424B3 1 d225423d424b3.htm 424B3 PROSPECTUS 424B3 Prospectus
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-177022

PROSPECTUS

$325,000,000

LOGO

RadioShack Corporation

 

 

Offer to Exchange all outstanding $325,000,000 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 (the “outstanding notes”) for an equal amount of 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “exchange notes”).

The Exchange Offer

 

   

We will exchange all outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for $325,000,000 principal amount of exchange notes that are freely tradable.

 

   

You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.

 

   

The exchange offer expires at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 8, 2011, unless extended. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date.

 

   

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

   

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

The Exchange Notes

 

   

The exchange notes are being offered in order to satisfy certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the placement of the outstanding notes.

 

   

The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offer are substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will be freely tradable.

 

   

All of our existing domestic subsidiaries, other than Tandy Life Insurance Company, have guaranteed the outstanding notes and such subsidiaries will guarantee the exchange notes.

Resales of Exchange Notes

 

   

The exchange notes may be sold in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions or through a combination of such methods. We do not plan to list the exchange notes on a national market.

All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the outstanding notes and in the indenture. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

You should consider carefully the Risk Factors beginning on page 16 of this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the exchange notes to be distributed in the exchange offer or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is October 12, 2011.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Industry and Market Data

     ii   

Summary

     1   

Risk Factors

     16   

Forward-Looking Statements

     31   

Use of Proceeds

     32   

Description of Other Indebtedness

     33   

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     35   

The Exchange Offer

     36   

Description of the Exchange Notes

     46   

Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer

     104   

Certain ERISA Considerations

     105   

Plan of Distribution

     106   

Legal Matters

     107   

Experts

     107   

Information Incorporated by Reference

     107   

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the exchange notes (as defined below) offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.

 

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires (including when describing the exchange notes offered hereby) or as otherwise indicated, “company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “RadioShack” refer to RadioShack Corporation, a company incorporated in Delaware, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Certain of the titles and logos of our products referenced in this prospectus are our intellectual property. Each trade name, trademark or servicemark of any other company appearing in this prospectus is the property of its holder.

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

We obtained the industry and market data used throughout this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus from our own research, surveys or studies conducted by third parties and industry or general publications. Industry publications and surveys generally state that they have obtained information from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. While we believe that each of these studies and publications is reliable, we have not independently verified such data and we do not make any representation as to the accuracy of such information. Similarly, we believe our internal research is reliable, but it has not been verified by any independent sources.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary contains a general overview of the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you, and it is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and historical consolidated financial statements, including the notes to those financial statements, that are part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (our “2010 10-K”), as revised by our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 27, 2011 (our “September 2011 8-K”), our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (our “March 2011 10-Q”) and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (our “June 2011 10-Q”), which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should carefully consider the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the information set forth under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2010 10-K and in our March 2011 10-Q.

Our Company

We are a leading national consumer electronics goods and services retailer. We offer a broad selection of mobile technology products and services, as well as products related to personal and home technology and power supply needs. As of June 30, 2011, we operated 4,463 U.S. company-operated stores, 1,481 kiosks, 211 company-operated stores in Mexico and approximately 1,142 dealer and other outlets. We seek to differentiate ourselves from our various competitors by providing:

 

   

Innovative mobile technology products and services, as well as products related to personal and home technology and power supply needs at competitive prices;

 

   

Convenient neighborhood locations;

 

   

Knowledgeable, objective and friendly service; and

 

   

Unique private brand offers and exclusive branded promotions.

Our day-to-day focus is concentrated on:

 

   

Providing our customers a positive in-store experience;

 

   

Growing gross profit dollars; and

 

   

Controlling costs continuously throughout the organization.

At June 30, 2011, we operated 4,463 U.S. company-operated stores under the RadioShack brand located throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our stores are located in strip centers and major shopping malls, as well as individual storefronts. Each of our convenient locations carry a broad assortment of both name brand and private label consumer electronics products at competitive prices. We consistently strive to improve our merchandising strategy through ongoing reallocation of space and product offerings in our stores toward popular and growing segments, particularly mobility products and some of our signature categories, such as accessories, power, service and technical. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, sales from our U.S. company-operated stores were $3,808.2 million, which represented 89.3% of total company sales and a 4.3% increase from the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, sales from our U.S. company-operated stores were $1,693.0 million, which represented 86.4% of total company sales.

Our other operations include business activities that are not separately reportable, which include our kiosks operations, sales to our independent dealers, sales to other third parties through our service centers, sales generated by our www.radioshack.com website and our Mexican subsidiary, sales to commercial customers, and

 


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sales to other third parties through our global sourcing and manufacturing operations. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, sales from our other operations were $457.6 million, which represented 10.7% of total company sales and a 8.3% increase from fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, sales from our other operations were $266.3 million, which represented 13.6% of total company sales.

Our more than 7,200 locations in the U.S. and internationally give us a competitive advantage in scale, reach and convenience. We feature a lineup of leading national brands and wireless carriers, as well as exclusive private brands.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we generated net sales and operating revenues of $4,265.8 million, net income of $206.1 million and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $433.6 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we generated net sales and operating revenues of $1,959.3 million, net income of $60.0 million and adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $154.2 million. See “—Summary Financial and Other Data” for a discussion of adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and a reconciliation of the differences between adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations and the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income.

Product Platform Consolidation: To reflect more closely how we manage our merchandise and product assortment, we have consolidated our product platform reporting structure into three platforms: mobility, signature and consumer electronics.

These platforms include the following product categories and reflect distinctive merchandising strategies:

 

   

Mobility: The mobility platform consists of many products and services that were formerly in our wireless platform. The mobility platform includes postpaid and prepaid wireless handsets, commissions, residual income, prepaid wireless airtime, e-readers and tablet computers. Our GPS and scanners categories, which were previously included in our wireless platform, are now included in our consumer electronics platform.

 

   

Signature: The signature platform consists of many products and services that were previously in our accessory, power, service and technical platforms. The signature platform includes wireless accessories, music accessories, computer and video game accessories, home entertainment accessories (including digital television converter boxes), general purpose and special purpose power products, technical products and services. Our prepaid wireless airtime category, which was previously included in our service platform, is now included in our mobility platform.

 

   

Consumer Electronics: The consumer electronics platform consists of many products and services that were formerly in our personal electronics and modern home platforms. The consumer electronics platform includes digital music players, personal computing products, laptop computers, cameras, residential telephones, home audio, digital televisions and other consumer electronics products. Our e-readers category, which was previously included in our personal electronics platform, is now included in our mobility platform. Our tablet computers category and our netbooks with embedded network capability category, which were previously included in our modern home platform, are now included in our mobility platform.

 

 

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The following table provides a summary of our net sales and operating revenues by new platform and as a percent of net sales and operating revenues in 2010, 2009 and 2008.

 

     Consolidated Net Sales and Operating Revenues
Year Ended December 31,
 

(In millions)

   2010     2009     2008  

Mobility (1)

   $ 1,884.8         44.2   $ 1,375.0         33.8   $ 1,056.4         26.2

Signature (2)

     1,307.4         30.6        1,486.7         36.5        1,610.3         39.9   

Consumer electronics

     1,040.8         24.4        1,170.8         28.7        1,315.9         32.6   

Other sales (3)

     32.8         0.8        41.1         1.0        52.2         1.3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated net sales and operating revenues

   $ 4,265.8         100.0   $ 4,073.6         100.0   $ 4,034.8         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

The aggregate amount of upfront commission revenue and residual income received from wireless service providers and recorded in this platform was $1,270.5 million, $926.5 million and $723.2 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

(2) 

The sales decrease from 2009 to 2010 in the signature platform includes a decrease in sales of digital converter boxes. Consolidated sales of converter boxes were $33.7 million and $170.1 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

(3) 

Other sales include outside sales from repair services and outside sales of our global sourcing operations and domestic and overseas manufacturing facilities.

RadioShack Corporation is a publicly traded company, and its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RSH.” As of September 13, 2011, our market capitalization was approximately $1.2 billion.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that the following key competitive strengths differentiate our business:

Vast store network with wide-ranging consumer reach. We have a significant presence in the United States with 4,463 company operated stores, 1,481 kiosks and 1,142 dealer outlets, as of June 30, 2011. Our network of convenient neighborhood locations, combined with our small store format and knowledgeable, highly trained sales staff provides a convenient shopping experience for consumers and contributes to our strong brand awareness. We also have access to our customers through our www.radioshack.com website.

Well-positioned to gain share in growing mobility segment. We believe that mobility and wireless products serve as our main growth driver. We have relationships with all major national wireless carriers and each U.S. RadioShack company-operated store and wireless kiosk is able to offer services from at least three major national carriers. On September 15, 2011 we began offering Verizon Wireless postpaid and prepaid wireless products and services in more than 4,400 RadioShack U.S. company-operated stores. In addition, we ceased offering T-Mobile wireless products and services in our U.S. company-operated stores on September 14, 2011. We expect to continue to grow our mobility business by taking advantage of our multiple wireless carrier retail position, the strong product growth cycle, the growth in smartphone penetration and the introduction of new mobility products such as e-readers and tablet computers. We carry in-demand mobile devices, including the HTC EVO, Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S, Motorola Atrix and the Apple iPad 2 tablet, at competitive prices. We complement our mobility devices by carrying a compelling accessory assortment and offering enhanced in-store merchandising and sales support. Our mobility platform sales increased 36.9% from 2009 to 2010. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, mobility sales represented 44.1% of our total sales. Our mobility platform sales increased 1.7% in the first six months of 2011 compared to the first six months of 2010.

 

 

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Strong historical cash flow generation. Over the last three years, we have consistently generated strong cash flows, despite global economic headwinds. During the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, we generated, on average each year, cash provided by operating activities of approximately $225 million and our average annual capital expenditures were approximately $82 million. This resulted in average cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures of approximately $143 million per year. In the year ended December 31, 2010, our cash provided by operating activities was $155.0 million and our capital expenditures were $80.1 million over the same period. The base level of annual capital expenditures required to support our operations ranges from $40 million to $60 million. We anticipate that our capital expenditure requirements for 2011 will range from $100 million to $125 million.

Experienced management team. We have a strong, dedicated and proven management team with substantial experience in the consumer electronics and retail industries. Under the leadership of our current management, we have substantially strengthened our balance sheet and positioned the Company for profitable growth moving forward.

Our Business Strategy and Performance

Our business strategy focuses on three specific goals:

 

   

Strengthen our financial position and flexibility;

 

   

Improve the quality of our operations, especially customer service; and

 

   

Strengthen our product offerings and revitalize and contemporize our brand.

By taking a disciplined approach to cost control and focusing on profitable sales and the strength of our balance sheet, we have been able to make substantial progress toward all three goals.

Over the past four years we have focused on strengthening our financial profile through cost reductions, financial controls and operating rigor. At the same time, we continued to make operational improvements that reinforced our strategic themes of mobility, innovation and service. In the third quarter of 2009, we added T-Mobile as a third national wireless carrier to our RadioShack-branded stores, positioning us to meet our customers’ desire for multi-carrier options and to develop more aggressively our position in the mobility market. In addition, we launched our new brand platform—The Shack—that began to capture the attention of consumers and the marketplace. On September 15, 2011 we began offering Verizon Wireless postpaid and prepaid wireless products and services in more than 4,400 RadioShack U.S. company-operated stores. In addition, we ceased offering T-Mobile wireless products and services in our U.S. company-operated stores on September 14, 2011.

We have continued to invest in strategic initiatives to drive our long-term success, including:

 

   

Growing our mobility business by taking advantage of our multiple wireless carrier retail position, the strong product growth cycle, the growth in penetration of smartphones and the introduction of new mobility products such as e-readers and tablet computers;

 

   

Strengthening the offering in our non-wireless product platforms by improving our merchandising talent, transitioning to a more productive product assortment, adding more national brands and increasing exposure of these categories in targeted advertising and marketing;

 

   

Increasing our dealer and franchise operations by increasing our wireless offerings through these channels and developing a consistent brand experience;

 

   

Partnering with other retailers—such as Target stores—to provide wireless service offerings in their stores;

 

 

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Improving our use of real estate and taking advantage of the current commercial real estate market by reevaluating our leases for improved terms or reduced costs; and

 

   

Developing our international growth opportunities through our company-owned stores in Mexico.

Competitive Landscape

Due to consumer demand for wireless products and services, as well as rapid consumer acceptance of new digital technology products, the consumer electronics retail business continues to be highly competitive, driven primarily by technology and product cycles.

In the consumer electronics retailing business, competitive factors include price, quality, features, product availability, consumer services, manufacturing and distribution capability, brand reputation and the number of competitors. We compete in the sale of our products and services with several retail formats, including national, regional and independent consumer electronics retailers. We compete with department and specialty retail stores in more select product categories. We compete with wireless providers in the wireless handset category through their own retail and online presence. We compete with mass merchandisers and other alternative channels of distribution, such as mail order and e-commerce retailers, on a more widespread basis. Numerous domestic and foreign companies also manufacture products similar to ours for other retailers, which are sold under nationally-recognized brand names or private brands.

We believe two primary factors differentiate us from our competition. First, we have an extensive physical retail presence with convenient locations throughout the United States. Second, our specially trained sales staff is capable of providing cost-effective solutions for our customers, assisting with the selection of appropriate products and accessories and, when applicable, assisting customers with service activation.

We cannot assure you that we will compete successfully in the future, given the highly competitive nature of the consumer electronics retail business. Also, in light of the ever-changing nature of the consumer electronics retail industry, we would be materially adversely affected if our competitors were able to offer their products at significantly lower prices. Additionally, we would be materially adversely affected if our competitors were able to introduce innovative or technologically superior products not yet available to us, or if we were unable to obtain certain products in a timely manner in adequate quantities, or for an extended period of time. Furthermore, our business would be materially adversely affected if we failed to offer value-added solutions or if our competitors were to enhance their ability to provide these value-added solutions.

Corporate Information

RadioShack is a Delaware corporation. Our executive office is located at 300 RadioShack Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76102, and our telephone number at that location is (817) 415-3011. Our website address is www.radioshackcorporation.com. Our website is not part of this prospectus.

 

 

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The Exchange Offer

On May 3, 2011, we completed the private offering of $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019, which we refer to in this prospectus as the “outstanding notes.” The term “exchange notes” refers to the 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 as registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). References to the “notes” in this prospectus are references to both the outstanding notes and the exchange notes. This prospectus is part of a registration statement covering the exchange of the outstanding notes for the exchange notes.

We and the guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers in the private offering of outstanding notes in which we and the guarantors agreed to deliver this prospectus to you as part of the exchange offer and agreed to use all commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement covering the exchange to be declared effective on or prior to the date 220 days after the closing of such private offering (or if such 220th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day). You are entitled to exchange in the exchange offer your outstanding notes for exchange notes, which are identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes except:

 

   

the exchange notes have been registered under the Securities Act;

 

   

the exchange notes are not entitled to certain registration rights which are applicable to the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement; and

 

   

certain special interest rate provisions are not applicable.

 

The Exchange Offer

We are offering to exchange up to $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for up to $325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our existing 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019. Outstanding notes may be exchanged only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

Resale

Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for the outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act of RadioShack or any guarantor) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business; and

 

   

you have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

 

  If you are a broker-dealer and receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you must acknowledge that you will deliver this prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

 

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  Any holder of outstanding notes who:

 

   

is an affiliate of RadioShack or any guarantor;

 

   

does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business; or

 

   

tenders its outstanding notes in the exchange offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a distribution of exchange notes;

 

  cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated in Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in Shearman & Sterling (available July 2, 1993), or similar no-action letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

 

Expiration Date; Withdrawal of Tender

The exchange offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 8, 2011, unless extended by us. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date. You may withdraw the tender of your outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. We will return to you any of your outstanding notes that are not accepted for any reason for exchange, without expense to you, promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

 

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may waive. See “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” of this prospectus for more information.

 

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

If you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of such letter of transmittal, according to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. You must then mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of such letter of transmittal, together with your outstanding notes and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal.

 

  If you hold outstanding notes through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC by which you will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. By signing, or agreeing to be bound by, the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

   

you are not an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act of RadioShack or any guarantor;

 

 

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you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

   

if you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities, you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.

 

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

If you are a beneficial owner of outstanding notes which are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender such outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date.

 

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes and your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents, or you cannot comply with the procedures under DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program for transfer of book-entry interests prior to the expiration date, you must tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in this prospectus under “The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.”

 

Effect on Holders of Outstanding Notes

As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly tendered outstanding notes pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, we and the guarantors will have fulfilled our covenant contained in the registration rights agreement and, accordingly, there will be no increase in the interest rate on the outstanding notes under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreement. If you are a holder of outstanding notes and you do not tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to hold such outstanding notes and you will be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the outstanding notes as set forth in the indenture, except we and the guarantors will not have any further obligations to you to provide for the exchange and registration of untendered outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement. To the extent that outstanding notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for outstanding notes that are not so tendered and accepted could be adversely affected.

 

 

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Consequences of Failure to Exchange

All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer provided for in the outstanding notes and in the indenture. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we and the guarantors do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

 

United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event for United States federal income tax purposes. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Exchange Offer.”

 

Accounting Treatment

We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the aggregate principal amount as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offer. We will record the expenses of the exchange offer as incurred.

 

Regulatory Approvals

Other than compliance with the Securities Act and qualification of the indenture governing the notes under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), there are no federal or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with or approvals that must be obtained in connection with the exchange offer.

 

Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Exchange Agent

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is the exchange agent for the exchange offer. The address and telephone number of the exchange agent are set forth in the section captioned “The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent” of this prospectus.

 

 

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The Exchange Notes

The following summary contains basic information about the exchange notes and is not intended to be complete. For a more complete understanding of the outstanding notes and the exchange notes, please refer to the section entitled “Description of the Exchange Notes” in this prospectus.

 

Issuer

RadioShack Corporation.

 

Securities

$325,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.750% Senior Notes due 2019.

 

Maturity

May 15, 2019.

 

Interest

6.750% per year. Interest will accrue from May 3, 2011.

 

Interest Payment Dates

Each May 15 and November 15, commencing November 15, 2011.

 

Optional Redemption

At any time prior to May 15, 2014, we may redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.750% of the principal amount of the notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

 

  We may also redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a make-whole premium.

 

Mandatory Offers to Purchase

The occurrence of a change of control will require us to offer to purchase from you all or a portion of your notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

 

  Certain asset dispositions will also require us to use the proceeds from those asset dispositions to make an offer to purchase the notes at 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if such proceeds are not otherwise used within a specified period to repay indebtedness or to invest in assets related to our business or capital stock of a restricted subsidiary (as defined under the heading “Description of the Exchange Notes”).

 

Guarantees

The notes are and will be required to be guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by all of our existing and future direct and indirect subsidiaries that borrow under or guarantee any obligation under the asset-based revolving credit facility or that guarantee our indebtedness or indebtedness of another guarantor. On the date of the exchange offer, the notes will be guaranteed by all of our existing domestic subsidiaries, other than Tandy Life Insurance Company. Under certain circumstances, subsidiary guarantors may be released from their guarantees without the consent of the holders of notes. See “Description of the Exchange Notes—Guarantees.”

 

 

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  For the year ended December 31, 2010 and six months ended June 30, 2011, our non-guarantor subsidiaries together represented less than 5% of our net sales and operating revenue and less than 5% of our operating income.

 

  As of both December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011, our non-guarantor subsidiaries together represented less than 10% of our total assets. As of December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011, our non-guarantor subsidiaries together had total liabilities, including debt and trade payables but excluding intercompany liabilities, of approximately $47 million and $26 million, respectively.

 

Ranking

The notes and the subsidiary guarantees are our and the guarantors’ senior unsecured obligations and:

 

   

rank equally in right of payment with all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness;

 

   

rank senior in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors’ existing and future subordinated indebtedness;

 

   

are effectively subordinated to any of our and the guarantors’ existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, including borrowings and our obligation to reimburse letters of credit under our asset-based revolving credit facility, which are secured by substantially all of our inventory, accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents; and

 

   

are structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of each of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.

 

  As of June 30, 2011:

 

   

we had $31.3 million of letters of credit outstanding and an additional $418.7 million of borrowing capacity under our asset-based revolving credit facility;

 

   

we had the option to increase the asset-based revolving credit facility commitments up to an additional $200.0 million, under certain circumstances, to which the notes would be effectively subordinated if borrowed; and

 

   

our non-guarantor subsidiaries together had approximately $26 million of total liabilities (including trade payables but excluding intercompany liabilities), all of which would have been structurally senior to the notes.

 

Covenants

The notes are and will be governed by an indenture with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.

 

 

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  The indenture, among other things, limits our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness, and issue preferred stock;

 

   

pay dividends or make other distributions in respect of, or repurchase or redeem, capital stock;

 

   

prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;

 

   

make loans and investments;

 

   

sell or otherwise dispose of assets;

 

   

incur liens;

 

   

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

   

enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and

 

   

consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

 

  These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. For more details, see “Description of the Exchange Notes.”

 

  Certain of these covenants cease to apply to the notes at all times when the notes have investment grade ratings from both Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s. For more details, see “Description of the Exchange Notes—Certain Covenants—Effectiveness of Covenants.”

 

Use of Proceeds

There will be no cash proceeds to us from the exchange offer.

 

Risk Factors

In evaluating an investment in the exchange notes, prospective investors should carefully consider, along with the other information in this prospectus, the specific factors set forth under “Risk Factors” for risks involved with an investment in the exchange notes.

 

 

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Summary Financial and Other Data

The following tables set forth summary consolidated financial information and other data for RadioShack Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations for RadioShack Corporation as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and the consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations for RadioShack Corporation as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were derived from our unaudited financial statements.

Historical results are not indicative of future performance. The following summary historical consolidated financial information and other data of RadioShack Corporation should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the historical financial statements and the notes to those statements included in our 2010 10-K and our June 2011 10-Q, each as revised by our September 2011 8-K and incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

(Dollars in millions, except ratios, locations, square

footage and percentages)

   For the Years Ended
December 31,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2010     2009     2008     2011     2010  

Income Statement Data:

          

Net sales and operating revenues

   $ 4,265.8      $ 4,073.6      $ 4,034.8      $ 1,959.3      $ 1,954.0   

Cost of products sold

     2,352.1        2,200.5        2,202.8        1,072.8        1,030.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     1,913.7        1,873.1        1,832.0        886.5        923.7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

     1,483.8        1,435.0        1,435.1        734.9        710.4   

Depreciation and amortization

     75.7        81.1        83.0        36.6        39.1   

Impairment of long-lived assets

     4.0        1.5        2.8        1.0        0.7   

Operating income

     350.2        355.5        311.1        114.0        173.5   

Interest income

     2.6        4.8        14.6        0.8        1.3   

Interest expense

     (41.9     (44.1     (34.9     (20.6     (20.6

Other loss

     —          (1.6     (2.4     (4.1     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     310.9        314.6        288.4        90.1        154.2   

Income tax expense

     120.2        118.1        105.2        35.2        59.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     190.7        196.5        183.2        54.9        94.8   

Discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     15.4        8.5        6.2        5.1        8.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 206.1      $ 205.0      $ 189.4      $ 60.0      $ 103.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flow Data:

          

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 155.0      $ 245.8      $ 274.6      $ 101.5      $ 42.0   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (80.0     (80.8     (124.3     (41.5     (25.6

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (413.8     (71.6     154.8        (77.2     6.5   

Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 569.4      $ 908.2      $ 814.8      $ 552.2      $ 931.1   

Total assets

     2,175.4        2,429.3        2,254.0        2,064.3        2,395.7   

Total debt

     639.8        627.8        659.5        662.2        633.6   

Total stockholders’ equity

     842.5        1,048.3        860.8        808.0        1,159.5   

Store Data (at period end):

          

Number of retail locations at period end:

          

U.S. RadioShack company-operated stores

     4,486        4,476        4,453        4,463        4,469   

Kiosks

     1,267        562        688        1,481        533   

Mexico RadioShack company-operated stores

     211        204        200        211        203   

Dealer and other outlets

     1,219        1,321        1,411        1,142        1,267   

Total number of retail locations

     7,183        6,563        6,752        7,297        6,472   

Average square footage per U.S. RadioShack
company-operated store

     2,482        2,504        2,505        n/a        n/a   

Comparable stores sales increase (decrease) (1)

     4.1     0.8     (0.9 %)      (4.1 %)      4.9

 

 

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(1) 

Comparable store sales include the sales of U.S. and Mexico RadioShack company-operated stores and kiosks with more than 12 full months of recorded sales. Following their closure as Sprint-branded kiosks in August 2009, certain former Sprint-branded kiosk locations became multiple wireless carrier RadioShack-branded locations. At December 31, 2009, we managed and reported 111 of these locations as extensions of existing RadioShack company-operated stores located in the same shopping malls. For purposes of calculating our comparable store sales, we include sales from these locations for periods after they became extensions of existing RadioShack company-operated stores, but we do not include sales from these locations for periods while they were operated as Sprint-branded kiosks.

 

(Dollars in millions, except ratios)    For the Years Ended December 31,     For the Twelve  Months
Ended June 30,
 
         2010             2009             2008             2011             2010      

Other Financial Data:

          

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (a)

   $ 433.6      $ 445.8      $ 405.3      $ 371.3      $ 452.9   

Capital expenditures

   $ 80.1      $ 81.0      $ 85.6      $ 95.9      $ 62.8   

Cash interest (b)

   $ (26.7   $ (30.4   $ (29.9   $ (25.3   $ (27.9

Total debt to adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

     1.5x        1.4x        1.6x        1.8x        1.4x   

 

(a) Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (“Adjusted EBITDA”), a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is also adjusted for other income or loss. The comparable financial measure to Adjusted EBITDA under GAAP is income from continuing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to evaluate the operating performance of our business for comparable periods. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used by investors or others as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions, as it excludes a number of important items. We compensate for this limitation by using GAAP financial measures as well in managing our business. In the view of management, Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of operating performance because Adjusted EBITDA excludes the effects of financing and investing activities by eliminating the effects of interest, and depreciation costs.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to income from continuing operations:

 

Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA
from continuing operations to
income from continuing operations:

(in millions)

   For the Years  Ended
December 31,
    For the
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
    For the Twelve  Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2010     2009     2008     2011         2011             2010      

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

   $ 433.6      $ 445.8      $ 405.3      $ 154.2      $ 371.3      $ 452.9   

Interest expense, net of interest income

     (39.3     (39.3     (20.3     (19.8     (39.8     (39.0

Income tax expense

     (120.2     (118.1     (105.2     (35.2     (96.0     (122.8

Depreciation and amortization

     (83.4     (90.3     (94.2     (40.2     (80.6     (87.6

Other income (loss)

     —          (1.6     (2.4     (4.1     (4.1     (1.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

   $ 190.7      $ 196.5      $ 183.2      $ 54.9      $ 150.8      $ 201.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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(b) Cash interest is total interest expense less non-cash interest expense. Non-cash interest expense primarily includes amounts recognized for the amortization of the discount on the $375 million principal amount of convertible senior notes due August 1, 2013 (the “2013 Convertible Notes”), which we issued in August 2008 in a private offering.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of cash interest to total interest expense:

 

Reconciliation of cash interest to total interest
expense:

(in millions)

   For the Years Ended December 31,     For the Twelve Months
Ended June 30,
 
         2010             2009             2008             2011             2010      

Cash interest

   $ (26.7   $ (30.4   $ (29.9   $ (25.3   $ (27.9

Non-cash interest expense

     (15.2     (13.7     (5.0     (16.6     (14.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   $ (41.9   $ (44.1   $ (34.9   $ (41.9   $ (42.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in the notes involves substantial risks. You should carefully consider the following factors in addition to the other information set forth in this prospectus before you decide to tender outstanding notes in the exchange offer. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know about or that we currently believe are immaterial may also adversely impact our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to make payments on the notes would likely suffer.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offer

If you choose not to exchange your outstanding notes, the present transfer restrictions will remain in force and the market price of your outstanding notes could decline.

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, then you will continue to be subject to the transfer restrictions on the outstanding notes as set forth in the offering circular distributed in connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless they are registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. You should refer to “Summary—The Exchange Offer” and “The Exchange Offer” for information about how to tender your outstanding notes.

The tender of outstanding notes under the exchange offer will reduce the principal amount of the outstanding notes outstanding, which may have an adverse effect upon, and increase the volatility of, the market price of the outstanding notes due to a reduction in liquidity.

Certain persons who participate in the exchange offer must deliver a prospectus in connection with resales of the exchange notes.

Based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC contained in Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SEC no-action letter (April 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., SEC no-action letter (June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SEC no-action letter (July 2, 1983), we believe that you may offer for resale, resell or otherwise transfer the exchange notes without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. However, in some instances described in this prospectus under “Plan of Distribution,” certain holders of exchange notes will remain obligated to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to transfer the exchange notes. If such a holder transfers any exchange notes without delivering a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or without an applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such a holder may incur liability under the Securities Act. We do not and will not assume, or indemnify such a holder against, this liability.

Risks Relating to the Notes

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the notes.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of June 30, 2011, our total debt was approximately $662.2 million, and we would have had unused commitments of $418.7 million under our asset-based revolving credit facility (after giving effect to $31.3 million of outstanding letters of credit). In addition, we may, subject to certain conditions, increase the lender commitments under the asset-based revolving credit facility from $450.0 million to $650.0 million.

 

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Subject to the limits contained in the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility, the indenture governing the notes and our other debt instruments, we may be able to incur substantial additional debt from time to time to finance working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions, or for other purposes. If we do so, the risks related to our high level of debt could intensify. Specifically, our significant amount of indebtedness could have important consequences to the holders of the notes, including:

 

   

making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the notes and our other debt;

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of our cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under the asset-based revolving credit facility, are at variable rates of interest;

 

   

limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which we compete;

 

   

placing us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors; and

 

   

increasing our cost of borrowing.

In addition, the indenture governing the notes and the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interest. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all our debt.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the notes, and meet our other cash needs, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our debt obligations, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures, dividends and other cash needs depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our dividends and other liquidity needs.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the notes. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. The credit agreement governing the asset-based revolving credit facility and the indenture governing the notes restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from those dispositions and may also restrict our ability to raise debt or equity capital to be used to repay other indebtedness when it becomes due. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due.

In addition, we conduct a substantial portion of our operations through our subsidiaries, certain of which are and will not be guarantors of the notes or our other indebtedness. Accordingly, repayment of our indebtedness, including the notes, is dependent on the generation of cash flow by our subsidiaries and their ability to make such

 

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cash available to us, by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Unless they are guarantors of the notes or our other indebtedness, our subsidiaries do not have any obligation to pay amounts due on the notes or our other indebtedness or to make funds available for that purpose. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness, including the notes. Each subsidiary is a distinct legal entity, and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. While the indenture governing the notes and the credit agreement governing the asset-based revolving credit facility limit the ability of our subsidiaries to incur consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make other intercompany payments to us, these limitations are subject to qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we do not receive distributions from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, including the notes.

Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations and our ability to satisfy our obligations under the notes.

If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and holders of the notes could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under the asset-based revolving credit facility could terminate their commitments to loan money, the lenders could foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. All of these events could result in your losing your investment in the notes.

Despite our current level of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. Although the indenture governing the notes and the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the notes, subject to collateral arrangements, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with you in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of our company. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. These restrictions also will not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. In addition, as of June 30, 2011, we had unused commitments of $418.7 million under our asset-based revolving credit facility (after giving effect to $31.3 million of outstanding letters of credit), which could increase by $200.0 million subject to certain conditions. All of those borrowings would be secured indebtedness. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we and the guarantors now face could intensify. See “Description of Other Indebtedness” and “Description of the Exchange Notes.”

The terms of the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility and the indenture governing the notes restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or to take certain actions.

The indenture governing the notes and the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and may limit our ability to engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interest, including restrictions on our ability to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem capital stock;

 

   

prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;

 

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make loans and investments;

 

   

sell assets;

 

   

incur liens;

 

   

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

   

enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and

 

   

consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.

In addition, the restrictive covenants in the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility will require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events beyond our control.

A breach of the covenants under the indenture governing the notes or under the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness. Such a default may allow the creditors to accelerate the related debt and may result in the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In addition, an event of default under the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility would permit the lenders under our asset-based revolving credit facility to terminate all commitments to extend further credit under that facility. Furthermore, if we were unable to repay the amounts due and payable under our asset-based revolving credit facility, those lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. In the event our lenders or noteholders accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness. As a result of these restrictions, we may be:

 

   

unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or

 

   

unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.

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

Borrowings under our asset-based revolving credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. Assuming all revolving loans are fully drawn, each quarter point change in interest rates would result in a $1.125 million change in annual interest expense on our indebtedness under our asset-based revolving credit facility. In the future, we may enter into interest rate swaps that involve the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments in order to reduce interest rate volatility. However, we may not maintain interest rate swaps with respect to all of our variable rate indebtedness, and any swaps we enter into may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk.

The notes are and will be effectively subordinated to our and our subsidiary guarantors’ indebtedness, under the asset-based revolving credit facility and any other secured indebtedness of our company to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness.

The notes will not be secured by any of our or our subsidiary guarantors’ assets. As a result, the notes and the guarantees will be effectively subordinated to our and our subsidiary guarantors’ indebtedness under the asset-based revolving credit facility with respect to the assets that secure that indebtedness. As of June 30, 2011, we had $31.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under our asset-based revolving credit facility, resulting in total unused availability of approximately $418.7 million. In addition, we may incur additional secured debt in the future subject to the limits in the indenture. The effect of this subordination is that upon a default in payment on, or the acceleration of, any of our secured indebtedness, or in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation,

 

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dissolution or reorganization of our company or the subsidiary guarantors, the proceeds from the sale of assets securing our secured indebtedness will be available to pay obligations on the notes only after all indebtedness under the asset-based revolving credit facility and that other secured debt has been paid in full. As a result, the holders of the notes will likely receive less, ratably, than the holders of secured debt in the event of our or our subsidiary guarantors’ bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution or reorganization.

The notes are and will be structurally subordinated to all obligations of our existing and future subsidiaries that are not and do not become guarantors of the notes.

The notes are and will be guaranteed by each of our existing and subsequently acquired or organized subsidiaries that guarantee the asset-based senior credit facility or that, in the future, guarantee our other indebtedness or indebtedness of another guarantor. Our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes, including all of our non-domestic subsidiaries, will have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due under the notes or to make any funds available to pay those amounts, whether by dividend, distribution, loan or other payment. The notes are and will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other obligations of any non-guarantor subsidiary such that in the event of insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of any subsidiary that is not a guarantor, all of that subsidiary’s creditors (including trade creditors) would be entitled to payment in full out of that subsidiary’s assets before we would be entitled to any payment.

In addition, the indenture governing the notes does, subject to some limitations, permit these subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and will not contain any limitation on the amount of other liabilities, such as trade payables, that may be incurred by these subsidiaries.

For the year ended December 31, 2010 and six months ended June 30, 2011, our non-guarantor subsidiaries together represented less than 5% of our net sales and operating revenue and less than 5% of our operating income. As of both December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011, our non-guarantor subsidiaries together represented less than 10% of our total assets. As of December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011, our non-guarantor subsidiaries together had total liabilities, including debt and trade payables but excluding intercompany liabilities of approximately $47 million and $26 million, respectively.

In addition, our subsidiaries that provide, or will provide, guarantees of the notes will be automatically released from those guarantees upon the occurrence of certain events, including the following:

 

   

the designation of that subsidiary guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary;

 

   

the release or discharge of any guarantee or indebtedness that resulted in the creation of the guarantee of the notes by such subsidiary guarantor; or

 

   

the sale or other disposition, including the sale of substantially all the assets, of that subsidiary guarantor.

If any subsidiary guarantee is released, no holder of the notes will have a claim as a creditor against that subsidiary, and the indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables and preferred stock, if any, whether secured or unsecured, of that subsidiary will be effectively senior to the claim of any holders of the notes. See “Description of the Exchange Notes—Guarantees.”

We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.

Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date. Additionally, under the credit agreement governing the asset-based revolving credit facility, a change of control (as defined therein) constitutes an event of default that permits the lenders to accelerate the maturity of borrowings under the credit agreement and terminate their commitments to lend. The source of funds for any purchase of the notes and repayment of borrowings under our asset-based revolving credit facility would be our

 

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available cash or cash generated from our and our subsidiaries’ operations or other sources, including borrowings, sales of assets or sales of equity. We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control because we may not have sufficient financial resources to purchase all of the debt securities that are tendered upon a change of control and repay our other indebtedness that will become due. We may require additional financing from third parties to fund any such purchases, and we may be unable to obtain financing on satisfactory terms or at all. Further, our ability to repurchase the notes may be limited by law. In order to avoid the obligations to repurchase the notes and events of default and potential breaches of the credit agreement governing our asset-based revolving credit facility, we may have to avoid certain change of control transactions that would otherwise be beneficial to us.

In addition, some important corporate events, such as leveraged recapitalizations, may not, under the indenture governing the notes, constitute a “change of control” that would require us to repurchase the notes, even though those corporate events could increase the level of our indebtedness or otherwise adversely affect our capital structure, credit ratings or the value of the notes. See “Description of the Exchange Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control.”

Holders of the notes may not be able to determine when a change of control giving rise to their right to have the notes repurchased has occurred following a sale of “substantially all” of our assets.

The definition of change of control in the indenture governing the notes includes a phrase relating to the sale of “all or substantially all” of our assets. There is no precise established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require us to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale of less than all our assets to another person may be uncertain.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the notes and/or the guarantees, and if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes may apply to the issuance of the notes and the incurrence of the guarantees of the notes. Under federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, which may vary from state to state, the notes or the guarantees thereof could be voided as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if we or any of the guarantors, as applicable, (a) issued the notes or incurred the guarantees with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors or (b) received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return for either issuing the notes or incurring the guarantees and, in the case of (b) only, one of the following is also true at the time thereof:

 

   

we or any of the guarantors, as applicable, were insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the notes or the incurrence of the guarantees;

 

   

the issuance of the notes or the incurrence of the guarantees left us or any of the guarantors, as applicable, with an unreasonably small amount of capital or assets to carry on the business;

 

   

we or any of the guarantors intended to, or believed that we or such guarantor would, incur debts beyond our or the guarantor’s ability to pay such debts as they mature; or

 

   

we or any of the guarantors were a defendant in an action for money damages, or had a judgment for money damages docketed against us or the guarantor if, in either case, the judgment is unsatisfied after final judgment.

As a general matter, value is given for a transfer or an obligation if, in exchange for the transfer or obligation, property is transferred or a valid antecedent debt is secured or satisfied. Because a portion of the proceeds from the offering of outstanding notes was used to fund the repurchase of common stock from our shareholders, a court could conclude that the notes were issued for less than reasonably equivalent value. A court would likely find that a subsidiary guarantor did not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for its guarantee to the extent the guarantor did not obtain a reasonably equivalent benefit directly or indirectly from the issuance of the notes.

 

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We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not we or the guarantors were insolvent at the relevant time or, regardless of the standard that a court uses, whether the notes or the guarantees would be subordinated to our or any of our guarantors’ other debt. In general, however, a court would deem an entity insolvent if:

 

   

the sum of its debts, including contingent and unliquidated liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets;

 

   

the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or

 

   

it could not pay its debts as they became due.

If a court were to find that the issuance of the notes or the incurrence of a guarantee was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could void the payment obligations under the notes or that guarantee, could subordinate the notes or that guarantee to presently existing and future indebtedness of ours or of the related guarantor or could require the holders of the notes to repay any amounts received with respect to that guarantee. In the event of a finding that a fraudulent transfer or conveyance occurred, you may not receive any repayment on the notes. Further, the avoidance of the notes could result in an event of default with respect to our and our subsidiaries’ other debt that could result in acceleration of that debt.

Finally, as a court of equity, the bankruptcy court may subordinate the claims in respect of the notes to other claims against us under the principle of equitable subordination if the court determines that (1) the holder of notes engaged in some type of inequitable conduct, (2) the inequitable conduct resulted in injury to our other creditors or conferred an unfair advantage upon the holders of notes and (3) equitable subordination is not inconsistent with the provisions of the bankruptcy code. Additionally, the guarantees by our subsidiaries will contain a provision intended to limit each subsidiary guarantor’s liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing its guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer. However, this provision may automatically reduce one or more of a subsidiary guarantor’s obligations to an amount that effectively makes the guarantee worthless and, in any case, this provision may not be effective to protect a guarantee from being avoided under fraudulent transfer laws. For example, in a recent Florida bankruptcy case, a similar provision was found to be ineffective to protect similar guarantees.

There are significant restrictions on your ability to transfer or resell the notes.

The outstanding notes were offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Therefore, you may transfer or resell the outstanding notes in the United States only in a transaction registered under or exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, and you may be required to bear the risk of your investment for an indefinite period of time.

Under the registration rights agreement, we have agreed to file with the SEC an exchange offer registration statement or, under some circumstances, a shelf registration statement with respect to the outstanding notes and to use our best efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective. The SEC, however, has broad discretion to declare any registration statement effective and may delay, defer or suspend the effectiveness of any registration statement for a variety of reasons. If issued under an effective registration statement, the exchange notes generally may be resold or otherwise transferred by each holder of the exchange notes with no need for further registration. However, the exchange notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no established trading market. An active trading market for the exchange notes may not develop, or, in the case of non-exchanging holders of the outstanding notes, the trading market for the outstanding notes following the exchange offer may not continue.

 

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Your ability to transfer the notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market and an active trading market may not develop for the notes.

The outstanding notes were new issues of securities for which there was no established trading market. We believe the outstanding notes may be eligible for trading by “qualified institutional buyers,” as defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”), but we do not intend to list the outstanding notes or any exchange notes on any national securities exchange or include the outstanding notes or any exchange notes in any automated quotation system. The initial purchasers of the outstanding notes advised us that they intended to make a market in the outstanding notes after the completion of the offering. However, the initial purchasers are not obligated to make a market in the outstanding notes, and they may discontinue their market-making activities at any time without notice.

Therefore, an active market for the outstanding notes or the exchange notes may not develop or be maintained, which would adversely affect the market price and liquidity of the notes. In that case, the holders of the notes may not be able to sell their notes at a particular time or at a favorable price.

Even if there is an active trading market for the notes, there is no guarantee that it will continue. Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to severe disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the notes or the exchange notes. The market, if any, for the notes may experience similar disruptions, and any such disruptions may adversely affect the liquidity in that market or the prices at which you may sell your notes. In addition, subsequent to their initial issuance, the notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar notes, our performance and other factors.

A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.

Our debt currently has a non-investment grade rating, and any rating assigned could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the notes. Our credit ratings are based upon information furnished by us or obtained by a rating agency from its own sources and are subject to revision, suspension or withdrawal by one or more rating agencies at any time. Rating agencies may review the ratings assigned to us due to developments that are beyond our control, including as a result of new standards requiring the agencies to re-assess rating practices and methodologies. Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell the notes. Additionally, credit ratings may not reflect the potential effect of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the notes. Any downgrade by either Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s would increase the interest rate on our asset-based revolving credit facility, decrease earnings and may result in higher borrowing costs.

Any future lowering of our ratings likely would negatively affect perception of us by lenders and other third parties and make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing. If any credit rating assigned to the notes is subsequently lowered or withdrawn for any reason, you may not be able to resell your notes without a substantial discount.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We may be unable to successfully execute our strategy to provide cost-effective solutions to meet the routine consumer electronics needs and distinct consumer electronics wants of our customers.

To achieve our strategy, we have undertaken a variety of strategic initiatives. Our failure to successfully execute our strategy or the occurrence of certain events, including the following, could materially adversely affect our ability to maintain or grow our comparable store sales and our business generally:

 

   

Our inability to recognize evolving consumer electronics trends and offer products that customers need or want;

 

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Our employees’ inability to provide solutions, answers, and information related to increasingly complex consumer electronics products; and

 

   

Our inability to keep our extensive store distribution system updated and conveniently located near our target customers;

Adverse changes in national and world-wide economic conditions could negatively affect our business.

The continued uncertainty in the economy could have a significant negative effect on U.S. consumer spending, particularly discretionary spending for consumer electronics products, which, in turn, could directly affect our sales. Consumer confidence, recessionary and inflationary trends, equity market levels, consumer credit availability, interest rates, consumers’ disposable income and spending levels, energy prices, job growth, income tax rates and unemployment rates may affect the volume of customer traffic and level of sales in our locations. Continued negative trends of any of these economic conditions, whether national or regional in nature, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, potential disruptions in the capital and credit markets could have a significant effect on our ability to access the U.S. and global capital and credit markets, if needed. These potential disruptions in the capital and credit market conditions could materially adversely affect our ability to borrow under our asset-based revolving credit facility, or materially adversely affect the banks that underwrote our asset-based revolving credit facility. The availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as economic and market conditions, the availability of credit, and our credit ratings. If needed, we may not be able to successfully obtain any necessary additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.

Our inability to increase or maintain profitability of our operations could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

A critical component of our business strategy is to improve our overall profitability. Our ability to increase profitable sales in existing stores may be affected by:

 

   

Our success in attracting customers into our stores;

 

   

Our ability to choose the correct mix of products to sell;

 

   

Our ability to keep stores stocked with merchandise customers will purchase;

 

   

Our ability to maintain fully-staffed stores with appropriately trained employees;

 

   

Our ability to remain relevant to the consumer;

 

   

Our ability to adapt to changes and trends in consumer electronics technology; and

 

   

Our ability to sustain existing retail channels such as our kiosks.

Our products must appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to change. Our success depends upon our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to trends in consumer preferences relating to consumer electronics, particularly in the wireless industry, which preferences are subject to frequent changes. If we fail to identify and respond to these changes, our sales of these products will decline.

In addition, consumer spending remains uncertain, which makes it more challenging for us to maintain or grow our operating income rate. As a result, we must continue to control our expense structure. Failure to manage our labor and benefit rates, advertising and marketing expenses, other store expenses or indirect spending could delay or prevent us from achieving increased profitability or otherwise have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

 

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Any reductions or changes in the growth rate of the wireless industry or other changes in the dynamics of the industry could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Sales of wireless handsets and the related commissions and residual income constitute a significant portion of our total revenue. Consequently, changes in the wireless industry, such as those discussed below, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Lack of growth in the wireless industry tends to have a corresponding effect on our wireless sales. Wireless handsets are subject to significant technological changes, and it is possible that new products will never achieve widespread consumer acceptance or will be supplanted by alternative products and technologies that do not offer us a similar sales opportunity or are sold at lower price points or margins. Because growth in the wireless industry is often driven by the adoption rate of new wireless handset and wireless service technologies, the absence of these new technologies, our suppliers not providing us with these new technologies, or the lack of consumer interest in adopting these new technologies, could materially adversely affect our business.

Another change in the wireless industry that could materially adversely affect our business is wireless industry consolidation. Consolidation in the wireless industry could lead to a concentration of competitive strength among a few wireless carriers, which could materially adversely affect our business if our ability to obtain competitive offerings from our wireless suppliers is reduced or if competition increases from wireless carrier stores or other retailers. For example, in March 2011, AT&T Inc. and Deutsche Telekom AG announced an agreement for the acquisition of T-Mobile USA, Inc. by AT&T Inc. On August 31, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to block AT&T Inc.’s proposed acquisition of T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Our competition is both intense and varied, and our failure to effectively compete could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

In the retail consumer electronics marketplace, the level of competition is intense. We compete with consumer electronics retail stores as well as big-box retailers, large specialty retailers, discount and warehouse retailers, and alternative channels of distribution such as e-commerce, telephone shopping services and mail order. We also compete with wireless carriers’ retail presence, as discussed above. Some of these competitors are large, have great market presence, and possess significant financial and other resources, which may provide them with competitive advantages over us.

Changes in the amount and degree of promotional intensity or merchandising strategy exerted by our current and potential competitors could present us with difficulties in retaining and attracting customers. In addition, pressure from our competitors, particularly competitors who successfully establish an extensive physical retail presence with product offerings similar to ours, could require us to reduce prices or increase our costs in one product category or across all our product categories. As a result of this competition, we may experience lower sales, margins or profitability, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Some of our competitors may use strategies such as lower pricing, value-added services, wider selection of products, larger store size, higher advertising intensity, improved store design, and more efficient sales methods. While we attempt to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by focusing on the electronics specialty retail market, our business model may not enable us to compete successfully against existing and future competitors.

We are dependent upon our relationships with a limited number of name brand product and service providers, and our inability to create, maintain and renew relationships with these parties on favorable terms could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

A significant portion of our net sales and operating revenues is attributable to a limited selection of name brand products and service providers. The concentration of net sales and operating revenues in certain of our platforms, such as our wireless platform, may mean that our sales are more dependent upon a limited number

 

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of service providers such as Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. In the aggregate, these relationships have or are expected to have a significant effect on both our operations and financial strategy. If we are unable to create, maintain or renew our relationships with such third parties on favorable terms or at all, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

On July 26, 2011, we announced that we would begin offering Verizon Wireless products and services in our U.S. company-operated stores beginning on September 15, 2011, and that we would cease offering T-Mobile wireless products and services in our U.S. company-operated stores on September 14, 2011. In conjunction with this transition, we recognized a $3.0 million inventory valuation loss in the second quarter with respect to T-Mobile wireless handsets we had on hand at June 30, 2011, which was classified as additional cost of products sold. Furthermore, in conjunction with this transition, we will incur an additional charge to earnings of approximately $23 million in the third quarter of 2011 relating to a payment to T-Mobile and an estimated additional inventory valuation loss for handsets purchased after June 30, 2011. We will continue to offer T-Mobile postpaid wireless products and services in approximately 680 of the Target Mobile centers we operate.

Our inability to maintain our historical gross margin levels could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Historically, we have maintained gross margin levels ranging from 45% to 48%. We may not be able to maintain these margin levels in the future due to various factors, including increased sales of lower margin products, such as personal electronics products and name brand products, or declines in average selling prices of key products. If sales of lower margin items continue to increase and become a larger percentage of our business without an overall growth in our sales, our gross profit could be materially adversely affected.

Our inability to collect receivables from our vendors and service providers could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We maintain significant receivable balances from various vendors and service providers such as Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon consisting of commissions and other funds related to these relationships. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our net receivables from vendors and service providers were $201.0 million and $291.0 million, respectively. The average payment term for these receivable balances is approximately 45 days. We do not factor these receivables. Changes in the financial condition of one or more of these vendors or service providers could cause a delay or failure in collecting these receivable balances. A significant delay or failure in collecting these receivable balances could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our inability to effectively manage our inventory levels, particularly excess or inadequate amounts of inventory, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We source inventory both domestically and internationally, and our inventory levels are subject to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors, including technology advancements, reduced consumer spending and consumer disinterest in our product offerings, could lead to excess inventory levels. Additionally, we may not accurately assess product life cycles, leaving us with excess inventory. To reduce this excess inventory, we may be required to lower our prices, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Alternatively, we may have inadequate inventory levels for particular items, including popular merchandise, due to factors such as unanticipated high demand for certain products, unavailability of products from our vendors, import delays, labor unrest, untimely deliveries, or the disruption of international, national or regional transportation systems. The effect of the occurrence of any of these factors on our inventory supply could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our inability to attract, retain and grow an effective management team or changes in the cost or availability of a suitable workforce to manage and support our strategies could materially adversely affect our business.

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a qualified management team and employees. Qualified individuals needed to fill necessary positions could be in short supply. The inability to recruit and retain such individuals on a continuous basis could result in high employee turnover at our stores and in our company generally, which could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, competition for qualified employees requires us to continually assess our compensation structure. Competition for qualified employees has required, and in the future could require, us to pay higher wages to attract a sufficient number of qualified employees, resulting in higher labor compensation expense. In addition, mandated changes in the federal minimum wage or in health care reform may materially increase our compensation expense.

Our inability to successfully identify and enter into relationships with developers of new technologies or the failure of these new technologies to be adopted by the market could materially adversely affect our ability to increase or maintain our sales and profitability. Additionally, the absence of new services or products and product features in the categories we sell could materially adversely affect our sales and profitability.

Our ability to maintain and increase revenues depends, to a large extent, on the periodic introduction and availability of new products, services and technologies. If we fail to identify these new products, services and technologies, or if we fail to enter into relationships with their developers prior to widespread distribution within the market, our sales and profitability could be materially adversely affected. Any new products, services or technologies we identify may have a limited sales life.

Furthermore, it is possible that new products, services or technologies will never achieve widespread consumer acceptance, also adversely affecting our sales and profitability. Finally, the lack of innovative consumer electronics products, features or services that can be effectively featured in our store model could also materially adversely affect our ability to increase or maintain our sales and profitability.

The occurrence of severe weather events or natural disasters could significantly damage or destroy our retail locations, could prohibit consumers from traveling to our retail locations, or could prevent us from resupplying our stores or distribution centers, especially during the peak winter holiday shopping season.

If severe weather or a catastrophic natural event, such as a hurricane or earthquake, occurs in a particular region and damages or destroys a significant number of our stores in that area, our sales could be materially adversely affected. In addition, if severe weather, such as heavy snowfall or extreme temperatures, discourages or restricts customers in a particular region from traveling to our stores, our sales could also be materially adversely affected. If severe weather occurs during the fourth quarter holiday season, the adverse effect on our sales and gross profit could be even greater than at other times during the year because we generate a disproportionate amount of our sales and gross profit during this period.

Failure to comply with, or the additional implementation of, laws, rules, and regulations regarding our business could materially adversely affect our business and our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to various foreign, federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations including, but not limited to, the Fair Labor Standards Act and ERISA, each as amended, and regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission, SEC, Internal Revenue Service, United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Environmental Protection Agency. Failure to properly adhere to these and other applicable laws, rules and regulations could result in the imposition of penalties or adverse legal judgments and could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Similarly, the cost of complying with newly-implemented laws, rules and regulations could materially adversely affect our business and our results of operations.

 

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Risks associated with the supply chain from which we source our raw materials and products could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We utilize a large number of suppliers located in various parts of the world to obtain raw materials, private brand merchandise, and other products. If any of our key vendors fail to supply us with products, we may not be able to meet the demands of our customers, and our sales and profitability could be materially adversely affected.

We purchase a significant portion of our inventory from manufacturers located in China. Changes in trade regulations (including tariffs on imports) could increase the cost of those items. Although our purchases are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in the Chinese currency exchange rate against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies could cause our vendors to increase the prices of items we purchase from them. The occurrence of any of these events could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

To a lesser extent, we also manufacture certain products that are sold through our retail outlets. From time to time we experience manufacturing disruptions, increased manufacturing costs and costs associated with restructuring or closing our facilities.

Our ability to find qualified vendors that meet our standards and supply products, or manufacture products, in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, especially with respect to goods sourced from or manufactured outside the United States. Merchandise quality issues, trade restrictions, difficulties in enforcing intellectual property rights in foreign countries, work stoppages, transportation capacity and costs, tariffs, political or financial instability, foreign currency exchange rates, monetary, tax and fiscal policies, inflation, deflation, outbreak of pandemics and other factors relating to foreign trade are beyond our control. In addition, concerns regarding the safety of products that we source from our suppliers and then sell could cause shoppers to avoid purchasing certain products from us, even if the basis for the concern is outside of our control. Any lost confidence on the part of our customers would be difficult and costly to reestablish. These and other issues affecting our vendors and manufacturing activities could materially adversely affect our sales and profitability.

Our business is heavily dependent upon information systems, which could result in higher maintenance costs and business disruption.

Our business is heavily dependent upon information systems, given the number of individual transactions we process each year. Our information systems include an in-store point-of-sale system that helps us track sales performance, inventory replenishment, product availability, product margin and customer information. In addition, we are in the process of upgrading our in-store point-of-sale system and related processes. These systems are complex and require integration with each other, with some of our service providers, and with our business processes, which may increase the risk of disruption.

Our information systems are also subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, catastrophic events and usage errors by our employees. If we encounter damage to our systems, difficulty implementing new systems, or difficulty maintaining and upgrading current systems, our business operations could be disrupted, our sales could decline, and our expenses could increase.

Failure to protect the integrity and security of our customers’ information could materially damage our standing with our customers and expose us to litigation.

Increasing costs associated with information security, including increased investments in technology, the costs of compliance with consumer protection laws, and costs resulting from consumer fraud could materially adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, if a significant compromise in the security of our customer information, including personal identification data, were to occur, it could materially adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition, and business operations and could increase the costs we incur to protect against such security breaches.

 

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We are subject to other litigation risks and may face liabilities as a result of allegations and negative publicity.

Our operations expose us to litigation risks, such as class action lawsuits involving employees, consumers and shareholders. For example, from time to time putative class actions have been brought against us relating to various labor matters. Defending against lawsuits and other proceedings may involve significant expense and divert management’s attention and resources from other matters. In addition, if any lawsuits were brought against us and resulted in a finding of substantial legal liability, it could cause significant reputational harm to us and otherwise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and business operations.

We conduct business outside the United States, which presents potential risks.

We have offices, assets, and generate a portion of our revenue in Mexico, China, including the special administrative region of Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Part of our growth strategy is to expand our international business because we believe the growth rates and the opportunity to implement operating improvements may be greater than those typically achievable in the United States. International operations entail significant risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation:

 

   

Economic, social and political instability in any particular country or region;

 

   

Changes in currency exchange rates;

 

   

Changes in government restrictions on converting currencies or repatriating funds;

 

   

Changes in foreign laws and regulations or in trade, monetary or fiscal policies

 

   

High inflation and monetary fluctuations;

 

   

Changes in restrictions on imports and exports;

 

   

Difficulties in hiring, training and retaining qualified personnel, particularly finance and accounting personnel with U.S. GAAP expertise;

 

   

Inability to obtain access to fair and equitable political, regulatory, administrative and legal systems;

 

   

Changes in government tax policy;

 

   

Difficulties in enforcing our contractual rights or enforcing judgments or obtaining a just result in foreign jurisdictions; and

 

   

Potentially adverse tax consequences of operating in multiple jurisdictions

Any of these factors, by itself or in combination with others, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be unable to keep existing stores in current locations or open new stores in desirable locations, which could materially adversely affect our sales and profitability.

We may be unable to keep existing stores in current locations or open new stores in desirable locations in the future. We compete with other retailers and businesses for suitable locations for our stores. Local land use, local zoning issues, environmental regulations and other regulations may affect our ability to find suitable locations and also influence the cost of leasing, building or buying our stores. We also may have difficulty negotiating real estate leases and purchase agreements on acceptable terms. Further, to relocate or open new stores successfully, we must hire and train employees for the new locations. Construction, environmental, zoning and real estate delays may negatively affect store openings and increase costs and capital expenditures. In addition, when we open new stores in markets where we already have a presence, our existing locations may experience a decline in sales as a result, and when we open stores in new markets, we may encounter difficulties in attracting customers due to a lack of customer familiarity with our brand, our lack of familiarity with local customer preferences, and seasonal differences in the market. We cannot be certain that new or relocated stores will produce the anticipated sales or return on investment or that existing stores will not be materially adversely affected by new or expanded competition in their market areas.

 

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Terrorist activities and governmental efforts to thwart them could materially adversely affect our results of operations.

A terrorist attack or series of attacks on the United States could have a significant adverse effect on its economy. This downturn in the economy could, in turn, materially adversely affect our results of operations. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses to terrorist attacks, and other acts of war or hostility could cause greater uncertainty and cause the economy to suffer in ways that we cannot predict.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Matters included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical and may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “plan,” “seek,” “may,” “assume,” “potential” or similar words. These matters include statements concerning management’s plans and objectives relating to our operations or economic performance and related assumptions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts and projections about us and future events and, therefore, involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the risks described under the caption “Risk Factors.” Management cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which are difficult to predict, and actual outcomes and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Except as required, we do not have any intention or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange of the notes. We are making this exchange offer solely to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement. In consideration for issuing the exchange notes as contemplated by this prospectus, we will receive outstanding notes in a like principal amount. The form and terms of the exchange notes are identical in all respects to the form and terms of the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes are registered under the Securities Act, are not entitled to the registration rights which are applicable to the outstanding notes, and are not subject to certain special interest rate provisions applicable to the outstanding notes. The outstanding notes surrendered in exchange for the exchange notes will be retired and canceled and will not be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any change in our outstanding indebtedness.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

Asset-Based Revolving Credit Facility

On January 4, 2011, we terminated our $325 million credit facility and entered into a five-year, $450 million revolving credit agreement with a group of lenders with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The asset-based revolving credit facility expires on January 4, 2016. The asset-based revolving credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes and the issuance of letters of credit. The asset-based revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of our inventory, accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents, and certain other personal property. Our obligations under the asset-based revolving credit facility are unconditionally guaranteed jointly and severally on a senior secured basis by TRS Quality, Inc., RadioShack Customer Service LLC, RadioShack Global Sourcing Corporation, RadioShack Global Sourcing Limited Partnership, RadioShack Global Sourcing, Inc., SCK, Inc., Tandy Finance Corporation, TE Electronics LP and Ignition L.P. These subsidiaries will also be guarantors of the notes.

Borrowings under the asset-based revolving credit facility are subject to a borrowing base of certain secured assets and bear interest, at our option, at (i) the greater of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.500%, (b) the administrative agent’s “prime rate” and (c) the rate on LIBOR loans with a maturity of one month plus 1.000% plus 1.250% to 1.750% or (ii) LIBOR multiplied by the reserve percentage set by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System plus 2.250% to 2.750%. The applicable rates in these ranges will be determined based on the average availability under the asset-based revolving credit facility. If at any time our outstanding borrowings under the asset-based revolving credit facility exceed the lesser of the borrowing base or the aggregate amount of lenders’ commitments, we will be required to prepay an amount equal to such excess.

We may, subject to certain conditions, increase the lender commitments under the asset-based revolving credit facility from $450 million to $650 million. In addition, the asset-based revolving credit facility contains a $150 million sub-limit for the issuance of standby and commercial letters of credit. Issued letters of credit will reduce the amount available under the asset-based revolving credit facility. Letter of credit fees include 2.250% to 2.750% for standby letters of credit, 1.125% to 1.375% for commercial letters of credit and other customary fees. The asset-based revolving credit facility includes swingline loans of up to $50 million.

We pay commitment fees to the lenders at an annual rate of 0.375% to 0.500% of the average unused commitments under the asset-based revolving credit facility. As of June 30, 2011, we had no borrowings and $31.3 million of outstanding letters of credit under the asset-based revolving credit facility.

The asset-based revolving credit facility contains affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, require: the preservation of corporate existence, maintenance of property, payment of taxes, and maintenance of insurance; and place limitations on: indebtedness (including guarantee obligations of other indebtedness); liens; mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; sales of assets; dividends and other payments in respect of capital stock; acquisitions, investments, loans and advances; payments and cancellation of certain indebtedness; transactions with affiliates; negative pledge clauses and clauses restricting subsidiary distributions and other certain payments; and changes in the nature of our business. Also, we will be subject to a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 if our unused amount under the asset-based revolving credit facility is less than the greater of 12.5% of the maximum borrowing amount and $45.0 million. The asset-based revolving credit facility also contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, the lenders may terminate the loan commitments, accelerate all loans, require that outstanding letters of credit be cash collateralized and exercise any of their rights under the asset-based revolving credit facility and the ancillary loan documents as a secured party.

We are generally free to pay dividends and repurchase shares as long as the current and pro forma unused amounts under the asset-based revolving credit facility are greater than 17.5% of the maximum borrowing amount and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 is maintained. We may pay

 

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dividends and repurchase shares without regard to our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio as long as the current and pro forma unused amounts under the asset-based revolving credit facility is greater than 75% of the maximum borrowing amount and cash on hand is used for dividends or share repurchases.

2013 Convertible Notes

In August 2008, we issued the 2013 Convertible Notes in a private offering. The 2013 Convertible Notes were issued at par and bear interest at a rate of 2.50% per annum. Interest is payable semiannually, in arrears, on February 1 and August 1.

Each $1,000 of principal of the 2013 Convertible Notes is initially convertible, under certain circumstances, into 41.2414 shares of our common stock (or a total of approximately 15.5 million shares), which is the equivalent of $24.25 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events set forth under terms of the 2013 Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, we would pay the holder the cash value of the applicable number of shares of our common stock, up to the principal amount of the note. Amounts in excess of the principal amount, if any (the “excess conversion value”), may be paid in cash or in stock, at our option. Holders may convert their 2013 Convertible Notes into common stock on the net settlement basis described above at any time from May 1, 2013, until the close of business on July 29, 2013, or prior to May 1, 2013 if, and only if, one of the following conditions has been met:

 

   

during any fiscal quarter, and only during such fiscal quarter, in which the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter exceeds 130% of the conversion price per share of common stock in effect on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter;

 

   

during the five consecutive business days immediately after any 10 consecutive trading day period in which the average trading price per $1,000 principal amount of 2013 Convertible Notes was less than 98% of the product of the closing price of the common stock on such date and the conversion rate on such date; or

 

   

we make specified distributions to holders of our common stock or specified corporate transactions occur.

The 2013 Convertible Notes were not convertible at the holders’ option at any time during 2010 and 2009.

Holders who convert their 2013 Convertible Notes in connection with a change in control may be entitled to a make-whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion rate. In addition, upon a change in control, liquidation, dissolution or delisting of our common stock, the holders of the 2013 Convertible Notes may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their 2013 Convertible Notes for 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. As of June 30, 2011, none of the conditions allowing holders of the 2013 Convertible Notes to convert or requiring us to repurchase the 2013 Convertible Notes had been met.

In connection with the issuance of the 2013 Convertible Notes, we entered into separate convertible note hedge transactions and separate warrant transactions with respect to our common stock to reduce the potential dilution upon conversion of the 2013 Convertible Notes. The convertible note hedges and warrants will generally have the effect of increasing the economic conversion price of the 2013 Convertible Notes to $36.60 per share of our common stock, representing a 100% conversion premium based on the closing price of our common stock on August 12, 2008. See Note 6—“Stockholders’ Equity” in the financial statements included in our 2010 10-K for more information on the convertible note hedges and warrants.

Because the principal amount of the 2013 Convertible Notes will be settled in cash upon conversion, the 2013 Convertible Notes will only affect diluted earnings per share when the price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price (initially $24.25 per share). We will include the effect of the additional shares that may be issued from conversion in our diluted net income per share calculation using the treasury stock method.

The indenture that governs the 2013 Convertible Notes contains customary events of default.

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

     Year Ended December 31,      Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011
 
     2006      2007      2008      2009      2010     

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     2.10         3.98         3.56         3.59         3.59         2.51   

For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings are the sum of:

 

   

pre-tax income; and

 

   

fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest);

and fixed charges are the sum of:

 

   

interest expense (including capitalized interest) and amortization, including debt discount;

 

   

amortization of issuance expense; and

 

   

that portion of rent expense (33 1/3%) estimated to be representative of the interest factor.

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

We and the guarantors have entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes in which we and the guarantors agreed, under some circumstances, to file a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the outstanding notes for exchange notes. Upon the effectiveness of the registration statement, we will offer to the holders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer who are able to make certain representations the opportunity to exchange their outstanding notes for exchange notes. We also agreed to use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the exchange offer registration statement to be consummated under the Securities Act no later than 220 days, or the next proceeding business day, after the closing date of the offering of the outstanding notes. We and the guarantors are required to maintain an effective registration statement relating to the exchange notes, a registration statement that has been continuously effective and an exchange offer that has been kept open for a period not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws (and not less than 20 business days) and exchange notes that have been delivered to the holders. The exchange notes will have terms substantially identical to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and special interest for failure to observe certain obligations in the registration rights agreement. The outstanding notes were issued on May 3, 2011.

If the exchange offer is not permissible under applicable law or SEC policy, or for any reason the exchange offer is not consummated within 220 days after May 3, 2011, or any holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (defined below) notifies us that such holder is prohibited by applicable law or SEC policy from participating in the Exchange Offer or is a broker-dealer and owns outstanding notes acquired directly from us or an affiliate of us, we will, upon such holder’s request, cause to be filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement (the “Shelf Registration Statement”) to provide for resales of all Transfer Restricted Securities by the holders thereof, which shall have satisfied certain conditions relating to the provision of information in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement.

The registration rights agreement also provides that, unless the exchange offer would not be permissible under applicable law or SEC policy, we will issue exchange notes in exchange for all outstanding notes tendered prior thereto in the exchange offer.

Additionally, if:

 

  (1) the exchange offer has not been consummated within 220 days after May 3, 2011;

 

  (2) if required to be filed, the Shelf Registration Statement is not filed and declared effective on or prior to the 30th day after the date on which such filing obligation arises (or if such 30th day is not a business day, the next succeeding business day); or

 

  (3) any registration statement required by the registration rights agreement is filed and declared effective but shall thereafter cease to be effective or fail to be usable for its intended purpose without being succeeded immediately by a post-effective amendment to such registration statement that cures such failure and that is immediately declared effective (each such event referred to in clauses (1) through (3) above, a “Registration Default”),

then the interest rate borne by the Transfer Restricted Securities shall be increased by 0.25% per annum during the 90-day period immediately following the occurrence of any Registration Default, and shall increase by 0.25% per annum at the end of each subsequent 90-day period, but in no event shall such increase exceed 1.00% per annum (“Additional Interest”). Following the cure of all Registration Defaults relating to any particular Transfer Restricted Securities, the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Securities will be reduced to the original interest rate borne by such Transfer Restricted Securities; provided, however, that, if after any such reduction in interest rate, a different Registration Default occurs, the interest rate borne by the relevant Transfer Restricted Securities shall again be increased pursuant to the foregoing.

 

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Holders of outstanding notes will be required to make certain representations to us (as described in the registration rights agreement) in order to participate in the exchange offer and will be required to deliver certain information to be used in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, within 20 business days after receipt of a request therefor, in order to have their outstanding notes included in the Shelf Registration Statement. By acquiring outstanding notes, a holder is deemed to have agreed to indemnify us against certain losses arising out of information furnished by such holder in writing for inclusion in any Shelf Registration Statement. Holders of Notes are also required to suspend their use of the prospectus included in the Shelf Registration Statement under certain circumstances for up to 90 days in each 365-day period upon receipt of written notice to that effect from us.

Transfer Restricted Securities” means each initial outstanding note, until the earliest to occur of (a) the date on which such initial outstanding note is exchanged in the exchange offer for an exchange note entitled to be resold to the public by the holder thereof without complying with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, (b) the date on which such initial outstanding note has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement and (c) the date on which such initial outstanding note is distributed to the public by a broker-dealer pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution.”

Resale of Exchange Notes

Based on interpretations by the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that you may resell or otherwise transfer exchange notes issued in the exchange offer without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act if:

 

   

you are not our affiliate or an affiliate of any guarantor within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes;

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business.

If you are our affiliate or an affiliate of any guarantor, or are engaging in, or intend to engage in, or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or are not acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business:

 

   

you cannot rely on the position of the SEC set forth in Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC’s letter to Shearman & Sterling, dated July 2, 1993, or similar no-action letters; and

 

   

in the absence of an exception from the position stated immediately above, you must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, resale or other transfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. Please read “Plan of Distribution” for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange in the exchange offer any outstanding notes that are properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date. Outstanding notes may only be tendered in minimum denominations of $2,000 and

 

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integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. We will issue exchange notes in principal amounts identical to outstanding notes surrendered in the exchange offer.

The form and terms of the exchange notes will be substantially identical to the form and terms of the outstanding notes except the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not provide for any special interest upon our failure to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreement to complete the exchange offer, or file, and cause to be effective, a registration statement, if required thereby, within the specified time period described above. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indenture that authorized the issuance of the outstanding notes. Consequently, the outstanding notes and the exchange notes will be treated as a single class of debt securities under the indenture. For a description of the indenture, see “Description of the Exchange Notes.”

The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange.

As of the date of this prospectus, $325 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 are outstanding. This prospectus and a letter of transmittal are being sent to all registered holders of outstanding notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of outstanding notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Outstanding notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits the holders have under the indenture and the registration rights agreement, except for any rights under the registration rights agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of the exchange offer.

We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered outstanding notes when we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering exchange notes to holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.”

If you tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of outstanding notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes described below in connection with the exchange offer. It is important that you read “—Fees and Expenses” below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date, Extensions and Amendments

As used in this prospectus, the term “expiration date” means 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 8, 2011. However, if we, in our sole discretion, extend the period of time for which the exchange offer is open, the term “expiration date” will mean the latest time and date to which we shall have extended the expiration of the exchange offer.

To extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension by oral or written notice, followed by notification by press release or other public announcement to the registered holders of the outstanding notes no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

 

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We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

 

   

to delay accepting for exchange any outstanding notes (only in the case that we amend or extend the exchange offer);

 

   

to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer and refuse to accept outstanding notes not previously accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” have not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; and

 

   

subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner. In the event of a material change in the exchange offer, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the offer period, if necessary, so that at least five business days remain in such offer period following notice of the material change.

Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice to the registered holders of the outstanding notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose the amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of the outstanding notes of that amendment.

Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we will have no obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any public announcement, other than by making a timely release to a financial news service.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any outstanding notes and we may terminate or amend the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus prior to the expiration date if in our reasonable judgment:

 

   

the exchange offer or the making of any exchange by a holder violates any applicable law or interpretation of the SEC; or

 

   

any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in writing in any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer.

In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us:

 

   

the representations described under “—Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer,” “—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” and “Plan of Distribution;” or

 

   

any other representations as may be reasonably necessary under applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make available to us an appropriate form for registration of the exchange notes under the Securities Act.

We expressly reserve the right at any time or at various times to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any outstanding notes by giving oral or written notice of such extension to their holders. We will return any outstanding notes that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer and to reject for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the

 

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exchange offer specified above. We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the outstanding notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

These conditions are for our sole benefit, and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times prior to the expiration date in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of such rights. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times prior to the expiration date.

In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange for any such outstanding notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

To tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you must comply with either of the following:

 

   

complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal, have the signature(s) on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by the letter of transmittal and mail;

 

   

deliver such letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof to the exchange agent at the address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent” prior to the expiration date; or

 

   

comply with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures described below.

In addition, either:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive certificates for the outstanding notes along with the letter of transmittal prior to the expiration date;

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC according to the procedures for book-entry transfer described below or a properly transmitted agent’s message prior to the expiration date; or

 

   

you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Your tender, if not withdrawn prior to the expiration date, constitutes an agreement between us and you upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

The method of delivery of outstanding notes, letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at your election and risk. We recommend that instead of delivery by mail, you use an overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. You should not send letters of transmittal or certificates representing outstanding notes to us. You may request that your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or nominee effect the above transactions for you.

If you are a beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your outstanding notes, you should promptly contact the registered holder and instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender the outstanding notes yourself, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either:

 

   

make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name; or

 

   

obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of outstanding notes.

 

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The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date.

Signatures on the letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or another “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17A(d)-15 under the Exchange Act unless the outstanding notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

 

   

by a registered holder of the outstanding notes who has not completed the box entitled “Special Registration Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

for the account of an eligible guarantor institution.

If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes listed on the outstanding notes, such outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder’s name appears on the outstanding notes, and an eligible guarantor institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

If the letter of transmittal, any certificates representing outstanding notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should also indicate when signing and, unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.

The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in DTC’s system may use DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program to tender outstanding notes. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent’s message to the exchange agent. The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, which states that:

 

   

DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in its Automated Tender Offer Program that is tendering outstanding notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation;

 

   

the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal, or in the case of an agent’s message relating to guaranteed delivery, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the notice of guaranteed delivery; and

 

   

we may enforce that agreement against such participant. DTC is referred to herein as a “book-entry transfer facility.”

Acceptance of Exchange Notes

In all cases, we will promptly issue exchange notes for outstanding notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:

 

   

outstanding notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of such outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the book-entry transfer facility; and

 

   

a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents or a properly transmitted agent’s message.

 

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By tendering outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

   

you are not our affiliate or an affiliate of any guarantor within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

   

you are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes; and

 

   

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business.

In addition, each broker-dealer that is to receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes must represent that such outstanding notes were acquired by that broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. See “Plan of Distribution.”

We will interpret the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the letter of transmittal and the instructions to the letter of transmittal, and will resolve all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt and acceptance of outstanding notes tendered for exchange. Our determinations in this regard will be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any particular outstanding notes not properly tendered or to not accept any particular outstanding notes if the acceptance might, in our or our counsel’s judgment, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities as to any particular outstanding notes prior to the expiration date.

Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as we determine. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of outstanding notes for exchange, nor will any of them incur any liability for any failure to give notification. Any outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly after the expiration date.

Book-Entry Delivery Procedures

Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC and, as the book-entry transfer facility, for purposes of the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility’s system may make book-entry delivery of the outstanding notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer those outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the facility in accordance with the facility’s procedures for such transfer. To be timely, book-entry delivery of outstanding notes requires receipt of a confirmation of a book-entry transfer, a “book-entry confirmation,” prior to the expiration date. In addition, although delivery of outstanding notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at the book-entry transfer facility, the letter of transmittal or a manually signed facsimile thereof, together with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, or an “agent’s message,” as defined below, in connection with a book-entry transfer, must, in any case, be delivered or transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at its address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal prior to the expiration date to receive exchange notes for tendered outstanding notes, or the guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be complied with. Tender will not be deemed made until such documents are received by the exchange agent. Delivery of documents to the book-entry transfer facility does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.

Holders of outstanding notes who are unable to deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at the book-entry transfer facility or all other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date must tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

 

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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes but your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the procedures under DTC’s Automatic Tender Offer Program in the case of outstanding notes, prior to the expiration date, you may still tender if:

 

   

the tender is made through an eligible guarantor institution;

 

   

prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from such eligible guarantor institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile transmission, mail, or hand delivery or a properly transmitted agent’s message and notice of guaranteed delivery, that (1) sets forth your name and address, the certificate number(s) of such outstanding notes and the principal amount of outstanding notes tendered; (2) states that the tender is being made thereby; and (3) guarantees that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date, the letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, together with the outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, will be deposited by the eligible guarantor institution with the exchange agent; and

 

   

the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof, as well as certificate(s) representing all tendered outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation of transfer of the outstanding notes into the exchange agent’s account at DTC and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the expiration date.

Upon request, the exchange agent will send to you a notice of guaranteed delivery if you wish to tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures.

Withdrawal Rights

Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of outstanding notes at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

For a withdrawal to be effective:

 

   

the exchange agent must receive a written notice, which may be by telegram, telex, facsimile or letter, of withdrawal at its address set forth below under “—Exchange Agent;” or

 

   

you must comply with the appropriate procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program system.

Any notice of withdrawal must:

 

   

specify the name of the person who tendered the outstanding notes to be withdrawn;

 

   

identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate numbers and principal amount of the outstanding notes; and

 

   

where certificates for outstanding notes have been transmitted, specify the name in which such outstanding notes were registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, you must also submit:

 

   

the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn; and

 

   

a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless you are an eligible guarantor institution.

 

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If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of the facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt of notices of withdrawal, and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any outstanding notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange but that are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to their holder, without cost to the holder, or, in the case of book-entry transfer, the outstanding notes will be credited to an account at the book-entry transfer facility, promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be retendered by following the procedures described under “—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes” above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.

Exchange Agent

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal and all questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

 

By Registered or Certified Mail:

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

MAC N9303-121

P.O. Box 1517

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55480

  

Fascimile Transmission:

612-667-6282

Attn: Corporate Trust Operations

 

Confirm by Telephone:

800-344-5128

 

By Overnight Delivery:

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

MAC N9303-121

6th & Marquette Avenue

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479

  

By Hand Delivery:

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

608 2nd Avenue South

Northstar East Building - 12th Floor

Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you deliver the letter of transmittal to an address other than the one set forth above or transmit instructions via facsimile to a number other than the one set forth above, that delivery or those instructions will not be effective.

Fees and Expenses

The registration rights agreement provides that we will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of our obligations relating to the registration of the exchange notes and the conduct of the exchange offer. These expenses include registration and filing fees and expenses, printing costs and legal and accounting fees, among others. We will also reimburse the holders of the outstanding notes being tendered in the exchange offer and/or resold pursuant to the “Plan of Distribution” below, or registered pursuant to the shelf registration statement relating to the exchange notes, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel.

We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not pay any fee, concession or commission to any broker, dealer, nominee or other person, other than the exchange agent, for soliciting tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the aggregate principal amount as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offer. We will record the expenses of the exchange offer as incurred.

 

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Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:

 

   

certificates representing outstanding notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered;

 

   

tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or

 

   

a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offer.

If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer, your outstanding notes will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such outstanding notes:

 

   

as set forth in the legend printed on the outstanding notes as a consequence of the issuance of the outstanding notes pursuant to the exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws; and

 

   

as otherwise set forth in the offering memorandum distributed in connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes.

In general, you may not offer or sell your outstanding notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

Other

Participating in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered outstanding notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any outstanding notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered outstanding notes.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES

General

The outstanding notes were, and the exchange notes will be, issued under an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of May 3, 2011, among RadioShack Corporation, as Issuer, all of the Issuer’s direct and indirect subsidiaries existing on the Issue Date, as Guarantors (the “Guarantors”), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The terms of the notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act. For purposes of this “Description of the Exchange Notes,” certain terms used in this description are defined under the subheading “—Certain Definitions” below. In this description, (i) the terms “we,” “our” and “us” each refer to RadioShack Corporation and its consolidated Subsidiaries, (ii) the term “Issuer” refers only to RadioShack Corporation and not any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) the term “Notes” refers to the exchange notes issued pursuant to this exchange offer.

The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the Indenture, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions thereof, including the definitions therein of certain terms used below. We urge you to read the Indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a Holder of the Notes. You may request copies of the Indenture at our address set forth under the heading “Summary.”

The Notes are:

 

   

general unsecured senior obligations of the Issuer;

 

   

pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated Indebtedness (including the ABL Credit Facility) of the Issuer;

 

   

effectively subordinated to all Secured Indebtedness of the Issuer (including the ABL Credit Facility) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

   

senior in right of payment to any future Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined with respect to the Notes);

 

   

guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer other than Tandy Life Insurance Company; and

 

   

structurally subordinated to all Indebtedness and other liabilities, including preferred stock, of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.

Guarantees

The Subsidiary Guarantors, as primary obligors and not merely as sureties, jointly and severally, irrevocably, fully and unconditionally guarantee, on an unsecured senior basis, the performance and full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture and the Notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on or Additional Interest, if any, in respect of the Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise, on the terms set forth in the Indenture by executing the Indenture.

Each of the Issuer’s existing Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries other than Tandy Life Insurance Company have guaranteed the Notes. Each of the Guarantees of the Notes is a general unsecured obligation of each Subsidiary Guarantor and is pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated Indebtedness of each such entity, is effectively subordinated to all Secured Indebtedness of each such entity to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Indebtedness and is senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of each such entity.

 

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Not all of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries Guarantee the Notes. In particular, the Issuer’s foreign subsidiaries and Tandy Life Insurance Company do not Guarantee the Notes. The Notes are structurally subordinated to Indebtedness and other liabilities of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of these Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries pay the holders of their debt and their trade creditors before they are able to distribute any of their assets to the Issuer.

As more fully described below under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries,” the Indenture requires that each of the Issuer’s Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries that is a Restricted Subsidiary that guarantees the obligations under the ABL Credit Facility or any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor, shall also be a Subsidiary Guarantor of the Notes.

The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its Guarantee is limited as necessary to prevent such Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law but under applicable law it is unclear that such provision would be effective to prevent a Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance.

Any Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a payment under its Guarantee is entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under the Indenture to a contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Subsidiary Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Subsidiary Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

The Indenture provides that each Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with or merge with or into or sell its assets to the Issuer or another Subsidiary Guarantor without limitation, or with other Persons upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. See “—Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets.”

If a Guarantee were rendered voidable, it could be subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the Subsidiary Guarantor, and, depending on the amount of such indebtedness, a Subsidiary Guarantor’s liability on its Guarantee could be reduced to zero. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes—Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void the notes and/or the guarantees, and if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes.”

A Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:

(1)(a) any sale, exchange, disposition or transfer (by merger or otherwise) of (x) the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary Guarantor, after which the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, or (y) all or substantially all the assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor, which sale, exchange, disposition or transfer in each case is made in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture;

(b) the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Subsidiary Guarantor of the ABL Credit Facility or the guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee;

(c) the proper designation of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture; or

(d) the Issuer exercising its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under “Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance” or the Issuer’s obligations under the Indenture being discharged in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

(2) such Subsidiary Guarantor delivering to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

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Ranking

The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes and the payment of any Guarantee rank pari passu in right of payment to all unsubordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer or the relevant Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, including the obligations of the Issuer and such Subsidiary Guarantor under the ABL Credit Facility.

The Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all of the Issuer’s and each Subsidiary Guarantor’s existing and future Secured Indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Indebtedness, including borrowings and our obligation to reimburse letters of credit under the ABL Credit Facility, which are secured by substantially all of our inventory, accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents. As of June 30, 2011, we had $31.3 million of letters of credit outstanding and an additional $418.7 million of borrowing capacity under the ABL Credit Facility and no other outstanding Secured Indebtedness.

Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of additional Indebtedness that the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries may incur, under certain circumstances the amount of such Indebtedness could be substantial and, in any case, such Indebtedness may be Secured Indebtedness. See “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “—Certain Covenants—Liens”

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes

The Issuer maintains one or more paying agents for the Notes. The initial paying agent for the Notes is the Trustee.

The Issuer also maintains a registrar with respect to the Notes. The initial registrar is the Trustee. The registrar maintains a register reflecting ownership of the Notes outstanding from time to time and makes payments on and facilitates transfers of Notes on behalf of the Issuer.

The Issuer may change the paying agents or the registrars without prior notice to the Holders. The Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may act as a paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of Notes. Holders are required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The Issuer is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase in connection with a Change of Control Offer, an Asset Sale Offer or other tender offer. Also, the Issuer is not required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

The Issuer issued $325.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Notes in a private transaction that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Notes will mature on May 15, 2019. Subject to compliance with the covenant described below under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” the Issuer may issue additional Notes from time to time under the Indenture (“Additional Notes”); provided, however, that if Additional Notes are not fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the Notes offered hereby the Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP number. The Notes offered by the Issuer and any Additional Notes subsequently issued under the Indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Notes” for all purposes of the Indenture and this “Description of the Exchange Notes” include any Additional Notes that are actually issued.

 

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Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of 6.750% per annum and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15, commencing on November 15, 2011, to the Holders of record of the Notes on the immediately preceding May 1 and November 1. Interest on the Notes accrues from the most recent date to which interest has been paid with respect to such Notes, or if no interest has been paid with respect to such Notes, from the date of original issuance thereof. Interest on the Notes is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. Additional Interest may accrue on the Notes in certain circumstances pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, as described under “The Exchange Offer.” All references in the Indenture and this “Description of the Exchange Notes,” in any context, to any interest or other amount payable on or with respect to the Notes shall be deemed to include any Additional Interest required to be paid pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes are payable at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose or, at the option of the Issuer, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders of the Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to the Notes represented by one or more global notes registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee are made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Holder or Holders thereof. Until otherwise designated by the Issuer, the Issuer’s office or agency is the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose.

Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases

The Issuer is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes. However, under certain circumstances, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase Notes as described under the caption “—Repurchase at the Option of Holders.” We may at any time and from time to time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise.

Optional Redemption

The Issuer may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice as described under the heading “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice,” at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to, but excluding the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

In addition, until May 15, 2014, the Issuer may, at its option, upon notice as described under the heading “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice,” on one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price equal to 106.750% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and Additional Interest, if any, to, but excluding the applicable Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (a) at least 65% of the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the Indenture on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes of the relevant series that are issued under the Indenture after the Issue Date remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (b) that each such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

Any redemption or notice of any redemption may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of an Equity Offering, other offering or other corporate transaction or event. Notice of any redemption in respect of an Equity Offering may be given prior to the completion thereof.

The Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed in the manner described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Selection and Notice.”

 

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Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Change of Control

The Notes provide that if a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuer has previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes as described under “Optional Redemption,” the Issuer will make an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of record of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuer will send notice of such Change of Control Offer by first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder of Notes to the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, with the following information:

(1) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to the covenant entitled “Change of Control,” and that all Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Issuer;

(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);

(3) that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4) that unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Notes completed, to the paying agent specified in the notice at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuer to purchase such Notes, provided that the paying agent receives, not later than the expiration time of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Notes, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Notes purchased;

(7) that if the Issuer is redeeming less than all of the Notes, the Holders of the remaining Notes will be issued new Notes and such new Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

(8) if such notice is delivered prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control; and

(9) the other instructions, as determined by us, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder must follow.

The Issuer will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase by the Issuer of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of

 

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any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law,

(1) accept for payment all Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

(2) deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered; and

(3) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.

The ABL Credit Facility and future credit agreements or other agreements to which the Issuer becomes a party may prohibit or limit the Issuer from purchasing any Notes as a result of a Change of Control. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the Issuer is prohibited from purchasing the Notes, the Issuer could seek the consent of its lenders to permit the purchase of the Notes or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibition. If the Issuer does not obtain such consent or repay such borrowings, the Issuer will remain prohibited from purchasing the Notes. In such case, the Issuer’s failure to purchase tendered Notes after any applicable notice and lapse of time would constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture.

The ABL Credit Facility provides, and future credit agreements or other agreements to which the Issuer becomes a party may provide, that certain change of control events with respect to the Issuer would constitute a default thereunder (including a Change of Control under the Indenture). If we experience a change of control that triggers a default under our ABL Credit Facility, we could seek a waiver of such default or seek to refinance our ABL Credit Facility. In the event we do not obtain such a waiver or refinance the ABL Credit Facility, such default could result in amounts outstanding under our ABL Credit Facility being declared due and payable.

Our ability to pay cash to the Holders of Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by our then-existing financial resources. Therefore, sufficient funds may not be available when necessary to make any required repurchases. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes—We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control.”

The Change of Control purchase feature of the Notes may in certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale or takeover of us and, thus, the removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between the Initial Purchasers and us. We have no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that we could decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations discussed below, we could, in the future, enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on our ability to incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the covenants described under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “—Certain Covenants—Liens.” Such restrictions in the Indenture can be waived only with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture does not contain any covenants or provisions that may afford Holders of the Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.

We will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the

 

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requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by us and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

With respect to the Notes, if Holders of not less than 95% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Issuer as described above, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer described above, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a price in cash equal to the applicable Change of Control Payment plus, to the extent not included in the Change of Control Payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to the date of redemption.

The definition of “Change of Control” includes a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its subsidiaries to any Person. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of “all or substantially all” of the assets of the Issuer. As a result, it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether a Holder of Notes may require the Issuer to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as described above.

In addition, while the definition of “Change of Control” includes a “continuing director” prong, under current law, Holders may not be entitled to require the Issuer to purchase the Notes in certain circumstances involving a significant change in the composition of the Issuer’s board of directors, including in connection with a proxy contest where the Issuer’s board of directors does not approve a dissident slate of directors but approves them as continuing directors, even if the Issuer’s board of directors initially opposed the directors.

The provisions under the Indenture relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes prior to a Change of Control.

Asset Sales

The Indenture provides that the Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale, unless:

(1) the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value (as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:

(a) any liabilities (as shown on the Issuer’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet, or if incurred or accrued subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been shown on the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary’s balance sheet if such incurrence or accrual had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer) of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and for which the Issuer and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing,

 

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(b) any securities or other obligations received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale, and

(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, that does not exceed the greater of (x) $40.0 million and (y) 2.0% of the Issuer’s Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value,

shall be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for purposes of this provision and for no other purpose.

Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale,

(1) to reduce or repay:

(a) Obligations under Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) that is secured by a Lien (including Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility), which Lien is permitted by the Indenture, and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(b) Obligations under other Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto); provided that, to the extent the Issuer reduces Obligations under such Indebtedness, the Issuer shall equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Notes as provided under “Optional Redemption,” through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders to purchase their Notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, and Additional Interest, if any, on the amount of Notes that would otherwise be prepaid; or

(c) Indebtedness of a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer (and correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto);

(2) to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses, provided that such Investment in any business is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Issuer or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) capital expenditures or (c) acquisitions of other assets (other than working capital assets), in the case of each of (a), (b) and (c), used or useful in a Similar Business; or

(3) to make an Investment in (a) any one or more businesses, provided that such Investment in any business is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Issuer or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) properties (other than working capital assets) or (c) acquisitions of other assets (other than working capital assets) that, in the case of each of (a), (b) and (c), replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

provided that, in the case of clauses (2) and (3) above, a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Issuer or such other Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “Acceptable Commitment”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied

 

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in connection therewith, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another Acceptable Commitment (a “Second Commitment”) within 180 days of such cancellation or termination; provided further that if any Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds.

Any Net Proceeds from the Asset Sale that are not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20.0 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all Holders of the Notes and, if required by the terms of any Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes (“Pari Passu Indebtedness”), to the holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness (an “Asset Sale Offer”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness that is equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture. The Issuer will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $20.0 million by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC. The Issuer may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to such Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Proceeds prior to the expiration of the Application Period.

To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes or the Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by such holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and the Issuer or agent for such Pari Passu Indebtedness shall select such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the accreted value or principal amount, as applicable, of the Notes or such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds pursuant to this covenant, the holder of such Net Proceeds may apply such Net Proceeds temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise use such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by the Indenture.

The Issuer will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the Indenture, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue thereof.

Selection and Notice

If the Issuer is redeeming less than all of the Notes issued by it at any time, the Trustee will select the Notes to be redeemed (a) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, (b) on a pro rata basis (to the extent practicable and subject to the applicable procedures of DTC) or (c) by lot or such other similar method in accordance with the procedures of DTC. No Notes of $2,000 or less can be redeemed in part.

Notices of purchase or redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the purchase or redemption date to each Holder of record of Notes at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise delivered in accordance with the procedures of DTC, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a

 

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defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. If any Note is to be purchased or redeemed in part only, any notice of purchase or redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased or redeemed.

The Issuer will issue a new Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

Certain Covenants

Set forth below are summaries of certain covenants that are contained in the Indenture.

Effectiveness of Covenants

Following the first day:

 

  (a) the notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Ratings Agencies; and

 

  (b) no Default has occurred and is continuing under the Indenture;

the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to the provisions of the Indenture summarized under the following headings (collectively, the “Suspended Covenants”):

 

   

“Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales,”

 

   

“—Limitation on Restricted Payments,”

 

   

“—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,”

 

   

Clause (4) of the first paragraph of “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets,”

 

   

“—Transactions with Affiliates,” and

 

   

“—Dividend and other Payment Restrictions affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.”

If at any time the Notes’ credit rating is downgraded from an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency or if a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the Suspended Covenants will thereafter be reinstated as if such covenants had never been suspended (the “Reinstatement Date”) and be applicable pursuant to the terms of the Indenture (including in connection with performing any calculation or assessment to determine compliance with the terms of the Indenture), unless and until the Notes subsequently attain an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Rating Agencies and no Default or Event of Default is in existence (in which event the Suspended Covenants shall no longer be in effect for such time that the notes maintain an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Ratings Agencies and no Default or Event of Default is in existence); provided, however, that no Default, Event of Default or breach of any kind shall be deemed to exist under the Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement, the notes or the Guarantees with respect to the Suspended Covenants based on, and none of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries shall bear any liability for, any actions taken or events occurring during the Suspension Period (as defined below), or any actions taken at any time pursuant to any contractual obligation arising prior to the Reinstatement Date, regardless of whether such actions or events would have been permitted if the applicable Suspended Covenants remained in effect during such period. The period of time between the date of suspension of the covenants and the Reinstatement Date is referred to as the “Suspension Period.”

On the Reinstatement Date, all Indebtedness Incurred during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been Incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance

 

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of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” or one of the clauses set forth in the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to be Incurred thereunder as of the Reinstatement Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reinstatement Date). To the extent such Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the first or second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” such Indebtedness will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under clause (3) of the second paragraph of “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.” Calculations made after the Reinstatement Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” will be made as though the covenants described under “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period. Additionally, on the Reinstatement Date, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Net Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

During any period when the Suspended Covenants are suspended, the board of directors of the Issuer may not designate any of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the Indenture.

There can be no assurance that the notes will ever achieve or maintain Investment Grade Ratings.

Limitation on Restricted Payments

The Issuer does not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(I) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Issuer’s, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’, Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

(a) dividends or distributions by the Issuer payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer; or

(b) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary (and if such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, to its other holders of common stock on a pro rata basis) so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Issuer, including in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer;

(III) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than:

(a) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (7) and (8) of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” or

(b) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV) make any Restricted Investment

 

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(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Issuer could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the provisions of the first paragraph of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” and

(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1) and (12) of the next succeeding paragraph, but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for the period (taken as one accounting period) commencing April 1, 2011 to the end of the Issuer’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit; plus

(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer, of marketable securities or other property received by the Issuer since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of:

(i) Equity Interests of the Issuer, including Treasury Capital Stock (as defined below), but excluding cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer, of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of Equity Interests to members of management, members of the board of managers or directors or consultants of the Issuer and the Issuer’s Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (4) of the next succeeding paragraph; or

(ii) debt securities of the Issuer that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests of the Issuer;

provided, however, that in addition to the exclusion in clause (i) referred to above, this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (V) Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below), (X) Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of the Issuer sold to a Subsidiary, as the case may be or (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock; plus

(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer, of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Issuer following the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds are contributed by a Subsidiary); plus

(d) 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer, of marketable securities or other property received by means of:

(i) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after the Issue Date; or

(ii) the sale (other than to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent of the amount of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary made by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clauses (6),

 

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(9) or (11) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent of the amount of the Investment that constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; plus

(e) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or the merger or consolidation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary into the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or the transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary (or the assets transferred), as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer or, if such fair market value exceeds $50 million, in writing by an Independent Financial Advisor, at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of such merger or consolidation or transfer of assets (after taking into consideration any Indebtedness associated with the Unrestricted Subsidiary so designated or merged or consolidated or Indebtedness associated with the assets so transferred), other than to the extent of the amount of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary made by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clauses (6), (9) or (11) of the next succeeding paragraph or to the extent of the amount of the Investment that constituted a Permitted Investment.

The foregoing provisions do not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend or distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of the Indenture;

(2)(a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“Treasury Capital Stock”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer, in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale or issuance (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of, Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than any Disqualified Stock) (“Refunding Capital Stock”) and (b) the declaration and payment of dividends on Treasury Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale or issuance (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer or to an employee stock ownership plan or any trust established by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries) of Refunding Capital Stock;

(3) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of (i) Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, or (ii) Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of proceeds of a sale made within 90 days of, Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor, that, in each case is incurred in compliance with “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” so long as:

(a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such new Indebtedness or the liquidation preference of such new Disqualified Stock does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness or the liquidation preference of, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on, the Disqualified Stock being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, exchanged, acquired or retired for value, plus the amount of any premium (including any tender premiums), defeasance costs and any fees and expenses incurred in connection with such redemption, repurchase, defeasance, exchange, acquisition or retirement and the issuance of such new Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock;

(b) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so repurchased, defeased, exchanged, redeemed, acquired or retired for value;

(c) such new Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the earlier of the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, exchanged, acquired or retired, or the maturity date of the Notes; and

 

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(d) such new Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, exchanged, acquired or retired;

(4) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer held by any future, present or former employee, member of the board of directors or consultant of the Issuer, any of its Subsidiaries (permitted transferees, assigns, estates or heirs of such employee, director or consultant), pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement provided, however, that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year $5.0 million (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $10.0 million in any calendar year); provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(a) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer to any employee, member of the board of directors or consultant of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries that occurs after the Issue Date, to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of the first paragraph of this covenant; plus

(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date; less

(c) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

and provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from any employee, member of the board of directors or consultant of the Issuer or any of the Issuer’s Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of the Indenture;

(5) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in accordance with the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges;”

(6) any Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (6) not to exceed the amount of the aggregate net proceeds of the private offering of outstanding notes;

(7) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;

(8) the declaration and payment of regular cash dividends on the Issuer’s common stock in an amount up to $0.25 per share of common stock per annum, appropriately adjusted to give effect to any stock splits, reverse stock splits or similar transactions after the Issue Date, including dividends on any shares of common stock issued after the Issue Date (except to the extent that the proceeds from the issuance of such subsequently issued shares are used to make a Restricted Payment or a Permitted Investment pursuant to clauses (8) or (12) of the definition thereof);

(9) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (9) not to exceed $100.0 million;

 

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(10) distributions or payments of Securitization Fees, sales contributions and other transfers of Securitization Assets and purchases of Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation, in each case in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;

(11) any Restricted Payment so long as the Leverage Ratio is less than 2.00 to 1.00 after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment;

(12) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Preferred Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions similar to those described under the captions “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control” and “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales;” provided that all Notes tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value; and

(13) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares or interests in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other rights or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of the Issuer; provided that any such cash payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitation of this covenant;

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (6), (8), (9) and (11), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the fair market value (as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer) on the date of such Restricted Payment of the assets or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment.

As of the Issue Date, all of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries other than Tandy Life Insurance Company were Restricted Subsidiaries. The Issuer does not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the penultimate sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated are deemed to be Investments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.” Such designation is permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time, whether pursuant to this covenant or pursuant to the definition of “Permitted Investments,” and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Unrestricted Subsidiaries are not subject to any of the restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture.

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

The Issuer does not, and does not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “incur” and collectively, an “incurrence”) with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Issuer does not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and does not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Issuer may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a consolidated basis for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period; provided, further,

 

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that Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries may not incur Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to this paragraph if, after giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or issuance (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), more than an aggregate of $50.0 million of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries would be outstanding pursuant to this paragraph at such time.

The foregoing limitations do not apply to:

(1) the incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Issuer or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $450.0 million outstanding at any one time less the outstanding principal amount of any Qualified Securitization Financing and (y) the Borrowing Base Amount;

(2) the incurrence by the Issuer and any Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (including any Guarantee) (other than any Additional Notes) and exchange notes issued in respect of such Notes and any Guarantee thereof;

(3) Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in existence on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2));

(4) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) incurred or, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock issued by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets; provided that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (4), when aggregated with the outstanding amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock under clause (13) incurred to refinance Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock initially incurred in reliance on this clause (4), does not exceed the greater of (x) $40.0 million and (y) 2.0% of the Issuer’s Total Assets at any one time outstanding;

(5) Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, letters of credit or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self insurance,; provided, however, that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or 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; provided, however, that

(a) such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Issuer, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (6)(a)); and

(b) with respect to a disposition, the maximum assumable liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds including non-cash proceeds (the fair market value of such non-cash proceeds being measured at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value) actually received by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;

 

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(7) Indebtedness of the Issuer to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing to a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; provided, further, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause;

(8) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Subsidiary Guarantor incurs such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of the Notes of such Subsidiary Guarantor; provided further that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause;

(9) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Issuer or another of its Restricted Subsidiaries) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause;

(10) Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting interest rate risk, exchange rate risk or commodity pricing risk;

(11) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds, performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations or obligations in respect of letters of credit related thereto provided by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(12) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer and Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (12), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $100.0 million;

(13) the incurrence or issuance by the Issuer of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or the incurrence or issuance by a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to refund, refinance, replace, renew, extend or defease any Indebtedness incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued as permitted under the first paragraph of this covenant and clauses (2), (3) and (4) above, this clause (13) and clause (14) below or any Indebtedness incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so refund, refinance, replace, renew, extend or defease such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock including additional Indebtedness incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to pay premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (the “Refinancing Indebtedness”) prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(a) has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded or refinanced,

(b) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively,

 

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(c) shall not include:

(i) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer;

(ii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary Guarantor; or

(iii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(d) shall not be in a principal amount in excess of the principal amount of, premium, if any, accrued interest on and related fees and expenses (including tender premiums) of, the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, or

(e) shall not have a Stated Maturity date prior to the earlier of the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being so refunded or refinanced or the Stated Maturity of the Notes;

and provided further that subclauses (a) and (e) of this clause (13) will not apply to any refunding, refinancing, replacing, renewing, extending or defeasing of any Secured Indebtedness;

(14) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred or issued to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into or consolidated with the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; provided that after giving effect to such acquisition, merger or consolidation, either

(a) the Issuer would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first sentence of this covenant, or

(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries is greater than immediately prior to such acquisition, merger or consolidation;

(15) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds or from other cash management activities, in each case in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence;

(16) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to the ABL Credit Facility, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(17)(a) any guarantee by the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness is permitted under the terms of the Indenture; provided that if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, any such guarantee of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantors’ Guarantee with respect to the Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable;

(b) any guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor of Indebtedness of the Issuer provided that such guarantee is incurred in accordance with the covenant described below under “—Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries;” provided that if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of

 

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payment to the Notes, any such guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantors’ Guarantee with respect to the Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes, as applicable or

(c) any guarantee by a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary of Indebtedness of another Non-Guarantor Subsidiary incurred in accordance with the terms of the Indenture;

(18) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries of the Issuer incurred not to exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) 20% of Total Assets of Foreign Subsidiaries at any one time outstanding; and

(19) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business.

For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant:

(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (19) above or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Issuer, in its sole discretion, will classify or reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in one of the above clauses or the first paragraph of this covenant. Additionally, all or any portion of any item of Indebtedness may later be classified as having been incurred pursuant to any category of permitted Indebtedness described in clauses (1) through (19) above or pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant so long as such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred pursuant to such provision at the time of reclassification. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Indebtedness outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of the preceding paragraph and may not later be reclassified; and

(2) at the time of incurrence, the Issuer will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in the first and second paragraphs above.

Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this covenant.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced.

The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

 

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The Indenture provides that the Issuer does not, and does not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be. The Indenture does not treat (1) unsecured Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured or (2) Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to any other Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral or is secured by different collateral.

Liens

The Issuer does not, and does not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens) (each, an “Initial Lien”) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related guarantee, on any asset or property of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or any income or profits therefrom, unless:

(1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes and related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or

(2) in all other cases, the Notes or the Guarantees are equally and ratably secured, except that the foregoing shall not apply to Liens securing the Notes and the related Guarantees.

Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Initial Lien that gave rise to the obligation to so secure the Notes and Guarantees.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

(a) The Issuer may not consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Issuer is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) the Issuer is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Company”); provided that in the case where the surviving Person is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Notes is a corporation;

(2) the Successor Company, if other than the Issuer, expressly assumes all the obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(4) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period,

(a) the Successor Company or the Issuer would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first sentence of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock,” or

 

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(b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(5) each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case clause (b) of the second succeeding paragraph shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under the Indenture, the Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement; and

(6) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture.

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Issuer, as the case may be, under the Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Guarantees and the Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (3) and (4),

(1) any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary may consolidate with or merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary,

(2) the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, and

(3) the Issuer may consolidate or merge with an Affiliate of the Issuer, as the case may be, solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Issuer in any state of the United States, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof.

(b) In addition, the Issuer will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to, consolidate or merge with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1) (a) such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Subsidiary Guarantor, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof (such Subsidiary Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Person”);

(b) the Successor Person, if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture and such Subsidiary Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

(c) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and

(d) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with the Indenture; or

(2) the transaction is made in compliance with the covenant described under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

 

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(c) Subject to certain limitations described in the Indenture, the Successor Person will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture, such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee and the Registration Rights Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Subsidiary Guarantor may (i) merge into or with or wind up into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to a Subsidiary Guarantor or the Issuer or (ii) merge with an Affiliate of the Issuer solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing the Subsidiary Guarantor in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Restricted Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Issuer determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Issuer and is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders.

For purposes of this covenant, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer.

The predecessor company will be released from its obligations under the Indenture and the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under the Indenture, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor will not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes.

Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve “all or substantially all” of the property or assets of a Person.

Transactions with Affiliates

The Issuer does not, and does not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Issuer (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $2.5 million, unless:

(1) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Issuer or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

(2) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee (x) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $15.0 million, a resolution adopted by the majority of the board of directors of the Issuer, including a majority of the disinterested directors, approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) above and (y) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction involving aggregate payment or consideration in excess of $50.0 million, an opinion by a nationally recognized appraisal, accounting or investment banking firm stating that such transaction is fair, from a financial standpoint, to the Issuer or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary or stating that the terms of such transaction are not materially less favorable to the Issuer or its relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s length basis.

The foregoing provisions do not apply to the following:

(1) transactions between or among the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

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(2) Restricted Payments permitted by the provisions of the Indenture described above under the covenant “—Limitation on Restricted Payments” and the definition of “Permitted Investments” (other than clauses (1) or (3) thereof);

(3) the payment of reasonable and customary fees and compensation paid to, and indemnities and reimbursements provided for the benefit of, former, current or future officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer;

(4) any agreement or arrangement as in effect as of the Issue Date, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the Issue Date);

(5) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of the Indenture which are fair to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the board of directors of the Issuer or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(6) if otherwise permitted under the Indenture, the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) to Affiliates of the Issuer and the granting of registration and other customary rights in connection therewith or any contribution to the capital of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(7) any customary transaction with a Securitization Subsidiary effected as part of a Qualified Securitization Financing;

(8) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to employees or consultants of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and employment agreements, stock option plans, restricted stock plans, bonus programs and other similar arrangements with such employees or consultants which, in each case, are approved in Good Faith by the Issuer and in accordance with applicable law;

(9) investments in securities of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and payment of reasonable out-of-pocket fees incurred in connection therewith) so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities;

(10) transactions with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Issuer) that is an Affiliate of the Issuer solely because the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer owns an equity interest in or otherwise controls such Person; and

(11) intellectual property licenses in the ordinary course of business.

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

The Issuer does not, and does not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1) (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or

(b) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) make loans or advances to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,

 

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except (in each case) for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the ABL Credit Facility and the related documentation and related Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Obligations;

(b) the Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees (including any outstanding notes not exchanged in this exchange offer and related guarantees);

(c) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature discussed in clause (3) above on the property so acquired;

(d) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

(e) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in existence at the time of such acquisition (or at the time it merges with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in each case, not created in contemplation thereof)), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;

(f) contracts for the sale of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of the Issuer pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

(g) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenants described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” and “—Liens” that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(h) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(i) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred or issued subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” that impose restrictions solely on the Foreign Subsidiaries party thereto or their Subsidiaries;

(j) customary provisions in joint venture agreements or arrangements and other similar agreements relating solely to such joint venture; provided that with respect to any joint venture agreement relating to a Restricted Subsidiary, such provisions will not materially affect the Issuer’s ability to make anticipated principal or interest payments on the Notes (as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer);

(k) customary provisions contained in leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses or other agreements, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(l) any agreement or instrument (A) relating to any Indebtedness or preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the covenant described under “—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” if the encumbrances and restrictions are not materially more disadvantageous to the Holders than is customary in comparable financings (as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer) and (B) the Issuer determines that such encumbrance or restriction will not adversely affect the Issuer’s ability to make principal and interest payments on the Notes as and when they come due;

 

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(m) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (l) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, no more restrictive in any material respect with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing; and

(n) restrictions created in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing that, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, are necessary or advisable to effect such Securitization Facility.

Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries

The Issuer does not permit any of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries (and non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries if such non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries guarantee other capital markets debt securities of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or guarantee all or a portion of the ABL Credit Facility), other than a Subsidiary Guarantor, to guarantee the payment of any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor unless:

(1) such Restricted Subsidiary within 30 days executes and delivers a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and joinder or supplement to the Registration Rights Agreement providing for a senior Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary, except that with respect to a guarantee of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee; provided that

(a) if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantee with respect to the Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Notes; and

(b) if the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment to such Indebtedness, the Guarantee under the supplemental indenture shall be subordinated to such Restricted Subsidiary’s guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness substantially to the same extent as the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee are subordinated to such Indebtedness; and

(2) such Restricted Subsidiary waives and will not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Guarantee until payment in full of Obligations under the Indenture; and

(3) such Restricted Subsidiary shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that:

(a) such Guarantee has been duly executed and authorized; and

(b) such Guarantee constitutes a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary, except insofar as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent transfers) and except insofar as enforcement thereof is subject to general principals of equity;

 

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provided that this covenant shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

The Issuer may elect, in its sole discretion, to cause any Subsidiary that is not otherwise required to be a Subsidiary Guarantor to become a Subsidiary Guarantor, in which case, such Subsidiary shall not be required to comply with the requirements described above. If the Issuer elects to cause a Subsidiary to become a Subsidiary Guarantor, it may cause the Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor to be released and discharged at any time; provided that such Subsidiary Guarantor would not be required to provide a Guarantee of the Notes at such time pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant (without giving effect to the 30 day grace period provided therein).

Reports and Other information

Notwithstanding that the Issuer may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Indenture requires the Issuer to file with the SEC within 15 days after the time periods specified in those sections for a large accelerated filer, to the extent the Issuer is one, or otherwise for a non-accelerated filer:

(1) all financial information that would be required to be contained in an annual report on Form 10-K, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and a report on the annual financial statements by the Issuer’s independent registered public accounting firm;

(2) all financial information that would be required to be contained in a quarterly report on Form 10-Q, or any successor or comparable form, filed with the SEC;

(3) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Issuer were required to filed such reports; and

(4) any other information, documents and other reports which the Issuer would be required to file with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;

in each case, in a manner that complies in all material respects with the requirements specified in such form. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, so long as Issuer makes available such information to prospective purchasers of Notes, in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, in each case, at the Issuer’s expense and by the applicable date the Issuer would be required to file such information pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence. To the extent any such information is not so filed or furnished, as applicable, within the time periods specified above and such information is subsequently filed or furnished, as applicable, the Issuer will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured; provided that such cure shall not otherwise affect the rights of the Holders under “Events of Default and Remedies” if Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes have declared the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately and such declaration shall not have been rescinded or cancelled prior to such cure. In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Issuer agrees that, for so long as any Notes are outstanding, it will furnish to Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

Substantially concurrently with the furnishing or making such information available to the Trustee pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, the Issuer shall also post copies of such information required by the

 

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immediately preceding paragraph on a website (which may be nonpublic and may be maintained by the Issuer or a third party) to which access will be given to Holders, prospective investors in the Notes (which prospective investors, prior to the consummation of an exchange offer or the effectiveness of a shelf registration statement as required by the Registration Rights Agreement, shall be limited to “qualified institutional buyers” within the meaning of Rule 144A of the Securities Act, non-U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) or “accredited investors” pursuant to Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act), and securities analysts and market making financial institutions that are reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer. The Issuer shall hold quarterly conference calls that are publicly accessible after the Issuer’s financial statements for the prior fiscal period have been made available, provided that such conference calls shall be held no later than 5 Business Days after the date that such financial statements are required to be made available. No fewer than three Business Days prior to the date of the conference call required to be held in accordance with the preceding sentence the Issuer shall issue a press release to the appropriate U.S. wire services announcing the time and the date of such conference call and directing the beneficial owners of, and prospective investors in, the Notes and securities analysts to contact an individual at the Issuer (for whom contact information shall be provided in such press release) to obtain information on how to access such conference call.

In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Issuer becomes a guarantor of the Notes, the Indenture permits the Issuer to satisfy its obligations in this covenant with respect to financial information relating to the Issuer by furnishing financial information relating to such parent; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

Delivery of all such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of such reports, information or documents shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates).

Payments for Consent

Neither the Issuer nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders that are “qualified institutional buyers” within the meaning of Rule 144A of the Securities Act, who, upon request, confirm that they are “qualified institutional buyers,” consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or amendment.

Events of Default and Remedies

The Indenture provides that each of the following is an Event of Default:

(1) default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes;

(2) default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest on or with respect to the Notes;

(3) default in the performance or breach of the provisions of the Indenture described in subsection (a) under “Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets” related to the Issuer;

(4) failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes to comply with any of

 

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its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in the Indenture or the Notes;

(5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Notes, if both:

(a) such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; and

(b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $50.0 million or more at any one time outstanding;

(6) failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that together (determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for a fiscal period end provided as required under “Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information”) would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $50.0 million other than any judgments covered by indemnities provided by, or insurance policies issued by, reputable and creditworthy companies, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

(7) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that together (determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for a fiscal period end provided as required under “Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information”) would constitute a Significant Subsidiary); or

(8) the Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Subsidiaries that together (determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for a fiscal period end provided as required under “Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information”) would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or the responsible officers of any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for a fiscal period end provided as required under “Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information”) would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its or their Guarantee(s) or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of the Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture.

If any Event of Default (other than of a type specified in clause (7) above) occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately.

Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (7) of the first paragraph of this section, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. The Indenture

 

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provides that the Trustee may withhold from the Holders notice of any continuing Default, except a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. In addition, the Trustee shall have no obligation to accelerate the Notes if in the best judgment of the Trustee acceleration is not in the best interest of the Holders of the Notes.

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences under the Indenture (except a continuing Default in the payment of interest on, premium, if any, or the principal of any Note held by a non-consenting Holder) and rescind any acceleration and its consequences with respect to the Notes, provided such rescission would not conflict with any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (5) above, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 30 days after such Event of Default arose:

(1) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

(2) holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee thereunder, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Notes unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes unless:

(1) such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3) Holders of the Notes have offered and, if requested, provide to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5) Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

Subject to certain restrictions, under the Indenture the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Note or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

The Indenture provides that the Issuer is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Issuer is required, within 10 Business Days, after becoming aware of any Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default.

 

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No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

The obligations of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Indenture will terminate (other than certain obligations) and will be released upon payment in full of all of the Notes. The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to the Notes and have each Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligation discharged with respect to its Guarantee (“Legal Defeasance”) and cure all then existing Events of Default except for:

(1) the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to the Indenture;

(2) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuer’s obligations in connection therewith; and

(4) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.

In addition, the Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have its obligations and those of each Subsidiary Guarantor released with respect to certain covenants that are described in the Indenture (“Covenant Defeasance”) and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not including bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events pertaining to the Issuer) described under “Events of Default and Remedies” will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to the Notes:

(1) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Notes on the stated maturity date or on the redemption date, as the case may be, of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Notes and the Issuer must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions,

(a) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or

(b) since the issuance of the Notes, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S.

 

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federal income tax purposes, as applicable, as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the Holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to such tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness, and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the ABL Credit Facility or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or by which, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(6) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to customary assumptions and exclusions following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of Section 547 of Title 11 of the United States Code;

(7) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor or others; and

(8) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes, when either:

(1) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2)(a) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer and the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

 

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(b) no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) with respect to the Indenture or the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, the ABL Credit Facility or any other material agreement or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(c) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under the Indenture; and

(d) the Issuer has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

In addition, the Issuer must deliver an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the Indenture, any Guarantee and the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes, and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes issued thereunder may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, other than Notes beneficially owned by the Issuer or its Affiliates (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes).

The Indenture provides that, without the consent of each affected Holder of Notes, an amendment or waiver may not, with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder:

(1) reduce the principal amount of such Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Note or alter or waive the provisions with respect to the redemption of such Notes (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption “Repurchase at the Option of Holders” prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control or the obligation to make an Asset Sale Offer);

(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note;

(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated therein;

(6) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes;

(7) make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

 

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(8) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(9) make any change to or modify the ranking of the Notes that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10) except as expressly permitted by the Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that together (determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for a fiscal period end provided as required under “Certain Covenants—Reports and Other Information”) would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), in any manner adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or the Indenture to which it is a party) and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture and any Guarantee or Notes without the consent of any Holder:

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

(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes of such series in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

(3) to comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations and sales of assets;

(4) to provide for the assumption of the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders in a transaction that complies with the Indenture;

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

(6) to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(7) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

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

(9) to provide for the issuance of exchange notes or private exchange notes, which are identical to the Notes except that they are not freely transferable;

(10) to add a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture;

(11) to conform the text of the Indenture, Guarantees or the Notes to any provision of this “Description of the Exchange Notes” to the extent that such provision in this “Description of the Exchange Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, Guarantee or Notes; or

(12) to make any amendment to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by the Indenture, including, without limitation to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided, however, that (i) compliance with the Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes.

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

 

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Notices

Notices given by publication are deemed given on the first date on which publication is made and notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, are deemed given five calendar days after mailing.

Concerning the Trustee

The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of the Issuer, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.

The Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee is required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of the Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

Governing Law

The Indenture, the Notes and any Guarantee are and will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. For purposes of the Indenture, unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but excluding from such consolidation any Unrestricted Subsidiary as if such Unrestricted Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.

ABL Credit Facility” means the Credit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2011 by and among the Issuer, the lenders party thereto in their capacities as lenders thereunder and Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent and collateral agent, including any notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings or refinancings thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount borrowable thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” above).

Acquired Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of; such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of, such specified Person, and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

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Additional Interest” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note; and

(2) the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) 100% of such Note at May 15, 2019, plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Note through May 15, 2019 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

Asset Sale” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the Issuer (other than Equity Interests of the Issuer) or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” or directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals as required under applicable law), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a) any disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets) held for sale or no longer used in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(b) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer in a manner permitted pursuant to the provisions described above under “Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets” or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to the Indenture;

(c) the making of any Restricted Payment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under the covenant described above under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” and the making of any Permitted Investments;

(d) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $5.0 million;

(e) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer to the Issuer or by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer to another Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer;

 

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(f) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any successor provision, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(g) the lease, assignment, sub-lease, license or sublicense of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i) foreclosures, condemnation or any similar action on assets;

(j) any disposition of Securitization Assets, or participations therein, in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing, or the disposition of an account receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof in the ordinary course of business;

(k) sale or discount of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(l) the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business, other than the licensing of intellectual property on a long-term basis;

(m) the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations;

(n) the granting of a Lien that is permitted under the covenant described above under “Certain Covenants—Liens;”

(o) the sale or issuance by a Restricted Subsidiary of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock that is permitted by the covenant described under the caption “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;

(p) any financing transaction with respect to property constructed, acquired, replaced, repaired or improved (including any reconstruction, refurbishment, renovation and/or development of real property) by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations, permitted by the Indenture; and

(q) any surrender or waiver of contractual rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contractual rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business.

Asset Sale Offer” has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.

Bankruptcy Law” means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

Borrowing Base Amount” means, as to Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as of any date, the sum of (without duplication) (a) 80.0% of the face amount of wireless receivables of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors; (b) 82.5% of the book value of all inventory owned by the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors; (c) 85.0% of trade receivables (other than wireless receivables and credit card receivables) of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors and (d) 90.0% of the credit card receivables of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, in each case, calculated on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP (and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any such assets that are subject of a Qualified Securitization Transaction). In the event that information with respect to any element of the Borrowing Base Amount is not available as of any date, then the most recently available information will be utilized.

 

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Business Day” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

Capital Stock” means:

(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.

Cash Equivalents” means:

(1) United States dollars or Canadian dollars;

(2) (a) euro, or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU; or

(b) any other foreign currency held by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $500.0 million in the case of U.S. banks and $100.0 million (or the U.S. dollar equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks, and in each case in a currency permitted under clause (1) or (2) above;

(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3) and (4) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above, and in each case in a currency permitted under clause (1) or (2) above;

(6) commercial paper rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof, and in each case in a currency permitted under clause (1) or (2) above;

(7) marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moody’s or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof and in a currency permitted under clause (1) or (2) above;

(8) investment funds investing 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above;

 

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(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and

(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s and in each case in a currency permitted under clause (1) or (2) above.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

Cash Management Services” means any or the following to the extent not constituting a line of credit (other than an overnight overdraft facility that is not in default): ACH transactions, treasury and/or cash management services, including, without limitation, controlled disbursement services, overdraft facilities, foreign exchange facilities, deposit and other accounts and merchant services,

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

(1) the merger or consolidation of the Issuer with or into another Person or the merger of another Person with or into the Issuer or the merger of any Person with or into a Subsidiary of the Issuer if Capital Stock of the Issuer is issued in connection therewith, or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Issuer to another Person, unless holders of a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer, immediately prior to such transaction, hold securities of the surviving or transferee Person that represent, immediately after such transaction, at least a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving Person; or

(2) the Issuer becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase or otherwise of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 35% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer; or

(3) individuals who on the Issue Date constituted the board of directors of the Issuer, together with any new directors whose election by the board of directors or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Issuer was approved by a majority of the directors then still in office who were either directors on the Issue Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the board of directors of the Issuer then in office.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor thereto.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (v) penalties and interest related to taxes, (w) any Additional Interest with respect to the Notes, (x) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, discounted liabilities, commissions, fees and expenses and (y) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees); plus

(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(3) interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that, without duplication,

(1) any net after-tax effect of extraordinary gains or losses, costs, charges or expenses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), shall be excluded,

(2) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period,

(3) any net after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations shall be excluded,

(4) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer, shall be excluded,

(5) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period (without duplication for purposes of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” of any amounts included under clause (3)(d)(i) of the first paragraph of such covenant),

(6) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3)(a) of the first paragraph of “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments,” the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Subsidiary Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent

 

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the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, is otherwise restricted by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived, provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash or Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein,

(7) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in such Person’s consolidated financial statements, including adjustments to the inventory, property and equipment, software and other intangible assets (including favorable and unfavorable leases and contracts), deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off or write-down of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded,

(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or cancellation of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments (including deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid) shall be excluded,

(9) any impairment charge, asset write-off or write-down, in each case, pursuant to GAAP and the amortization of intangibles and other assets arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,

(10) any (i) non-cash compensation charge or expense recorded from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights and (ii) income (loss) attributable to deferred compensation plans or trusts shall be excluded,

(11) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded,

(12) any net unrealized gain or loss resulting from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any unrealized net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk) shall be excluded, and

(13) any net unrealized gains and losses resulting from Hedging Obligations or embedded derivatives that require similar accounting treatment and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 815 and related pronouncements shall be excluded.

In addition, to the extent not already included in the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Indenture.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments” only (other than clause (3)(d) thereof of the first paragraph), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted

 

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Investments made by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under such covenant pursuant to clause (3)(d) thereof.

Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is secured by Liens (provided that in making such calculation, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Issuer is permitted to incur under clause (1) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified and Preferred Stock” shall be deemed outstanding and secured by a Lien) to (2) the Issuer’s EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, as at any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Obligations in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes and similar instruments (and including, for the avoidance of doubt, all obligations relating to Qualified Securitization Financings) and (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Issuer and all Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences and maximum fixed repurchase prices, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries under any revolving credit facility or line of credit as at any date of determination shall be determined using the Average Quarterly Balance of such Indebtedness for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available as of such date of determination (the “Reference Period”). For purposes hereof, (a) the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock as if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock were purchased on any date on which Consolidated Total Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such fair market value shall be determined reasonably and in Good Faith by the Issuer, (b) “Average Quarterly Balance” means, with respect to any Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries under a revolving facility or line of credit, the quotient of (x) the sum of each Individual Quarterly Balance for each fiscal quarter ended on or prior to such date of determination and included in the Reference Period divided by (y) 4, and (c) “Individual Quarterly Balance” means, with respect to any Indebtedness incurred by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries under a revolving credit facility or line of credit during any fiscal quarter of the Issuer, the quotient of (x) the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Indebtedness at the end of each day of such quarter divided by (y) the number of days in such fiscal quarter.

Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent,

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2) to advance or supply funds

 

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(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, or

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Credit Facilities means, with respect to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the ABL Credit Facility, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refunding thereof and any indentures or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock”) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or investor or group of lenders or investors.

Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default; provided that any Default that results solely from the taking of an action that would have been permitted but for the continuation of a previous Default will be deemed to be cured if such previous Default is cured prior to becoming an Event of Default.

Designated Non-cash Consideration” means the fair market value of non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, executed by the principal financial officer of the Issuer, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

“Domestic Restricted Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary formed under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction thereof.

EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period

(1) increased (without duplication) by:

(a) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

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(b) Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses on Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk and (y) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities), plus amounts excluded from the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense” pursuant to clauses 1(x) through 1(z) thereof, to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income; plus

(c) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same were deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(d) any expenses or charges (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including

(i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering of the Notes and the ABL Credit Facility and any Securitization Fees, and

(ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes, the ABL Credit Facility and any Securitization Fees, in each case, deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(e) the amount of any restructuring charge or reserve or integration cost that is certified by the chief financial officer of the Issuer and deducted (and not added back) in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; provided that the aggregate amount of all charges, expenses, costs and losses added back under this clause (e) in any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters shall not exceed 10.0% of EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters; plus

(f) any other non-cash charges, expenses or losses reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (including any impairment charges or the impact of purchase accounting), excluding any such charge that represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period; plus

(g) any non-recurring or unusual expenses or losses (and minus any non-recurring or unusual gains); plus

(h) the amount of loss on sale of Securitization Assets and related assets to the Securitization Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; plus

(i) any costs or expense incurred by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Issuer or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of the first paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments;” plus

(j) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing EBITDA or Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of EBITDA pursuant to clause (2) below for any previous period and not added back; plus

(k) any net loss included in the consolidated financial statements due to the application of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160 “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“FAS 160”); plus

(l) rent expense as determined in accordance with GAAP not actually paid in cash during such period (net of rent expense paid in cash during such period over and above rent expense as determined in accordance with GAAP); plus

 

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(m) realized foreign exchange losses resulting from the impact of foreign currency changes on the valuation of assets or liabilities on the balance sheet of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(n) net realized losses from Hedging Obligations or embedded derivatives that require similar accounting treatment and the application of Accounting Standard Codification Topic 815 and related pronouncements;

(2) decreased (without duplication) by: (a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase EBITDA in such prior period; plus (b) realized foreign exchange income or gains resulting from the impact of foreign currency changes on the valuation of assets or liabilities on the balance sheet of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries; plus (c) any net realized income or gains from Hedging Obligations or embedded derivatives that require similar accounting treatment and the application of Accounting Standard Codification Topic 815 and related pronouncements, plus (d) any net income included in the consolidated financial statements due to the application of FAS 160, plus (e) rent expense actually paid in cash during such period (net of rent expense paid in cash during such period in an amount equal to rent expense determined in accordance with GAAP) and

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication), as applicable, any adjustments resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 460 or any comparable regulation.

EMU means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.

Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8; and

(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Issuer.

euro” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.

Event of Default” has the meaning set forth under “Events of Default and Remedies.”

Excess Proceeds” has the meaning set forth in the third paragraph under “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales.”

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

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

 

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For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) that have been made by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, consolidations and discontinued operations (and the change in any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or discontinued operations that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation or discontinued operations had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be (x) made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer (and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, cost savings and operating expense reductions resulting from such Investment, acquisition, merger or consolidation or discontinued operations which is being given pro forma effect that have been or are expected to be realized) or (y) determined in accordance with Regulation S-X. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period except as set forth in the first paragraph of this definition. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate.

Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period;

(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock during such period; and

(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock during such period.

Foreign Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof and any Restricted Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect on the Issue Date.

Good Faith by the Issuer” means the decision in good faith by a responsible financial officer of the Issuer; provided that (a) if such decision involves a determination of fair market value in excess of $7.5 million, the decision is made in good faith by the Senior Management of the Issuer and (b) if such decision involves a

 

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determination of fair market value in excess of $25.0 million, the decision is made in good faith by the board of directors of the Issuer.

Government Securities” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

guarantee” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

Guarantee” means the guarantee by any Subsidiary Guarantor of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Indenture and the Notes.

Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, commodity swap agreement, commodity cap agreement, commodity collar agreement, foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or similar agreement providing for the transfer or mitigation of interest rate, commodity price or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the registrar’s books.

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a) in respect of borrowed money;

(b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes an obligation in respect of a commercial letter of credit, a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business (and with respect to commercial letters of credit repaid in a timely manner) and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and is not paid after becoming due and payable; or

(d) representing any Hedging Obligations;

 

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if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person; provided that in no event shall an operating lease (and any filing, recording or other action in connection therewith) be deemed Indebtedness;

provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business. For the avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness does not include Cash Management Services.

Independent Financial Advisor” means an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

Initial Purchasers” means the initial purchasers listed in the Offering Memorandum under “Plan of Distribution.”

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or, in either case, an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;

(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, credit card and debit card receivables, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Issuer in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments”:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Issuer at the time that such Subsidiary is

 

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designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Issuer’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b) the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer.

Issue Date” means May 3, 2011.

Issuer” has the meaning set forth in the first paragraph under “General” and its permitted successors.

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.

Leverage Ratio” means, on the date of determination, the ratio of (i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to (ii) EBITDA of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such event for which such calculation is being made shall occur, in each case with such pro forma adjustments to such Consolidated Total Indebtedness and EBITDA as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction; provided that in no event shall any filing, recording or other action in connection with an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and after any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the assets disposed of required (other than required by clause (1) of the second paragraph of “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales”) to be paid as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

 

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Non-Guarantor Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), premium, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum related to the offering of outstanding notes, dated April 28, 2011.

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Issuer or any other Person, as the case may be.

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer of the Issuer or on behalf of any other Person, as the case may be, who must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuer or such other Person, that meets the requirements set forth in the Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee and that meets the requirements set forth in the indenture. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer or the Trustee.

Permitted Asset Swap” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with the “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” covenant.

Permitted Investments” means:

(1) any Investment in the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(3) any Investment by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or transfer;

(4) any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions of “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset Sales” or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

 

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(5) any Investment existing on the Issue Date not otherwise constituting a Permitted Investment and any extension, modification, replacement or renewal of any such Investments existing on the Issue Date, but only to the extent not involving additional advances, contributions or other Investments of cash or other assets or other increases thereof other than as a result of the accrual or accretion of interest or original issue discount or the issuance of pay-in-kind securities, in each case, pursuant to the terms of such Investment as in effect on the Issue Date (or as subsequently amended or otherwise modified in a manner not disadvantageous to the Holders of the Notes in any material respect);

(6) any Investment acquired by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable;

(b) in satisfaction of judgments against other Persons; or

(c) as a result of a foreclosure by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(7) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (10) of the second paragraph of the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;”

(8) any Investment in a Similar Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 5.0% of the Issuer’s Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(9) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer; provided, however, that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of the first paragraph under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments;”

(10) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Transactions with Affiliates” (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5), (7), (10) and (11) of such paragraph);

(11) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment;

(12) additional Investments having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed the greater of (x) $20.0 million and (y) 1.00% of Issuer’s Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(13) Investments relating to a Securitization Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Issuer are necessary or advisable to effect any Qualified Securitization Financing;

(14) advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, officers, directors and employees not in excess of $2.0 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

 

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(15) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practices or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer;

(16) advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(17) Investments consisting of licensing of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

(18) contributions to a “rabbi” trust for the benefit of employees within the meaning of Revenue Procedure 92-64 or other grantor trust subject to the claims of creditors in the case of a bankruptcy of the Issuer;

(19) Investments relating to arrangements with third parties allowing the Issuer to engage in the sale or distribution of wireless voice and data communication devices, tablet and tablet personal computer devices and other mobile products and services in conjunction with, through or for such third parties, which arrangements are in effect on the Issue Date (and Investments relating to any similar arrangements entered into after the Issue Date); and

(20) Indebtedness (including guarantees of Indebtedness) incurred under clauses (12), (14) or (18) under the covenant described in “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock” to the extent that interest payments with respect to such Indebtedness are included in the definition of Fixed Charges.

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) pledges or deposits by such Person in connection with any workmen’s compensation liabilities, unemployment insurance laws or similar liabilities, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(2) Liens imposed by law or regulation, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and mechanics’ and similar Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of such Person in accordance with GAAP, or for property taxes on property that the Issuer or one of its Subsidiaries has determined to abandon if the sole recourse for such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claims is to such property;

(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance, surety, bid, indemnity, warranty, release, appeal or similar bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued, and completion guarantees provided for, in each case pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;

(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, servitudes, sewers, electric lines, drains, telegraph and telephone and cable television lines, gas and oil pipelines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions

 

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(including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental, to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to (x) clause (4) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock; or (y) clause (18) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” provided that (i) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (4) only cover the assets acquired with such Indebtedness and (ii) that Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clause (18) extend only to the assets of Foreign Subsidiaries;

(7) Liens existing on the Issue Date (with the exception of Liens securing the ABL Credit Facility, on the Issue Date, which will be deemed incurred pursuant to clause (33) of this definition);

(8) Liens on property, shares of stock or other assets of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided, however, such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided, further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(9) Liens on property or other assets at the time the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property or other assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition, merger or consolidation; provided, further, however, that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be incurred in accordance with the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;”

(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations and Cash Management Services so long as related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under the Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;

(12) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or trade letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

(13) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and do not secure any Indebtedness;

(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases or consignments entered into by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor;

(16) Liens on equipment of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business;

(17) Liens on Securitization Assets and related assets incurred in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;

 

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(18) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancing, refunding, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (6)(x), (7), (8) and (9); provided, however, that (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on such property), and (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (i) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (6)(x), (7), (8) and (9) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture, and (ii) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement;

(19) deposits made or other security provided to secure liabilities to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements in the ordinary course of business;

(20) other Liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business which obligations do not exceed $100.0 million at any one time outstanding;

(21) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (6) under the caption “Events of Default and Remedies” so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

(22) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of real property that is used or will be used as a headquarters for the Issuer, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets; provided that (i) the Liens securing such Indebtedness only relate to the property acquired with such Indebtedness and (ii) the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed $200.0 million;

(23) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business;

(24) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of banking institutions arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(25) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” provided that such Liens do not extend to any assets other than those that are the subject of such repurchase agreement;

(26) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(27) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(28) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted under the Indenture;

(29) the rights reserved or vested in any Person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a statutory provision, to terminate any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit, or to require annual or periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof;

(30) restrictive covenants affecting the use to which real property may be put; provided, however, that the covenants are complied with;

(31) security given to a public utility or any municipality or governmental authority when required by such utility or authority in connection with the operations of that Person in the ordinary course of business;

(32) zoning by-laws and other land use restrictions, including, without limitation, site plan agreements, development agreements and contract zoning agreements;

(33) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business; and

(34) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred under Credit Facilities, including any letter of credit facility relating thereto, that was incurred pursuant to clause (1) of the second paragraph under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” and

(35) Liens incurred to secure Obligations in respect of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock;” provided that, with respect to Liens securing Obligations permitted under this clause (35), at the time of incurrence and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Consolidated Secured Debt Ratio would be no greater than 1.5 to 1.0.

For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall be deemed to include interest on such Indebtedness.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Qualified Securitization Financing” means any Securitization Facility of a Securitization Subsidiary that meets the following conditions: (i) the board of directors of the Issuer shall have determined in good faith that such Qualified Securitization Financing (including financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions) is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) all sales of Securitization Assets and related assets by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Securitization Subsidiary or any other Person are made at fair market value (as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer), (iii) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms (as determined in Good Faith by the Issuer) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings and (iv) the Obligations under such Securitization Facility are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary). The grant of a security interest in any Securitization Assets of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary) to secure Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Facility shall not be deemed a Qualified Securitization Financing.

 

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Rating Agencies” means Moody’s and S&P or if Moody’s or S&P or both shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Issuer which shall be substituted for Moody’s or S&P or both, as the case may be.

Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) the Registration Rights Agreement related to the Notes dated as of the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers, as amended or supplemented, and (ii) any other registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of Additional Notes in a private offering by the Issuer after the Issue Date.

Related Business Assets” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business, provided that any assets received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Issuer (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.”

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien.

Securitization Asset” means any accounts receivable, real estate asset, mortgage receivables or related assets, in each case subject to a Securitization Facility.

Securitization Facility” means any of one or more securitization financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, pursuant to which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells its Securitization Assets to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Securitization Subsidiary that in turn sells Securitization Assets to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.

Securitization Fees” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any Securitization Asset or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Qualified Securitization Financing.

Securitization Repurchase Obligation” means any obligation of a seller of Securitization Assets in a Qualified Securitization Financing to repurchase Securitization Assets arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including, without limitation, as a result of a receivable or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.

 

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Securitization Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary in each case formed for the purpose of and that solely engages in one or more Qualified Securitization Financings and other activities reasonably related thereto.

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

Senior Management” means the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer.

Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such regulation is in effect on the Issue Date.

Similar Business” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer which the Issuer has determined in good faith to be customary in a Securitization Financing, including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Securitization Subsidiary, it being understood that any Securitization Repurchase Obligation shall be deemed to be a Standard Securitization Undertaking.

Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to the Notes,

(1) any Indebtedness of the Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and

(2) any Indebtedness of any Subsidiary Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Notes.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) any corporation, association, or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof or is consolidated under GAAP with such Person at such time; and

(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

(x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that provides a Guarantee of the Notes.

 

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Total Assets” means, as of any date for any specified Person, the total consolidated assets of such specified Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of such specified Person, determined on a pro forma basis in a manner consistent with the pro forma basis contained in the definition of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.

Treasury Rate” means, as of any Redemption Date, the yield to maturity as of such Redemption Date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to May 15, 2019; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to May 15, 2019 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-777bbbb).

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of the Issuer which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Issuer, as provided below); and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Issuer may designate any Subsidiary of the Issuer (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer (other than solely any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Issuer;

(2) such designation complies with the covenants described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Restricted Payments;” and

(3) each of:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b) its Subsidiaries

has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary. As of the Issue Date, Tandy Life Insurance Company will be an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Issuer may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary would be able to incur such Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant described under “Certain Covenants—Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified and Preferred Stock,” on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

Any such designation by the Issuer shall be notified by the Issuer to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of the Issuer or any committee thereof giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

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Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the board of directors of such Person.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2) the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event to holders for United States federal income tax purposes. Consequently, no gain or loss will be recognized by a holder upon receipt of an exchange note, the holding period of the exchange note will include the holding period of the outstanding note exchanged therefor and the basis of the exchange note will be the same as the basis of the outstanding note immediately before the exchange.

In any event, persons considering the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences in light of their particular situations as well as any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The exchange notes may be acquired and held by or with the assets of an employee benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), an individual retirement account or other plan subject to Section 4975 of the Code or an employee benefit plan sponsored by a state or local government or otherwise subject to laws that include restrictions substantially similar to ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code (“similar laws”). A fiduciary of an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA must determine that the acquisition and holding of an exchange note is consistent with its fiduciary duties under ERISA. Such fiduciary, as well as any other prospective investor subject to Section 4975 of the Code or any similar law, must also determine that its acquisition and holding of exchange notes does not result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction as defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or any similar law. Each acquirer and transferee of an exchange note who is subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a similar law will be deemed to have represented by its acquisition and holding of the exchange note that its acquisition and holding of the exchange notes does not constitute or give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code or any similar law. Such acquirer or transferee should consult legal counsel before acquiring the exchange notes. Nothing herein shall be construed as a representation that an investment in the exchange notes would meet any or all of the relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by, or is appropriate for, an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or a similar law.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Any broker-dealer who holds outstanding notes that are Transfer Restricted Securities, and that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than outstanding notes acquired directly from us) may exchange such outstanding notes in this exchange offer. However, the broker-dealer may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and, therefore, must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the exchange notes received by the broker-dealer in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

We will not receive any proceeds from any exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes or from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own accounts pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of these methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of the exchange notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit of any resale of exchange notes and any commissions or concessions received by these persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and, except in certain circumstances, the expenses of counsel and other advisors of the holders and will indemnify the holders of outstanding notes, including any broker-dealers, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the exchange notes being offered hereby is being passed on for us by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to RadioShack Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 27, 2011 and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of RadioShack Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also request copies of the documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. These SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Our common stock, par value $1.00 per share, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. under the symbol “RSH.” You may inspect reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us and our consolidated subsidiaries at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. For further information in obtaining copies of our public filings at the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., you should call 212-656-5060.

RadioShack Corporation discloses important information to you by referring you to documents that we have previously filed with the SEC or documents that we will file with the SEC in the future. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act (other than information in the documents or filings that is deemed to have been furnished and not filed), after the date of this prospectus and before the completion of the exchange offer described in this prospectus shall be incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the date of filing of such documents.

 

   

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (including information specifically incorporated by reference into our Form 10-K from our Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting);

 

   

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011;

 

   

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, as amended; and

 

   

Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 7, 2011 (other than information furnished pursuant to Item 7.01), January 24, 2011 (other than information filed pursuant to Item 9.01), April 25, 2011 (with information filed under Items 8.01 and 9.01), May 4, 2011, May 23, 2011, August 15, 2011, September 1, 2011, September 19, 2011 and September 27, 2011.

 

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You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

RadioShack Corporation

Attention: Shareholder Services

300 RadioShack Circle, MS CF4-324

Fort Worth, Texas 76102-1964

(817) 415-3011

 

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LOGO

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

Offer to exchange

$325,000,000 principal amount of our 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019, which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for any and all of our outstanding 6.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019.

Until the date that is 90 days from the date of this prospectus, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this exchange offer, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions or otherwise.