity Interests in, a Person or a division, line of business or other business unit of a Person so long as:

(a)           such acquisition shall not have been preceded by a tender offer that has not been approved or otherwise recommended by the board of directors of such Person;

(b)           such assets are to be used in, or such Person so acquired is engaged in, as the case may be, a business of the type conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the Effective Date or in a business reasonably related thereto;

(c)           immediately after giving effect thereto, (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) all transactions related thereto are consummated in all material respects in accordance with applicable laws, (iii) in the case of an acquisition of Equity Interests, the Person acquired shall become, immediately after giving effect thereto, a Subsidiary or be merged into a Subsidiary and all actions required to be taken under Sections 5.11, 5.12 and 5.16 shall have been taken, (iv) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such acquisition, with the covenants contained in Sections 6.12 and 6.13 recomputed as at the date of the last ended Test Period, as if such acquisition (and any related incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness) had occurred on the first day of the relevant Test Period, (v) any Indebtedness or any preferred stock that is incurred, acquired or assumed in connection with such acquisition shall be in compliance with Section 6.01 and (vi) after giving effect to any Revolving Credit Borrowings made in connection therewith, the Total Revolving Credit Commitment less the Revolving Credit Exposure of all Revolving Lenders shall not be less than $15.0 million; and

(d)           the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent an officers’ certificate to the effect set forth in clauses (a), (b) and (c)(i) through (vi) above, together with all relevant financial information for the Person or assets to be acquired.

“Permitted Factoring Transaction” means the factoring of receivables by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries structured as a true sale to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to a structured factoring program on market terms for companies having a credit profile similar to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at the time of entering into the factoring program; provided that the outstanding proceeds of all factoring programs shall not exceed (i) $20.0 million in the case of the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries or (ii) $20.0 million in the case of the Borrower’s Non-U.S. Subsidiaries.  For purposes of the foregoing limitations, outstanding proceeds at any time shall be deemed to equal the then outstanding capital amount or principal amount received by the Borrower or the relevant Subsidiary in respect of sales of accounts receivable.

“Permitted Investments” means:

(a)           marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States Government or any member state of the European Union or issued by any agency

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or instrumentality thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America or such member state of the European Union, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(b)           marketable direct obligations issued by any State of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such State or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s;

(c)           commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s;

(d)           time deposits, demand deposits, certificates of deposit, Eurodollar time deposits or bankers’ acceptances maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof or overnight bank deposits, in each case, issued by any bank organized under the laws of any member state of the European Union, the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia, any U.S. branch of a foreign bank or any other bank in any country where operations are conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in any case, having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $500.0 million;

(e)           repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 90 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (a) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (d) above;

(f)            investments in money market funds which invest substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (a) through (e) above; and

(g)           Hedging Agreements entered into for non-speculative purposes.

“Permitted Lien” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.02.

“Permitted Refinancing” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, any refinancing thereof; provided, however, that (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would arise therefrom, (ii) any such refinancing Indebtedness shall (a) not have a stated maturity or Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is shorter than the Indebtedness being refinanced, (b) be at least as subordinate to the Obligations as the Indebtedness being refinanced (and unsecured if the refinanced Indebtedness is unsecured), and (c) be in principal amount that does not exceed the principal amount so refinanced, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, plus the stated amount of any premium and other payments required to be paid in connection with such refinancing pursuant to the terms of the Indebtedness being refinanced, plus in either case, the amount of reasonable expenses of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries incurred in connection with such refinancing, and (iii) the sole obligors and/or guarantors on such refinancing Indebtedness shall be the obligors and/or guarantors on such Indebtedness being refinanced.

“Permitted Restructuring” means a corporate restructuring of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries substantially as set forth on Schedule 1.01, which may be consummated in one or more steps; provided that (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would arise therefrom and (ii) all actions required to be taken under Sections 5.11, 5.12 and 5.16 shall have been taken, including, without limitation, delivery of opinions of counsel, including Dutch counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the

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Administrative Agent confirming the enforceability of the guarantees and security interests in favor of the Secured Parties.

“Person” means any natural person, corporation, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, limited liability company or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Plan” means any Pension Plan or Welfare Plan.

“Platform” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17(b).

“Pledge Agreement” means the Pledge Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit I, among the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

“Pledged Securities” has the meaning provided in the Pledge Agreement.

“Preferred Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any and all preferred or preference Equity Interests (however designated) of such Person whether or not outstanding or issued on the Effective Date.

“Prepayment Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(f).

“Pro Forma Basis” means on a pro forma basis in accordance with GAAP and Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

“Projected Financial Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.15(c).

“Pro Rata Percentage” of any Revolving Lender at any time means the percentage of the aggregate Available Revolving Credit Commitment represented by such Lender’s Available Revolving Credit Commitment.

“QRTC Amount” means $75.0 million.

“Property” means any right, title or interest in or to property or assets of any kind whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible and including any ownership interests of any Person.

“Real Property” means all right, title and interest of any Loan Party in and to a parcel of real property owned, leased or operated (including, without limitation, any leasehold estate) by any Loan Party together with, in each case, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures, equipment, personal property, easements and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.

“Reference Banks” means:

(a)           in connection with the initial syndication of the Loans and Commitments, in respect of LIBO Rate, the principal London office of Citibank, N.A.; and

(b)           at all other times, in respect of LIBO Rate, the principal London office of Citibank, N.A. and such two other banks as may be appointed by the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower.

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“Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(d).

“Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board of Governors as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

“Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Board of Governors as from time to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

“Related Hedging Obligations” means the obligations described in clause (b) of the definition of “Obligations.”

“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

“Release” means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing, depositing, dispersing, emanating or migrating of any Hazardous Material in, into, onto or through the Environment.

“Remedial Action” means (a) “remedial action” as such term is defined in CERCLA, 42 USC Section 9601(24), and (b) all other actions required by any Governmental Authority or voluntarily undertaken to:  (i) clean up, remove, treat, abate or otherwise take corrective action to address any Hazardous Material in the Environment; (ii) prevent the Release or threat of Release, or minimize the further Release of any Hazardous Material so it does not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health, welfare or the Environment; or (iii) perform studies and investigations in connection with, or as a precondition to, (i) or (ii) above.

“Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or assets or to which such Person or any of its property or assets is subject.

“Requisite Class Lenders” means, at any time, (i) for the Class of Lenders having Term Loans, Lenders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Term Loans of all Lenders; and (ii) for the Class of Lenders having Revolving Credit Commitments, Lenders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments or, after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the Revolving Credit Exposure of all Lenders.

“Requisite Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having more than fifty percent (50%) of the sum of (a) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments or, after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the Revolving Credit Exposure and (b) the aggregate outstanding amount of all Term Loans at such time.

“Requisite Revolving Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate outstanding amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments or, after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the Revolving Credit Exposure.

“Restricted Payment” means any direct or indirect dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests or Equity Rights in the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking

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fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Equity Interests or Equity Rights in the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

“Revolving Credit Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of Revolving Loans.

“Revolving Credit Borrowing Request” means a Borrowing Request in connection with a Revolving Credit Borrowing.

“Revolving Credit Commitment” means, with respect to each Revolving Lender, the commitment of such Revolving Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed in each case as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder, as the same may be reduced from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.  The initial amount of each Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 (in the case of Revolving Credit Commitments in effect on the Effective Date), or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Credit Commitment, as applicable.  The aggregate amount of the Revolving Lenders’ Revolving Credit Commitments as of the Effective Date is $45.0 million.

“Revolving Credit Commitment Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but not including the Revolving Credit Maturity Date or any earlier date on which the Revolving Credit Commitments to make Revolving Loans pursuant to Section 2.01 shall terminate as provided herein.

“Revolving Credit Exposure” means with respect to any Revolving Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount at such time of all outstanding Revolving Loans of such Revolving Lender, plus (b) such Revolving Lender’s LC Exposure at such time, plus (c) such Revolving Lender’s Commitment Percentage of  the aggregate principal amount at such time of all outstanding Swingline Loans.

“Revolving Credit Maturity Date” means the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date.

“Revolving Lender” means a Lender with a commitment to make Revolving Loans or with any Revolving Credit Exposure, in its capacity as such.

“Revolving Loans” means the revolving loans made pursuant to clause (iii) of Section 2.01(a).

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Corporation.

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 6.06.

“Secured Parties” means the Agents, each Lender that holds Loans or has Commitments (in its capacity as such), each holder of any Related Hedging Obligations (in its capacity as such) and each person holding Overdraft Obligations (in its capacity as such).

“Security Agreement” means the Security Agreement, substantially in the form of  Exhibit J, among the Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

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“Security Documents” means the Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the Non-U.S. Pledge Agreements, the Mortgages, the Perfection Certificate, Cash Management Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement) and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to Section 5.11, 5.12 or 5.16 to secure any of the Obligations.

“Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal) the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate (expressed as a decimal) of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by any Governmental Authority of the United States or of the jurisdiction of such currency or any jurisdiction to which banks in such jurisdiction are subject for any category of deposits or liabilities customarily used to fund loans.  Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D.  The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

“Subordinated Debt” means Indebtedness of Borrower or any other Loan Party that is by its terms expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations of Borrower or such Loan Party, as applicable.

“Subordinated Debt Documents” means each document governing or pursuant to which is issued any Subordinated Debt, as the same may be in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person, by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person, or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person; (ii) any partnership of which more than 50% of the outstanding partnership interests having the power to act as a general partner of such partnership (irrespective of whether at the time any partnership interests other than general partnership interests of such partnership shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency) are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person, by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person, or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person; or (iii) any other legal entity the accounts of which would or should be consolidated with those of such Person on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Unless otherwise indicated, when used in this Agreement, the term “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

“Subsidiary Loan Party” means each of the Borrower’s Domestic Subsidiaries that guarantees the Obligations pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement.

“Survey” means a survey of any Mortgaged Property (and all improvements thereon):  (i) prepared by a surveyor or engineer licensed to perform surveys in the state where such Mortgaged Property is located, (ii) dated (or redated) not earlier than six months prior to the date of delivery thereof unless there shall have occurred within six months prior to such date of delivery any exterior construction on the site of such Mortgaged Property, in which event such survey shall be dated (or redated) after the completion of such construction or if such construction shall not have been completed as of such date of delivery, not earlier than 20 days prior to such date of delivery, (iii) certified by the surveyor (in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent) to the Collateral Agent and the Title Company, (iv) complying in all respects with the minimum detail requirements of the American Land Title Association as such requirements are in effect on the date of preparation of such survey and (v) sufficient for the Title

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Company to remove all standard survey exceptions from the title insurance policy (or marked title insurance commitment having the effect of a policy) and issue a survey endorsement.

“Swingline Commitment” means the commitment of the Swingline Lender to make Loans pursuant to Section 2.04.

“Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time.  The Swingline Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Commitment Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.

“Swingline Lender” means Citicorp North America, Inc., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans.

“Swingline Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04(a).

“Swingline Sublimit” has the meaning assigned to such term as Section 2.04(a).

“Syndication Agent” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

“Taking” means any taking of any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any portion thereof, in or by condemnation or other eminent domain proceedings pursuant to any law, general or special, or by reason of the temporary requisition or use of any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any portion thereof, by any Governmental Authority.

“Taxes” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16.

“Term Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of Term Loans on the Effective Date.

“Term Borrowing Request” means a Borrowing Request in connection with the Term Loans on the Effective Date.

“Term Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make a Term Loan hereunder on the Effective Date, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Term Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder, as the same may be reduced from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.  The initial amount of each Lender’s Term Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Term Commitment, as applicable.  The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Term Commitments is $410.0 million.

“Term Lender” means a Lender with a Term Commitment or an outstanding Term Loan, in its capacity as such.

“Term Loan Maturity Date” means the seventh anniversary of the Effective Date.

“Term Loans” means the Loans made pursuant to clause (i) of Section 2.01(a).

“Terminated Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20.

“Test Period” means (i) for the covenants contained in Sections 6.12 and 6.13, the four consecutive complete Fiscal Quarters of the Borrower then last ended as of the date closest to each date listed under the heading “Date” therein and (ii) for all other provisions in this Agreement, the four

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consecutive complete Fiscal Quarters of the Borrower ended as of the time indicated.  Compliance with such covenants shall be tested, as of the end of each Test Period, on the date on which the financial statements pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) have been, or should have been, delivered for the applicable fiscal period.

“Title Company” means Chicago Title Insurance Company or such other title insurance or abstract company as shall be reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent.

“Total Leverage Ratio” means, at any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Indebtedness as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period most recently ended.

“Total Revolving Credit Commitment” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments, as in effect at such time.

“Transactions” means, collectively, the execution and delivery by each Loan Party of each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the Borrowing of the Term Loans and Revolving Loans hereunder in each case on the Effective Date, the payment of Indebtedness to be Paid and the payment of fees and expenses in connection with any of the foregoing.

“Trigger Date” means the date on which a Compliance Certificate for the first quarter ending after the Effective Date shall have been received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b).

“Type,” when used in respect of any Loan or Borrowing, refers to the Rate by reference to which interest on such Loan or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing is determined.  For purposes hereof, “Rate” shall include the Adjusted LIBO Rate and the Alternate Base Rate.

“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the applicable state or jurisdiction.

“Unrefunded Swingline Loans” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04(c).

“U.S. Dollar Equivalent” means, on any day, with respect to any loan denominated in Canadian Dollars, the amount of U.S. Dollars that would be required to purchase the Canadian Dollar amount of such loan on such day, assuming a rate of exchange equal to the New York foreign exchange selling rate quoted for such Canadian Dollars in the Wall Street Journal for such day (or, for the most recent day on which the Wall Street Journal shall have been published), provided that if for any reason the Wall Street Journal shall cease to be published for three or more consecutive Business Days, “U.S. Dollar Equivalent” shall mean the amount of U.S. Dollars that would be required to purchase the Canadian Dollar amount of such loan on such day, based upon the spot selling rate at which the Administrative Agent offers to sell Canadian Dollars for U.S. Dollars in the London foreign exchange market at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time for delivery two Business Days later.

“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (a) the original aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness into (b) the sum of the total of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each scheduled installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payment of principal including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) which will elapse between such date and the making of such payment.

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“Welfare Plan” means a “welfare plan,” as such term is defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA, that is maintained or contributed to by a Loan Party or any Subsidiary or with respect to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary could incur liability.

“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership or other entity of which all of the equity securities or other ownership interests (other than, in the case of a corporation, directors’ qualifying shares) are directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

SECTION 1.02.            Classification of Loans and Borrowings.  For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”), by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Loan”).  Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Credit Borrowing”), by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Credit Borrowing”).

SECTION 1.03.            Terms Generally.  (a)  The definitions in Section 1.01 shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.  All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, (i) any reference in this Agreement to any Loan Document means such document as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and (ii) all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided, however, that for purposes of determining compliance with the covenants contained in Article VI, all accounting terms herein shall be interpreted and all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date and applied on a basis consistent with the application used in the financial statements referred to in Section 3.05.

(b)           If any payment under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be due on any day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be paid for the period of such extension.

ARTICLE II

THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01.            Credit Commitments.  (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, (i) each Term Lender severally agrees to make a Term Loan in Dollars to the Borrower on the Effective Date in a principal amount not exceeding its Term Commitment and (ii) each Revolving Lender severally agrees to make Revolving Loans in Dollars to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Credit Commitment Period.  Amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of the Term Loans may not be reborrowed.  During the Revolving Credit Commitment Period the Borrower may use the Revolving Credit Commitments by borrowing, prepaying the Revolving Loans in whole or in part, and reborrowing, all in

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accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in no event may Revolving Loans be borrowed under this Article II if, after giving effect thereto (and to any concurrent repayment or prepayment of Loans), (i) the Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure would exceed the Total Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect or (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Revolving Lender would exceed such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment.

(b)           The Revolving Loans and the Term Loans may from time to time be (i) Eurodollar Loans, (ii) ABR Loans or (iii) a combination thereof, as determined by the Borrower and notified to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 2.03.

(c)           Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class.  The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required.

SECTION 2.02.            Procedure for Borrowing.  (a)  The Borrower may borrow under the Revolving Credit Commitments (subject to the limitations in Section 2.01(a)) or the Term Commitments by giving the Administrative Agent notice substantially in the form of Exhibit B (a “Borrowing Request”), which notice must be received by the Administrative Agent prior to (a) 12:00 noon, New York City time, three Business Days prior to the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, or (b) 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business Day prior to the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of an ABR Borrowing.  The Borrowing Request for each Borrowing shall specify (i) whether the requested Borrowing is to be a Revolving Credit Borrowing or a Term Borrowing, (ii) the amount to be borrowed, (iii) the requested Borrowing Date (which must be the Effective Date, in the case of a Term Borrowing), (iv) whether the Borrowing is to be of Eurodollar Loans or ABR Loans, (v) if the Borrowing is to be of Eurodollar Loans, the length of the initial Interest Period therefor, and (vi) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of this Agreement.  If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing.  If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(b)           Each Borrowing shall be in a minimum aggregate principal amount of (i) in the case of a Term Borrowing, $1.0 million or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof or (ii) in the case of a Revolving Credit Borrowing, $1.0 million or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof or, if less, the aggregate amount of the then Available Revolving Credit Commitments.

(c)           Upon receipt of the Term Borrowing Request, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Term Lender of the aggregate amount of the Term Borrowing and of the amount of such Term Lender’s pro rata portion thereof, which shall be based on their respective Term Commitments.  Each Term Lender will make the amount of its pro rata portion of the Term Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Borrower at the New York office of the Administrative Agent specified in Section 9.01 prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent.  Amounts so received by the Administrative Agent will promptly be made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of such office with the aggregate of the amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by the Revolving Lenders and in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent.

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(d)           Upon receipt of a Revolving Credit Borrowing Request, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Revolving Lender of the aggregate amount of such Revolving Credit Borrowing and of the amount of such Revolving Lender’s pro rata portion thereof, which shall be based on the respective Available Revolving Credit Commitments of all the Revolving Lenders.  Each Revolving Lender will make the amount of its pro rata portion of each such Revolving Credit Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Borrower at the New York office of the Administrative Agent specified in Section 9.01 prior to 12:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Borrowing Date requested by the Borrower in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent.  Amounts so received by the Administrative Agent will promptly be made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of such office with the aggregate of the amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by the Revolving Lenders and in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent; provided that if on the Borrowing Date of any Revolving Loans to be made to the Borrower, any Swingline Loans made to the Borrower or LC Disbursements for the account of the Borrower shall be then outstanding, the proceeds of such Revolving Loans shall first be applied to pay in full such Swingline Loans or LC Disbursements, with any remaining proceeds to be made available to the Borrower as provided above; and provided further that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank.

SECTION 2.03.            Conversion and Continuation Options for Loans.  (a)  The Borrower may elect from time to time to convert (i) Eurodollar Loans to ABR Loans, by giving the Administrative Agent prior notice of such election not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business Day prior to a requested conversion or (ii) ABR Loans to Eurodollar Loans by giving the Administrative Agent prior notice of such election not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, three Business Days prior to a requested conversion; provided that if any such conversion of Eurodollar Loans is made other than on the last day of an Interest Period with respect thereto, the Borrower shall pay any amounts due to the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.17 as a result of such conversion.  Any such notice of conversion to Eurodollar Loans shall specify the length of the initial Interest Period or Interest Periods therefor.  Upon receipt of any such notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender thereof.  All or any part of the outstanding Eurodollar Loans or ABR Loans may be converted as provided herein; provided that (i) no Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar Loan when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and (ii) no Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar Loan after the date that is one month prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date or the Term Loan Maturity Date, as applicable.

(b)           Any Eurodollar Loans may be continued as such upon the expiration of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto by the Borrower giving prior notice to the Administrative Agent, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, three Business Days prior to a requested continuation setting forth the length of the next Interest Period to be applicable to such Loans; provided that no Eurodollar Loan may be continued as such (i) when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and (ii) after the date that is one month prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date or the Term Loan Maturity Date, as applicable; and provided, further, that if the Borrower shall fail to give any required notice as described above in this Section 2.03 or if such continuation is not permitted pursuant to the preceding proviso, then such Loans shall be automatically converted to ABR Loans on the last day of such then expiring Interest Period (in which case the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of such conversion).

(c)           In connection with any Eurodollar Loans, there shall be no more than ten (10) Interest Periods outstanding at any time.

(d)           This Section shall not apply to Swingline Loans.

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SECTION 2.04.            Swingline Loans.  (a)  Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swingline Lender agrees to make swingline loans (individually, a “Swingline Loan” and collectively, the “Swingline Loans”) to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Credit Commitment Period in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.04, provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans shall not exceed $10.0 million (the “Swingline Sublimit”) at any one time outstanding, (ii) the principal amount of any borrowing of Swingline Loans may not exceed the aggregate amount of the Available Revolving Credit Commitments of all Revolving Lenders immediately prior to such borrowing or result in the Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure then outstanding exceeding the Total Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect, and (iii) in no event may Swingline Loans be borrowed hereunder if (x) a Default or Event of Default or Event of Termination shall have occurred and be continuing and (y) such Default or Event of Default or Event of Termination shall not have been subsequently cured or waived.  Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.04 may be repaid and, up to but excluding the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, reborrowed.  All Swingline Loans shall at all times be ABR Loans.  The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent notice of any Swingline Loan requested hereunder (which notice must be received by the Administrative Agent prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested Borrowing Date) specifying (A) the amount to be borrowed, and (B) the requested Borrowing Date.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Swingline Lender of the aggregate amount of such borrowing.  Not later than 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Borrowing Date specified in such notice the Swingline Lender shall make such Swingline Loan available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Borrower at the office of the Administrative Agent set forth in Section 9.01 in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent.  Amounts so received by the Administrative Agent will promptly be made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of such office with the amount made available to the Administrative Agent by the Swingline Lender (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the Issuing Bank) and in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent.  Each Borrowing pursuant to this Section 2.04 shall be in a minimum principal amount of $500,000 or an integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.

(b)           Notwithstanding the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default or Event of Termination or noncompliance with the conditions precedent set forth in Article IV or the minimum borrowing amounts specified in Section 2.02, if any Swingline Loan shall remain outstanding at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the seventh Business Day following the Borrowing Date thereof and if by such time on such seventh Business Day the Administrative Agent shall have received neither (i) a notice of borrowing delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.02 requesting that Revolving Loans be made pursuant to Section 2.01 on the immediately succeeding Business Day in an amount at least equal to the aggregate principal amount of such Swingline Loan, nor (ii) any other notice satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indicating the Borrower’s intent to repay such Swingline Loan on the immediately succeeding Business Day with funds obtained from other sources, the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have received a notice from the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.02 requesting that ABR Revolving Loans be made pursuant to Section 2.01 on such immediately succeeding Business Day in an amount equal to the amount of such Swingline Loan, and the procedures set forth in Section 2.02 shall be followed in making such ABR Revolving Loans; provided that for the purposes of determining each Lender’s Pro Rata Percentage with respect to such Borrowing, the Swingline Loan to be repaid with the proceeds of such Borrowing shall be deemed to not be outstanding.  The proceeds of such ABR Revolving Loans shall be applied to repay such Swingline Loan.

(c)           If, for any reason, ABR Revolving Loans may not be, or are not, made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.04 to repay any Swingline Loan as required by such paragraph, effective on the date such ABR Revolving Loans would otherwise have been made, each Revolving Lender

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severally, unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that it shall, without regard to the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, purchase a participating interest in such Swingline Loan (“Unrefunded Swingline Loan”) in an amount equal to the amount of the ABR Revolving Loan which would otherwise have been made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 2.04.  Each Revolving Lender will immediately transfer to the Administrative Agent, in immediately available funds, the amount of its participation, and the proceeds of such participations shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent to the Swingline Lender.  All payments by the Revolving Lenders in respect of Unrefunded Swingline Loans and participations therein shall be made in accordance with Section 2.13.

(d)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Lender shall not have any obligation to acquire a participation in a Swingline Loan pursuant to the foregoing paragraphs if a Default or Event of Default or Event of Termination shall have occurred and be continuing at the time such Swingline Loan was made and such Lender shall have notified the Swingline Lender in writing prior to the time such Swingline Loan was made, that such Default or Event of Default or such Event of Termination has occurred and that such Lender will not acquire participations in Swingline Loans made while such Default or Event of Default or such Event of Termination is continuing.

SECTION 2.05.            Optional and Mandatory Prepayments of Loans; Repayments of Term Loans.  (a)  The Borrower may at any time and from time to time prepay the Loans (subject to compliance with the terms of Section 2.17), in whole or in part, subject to Section 2.05(e), upon irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, two Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment, specifying (i) the date and amount of prepayment, and (ii) the Class of Loans to be prepaid and whether the prepayment is of Eurodollar Loans, ABR Loans or a combination thereof (including in the case of Eurodollar Loans, the Borrowing to which such prepayment is to be applied and, if of a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each).  Upon receipt of any such notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each relevant Lender thereof.  If any such notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein, together with accrued interest to such date on the amount prepaid.  Partial prepayments of Loans (other than Swingline Loans) shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $1.0 million or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the remaining outstanding principal amount thereof).  Partial prepayments of Swingline Loans shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the remaining outstanding principal amount thereof).

(b)           In the event and on such occasion that the Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure exceeds the Total Revolving Credit Commitment, the Borrower shall prepay Revolving Credit Borrowings or Swingline Borrowings (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in the account established with the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 2.06(j)) in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

(c)           (i)  If the Borrower shall issue any Equity Interests or Equity Rights (it being understood that the issuance of debt securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, any Equity Interest or Equity Right shall be governed by Section 2.05(c)(ii) below) (other than any Excluded Equity Issuance) (each, an “Equity Issuance”), then 25% of the Net Proceeds thereof shall be applied within three Business Days after receipt thereof toward the prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(e) below.

(ii)           If the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall incur any Indebtedness (including pursuant to debt securities which are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, any Equity Interest or Equity Rights) (other than as permitted by Section 6.01(a)) (each, a “Debt Incurrence”),

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100% of the Net Proceeds thereof shall be applied within three Business Days after receipt thereof toward the prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(e) below.

(iii)          If the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale, 100% of such Net Proceeds shall be applied within three Business Days after receipt thereof toward the prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(e) below; provided that (x) the Net Proceeds from Asset Sales permitted by Section 6.05 shall not be required to be applied as provided herein on such date if and to the extent that (1) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise therefrom and (2) the Borrower delivers an officers’ certificate to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date of such Asset Sale stating that such Net Proceeds shall be reinvested or committed to be reinvested in capital assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in each case within 180 days following the date of such Asset Sale (which certificate shall set forth the estimates of the proceeds to be so expended), (y) all such Net Proceeds shall be held in the Collateral Account and released therefrom only in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement, and (z) if all or any portion of such Net Proceeds not so applied as provided herein is not so used within such 180-day period (or if, prior to such 180th day, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary shall have entered into a binding agreement to so use any such Net Proceeds, within 360 days following the date of such binding agreement), such remaining portion shall be applied on the last day of such period as specified in this subsection (c)(iii); provided, further, if the Property subject to such Asset Sale constituted Collateral under the Security Documents, then any capital assets purchased with the Net Proceeds thereof pursuant to this subsection shall be mortgaged or pledged, as the case may be, to the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Secured Parties in accordance with Section 5.11.

(iv)          If the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall receive proceeds from insurance or condemnation recoveries in respect of any Destruction or any proceeds or awards in respect of any Taking, 100% of the Net Proceeds thereof shall be applied within three Business Days after receipt thereof toward the prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(e) below; provided, that (x) so long as no Default or Event of Default then exists or would arise therefrom, such Net Proceeds shall not be required to be so applied to the extent that the Borrower has delivered an officers’ certificate to the Administrative Agent promptly following the receipt of such Net Proceeds stating that such proceeds shall be used to (1) repair, replace or restore any Property in respect of which such Net Proceeds were paid or (2) fund the substitution of other Property used or usable in the business of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries, in each case within 180 days following the date of the receipt of such Net Proceeds, (y) all such Net Proceeds shall be held in the Collateral Account and released therefrom only in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement, and (z) if all or any portion of such Net Proceeds not so applied as provided herein is not so used within 180 days (or if, prior to such 180th day, the Borrower or any such Subsidiary shall have entered into a binding agreement to so use any such Net Proceeds, within 360 days following the date of such binding agreement) after the date of the receipt of such Net Proceeds, such remaining portion shall be applied on the last day of such period as specified in this subsection (c)(iv); provided, further, if the Property subject to such Destruction or Taking constituted Collateral under the Security Documents, then any replacement or substitution Property purchased with the Net Proceeds thereof pursuant to this subsection shall be mortgaged or pledged, as the case may be, to the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Secured Parties in accordance with Section 5.11.

(v)           If, for any Fiscal Year of the Borrower commencing with its Fiscal Year ending on December 30, 2006, there shall be Excess Cash Flow for such Fiscal Year, an amount equal to (a) the Excess Cash Flow Percentage of such Excess Cash Flow less (b) the amount of Debt Repayments for such Fiscal Year shall be applied, not later than 10 days after the date upon which the Borrower is required to deliver its annual audit report pursuant to Section 5.01(b), toward the prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.05(e) below.

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(d)           The Term Loans shall be repaid in consecutive quarterly installments on the dates set forth below (each such day, an “Installment Payment Date”), commencing on March 31, 2006, in an aggregate amount equal to the amount specified below for each such Installment Payment Date.

Installment Payment Date	Installment Amount
March 31, 2006	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2006	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2006	$	1,025,000
December 31, 2006	$	1,025,000
March 31, 2007	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2007	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2007	$	1,025,000
December 31, 2007	$	1,025,000
March 31, 2008	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2008	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2008	$	1,025,000
December 31, 2008	$	1,025,000
March 31, 2009	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2009	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2009	$	1,025,000
December 31, 2009	$	1,025,000
March 31, 2010	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2010	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2010	$	1,025,000
December 31, 2010	$	1,025,000
March 31, 2011	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2011	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2011	$	1,025,000
December 31, 2011	$	1,025,000
March 31, 2012	$	1,025,000
June 30, 2012	$	1,025,000
September 30, 2012	$	1,025,000
Term Loan Maturity Date	$	382,325,000

(e)           (i)  Optional prepayments in respect of Term Loans under this Agreement and mandatory prepayments shall be applied first to reduce remaining scheduled installments of principal due in respect of outstanding Term Loans under Section 2.05(d) in direct order of maturity up to but not including the first scheduled installment due after the date that is 24 months following the date of such prepayment.  After application of prepayments pursuant to the first sentence of this paragraph (e)(i) and to the extent there are mandatory prepayment amounts remaining after such application, such excess prepayments shall be applied to reduce outstanding Term Loans pro rata against the remaining scheduled installments of principal due in respect of the Term Loans under Section 2.05(d).

(ii)                 After application of prepayments pursuant to paragraph (e)(i) and to the extent there are prepayment amounts remaining after such application, the Revolving Loans shall be repaid (but the Revolving Commitments not reduced), ratably among the Revolving Lenders, in accordance with their applicable Revolving Loans outstanding in an aggregate amount equal to the excess.

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(iii)                Optional terminations or reductions in Revolving Credit Commitments shall be made in accordance with Section 2.11(b).

(iv)                Except as otherwise may be directed by the Borrower, any prepayment of Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05 shall be applied, first, to any ABR Loans then outstanding and the balance of such prepayment, if any, to the Eurodollar Loans then outstanding.

(f)            If on any day on which Loans would otherwise be required to be prepaid pursuant to this Section 2.05, but for the operation of this Section 2.05(f) (each, a “Prepayment Date”), the amount of such required prepayment exceeds the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of ABR Loans which are of the Type required to be prepaid, and no Default or Event of Default exists or is continuing, then, at the Borrower’s election, on such Prepayment Date, (i) the Borrower shall deposit funds into the Collateral Account in an amount equal to such excess, and only the outstanding ABR Loans which are of the Type required to be prepaid shall be required to be prepaid on such Prepayment Date, and (ii) on the last day of each Interest Period after such Prepayment Date in effect with respect to a Eurodollar Loan which is of the Type required to be prepaid, the Administrative Agent is irrevocably authorized and directed to apply funds from the Collateral Account (and liquidate investments held in the Collateral Account as necessary) to prepay such Eurodollar Loans for which the Interest Period is then ending to the extent funds are available in the Collateral Account.

SECTION 2.06.            Letters of Credit.

(a)           General.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Revolving Credit Commitment Period.  In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, the Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.

(b)           Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions.  To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Issuing Bank) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit.  If requested by the Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on the Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit.  A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, (i) the LC Exposure shall not exceed $25.0 million and (ii) the Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed the Total Revolving Credit Commitment.  With respect to any Letter of Credit which contains any “evergreen” automatic renewal provision, the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have consented to any such extension or renewal provided that all of the requirements of this Section 2.06 are met and no Default or Event of Default exists.

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(c)           Expiration Date.  Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

(d)           Participations.  By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or the Lenders, the Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Revolving Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit.  In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, such Revolving Lender’s Commitment Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason.  Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or an Event of Default or reduction or termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

(e)           Reimbursement.  If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.02 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan.  If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Revolving Lender’s Commitment Percentage thereof.  Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Commitment Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.02 with respect to Loans made by such Revolving Lender (and Section 2.02 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders.  Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Revolving Lenders and the Issuing Bank as their interests may appear.  Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR

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Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

(f)            Obligations Absolute.  The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06 shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder.  Neither the Administrative Agent, the Revolving Lenders nor the Issuing Bank, nor any of their Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct or its failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.  The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination.  In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

(g)           Disbursement Procedures.  The Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit.  The Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and whether the Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

(h)           Interim Interest.  If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans; provided that if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06, then

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Section 2.08(c) shall apply.  Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.07 to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

(i)            Replacement of the Issuing Bank.  The Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank.  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of the Issuing Bank.  At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.10(b).  From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require.  After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit.

(j)            Cash Collateralization.  If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in the Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (a) of Section 7.01 or any Event of Default described in clause (i) of Section 7.01.  Each such deposit shall be held by the Collateral Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Borrower hereby grants the Collateral Agent a security interest in respect of each such deposit and the Collateral Account in which such deposits are held.  The Collateral Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the Collateral Account.  Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made in accordance with the Security Agreement, such deposits shall not bear interest.  Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in the Collateral Account.  Moneys deposited in the Collateral Account pursuant to this Section 2.06(j) shall be applied by the Collateral Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement.  If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three Business Days after all Defaults or Events of Default have been cured or waived.

SECTION 2.07.            Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.  (a)  The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant Lenders (i) in respect of Revolving Credit Borrowings, on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date (or such earlier date as, and to the extent that, such Revolving Loan becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 2.05 or

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Article VII), the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan and each Swingline Loan made to it by each such Lender and (ii) in respect of Term Borrowings, on the Term Loan Maturity Date (or such earlier date as, and to the extent that, such Term Loan becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 2.05 or Article VII), the unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan held by each such Lender.  The Borrower hereby further agrees to pay interest in immediately available funds at the applicable office of the Administrative Agent (as specified in Section 2.13(a)) on the unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and Term Loans made to it from time to time from the date hereof until payment in full thereof at the rates per annum, and on the dates, set forth in Section 2.08.  All payments required hereunder shall be made in Dollars.

(b)           Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to the appropriate lending office of such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such lending office of such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such lending office of such Lender from time to time under this Agreement.

(c)           The Administrative Agent shall maintain the Register pursuant to Section 9.04, and a subaccount for each Lender, in which Register and subaccounts (taken together) shall be recorded (i) the amount of each such Loan, the Class and Type of each such Loan and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder in respect of each such Loan and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower in respect of each such Loan and each Lender’s share thereof.

(d)           The entries made in the Register and accounts maintained pursuant to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 2.07 and the Notes maintained pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.07 shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such account, such Register or such subaccount, as applicable, or any error therein, shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loans made to the Borrower by such Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(e)           The Loans of each Class made by each Lender to the Borrower shall, if requested by the applicable Lender (which request shall be made to the Administrative Agent), be evidenced by a single Note duly executed on behalf of the Borrower, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit F-1, -2 or -3, as applicable, with the blanks appropriately filled, payable to the order of such Lender.

SECTION 2.08.            Interest Rates and Payment Dates.  (a)  Each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days) for each day during each Interest Period with respect thereto at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate determined for such Interest Period, plus the Applicable Rate.

(b)           Each ABR Loan (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, or over a year of 360 days when the Alternate Base Rate is determined by reference to clause (c) of the definition of “Alternate Base Rate”) at a rate per annum equal to the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

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(c)           If all or a portion of (i) the principal amount of any Loan, (ii) any interest payable thereon or (iii) any Commitment Fee or other amount payable hereunder shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated maturity thereof or by acceleration or otherwise), such overdue amount shall bear interest at a rate per annum which is (x) in the case of overdue principal (except as otherwise provided in clause (y) below), the rate that would otherwise be applicable thereto pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.08 plus 2.00% per annum or (y) in the case of any overdue interest, Commitment Fee or other amount, the rate described in Section 2.08(b) applicable to an ABR Revolving Loan plus 2.00% per annum, in each case from the date of such nonpayment to (but excluding) the date on which such amount is paid in full (after as well as before judgment).

(d)           Interest shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date and on the Term Loan Maturity Date and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.  Interest in respect of each Loan shall accrue from and including the first day of an Interest Period to but excluding the last day of such Interest Period.

SECTION 2.09.            Computation of Interest.  Each determination of an interest rate by the Administrative Agent pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower and the Lenders in the absence of manifest error.

SECTION 2.10.            Fees.  (a)  The Borrower agrees to pay a commitment fee (a “Commitment Fee”) to each Revolving Lender, for which payment will be made in arrears through the Administrative Agent on the last day of March, June, September and December beginning after the Effective Date, and on the Commitment Fee Termination Date (as defined below).  The Commitment Fee due to each Revolving Lender shall commence to accrue for a period commencing on the Effective Date and shall cease to accrue on the date (the “Commitment Fee Termination Date”) that is the earlier of (i) the date on which the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Revolving Lender shall be terminated as provided herein and (ii) the first date after the end of the Revolving Credit Commitment Period.  The Commitment Fee accrued to each Revolving Lender shall equal the Commitment Fee Percentage multiplied by such Lender’s Commitment Fee Average Daily Amount (as defined below) for the applicable quarter (or shorter period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending with such Lender’s Commitment Fee Termination Date).  A Revolving Lender’s “Commitment Fee Average Daily Amount” with respect to a calculation period shall equal the average daily amount during such period calculated using the daily amount of such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment less such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure (excluding clause (c) of the definition thereof for purposes of determining the Commitment Fee Average Daily Amount only) for any applicable days during such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Period.  All Commitment Fees shall be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a year of 360 days.

(b)           The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at a rate equal to the Applicable Rate for Eurodollar Revolving Loans on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment terminates and the date on which such Revolving Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which

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shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as the Issuing Bank’s reasonable and customary fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder.  Participation fees and fronting fees (collectively, “LC Fees”) accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each calendar year during the Revolving Credit Commitment Period shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Credit Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Credit Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand.  Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand therefor.  All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

(c)           The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent the correct administrative fee set forth in the Engagement Letter (the “Agent Fees”).

(d)           All Fees shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution.  Once paid, none of the Fees shall be refundable.

SECTION 2.11.            Termination, Reduction or Adjustment of Commitments.  (a)  Unless previously terminated, (i) the Term Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date and (ii) the Revolving Credit Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

(b)           The Borrower shall have the right, upon one Business Day’s notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate or, from time to time, reduce the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that no such termination or reduction of Revolving Credit Commitments shall be permitted if, after giving effect thereto and to any repayments of the Loans made on the effective date thereof, the Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure then outstanding would exceed the Total Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect.

(c)           The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Revolving Lenders, on each date of termination or reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitments, the Commitment Fee on the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments so terminated or reduced accrued to the date of such termination or reduction.

SECTION 2.12.            Inability to Determine Interest Rate; Unavailability of Deposits; Inadequacy of Interest Rate.  If prior to 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days before the first day of any Interest Period, including an initial Interest Period, for a requested Eurodollar Borrowing:

(i)      the Administrative Agent shall have determined in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower) that, by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market generally, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period, or

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(ii)             the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a majority in interest of the Lenders of the applicable Class that the Adjusted LIBO Rate determined or to be determined for such Interest Period for such Eurodollar Borrowing will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (as conclusively certified by such Lenders) of making or maintaining their affected Loans during such Interest Period,

then the Administrative Agent shall give telecopy or telephonic notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the same day.  The Administrative Agent shall give telecopy or telephonic notice to the Borrower and the Lenders as soon as practicable after the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, and until such notice has been given, any affected Eurodollar Loans shall not be (x) converted or continued pursuant to Section 2.03 or (y) made pursuant to a Borrowing Request, and shall be continued or made as an ABR Loans, as the case may be.

SECTION 2.13.            Pro Rata Treatment and Payments.  (a)  Each reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitments of the Revolving Lenders shall be made pro rata according to the amounts of such Revolving Lenders’ Commitment Percentages.  Each payment (including each prepayment) by the Borrower on account of principal of and interest on Loans which are ABR Loans shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of such ABR Loans then held by the Lenders of the applicable Class.  Each payment (including each prepayment) by the Borrower on account of principal of and interest on Loans which are Eurodollar Loans designated by the Borrower to be applied to a particular Eurodollar Borrowing shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of such Loans then held by the Lenders of the applicable Class.  Each payment (including each prepayment) by the Borrower on account of principal of and interest on Swingline Loans shall be made pro rata according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Swingline Loans or participating interests therein, as the case may be, then held by the relevant Lenders.  All payments (including prepayments) to be made by the Borrower hereunder, whether on account of principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall be made without setoff or counterclaim and shall be made prior to 12:00 noon, New York time, on the due date thereof to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders of the applicable Class, at the Administrative Agent’s New York office specified in Section 9.01 in Dollars and in immediately available funds.  The Administrative Agent shall distribute such payments to the Lenders entitled thereto promptly upon receipt.  If any payment hereunder (other than payments on Eurodollar Loans) becomes due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, with respect to payments of principal, interest thereon shall be payable at the then applicable rate during such extension.  If any payment on a Eurodollar Loan becomes due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the maturity thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day (and, with respect to payments of principal, interest thereon shall be payable at the then applicable rate during such extension) unless the result of such extension would be to extend such payment into another calendar month, in which event such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.

(b)           Subject to Section 2.12, unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified in writing by any Lender prior to a Borrowing that such Lender will not make the amount that would constitute its share of such Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender is making such amount available to the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  If such amount is not made available to the Administrative Agent by the required time on the Borrowing Date therefor, such Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent, on demand, such amount with interest thereon at a rate equal to the daily average Federal Funds Rate for the period until such Lender makes such amount immediately available to the Administrative Agent.  A certificate of the Administrative Agent submitted to any Lender with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.13(b) 

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shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  If such Lender’s share of such Borrowing is not made available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender within three Business Days of such Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover such amount with interest thereon at the rate per annum applicable to ABR Revolving Loans hereunder, on demand, from the Borrower, but without prejudice to any right or claim that the Borrower may have against such Lender.

(c)           If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

SECTION 2.14.            Illegality.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if the adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law, or in the interpretation or application thereof, shall make it unlawful for any Lender to make or maintain Eurodollar Loans as contemplated by this Agreement, (a) the commitment of such Lender hereunder to make Eurodollar Loans, continue Eurodollar Loans as such and convert ABR Loans to Eurodollar Loans shall forthwith be suspended until such time as the making or maintaining of Eurodollar Loans shall no longer be unlawful, and (b) such Lender’s Loans then outstanding as Eurodollar Loans, if any, shall be converted automatically to ABR Loans on the respective last days of the then current Interest Periods with respect to such Loans or within such earlier period as required by law.

SECTION 2.15.            Requirements of Law.  (a)  If at any time any Lender or the Issuing Bank reasonably determines that the introduction of, or any change in or in the interpretation of, any law, treaty or governmental rule, regulation or order (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements included in determining the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or the compliance by such Lender or the Issuing Bank with any guideline, request or directive from any central bank or other Governmental Authority (whether or not having the force of law), shall have the effect of increasing the cost to such Lender or the Issuing Bank for agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Eurodollar Loans or participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit, then the Borrower shall from time to time, within five days of demand therefor by such Lender or the Issuing Bank (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or the Issuing Bank additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank for such increased cost.  A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost, submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender or the Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.  Such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as applicable, shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing of the occurrence of any such event, such notice to state, in reasonable detail, the reasons therefor and the additional amount required fully to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as applicable, for such increased cost or reduced amount.  Such additional amounts shall be payable directly to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as applicable, within five days of the Borrower’s receipt of such notice, and such notice shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower.

(b)           If any change in, or the introduction, adoption, effectiveness, interpretation, reinterpretation or phase-in of, any law or regulation, directive, guideline, decision or request (whether or not having the force of law) of any court, central bank, regulator or other Governmental Authority after the date hereof affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or a holding company controlling such Lender or the Issuing Bank) and such

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Lender or the Issuing Bank reasonably determines that the rate of return on its capital (or the capital of its holding company, as the case may be) as a consequence of its Revolving Credit Commitment or the Loans made by it or its participations in Swingline Loans or any issuance, participation or maintenance of Letters of Credit is reduced to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank (or its holding company) could have achieved but for the occurrence of any such circumstance, then, in any such case upon notice from time to time by such Lender or the Issuing Bank to the Borrower, the Borrower shall, within five days of the Borrower’s receipt of such notice, pay directly to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank (or its holding company) for such reduction in rate of return.  A statement of such Lender or the Issuing Bank as to any such additional amount or amounts (including calculations thereof in reasonable detail) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower.  In determining such amount, such Lender or the Issuing Bank may use any reasonable method of averaging and attribution that it shall deem applicable.

(c)           In the event that the Issuing Bank or any Lender determines that any event or circumstance that will lead to a claim under this Section 2.15 has occurred or will occur, the Issuing Bank or such Lender will use its best efforts to so notify the Borrower; provided that any failure to provide such notice shall in no way impair the rights of the Issuing Bank or such Lender to demand and receive compensation under this Section 2.15, but without prejudice to any claims of the Borrower for compensation for actual damages sustained as a result of any failure to observe this undertaking.

SECTION 2.16.            Taxes.  All payments by the Borrower of principal of, and interest on, the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future income, excise, stamp or franchise taxes and other taxes, fees, duties, withholdings or other charges of any nature whatsoever imposed by any taxing authority on the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender (or any assignee of such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, or a Participant or a change in designation of the lending office of a Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be (a “Transferee”)), but excluding franchise taxes and taxes imposed on or measured by the recipient’s net income (such non-excluded items being called “Taxes”) unless required by applicable law, rule or regulation.  In the event that any withholding or deduction from any payment to be made by the Borrower hereunder is required in respect of any Taxes pursuant to any applicable law, rule or regulation, then the Borrower will:

(a)           pay directly to the relevant authority the full amount required to be so withheld or deducted;

(b)           promptly forward to the Administrative Agent an official receipt or other documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent evidencing such payment to such authority; and

(c)           pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as are necessary to ensure that the net amount actually received by each Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, will equal the full amount such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, would have received had no such withholding or deduction been required.

Moreover, if any Taxes are directly asserted against the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender or Transferee with respect to any payment received by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender or Transferee hereunder, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or such Lender or Transferee may pay such Taxes and the Borrower will promptly pay such additional amounts (including

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any penalties, interest or expenses) as shall be necessary in order that the net amount received by such Person after the payment of such Taxes (including any Taxes on such additional amount) shall equal the amount such Person would have received had such Taxes not been asserted.  In addition, the Borrower shall also reimburse each Lender or Transferee or the Issuing Bank, upon the written request of such Lender or Transferee or Issuing Bank, for taxes imposed on or measured by the net income of such Person pursuant to the laws of the United States of America, any state or political subdivision thereof, or the jurisdiction in which such Person is incorporated, or a jurisdiction in which the principal executive office or lending office of such Person is located, or under the laws of any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such jurisdiction, as such Person shall reasonably determine are or were payable by such Person, in respect of amounts payable to such Person pursuant to this Section 2.16 taking into account the amount of Taxes that are (x) allowed as a deduction in determining taxes imposed on or measured by the net income or allowed as a credit against any taxes imposed on or measured by net income and (y) payable to such Person pursuant to this Section 2.16.

If the Borrower fails to pay any Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, the respective Lenders or Transferees, the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Borrower shall indemnify the Issuing Bank, Lenders and Transferees for any incremental Taxes, interest, penalties or other costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) that may become payable by the Issuing Bank, any Lender or Transferee as a result of any such failure.  For purposes of this Section 2.16, a distribution hereunder by the Administrative Agent to or for the account of the Issuing Bank, any Lender or Transferee shall be deemed a payment by the Borrower.

Each Lender or Transferee that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America or any state or political subdivision thereof shall, on or prior to the Effective Date (in the case of each Lender that is a party hereto on the Effective Date) or on or prior to the date of any assignment, participation or change in the designated lending office hereunder (in the case of a Transferee) and thereafter as reasonably requested from time to time by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, execute and deliver, if legally able to do so, to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent one or more (as the Borrower or the Administrative Agent may reasonably request) United States Internal Revenue Service Forms W-8BEN or such other forms or documents (or successor forms or documents), appropriately completed, as may be applicable to establish the extent, if any, to which a payment to such Lender or Transferee is exempt from or entitled to a reduced rate of withholding or deduction of Taxes.

With respect to obligations under this Agreement other than those specified in the immediately following paragraph, the Borrower shall not be required to indemnify or to pay any additional amounts to the Issuing Bank, any Lender or Transferee with respect to any Taxes pursuant to this Section 2.16 to the extent that (i) any obligation to withhold, deduct or pay amounts with respect to such Tax existed on the date the Issuing Bank, such Lender or Transferee became a party to this Agreement or otherwise becomes a Transferee (and, in such case, the Borrower may deduct and withhold such Tax from payments to the Issuing Bank, such Lender or Transferee), or (ii) any Lender or Transferee fails to comply in full with the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph (and, in such case, the Borrower may deduct and withhold all Taxes required by law as a result of such noncompliance from payments to the Issuing Bank, such Lender or Transferee).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.16, if the Internal Revenue Service determines that a Lender (or Transferee) is a conduit entity participating in a conduit financing arrangement as defined in Section 7701(l) of the Code and the regulations thereunder and the Borrower was not a participant to such arrangement (other than as the Borrower under this Agreement) (a “Conduit Financing Arrangement”), then (i) the Borrower shall have no obligation to pay additional amounts or

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indemnify the Lender or Transferee for any Taxes with respect to any payments hereunder to the extent the amount of such Taxes exceeds the amount that would have otherwise been withheld or deducted had the Internal Revenue Service not made such a determination and (ii) such Lender or Transferee shall indemnify the Borrower in full for any and all taxes for which the Borrower is held directly liable under Section 1461 of the Code by virtue of such Conduit Financing Arrangement; provided that the Borrower (i) promptly forwards to the indemnitor an official receipt or other documentation satisfactorily evidencing such payment, (ii) shall contest such tax upon the reasonable request of the indemnitor and at such indemnitor’s cost and (iii) shall pay to such indemnitor within 30 days any refund of such taxes (including interest thereon).  Each Lender or Transferee represents that it is not participating in a Conduit Financing Arrangement.

In the event that the Issuing Bank or any Lender determines that any event or circumstance that will lead to a claim by it under this Section 2.16 has occurred or will occur, the Issuing Bank or such Lender will use its best efforts to so notify the Borrower; provided that any failure to provide such notice shall in no way impair the rights of the Issuing Bank or any Lender to demand and receive compensation under this Section 2.16, but without prejudice to any claims of the Borrower for failure to observe this undertaking.

SECTION 2.17.            Indemnity.  In the event any Lender shall incur any loss or expense (including any loss (other than lost profit) or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to make, continue or maintain any portion of the principal amount of any Loan as, or to convert any portion of the principal amount of any Loan into, a Eurodollar Loan) as a result of any conversion of a Eurodollar Loan to an ABR Loan or repayment or prepayment of the principal amount of any Eurodollar Loan on a date other than the scheduled last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, whether pursuant to Section 2.03, 2.05, 2.07, 2.14, 2.15 or 2.20 or otherwise, or any failure to borrow or convert any Eurodollar Loan after notice thereof shall have been given hereunder, whether by reason of any failure to satisfy a condition to such Borrowing or otherwise, then, upon the written notice of such Lender to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall, within five days of its receipt thereof, pay directly to such Lender such amount as will (in the reasonable determination of such Lender) reimburse such Lender for such loss or expense.  Such written notice (which shall include calculations in reasonable detail) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower.

SECTION 2.18.            Change of Lending Office.  Each Lender (or Transferee) agrees that, upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the operation of Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16 with respect to such Lender (or Transferee), it will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy considerations of such Lender (or Transferee)) to designate another lending office for any Loans affected by such event with the object of avoiding the consequences of such event; provided that such designation is made on terms that, in the sole judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its respective lending offices to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage; and provided, further, that nothing in this Section 2.18 shall affect or postpone any of the obligations of the Borrower or the rights of any Lender (or Transferee) pursuant to Sections 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16.

SECTION 2.19.            Sharing of Setoffs.  Each Lender agrees that if it shall, through the exercise of a right of banker’s lien, setoff or counterclaim against the Borrower, or pursuant to a secured claim under Section 506 of Title 11 of the United States Code or other security or interest arising from, or in lieu of, such secured claim received by such Lender under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law or otherwise, or by any other means, obtain payment (voluntary or involuntary) in respect of any Loans or participations in LC Disbursements which at the time shall be due and payable as a result of which the unpaid principal portion of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements which at

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the time shall be due and payable shall be proportionately less than the unpaid principal portion of such Loans and participations in LC Disbursements of any other Lender, it shall be deemed simultaneously to have purchased from such other Lender at face value, and shall promptly pay to such other Lender the purchase price for, a participation in such Loans and participations in LC Disbursements of such other Lender, so that the aggregate unpaid principal amount of such Loans and participations in LC Disbursements held by each Lender shall be in the same proportion to the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all such Loans and participations in LC Disbursements as prior to such exercise of banker’s lien, setoff or counterclaim or other event; provided, however, that if any such purchase or purchases or adjustments shall be made pursuant to this Section 2.19 and the payment giving rise thereto shall thereafter be recovered, such purchase or purchases or adjustments shall be rescinded to the extent of such recovery and the purchase price or prices or adjustments restored without interest.  The Borrower expressly consents to the foregoing arrangements and agrees that any Lender holding a participation in a Loan or an LC Disbursement deemed to have been so purchased may exercise any and all rights of banker’s lien, setoff or counterclaim with respect to any and all moneys owing by the Borrower to such Lender by reason thereof as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor directly to the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

SECTION 2.20.            Assignment of Commitments Under Certain Circumstances.  In the event that (a) any Lender shall have delivered a notice or certificate pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.15, or the Borrower shall be required to make additional payments to any Lender under Section 2.16 (each, an “Increased Cost Lender”) or (b) subject to the terms and conditions of Section 9.08(e), in connection with any proposed amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent with respect to any of the provisions hereof described in Section 9.08(e), the consent of all Lenders required hereunder would have been obtained but for such Lender’s failure to consent (such Lender, a “Non-Consenting Lender”); then, with respect to each such Non-Consenting Lender and Increased Cost Lender (the “Terminated Lender”), the Borrower shall have the right, but not the obligation, at its own expense, upon notice to such Terminated Lender and the Administrative Agent, to replace such Terminated Lender with an assignee (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04) approved by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), and such Terminated Lender hereby agrees to transfer and assign without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04) all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to such assignee; provided, however, that no Terminated Lender shall be obligated to make any such assignment unless (i) such assignment shall not conflict with any law or any rule, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority and (ii) such assignee or the Borrower shall pay to the affected Terminated Lender in immediately available funds on the date of such assignment the principal of and interest accrued to the date of payment on the Loans made by such Terminated Lender and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans held by such Terminated Lender and all commitment fees and other fees owed to such Terminated Lender hereunder and all other amounts accrued for such Terminated Lender’s account or owed to it hereunder (including, without limitation, any Commitment Fees).  Each Lender agrees that, if it becomes a Terminated Lender, it shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance to evidence such sale and purchase and shall deliver to the Administrative Agent any Note (if the assigning Lender’s Loans are evidenced by Notes) subject to such Assignment and Acceptance; provided, however, that the failure of any Terminated Lender to execute an Assignment and Acceptance shall not render such sale and purchase (and the corresponding assignment) invalid and such assignment shall be recorded in the Register.

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ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

In order to induce the Lenders and the Administrative Agent to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit hereunder and under the other Loan Documents on the Effective Date, the Loan Parties, jointly and severally, make the representations and warranties set forth in this Article III (after giving effect to the Transactions) and upon the occurrence of each Credit Event thereafter:

SECTION 3.01.            Organization, etc.  Each Loan Party (a) is a corporation or other form of legal entity, and each of its Subsidiaries is a corporation, partnership or other form of legal entity, validly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, as the case may be, (b) has all requisite corporate or other power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted, (c) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or foreign partnership (or comparable foreign qualification, if applicable, in the case of any other form of legal entity), as the case may be, in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to so qualify will not have a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) has full power and authority and holds all requisite material governmental licenses, permits and other approvals to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party and to own or hold under lease its Property and to conduct its business substantially as currently conducted by it.

SECTION 3.02.            Due Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which it is a party, the borrowing of the Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of the Letters of Credit hereunder are within each Loan Party’s corporate, partnership or comparable powers, as the case may be, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership or comparable and, if required, stockholder action, as the case may be, and do not

(a)           contravene the Organic Documents of any Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries;

(b)           contravene any material law, statute, rule or regulation binding on or affecting any Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries;

(c)           violate or result in a default or event of default or an acceleration of any rights or benefits under any material indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries; or

(d)           result in, or require the creation or imposition of, any Lien on any assets of any Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries that would have or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, except Liens created under the Loan Documents.

SECTION 3.03.            Government Approval, Regulation, etc.  No consent, authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory body or other Person is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower or any other Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the borrowing of the Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except filings necessary to perfect Liens under the Security

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Documents.  No Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries is an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

SECTION 3.04.            Validity, etc.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is to be a party will, on the due execution and delivery thereof and assuming the due execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the other parties hereto, constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable in accordance with its respective terms, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.

SECTION 3.05.            Financial Information.  (a)  The consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of January 1, 2005 reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flow of the Borrower for the three years ended January 1, 2005, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (including with respect to the fresh-start accounting adjustments made to the first three fiscal quarters of 2003).

(b)           As of the Effective Date, except as disclosed in the financial statements referred to above or the notes thereto or on Schedule 3.05, none of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries has any material Indebtedness, contingent liabilities, long-term commitments or unrealized losses.

SECTION 3.06.            No Material Adverse Effect.  Since January 1, 2005, no event or circumstance has occurred that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.07.            Litigation.  There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Loan Parties, threatened, litigation, action or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective operations, properties, businesses, assets or prospects, or the ability of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, which has a reasonable likelihood of adverse determination and, if determined adversely, in the case of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or which purports to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

SECTION 3.08.            Compliance with Laws and Agreements.  None of the Loan Parties has violated, is in violation of or has been given written notice of any violation of any laws (other than Environmental Laws, which are the subject of Section 3.13), regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except for any violations which do not have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

SECTION 3.09.            Subsidiaries.  Schedule 3.09 sets forth the name of, and the direct or indirect ownership interest of the Borrower in, each Subsidiary of the Borrower and identifies each Subsidiary that is a Loan Party, in each case as of the Effective Date.

SECTION 3.10.            Ownership of Properties.  (a)  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to (or other similar title in jurisdictions outside the United States of America), or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, or is licensed

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to use, all its material properties and assets (including all Mortgaged Properties), except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties and assets for their intended purposes and except where the failure to have such title in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  All such material properties and assets are free and clear of Liens, other than Permitted Liens.

(b)           As of the Effective Date, Schedule 3.10(b) contains a true and complete list of each parcel of Real Property (i) owned by any Loan Party as of the date hereof and describes the type of interest therein held by such Loan Party and (ii) leased, subleased or otherwise occupied or utilized by any Loan Party, as lessee, as of the date hereof and describes the type of interest therein held by such Loan Party and whether such lease, sublease or other instrument requires the consent of the landlord thereunder or other parties thereto to the Transactions.

(c)           Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has complied with all obligations under all leases to which it is a party, except where the failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and all such leases are in full force and effect, except leases in respect of which the failure to be in full force and effect could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession under all such leases, other than leases in respect of which the failure to enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession could not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d)           Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries owns, possesses, is licensed or otherwise has the right to use, or could obtain ownership or possession of, on terms not materially adverse to it, all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and rights with respect thereto necessary for the present conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others, except where such conflicts could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e)           As of the Effective Date, no Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries has received any written notice of, or has any knowledge of, any pending or contemplated condemnation proceeding affecting any of the Mortgaged Properties or any sale or disposition thereof in lieu of condemnation that remains unresolved as of the Effective Date.

(f)            Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is obligated on the Effective Date under any right of first refusal, option or other contractual right to sell, assign or otherwise dispose of any Mortgaged Property or any interest therein.

SECTION 3.11.            Taxes.  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has timely filed all federal and all other material income tax returns and reports required by law to have been filed by it and has paid all material taxes and governmental charges due, except any such taxes or charges which are being diligently contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP shall have been set aside on its books; provided that any such contest of taxes or charges with respect to Collateral shall satisfy the Contested Collateral Lien Conditions.

SECTION 3.12.            Pension and Welfare Plans.  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or give rise to a Lien on the assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their ERISA Affiliates are in compliance in all respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan except for failures to so comply which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No condition exists or event or transaction has

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occurred with respect to any Plan which reasonably might result in the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate of any liability, fine or penalty which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any contingent liability with respect to post-retirement benefits provided by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under a Welfare Plan, other than (i) liability for continuation coverage described in Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and (ii) liabilities that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) each Foreign Plan has been maintained in compliance with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and orders and has been maintained, where required, in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities, and (b) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any obligation in connection with the termination of or withdrawal from any Foreign Plan.

SECTION 3.13.            Environmental.  (a)  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(a), all facilities and property owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and all operations conducted thereon, are in compliance with all Environmental Laws, except for such noncompliance that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)           Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(b), there are no pending or threatened (in writing):

(i)      Environmental Claims received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or

(ii)     written claims, complaints, notices or inquiries received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries regarding Environmental Liability,

in each case which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)           Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(c), there have been no Releases of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from any property or facility now or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, previously owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, have had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(d)           The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have been issued and are in compliance with all Environmental Permits necessary for their operations, facilities and businesses and each is in full force and effect, except for such Environmental Permits which, if not so obtained or as to which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are not in compliance, or are not in effect, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e)           No property now or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge previously, owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is listed or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, proposed (with respect to owned property only) for listing (i) on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA or (ii) on the CERCLIS or on any similar list of sites requiring investigation or clean-up, which, in the case of this clause (ii) only, singly or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)            There are no underground storage tanks, active or abandoned, including petroleum storage tanks, surface impoundments or disposal areas, on or under any property now or, to any

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Loan Party’s knowledge previously, owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which, singly or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)           Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has transported or arranged for the transportation of any Hazardous Material to any location which is listed or proposed for listing on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA, on the CERCLIS or on any similar list or which is the subject of federal, state or local enforcement actions or other investigations which would reasonably be expected to lead to any Environmental Claim against the Borrower or such Subsidiary which (other than in the case of a listing or proposed listing on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA), singly or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(h)           No liens have been recorded pursuant to any Environmental Law with respect to any property or other assets currently owned or leased by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

(i)            Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently conducting any Remedial Action pursuant to any Environmental Law, nor has any of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries assumed by contract, agreement or operation of law any obligation under Environmental Law, the cost of which, singly or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(j)            There are no polychlorinated biphenyls or friable asbestos present at any property or facility owned, leased or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, which, singly or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 3.14.            Regulations U and X.  The Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby will not result in a violation of any provision of Regulation U or Regulation X.

SECTION 3.15.            Disclosure; Accuracy of Information; Pro Forma Balance Sheets and Projected Financial Statements.  (a)  The Loan Parties have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which they or any of their Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to any of them that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither this Agreement nor any other material document, certificate or statement furnished to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection herewith (including, without limitation, the Information Memorandum and the Projected Financial Statements) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and therein not misleading, in light of the circumstances under which they were made; provided that to the extent this or any such document, certificate or statement (including without limitation the Information Memorandum and the Projected Financial Statements) was based upon or constitutes a forecast or projection, the Loan Parties represent only that they acted in good faith and utilized assumptions believed by management to be reasonable at the time made.  The Administrative Agent and the Lenders recognize, however, that forecasts and projections as to future events are not to be viewed as representations with respect to future performance and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by the forecasts or projections probably will differ from the projected results and that the difference may be material.

(b)           The Borrower shall have furnished to the Lenders the pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of October 1, 2005, prepared giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred on such date.  Such pro forma consolidated balance sheet (i) was prepared in good faith based on the same assumptions used to prepare the pro forma financial statements included in the Information

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Memorandum, (ii) accurately reflects in all material respects all adjustments necessary to give effect to the Transactions and (iii) presents fairly in all material respects the pro forma financial position of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of October 1, 2005.

(c)           The Borrower shall have furnished to the Lenders pro forma consolidated income statement projections for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, pro forma consolidated balance sheet projections for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and pro forma consolidated cash flow projections for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries through the 2012 Fiscal Year, which shall be prepared on a quarterly basis through the 2006 Fiscal Year and annually thereafter (the “Projected Financial Statements”), which give effect to the Transactions and all Indebtedness and Liens incurred or created in connection with the Transactions.

SECTION 3.16.            Insurance.  As of the Effective Date, set forth on Schedule 3.16 is a summary of all insurance policies maintained by the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries with financially sound and responsible insurance companies (a) with respect to its properties material to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries against such casualties and contingencies and of such types and in such amounts as are customary in the case of similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, and (b) required to be maintained pursuant to the Security Documents.

SECTION 3.17.            Labor Matters.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened; (b) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters; and (c) all payments due from the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary.

SECTION 3.18.            Solvency.  Immediately following the making of each Loan and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans, (a) the fair value of the assets of the Borrower, individually, and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed its or their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Borrower, individually, and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its or their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (c) the Borrower, individually, and the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be able to pay its or their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (d) each Loan Party will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted.

SECTION 3.19.            Securities.  The Equity Interests of each Subsidiary held, directly or indirectly, by the Borrower are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Borrower free and clear of all Liens other than Liens permitted by Section 6.02 (i), (v) or (x).  There are not, as of the Effective Date, any existing options, warrants, calls, subscriptions, convertible or exchangeable securities, rights, agreements, commitments or arrangements for any Person to acquire any common stock of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or any other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing the right to subscribe for any such common stock, except as set forth on Schedule 3.19.

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SECTION 3.20.            Indebtedness Outstanding.  (a)  Set forth on Schedule 3.20(a) hereto is a list and description of all Indebtedness of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries that will be repaid, defeased, transferred or otherwise terminated on or immediately prior to the Effective Date (such Indebtedness, “Indebtedness to Be Paid”).

(b)           Set forth on Schedule 3.20(b) hereto is a list and description of all Liens of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries that will be repaid, defeased, transferred or otherwise terminated on or immediately prior to the Effective Date.

SECTION 3.21.            Security Documents.  (a)  The Pledge Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable security interests in the Collateral (as defined in the Pledge Agreement) and, when such Collateral is delivered to the Collateral Agent, the Pledge Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the pledgor thereunder in such Collateral to the extent such Liens and security interests can be perfected by possession.

(b)           (i) The Security Agreement and each Non-U.S. Pledge Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable security interests in the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) and (ii) when (x) financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 7 to the Perfection Certificate and (y) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of any such Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the Security Agreement), the Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such Collateral to the extent such Liens and security interests can be perfected by the filing of a financing statement pursuant to the UCC or by possession or control by the Collateral Agent, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, other than with respect to Permitted Liens.

(c)           When the filings in clause (b)(ii)(x) above are made and when the Security Agreement (or a summary thereof) is filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, the Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Intellectual Property (as defined in the Security Agreement) in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a security agreement, financing statement or analogous document in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to perfect Liens on registered trademarks, trademark applications and copyrights acquired by the Loan Parties after the Effective Date), in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person other than with respect to Permitted Liens.

(d)           Each Mortgage executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent to secure the Obligations as of the Effective Date is, or, to the extent any Mortgage is duly executed and delivered thereafter by the relevant Loan Party, will be, effective to create, subject to the exceptions listed in each title insurance policy covering each such Mortgage, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on and security interests in all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Properties thereunder and the proceeds thereof, and when such Mortgages are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 3.21(d), such Mortgages shall constitute Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Mortgaged Properties and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person,

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other than with respect to the rights of Persons under the exceptions listed in each title insurance policy covering each such Mortgage.

SECTION 3.22.            Anti-Terrorism Laws.  (a)  None of the Loan Parties or, to the knowledge of any of the Loan Parties, any of their Affiliates is in violation of any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering (“Anti-Terrorism Laws”), including Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing, effective September 24, 2001 (the “Executive Order”), and the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56.

(b)           No Loan Party or, to the knowledge of any of the Loan Parties, any of their Affiliates or their respective brokers or other agents acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the Loans is any of the following:

(i)              a Person or entity that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Order;

(ii)             a Person or entity owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, any Person or entity that is listed in the annex to, or is otherwise subject to the provisions of, the Executive Order;

(iii)            a Person or entity with which any Lender is prohibited from dealing or otherwise engaging in any transaction by any Anti-Terrorism Law;

(iv)            a Person or entity that commits, threatens or conspires to commit or supports “terrorism” as defined in the Executive Order; or

(v)             a Person or entity that is named as a “specially designated national and blocked person” on the most current list published by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control at its official website or any replacement website or other replacement official publication of such list.

(c)           No Loan Party or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, any of its brokers or other agents acting in any capacity in connection with the Loans (i) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Person described in clause (b) above, (ii) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction relating to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to the Executive Order, or (iii) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS

SECTION 4.01.            Effective Date.  The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans, and the obligation of each Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit, in each case, on the Effective Date are subject, at the time of the making of such Loans or the issuance of such Letters of Credit, to satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions on or prior to the Effective Date:

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(a)           The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

(b)           The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of the Guarantee Agreement signed on behalf of each Domestic Subsidiary and (ii) counterparts of the Indemnity, Subrogation and Contribution Agreement signed on behalf of each Loan Party.

(c)           The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrower a Closing Certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed on behalf of the Borrower by a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

(d)           The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of each Loan Party, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

(e)           The Administrative Agent shall have received from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, an opinion addressed to each Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date substantially in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(f)            The Administrative Agent shall have received favorable written opinions of (i) local counsel in each of the jurisdictions (in each case unless, and to the extent otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent) referred to in Schedule 4.01(f), in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which opinions shall (x) be addressed to each Agent and the Lenders and be dated the Effective Date, (y) cover various matters regarding the perfection and priority of the security interests granted in respect of the Equity Interests of Persons organized in such Non-U.S. Jurisdiction, and such other maters incident to the transactions contemplated herein as the Agents may reasonably request and (z) be in form, scope and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, and (ii) local counsel to the Loan Parties as specified in Schedule 4.01(f) in the form of Exhibit K, which opinions (x) shall be addressed to each Agent and each of the Lenders and be dated the Effective Date, (y) shall cover the enforceability of the respective Mortgage and perfection of the Liens and security interests granted pursuant to the relevant Security Documents and such other matters incident to the transactions contemplated herein as the Agents may reasonably request and (z) shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.

(g)           All documents executed or submitted in connection with this Agreement, the borrowings hereunder and the other Loan Documents shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders.

(h)           The Lenders shall have received the audited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower described in Section 3.05, which audited financial statements (and the notes thereto) shall be in form and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders.

(i)            All corporate and legal proceedings and all instruments and agreements in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to

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occur on or prior to the Effective Date shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall have received all information and copies of all documents and papers, including records of corporate proceedings, governmental approvals, good standing certificates and bring down telegrams or facsimiles, if any, which the Administrative Agent reasonably may have requested in connection therewith, such documents and papers where appropriate to be certified by proper corporate or governmental authorities.

(j)            The Requisite Lenders shall be satisfied that the representations and warranties set forth in Article III hereof and in the other Loan Documents that are made as of the Effective Date shall be true and correct (or true and correct in all material respects if not otherwise qualified by materiality or by a Material Adverse Effect) with the same effect as if then made.

(k)           The Requisite Lenders shall be satisfied that at the time of and immediately after the Borrowings and issuances of Letters of Credit, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(l)            The Lenders shall have received a certificate of the chief financial officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit L and reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, together with such other evidence reasonably requested by the Lenders, confirming the solvency of each of the Loan Parties on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transactions.

(m)          The Lenders shall have received (i) the pro forma consolidated balance sheet referred to in Section 3.15(b), together with the certificate of the chief financial officer of the Borrower certifying clauses (i)-(iii) thereof and the Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied that such balance sheet is not materially inconsistent with the forecasts previously provided to the Lenders and (ii) the Projected Financial Statements.

(n)           The Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence that all loans and letters of credit outstanding under, and all other amounts due in respect of, the Indebtedness to Be Paid shall have been repaid in full (or satisfactory arrangements made for such repayment and letters of credit) and the commitments thereunder shall have been permanently terminated, and all related guarantees and security interests shall have been terminated (or provisions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been made for their termination).

(o)           After giving effect to the Transactions, none of the Borrower or its respective Subsidiaries shall have outstanding any Indebtedness other than (i) the Loans and other extensions of credit under this Agreement and (ii) Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 (other than clauses (vi), (vii), (xiii), (xiv) and (xv) thereof).

(p)           All requisite material governmental authorities and third parties shall have approved or consented to the Transactions to the extent required, all applicable appeal periods shall have expired and there shall be no judicial or regulatory action by a governmental agency, actual or threatened, that could reasonably be expected to restrain, prevent or impose materially burdensome conditions on the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated hereby.

(q)           The Lenders shall be reasonably satisfied that no litigation or administrative proceeding or development in any litigation or administrative proceeding by any entity (private or governmental) shall be pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened that could

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reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the ability of the parties to consummate the Transactions.

(r)            The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees payable to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on or prior to the Effective Date under the Engagement Letter and all other amounts due and payable pursuant to the Loan Documents on or prior to the Effective Date, including reimbursement or payment of all reasonable and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP and domestic and foreign local counsel) required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

(s)           The Collateral Agent shall have received counterparts of the Pledge Agreement signed by each Loan Party and covering pledges of 100% of the Equity Interests held by the Loan Parties in all of their Domestic Subsidiaries and 65% of the Equity Interests of their “first tier” Non-U.S. Subsidiaries (other than any Equity Interests of such Subsidiaries pledged pursuant to Non-U.S. Pledge Agreements) of the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary and counterparts of the Non-U.S. Pledge Agreements covering pledges of 65% of the Equity Interests of the “first tier” Non-U.S. Subsidiaries of the Borrower, and the Collateral Agent shall have received all promissory notes (the “Intercompany Notes”) evidencing all intercompany Indebtedness owed to any Loan Party by the Borrower or any Subsidiary as of the Effective Date and stock powers and instruments of transfer, endorsed in blank, with respect to the Equity Interests of the Borrower’s Domestic Subsidiaries and any such promissory notes.

(t)            The Collateral Agent shall have received counterparts of the Security Agreement and Pledge Agreement signed by each Loan Party, in each case, together with the following in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent:

(A)          certificates representing all Pledged Securities, together with executed and undated stock powers and/or assignments in blank;

(B)           a favorable written opinion of foreign counsel in the jurisdiction of organization of each “first-tier” Non-U.S. Subsidiary (except for PGI Nonwovens Mauritius Ltd.) as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (a) addressed to the Collateral Agent and the Lenders and (b) covering such matters relating to the Security Documents and the Loan Documents as the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request including, without limitation, the perfection of the security interest created in the Pledged Securities of such Non-U.S. Subsidiaries;

(C)           instruments representing all intercompany Indebtedness payable to any Loan Party, together with executed and undated instruments of assignment endorsed in blank;

(D)          certificates of insurance required under this Agreement;

(E)           appropriate financing statements or comparable documents authorized by (and executed by, to the extent applicable) the appropriate entities in proper form for filing under the provisions of the UCC and applicable domestic or local laws, rules or regulations in each of the offices where such filing is necessary or appropriate, in the Collateral Agent’s reasonable discretion, to grant to the Collateral Agent perfected Liens on

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such Collateral, superior and prior to the rights of all third persons other than the holders of Permitted Liens;

(F)           UCC, judgment and tax lien, bankruptcy and pending lawsuit search reports listing all effective financing statements or comparable documents which name any applicable Loan Party as debtor and which are filed in those jurisdictions in which, any Loan Party is organized and to the extent the Administrative Agent reasonably requests, any jurisdiction in which any of such Collateral is located and the jurisdictions in which any applicable Loan Party’s principal place of business is located in the United States, together with copies of such existing financing statements, none of which shall encumber such Collateral covered or intended or purported to be covered by the Security Documents other than Permitted Liens;

(G)           evidence of the preparation for recording or filing, as applicable, of all recordings and filings of each such Security Document, including, without limitation, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, and delivery and recordation, if necessary, of such other security and other documents, including, without limitation, UCC-3 termination statements with respect to UCC filings that do not constitute Permitted Liens, as may be necessary or, in the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent, desirable to perfect the Liens created, or purported or intended to be created, by such Security Documents;

(H)          with respect to leased Real Property which is not subject to a leasehold Mortgage as of the Effective Date, if any Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries is maintained on such premises, the Borrower shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to deliver a Landlord Access Agreement with respect thereto;

(I)            evidence that all other actions reasonably necessary or, in the opinion of the Collateral Agent, desirable to perfect the security interest created by the Security Documents have been taken; and

(J)            a completed Perfection Certificate dated the Effective Date and signed by an executive officer or Financial Officer of the Borrower, together with all attachments contemplated thereby, including the results of a search of the UCC (or equivalent) filings made with respect to the Loan Parties in the jurisdictions contemplated by the Perfection Certificate and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are Permitted Liens or have been released.

(u)           The Collateral Agent shall have received the following documents and instruments:

(A)          with respect to each Mortgaged Property indicated on Schedule 4.01(u)(A) hereto, a Mortgage encumbering each of the same in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and the benefit of the Secured Parties, duly executed and acknowledged by the applicable Loan Party, and otherwise in form for recording in the recording office where each such Mortgaged Property is situated, together with such certificates, affidavits, questionnaires or returns as shall be required in connection with the

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recording or filing thereof to create a first priority lien under applicable law, in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and such UCC-1 financing statements and other similar statements as are contemplated by the counsel opinions described in Section 4.01(f) in respect of such Mortgages, all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Collateral Agent, and any other instruments necessary to grant a mortgage lien under the laws of any applicable jurisdiction, which Mortgages and financing statements and other instruments shall when recorded be effective to create Liens on such Mortgaged Property subject to no other Liens except the Prior Liens;

(B)           with respect to each Mortgaged Property, such consents, approvals, amendments, supplements, estoppels, tenant subordination agreements or other instruments, in form acceptable to the Collateral Agent, as necessary or required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or as shall reasonably be deemed necessary by the Collateral Agent in order for the owner or holder of the fee or leasehold interest constituting such Mortgaged Property to grant the Liens contemplated by the Mortgages with respect to such Mortgaged Property;

(C)           with respect to each Mortgage granted in favor of the Collateral Agent, a policy of title insurance (or marked title commitment having the effect of a title insurance policy) insuring the Liens of such Mortgages, respectively, as valid first mortgage Liens on the real property and fixtures described therein in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in an amount equal to not less than in an amount not less than the amount set forth on Schedule 4.01(u)(C) (115% of the fair market value thereof), which policies (or marked commitments having the effect of title insurance policies) shall (w) be issued by the Title Company, (x) include such reinsurance arrangements (with provisions for direct access) as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (y) contain a “tie-in” or “cluster” endorsement (if available under applicable law) (i.e., policies which insure against losses regardless of location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated maximum coverage amount) and have been supplemented by such endorsements (or where such endorsements are not available, opinions of special counsel, architects or other professionals reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent to the extent that such opinions can be obtained at a cost which is reasonable with respect to the value of the real property subject to such Mortgage) as shall be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (including, without limitation, endorsements, to the extent available in each jurisdiction at commercially reasonably rates, on matters relating to usury, first loss, last dollar, zoning, contiguity, variable rate, revolving credit, doing business, access, survey, address, subdivision, separate tax lot, lender non-imputation and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and restrictions) and (z) contain only such exceptions to title as shall be agreed to by the Collateral Agent on or prior to the Effective Date with respect to such Mortgaged Property;

(D)          with respect to each Mortgaged Property, policies or certificates of insurance as required hereby or by the Mortgage relating thereto, which policies or certificates shall comply with the insurance requirements contained herein or in such Mortgage;

(E)           with respect to each Mortgaged Property, a Survey in form and substance acceptable to the Collateral Agent;

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(F)           with respect to each Mortgaged Property, such affidavits, certificates, information (including financial data) and instruments of indemnification (including, without limitation, a so-called “gap” indemnification) as shall be required to induce the Title Company to issue the policy or policies (or marked commitment having the effect of a title insurance policy) and endorsements contemplated in subparagraph (C) above;

(G)           evidence acceptable to the Collateral Agent of payment by the appropriate Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof of all applicable title insurance premiums, search and examination charges, survey costs and related charges, mortgage recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the recording of the Mortgages and issuance of the title insurance policies referred to in subparagraph (C) above; and

(H)          with respect to each Real Property or Mortgaged Property, copies of all leases or other agreements relating to possessory interests to which any Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof is a party.  To the extent any of the foregoing in which any Loan Party is a landlord or sublandlord affect any Mortgaged Property, such agreement shall be subordinate to the Mortgage to be recorded against such Mortgaged Property and otherwise acceptable to the Collateral Agent.

(v)           The Administrative Agent shall have received subordination agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it covering all intercompany notes or other obligations owed by a Loan Party to a Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Loan Party.

(w)          The Collateral Agent shall have received evidence and be reasonably satisfied that the insurance required by Section 5.04 and the Security Documents is in effect in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.

SECTION 4.02.            Conditions to Each Credit Event.  The agreement of each Lender to make any Loan and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit (such event being called a “Credit Event”) (excluding continuations and conversions of Loans) requested to be made by it on any date is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a)           The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice of such Credit Event as required by Section 2.02 or 2.05, as applicable.

(b)           The representations and warranties set forth in Article III hereof and in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct (or true and correct in all material respects if not otherwise qualified by materiality or by a Material Adverse Effect) with the same effect as if then made (unless expressly stated to relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date).

(c)           At the time of and immediately after such Credit Event, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Each Credit Event shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date of such Credit Event, as to the matters specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this Section 4.02.

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ARTICLE V

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Each Loan Party hereby covenants and agrees with the Lenders that on or after the Effective Date and until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees and other amounts due and payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed:

SECTION 5.01.            Financial Information, Reports, Notices, etc.  The Borrower will furnish, or will cause to be furnished, to each Lender and the Administrative Agent copies of the following financial statements, reports, notices and information:

(a)           as soon as available and in any event within 45 days (or, if SEC Form 12b-25 is filed in respect of such Fiscal Quarter, 50 days or such shorter period for the filing of the Borrower’s Form 10-Q as may be required by the SEC) after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flow of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Quarter and for the same period in the prior Fiscal Year and for the period commencing at the end of the previous Fiscal Year and ending with the end of such Fiscal Quarter, certified by a Financial Officer of the Borrower, it being understood and agreed that the delivery of the Borrower’s Form 10-Q (as filed with the SEC), if certified as required in this clause (a), shall satisfy the requirements set forth in this clause, together with a certificate from a Financial Officer of the Borrower (a “Compliance Certificate”) containing a computation in reasonable detail of, and showing compliance with, each of the financial ratios and restrictions contained in the Financial Covenants and to the effect that, in making the examination necessary for the signing of such certificate, such Financial Officer has not become aware of any Default or Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing, or, if such Financial Officer has become aware of such Default or Event of Default, describing such Default or Event of Default and the steps, if any, being taken to cure it;

(b)           as soon as available and in any event within 90 days (or, if SEC Form 12b-25 is filed in respect of such Fiscal Year, 105 days or such shorter period as may be required for the filing of the Borrower’s Form 10-K by the SEC) after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower, a copy of the annual audit report for such Fiscal Year for the Borrower, including therein a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Year and consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flow of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, in each case certified (without any Impermissible Qualification) in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent by Ernst & Young LLP or other independent public accountants reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (it being understood and agreed that the delivery of the Borrower’s Form 10-K (as filed with the SEC), if certified as required in this clause (b), shall satisfy such delivery requirement in this clause), together with a Compliance Certificate and a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Event of Default under any of the Financial Covenants (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines);

(c)           no later than February 28 of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower, a detailed consolidated budget by Fiscal Quarter for such Fiscal Year (including a projected consolidated

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balance sheet and related statements of projected operations and cash flow as of the end of and for each Fiscal Quarter during such Fiscal Year) and the next two succeeding Fiscal Years and, promptly when available, any significant revisions of such budgets;

(d)           promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all reports submitted to the Borrower by independent certified public accountants in connection with each annual, interim or special audit of the books of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries made by such accountants, including any management letters submitted by such accountants to management in connection with their annual audit;

(e)           as soon as possible and in any event within five Business Days after becoming aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, a statement of a Financial Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of such Default or Event of Default and the action which the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto;

(f)            as soon as possible and in any event within five Business Days after (i) the occurrence of any adverse development with respect to any litigation, action or proceeding that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) the commencement of any litigation, action or proceeding that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or that purports to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, notice thereof and copies of all documentation relating thereto;

(g)           promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all reports which the Borrower sends to any of its security holders (in their capacity as such), and all reports, registration statements (other than on Form S-8 or any successor form) or other materials (including affidavits with respect to reports) which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC or any national securities exchange;

(h)           promptly upon becoming aware of the taking of any specific actions by the Borrower or any other Person to terminate any Pension Plan (other than a termination pursuant to Section 4041(b) of ERISA which can be completed without the Borrower or any Subsidiary having to provide more than $5.0 million in addition to the normal contribution required for the plan year in which termination occurs to make such Pension Plan sufficient), or the occurrence of an ERISA Event which could result in a Lien on the assets of any Loan Party or a Subsidiary or in the incurrence by a Loan Party of any liability, fine or penalty which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or any increase in the contingent liability of a Loan Party with respect to any post-retirement Welfare Plan benefit if the increase in such contingent liability which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, notice thereof and copies of all documentation relating thereto;

(i)            upon request by the Administrative Agent, copies of:  (i) each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to each Pension Plan; (ii) the most recent actuarial valuation report for each Pension Plan and each Foreign Plan for which a report is prepared; (iii) all notices received by any Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor or any governmental agency concerning an ERISA Event; and (iv) such other documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Plan or Foreign Plan as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request;

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(j)as soon as possible, notice of any other development that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(k)such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

SECTION 5.02.Compliance with Laws, etc.  The Loan Parties will, and will cause each of their Subsidiaries to, comply in all respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders, except where such noncompliance, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, such compliance to include, subject to the foregoing:

(a)the maintenance and preservation of their and their Subsidiaries’ existence and their qualification as a foreign corporation or partnership (or comparable foreign qualification, if applicable, in the case of any other form of legal entity), and

(b)the payment, before the same become delinquent, of all taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon them or upon their property in excess of $250,000 other than any such tax, assessment or charge the payment of which is being contested in good faith and by proper proceeding and for which proper reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP.

SECTION 5.03.Maintenance of Properties.  Each Loan Party and each of its respective Subsidiaries will maintain, preserve, protect and keep its material properties and assets in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear and loss from casualty or condemnation excepted), and make necessary and proper repairs, renewals and replacements so that its business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted at all times; provided that nothing in this Section 5.03 shall prevent any Loan Party from discontinuing the operation and maintenance of any of its properties or any of those of its Subsidiaries if such discontinuance is, in the reasonable commercial judgment of such Loan Party, desirable in the conduct of its or their business and does not in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.04.Insurance.  The Loan Parties will and will cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to maintain or cause to be maintained with financially sound and responsible insurance companies (a) insurance with respect to their properties material to the business of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries against such casualties and contingencies and of such types and in such amounts with such deductibles as is customary in the case of similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations (including, without limitation, (i) physical hazard insurance on an “all risk” basis, (ii) commercial general liability against claims for bodily injury, death or property damage covering any and all claims, (iii) explosion insurance in respect of any boilers, machinery or similar apparatus constituting Collateral, (iv) business interruption insurance, (v) worker’s compensation insurance as may be required by any Requirement of Law, (vi) flood insurance, if at any time the area in which any improvements located on any Mortgaged Property is designated a “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) and otherwise comply with the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (as amended from time to time) and (vii) such other insurance against risks as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably require) and (b) all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Security Documents, and will, upon request of the Administrative Agent, furnish to each Lender at reasonable intervals a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower setting forth the nature and extent of all insurance maintained by the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries in accordance with this Section.  Each such insurance policy shall provide that (i) it may not be cancelled or otherwise

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terminated without at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Collateral Agent (and to the extent any such policy is cancelled, modified or renewed, the Borrower shall deliver a copy of the renewal or replacement policy (or other evidence thereof) to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, or insurance certificate with respect thereto, together with evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent of the payment of the premium therefor); (ii) the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent are permitted to pay any premium therefor within thirty (30) days after receipt of any notice stating that such premium has not been paid when due; (iii) all losses thereunder shall be payable notwithstanding any act or negligence of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries or its agents or employees which otherwise might have resulted in a forfeiture of all or a part of such insurance payments; (iv) to the extent such insurance policy constitutes property insurance, all losses payable thereunder in an amount in excess of $1.0 million shall be payable to the Collateral Agent, as additional insured and as loss payee, pursuant to a standard non-contributory New York mortgagee endorsement and shall be in an amount at least sufficient to prevent coinsurance liability; provided that the Collateral Agent, as loss payee pursuant to the foregoing, shall not agree to the adjustment of any claim without the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); and (v) with respect to liability insurance, the Collateral Agent shall be named as an additional insured.  Notwithstanding the inclusion in each insurance policy of the provision described in clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence, in the event any Loan Party gives the Collateral Agent written notice that it does not intend to pay any premium relating to any insurance policy when due, the Collateral Agent shall not exercise its right to pay such premium so long as such Loan Party delivers to the Collateral Agent a replacement insurance policy or insurance certificate evidencing that such replacement policy or certificate provides the same insurance coverage required under this Section 5.04 as the policy being replaced by such Loan Party with no lapse in such coverage.

SECTION 5.05.Books and Records; Visitation Rights.  Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its respective Subsidiaries to, keep books and records which accurately reflect its business affairs in all material respects and material transactions and permit the Administrative Agent or its representatives, at reasonable times and intervals and upon reasonable notice, to visit all of its offices, to discuss its financial matters with its officers and independent public accountant and, upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent or a Lender, to examine (and, at the expense of the Borrower, photocopy extracts from) any of its books or other corporate or partnership records.

SECTION 5.06.Environmental Covenant.  Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its respective Subsidiaries to:

(a)use and operate all of its facilities and properties in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws except for such noncompliance which, singly or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and handle all Hazardous Materials in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws, except for any noncompliance that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(b)promptly notify the Administrative Agent and provide copies of all written inquiries, claims, complaints or notices from any Person relating to the environmental condition of its facilities and properties or compliance with or liability under any Environmental Law which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and promptly cure and have dismissed with prejudice or contest in good faith any actions and proceedings relating thereto;

(c)in the event of the presence of any Hazardous Material on any Mortgaged Property which is in violation of any Environmental Law or which could reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liability which violation or Environmental Liability could reasonably be

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expected to have a material adverse effect on any Mortgaged Property, each applicable Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, upon discovery thereof, shall take all necessary steps to initiate and expeditiously complete all response, corrective or other action to mitigate and eliminate any such adverse effect in accordance with and to the extent required by applicable Environmental Laws, and shall keep the Administrative Agent informed of their actions;

(d)at the written request of the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders, which request shall specify in reasonable detail the basis therefor, each Loan Party will provide, at such Loan Party’s sole cost and expense, an environmental site assessment report concerning any Mortgaged Property now or hereafter owned or leased by such Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries, prepared by an environmental consulting firm reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, indicating the presence or absence of Hazardous Materials and the potential cost of any Remedial Action in connection with such Hazardous Materials on, at, under or emanating from such Mortgaged Property pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law; provided that such request may be made only if (i) there has occurred and is continuing an Event of Default or (ii) the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders reasonably believe that the Borrower or any such Mortgaged Property is not in compliance with Environmental Law and such noncompliance could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or that circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to form the basis of an Environmental Claim against such Loan Party or to result in Environmental Liability, in each case that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (in such events as are listed in this subparagraph, the environmental site assessment shall be focused upon the noncompliance or other circumstances as applicable).  If any Loan Party fails to provide the same within 90 days after such request was made and the circumstances described in clause (i) or (ii) still exist, the Administrative Agent may order the same, and such Loan Party shall grant and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders and their agents access to such Mortgaged Property and specifically grants the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders an irrevocable non-exclusive license, subject to the rights of tenants, to perform such an assessment, all at such Loan Party’s sole cost and expense; and

(e)provide such information and certifications which the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time to evidence compliance with this Section 5.06.

SECTION 5.07.Information Regarding Collateral.  (a)  Each Loan Party will furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent prompt written notice of any change (i) in such Loan Party’s corporate name or in any trade name used to identify it in the conduct of its business or in the ownership of its properties, (ii) in the location of any Loan Party’s chief executive office, its principal place of business, any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned by it or any office or facility at which Collateral owned by it is located (including the establishment of any such new office or facility), (iii) in any Loan Party’s identity or corporate structure, (iv) in any Loan Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification number or (v) in any Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization.  Each Loan Party agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless (i) it shall have given the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent thirty (30) days’ prior written notice and (ii) all filings have been made under the UCC or otherwise that are required in order for the Collateral Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral.  Each Loan Party also agrees promptly to notify the Administrative Agent if any material portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed.

(b)Each year, at the time of delivery of annual financial statements with respect to the preceding Fiscal Year pursuant to clause (b) of Section 5.01, the Borrower shall deliver to the

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Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer and the chief legal officer of the Borrower (i) setting forth the information required pursuant to Sections 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section and (ii) certifying that all UCC financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations, including all refilings, rerecordings and reregistrations, containing a description of the Collateral have been filed of record in each governmental, municipal or other appropriate office in each jurisdiction identified pursuant to clause (i) above to the extent necessary to protect and perfect the security interests under the Security Documents for a period of not less than 18 months after the date of such certificate (except as noted therein with respect to any continuation statements to be filed within such period).

SECTION 5.08.Existence; Conduct of Business.  Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its respective Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.

SECTION 5.09.Performance of Obligations.  Each Loan Party and its respective Subsidiaries will perform all of their respective obligations under the terms of each mortgage, indenture, security agreement, other debt instrument and material contract by which they are bound or to which they are a party except for such noncompliance as in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

SECTION 5.10.Casualty and Condemnation.  Each Loan Party (a) will furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any Collateral in an amount in excess of $2.5 million or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the Taking of any Collateral or any part thereof or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding and (b) will ensure that the Net Proceeds of any such event (whether in the form of insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or otherwise) are collected and applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement and the Security Documents.

SECTION 5.11.Pledge of Additional Collateral.  Within 30 days after the acquisition of assets of the type that would have on the Effective Date constituted Collateral under the Security Documents (the “Additional Collateral”), each appropriate Loan Party will, and will cause its respective Subsidiaries to, take all necessary action, including the filing of appropriate financing statements under the provisions of the UCC, applicable domestic or local laws, rules or regulations in each of the offices where such filing is necessary or appropriate, or entering into or amending the Guarantee Agreement and the Security Documents, or in the case of the Equity Interests of a “first tier” Non-U.S. Subsidiary, entering into a Non-U.S. Pledge Agreement providing for the Collateral Agent to have an enforceable and perfected security interest in 65% of the Equity Interests in such Subsidiary, to grant to each Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the respective Secured Parties perfected Liens in such Collateral pursuant to and to the full extent required by the Security Documents and this Agreement (including, without limitation, delivery of an opinion substantially in the form of Exhibit K and otherwise reasonably acceptable in form and substance to the Collateral Agent and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in subsections (v) and (w) of Section 4.01).  In the event that any Loan Party acquires or leases additional Real Property or renews any lease of Real Property (whether or not the subject of a leasehold Mortgage under the Security Documents) and (x) the fair market value of such acquired Real Property is in excess of $1.0 million as determined in good faith by the Borrower or (y) the average annual rent payments under any such lease is greater than $400,000, the Borrower or the appropriate Loan Party, as the case may be, using its commercially

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reasonable efforts in respect of any such leases, will take such actions and execute such documents as the Collateral Agent shall require to confirm the Liens of a Mortgage, if applicable, or to create a new Mortgage (including, without limitation, satisfaction of the conditions set forth in subsections (f), (v) and (w) of Section 4.01) (unless, with respect to any such Real Property, (x) such Real Property is already mortgaged to a third party to the extent permitted by Section 6.02 or (y) the Administrative Agent determines, in its reasonable discretion, that the fees and expenses of obtaining a Mortgage with respect to such Real Property and the other related deliveries required by this Section 5.11 would be disproportionate to the expected benefits to be received by the Secured Parties).  All actions taken by the parties in connection with the pledge of Additional Collateral, including, without limitation, reasonable costs of counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, shall be for the account of the Borrower, which shall pay all sums due on demand.

SECTION 5.12.Further Assurances.  The Loan Parties will, and will cause each Subsidiary of a Loan Party to, execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents and the delivery of appropriate opinions of counsel), which may be required under any applicable law, or which the Administrative Agent or the Requisite Lenders may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.  The Loan Parties also agree to provide to the Collateral Agent, from time to time upon reasonable request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

SECTION 5.13.Use of Proceeds.  The Borrower covenants and agrees that (i) the proceeds of the Term Borrowings and Revolving Credit Borrowings on the Effective Date will be used to finance the Transactions and to pay fees and expenses payable hereunder and (ii) all other Revolving Credit Borrowings after the Effective Date will be used for general corporate purposes, including Permitted Acquisitions.

SECTION 5.14.Payment of Taxes.  Each Loan Party and its respective Subsidiaries will pay and discharge all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits, or upon any Properties belonging to it, prior to the date on which material penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims which, if unpaid, might become a Lien or charge upon any Properties of such Loan Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries or cause a failure or forfeiture of title thereto; provided that neither such Loan Party nor any of its respective Subsidiaries shall be required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim that is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings diligently conducted, which proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the Property or asset that may become subject to such Lien, if it has maintained adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with and to the extent required under GAAP; provided, further, that any such contest of any tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim with respect to Collateral shall satisfy the Contested Collateral Lien Conditions.

SECTION 5.15.Equal Security for Loans and Notes.  If any Loan Party shall create or assume any Lien upon any of its Property which does not constitute Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than Permitted Liens (unless prior written consent to the creation or assumption thereof shall have been obtained from the Administrative Agent and the Requisite Lenders), it shall make or cause to be made effective provisions whereby the Obligations will be secured by such Lien equally and ratably by such Property with any and all other obligations thereby secured as long as any such obligations shall be secured; provided that this covenant shall not be construed as consent by the Administrative

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Agent and the Requisite Lenders to any violation by any Loan Party of the provisions of Section 6.02.

SECTION 5.16.Guarantees.  In the event that any Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower existing on the Effective Date has not previously executed the Guarantee Agreement or in the event that any Person becomes a Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower after the Effective Date (including as a result of the Permitted Reorganization), the Borrower will promptly notify the Administrative Agent of that fact and cause such Subsidiary to, within 30 days of becoming a Domestic Subsidiary, execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guarantee Agreement and deliver to the Collateral Agent a counterpart of the Security Agreement and the Pledge Agreement and to take all such further actions and execute all such further documents and instruments (including actions, documents and certificates comparable to those described in Sections 4.01(t) and (u)) as may be necessary or, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, desirable to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for its benefit and of the other Secured Parties, valid and perfected Liens on all of the Property of such Subsidiary described in the applicable forms of the Security Documents, subject to Liens permitted by the applicable Loan Documents.

SECTION 5.17.Subordination of Intercompany Loans.  Each Loan Party covenants and agrees that any existing and future debt obligation of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party to any Non-U.S. Subsidiary shall be subordinated to the Loans to at least the same extent as such existing obligations were subordinated to the obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement.

SECTION 5.18.Interest Rate Protection.  No later than the 30th day after the Effective Date, Borrower shall enter into (or otherwise be a party to), and for a minimum of 18 months thereafter maintain, Hedging Agreements with terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent that result in at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ Indebtedness being effectively subject to a fixed or maximum interest rate reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 5.19.Post-Closing Matters

(a)The applicable Loan Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion), within the time periods set forth below, to the extent such items have not provided as of the Closing Date, the following:

(i)within sixty (60) days after the Closing Date, Landlord Access Agreements or Bailee Letters, as applicable for the Real Properties listed on Schedule 5.19(b), each in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent; and

(ii)within ten (10) days after the Closing Date, with respect to each Mortgaged Property, title policies meeting the requirements of Section 4.01(u).

(b)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide to the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion), within seven (7) Business Days of the Closing Date, evidence of the release of the lien under the Existing Credit Agreement on the Bonlam S.A. de C.V. stock (including the notation on the stock thereof), entry into the new Mexican pledge agreement and the related Mexican legal opinion with respect to the pledge of such Bonlam S.A. de C.V. stock.

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(c)The applicable Loan Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion), within 30 days of the Closing Date, evidence of termination of lien or assignments recorded against any Loan Party in the U.S. Copyright Office.

(d)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion), within two (2) Business Days of the Closing Date, originals copies of the stock certificates issued by Fabrene, Inc. (and accompanying stock powers) pledged pursuant to the terms of the Pledge Agreement.

(e)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion) within ten(10) Business Days of the Closing Date a good standing certificate for Poly-Bond Inc. in the State of Virginia and an issuers’ acknowledgement for Chicopee Holdings B.V.

(f)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide to the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion) within 5 days of the Closing Date final updated intellectual property schedules to the Perfection Certificate.

(g)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion) within 30 days of the Closing Date insurance certificates with respect to assets located in China and Europe.

(h)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion) within 10 days of the Closing Date (i) an updated intercompany note schedule to the Pledge Agreement and Perfection Certificate and (ii) all intercompany notes (along with endorsements in blank) required to be delivered, but not previously delivered.

(i)The applicable Loan Parties shall provide the Collateral Agent (unless waived or extended by the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion) within 2 days of the Closing Date, an executed copy of the Dutch pledge Agreement relating to Chicopee Holding, B.V. and the related foreign counsel opinion.

ARTICLE VI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all Fees and other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, each of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries agree with the Lenders that:

SECTION 6.01.Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities.  (a)  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any of their Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit to exist (including by way of Guarantee) any Indebtedness, except:

(i)Indebtedness incurred and outstanding under the Loan Documents;

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(ii)Indebtedness (A) outstanding on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 6.01 and (B) any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

(iii)Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary Loan Party and of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary;

(iv)Guarantees by (x) the Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary Loan Party, (y) any Subsidiary Loan Party of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary Loan Party and (z) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party of Indebtedness of any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, in each case (x), (y) or (z), to the extent such Indebtedness was permitted to be incurred hereunder, and if such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Obligations under the Loan Documents, such Guarantee is as subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations;

(v)Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within two Business Days of its incurrence;

(vi)Guarantees by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party of trade payables of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties; provided that (a) any such Guarantee is subordinated to the Obligations under the Loan Documents and (b) the aggregate amount of trade payables guaranteed by such Guarantees shall not exceed $10.0 million at any one time outstanding;

(vii)Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof or result in an earlier maturity date or decreased Weighted Average Life to Maturity thereof; provided that (A) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (B) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (vii) shall not exceed $30.0 million at any time outstanding;

(viii)Hedging Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(ix)Indebtedness owed to (including obligations in respect of letters of credit for the benefit of) any Person providing worker’s compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance to Borrower or any Subsidiary, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person;

(x)Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds and similar obligations and trade-related letters of credit, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business, including those incurred to secure health, safety and environmental obligations in the ordinary course of business;

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(xi)Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

(xii)obligations in respect of performance and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(xiii)Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, but only if such Indebtedness was not created or incurred in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary and so long as the aggregate principal amount thereof does not exceed $5.0 million at any time outstanding; provided that (x) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred or be continuing or would result therefrom and (y) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness (and any other Indebtedness incurred since the last day of the immediately preceding Test Period) on a Pro Forma Basis as if it was incurred on the first day of the immediately preceding Test Period (but tested as if the applicable ratio were the ratio for the next succeeding Test Period), the Borrower would be in compliance with the Financial Covenants;

(xiv)other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $20.0 million at any time outstanding; and

(xv)Indebtedness of Non-U.S. Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $20.0 million at any time outstanding.

(b)The Loan Parties will not, nor will they permit any of their Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, issue any Preferred Stock or other preferred Equity Interest (“Disqualified Equity Interests”) which (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (ii) is or may become redeemable or repurchaseable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, or (iii) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the holder thereof for Indebtedness or Preferred Stock or any other preferred Equity Interest described in this paragraph, in each case, prior to six months following the Term Loan Maturity Date.

SECTION 6.02.Liens.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any of their Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any Property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by them, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except the following (herein collectively referred to as “Permitted Liens”):

(i)Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent under the Security Documents;

(ii)Liens on assets acquired after the Effective Date existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that such Liens were not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition and do not extend to any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary other than the specific assets so acquired;

(iii)Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds or performance bonds, landlords’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, suppliers’,

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materialmen’s, attorney’s or other like liens, in any case incurred in the ordinary course of business and with respect to amounts not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted; provided that (A) a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as is required by GAAP shall have been made therefor, (B) if such Lien is on Collateral, the Contested Collateral Lien Conditions shall at all times be satisfied and (C) such Liens relating to statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds or performance bonds shall only extend to or cover cash and Cash Equivalents not in the Collateral Account;

(iv)Liens existing on the Effective Date and identified on Schedule 6.02 to the extent permitted by the applicable Security Documents;

(v)Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims or other like statutory Liens, in any case incurred in the ordinary course of business, that do not secure Indebtedness for borrowed money and (A) that are not yet delinquent or (B) that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded; provided that (1) any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor and (2) if such Lien is on Collateral, the Contested Collateral Lien Conditions shall at all times be satisfied;

(vi)Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) of the type described in Section 6.01(a)(vii) covering only the assets acquired or improved with such Indebtedness;

(vii)Liens securing Indebtedness incurred to refinance Indebtedness secured by the Liens of the type described in clause (ii) of this Section 6.02; provided that any such Lien shall not extend to or cover any assets not securing the Indebtedness so refinanced;

(viii)(A) Liens in the form of zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, reservations, covenants, conditions or other restrictions on the use of real property or other minor irregularities in title (including leasehold title) that do not (1) secure Indebtedness or (2) individually or in the aggregate materially impair the value or marketability of the real property affected thereby or the occupation, use and enjoyment in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and any Subsidiary at such real property and (B) with respect to leasehold interests in real property, mortgages, obligations, liens and other encumbrances incurred, created, assumed or permitted to exist and arising by, through or under a landlord or owner of such leased property encumbering the landlord’s or owner’s interest in such leased property;

(ix)Liens in the form of pledges or deposits securing bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for borrowed money) or leases to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a party, in each case, made in the ordinary course of business for amounts (A) not yet due and payable or (B) being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted; provided that (1) a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as is required by GAAP shall have been made therefor, (2) if such Lien is on Collateral, the Contested Collateral Lien Conditions shall at all times be satisfied and (3) such Liens shall in no event encumber any Collateral other than cash and Cash Equivalents not in the Collateral Account;

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(x)             Liens resulting from operation of law with respect to any judgments, awards or orders to the extent that such judgments, awards or orders do not cause or constitute a Default under this Agreement; provided that if any such Liens are on Collateral, the Contested Collateral Lien Conditions shall at all times be satisfied;

(xi)            Liens in the form of licenses, leases or subleases granted or created by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, which licenses, leases or subleases do not interfere, individually or in the aggregate, in any material respect with the business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary or individually or in the aggregate materially impair the use (for its intended purpose) or the value of the property subject thereto, provided that (x) to the extent such licenses, leases or subleases relate to Mortgaged Property in existence as of the Effective Date, the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to as soon as practicable cause such licenses, leases or subleases to be subordinated to the Lien granted and evidenced by the Security Documents in accordance with the provisions thereof and (y) to the extent entered into after the Effective Date, such licenses, leases or subleases shall be subordinate to the Lien granted and evidenced by the Security Documents in accordance with the provisions thereof; provided, further, that any such Lien shall not extend to or cover any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is not the subject of any such license, lease or sublease;

(xii)           Liens on fixtures or personal property held by or granted to landlords pursuant to leases to the extent that such Liens are not yet due and payable; provided that (i) with respect to any such Liens on any material portion of the Collateral in existence on the Effective Date, the Borrower or any applicable Subsidiary has used its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a landlord lien waiver reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (ii) with respect to any leases entered into after the Effective Date, the Borrower or any applicable Subsidiary shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (x) enter into a lease that does not grant a Lien on fixtures or personal property in favor of the landlord thereunder or (y) obtain a landlord lien waiver reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

(xiii)          Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(a)(xiii); provided that such Liens existed prior to such Person becoming a Subsidiary, were not created in anticipation thereof and attach only to specific assets of such Person that is the subject of the Permitted Acquisition;

(xiv)          Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(a)(xiv) or 6.01(a)(xv); and

(xv)           Liens on assets of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties securing Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties;

provided, however, that no Liens shall be permitted to exist, directly or indirectly, on any Securities Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) other than Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent and Liens permitted by clauses (v) and (x).

SECTION 6.03.            Fundamental Changes; Line of Business.  (a)  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any of their Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with them, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) any Subsidiary may merge into the Borrower in a transaction

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in which the Borrower is the surviving corporation, (ii) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge with or into any Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary of the Borrower and (if any party to such merger is a Subsidiary Loan Party) is a Subsidiary Loan Party, (iii) Permitted Acquisitions as permitted by Section 6.04 (vii) of this Agreement may be consummated and (iv) the Permitted Restructuring may be consummated; provided that in connection with the foregoing, the appropriate Loan Parties shall take all actions necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to maintain the perfection of or perfect, as the case may be, protect and preserve the Liens on the Collateral granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents and otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 5.11 and 5.12, in each case, on the terms set forth therein and to the extent applicable.

(b)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any Loan Party may dispose of any or all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to any other Loan Party and (ii) any Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party may dispose of any or all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that in connection with each of the foregoing, the appropriate Loan Parties shall take all actions necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to maintain the perfection of or perfect, as the case may be, protect and preserve the Liens on the Collateral granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents and otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 5.11 and 5.12, in each case, on the terms set forth therein and to the extent applicable).

(c)           The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on the Effective Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.

SECTION 6.04.            Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests in or evidences of Indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or provide other credit support for any Person or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit (each of the foregoing, an “Investment” and collectively, “Investments”), except:

(i)              Permitted Investments;

(ii)             Investments existing on the Effective Date (or in respect of which a binding commitment to make such investment exists on the Effective Date) and set forth on Schedule 6.04;

(iii)            Investments (A) by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower in the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party (whether made prior to or after the Effective Date), (B) by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in Borrower or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary (whether made prior to or after the Effective Date) and (C) after the Effective Date by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party; provided that the aggregate amount of such Investments pursuant to this clause (C) shall not exceed $20.0 million (less the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 6.07(iv)) at any one time outstanding; and provided, further, that any such Investment held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to a Pledge Agreement or a Non-U.S. Pledge Agreement in accordance with Section 5.11;

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(iv)            Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(a)(iv) or Section 6.01(a)(vi);

(v)             Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(vi)            loans and advances to employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (including, without limitation, for travel, entertainment and relocation expenses) not to exceed $1.0 million in the aggregate at any time outstanding; provided that (x) to the extent such loans or advances are evidenced by promissory notes, such promissory notes shall be endorsed in blank and delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Pledge Agreement and (y) the Borrower shall and shall cause its Subsidiaries to take all actions and execute all documents reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to confirm the Collateral Agent’s security interest in such loans and advances and/or promissory notes pursuant to the applicable Security Documents;

(vii)           Permitted Acquisitions for aggregate Acquisition Consideration since the Effective Date not to exceed $50.0 million (of which not more than $30.0 million may be used to consummate Permitted Acquisitions by Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties);

(viii)          Investments of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party not in excess of the QRTC Amount outstanding at any time less the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made pursuant to Section 6.14(c);

(ix)            loans made by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiary Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties; provided that (a) the proceeds of such loans shall be used either to (x) fund Capital Expenditures permitted to be made pursuant to Section 6.14(a) or (y) purchase the Equity Interests in a non-wholly owned Subsidiary not owned by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (b) any such loan shall be pledged pursuant to a Pledge Agreement or a non-U.S. Pledge Agreement in accordance with Section 5.11; and

(x)             the Permitted Restructuring.

The aggregate amount of an Investment at any one time outstanding for purposes of this Section 6.04 shall be deemed to be equal to (A) the aggregate amount of cash, together with the aggregate fair market value of Property, loaned, advanced, contributed, transferred or otherwise invested that gives rise to such Investment minus (B) the aggregate amount of dividends, distributions or other payments received in cash in respect of such Investment (including by way of a sale or other disposition of such Investment).  The amount of an Investment shall not in any event be reduced by reason of any write-off of such Investment.

SECTION 6.05.            Asset Sales.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by them, nor will the Borrower permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary, except:

(i)              sales of inventory or used, surplus, obsolete, outdated, inefficient or worn out equipment and other property in the ordinary course of business;

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(ii)             sales, transfers and dispositions to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party; provided that in connection with the foregoing, the appropriate Loan Parties shall take all actions necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to maintain the perfection of or perfect, as the case may be, protect and preserve the Liens on the Collateral granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents and otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 5.11 and 5.12, in each case, on the terms set forth therein and to the extent applicable;

(iii)            sales, transfers and dispositions by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower;

(iv)            the lease or sublease of Real Property in the ordinary course of business and not constituting a sale and leaseback transaction;

(v)             sales of Permitted Investments on ordinary business terms;

(vi)            Liens permitted by Section 6.02 and Investments permitted under Section 6.04;

(vii)           the lease of certain facilities of Chicopee located in Little Rock, Arkansas;

(viii)          the Permitted Restructuring;

(ix)            sales, transfers and dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests of a Subsidiary) not otherwise permitted under this Section; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (ix) shall not exceed $35.0 million in the aggregate and the Net Proceeds thereof are applied as required by Section 2.05(c)(iii);

(x)             (A) issuances of Equity Interests by any Subsidiary of the Borrower to the Borrower or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower and (B) capital contributions by the Borrower or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower to any Subsidiary of the Borrower; and

(xi)            Permitted Factoring Transactions;

provided that all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted hereby shall be made for fair value and, in the case of sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted by clauses (i), (v), (viii) and (ix), for consideration consisting of at least 75% cash and Cash Equivalents.

SECTION 6.06.            Sale and Leaseback Transactions.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any of their Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby they shall sell or transfer any Property, real or personal, used or useful in their business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such Property or other Property that they intend to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the Property sold or transferred (a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”) unless (i) the sale of such Property is permitted by Section 6.05 and (ii) any Lien arising in connection with the use of such Property by any Loan Party or a Subsidiary is permitted by Section 6.02.

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SECTION 6.07.            Restricted Payments.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except:

(i)              Subsidiaries of the Borrower may declare and pay dividends to the Borrower, another Subsidiary or any other holder of its Equity Interests ratably with respect to their Equity Interests or additional shares of the same class of shares as the dividend being paid to the extent such payment complies with Section 6.01(b); provided that no such dividend or distribution shall be made by any such Subsidiary to any Person other than the Borrower or another Subsidiary unless ratable dividends or distributions are concurrently made to all holders of the applicable Equity Interests;

(ii)             the Borrower may pay dividends consisting solely of shares of its common stock or additional shares of the same class of shares as the dividend being paid;

(iii)            the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments not to exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate since the Effective Date;

(iv)            Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties may redeem their Equity Interests held by Persons other than the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of such redemptions since the Effective Date shall not exceed $20.0 million (less the amount of Investments outstanding under Section 6.04(iii)(C)); and

(v)             The Borrower may redeem up to $10,000,000 in the aggregate of the Borrower’s Class A, Class B, and Class C Common Stock from Persons other than the GOF Holders.

SECTION 6.08.            Transactions with Affiliates.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any of their Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of their Affiliates, unless such transactions are in the ordinary course of the Borrower’s business and are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Loan Party or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, except:

(i)              transactions between or among the Borrower and the Subsidiaries not involving any other Affiliate;

(ii)             any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.07;

(iii)            fees and compensation, benefits and incentive arrangements paid or provided to, and any indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors or employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary as determined in good faith by the board of directors of the Borrower;

(iv)            loans and advances to employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party permitted by Section 6.04(vii);

(v)             transactions for purchases of raw materials in the ordinary course of business on commercially reasonable terms and conditions from suppliers from which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has made such purchases prior to the Effective Date; and

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(vi)            the issuance or sale of any Equity Interests of the Borrower.

SECTION 6.09.            Restrictive Agreements.  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of any Loan Party to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its Property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to transfer property to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to:

(i)              conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document;

(ii)             clause (a) shall not apply to assets encumbered by Permitted Liens as long as such restriction applies only to the asset encumbered by such Permitted Lien;

(iii)            restrictions and conditions existing on the Effective Date not otherwise excepted from this Section 6.09 identified on Schedule 6.09 (but shall not apply to any amendment or modification expanding the scope of any such restriction or condition);

(iv)            in the case of clause (a) only, any agreement in effect at the time any Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided that such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary;

(v)             customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary (or the assets of a Subsidiary) pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold (or whose assets are to be sold) and such sale is permitted hereunder; and

(vi)            clause (a) shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and service contracts in the ordinary course of business between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and its customers and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

SECTION 6.10.            Amendments or Waivers of Certain Documents; Prepayments of Certain Indebtedness.  (a)  The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, amend or otherwise change (or waive) the terms of any Organic Document in a manner adverse to the Lenders.

(b)           The Loan Parties will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, make (or give any notice or offer in respect of) any voluntary or optional payment or mandatory prepayment or redemption or acquisition for value of (including, without limitation, by way of depositing with any trustee with respect thereto money or securities before such Indebtedness is due for the purpose of paying such Indebtedness when due) or exchange of principal of any Subordinated Debt, other than pursuant to any customary registered exchange offer therefor after a private placement thereof, any Permitted Refinancing or (so long as no Default then exists) any exchange of Equity Interests of the Borrower for any such Indebtedness.

SECTION 6.11.            No Other “Designated Senior Indebtedness.”  Neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall designate, or permit the designation of, any Indebtedness (other than under

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this Agreement or the other Loan Documents) as “Designated Senior Indebtedness” (or any equivalent term) under any Subordinated Debt Documents.

SECTION 6.12.            Interest Expense Coverage Ratio.  The Borrower will not permit the Interest Expense Coverage Ratio for any Test Period to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite the date set forth below which is closest to the last day of such Test Period:

Date	Ratio
December 31, 2005	2.50:1.00
March 31, 2006	2.50:1.00
June 30, 2006	2.50:1.00
September 30, 2006	2.50:1.00
December 31, 2006	2.75:1.00
March 31, 2007	2.75:1.00
June 30, 2007	2.75:1.00
September 30, 2007	2.75:1.00
December 31, 2007	3.00:1.00
March 31, 2008	3.00:1.00
June 30, 2008	3.00:1.00
September 30, 2008	3.00:1.00
December 31, 2008	3.25:1.00
March 31, 2009	3.25:1.00
June 30, 2009	3.25:1.00
September 30, 2009	3.25:1.00
December 31, 2009	3.50:1.00
March 31, 2010	3.50:1.00
June 30, 2010	3.50:1.00
September 30, 2010	3.50:1.00
December 31, 2010	3.50:1.00
March 31, 2011	3.50:1.00
June 30, 2011	3.50:1.00
September 30, 2011	3.50:1.00
December 31, 2011	3.50:1.00
March 31, 2012	3.50:1.00
June 30, 2012	3.50:1.00

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Date	Ratio
September 30, 2012	3.50:1.00

SECTION 6.13.            Total Leverage Ratio.  The Borrower will not permit the Total Leverage Ratio at the end of any Test Period to exceed the ratio set forth opposite the date set forth below which is closest to the last day of such Test Period:

Date	Ratio
December 31, 2005	4.50:1.00
March 31, 2006	4.50:1.00
June 30, 2006	4.50:1.00
September 30, 2006	4.50:1.00
December 31, 2006	4.00:1.00
March 31, 2007	4.00:1.00
June 30, 2007	4.00:1.00
September 30, 2007	4.00:1.00
December 31, 2007	3.50:1.00
March 31, 2008	3.50:1.00
June 30, 2008	3.50:1.00
September 30, 2008	3.50:1.00
December 31, 2008	3.00:1.00
March 31, 2009	3.00:1.00
June 30, 2009	3.00:1.00
September 30, 2009	3.00:1.00
December 31, 2009	3.00:1.00
March 31, 2010	3.00:1.00
June 30, 2010	3.00:1.00
September 30, 2010	3.00:1.00
December 31, 2010	3.00:1.00
March 31, 2011	3.00:1.00
June 30, 2011	3.00:1.00
September 30, 2011	3.00:1.00
December 31, 2011	3.00:1.00
March 31, 2012	3.00:1.00

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Date	Ratio
June 30, 2012	3.00:1.00
September 30, 2012	3.00:1.00

SECTION 6.14.            Capital Expenditures.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make or commit to make any Capital Expenditures, except that:

(a)           the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make or commit to make Capital Expenditures not exceeding the amount set forth below (the “Base Amount”) for each of the Fiscal Years of the Borrower set forth below:

Fiscal Year	Base Amount
2005	$	90.0 million
2006	$	65.0 million
2007	$	65.0 million
2008	$	50.0 million
2009	$	50.0 million
2010	$	50.0 million
2011	$	50.0 million
2012	$	50.0 million

provided that for any period set forth above, the Base Amount set forth above may be increased for any such period by carrying over to any such period any portion of the Base Amount (without giving effect to any increase) not spent in the immediately preceding period, and that Capital Expenditures in any period shall be deemed first made from the Base Amount applicable to such period in any given period; provided, further, that for avoidance of doubt, Capital Expenditures for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2005 shall include Capital Expenditures made or committed to be made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries prior to the Effective Date.

(b)           the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make additional Capital Expenditures (i) to the extent funded by the Net Proceeds from Equity Issuances (excluding issuances of Disqualified Equity Interests of the Borrower), subject to first complying with Section 2.05(c)(i), and (ii) at any time in an amount not to exceed the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount at such time.

(c)           the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make additional Capital Expenditures not to exceed the QRTC Amount in the aggregate; provided that the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made pursuant to this clause (c) plus the aggregate amount of Investments outstanding under Section 6.04(viii) shall not exceed the QRTC Amount at any one time.

SECTION 6.15.            Anti-Terrorism Law.  The Loan Parties shall not (i) conduct any business or engage in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Person described in Section 3.22 above, (ii) deal in, or otherwise engage in any transaction relating

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to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to the Executive Order or any other Anti-Terrorism Law, or (iii) engage in or conspire to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law (and the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Lenders any certification or other evidence requested from time to time by any Lender in its reasonable discretion, confirming the Loan Parties’ compliance with this Section 6.15).

SECTION 6.16.            Embargoed Person.  At all times throughout the term of the Loans, (a) none of the funds or assets of the Loan Parties that are used to repay the Loans shall constitute property of, or shall be beneficially owned directly or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, indirectly by, any Person subject to sanctions or trade restrictions under United States law (“Embargoed Person” or “Embargoed Persons”) that is identified on (1) the “List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” (the “SDN List”) maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), U.S. Department of the Treasury, and/or to the knowledge of any Loan Party, as of the date thereof, based upon reasonable inquiry by such Loan Party, on any other similar list (“Other List”) maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute including, but not limited to, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq., The Trading with the Enemy Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 1 et seq., and any Executive Order or regulation promulgated thereunder, with the result that the investment in the Loan Parties (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law, or the Loans made by the Lenders would be in violation of law, or (2) the Executive Order, any related enabling legislation or any other similar Executive Orders (collectively, “Executive Orders”), and (b) no Embargoed Person shall have any direct interest, and to the knowledge of any Loan Party, as of the date hereof, based upon reasonable inquiry by any Loan Party, indirect interest, of any nature whatsoever in the Loan Parties, with the result that the investment in the Loan Parties (whether directly or indirectly) is prohibited by law or the Loans are in violation of law.

SECTION 6.17.            Anti-Money Laundering.  At all times throughout the term of the Loans, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, as of the date hereof, based upon reasonable inquiry by such Loan Party, none of the funds of such Loan Party that are used to repay the Loans shall be derived from any unlawful activity with the result that the investment in the Loan Parties (whether directly or indirectly), is prohibited by law or the Loans would be in violation of law.

ARTICLE VII

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

SECTION 7.01.            Listing of Events of Default.  Each of the following events or occurrences described in this Section 7.01 shall constitute (i) an “Event of Default”, if any Loans, LC Disbursements or Letters of Credit are outstanding, and (ii) an “Event of Termination”, if no Loans, LC Disbursements or Letters of Credit are outstanding:

(a)           The Borrower shall default (i) in the payment when due of any principal of any Loan (including, without limitation, on any Installment Payment Date) or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement, (ii) in the payment when due of any interest on any Loan (and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days), or (iii) in the payment when due of any Fee described in Section 2.10 or of any other previously invoiced amount (other than an amount described in clauses (i) and (ii)) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days).

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(b)Any representation or warranty of the Borrower or any other Loan Party made or deemed to be made hereunder or in any other Loan Document or any other writing or certificate furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender for the purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or any such other Loan Document is or shall be incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made.

(c)The Borrower or any other Loan Party shall default in the due performance and observance of any of its obligations under clause (e), (f) or (j) of Section 5.01, clause (a) of Section 5.02 (with respect to the maintenance and preservation of the Borrower’s corporate existence) or Article VI.

(d)The Borrower or any other Loan Party shall default in the due performance and observance of any agreement (other than those specified in paragraphs (a) through (c) above) contained herein or in any other Loan Document, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after the date of such default.

(e)A default shall occur (i) in the payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by acceleration or otherwise, of any Material Indebtedness or (ii) in the performance or observance of any obligation or condition with respect to any Material Indebtedness if the effect of such default referred to in this clause (ii) is to accelerate the maturity of any such Material Indebtedness or enable or permit (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any such Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any such Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity.

(f)Any judgment or order (or combination of judgments and orders) for the payment of money equal to or in excess of $10.0 million individually or in the aggregate shall be rendered against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or any combination thereof) and

(i)enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order and not stayed;

(ii)such judgment has not been stayed, vacated or discharged within 60 days of entry; or

(iii)there shall be any period (after any applicable statutory grace period) of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect and such judgment is not fully insured against by a policy or policies of insurance (with reasonable or standard deductible provisions) issued by an insurer other than an Affiliate of the Borrower.

(g)Any of the following events shall occur:

(i)the taking of any specific actions by a Loan Party, any ERISA Affiliate or any other Person to terminate a Pension Plan if, as a result of such termination, a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate could reasonably expect to incur a liability or obligation to such Pension Plan which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

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(ii)an ERISA Event, or termination, withdrawal or event of noncompliance with applicable law or plan terms with respect to Foreign Plans, shall have occurred that when taken together with all other ERISA Events and terminations, withdrawals and events of noncompliance with respect to Foreign Plans that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(h)Any Change in Control shall occur.

(i)Any Loan Party shall

(i)become insolvent or generally fail to pay debts as they become due;

(ii)apply for, consent to or acquiesce in the appointment of a trustee, receiver, sequestrator or other custodian for any Loan Party or substantially all of its property, or make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

(iii)in the absence of such application, consent or acquiescence, permit or suffer to exist the appointment of a trustee, receiver, sequestrator or other custodian for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its property, and such trustee, receiver, sequestrator or other custodian shall not be discharged or stayed within 60 days, provided that each Loan Party hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to appear in any court conducting any relevant proceeding during such 60-day period to preserve, protect and defend their rights under the Loan Documents;

(iv)permit or suffer to exist the commencement of any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution, winding up or liquidation proceeding, in respect of any Loan Party and, if any such case or proceeding is not commenced by any Loan Party, such case or proceeding shall be consented to or acquiesced in by such Loan Party or shall result in the entry of an order for relief or shall remain for 60 days undismissed and unstayed; provided that each Loan Party hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to appear in any court conducting any such case or proceeding during such 60-day period to preserve, protect and defend their rights under the Loan Documents; or

(v)take any corporate or partnership action (or comparable action, in the case of any other form of legal entity) for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

(j)The obligations of any Loan Party under the Guarantee Agreement shall cease to be in full force and effect (except in accordance with its terms) or any such Loan Party shall repudiate its obligations thereunder.

(k)Any Security Document shall cease to be in full force and effect (except in accordance with its terms) or any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall fail or cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any material portion of the Collateral, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document.

SECTION 7.02.Action if Bankruptcy.  If any Event of Default described in Section 7.01(i) shall occur, the Commitments (if not theretofore terminated) shall automatically terminate and the outstanding principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all other Obligations shall automatically be

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and become immediately due and payable, without notice or demand, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

SECTION 7.03.Action if Other Event of Default.  If any Event of Default (other than any Event of Default described in Section 7.01(i)) shall occur for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, and be continuing, the Administrative Agent, upon the direction of the Requisite Lenders, shall by written notice to the Borrower and each Lender declare all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans and other Obligations to be due and payable and/or the Commitments (if not theretofore terminated) to be terminated, whereupon the full unpaid amount of such Loans and other Obligations which shall be so declared due and payable shall be and become immediately due and payable, without further notice, demand or presentment and/or, as the case may be, the Commitments shall terminate.

SECTION 7.04.Action if Event of Termination.  Upon the occurrence and continuation of any Event of Termination, the Requisite Lenders may, by notice from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and the Lenders (except if an Event of Termination described in Section 7.01(i) shall have occurred, in which case the Commitments (if not theretofore terminated) shall, without notice of any kind, automatically terminate) declare their Commitments terminated, and upon such declaration the Lenders shall have no further obligation to make any Loans hereunder.  Upon such termination of the Commitments, all accrued fees and expenses shall be immediately due and payable.

ARTICLE VIII

THE AGENTS

SECTION 8.01.The Agents.  Citicorp North America, Inc. is hereby appointed to act as Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders.  Each Lender that holds Loans or has Commitments and each holder of any Related Hedging Obligations and each person holding Overdraft Obligations (in each case, in its capacity as such) hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Collateral Agent as an agent of such person under this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Collateral Agent is a party.   Each of the Lenders and each assignee of any such Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes each of the Agents to take such actions on behalf of such Lender or assignee and to exercise such powers as are specifically delegated to such Agent by the terms and provisions hereof and of the other Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Each Agent is hereby expressly authorized by the Lenders, without hereby limiting any implied authority, (a) to receive on behalf of the Lenders all payments of principal of and interest on the Loans, all payments and all other amounts due to the Lenders hereunder, and promptly to distribute to each Lender its proper share of each payment so received; (b) to give notice on behalf of each of the Lenders to any of the Loan Parties of any Default specified in this Agreement of which such Agent has actual knowledge acquired in connection with its agency hereunder; and (c) to distribute to each Lender copies of all notices, financial statements and other materials delivered by any of the Loan Parties pursuant to this Agreement as received by such Agent.

None of the Agents nor any of their Related Parties shall be liable to the Lenders as such for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them except to the extent finally judicially determined to have resulted from its or his or her own gross negligence or willful misconduct, or be responsible for any statement, warranty or representation herein or the contents of any document delivered in connection herewith, or be required to ascertain or to make any inquiry concerning the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any of the terms, conditions, covenants or agreements contained in any Loan Document.  The Agents shall not be responsible to the Lenders for the due execution, genuineness, validity, enforceability or effectiveness of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents or other instruments or agreements.  Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or refraining from acting, in

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accordance with written instructions signed by the Requisite Lenders (or, when expressly required hereby, all the Lenders) and, except as otherwise specifically provided herein, such instructions and any action or inaction pursuant thereto shall be binding on all the Lenders.  Each Agent shall, in the absence of actual knowledge to the contrary, be entitled to rely on any instrument or document believed by it in good faith to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper person or persons.  None of the Agents nor any of their Related Parties shall have any responsibility to the Loan Parties on account of the failure of or delay in performance or breach by any Lender of any of its obligations hereunder or to any Lender on account of the failure of or delay in performance or breach by any other Lender or the Loan Parties of any of their respective obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document or in connection herewith or therewith.  Each Agent may execute any and all duties hereunder by or through any of its Related Parties or any sub-agent appointed by it and shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of legal counsel selected by it with respect to all matters arising hereunder and shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel.

The Lenders hereby acknowledge that no Agent shall be under any duty to take any discretionary action permitted to be taken by it pursuant to the provisions of any Loan Document unless it shall be requested in writing to do so by the Requisite Lenders.

Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Agent as provided below, any Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrower.  Upon any such resignation, the Requisite Lenders (with the consent of the Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld) shall have the right to appoint a successor.  If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Requisite Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Agent may (with the consent of the Borrower, not to be unreasonably withheld), on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, appoint a successor Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $500.0 million or an Affiliate of any such bank.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as an Agent hereunder by such a successor bank, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.  After an Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as an Agent.

With respect to any Loans made by it hereunder, each Agent in its individual capacity and not as an Agent shall have the same rights and powers as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent.  In addition, Agents and their Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if any were not Agents.

Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, neither CGMI, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, nor Citicorp North America, Inc., as Syndication Agent, nor Citicorp

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North America, Inc., as Documentation Agent, in such respective capacities, shall have any obligations, duties or responsibilities, or shall incur any liabilities, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01.Notices.  (a)  Except as set forth in Section 9.17, notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail, sent by telecopy or electronic mail, as follows:

(i)if to the Borrower, to it at  Polymer Group, Inc., 4055 Faber Place, Suite 201, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405, attention:  Willis C. Moore III (telecopy:  843-329-0415) (e-mail:  mooreb@pginw.com), with a copy to Kirkland & Ellis LLP, 200 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, attention:  H. Kurt von Moltke, P.C. (telecopy:  (312) 861-2200) (e-mail:  kvonmoltke@kirkland.com);

(ii)if to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, to it at Citicorp North America, Inc., 390 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013, attention:  Christina Quezon (telecopy:  (212) 994-0961) (e-mail:  christina.m.quezon@citigroup.com), with a copy to Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005, attention:  Michael E. Michetti, Esq. (telecopy:  (212) 269-5420) (e-mail:  mmichetti@cahill.com);

(iii)if to the Lead Arranger, to it at Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 390 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013, attention: Christina Quezon (telecopy:  (212) 994-0961) (e-mail:  christina.m.quezon@citigroup.com), with a copy to Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005, attention:  Michael E. Michetti, Esq. (telecopy:  (212) 269-5420) (e-mail:  mmichetti@cahill.com);

(iv)if to the Issuing Bank, to it at Citibank, N.A., 390 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10013, attention: Suzanne Crymes (telecopy:  (646) 291-1621) (e-mail:  suzanne.crymes@citigroup.com), with a copy to Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005, attention:  Michael E. Michetti, Esq. (telecopy:  (212) 269-5420) (e-mail:  mmichetti@cahill.com); and

(v)if to a Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in Schedule 2.01 or its Administrative Questionnaire or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender shall have become a party hereto.

All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by telecopy or electronic mail or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 9.01 or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section 9.01.  Each Loan Party and Lender hereunder agrees to notify the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent in writing promptly of any change to the notice information provided above or in Schedule 2.01.

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(b)The Borrower shall forthwith on demand indemnify each Lender against any loss or liability which that Lender or Agent incurs (and that Lender shall not be liable to the Borrower in any respect) as a consequence of:

(i)any Person to whom any notice or communication under or in connection with this Agreement is sent by the Borrower by telecopy failing to receive that notice or communication (unless directly caused by that Person’s gross negligence or willful default); or

(ii)any telecopy communication which reasonably appears to that Lender or Agent to have been sent by the Borrower having in fact been sent by a Person other than the Borrower.

SECTION 9.02.Survival of Agreement.  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties herein and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by Lenders hereto and shall survive the making by the Lenders of the Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any Fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not been terminated.  The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 9.05 and 9.16 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

SECTION 9.03.Binding Effect.  Subject to Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns.

SECTION 9.04.Successors and Assigns.  (a)  Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit).  All covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of the Borrower, the Agents or the Lenders that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in clause (f) below and, solely to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Agents, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b)Each Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided, however, that (i) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or a Lender Affiliate or in connection with the initial syndication of the Commitments and Loans, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of any assignment of a Revolving Credit Commitment

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or any Lender’s obligations in respect of its LC Exposure or Swingline Exposure, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender) must give their prior written consent to such assignment (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (ii) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, a Lender Affiliate or a Federal Reserve Bank or in connection with the initial syndication of the Commitments and Loans, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than, in the case of the Term Loans, $1.0 million and increments of $1.0 million in excess thereof and, in the case of the Revolving Loans, $5.0 million and increments of $1.0 million in excess thereof (or (A) if the aggregate amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender is a lesser amount, the entire amount of such Commitment or Loans, or (B) in any other case, such lesser amount as the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise agree), (iii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, except that this clause (iii) shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments and Loans, (iv) except in the case of the assignment to an Affiliate of such Lender or an assignment required to be made pursuant to Section 2.20, the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (provided that only one such fee shall be payable in the event of contemporaneous assignments to two or more Lender Affiliates by a Lender or by two or more Lender Affiliates to a Lender) , and (v) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire; provided, further, that any consent of the Borrower otherwise required under this paragraph shall not be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  Subject to acceptance and recording pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 9.04, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, which effective date shall be at least five Business Days after the execution thereof (unless otherwise determined by the Administrative Agent), (A) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and (B) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.05 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment, as well as to any Fees accrued for its account and not yet paid).  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this paragraph shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (f) of this Section.

(c)By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows:  (i) such assigning Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim and that its Commitment, and the outstanding balances of its Loans and participations in Swingline Loans, in each case without giving effect to assignments thereof which have not become effective, are as set forth in such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) except as set forth in (i) above, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement, or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto, or the financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the performance or observance by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any of its obligations under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such

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assignee represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements, if any, delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (v) such assignee will independently and without reliance upon either Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes each Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to such Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; and (viii) Schedule 2.01 shall be deemed to be amended to reflect the assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder after giving effect thereto.

(d)The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in The City of New York a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements, and participations in Swingline Loans, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  Except to the extent inconsistent with Section 2.07(d), the entries in the Register shall be conclusive and the Borrower, the Agents, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(e)Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, an Administrative Questionnaire completed in respect of the assignee (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) above and, if required, the written consent of the Borrower, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent to such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.  No assignment shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (e).

(f)Each Lender may without the consent of the Borrower, the Swingline Lender, the Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided, however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) each Participant shall be entitled to the benefit of the cost protection provisions contained in Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 and the provisions of Section 5.01 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04 (provided that no participant shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to such Sections than the Lender would have been entitled to receive in respect of the interest transferred unless either (x) such transfer to such Participant is made with the Borrower’s prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) or (y) a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such participation), and (iv) the Borrower, the Agents, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under

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this Agreement, and such Lender shall retain the sole right (which each Lender agrees will not be limited by the terms of any participation agreement or other agreement with a participant) to enforce the Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Documents (other than, without the consent of the Participant, amendments, modifications or waivers described in clauses (i), (iv) and (v) of Section 9.08(c) that affect such Participant).  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.06 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.20 as though it were a Lender.

(g)Any Lender or participant may, in connection with any assignment, pledge or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 9.04, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant any information relating to Borrower and its Subsidiaries furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of any of the Loan Parties; provided that, prior to any such disclosure of information designated by the Borrower as confidential, each such assignee, pledgee or participant or proposed assignee, pledgee or participant shall execute a confidentiality agreement in form and substance consistent with provisions of Section 9.16.

(h)Any Lender, without the consent of or notice to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank and this Section 9.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that (x) no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto and (y) any foreclosure or similar action shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 9.04(b) concerning assignments and shall not be effective to transfer any rights under this Agreement or in any Loan, Note or other instrument evidencing the rights of a Lender under this Agreement until the requirements of Section 9.04(b) concerning assignments are fully satisfied.  In order to facilitate such a pledge or assignment, the Borrower shall, at the request of the assigning Lender, duly execute and deliver to the assigning Lender a promissory note or notes evidencing the Loans made to the Borrower by the assigning Lender hereunder.

(i)The Borrower shall not assign or delegate any of its rights or duties hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be null and void.

SECTION 9.05.Expenses; Indemnity.  (a)  The Borrower agrees to pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, CGMI and their Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or in connection with any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions hereby contemplated shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lead Arranger, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement (including its rights under this Section), the other Loan Documents or the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit, and, in connection with any such enforcement or protection, the fees, charges and disbursements of any other counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lead Arranger, the Issuing Bank or any Lender; provided, however, that the

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Borrower shall not be obligated to pay for expenses incurred by a Lender in connection with the assignment of Loans to an assignee Lender (except pursuant to Section 2.20) or the sale of Loans to a participant pursuant to Section 9.04.

(b)The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent, the Lead Arranger, the Issuing Bank, each Lender, each Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons and each of their respective Related Parties (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and to hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related reasonable expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, charges and disbursements, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in any way connected with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto or thereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) the use of the proceeds of the Loans or Letters of Credit (including any refusal by the Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not any Indemnitee is a party thereto, or (iv) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials at, on, under or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability or Environmental Claim related in any way to the Borrower or the Subsidiaries; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related reasonable expenses are finally judicially determined to have arisen by reason of the Indemnitee’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

(c)To the extent that the Borrower fails to promptly pay any amount to be paid by it to any Agent, the Lead Arranger, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to such Agent, the Lead Arranger, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (other than syndication expenses); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the applicable Agent, the Lead Arranger, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such; provided further, however, that to the extent any Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender is entitled to indemnification under this Section 9.05, to the extent such indemnification relates solely to such Issuing Bank’s or such Swingline Lender’s acting in such capacity the indemnification provided for in this Section 9.05 will be the obligation solely of the Revolving Lenders.  For purposes hereof, a Lender’s “pro rata share” shall be determined based upon its share of the sum of the total Revolving Credit Exposures, outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments at the time.

(d)To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(e)The provisions of this Section 9.05 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of the expiration of the term of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of any of the Loans, the expiration of the Commitments, the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any

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investigation made by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.  All amounts due under this Section 9.05 shall be payable on written demand therefor.

SECTION 9.06.Right of Setoff.  If an Event of Default or Event of Termination shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any of and all the obligations of such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and other Loan Documents held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such other Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured.  In connection with exercising its rights pursuant to the previous sentence, a Lender may at any time use any Loan Party’s credit balances with the Lender to purchase at the Lender’s applicable spot rate of exchange any other currency or currencies which the Lender considers necessary to reduce or discharge any amount due by such Loan Party to the Lender, and may apply that currency or those currencies in or towards payment of those amounts.  The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.  Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after making any such setoff.

SECTION 9.07.Applicable Law.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS) SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

SECTION 9.08.Waivers; Amendment.  (a)  No failure or delay of any Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any power or right hereunder or under any Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of the Agents, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) below, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default or Event of Default regardless of whether an Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default or Event of Default at the time.  No notice or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

(b)Subject to Sections 9.08(c) and 9.08(d) no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the written concurrence of the Requisite Lenders.

(c)Without the written consent of each Lender that would be directly adversely affected thereby (whose consent shall be sufficient therefor without the consent of the Requisite Lenders), no amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent shall be effective if the effect thereof would:

(i)extend the scheduled final maturity of any Loan or Note;

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(ii)             extend the stated expiration date of any Letter of Credit beyond the Revolving Credit Maturity Date;

(iii)            reduce or forgive the rate of interest on any Loan (other than any waiver of any increase in the interest rate applicable to any Loan pursuant to Section 2.08) or any fee payable hereunder, it being understood that any amendment or modification to the financial definitions in this Agreement shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest for purposes of this clause (iii);

(iv)            extend the time for payment of any such interest or fees;

(v)             reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of Credit or waive, reduce or postpone any scheduled repayment pursuant to Section 2.05(d);

(vi)            amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of Section 9.08 (except for technical amendments with respect to additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement consented to by the Requisite Lenders which afford the protections to such additional extensions of credit of the type provided to the Revolving Credit Commitments and/or the relevant Class of Term Loans on the Effective Date);

(vii)           amend the definition of “Requisite Lenders” or “Pro Rata Percentage”; provided, with the consent of the Requisite Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant hereto may be included in the determination of “Requisite Lenders” or “Pro Rata Percentage” on substantially the same basis as the Revolving Credit Commitments, Revolving Loans, Term Commitments and/or Term Loans are included on the Effective Date;

(viii)          except as expressly provided in the Loan Documents, release all or substantially all of the Collateral or all or substantially all of the Subsidiary Loan Parties from the Guarantee or subordinate the Liens under any Security Document;

(ix)            consent to the assignment or transfer by any Loan Party of any of its rights and obligations under any Loan Document;

(x)             waive, amend or modify the provisions of Section 9.08(g); or

(xi)            amend the indemnification obligations of the Lenders set forth in Section 9.05(c) or amend Sections 2.02(c), 2.02(d), 2.13(a) or 2.19 (only to the extent relating to pro rata treatment of Lenders).

(d)           Subject to Section 9.08(e), no amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent with respect to any provision of the Loan Documents, or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall:

(i)      increase any Commitment of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect without the consent of such Lender; provided no amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent with respect to any condition precedent, covenant, Default or Event of Default shall constitute an increase in any Commitment of any Lender;

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(ii)             amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision hereof relating to the Swingline Sublimit or the Swingline Loans without the consent of Swingline Lender;

(iii)            amend the definition of “Requisite Class Lenders” without the consent of Requisite Class Lenders of each Class; provided, with the consent of the Requisite Lenders, additional extensions of credit pursuant hereto may be included in the determination of such “Requisite Class Lenders” on substantially the same basis as the Revolving Credit Commitments, Revolving Loans, Term Commitments and/or Term Loans are included on the Effective Date;

(iv)            alter the required application of any repayments or prepayments as between Classes pursuant to Section 2.05 or Section 2.11 without the consent of Requisite Class Lenders of each Class, in any case which is being allocated a different repayment or prepayment as a result thereof; provided the Requisite Lenders may waive, in whole or in part, any prepayment so long as the application, as between Classes, of any portion of such prepayment is still required to be made is not altered and, if additional extensions of term credit under this Agreement consented to by the Requisite Lenders are made, such new term loans may be included on a pro rata basis in the various prepayments required pursuant to Section 2.05 subject to the ordering of prepayments set forth in 2.05(e);

(v)             amend, modify, terminate or waive any obligation of the Revolving Lenders relating to the issuance of or purchase of participations in Letters of Credit without the written consent of Administrative Agent and of Issuing Bank;

(vi)            amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of Section 8 as the same applies to any Agent, or any other provision hereof as the same applies to the rights or obligations of any Agent, in each case without the consent of such Agent;

(vii)           amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination to grant any consent thereunder without the written consent of each Lender (or each Lender of such Class, as the case may be);

(viii)          expressly amend, modify, supplement or waive any condition precedent in Section 4.02 to any Revolving Credit Borrowing without the written consent of the Requisite Revolving Lenders; or

(ix)            increase the maximum duration of Interest Periods hereunder without the consent of all Lenders.

(e)           If, in connection with any proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination of or to any of the provisions of this Agreement (other than as contemplated by Section 9.08(c)(i), (iv) and (v) above), the consent of the Requisite Lenders is obtained but the consent of one or more of such other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained, then the Borrower shall have the right, so long as all Non-Consenting Lenders whose individual consent is required are treated as described in either clause (i) or (ii) below, to either (i) replace each such Non-Consenting Lender or Lenders (or, at the option of the Borrower if the respective Lender’s consent is required with respect to less than all Classes of Loans (or related Commitments), to replace only the Commitments and/or Loans of the respective Non-Consenting Lender that gave rise to the need to obtain such Lender’s individual consent) with one or more assignees

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pursuant to, and with the effect of an assignment under, Section 2.20 so long as at the time of such replacement, each such assignee consents to the proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination or (ii) terminate such Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitment (if such Lender’s consent is required as a result of its Commitment) and/or repay each Class of outstanding Loans of such Lender that gave rise to the need to obtain such Lender’s consent and/or cash collateralize its LC Exposure in accordance with this Agreement; provided that, unless the Commitments that are terminated and Loans that are repaid pursuant to the preceding clause (ii) are immediately replaced in full at such time through the addition of new Lenders or the increase of the Commitments and/or outstanding Loans of existing Lenders (who in each case must specifically consent thereto), then in the case of any action pursuant to the preceding clause (ii), the Requisite Lenders (determined after giving effect to the proposed action) shall specifically consent thereto.  In addition, any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of any Class of Lenders (but not any other Class of Lenders) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section 9.08 if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time.

(f)            Without the consent of any other Person, the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent and/or Collateral Agent may (in their respective sole discretion, or shall, to the extent required by any Loan Document) enter into any amendment, modification or waiver of any Loan Document, or enter into any new agreement or instrument, to effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Collateral or additional property to become Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties, or as required by local law to give effect to, or protect any security interest for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in any property or so that the security interests therein comply with applicable law.

(g)           Notwithstanding anything in Section 9.08 to the contrary, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended at any time, and from time to time, after the Closing Date to increase the aggregate Revolving Credit  Commitments and/or to establish additional Term Loans under this Agreement, at the discretion of the Borrower and the Lead Arranger (the “Greenshoe Option”), by an agreement in writing entered into by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lead Arranger and each Person (including any Lender) that shall agree to provide such Commitment and/or make a Term Loan (and each such Person that shall not already be a Lender shall, at the time such agreement becomes effective, become a Lender with the same effect as if it had originally been a Lender under this Agreement with the Commitment and/or Term Loans set forth in such agreement); provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount of the additional Term Loans and the new Revolving Credit Commitments established pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed $100,000,000 in the aggregate or a lesser amount in integral multiples of $10.0 million, (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such increase, (iii) after giving effect to such increase, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the Financial Covenants, (iv) no Commitment of any Lender shall be increased without the consent of such Lender and (v) if the Term Loans are increased pursuant to the Greenshoe Option, the remaining scheduled payments set forth in Section 2.05(d) shall be increased pro rata and the maturity of such additional Term Loans shall not be any earlier than the then existing Term Loans and (vi) any such additional Term Loans shall be entitled to share in any mandatory or optional prepayments ratably (and not more than ratably) with then existing Term Loans (although any additional Term Loans may be created as a separate tranche).  The Loans and Commitments established pursuant to this paragraph shall constitute Loans and Commitments under, and shall be entitled to all the benefits afforded by, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall, without limiting the foregoing, benefit equally and ratably from the Guarantees and security interests created by the Security Documents.

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SECTION 9.09.            Interest Rate Limitation.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively, the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan or participation in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan or participation hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan or participation but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or participations or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

SECTION 9.10.            Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract between the parties relative to the subject matter hereof.  Any previous agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that any letter agreement relating to the subject matter hereof between the Borrower and a Lender shall remain effective in accordance with its terms.  Nothing in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto and thereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

SECTION 9.11.            WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.11.

SECTION 9.12.            Severability.  In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.  The parties shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 9.13.            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract, and shall become effective as provided in Section 9.03. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.

SECTION 9.14.            Headings.  Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

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SECTION 9.15.            Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.  (a)  The Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court or Federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York City, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents against the Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(b)           The Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in any New York State or Federal court referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(c)           Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

SECTION 9.16.            Confidentiality.  No Agent or any Lender may disclose to any Person any confidential, proprietary or non-public information of the Loan Parties furnished to the Agents or the Lenders by the Loan Parties (such information being referred to collectively herein as the “Loan Party Information”), except that each of the Agents and the Lenders may disclose Loan Party Information (i) to its and its Affiliates’ employees, officers, directors, agents, accountants, attorneys, trustees and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Loan Party Information and instructed to keep such Loan Party Information confidential on substantially the same terms as provided herein), (ii) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (iii) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (iv) to any other party to this Agreement, (v) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (vi) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 9.16, to any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (vii) to the extent such Loan Party Information (A) is or becomes generally available to the public on a nonconfidential basis other than as a result of a breach of this Section 9.16 by such Agent or such Lender, or (B) is or becomes available to such Agent or such Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Loan Parties and (viii) with the consent of the Loan Parties.  Nothing in this provision shall imply that any party has waived any privilege it may have with respect to advice it has received.

SECTION 9.17.            Citigroup Direct Website Communications.

(a)           Delivery.  (i)  Each Loan Party hereby agrees that it will provide to the Administrative Agent all information, documents and other materials that it is obligated to furnish to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement and any other Loan Document, including, without limitation, all

98

notices, requests, financial statements, financial and other reports, certificates and other information materials, but excluding any such communication that (A) relates to a request for a new, or a conversion of an existing, Borrowing or other extension of credit (including any election of an interest rate or interest period relating thereto), (B) relates to the payment of any principal or other amount due under this Agreement prior to the scheduled date therefor, (C) provides notice of any Default or Event of Default under this Agreement or (D) is required to be delivered to satisfy any condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement and/or any borrowing or other extension of credit hereunder (all such non-excluded communications collectively, the “Communications”), by transmitting the Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent to oploanswebadmin@citigroup.com.  In addition, each Loan Party agrees to continue to provide the Communications to the Administrative Agent in the manner specified in this Agreement or any other Loan Document but only to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.  Nothing in this Section 9.17 shall prejudice the right of the Agents, Syndication Agent, the Documentation Agent, the Lead Arranger or any Lender or any Loan Party to give any notice or other communication pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any other manner specified in this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(ii)           The Administrative Agent agrees that receipt of the Communications by the Administrative Agent at its e-mail address set forth above shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to the Administrative Agent for purposes of the Loan Documents.  Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that the Communications have been posted to the Platform (as defined below) shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents.  Each Lender agrees (A) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (including by electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s e-mail address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (B) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such e-mail address.

(b)           Posting.  Each Loan Party further agrees that the Administrative Agent may make the Communications available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on Intralinks or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”).

(c)           The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”  The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the Communications, or the adequacy of the Platform and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the communications.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party (as defined below) in connection with the Communications or the Platform.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its affiliates or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents advisors or representatives (collectively, “Agent Parties”) have any liability to the Loan Parties, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including, without limitation, direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the internet, except to the extent the liability of any Agent Party is found in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Agent Party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

[Signature Pages Follow]

99

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

POLYMER GROUP, INC.,
as Borrower
By:
	Name:
	Title:

S-1

CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC.,
as Administrative Agent, Documentation Agent,
Collateral Agent and Syndication Agent
By:
	Name:
	Title:

S-2

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.,
as Lead Arranger
By:
	Name:
	Title

S-3

[LENDER], as Lender
By:
	Name:
	Title:

S-4

EX-21

Exhibit 21

POLYMER GROUP, INC.

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY

The following comprises a list of the subsidiaries of the Company as of January 3, 2009:

Albuma S.A.S.

Bonlam Holdings B.V.

Bonlam S.A. de C.V.

Chicopee Asia, Limited

Chicopee Holdings B.V.

Chicopee Holdings C.V.

Chicopee, Inc.

DIFCO Performance Fabrics Inc.

Dominion Nonwovens Sudamerica, S.A.

Dominion Textile (USA), L.L.C.

Dominion Textile Mauritius Inc.

Dominion Textile Inc.

DT Acquisition Inc.

Fabpro Oriented Polymers, L.L.C.

Fabrene, L.L.C.

Fabrene, Inc.

Geca-Tapes B.V.

Geca-Tapes (s) Pte. Ltd.

Nanhai Nanxin Non-Woven Co., Ltd.

Nordlys S.A.S.

PGI Columbia Ltda.

PGI Europe, Inc.

PGI Holdings BV

PGI Neunkirchen GmbH

PGI Non-woven (Foshan) Co., Ltd.

PGI Nonwovens Limited

PGI Nonwovens (China) Co., Ltd.

PGI Nonwovens A.B.

PGI Nonwovens B.V.

PGI Nonwovens (Mauritius)

PGI Nonwovens Switzerland Sarl

PGI Polymer, Inc.

Pristine Brands Corporation

EX-23.1

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Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM

        We have issued our reports dated March 18, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule (which report expressed an unqualified opinion and contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109," FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" and FASB Statement No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans") and internal control over financial reporting included in the Annual Report of Polymer Group, Inc. on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of Polymer Group, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-151171, effective May 23, 2008), Form S-3/A, Amendment No. 2 (File No. 333-145138, effective November 2, 2007), Form S-8 (File No. 333-131156, effective January 20, 2006), Form S-8 (File No. 333-121254, effective December 14, 2004), and Form S-8 (File No. 333-121252, effective December 14, 2004).

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Charlotte, North Carolina
March 18, 2009

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Exhibit 23.1

EX-31.1

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Veronica M. Hagen, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Polymer Group, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 18, 2009 /s/ VERONICA M. HAGEN 
Veronica M. Hagen
Chief Executive Officer

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Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

EX-31.2

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Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Robert J. Kocourek, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Polymer Group, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 18, 2009 /s/ ROBERT J. KOCOUREK 
Robert J. Kocourek
Chief Financial Officer

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Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

EX-32.1

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Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

        In connection with the Annual Report of Polymer Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Veronica M. Hagen, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 .S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and



(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 18, 2009 /s/ VERONICA M. HAGEN
Veronica M. Hagen
Chief Executive Officer

        A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

EX-32.2

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Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

        In connection with the Annual Report of Polymer Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Robert J. Kocourek, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and



(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 18, 2009 /s/ ROBERT J. KOCOUREK
Robert J. Kocourek
Chief Financial Officer

        A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350