-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, IYtmfSD9JrvIfepoVoxxe99IFHVPBTzyP5tEwZTdxmollF9kar06AUN0mAcJVOJu Ojbqwg09opRChq6s1sq6dg== 0001193125-10-065825.txt : 20100324 0001193125-10-065825.hdr.sgml : 20100324 20100324165935 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-10-065825 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 13 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20100130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20100324 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100324 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: TOYS R US INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001005414 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-HOBBY, TOY & GAME SHOPS [5945] IRS NUMBER: 223260693 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0129 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-11609 FILM NUMBER: 10702313 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TOYS R US INC STREET 2: ONE GEOFFREY WAY CITY: WAYNE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07470 BUSINESS PHONE: 9736173500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TOYS R US INC STREET 2: ONE GEOFFREY WAY CITY: WAYNE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07470 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010

Commission file number 1-11609

 

 

LOGO

TOYS “R” US, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   22-3260693

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, New Jersey

  07470
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(973) 617-3500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

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

 

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

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

As of March 24, 2010, there were outstanding 48,951,836 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Toys “R” Us, Inc., none of which were publicly traded.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None

 

 

 


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Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, the other reports, statements, that we have or may in the future file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other publicly released materials, both oral and written, that we have made or may make in the future, may contain “forward looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such disclosures are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. These forward looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations and financial performance. All statements herein or therein that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements. We generally identify these statements by words or phrases, such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “foresee,” “forecast,” “will,” “may,” “outlook” or the negative version of these words or other similar words or phrases. These statements discuss, among other things, our strategy, store openings and renovations, future financial or operational performance, projected sales or earnings per share for certain periods, comparable store sales from one period to another, cost savings, results of store closings and restructurings, outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation, domestic or international developments, nature and allocation of future capital expenditures, growth initiatives, inventory levels, cost of goods, future financings and other goals and targets.

These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, competition in the retail industry, seasonality of our business, changes in consumer preferences and consumer spending patterns, product safety issues including product recalls, general economic conditions in the United States and other countries in which we conduct our business, our ability to implement our strategy, our substantial level of indebtedness and related debt-service obligations, restrictions imposed by covenants in our debt agreements, availability of adequate financing, changes in laws that impact our business, changes in employment legislation, our dependence on key vendors for our merchandise, costs of goods that we sell, labor costs, transportation costs, domestic and international events affecting the delivery of toys and other products to our stores, political and other developments associated with our international operations, existence of adverse litigation and other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth under Item 1A entitled “RISK FACTORS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, we typically earn a disproportionate part of our annual operating income in the fourth quarter as a result of seasonal buying patterns and these buying patterns are difficult to forecast with certainty. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive, and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report. We believe that all forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions when made; however, we caution that it is impossible to predict actual results or outcomes or the effects of risks, uncertainties or other factors on anticipated results or outcomes and that, accordingly, one should not place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements in light of subsequent events or developments. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results or outcomes discussed in any forward-looking statement.


Table of Contents

INDEX

 

         PAGE
PART I.   
Item 1.   Business    1
Item 1A.   Risk Factors    9
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments    15
Item 2.   Properties    15
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings    16
Item 4.   (Removed and Reserved)    16
PART II.   
Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    17
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data    17
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    18
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    39
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    41
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    99
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures    99
Item 9B.   Other Information    101
PART III.   
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance    101
Item 11.   Executive Compensation    103
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    124
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence    125
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    127
PART IV.   

Item 15.

  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    128
SIGNATURES    129
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT    130
INDEX TO EXHIBITS    131


Table of Contents

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

As used herein, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means Toys “R” Us, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31 of each calendar year. This Annual Report on Form 10-K focuses on our last three fiscal years ended as follows: fiscal 2009 ended January 30, 2010; fiscal 2008 ended January 31, 2009; and fiscal 2007 ended February 2, 2008. References to fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 are to our fiscal years unless otherwise specified.

Our Business

We are the leading global specialty retailer of toys and juvenile products, and the only specialty toy and juvenile products retailer that operates on a national scale in the United States. We sell a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through our retail locations and the Internet. Our brand names are highly recognized in North America, Europe and Asia, and our expertise in the specialty toy and juvenile retail space, our broad range of product offerings, our substantial scale and geographic footprint and our strong vendor relationships account for our market-leading position and distinguish us from the competition. As of January 30, 2010, we operated 849 stores in 49 states in the United States and Puerto Rico, and owned, licensed or franchised 717 retail stores in 33 countries outside the United States. During the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, we had Net sales of $13.6 billion.

History

Our retail business began in 1948 when founder Charles Lazarus opened a baby furniture store, Children’s Bargain Town, in Washington, D.C. The Toys “R” Us name made its debut in 1957. By 1978, the year Toys “R” Us went public, the chain had grown to 72 stores, concentrated in the Northeast section of the United States. The Babies “R” Us brand was established in 1996, further solidifying the Company’s reputation as a leading consumer destination for toys and juvenile products.

On July 21, 2005, we were acquired through a $6.6 billion merger (the “Merger”) by an investment group consisting of entities advised by or affiliated with Bain Capital Partners LLC (“Bain”), Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. (“KKR”), and Vornado Realty Trust (“Vornado”) (collectively, the “Sponsors”), along with a fourth investor, GB Holdings I, LLC, an affiliate of Gordon Brothers, a consulting firm that is independent from and unaffiliated with the Sponsors and management.

Growth Strategy

Recognizing the numerous potential synergies between our toy and specialty juvenile products businesses over the last several years, we have begun to implement a strategy of creating an integrated “one-stop shopping” environment for our guests, combining the best of our toy and entertainment offerings with our specialty juvenile products, all under one roof (formats which we call “side-by-side” and “‘R’ Superstore”). Side-by-side (“SBS”) stores are typically former single-format Toys “R” Us stores between 40,000 and 50,000 square feet which have been converted to a combination Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us store format, often with dual entrances. “R” Superstores (“SSBS”) are conceptually similar to SBS stores, except they are typically newly-constructed facilities with store footprints in the 60,000 to 70,000 square foot range. In connection with our integrated strategy, we continue to increase the number of SBS and SSBS stores both domestically and internationally. Since implementing the integrated store format over three years ago, we have converted 129 existing stores into SBS store formats and have constructed 38 new SBS and SSBS stores. We expect that our integrated store formats will be our dominant focus going forward.

In addition to our SBS and SSBS store formats, we continue to enhance our integrated strategy within our existing traditional toy stores with our Babies “R” Us Express (“BRU Express”) and Juvenile Expansion formats which devote additional square footage to our juvenile products within our traditional Toys “R” Us stores. Since implementing this integrated store format, we have augmented 79 existing Toys “R” Us stores with our BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats.

During our prime selling season in fiscal 2009, we opened 91 Toys “R” Us Holiday Express stores (“Pop-up stores”) globally in malls and other shopping centers, and introduced Toys “R” Us Holiday Express shops in all of our specialty juvenile stores. These locations typically range in size from approximately 3,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. Pop-up stores are temporary locations typically open for a duration of less than one year and are not included in our overall store count. As of January 30, 2010, 30 Pop-up stores remained open. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

As of the end of fiscal 2009, we operated all of the “R” Us branded retail stores in the United States and Puerto Rico and approximately 72% of the 717 “R” Us branded retail stores internationally. The balance of the “R” Us branded retail stores outside the United States are operated by licensees and franchisees. These licensees and franchisees did not have a material impact on our Net sales. During fiscal 2009, the Company acquired certain business assets of FAO Schwarz, and began selling merchandise through our FAO Schwarz retail store in New York City. We also sell merchandise through our Internet sites in the United States at Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, as well as through other Internet sites internationally. In addition, commencing in fiscal 2009, we sell merchandise through our newly acquired eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com Internet sites.

 

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As of January 30, 2010, we operated 1,566 retail stores and 30 Pop-up stores worldwide in the following formats:

 

   

141 SBS stores, which typically range in size from 40,000 to 50,000 square feet and devote approximately 30,000 square feet to traditional toy products and 15,000 square feet to specialty juvenile products;

 

   

26 SSBS stores, which typically range from 60,000 to 70,000 square feet by combining a traditional toy store of approximately 34,000 square feet with a specialty juvenile store of approximately 30,000 square feet;

 

   

1,114 traditional toy stores, which typically range in size from 30,000 to 50,000 square feet and devote approximately 5,500 square feet to boutique areas for specialty juvenile products (BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats devote approximately an additional 4,500 square feet and 1,000 square feet, respectively, for juvenile products);

 

   

282 specialty juvenile stores, which typically range from 30,000 to 45,000 square feet and devote approximately 2,000 to 5,000 square feet to specialty name brand and private label clothing;

 

   

3 flagship store locations (the Toys “R” Us store in Times Square, the FAO Schwarz store on 5th Avenue and the Babies “R” Us store in Union Square – all in New York City); and

 

   

Pop-up stores in smaller formats which typically range from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet.

Our extensive experience in retail site selection has resulted in a portfolio of stores that include attractive locations in many of our chosen markets. Markets for new stores and formats are selected on the basis of proximity to other “R” Us branded stores, demographic factors, population growth potential, competitive environment, availability of real estate and cost. Once a potential market is identified, we select a suitable location based upon several criteria, including size of the property, access to major commercial thoroughfares, proximity of other strong anchor stores or other destination superstores, visibility and parking capacity.

Our Business Segments

Our business has two reportable segments: Toys “R” Us – Domestic (“Domestic”) and Toys “R” Us – International (“International”). See Note 12 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SEGMENTS” for our segments’ financial results for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007. The following is a brief description of our segments:

 

   

Domestic. Our Domestic segment sells a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through 849 stores that operate in 49 states in the United States and Puerto Rico and through the Internet. Domestic Net sales are derived from 496 traditional toy stores (including 77 BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats), 260 specialty juvenile stores, 64 SBS stores, 26 SSBS stores and our 3 flagship stores in New York City. Additionally, we also generate sales through our Pop-up store locations. On average, our stores offer approximately 10,000 active items year-round. Based on sales, we are the largest specialty retailer of toys in the United States and Puerto Rico as well as the only specialty juvenile retailer that operates on a national scale in the United States. Domestic Net sales were $8.3 billion for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, which accounts for 61% of our consolidated Net sales.

 

   

International. Our International segment sells a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through 717 owned, licensed or franchised stores that operate in 33 countries and through the Internet. Net sales (including fees received from licensed or franchised stores) in our International segment are derived from 618 traditional toy stores (including 2 BRU Express formats), as well as 77 SBS stores and 22 specialty juvenile stores. Our wholly-owned operations are in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We also consolidate the results of Toys “R” Us – Japan, Ltd. (“Toys – Japan”) of which we owned approximately 91% at January 30, 2010. On average, our stores offer approximately 8,500 active items year-round. International Net sales were $5.3 billion for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, which accounts for 39% of our consolidated Net sales.

Differentiation

We believe we offer our customers the most comprehensive selection of merchandise in the retail toy and specialty juvenile industries through our “R” Us branded stores and through the Internet. We believe that our differentiated product assortment, proportionately higher private label or exclusively licensed product offerings, and quality service levels enable us to command a reputation as the shopping destination for toys, electronics and specialty juvenile products. Our stores offer a one-stop shopping experience that provides a breadth of product assortment unrivaled by our competitors. We seek to differentiate ourselves from our competitors in several key areas, including product selection, product presentation, service, in-store experience and marketing. We are able to provide vendors with a year-round distribution outlet for the broadest assortment of their products. We continue to grow and strengthen our Domestic and International segments by:

 

   

focusing on the expansion of our juvenile product offerings through our SBS, SSBS, BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion store formats;

 

   

expanding our presence during the holiday season by introducing Pop-up stores in malls and shopping centers;

 

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enhancing our product offerings and adding private label and exclusive products to our mix including unique and exceptional items sold through the legendary FAO Schwarz brand, acquired on May 28, 2009;

 

   

offering great value to customers through a convenient multi-channel (store and Internet) shopping experience;

 

   

renovating our stores to freshen our stores and enhance the shopping experience and continually reviewing our store portfolio for new store opportunities;

 

   

reaching customers, through differentiated value propositions, with our expanded portfolio of recently acquired e-commerce brands; and

 

   

achieving a high degree of customer interaction through our state of the art baby registry in the United States, our world-wide customer loyalty plans and reorganizing our store management teams to improve customer service.

Product Selection and Merchandise

Our product offerings are focused on serving the needs of parents, grandparents and other gift-givers interested in purchasing merchandise in our primary product categories:

 

   

Core Toy — boys and girls toys, such as dolls and doll accessories, action figures, role play toys and vehicles, games, plush toys and puzzles;

 

   

Entertainment — video game systems and software, electronics, computer software, DVDs and other related products;

 

   

Juvenile — our juvenile product selection is focused on serving newborns and children up to four years of age. Consequently, we offer a broad array of products, such as baby gear, infant care products, apparel, commodities, furniture, bedding, room décor and infant toys;

 

   

Learning — educational electronics and developmental toys, such as our Imaginarium products in the United States and World of Imagination products at our International locations, and pre-school merchandise which includes pre-school learning products, activities and toys; and

 

   

Seasonal — toys and other products geared toward holidays (including Christmas, Hannukah, Three Kings, Carnival, Easter, Golden Week and Halloween) and summer activities, as well as bikes, sporting goods, play sets and other outdoor products.

We offer a wide selection of popular national toy and juvenile brands including many products that are exclusively offered at, or launched at, our stores. Over the past few years, we have worked with key resources to obtain exclusive products and expand our private label brands enabling us to earn higher margins and offer products that our customers will not find elsewhere. We offer a broad selection of private label merchandise under names such as IMAGINARIUM , ESPECIALLY FOR BABY, BRUIN JUVENILE, KOALA BABY, FAST LANE, YOU & ME, JUST LIKE HOME and FAO SCHWARZ in our stores. We believe these private label brands provide a platform on which we can expand our product offerings in the future and will further differentiate our products and allow us to enhance profitability.

Marketing

We believe that we have achieved our leading market position largely as a result of building a highly recognized brand name and delivering superior service to our customers. We use a variety of broad-based and targeted marketing and advertising strategies to reach consumers. These strategies include mass marketing programs such as direct mail, e-mail marketing, targeted magazine advertisements, catalogs/rotos and other inserts in national or local newspapers, national television and radio broadcasts, targeted door-to-door distribution, direct mailings to loyalty card members and in-store marketing. Our most significant single piece of advertising is the “Big Book” promotional catalog release, which is distributed through direct mail, newspapers and in-stores during the fourth quarter holiday selling season. Through the “Big Book” release we promote deals and discounts on our merchandise.

Our direct marketing program for the specialty juvenile market includes mailings to expecting and new parents. In addition, we offer unique benefits such as loyalty programs to our customers, including the Rewards “R” Us program, which provides customers with a variety of exclusive one-time offers and ongoing benefits, and Geoffrey’s Birthday Club, which provides members with exciting birthday surprises.

Our comprehensive baby registry offered in our stores and on the Internet allows an expectant parent to list desired products and enables gift-givers to tailor purchases to the expectant parent’s specific needs and wishes. Our baby registry also facilitates our direct marketing and customer relationship management initiatives.

The merchandising and marketing teams work closely to present the products in an engaging and innovative manner and we are focused on enhancing our in-store signage, which is carefully coordinated so that it is consistent with the current television, radio and print advertisements. We regularly change our banners and in-store promotions, which are advertised throughout the year, to attract consumers to visit the stores, to generate strong customer frequency and to increase average sales per customer. Our websites are used to support and supplement the promotion of products in “R” Us branded stores.

 

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Management has developed a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its competitive position, deliver profitable growth and maintain liquidity. To increase store traffic, we have expanded our commodities offering in both our segments, and we are continuing to build on the successes of our organic product offering within our Domestic segment. To improve the value offering for our customers, we introduced more opening price point products and private label items and utilized strategies such as loyalty programs.

Customer Service

Compared with multi-line mass merchandisers, we believe we are able to provide superior service to our customers through our highly trained sales force. We train our store associates extensively to deepen their product knowledge and enhance their targeted selling skills in order to improve customer service in our stores. We are continually working to improve the allocation of products within our stores and reduce waiting times at checkout counters. For the added convenience of our customers, we offer a layaway program and some of our stores provide a home delivery program.

In addition to our baby registry, we offer a variety of helpful publications and innovative programs and services for the expectant parent, including frequent in-store product demonstrations.

We have taken a leadership position on safety. We believe that we have put in place industry-leading product safety standards that meet or exceed U.S. federally mandated and/or global regulatory requirements in the countries in which we operate. In addition, through our dedicated safety microsite, safety boards in stores, e-mail blasts and partnerships with noted safety experts and organizations, we provide resources that are used by parents, grandparents and childcare providers to ensure they have the most up-to-date information on product safety and recalls.

Community Service

We are proud to have a long tradition at Toys “R” Us of supporting numerous children’s charities. The Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund and Toys “R” Us, Inc. have contributed millions of dollars to charities that help keep children safe and help them in times of need. We actively support charities such as the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation, Autism Speaks and Save the Children, among others. Each year the Company also produces a special toy selection guide for differently-abled children. The Company encourages its employees to become active in charitable endeavors by matching contributions they make to charities of their choice. The Company also manages the Geoffrey Fund, a non-profit organization. The Geoffrey Fund’s sole purpose is to provide assistance to employees affected by natural and personal disasters and relies on donations from employees and funds from the Company to carry out its mission.

Market and Competition

The U.S. retail toy, specialty juvenile and electronics markets are estimated to have totaled approximately $61 billion in sales in 2009, with approximately $21 billion in sales driven by traditional toys, approximately $20 billion driven by juvenile products and approximately $20 billion driven by video game products. In these markets, we compete with mass merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart; consumer electronics retailers, such as Best Buy and GameStop; Internet and catalog businesses; national and regional specialty, department and discount store chains; as well as local retailers in the geographic areas we serve. Our baby registry competes with baby registries of mass merchandisers and other specialty format and regional retailers.

In the International toy and electronics markets, we compete with mass merchandisers and discounters such as Argos, Carrefour, Auchan, El Corte Ingles, Wal-Mart, Zellers, Yamada Dinky, Yodobashi and Bic Camera. These competitors aggressively price items in the traditional toy and electronic product categories with larger dedicated selling space during the holiday season in order to build traffic for other store departments.

We believe the principal competitive factors in the toy, specialty juvenile and video game products markets are product variety, quality, safety, availability, price, advertising and promotion, convenience or store location and customer support and service. We believe we are able to compete by providing a broader range of merchandise, maintaining in-stock positions, as well as convenient locations, superior customer service and competitive pricing.

Seasonality

Our global business is highly seasonal with sales and earnings highest in the fourth quarter due to the fourth quarter holiday selling season. During the last three fiscal years, more than 39% of the Net sales and a substantial portion of the operating earnings and cash flows from operations were generated in the fourth quarter. We seek to continuously improve our ability to manage the numerous demands of a highly seasonal business, from the areas of products sourcing and distribution, to the challenges of delivering high sales volumes and excellent customer service during peak business periods. We believe that the special capabilities we have developed over the years in this area are another factor which favorably differentiates us from our competition.

 

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License Agreements

We have license agreements with unaffiliated third party operators located outside the United States. The agreements are largely structured with royalty income paid as a percentage of sales for the use of the Toys “R” Us trademark, trade name and branding. While this business format remains a small piece of our overall International business operations, we continue to look for opportunities for market expansion. Our preferred approach is to open stores in our successful wholly-owned format, but we may choose partnerships or licensed arrangements where we believe business climate and risks may dictate.

 

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Geographic Distribution of Domestic Stores

The following table sets forth the location of our Domestic stores as of January 30, 2010:

 

Location

   Number of Stores

Alabama

   9

Alaska

   1

Arizona

   15

Arkansas

   5

California

   106

Colorado

   10

Connecticut

   14

Delaware

   3

Florida

   57

Georgia

   28

Hawaii

   2

Idaho

   3

Illinois

   38

Indiana

   17

Iowa

   7

Kansas

   6

Kentucky

   10

Louisiana

   10

Maine

   3

Maryland

   19

Massachusetts

   20

Michigan

   32

Minnesota

   11

Mississippi

   5

Missouri

   16

Montana

   1

Nebraska

   4

Nevada

   9

New Hampshire

   7

New Jersey

   41

New Mexico

   3

New York

   56

North Carolina

   21

North Dakota

   1

Ohio

   37

Oklahoma

   7

Oregon

   8

Pennsylvania

   45

Rhode Island

   2

South Carolina

   10

South Dakota

   2

Tennessee

   17

Texas

   60

Utah

   8

Vermont

   1

Virginia

   27

Washington

   16

West Virginia

   4

Wisconsin

   11

Puerto Rico

   4
    

Total (1)

   849
    

 

(1)

Overall store count does not include 29 Pop-up stores that remained open as of January 30, 2010 due to the temporary nature of these locations. At the peak of this initiative, there were 89 Pop-up stores open Domestically. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

 

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Geographic Distribution of International Stores

The following table sets forth the location of our International owned, licensed and franchised stores as of January 30, 2010:

 

Location

                  Number of Stores
 

Australia

         35
 

Austria

         14

*

 

Bahrain

         1
 

Canada

         69

*

 

China

         15

*

 

Denmark

         13

*

 

Egypt

         4

*

 

Finland

         4
 

France

         39
 

Germany

         57

*

 

Hong Kong

         11

*

 

Iceland

         3

*

 

Israel

         27
 

Japan

         167

*

 

Korea

         5

*

 

Kuwait

         1

*

 

Macau

         1

*

 

Malaysia

         15

*

 

Norway

         8

*

 

Oman

         1

*

 

Philippines

         8
 

Portugal

         8

*

 

Qatar

         1

*

 

Saudi Arabia

         10

*

 

Singapore

         6

*

 

South Africa

         24
 

Spain

         44

*

 

Sweden

         15
 

Switzerland

         6

*

 

Taiwan

         16

*

 

Thailand

         8

*

 

United Arab Emirates

   6
 

United Kingdom

   75
            
 

Total (1)

         717
            

 

* Franchised or licensed
(1)

Overall store count does not include 1 Pop-up store that remained open as of January 30, 2010 due to the temporary nature of these locations. At the peak of this initiative, there were 2 Pop-up stores open Internationally. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

Employees

As of January 30, 2010, we employed approximately 68,000 full-time and part-time individuals worldwide. Due to the seasonality of our business, we employed approximately 114,000 full-time and part-time employees during the fiscal 2009 holiday season. We consider the relationships with our employees to be positive. We believe that the benefits offered to our employees are competitive in relation to those offered by other companies in the retail sector.

Distribution Centers

We operate 18 distribution centers including 9 that support our Domestic retail stores and 9 that support our International “R” Us branded stores (excluding licensed and franchised operations). These distribution centers employ warehouse management systems and material handling equipment that help to minimize overall inventory levels and distribution costs. We believe the flexibility afforded by our warehouse/distribution system and by our operation of the fleet of trucks used to distribute merchandise provide us with operating efficiencies and the ability to maintain a superior in-stock inventory position at our stores. We continuously seek to improve our supply chain management, optimize our inventory assortment and upgrade our automated replenishment system to improve inventory turnover.

 

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To support delivery of products sold through our websites, we have a multi-year agreement with Exel, Inc., a leading North American contract logistics provider, who provides warehousing and fulfillment services for our Internet operations in the United States. We utilize various third party providers who furnish similar services in our international markets.

Vendor Service

We procure the merchandise that we offer to our customers from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. We have approximately 3,700 active vendor relationships. For fiscal 2009, our top 20 vendors worldwide, based on our purchase volume in U.S. dollars, represented approximately 41% of the total products we purchased.

We provide a number of valuable services to our vendors including the ability for them to obtain global trend information associated with their products. Our year-round commitment to selling toy, electronic and juvenile products, as well as our merchandising expertise, gives vendors a meaningful opportunity to display new merchandise and reach consumers throughout the year. In addition, we are able to provide our vendors with a wide variety of data on sales trends and marketing guidance and support, as well as early feedback on their product development initiatives through the depth and longevity of our experienced merchandising team.

Financial Information About Our Segments

Financial information about our segments and our operations in different geographical areas for the last three fiscal years is set forth in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SEGMENTS.”

Trademarks and Licensing

“TOYS “R” US®”, “BABIES “R” US®”, “IMAGINARIUM®”, “GEOFFREY®”, “KOALA BABY®”, “ANIMAL ALLEY®”, “FAST LANE®”, “DREAM DAZZLERS®”, “ESPECIALLY FOR BABY® ”, “YOU AND ME®”, the reverse “R” monogram logo and the Geoffrey character logo, as well as variations of our family of “R” Us marks, either have been registered, or have trademark applications pending, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with the trademark registries of many other countries. These trademarks are material to our business operations. We believe that our rights to these properties are adequately protected. In addition, during fiscal 2009, we purchased the U.S. trademarks associated with eToys.com, babyuniverse.com, ePregnancy.com, KB Toys and certain trademark rights in other countries. In May 2009, we acquired the exclusive right and license to use the FAO SCHWARZ trademarks.

Available Information

Our investor relations website is Toysrusinc.com. On this website under “COMPANY NEWS, SEC Filings,” we make available, free of charge, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Our website contains the Toys “R” Us, Inc. Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers Code of Ethics (“CEO and Senior Financial Officers Code”). Any waivers from the CEO and Senior Financial Officers Code that apply to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, or persons performing similar functions, will be promptly disclosed on the Company’s website. These materials are also available in print, free of charge, to any investor who requests them by writing to: Toys “R” Us, Inc., One Geoffrey Way, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, Attention: Investor Relations.

We are not incorporating by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K any information from our websites.

The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Investors should carefully consider the risks described below together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently believe to be less significant than the following risk factors, may also adversely affect our business and operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Risks Associated with Our Business

Our business is highly seasonal, and our financial performance depends on the results of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.

Our business is highly seasonal with sales and earnings highest in the fourth quarter. During the last three fiscal years, more than 39% of our Net sales from our worldwide business and a substantial portion of our operating earnings and cash flows from operations were generated in the fourth quarter. Our results of operations depend significantly upon the fourth quarter holiday selling season. If we achieve less than satisfactory sales, operating earnings or cash flows from operating activities during the fourth quarter, we may not be able to compensate sufficiently for the lower sales, operating earnings or cash flows from operating activities during the first three quarters of the fiscal year. Our results in any given period may be affected by dates on which important holidays fall and the shopping patterns relating to those holidays. Additionally, the Company’s operating results could be negatively impacted by inclement weather. Frequent or unusually heavy snow, ice or rain storms, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornados or extended periods of unseasonable temperatures could adversely affect the Company’s performance.

Our industry is highly competitive and competitive conditions may adversely affect our revenues and overall profitability.

The retail industry is highly and increasingly competitive and our results of operations are sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by, competitive pricing, promotional pressures, additional competitor store openings and other factors. We compete with discount and mass merchandisers, electronic retailers, national and regional specialty chains, as well as local retailers in the geographic areas we serve. We also compete with national and local discount stores, department stores, supermarkets and warehouse clubs, as well as Internet and catalog businesses. Competition is principally based on product variety, quality, availability, price, convenience or store location, advertising and promotion, customer support and service. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition costs and lower operating expenses than we do.

Most of the merchandise we sell is also available from various retailers at competitive prices. Discount and mass merchandisers use aggressive pricing policies and enlarged toy-selling areas during the holiday season to build traffic for other store departments. Our business is vulnerable to demand and pricing shifts and to less than optimal selection in products such as apparel due to changes in consumer preferences. Competition in the video game market has increased in recent years as mass merchandisers have expanded their offerings in this market.

The baby registry market is highly competitive, with competition based on convenience, quality and selection of merchandise offerings and functionality. Our baby registry primarily competes with the baby registries of mass merchandisers, such as Wal-Mart and Target, and other specialty format and regional retailers. Some of our competitors have been aggressively advertising and marketing their baby registries through national television and magazine campaigns. Within the past few years, the number of multiple registries and online registries has steadily increased. These trends present consumers with more choices for their baby registry needs, and as a result, increase competition for our baby registry.

If we fail to compete successfully, we could face lower sales and may decide or be compelled to offer greater discounts to our customers, which could result in decreased profitability.

Our sales may be adversely affected by changes in economic factors and changes in consumer spending patterns.

Many economic and other factors outside our control, including consumer confidence, consumer spending levels, employment levels, consumer debt levels and inflation, as well as the availability of consumer credit, affect consumer spending habits. A significant deterioration in the global financial markets and economic environment, recessions or an uncertain economic outlook adversely affects consumer spending habits and results in lower levels of economic activity. The domestic and international political situation also affects consumer confidence. Any of these events and factors could cause consumers to curtail spending and could have a negative impact on our financial performance and position in future fiscal periods.

Since fiscal 2008, there has been a deterioration in the global financial markets and economic environment, which has negatively impacted consumer spending. In response, we have taken steps to increase opportunities to drive profitable sales and to curtail capital spending and operating expenses wherever prudent. If these adverse trends in economic conditions worsen, or if our efforts to counteract the impacts of these trends are not sufficiently effective, there would be a negative impact on our financial performance and position in future fiscal periods.

 

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Our operations have significant liquidity and capital requirements and depend on the availability of adequate financing.

We have significant liquidity and capital requirements. Among other things, the seasonality of our businesses requires us to purchase merchandise well in advance of the fourth quarter holiday selling season. We depend on our ability to generate cash flows from operating activities, as well as on borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and our credit lines, to finance the carrying costs of this inventory, to pay for capital expenditures and to maintain operations. For fiscal 2009, peak borrowings under these facilities and credit lines were $784 million as we purchased merchandise for the fourth quarter holiday selling season. If our lenders are unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments it could have a significant negative effect on our business.

Moody’s assigns Toys “R” Us a corporate rating of B2 with a positive outlook, while Standard & Poor’s assigns a corporate credit rating of B with a stable outlook. Any adverse change to our credit ratings could negatively impact our ability to refinance our debt on satisfactory terms and could have the effect of increasing our financing costs. While we believe we currently have adequate sources of funds to provide for our ongoing operations and capital requirements for the next 12 months, any inability to have future access to financing, when needed, would have a negative effect on our business.

We may not retain or attract customers if we fail to successfully implement our strategic initiatives.

We continue to implement a series of customer-oriented strategic programs designed to differentiate and strengthen our core merchandise content and service levels and to expand and enhance our merchandise offerings. We seek to improve the effectiveness of our marketing and advertising programs for our “R” Us stores. The success of these and other initiatives will depend on various factors, including the implementation of our growth strategy, the appeal of our store formats, our ability to offer new products to customers, our financial condition, our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences and competitive and economic conditions. We continuously endeavor to minimize our operating expenses, without adversely affecting the profitability of the business. If we fail to implement successfully some or all of our strategic initiatives, we may be unable to retain or attract customers, which could result in lower sales and a failure to realize the benefit of the expenditures incurred for these initiatives.

Our sales may be adversely affected if we fail to respond to changes in consumer preferences in a timely manner.

Our financial performance depends on our ability to identify, originate and define product trends, as well as to anticipate, gauge and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner. Our products must appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to change. Our business fluctuates according to changes in consumer preferences dictated in part by fashion trends, perceived value and season. These fluctuations affect the merchandise in stock since purchase orders are written well in advance of the holiday season and, at times, before fashion trends and high-demand brands are evidenced by consumer purchases. If we misjudge the market for our products, we may be faced with significant excess inventories for some products resulting in an increase in obsolete inventory and missed opportunities for other products resulting in a loss of potential revenues.

Sales of video games and video game systems tend to be cyclical and may result in fluctuations in our results of operations.

Sales of video games and video game systems, which have tended to account for 10% to 15% of our annual Net sales, have been cyclical in nature in response to the introduction and maturation of new technology. Following the introduction of new video game systems, sales of these systems and related software and accessories generally increase due to initial demand, while sales of older systems and related products generally decrease. If video game system manufacturers fail to develop new hardware systems, our sales of video game products could decline, which would negatively impact our financial performance.

We depend on key vendors to supply the merchandise that we sell to our customers.

Our performance depends, in part, on our ability to purchase our merchandise in sufficient quantities at competitive prices. We purchase our merchandise from numerous international and domestic manufacturers and importers. We have no contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products, and any vendor could change the terms upon which they sell to us or discontinue selling to us at any time. We may not be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities on terms acceptable to us in the future. Better than expected sales demand may also lead to customer backorders and lower in-stock positions of our merchandise.

We have approximately 3,700 active vendor relationships through which we procure the merchandise that we offer to our guests. For fiscal 2009, our top 20 vendors worldwide, based on our purchase volume in U.S. dollars, represented approximately 41% of the total products we purchased. Our inability to acquire suitable merchandise on acceptable terms or the loss of one or more key vendors could have a negative effect on our business and operating results because we would be missing products that we felt were important to our assortment, unless and until alternative supply arrangements are secured. We may not be able to develop relationships with new vendors, and products from alternative sources, if any, may be of a lesser quality and/or more expensive than those from existing vendors.

 

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In addition, our vendors are subject to certain risks, including labor disputes, union organizing activities, financial liquidity, product merchantability, inclement weather, natural disasters and general economic and political conditions, that could limit our vendors’ ability to provide us with quality merchandise on a timely basis and at prices and payment terms that are commercially acceptable.

For these or other reasons, one or more of our vendors might not adhere to our quality control standards, and we might not identify the deficiency before merchandise ships to our stores or customers. In addition, our vendors may have difficulty adjusting to our changing demands and growing business. Our vendors’ failure to manufacture or import quality merchandise in a timely and effective manner could damage our reputation and brands, and could lead to an increase in customer litigation against us and an attendant increase in our routine and non-routine litigation costs. Further, any merchandise that does not meet our quality standards could become subject to a recall, which could damage our reputation and brands and harm our business.

International events could delay or prevent the delivery of products to our stores.

A significant portion of products we sell are manufactured outside of the United States, primarily in Asia. As a result, any event causing a disruption of imports, including safety issues on materials, the imposition of import restrictions or trade restrictions in the form of tariffs, “anti-dumping” duties, port security or other events that could slow port activities, acts of war, terrorism or diseases, could increase the cost and reduce the supply of products available to us, which could, in turn, negatively affect our sales and profitability. In addition, port-labor issues, rail congestion and trucking shortages can have an impact on all direct importers. Although we attempt to anticipate and manage such situations, both our sales and profitability could be adversely impacted by any such developments in the future.

Product safety issues, including product recalls, could harm our reputation, divert resources, reduce sales and increase costs.

The products we sell in our stores are subject to regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and similar state and international regulatory authorities. Such products could be subject to recalls and other actions by these authorities. Product safety concerns may require us to voluntarily remove selected products from our stores. Such recalls and voluntary removal of products can result in, among other things, lost sales, diverted resources, potential harm to our reputation and increased customer service costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Geo-political factors could negatively affect our business.

We are subject to the risks inherent in conducting our business across national boundaries, many of which are outside of our control. These risks include the following:

 

   

economic downturns;

 

   

currency exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations;

 

   

changes in governmental policy, including, among others, those relating to taxation or safety regulations;

 

   

international military, political, diplomatic and terrorist incidents;

 

   

government instability;

 

   

nationalization of assets;

 

   

tariffs and governmental trade policies; and

 

   

threats to local or global public health.

We cannot ensure that one or more of these factors will not negatively affect our business and financial performance.

The success of our online business depends on our ability to provide quality service to our Internet customers.

Our Internet operations are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which are beyond our control, including the following:

 

   

changes in consumer willingness to purchase goods via the Internet;

 

   

increases in software filters that may inhibit our ability to market our products through e-mail messages to our customers and increases in consumer privacy concerns relating to the Internet;

 

   

changes in applicable federal and state regulation, such as the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Children’s Online Privacy Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act;

 

   

breaches of Internet security;

 

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failure of our Internet service providers to perform their services properly and in a timely and efficient manner;

 

   

failures in our Internet infrastructure or the failure of systems or third parties, such as telephone or electric power service, resulting in website downtime or other problems;

 

   

failure by us to process online customer orders properly and on time, which may negatively impact future online and in-store purchases by such customers; and

 

   

failure by our service provider to provide warehousing and fulfillment services, which may negatively impact future online and in-store purchases by such customers.

Our business exposes us to personal injury and product liability claims which could result in adverse publicity and harm to our brands and our results of operations.

We are from time to time subject to claims due to the injury of an individual in our stores or on our property. In addition, we have in the past been subject to product liability claims for the products that we sell. While our purchase orders generally require the manufacturer to indemnify us against any product liability claims, there is a risk that if the manufacturer becomes insolvent we would not be indemnified. Any personal injury claim made against us or, in the event the manufacturer was insolvent, any product liability claim made against us, whether or not it has merit, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation expenses and damages, result in adverse publicity or damage to our reputation and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or we are unable to protect the integrity and security of our customers’ information.

We depend upon our information technology systems in the conduct of our operations. If our information technology systems fail to perform as anticipated, we could experience difficulties in replenishing inventories or in delivering our products to store locations in response to consumer demands. Any of these or other systems-related problems could, in turn, adversely affect our sales and profitability.

Additionally, a compromise of our security systems resulting in unauthorized access to certain personal information about our customers could adversely affect our reputation with our customers and others, as well as our operations, and could result in litigation against us or the imposition of penalties. In addition, a security breach could require that we expend significant additional resources related to our information security systems.

If we are unable to renew or replace our current store leases or if we are unable to enter into leases for additional stores on favorable terms, or if one or more of our current leases are terminated prior to expiration of their stated term and we cannot find suitable alternate locations, our growth and profitability could be negatively impacted.

We currently lease approximately 70% of our domestic and international store locations. Most of our current leases provide for our unilateral option to renew for several additional rental periods at specific rental rates. Our ability to re-negotiate favorable terms on an expiring lease or to negotiate favorable terms for a suitable alternate location, and our ability to negotiate favorable lease terms for additional store locations could depend on conditions in the real estate market, competition for desirable properties and our relationships with current and prospective landlords or may depend on other factors that are not within our control. Any or all of these factors and conditions could negatively impact our growth and profitability.

Our results of operations could suffer if we lose key management or are unable to attract and retain experienced senior management for our business.

Our future success depends to a significant degree on the skills, experience and efforts of our senior management team. The loss of services of any of these individuals, or the inability by us to attract and retain qualified individuals for key management positions, could harm our business and financial performance.

We are subject to certain regulatory and legal developments. If we fail to comply with regulatory or legal requirements, our business and financial results may be adversely affected.

We are subject to numerous regulatory and legal requirements. Our policies, procedures and internal controls are designed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, our business activities require us to comply with complex regulatory and legal issues on a local, national and worldwide basis. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could adversely affect our operations and financial results, involve significant expense and divert management’s attention and resources from other matters, which in turn could harm our business. For additional information relating to legal proceedings see Item 3 entitled “LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.”

 

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We may experience fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate.

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous international jurisdictions. We record tax expense based on our estimates of future tax payments, which include reserves for estimates of probable settlements of international and domestic tax audits. At any one time, many tax years are subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these issues. As a result, we expect that throughout the year there could be ongoing variability in our quarterly tax rates as taxable events occur and exposures are re-evaluated. Further, our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in the mix and level of earnings by taxing jurisdiction or by changes to existing accounting rules or regulations.

Changes to accounting rules or regulations may adversely affect our results of operations.

Changes to existing accounting rules or regulations may impact our future results of operations. Other new accounting rules or regulations and varying interpretations of existing accounting rules or regulations have occurred and may occur in the future. Future changes to accounting rules or regulations could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Our total assets include goodwill and substantial amounts of property and equipment. Changes to estimates or projections related to such assets, or operating results that are lower than our current estimates at certain store locations, may cause us to incur impairment charges.

Our total assets include substantial amounts of property, equipment and goodwill. We make certain estimates and projections in connection with impairment analyses for these assets, in accordance with “FASB Accounting Standards Codification” (“Codification” or “ASC”) Topic 360 (“ASC 360”), formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” and ASC Topic 350 (“ASC 350”), formerly SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. We also review the carrying value of these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360 or ASC 350. We will record an impairment loss when the carrying value of the underlying asset, asset group or reporting unit exceeds its fair value. These calculations require us to make a number of estimates and projections of future results. If these estimates or projections change, we may be required to record additional impairment charges on certain of these assets. If these impairment charges are significant, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

The Sponsors control us and may have conflicts of interest with us in the future.

Investment funds or groups advised by or affiliated with the Sponsors currently control us through their ownership of 98.1% of our voting common stock. As a result, the Sponsors have control over our decisions to enter into any corporate transaction and have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of stockholders. In addition, the Sponsors may have an interest in pursuing dispositions, acquisitions, financings or other transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investments, even though such transactions might involve risks to us as a company.

The Sponsors may direct us to make significant changes to our business operations and strategy, including with respect to, among other things, store openings and closings, new product and service offerings, sales of real estate and other assets, employee headcount levels and initiatives to reduce costs and expenses. We cannot provide assurance that the future business operations of our company will remain broadly in line with our existing operations or that significant real estate and other assets will not be sold.

The Sponsors are also in the business of making investments for their own accounts in companies, and may from time to time acquire and hold interests in businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. One or more of the Sponsors may also pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. So long as investment funds associated with or designated by the Sponsors own a significant amount of the outstanding shares of our common stock, the Sponsors will continue to be able to influence or effectively control our decisions.

Risks Related to Our Substantial Indebtedness

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industries, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under the various debt instruments.

 

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We are highly leveraged. As of January 30, 2010, our total indebtedness was $5,196 million, of which $2,588 million was secured indebtedness and $1,964 million of which matures before the end of fiscal 2012. As of January 30, 2010, we had no borrowings under our secured revolving credit facilities and our unsecured credit lines. Our substantial indebtedness could have significant consequences, including, among others, the following:

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general economic and industry conditions;

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of cash flows from operating activities to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness, and as a result, reducing our ability to use our cash flows to fund our operations and capital expenditures, capitalize on future business opportunities and expand our business and execute our strategy;

 

   

increasing the difficulty for us to make scheduled payments on our outstanding debt, as our business may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities to meet our debt service obligations;

 

   

exposing us to the risk of increased interest expense due to changes in borrowing spreads and short-term interest rates;

 

   

causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements and general, corporate or other purposes; and

 

   

limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and reacting to competitive pressure and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who are less highly leveraged.

We may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future, including under our current revolving credit agreements, subject to the restrictions contained in our debt instruments. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may not be able to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms. If we are unable to do so, 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 to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, our lenders’ financial stability, which are subject to prevailing global economic and market conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. Even if we were able to refinance or obtain additional financing, the costs of new indebtedness could be substantially higher than the costs of our existing indebtedness.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations or we are unable to refinance our indebtedness, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions, or the proceeds from the dispositions may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. If we were unable to repay amounts when due, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness.

Our debt agreements contain covenants that limit our flexibility in operating our business.

Toys “R” Us, Inc. is a holding company and conducts its operations through its subsidiaries, certain of which have incurred their own indebtedness. As specified in certain of our subsidiaries’ debt agreements, there are restrictions on our ability to obtain funds from our subsidiaries through dividends, loans or advances. The agreements governing our indebtedness contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions, and may adversely affect our ability to operate our business. Among other things, these covenants limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions with respect to our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

issue stock of subsidiaries;

 

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make certain investments, loans or advances;

 

   

transfer and sell certain assets;

 

   

create or permit liens on assets;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

   

amend certain documents.

A breach of any of these covenants could result in default under one or more of our debt agreements, which could prompt the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding under the debt agreements to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. If the lenders under the debt agreements accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we cannot ensure that we will have sufficient assets and funds to repay the borrowings under our debt agreements.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following summarizes our worldwide operating stores and distribution centers as of January 30, 2010 (excluding licensed and franchised operations in our International segment):

 

     Owned    Ground
Leased (1)
   Leased (2)    Total

Stores:

           

Domestic

   300    231    318    849

International

   79    26    409    514
                   
   379    257    727    1,363

Distribution Centers:

           

Domestic

   7    —      2    9

International

   5    —      4    9
                   
   12    —      6    18
                   

Total Operating Stores and Distribution Centers

   391    257    733    1,381
                   

 

(1)

Owned buildings on leased land.

(2)

Does not include 29 Pop-up stores Domestically and 1 Pop-up store Internationally that remained open as of January 30, 2010 due to the temporary nature of these locations. At the peak of this initiative, there were 89 Domestic and 2 International Pop-up stores open. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

We also maintain former stores that are no longer part of our operations. Approximately half of these surplus facilities are owned and the remaining locations are leased. We have tenants in more than half of these facilities, and we continue to market those facilities without tenants for disposition. The net costs associated with these facilities are reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements, but the number of surplus facilities is not included above.

Portions of our debt are secured by direct and indirect interests in certain of our properties. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details.

We believe that our current operating stores and distribution centers are adequate to support our business operations.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On May 21, 2004, we filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com (“Amazon”) and its affiliated companies in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Passaic County and Amazon subsequently filed a counterclaim against us and our affiliated companies and filed a lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of Washington, King County. All lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice and, pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement, on July 21, 2009, Amazon paid the Company $51 million which was recorded in Other income, net.

On July 15, 2009, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granted the class plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in a consumer class action commenced in January 2006, which was consolidated with an action brought by two Internet retailers that was commenced in December 2005. Both actions allege that Babies “R” Us agreed with certain baby product manufacturers (collectively, with the Company, the “Defendants”) to impose, maintain and/or enforce minimum price agreements in violation of antitrust laws. In addition, in December 2009, a third Internet retailer filed a similar action and another class action was commenced making similar allegations involving most of the same Defendants. We intend to vigorously defend all of these cases. Related to those cases, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") notified the Company in April 2009 that the FTC had opened an investigation to confirm the Company's compliance with a 1998 FTC Final Order that prohibits the Company from, among other things, influencing its suppliers to limit sales of products to other retailers, including price club warehouses. The Company believes it has complied with the FTC Final Order and is cooperating with the FTC.

In addition to the litigation discussed above, we are, and in the future, may be involved in various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the ordinary course of business. The results of litigation are inherently unpredictable. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in diversion of significant resources. The results of these lawsuits, claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these current matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements taken as a whole.

 

ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)

 

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PART II

 

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

Our shares of common stock, $0.001 par value (“Common Stock”) are privately held by our Sponsors, our officers and a private investor and there is no established public trading market for our Common Stock. As of January 30, 2010, there were approximately 75 holders of our Common Stock. During fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, no dividends were paid out to shareholders. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for a discussion of our debt agreements which restrict our ability to obtain funds from certain of our subsidiaries through dividends, loans or advances.

On June 30, 2009 and October 30, 2009, we sold to certain officers, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc. Management Equity Plan, 65,926 and 8,214 shares of our Common Stock, respectively, for a per share purchase price of $27.00 and $28.00, respectively. In connection with these sales, we issued options to purchase up to 355,815 and 50,256 shares, respectively, of our Common Stock. All sales were exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions, except number of stores)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
    February 3,
2007
    January 28,
2006
 
          

Operations

          

Net sales

   $ 13,568      $ 13,724      $ 13,794      $ 13,050      $ 11,333 (1) 

Net earnings (loss) (2)(3)

     304 (4)      211 (5)      155        108        (384 )(6) 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. (2)(3)

     312 (4)      218 (5)      153        109        (384 )(6) 

Financial Position at Year End

          

Working capital

   $ 619      $ 617      $ 685      $ 347      $ 348   

Property and equipment, net

     4,084        4,187        4,385        4,333        4,175   

Total assets

     8,577        8,411        8,952        8,295        7,863   

Long-term debt (7)

     5,034 (8)      5,447        5,824        5,722        5,540   

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) (9)

     117        (152     (235     (540     (723

Common shares outstanding (10)

     49        49        49        49        49   

Number of Stores at Year End

          

Domestic

     849        846        845        837        901   

International - Wholly-Owned

     514        504        504        488        468   

International - Licensed and Franchised

     203        209        211        190        173   
                                        

Total Stores (11)

     1,566        1,559        1,560        1,515        1,542   
                                        

 

(1)

Toys – Japan was consolidated beginning in fiscal 2006. Toys – Japan Net sales of $1.6 billion for fiscal 2005 were not included in our Net sales.

(2)

Includes the impact of restructuring and other charges. See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES” for further information.

(3)

Includes $20 million, $78 million, $17 million and $15 million of pre-tax gift card breakage income in fiscals 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Also includes $11 million and $12 million of pre-tax gift card dormancy income in fiscals 2006 and 2005, respectively. See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details.

Includes the pre-tax impact of net gains on sales of properties of $6 million, $5 million, $33 million, $110 million and a loss of $3 million in fiscals 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. See Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT” for further details.

Includes pre-tax impairment losses on long-lived assets of $7 million, $33 million, $13 million, $5 million and $22 million in fiscals 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details.

(4)

Includes a $51 million pre-tax gain related to the litigation settlement with Amazon. See Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” for further details.

 

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(5)

Includes a $39 million pre-tax gain related to the substantial liquidation of the operations of TRU (HK) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary. See Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details.

(6)

Includes $410 million of transaction and related costs and $22 million of contract settlement and other fees related to the Merger.

(7)

Excludes current portion of long-term debt.

(8)

Includes the impact of the issuance of $950 million and $725 million of debt on July 9, 2009 and November 20, 2009, respectively, the proceeds from which were used, together with other funds, to repay the outstanding loan balance of $1,267 million and $800 million plus accrued interest and fees. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details.

(9)

On February 1, 2009, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51” which is now codified under ASC Topic 810 (“ASC 810”). ASC 810 requires a company to clearly identify and present ownership interest in subsidiaries held by parties other than the company in the consolidated financial statements within the equity section but separate from the company’s equity. Therefore, we have included our noncontrolling interest in Toys – Japan within the Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) line item.

(10)

Pursuant to the reorganization on June 10, 2008, our 1,000 shares, $0.01 par value, were exchanged for 48,955,808 shares, $0.001 par value. The reorganization has been reflected in common shares outstanding as if it had occurred as of the earliest period presented. See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “REORGANIZATION” for further details.

(11)

Does not include 29 Domestic and 1 International Pop-up store locations that remained open as of January 30, 2010 due to the temporary nature of these locations. At the peak of this initiative, there were 89 Domestic and 2 International Pop-up stores open. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

 

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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help facilitate an understanding of our historical results of operations during the periods presented and our financial condition. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes, and contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A entitled “RISK FACTORS.” Our MD&A includes the following sections:

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW provides an overview of our business.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS provides an analysis of our financial performance and of our consolidated and segment results of operations for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES provides an overview of our financing, capital expenditures, cash flows and contractual obligations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES provides a discussion of our accounting policies that require critical judgment, assumptions and estimates.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS provides a brief description of significant accounting standards which were adopted during fiscal 2009. This section also refers to Note 21 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS” for accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement and may be applicable to our future operations.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Our Business

We are the leading global specialty retailer of toys and juvenile products, and the only specialty toy and juvenile products retailer that operates on a national scale in the United States. We sell a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through our retail locations and the Internet. Our brand names are highly recognized in North America, Europe and Asia, and our expertise in the specialty toy and juvenile retail space, our broad range of product offerings, our substantial scale and geographic footprint and our strong vendor relationships account for our market-leading position and distinguish us from the competition. As of January 30, 2010, we operated 849 stores in 49 states in the United States and Puerto Rico, and owned, licensed or franchised 717 retail stores in 33 countries outside the United States. During the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, we had Net sales of $13.6 billion.

Recognizing the numerous potential synergies between our toy and specialty juvenile products businesses over the last several years, we have begun to implement a strategy of creating an integrated “one-stop shopping” environment for our guests, combining the best

 

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of our toy and entertainment offerings with our specialty juvenile products, all under one roof (formats which we call SBS and SSBS). SBS stores are typically former single-format Toys “R” Us stores between 40,000 and 50,000 square feet which have been converted to a combination Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us store format, often with dual entrances. SSBS stores are conceptually similar to SBS stores, except they are typically newly-constructed facilities with store footprints in the 60,000 to 70,000 square foot range. In connection with our integrated strategy, we continue to increase the number of SBS and SSBS stores both domestically and internationally. Since implementing the integrated store format over three years ago, we have converted 129 existing stores into SBS store formats and have constructed 38 new SBS and SSBS stores. We expect that our integrated store formats will be our dominant focus going forward.

In addition to our SBS and SSBS store formats, we continue to enhance our integrated strategy within our existing traditional toy stores with our BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats which devote additional square footage to our juvenile products within our traditional Toys “R” Us stores. Since implementing this integrated store format, we have augmented 79 existing Toys “R” Us stores with our BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats.

During our prime selling season in fiscal 2009, we opened 91 Pop-up stores globally in malls and other shopping centers, and introduced Toys “R” Us Holiday Express shops in all of our specialty juvenile stores. These locations typically range in size from approximately 3,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. Pop-up stores are temporary locations typically open for a duration of less than one year and are not included in our overall store count. As of January 30, 2010, 30 Pop-up stores remained open. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

As of the end of fiscal 2009, we operated all of the “R” Us branded retail stores in the United States and Puerto Rico and approximately 72% of the 717 “R” Us branded retail stores internationally. The balance of the “R” Us branded retail stores outside the United States are operated by licensees and franchisees. These licensees and franchisees did not have a material impact on our Net sales. During fiscal 2009, the Company acquired certain business assets of FAO Schwarz, and began selling merchandise through our FAO Schwarz retail store in New York City. We also sell merchandise through our Internet sites in the United States at Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, as well as through other Internet sites internationally. In addition, commencing in fiscal 2009, we sell merchandise through our newly acquired eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com Internet sites.

As of January 30, 2010, we operated 1,566 retail stores and 30 Pop-up stores worldwide in the following formats:

 

   

141 SBS stores, which typically range in size from 40,000 to 50,000 square feet and devote approximately 30,000 square feet to traditional toy products and 15,000 square feet to specialty juvenile products;

 

   

26 SSBS stores, which typically range from 60,000 to 70,000 square feet by combining a traditional toy store of approximately 34,000 square feet with a specialty juvenile store of approximately 30,000 square feet;

 

   

1,114 traditional toy stores, which typically range in size from 30,000 to 50,000 square feet and devote approximately 5,500 square feet to boutique areas for specialty juvenile products (BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats devote approximately an additional 4,500 square feet and 1,000 square feet, respectively, for juvenile products);

 

   

282 specialty juvenile stores, which typically range from 30,000 to 45,000 square feet and devote approximately 2,000 to 5,000 square feet to specialty name brand and private label clothing;

 

   

3 flagship store locations (the Toys “R” Us store in Times Square, the FAO Schwarz store on 5th Avenue and the Babies “R” Us store in Union Square – all in New York City); and

 

   

Pop-up stores in smaller formats which typically range from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet.

Our extensive experience in retail site selection has resulted in a portfolio of stores that include attractive locations in many of our chosen markets. Markets for new stores and formats are selected on the basis of proximity to other “R” Us branded stores, demographic factors, population growth potential, competitive environment, availability of real estate and cost. Once a potential market is identified, we select a suitable location based upon several criteria, including size of the property, access to major commercial thoroughfares, proximity of other strong anchor stores or other destination superstores, visibility and parking capacity.

Our Business Segments

Our business has two reportable segments: Domestic and International. The following is a brief description of our segments:

 

   

Domestic — Our Domestic segment sells a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through 849 stores that operate in 49 states in the United States and Puerto Rico and through the Internet. Domestic Net sales are derived from 496 traditional toy stores (including 77 BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats), 260

 

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specialty juvenile stores, 64 SBS stores, 26 SSBS stores and our 3 flagship stores in New York City. Additionally, we also generate sales through our Pop-up store locations. On average, our stores offer approximately 10,000 active items year-round. Based on sales, we are the largest specialty retailer of toys in the United States and Puerto Rico as well as the only specialty juvenile retailer that operates on a national scale in the United States. Domestic Net sales were $8.3 billion for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, which accounts for 61% of our consolidated Net sales.

 

   

International — Our International segment sells a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through 717 owned, licensed or franchised stores that operate in 33 countries and through the Internet. Net sales (including fees received from licensed or franchised stores) in our International segment are derived from 618 traditional toy stores (including 2 BRU Express formats), as well as 77 SBS stores and 22 specialty juvenile stores. Our wholly-owned operations are in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We also consolidate the results of Toys – Japan of which we owned approximately 91% at January 30, 2010. On average, our stores offer approximately 8,500 active items year-round. International Net sales were $5.3 billion for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, which accounts for 39% of our consolidated Net sales.

In order to properly judge our business performance, it is necessary to be aware of the following challenges and risks:

 

   

Seasonality — Our business is highly seasonal with sales and earnings highest in the fourth quarter. During the last three fiscal years, more than 39% of the Net sales from our worldwide business and a substantial portion of the operating earnings and cash flows from operations were generated in the fourth quarter. Our results of operations depend significantly upon the fourth quarter holiday selling season.

 

   

Spending patterns and product migration — Many economic and other factors outside our control, including consumer confidence, consumer spending levels, employment levels, consumer debt levels and inflation, as well as the availability of consumer credit, affect consumer spending habits. Since fiscal 2008, there has been a deterioration in the global financial markets and economic environment, which has negatively impacted consumer spending. In response, we have taken steps to increase opportunities to drive profitable sales and to curtail capital spending and operating expenses wherever prudent. If these adverse trends in economic conditions worsen, or if our efforts to counteract the impacts of these trends are not sufficiently effective, there would be a negative impact on our financial performance and position in future fiscal periods.

 

   

Increased competition — Our businesses operate in a highly competitive retail market. We compete on the basis of product variety, quality, safety, availability, price, advertising and promotion, convenience or store location and customer service. We face strong competition from discount and mass merchandisers, national and regional chains and department stores, local retailers in the market areas we serve and Internet and catalog businesses. Price competition in our retailing business continued to be intense during the 2009 fourth quarter holiday season.

 

   

Video games and video game systems — Video games and video game systems represent a significant portion of our entertainment category. Video games and video game systems have tended to account for 10% to 15% of our annual Net sales. The video game market remains competitive with significant competition from Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target, Kmart, Best Buy and GameStop. Due to the intensified competition as well as the maturation of this category, sales of video games and video game systems will periodically experience volatility that may impact our financial performance.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Financial Performance

As discussed in more detail in this MD&A, the following financial data represents an overview of our financial performance for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

($ In millions)

   2009     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 13,568      $ 13,724      $ 13,794   

Gross margin as a percentage of Net sales

     35.2     34.6     34.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of Net sales

     27.5     28.1     27.6

Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

   $ 312      $ 218      $ 153   

Net sales for fiscal 2009 decreased by $156 million primarily as a result of decreased comparable store net sales across both of our segments driven by a slowdown in demand for certain video game systems and related accessories, as well as a lower average transaction amount at both of our segments and a decrease in the number of transactions at our International segment. Partially offsetting this decrease was the positive impact of stores that were recently opened or converted to our SBS and SSBS store formats.

 

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Gross margin as a percentage of Net sales for fiscal 2009 increased primarily as a result of improvements in sales mix away from lower margin products. Partially offsetting this increase were increased sales of lower margin commodities within the juvenile category at our Domestic segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) as a percentage of Net sales for fiscal 2009 decreased primarily as a result of strong initiatives to reduce overall operating expenses. This includes decreases in advertising and promotional expenses, travel and transportation costs, store labor and other compensation expenses and professional fees. Additionally, SG&A decreased by $14 million at our International segment due to the contract termination fee paid by the Company in fiscal 2008 related to the settlement between Toys – Japan and McDonald’s Japan.

Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. for fiscal 2009 increased primarily due to a reduction in SG&A and an increase in Gross margin, partially offset by an increase in net interest expense and Income tax expense.

Comparable Store Net Sales

We include, in computing comparable store net sales, stores that have been open for at least 56 weeks (1 year and 4 weeks) from their “soft” opening date. A soft opening is typically two weeks prior to the grand opening.

Comparable stores generally include the following:

 

   

stores that have been remodeled while remaining open;

 

   

stores that have been relocated and/or expanded to new buildings within the same trade area, in which the new store opens at about the same time as the old store closes;

 

   

stores that have expanded within their current locations; and

 

   

sales from our Internet businesses.

By measuring the year-over-year sales of merchandise in the stores that have been open for a full comparable 56 weeks or more, we can better gauge how the core store base is performing since it excludes store openings and closings.

Various factors affect comparable store net sales, including the number of stores we open or close, the number of transactions, the average transaction amount, the general retail sales environment, current local and global economic conditions, consumer preferences and buying trends, changes in sales mix among distribution channels, our ability to efficiently source and distribute products, changes in our merchandise mix, competition, the timing of the release of new merchandise and our promotional events, the success of marketing programs and the cannibalization of existing store net sales by new stores. Among other things, weather conditions can affect comparable store net sales because inclement weather may discourage travel or require temporary store closures, thereby reducing customer traffic. These factors have caused our comparable store net sales to fluctuate significantly in the past on an annual, quarterly and monthly basis and, as a result, we expect that comparable store net sales will continue to fluctuate in the future.

The following table discloses our comparable store net sales for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 
        

Domestic

   (3.0 )%    (0.1 )%    2.7

International

   (2.8 )%    (3.4 )%    2.9

 

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Percentage of Net Sales by Product Category

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 
        

Core Toy

   17.0   16.1   16.8

Entertainment

   15.5   18.0   17.8

Juvenile

   30.8   31.2   29.8

Learning

   22.4   20.6   21.1

Seasonal

   13.2   13.0   13.4

Other (1)

   1.1   1.1   1.1
                  

Total

   100   100   100
                  

 

(1)

Consists primarily of shipping and other non-product related revenues.

Store Count by Segment

 

     January 30,
2010
   Fiscal 2009     January 31,
2009
   Fiscal 2008     February 2,
2008
      Opened     Closed        Opened     Closed    

Domestic (1)

   849    6      (3   846    6      (5   845

International - Wholly-Owned (2)

   514    10      —        504    5      (5   504

International - Licensed and Franchised

   203    16 (3)    (22 )(3)    209    36 (3)    (38 )(3)    211
                                      

Total (4)

   1,566    32      (25   1,559    47      (48   1,560
                                      

 

(1)

Store count as of January 30, 2010 included 64 SBS stores, 26 SSBS stores, 13 BRU Express stores and 64 Juvenile Expansions. As of January 31, 2009 store count included 53 SBS stores, 19 SSBS stores, 12 BRU Express stores and 63 Juvenile Expansions. As of February 2, 2008, there were 28 SBS stores, 4 SSBS stores and 4 BRU Express stores.

(2)

Store count includes 77, 66 and 31 SBS stores as of January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008, respectively. As of January 30, 2010, there were 2 BRU Express stores.

(3)

Closed stores in fiscal 2009 include the closure of 17 stores in the Netherlands due to the expiration of our franchise agreement in the Netherlands. Opened stores include new franchised stores primarily in China and Israel. Closed stores in fiscal 2008 include the closure of 35 stores related to the termination of our franchise agreement in Turkey. Opened stores include new franchised stores primarily in China, Malaysia and South Africa.

(4)

Does not include 29 Pop-up stores Domestically and 1 Internationally that remained open as of January 30, 2010 due to the temporary nature of these locations. At the peak of this initiative, there were 89 Domestic and 2 International Pop-up stores open. Certain Pop-up stores may remain in operation and become permanent locations.

Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Net Earnings Attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Change

Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

   $ 312    $ 218    $ 94

We generated Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. of $312 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $218 million in fiscal 2008. The increase in Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. was primarily due to a reduction in SG&A of $126 million resulting primarily from initiatives to reduce our operating expenses, and an increase in Gross margin of $30 million due to improvements in sales mix away from lower margin products, partially offset by an increase in net interest expense of $37 million and Income tax expense of $33 million. Each of these changes includes the effect of foreign currency translation, which accounted for approximately $28 million of the increase in Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. Additionally, for a discussion of the impact of Other income, net on Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. refer to the section below entitled “Other income, net.”

Net Sales

 

      Percentage of Net sales  

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   $ Change     % Change     Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
 

Domestic

   $ 8,317    $ 8,480    $ (163   (1.9 )%    61.3   61.8

International

     5,251      5,244      7      0.1   38.7   38.2
                                        

Total Net sales

   $ 13,568    $ 13,724    $ (156   (1.1 )%    100.0   100.0
                                        

 

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Net sales decreased by $156 million, or 1.1%, to $13,568 million in fiscal 2009, compared with $13,724 million in fiscal 2008. Net sales for fiscal 2009 included the impact of foreign currency translation that increased Net sales by approximately $83 million.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, the decrease in Net sales for fiscal 2009 was primarily due to decreased comparable store net sales across both our segments. Comparable store net sales were primarily impacted by the overall slowdown in the global economy, a lower average transaction amount at both of our segments and a decrease in the number of transactions at our International segment. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in comparable store net sales attributable to stores that were recently opened or converted to our SBS and SSBS store formats.

Domestic

Net sales for the Domestic segment decreased by $163 million, or 1.9%, to $8,317 million in fiscal 2009, compared with $8,480 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease in Net sales was primarily a result of a decrease in comparable store net sales of 3.0%.

The decrease in comparable store net sales resulted primarily from a decrease in our entertainment, juvenile and seasonal categories, which were all affected by the overall slowdown in the economy. The decrease in our entertainment category was driven by a slowdown in demand for certain video game systems and related accessories as well as fewer new software releases. The juvenile category decreased primarily as a result of the phasing out of certain size apparel offerings, along with declines in sales of baby gear, furniture and bedding. Sales of seasonal products, such as outdoor play equipment, decreased primarily due to cooler weather. These decreases were partially offset by increases in our learning and core toy categories. The learning category increased as a result of strong sales of construction toys, while increased sales in the core toy category were primarily driven by an increase in sales of collectibles and dolls.

International

Net sales for the International segment increased by $7 million, or 0.1%, to $5,251 million in fiscal 2009, compared with $5,244 million in fiscal 2008. Excluding an $83 million increase in Net sales due to foreign currency translation, there was a decrease in Net sales at our International segment which was primarily a result of a decrease in comparable store net sales of 2.8%.

The decrease in comparable store net sales resulted primarily from a decrease in our entertainment and juvenile categories, which were both affected by the slowdown in the global economy. The entertainment category decreases were primarily attributable to a slowdown in demand for certain video game systems and related accessories as well as fewer new software releases. The juvenile category decreased primarily from declines in sales of nursery equipment and apparel. These decreases were partially offset by increases in our learning and core toy categories. The increase in the learning category was primarily a result of strong sales of educational products and construction toys. The increase in the core toy category was primarily attributable to increased sales of action figures.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

We record the costs associated with operating our distribution networks as a part of SG&A, including those costs that primarily relate to transporting merchandise from distribution centers to stores. Therefore, our consolidated Gross margin may not be comparable to the gross margins of other retailers that include similar costs in their cost of sales.

The following costs are included in “Cost of sales”:

 

   

the cost of merchandise acquired from vendors;

 

   

freight in;

 

   

provision for excess and obsolete inventory;

 

   

shipping costs;

 

   

provision for inventory shortages; and

 

   

credits and allowances from our merchandise vendors.

 

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      Percentage of Net sales  

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   $ Change     Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
    Change  

Domestic

   $ 2,893    $ 2,910    $ (17   34.8   34.3   0.5

International

     1,885      1,838      47      35.9   35.0   0.9
                                        

Total Gross margin

   $ 4,778    $ 4,748    $ 30      35.2   34.6   0.6
                                        

Gross margin increased by $30 million to $4,778 million in fiscal 2009, compared with $4,748 million in fiscal 2008. Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, for fiscal 2009 increased by 0.6 percentage points. Foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $15 million of the increase in Gross margin. The increase in Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, was primarily the result of improvements in sales mix away from lower margin products.

Domestic

Gross margin decreased by $17 million to $2,893 million in fiscal 2009, compared with $2,910 million in fiscal 2008. Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, for fiscal 2009 increased by 0.5 percentage points.

The increase in Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, resulted primarily from improvements in sales mix away from lower margin products such as video game systems, and overall improvements in margin on full price sales and promotional sales in the learning and core toy categories. These increases were partially offset by increased sales of lower margin commodities within the juvenile category.

International

Gross margin increased by $47 million to $1,885 million in fiscal 2009, compared with $1,838 million in fiscal 2008. Foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $15 million of the increase. Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, for fiscal 2009 increased by 0.9 percentage points.

The increase in Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, resulted primarily from improvements in sales mix toward sales of higher margin learning and core toy products as well as decreased sales of lower margin video game systems compared to fiscal 2008.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)

The following are the types of costs included in SG&A:

 

   

store payroll and related payroll benefits;

 

   

rent and other store operating expenses;

 

   

advertising and promotional expenses;

 

   

costs associated with operating our distribution network, including costs related to transporting merchandise from distribution centers to stores;

 

   

restructuring charges; and

 

   

other corporate-related expenses.

 

      Percentage of Net sales  

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   $ Change     Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
    Change  

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 3,730    $ 3,856    $ (126   27.5   28.1   (0.6 )% 

SG&A decreased $126 million to $3,730 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $3,856 million in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of Net sales, SG&A decreased by 0.6 percentage points. Foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $5 million of the decrease.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, the decrease in SG&A was primarily from strong initiatives to reduce overall operating expenses, which includes decreases of $29 million in advertising and promotional expenses, $23 million in travel and transportation costs, $17 million in store labor and other compensation expenses and $17 million in professional fees at our Domestic and

 

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International segments. Additionally, SG&A decreased at our International segment due to the contract termination fee paid by the Company related to the settlement between Toys – Japan and McDonald’s Japan, which increased SG&A by $14 million in fiscal 2008.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Change  

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 376    $ 399    $ (23

Depreciation and amortization decreased by $23 million to $376 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $399 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $11 million in accelerated depreciation related to store relocations and disposals in fiscal 2008, a decrease of $8 million related to assets which became fully amortized during the first half of fiscal 2009, as well as the addition of fewer new wholly-owned stores due to the curtailment of capital spending during fiscal 2009. Additionally, foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $1 million of the decrease.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net includes the following:

 

   

gain on litigation settlement;

 

   

credit card program income;

 

   

gift card breakage income;

 

   

net gains on sales of properties;

 

   

impairment losses on long-lived assets;

 

   

gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary; and

 

   

other operating income and expenses.

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Change  

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 112    $ 128    $ (16

Other income, net decreased by $16 million to $112 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $128 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the recognition of an additional $59 million of gift card breakage income in fiscal 2008 resulting from the change in estimate effected by a change in accounting principle, and a $39 million gain recognized in fiscal 2008 on the liquidation of our Hong Kong subsidiary representing a cumulative translation adjustment. These decreases were partially offset by a $51 million litigation settlement with Amazon in fiscal 2009 and a decrease in impairment losses on long-lived assets of $26 million compared to the same period last year.

Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details.

Interest Expense

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Change

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 447    $ 419    $ 28

Interest expense increased by $28 million for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008. The increase was largely due to an increase of $20 million primarily as a result of the write-off of fees related to the repayment of our $1.3 billion unsecured credit agreement and our $800 million Secured real estate loans. In addition, there was an increase of $5 million related primarily to higher effective interest rates, partially offset by a reduction in average debt balances.

Interest expense will increase in the future due to the issuance of $950 million of 10.75% Senior Notes by Toys “R” Us Property

 

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Company I, LLC (“TRU Propco I”) on July 9, 2009 and the issuance of $725 million of 8.50% Senior Secured Notes by Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC (“TRU Propco II”) on November 20, 2009. These increases will be partially offset by the repayment of approximately $2.0 billion in real estate loans which had a lower effective interest rate of LIBOR plus margin.

Interest Income

 

   

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
    Change      
 

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 7      $ 16      $ (9  
Interest income decreased by $9 million for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to lower effective interest rates in fiscal 2009.
Income Tax Expense     
   

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
    Change      
 

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 40      $ 7      $ 33     
 

Consolidated effective tax rate

     11.6     3.2     8.4  
The net increase in income tax expense of $33 million in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was principally due to the increase in pre-tax earnings. Other increases due to a change in the mix of pre-tax earnings, an increase in permanent items, and a net increase in valuation allowances and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, were offset by a benefit for the reversal of deferred tax liabilities associated with the undistributed earnings of two of our subsidiaries as it is management’s intention to permanently reinvest those earnings, as well as benefits associated with a change in the tax classification of certain foreign entities. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “INCOME TAXES” for further details.
Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007
Net Earnings Attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.
   

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
    Change      
 

Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

   $ 218      $ 153      $ 65     

We generated Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. of $218 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $153 million in fiscal 2007. Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. increased primarily as a result of a decrease in Interest expense of $84 million, a decrease in Income tax expense of $58 million and an increase in Other income, net of $44 million (primarily due to $59 million of additional gift card breakage income—see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES”), partially offset by a decrease in Gross margin of $59 million and an increase in SG&A of $55 million. Each of these changes includes the effect of foreign currency translation, which accounted for an approximate $17 million decrease in Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Net Sales

 

      Percentage of Net sales  

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007
   $ Change     % Change     Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
 

Domestic

   $ 8,480    $ 8,450    $ 30      0.4   61.8   61.3

International

     5,244      5,344      (100   (1.9 )%    38.2   38.7
                                        

Total Net sales

   $ 13,724    $ 13,794    $ (70   (0.5 )%    100.0   100.0
                                        

Net sales decreased by $70 million, or 0.5%, to $13,724 million in fiscal 2008 from $13,794 million in fiscal 2007. Net sales for fiscal 2008 included the impact of foreign currency translation that increased Net sales by approximately $47 million.

Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, the decrease in Net sales for fiscal 2008 was primarily due to decreased comparable store net sales across both of our segments, resulting primarily from the slowdown in the global economy which contributed to a decrease in the number of transactions in both of our segments and a lower average transaction amount at our International segment. Partially offsetting this decrease was Net sales from new wholly-owned stores and a higher average transaction amount at our Domestic segment.

 

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Domestic

Net sales for the Domestic segment increased by $30 million, or 0.4%, to $8,480 million in fiscal 2008 from $8,450 million for fiscal 2007. The increase in Net sales was primarily a result of new wholly-owned stores, partially offset by a decrease in comparable store net sales of 0.1%.

The comparable store net sales decrease in fiscal 2008 was primarily a result of lower sales in our core toy, learning and seasonal categories, which were all affected by the overall slowdown in the economy. Core toys and learning also experienced declines in sales of mature product lines as well as poor performance of certain new product releases. These decreases were partially offset by increases in our entertainment category as a result of strong demand for video game systems, new video game software releases and related accessories. Our juvenile category was positively impacted by the conversion of certain stores to our SBS and SSBS store formats along with increased square footage devoted to juvenile products in our traditional toy stores, partially offset by decreases in baby gear and furniture sales.

International

Net sales for the International segment decreased by $100 million, or 1.9%, to $5,244 million for fiscal 2008, compared to $5,344 million for fiscal 2007. Excluding a $47 million increase in Net sales due to foreign currency translation, Net sales of our International segment decreased primarily due to a decrease in comparable store net sales of 3.4%, partially offset by increased Net sales from the addition of new wholly-owned stores.

The comparable store net sales decrease in fiscal 2008 was primarily impacted by decreases in our entertainment, core toy and seasonal categories, which we believe were affected by the slowdown in the global economy. Entertainment decreased primarily due to strong prior year sales of video game systems. Core toys decreased primarily due to strong prior year sales of licensed products. Sales of seasonal products decreased primarily due to a decrease in sales of outdoor products. Partially offsetting these decreases were increased sales in our juvenile category from the conversion of certain stores to our SBS store format along with increased square footage devoted to juvenile products in our traditional toy stores.

Cost of Sales and Gross Margin

 

      Percentage of Net sales  

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007
   $ Change     Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
    Change  

Domestic

   $ 2,910    $ 2,902    $ 8      34.3   34.3   —     

International

     1,838      1,905      (67   35.0   35.6   (0.6 )% 
                                        

Total Gross margin

   $ 4,748    $ 4,807    $ (59   34.6   34.8   (0.2 )% 
                                        

Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, decreased by 0.2 percentage points and decreased $59 million in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, was primarily due to price reductions taken in light of the slowdown in the global economy. Partially offsetting these decreases was a change in accounting method for valuing merchandise inventory at our Domestic segment, which contributed an approximate $30 million increase to our Gross margin. Additionally, Gross margin in fiscal 2008 included the impact of foreign currency translation that increased Gross margin by approximately $11 million.

Domestic

Gross margin increased by $8 million to $2,910 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $2,902 million in fiscal 2007. Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, in fiscal 2008 remained unchanged compared to fiscal 2007.

Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, was impacted by increases in allowances from vendors, and the change in accounting method for valuing merchandise inventory which contributed an approximate $30 million increase to our Gross margin, offset by increased sales of lower margin products, such as electronics and commodities.

International

Gross margin decreased by $67 million to $1,838 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $1,905 million in fiscal 2007. Gross margin in fiscal 2008 included the impact of foreign currency translation that increased Gross margin by approximately $11 million. Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, in fiscal 2008 decreased by 0.6 percentage points compared to fiscal 2007.

 

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The decrease in Gross margin, as a percentage of Net sales, was primarily due to price reductions in light of the slowdown in the global economy, reduced discounts and allowances from vendors resulting from a reduction in inventory purchases. Partially offsetting these decreases were improvements in our sales mix toward higher margin products.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)

 

     Percentage of Net sales  

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007
   $ Change    Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
    Change  

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 3,856    $ 3,801    $ 55    28.1   27.6   0.5

SG&A increased $55 million to $3,856 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $3,801 million in fiscal 2007. As a percentage of Net sales, SG&A increased by 0.5 percentage points. Foreign currency translation accounted for approximately $31 million of the increase.

In addition to the impact of foreign currency translation, the increase in SG&A was primarily due to increases in advertising and store occupancy expenses at our Domestic and International segments. Advertising expenses increased due to increases in print advertising and promotional activities to drive customer traffic to our stores, with a focus on the holiday shopping season. Store occupancy expenses increased primarily due to increased costs to support our new integrated strategy of constructing and converting existing stores to our SBS and SSBS store formats. Additionally, SG&A increased at our International segment due to a contract termination payment to McDonald’s Japan, which increased SG&A by $14 million. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in Domestic store payroll, company-wide bonuses and corporate professional fees, as a result of cost-saving initiatives.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007
   Change

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 399    $ 394    $ 5

Depreciation and amortization increased by $5 million to $399 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $394 million in fiscal 2007, primarily due to foreign currency translation.

Other Income, Net

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007
   Change

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 128    $ 84    $ 44

Other income increased by $44 million to $128 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $84 million in fiscal 2007. The increase was primarily due to the recognition of an additional $59 million of gift card breakage income as a result of the change in estimate effected by a change in accounting principle. In addition, the operations of TRU (HK) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, were substantially liquidated in fiscal 2008. As a result, we recognized a $39 million gain representing a cumulative translation adjustment. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease of $28 million in net gains on sales of properties, primarily due to a gain of $18 million on the sale of an idle distribution center and a $10 million gain on the consummation of a lease termination agreement during fiscal 2007. In addition, we recognized $20 million of additional impairment losses on long-lived assets as compared to the same period last year.

Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details.

Interest Expense

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007
   Change  

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 419    $ 503    $ (84

Interest expense decreased by $84 million for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in Interest expense was primarily due to lower average interest rates on our debt and a reduction of charges related to the changes in the fair values of our derivatives which are not designated for hedge accounting. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES.”

 

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Interest Income

 

   

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
    Change      
 

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 16      $ 27      $ (11  
Interest income decreased by $11 million for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 primarily due to lower average interest rates in fiscal 2008.
Income Tax Expense
   

($ In millions)

   Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
    Change      
 

Toys “R” Us - Consolidated

   $ 7      $ 65      $ (58  
 

Consolidated effective tax rate

     3.2     29.5     (26.3 )%   

The decrease in income tax expense of $58 million in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was due to a change in the mix of pre-tax earnings, a reduction in permanent items and net reductions in valuation allowances and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “INCOME TAXES” for further details.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of January 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all of our covenants related to our outstanding debt. On June 24, 2009, we amended and restated the credit agreement for our $2.1 billion secured revolving credit facility, which extended the maturity date on a portion of the facility and amended certain other provisions. As amended, the facility was bifurcated into two tranches, $517 million of which matures on July 21, 2010 with the remainder maturing on May 21, 2012 for a total credit availability of $2,148 million. Borrowings under this credit facility are secured by tangible and intangible assets of Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc. (“Toys – Delaware”), subject to specific exclusions stated in the credit agreement. Availability is determined pursuant to a borrowing base, consisting of specified percentages of eligible inventory and eligible credit card receivables less any applicable availability reserves. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings, a total of $109 million of outstanding letters of credit and had excess availability of $874 million. This amount is also subject to a minimum availability covenant, which was $125 million at January 30, 2010, with remaining availability of $749 million in excess of the covenant. Refer to Note 2 entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details regarding the borrowing base calculation.

Toys – Japan has a credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions, which established two unsecured loan commitment lines of credit (“Tranche 1” and “Tranche 2”). Under the agreement, Tranche 1 is available in amounts of up to ¥20 billion ($222 million at January 30, 2010), and expires in fiscal 2011. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding debt under Tranche 1 with $222 million of availability. On March 30, 2009, Toys – Japan refinanced Tranche 2 resulting in amounts of up to ¥12.6 billion ($140 million at January 30, 2010), expiring in fiscal 2010. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding debt under Tranche 2 with $140 million of availability. This agreement contains covenants, including, among other things, covenants that require Toys – Japan to maintain a certain minimum level of net assets and profitability during the agreement terms. The agreement also restricts us from reducing our ownership percentage in Toys – Japan.

On February 26, 2010, Toys – Japan entered into an agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions to refinance Tranche 2. As a result, Tranche 2 will be available on March 29, 2010 in amounts of up to ¥13.0 billion ($146 million at February 26, 2010), expiring on March 28, 2011.

In fiscal 2009, certain of our foreign subsidiaries entered into a European and Australian secured revolving credit facility (“European ABL”), which provides for a three-year £124 million ($198 million at January 30, 2010) senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility and which expires on October 15, 2012. Borrowings under the European ABL are secured by and subject to, among other things, the terms of a borrowing base derived from the value of eligible inventory and eligible accounts receivable of certain of Toys “R” Us Europe, LLC’s (“Toys Europe”) and Toys “R” Us Australia Holdings, LLC’s (“Toys Australia”) subsidiaries. The European ABL contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Toys Europe and Toys Australia and their respective subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, repurchase or pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments on capital stock, make acquisitions and investments or engage in mergers or consolidations. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings and $71 million of availability under the European ABL. Refer to Note 2 entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details regarding the borrowing base calculation.

Due to the deterioration in the credit markets, some financial institutions have reduced and, in certain cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers. We are dependent on the borrowings provided by the lenders to support our working capital needs and capital expenditures. Currently we have funds available to finance our operations under our $2.1 billion secured revolving credit facility through May 2012, our European ABL through October 2012 and our Toys – Japan unsecured credit lines through March 2011. Our

 

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lenders may be unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments to us if a lender faces bankruptcy, failure, collapse or sale. If our cash flow and capital resources do not provide the necessary liquidity, such an event could have a significant negative effect on our results of operations.

In general, our primary uses of cash are providing for working capital, which principally represents the purchase of inventory, servicing debt, financing construction of new stores, remodeling existing stores, and paying expenses, such as payroll costs, to operate our stores. Our working capital needs follow a seasonal pattern, peaking in the third quarter of the year when inventory is purchased for the fourth quarter holiday selling season. Peak borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and credit lines amounted to $784 million and have been repaid as of January 30, 2010. Our largest source of operating cash flows is cash collections from our customers. We have been able to meet our cash needs principally by using cash on hand, cash flows from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and credit lines.

Although we believe that cash generated from operations along with existing cash, revolving credit facilities and credit lines will be sufficient to fund expected cash flow requirements and planned capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months, continued world-wide financial market disruption may have a negative impact on our financial performance and financial position in the future. Our minimum projected obligations for fiscal 2010 and beyond are set forth below under “Contractual Obligations.”

Capital Expenditures

A component of our long-term strategy is our capital expenditure program. Our capital expenditures are primarily for financing construction of new stores, remodeling existing stores, as well as improving and enhancing our information technology systems. Throughout 2009 we curtailed our capital spending due to the prevailing economic environment. For fiscal 2010, we plan to increase our capital spending to grow our business through a continued focus on our integrated strategy, recognizing the synergies between our toy and juvenile categories.

During fiscal 2009 we invested $192 million in property and equipment, including opening 16 new stores, expanding and remodeling existing stores, and upgrading our information technology systems and capabilities. Capital expenditures are funded primarily through cash provided by operating activities, as well as available cash.

The following table presents our capital expenditures for each of the past three fiscal years:

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007

New stores

   $ 39    $ 98    $ 67

Store-related projects (1)

     81      204      162

Information technology

     45      72      70

Distributions centers

     27      21      27
                    

Total capital expenditures

   $ 192    $ 395    $ 326
                    

 

(1)

Includes store remodels and expansions.

Cash Flows

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 1,014      $ 525      $ 527   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (37     (259     (416

Net cash used in financing activities

     (626     (223     (152

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (8     (11     27   
                        

Net increase (decrease) during period in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 343      $ 32      $ (14
                        

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2009 was $1,014 million, an increase of $489 million compared to fiscal 2008. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of decreased payments on accounts payable due to the timing of vendor payments at year-end, a reduction in SG&A primarily attributable to initiatives to reduce overall operating expenses and decreased payments for income taxes.

Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2008 was $525 million, a decrease of $2 million compared to fiscal 2007. The

 

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decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily the result of increased payments on accounts payable due to the timing of vendor payments, increased payments for income taxes and decreased gross margins from operations. The decrease was partially offset by decreased purchases of merchandise inventories due to the slowdown in the global economy and lower interest payments due to lower average interest rates.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2009 was $37 million, a decrease of $222 million compared to fiscal 2008. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a decrease of $214 million in restricted cash primarily as a result of the repayment of our $1,267 million unsecured credit agreement and our $800 million secured real estate loans, and a reduction in capital expenditures of $203 million due to the curtailment of capital spending as a result of the slowdown in the economy. These changes were partially offset by a decrease of $167 million from the sale of short-term investments in fiscal 2008.

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2008 was $259 million, a decrease of $157 million compared to fiscal 2007. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily related to the purchase of $168 million of short-term investments in fiscal 2007 and subsequent sale in fiscal 2008 of $167 million of those investments resulting in a net decrease of $335 million. The decrease was partially offset by an $81 million increase in the change in restricted cash and increases in capital expenditures of $69 million.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $626 million for fiscal 2009, an increase of $403 million compared to fiscal 2008. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the repayment of our $1,267 million unsecured credit agreement, the repayment of $800 million of our secured real estate loans, an increase of $104 million in debt issuance costs and an increase of $32 million related to purchases of Toys-Japan common stock. These increases were partially offset by the proceeds of $925 million received from the offering of senior unsecured 10.75% notes due 2017, the proceeds of $715 million received from the offering of senior secured 8.50% notes due 2017 and the reduced repayments on our Toys – Japan credit lines of $147 million as compared to the prior year.

Refer to the description of changes to our debt structure below, as well as Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for more information.

Net cash used in financing activities was $223 million for fiscal 2008, an increase of $71 million from fiscal 2007. The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to increased repayments of our Toys – Japan unsecured credit lines of $119 million, due to the timing of merchandise payments and purchase of $34 million of additional shares of Toys – Japan. These increases were partially offset by a repayment of $44 million of our $200 million asset sale facility in fiscal 2007 and increased finance obligations of $33 million associated with capital project financing.

Debt

Our credit facilities, loan agreements and indentures contain customary covenants, including, among other things, covenants that restrict our ability to incur certain additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, engage in mergers or consolidations, and place restrictions on the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to provide funds to us through dividends, loans or advances. The amount of net assets that were subject to these restrictions was approximately $709 million as of January 30, 2010. Certain of our agreements also contain various and customary events of default with respect to the loans, including, without limitation, the failure to pay interest or principal when the same is due under the agreements, cross default provisions, the failure of representations and warranties contained in the agreements to be true and certain insolvency events. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the principal amounts outstanding thereunder, together with all accrued unpaid interest and other amounts owed thereunder, may be declared immediately due and payable by the lenders. Were such an event to occur, we would be forced to seek new financing that may not be on as favorable terms as our current facilities or be available at all. As of January 30, 2010, our total indebtedness of $5,196 million, of which $2,588 million was secured indebtedness, included three facilities, our $2.1 billion secured revolving credit facility, our European ABL and our Toys – Japan unsecured credit lines. We had no outstanding borrowings on any of the three facilities as of January 30, 2010. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all, is directly affected by the current global economic and financial conditions and other economic factors that may be outside our control. In addition, our ability to incur secured indebtedness (which may enable us to achieve better pricing than the incurrence of unsecured indebtedness) depends in part on the covenants in our credit facilities and indentures and the value of our assets, which depends, in turn, on the strength of our cash flows, results of operations, economic and market conditions and other factors. We are currently in compliance with our financial covenants relating to our debt. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for more information regarding our debt covenants.

 

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During fiscal 2009, we made the following significant changes to our debt structure:

 

   

On March 30, 2009, Toys – Japan entered into an agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions to refinance Tranche 2. As a result, Tranche 2 is available in amounts of up to ¥12.6 billion ($140 million at January 30, 2010), and expires in fiscal 2010. Tranche 2 was subsequently refinanced, as described below.

 

   

On June 24, 2009, Toys – Delaware and certain of its subsidiaries amended and restated the credit agreement for their $2.0 billion five-year secured revolving credit facility in order to extend the maturity date of a portion of the facility and amend certain other provisions. As amended, the facility was bifurcated into two tranches, $517 million of which matures on July 21, 2010 with the remainder maturing on May 21, 2012. On November 13, 2009, we partially exercised the accordion feature of this secured revolving credit facility, increasing the credit available, subject to borrowing base restrictions, from $2,043 million to $2,148 million.

 

   

On July 9, 2009, TRU Propco I, formerly known as TRU 2005 RE Holding Co. I, LLC, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, completed the offering of $950 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured 10.75% notes due 2017 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at a discount of $25 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $925 million. The proceeds of $925 million from the offering of the Notes, together with $263 million of cash on hand and $99 million of restricted cash released from restrictions were used to repay the outstanding loan balance under TRU Propco I’s unsecured credit agreement of $1,267 million plus accrued interest of approximately $1 million and fees at closing of approximately $19 million.

 

   

On October 15, 2009, certain of our foreign subsidiaries entered into a European ABL, which provides for a three-year £112 million ($179 million at January 30, 2010) secured revolving credit facility which expires October 15, 2012. On November 19, 2009, we partially exercised the accordion feature of the European ABL increasing the credit available, subject to borrowing base restrictions, from £112 million to £124 million ($198 million at January 30, 2010).

 

   

On November 20, 2009, TRU Propco II, formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the offering of $725 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured 8.50% notes due 2017 (the “Secured Notes”). The Secured Notes were issued at a discount of $10 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $715 million. The proceeds of $715 million, together with $93 million in cash on hand and the release of $22 million in cash from restrictions, were used to repay Propco II’s outstanding loan balance under the Secured real estate loan agreement of $600 million, plus accrued interest of approximately $1 million and fees paid or accrued at closing of approximately $29 million, inclusive of fees payable to the Sponsors pursuant to their advisory agreement. In addition, in connection with the offering, MPO Properties, LLC an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, repaid its Secured real estate loans of $200 million plus accrued interest and fees.

 

   

Three of the seven Toys – Japan bank loans, representing $127 million, mature on January 17, 2011. As such, these amounts were classified as Current portion of long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 30, 2010.

On February 26, 2010, Toys – Japan entered into an agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions to refinance Tranche 2, which was previously available in amounts of up to ¥12.6 billion ($140 million at January 30, 2010). As a result, Tranche 2 will be available on March 29, 2010 in amounts of up to ¥13.0 billion ($146 million at February 26, 2010), expiring on March 28, 2011.

We and our subsidiaries, as well as the Sponsors or their affiliates, may from time to time acquire debt or debt securities issued by us or our subsidiaries in open market transactions, tender offers, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any such transactions, and the amounts involved, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. Refer to Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.”

 

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Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations consist mainly of payments related to Long-term debt and related interest, operating leases related to real estate used in the operation of our business and product purchase obligations. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations associated with our Long-term debt and other obligations as of January 30, 2010:

 

     Payments Due By Period

(In millions )

   Fiscal 2010    Fiscals
2011 & 2012
   Fiscals
2013 & 2014
   Fiscals
2015 and
thereafter
   Total

Operating leases

   $ 556    $ 1,010    $ 806    $ 1,683    $ 4,055

Less: sub-leases to third parties

     18      27      17      15      77
                                  

Net operating lease obligations

     538      983      789      1,668      3,978

Capital lease obligations

     33      46      32      95      206

Long-term debt (1)

     145      1,780      1,053      2,070      5,048

Interest payments (2)

     413      683      415      571      2,082

Purchase obligations (3)

     1,280      —        —        —        1,280

Other (4)

     137      149      73      57      416
                                  

Total contractual obligations (5)

   $ 2,546    $ 3,641    $ 2,362    $ 4,461    $ 13,010
                                  

 

(1)

Reflects the issuance of $950 million of 10.75% Senior Notes by TRU Propco I on July 9, 2009 and the issuance of $725 million of 8.50% Senior Secured Notes by TRU Propco II on November 20, 2009, the proceeds of which were used to repay the outstanding loan balance of $1,267 million and $800 million plus accrued interest and fees, respectively. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details.

(2)

In an effort to manage interest rate exposures, we periodically enter into interest rate swaps and interest rate caps.

(3)

Purchase obligations consist primarily of open purchase orders for merchandise as well as an agreement to purchase fixed or minimum quantities of goods that are not included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 30, 2010.

(4)

Includes pension obligations, risk management liabilities, and other general obligations and contractual commitments.

(5)

The above table does not reflect liabilities for uncertain tax positions of $97 million, which includes $10 million of current liabilities. The amount and timing of payments with respect to these items are subject to a number of uncertainties such that we are unable to make sufficiently reliable estimates of the timing of future payments.

Obligations under our operating leases and capital leases in the above table do not include contingent rent payments, payments for maintenance and insurance, or real estate taxes. The following table presents these amounts which were recorded in SG&A in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 

(In millions )

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007

Real estate taxes

   $ 67    $ 62    $ 60

Maintenance and insurance

     62      55      47

Contingent rent

     10      9      10
                    

Total

   $ 139    $ 126    $ 117
                    

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We have an off-balance sheet arrangement as a result of the February 2006 credit agreement between Toys “R” Us Properties (UK) Limited (“Toys Properties”) and Vanwall Finance PLC (“Vanwall”), a special purpose entity established with the limited purpose of issuing notes, and entering into the credit agreement with Toys Properties. On February 9, 2006, Vanwall issued $620 million of multiple classes of commercial mortgage backed floating rate notes (the “Floating Rate Notes”) to third party investors, which are publicly traded on the Irish Stock Exchange Limited. The proceeds from the Floating Rate Notes issued by Vanwall were used to fund the Senior Loan to Toys Properties. Pursuant to the credit agreement, Vanwall is required to maintain an interest rate swap which effectively fixes the variable LIBOR rate at 4.56%, the same as the fixed interest less the applicable credit spread paid by Toys Properties to Vanwall. The fair value of this interest rate swap at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 was a liability of approximately $40 million and $39 million, respectively. Management performed an analysis in accordance with ASC Topic 810 (“ASC 810”), formerly Financial Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” and concluded that Vanwall should not be consolidated. The Company has not identified any subsequent changes to Vanwall’s governing documents or contractual arrangements that would change the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investment at risk in accordance with reconsideration guidance of ASC 810. Refer to Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details.

 

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Credit Ratings

As of March 24, 2010, our current credit ratings, which are considered non-investment grade, were as follows:

 

     Moody’s    Standard and Poor’s

Long-term debt

   B2    B

Outlook

   Positive    Stable

On November 9, 2009, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s revised its outlook on the Company from Stable to Positive and Negative to Stable, respectively. The outlook revision reflects reduced refinancing risk, effective execution of our merchandising strategies, cost-control measures, and management success with its initiatives, including the store conversion strategy.

Other credit ratings for our debt are available; however, we have disclosed only the ratings of the two leading nationally recognized statistical rating organizations.

Our current credit ratings, as well as any adverse future actions taken by the rating agencies with respect to our debt ratings, could negatively impact our ability to finance our operations on satisfactory terms and could have the effect of increasing our financing costs. Our debt instruments do not contain provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a debt rating downgrade.

The rating agencies may, in the future, revise the ratings on our outstanding debt.

The above information regarding credit ratings and ratings outlook assigned to our indebtedness by Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s are opinions of our ability to meet our ongoing obligations. Credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each agency’s rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency’s rating.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) finalized the Codification or ASC, which is effective for periods ending on or after September 15, 2009. The ASC does not change how we account for our transactions or the nature of the related disclosures made. Any references to guidance issued by the FASB in this Form 10-K are to the ASC, in addition to the other legacy standards.

The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and during the applicable periods. We base these estimates on historical experience and on other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We believe the following are our most critical accounting policies that include significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. We consider an accounting policy to be critical if it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time they were made, and if changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Merchandise Inventories

We value our merchandise inventories at the lower of cost or market, as determined by the weighted average cost method. Cost of sales under the weighted average cost method represents the weighted average cost of the individual items sold. Cost of sales under the weighted average cost method is also affected by adjustments to reflect current market conditions, merchandise allowances from vendors, expected inventory shortages and estimated losses from obsolete and slow-moving inventory.

Merchandise inventories and related reserves are reviewed on an interim basis and adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect management’s current estimates. These estimates are derived using available data, our historical experience, estimated inventory turnover and current purchase forecasts. Various types of negotiated allowances received from our vendors are generally treated as adjustments to the purchase price of our Merchandise inventories. We adjust our estimates for vendor allowances and our provision for expected inventory shortage to actual amounts at the completion of our physical inventory counts and finalization of all vendor allowance agreements. In addition, we perform an inventory-aging analysis for identifying obsolete and slow-moving inventory. We establish a reserve to reduce the cost of our inventory to its estimated net realizable value based on certain loss indicators which include aged inventory and excess supply on hand, as well as specific identification methods.

 

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Our estimates may be impacted by changes in certain underlying assumptions and may not be indicative of future activity. For example, factors such as slower inventory turnover due to changes in competitors’ tactics, consumer preferences, consumer spending and inclement weather could cause excess inventory requiring greater than estimated markdowns to entice consumer purchases. Such factors could also cause sales shortfalls resulting in reduced purchases from vendors and an associated reduction in vendor allowances. Based on our inventory aging analysis for identifying obsolete and slow-moving inventory, a 10% change in our reserve would have impacted pre-tax earnings by approximately $4 million for fiscal 2009.

Store Closures and Long-lived Asset Impairment

Based on an overall analysis of store performance and expected trends, management periodically evaluates the need to close underperforming stores. Reserves are established at the time of closing for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance, as prescribed by ASC Topic 420, formerly SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” A key assumption in calculating the reserves is the estimation of sublease income. If actual experience differs from our estimates, the resulting reserves could vary from recorded amounts. Reserves are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.

We also evaluate the carrying value of all long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, in accordance with ASC 360. We will record an impairment loss when the carrying value of the underlying asset group exceeds its estimated fair value.

In determining whether long-lived assets are recoverable, our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the estimated life or lease term of a store is based upon our experience, historical operations of the store, an estimate of future store profitability and economic conditions. The future estimates of store profitability and economic conditions require estimating such factors as sales growth, inflation and the overall economics of the retail industry. Since we forecast our future undiscounted cash flows for up to 25 years, our estimates are subject to variability as future results can be difficult to predict. If a long-lived asset is found to be non-recoverable, we record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying value and fair value. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit or asset using a valuation method such as discounted cash flow or a relative, market-based approach.

In fiscal 2009, we recorded $7 million of impairment charges related to non-recoverable long-lived assets. These impairments were primarily due to the identification of underperforming stores, the relocation of certain stores and a decrease in real estate market values. In the future, we plan to relocate additional stores which may result in additional asset impairments.

Goodwill Impairment

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or whenever we identify certain triggering events or circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Events or circumstances that might indicate an interim evaluation is warranted include, among other things, unexpected adverse business conditions, economic factors, unanticipated competitive activities, loss of key personnel and acts by governments and courts.

In accordance with ASC 350, we test for goodwill impairment by comparing the fair values and carrying values of our reporting units as of the first day of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or November 1, 2009 for fiscal 2009. Our Domestic reporting unit had $361 million of goodwill at January 30, 2010. Our Toys – Japan reporting unit (included in our International segment) had $21 million of goodwill at January 30, 2010.

We estimate the fair values of our reporting units by blending results from the market multiples approach and the income approach. These valuation approaches consider a number of factors that include, but are not limited to, expected future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates, and comparable multiples from publicly traded companies in our industry, and require us to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding industry economic factors and future profitability of our business. It is our policy to conduct impairment testing based on our most current business plans, projected future revenues and cash flows, which reflect changes we anticipate in the economy and the industry. The cash flows are based on five-year financial forecasts developed internally by management and are discounted to a present value using discount rates that properly account for the risk and nature of the respective reporting unit’s cash flows and the rates of return market participants would require to invest their capital in our reporting units. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we would then calculate the implied fair value of our reporting unit goodwill as compared to its carrying value to determine the appropriate impairment charge. Although we believe our assumptions are reasonable, actual results may vary significantly and may expose us to material impairment charges in the future. Our methodology for determining fair values remained consistent for the periods presented.

At November 1, 2009, we determined that none of the goodwill associated with our reporting units were impaired. The estimated fair value of our Domestic reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value at the date of testing. The estimated fair value of our Toys – Japan reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. We believe it is unlikely that we are at risk for material impairment charges

 

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if further decreases in Toys – Japan’s fair value occur in the foreseeable future. In addition, we applied a hypothetical 10% decrease to the fair values of each reporting unit, which at November 1, 2009, would not have triggered additional impairment testing and analysis.

Self-Insured Liabilities

We self-insure a substantial portion of our workers’ compensation, general liability, auto liability, property, medical, prescription drug and dental insurance risks, in addition to maintaining third party insurance coverage. We estimate our provisions for losses related to self-insured risks using actuarial techniques and estimates for incurred but not reported claims. We record the liability for workers’ compensation on a discounted basis. We also maintain insurance coverage to limit the exposure related to certain risks. The assumptions underlying the ultimate costs of existing claim losses can vary, which can affect the liability recorded for such claims.

Although we feel our reserves are adequate to cover our estimated liabilities, changes in the underlying assumptions and future economic conditions could have a considerable effect upon future claim costs, which could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our reserve for self-insurance was $93 million as of January 30, 2010. A 10% change in the value of our self-insured liabilities would have impacted pre-tax earnings by approximately $10 million for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 605, formerly SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104 “Revenue Recognition.” Revenue related to merchandise sales, which is approximately 99.4% of total revenues, is generally recognized for retail sales at the point of sale in the store and when the customer receives the merchandise shipped from our websites. Discounts provided to customers are accounted for as a reduction of sales. We record a reserve for estimated product returns in each reporting period based on historical return experience and changes in customer demand. Actual returns may differ from historical product return patterns, which could impact our financial results in future periods.

Gift Cards and Breakage

We sell gift cards to customers in our retail stores, through our websites and through third parties and, in certain cases, provide gift cards for returned merchandise and in connection with promotions. We recognize income from gift card sales when the customer redeems the gift card, as well as an estimated amount of unredeemed liabilities (“breakage”). Gift card breakage is recognized proportionately, based on management estimates and assumptions of redemption patterns, the useful life of the gift card and an estimated breakage rate of unredeemed liabilities. Our estimated gift card breakage represents the remaining unused portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote and for which we have determined that we do not have a legal obligation to remit the value to the relevant jurisdictions. Income related to customer gift card redemption is included in Net sales, whereas income related to gift card breakage is recorded in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During fiscal 2009, we recognized $20 million of net gift card breakage income. A change of 10% in the estimated gift card breakage rate would have impacted our pre-tax earnings by approximately $2 million for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 (“ASC 740”), formerly SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Our provision for income taxes and effective tax rates are calculated by legal entity and jurisdiction and are based on a number of factors, including our income tax planning strategies, differences between tax laws and accounting rules, statutory tax rates and credits, uncertain tax positions, and valuation allowances. We use significant judgment and estimates in evaluating our tax positions.

Tax law and accounting rules often differ as to the timing and treatment of certain items of income and expense. As a result, the tax rate reflected in our tax return (our current or cash tax rate) is different from the tax rate reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Some of the differences are permanent, while other differences are temporary as they reverse over time. We record deferred tax assets and liabilities for any temporary differences between the assets and liabilities in our Consolidated Financial Statements and their respective tax bases. We establish valuation allowances when we believe it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized. For example, we would establish a valuation allowance for the tax benefit associated with a loss carryforward in a tax jurisdiction if we did not expect to generate sufficient taxable income to utilize the loss carryforward. Changes in future taxable income, tax liabilities and our tax planning strategies may impact our effective tax rate, valuation allowances and the associated carrying value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

 

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At any one time our tax returns for various tax years are subject to examination by U.S. Federal, foreign, and state taxing jurisdictions. We establish tax liabilities in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” also codified under ASC 740. ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under ASC 740, the impact of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return must be recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized in the financial statements unless it is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. We adjust these tax liabilities, as well as the related interest and penalties, based on the latest facts and circumstances, including recently published rulings, court cases, and outcomes of tax audits. To the extent our actual tax liability differs from our established tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, our effective tax rate may be materially impacted. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome of, the timing of, or the tax treatment of any particular tax position or deduction, we believe that our tax balances reflect the more-likely-than-not outcome of known tax contingencies.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On August 2, 2009, we adopted ASC Topic 105 (“ASC 105”), formerly SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles – A Replacement of FASB Statement No. 162.” ASC 105 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, which officially launched July 1, 2009, as the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The subsequent issuances of new standards will be in the form of Accounting Standards Updates that will be included in the Codification. The Codification does not change how we account for our transactions or the nature of the related disclosures made. Any references to guidance issued by the FASB in this Form 10-K are to the Codification, in addition to the other legacy standards.

On May 3, 2009, we adopted ASC Topic 855 (“ASC 855”), formerly SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events.” ASC 855 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This pronouncement is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. The adoption of ASC 855 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 1, 2009, we adopted SFAS No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133,” which has been incorporated into the Codification under ASC Topic 815 (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 establishes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and for hedging activities with the intent to provide financial statement users with an enhanced understanding of the entity’s use of derivative instruments, the accounting of derivative instruments and related hedged items under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and the effects of these instruments on the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Other than the enhanced disclosures, the adoption of the amendment to ASC 815 had no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 3 entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for further details.

On February 1, 2009, we adopted ASC Topic 810 (“ASC 810”), formerly SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51.” ASC 810 requires a company to clearly identify and present ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the company in the consolidated financial statements within the equity section but separate from the company’s equity. ASC 810 also requires the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; changes in ownership interest be accounted for similarly, as equity transactions; and when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary and the gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary be measured at fair value. The presentation and disclosure requirements of ASC 810 were applied retrospectively.

In February 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-09, “Subsequent Events (Topic 855): Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements” (“ASU 2010-09”). The amendments remove the requirement for an SEC filer to disclose a date through which subsequent events have been evaluated in both issued and revised financial statements. ASU 2010-09 was effective upon issuance. Its adoption did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810) – Accounting and Reporting for Decreases in Ownership of a Subsidiary – A Scope Clarification” (“ASU 2010-02”). This ASU provides amendments to ASC 810 to clarify the scope of the decrease in ownership provisions of the Subtopic and related guidance as it applies to a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business, a subsidiary that is a business and is transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture, and an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business for a noncontrolling interest in an entity. The amendments in this update also clarify that the decrease in ownership guidance does not apply to certain transactions, such as sales of in substance real estate, even if they involve businesses. ASU 2010-02 is effective beginning in the period that an entity adopts ASC 810 and should be applied retrospectively to the first period that an entity adopts ASC 810. The adoption of ASU 2010-02 did not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 24, 2010; however, in the future, the effect of the adoption will be dependent upon a deconsolidation of a subsidiary or derecognition of a group of assets at that time.

 

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On November 1, 2009, we adopted ASU No. 2009-05, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value” (“ASU 2009-05”) which represents an update to ASC Topic 820 (“ASC 820”). ASU 2009-05 provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following techniques: 1) a valuation technique that uses either the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as an asset; or 2) another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles in ASC 820 such as the income and market approach to valuation. The amendments in this update also clarify that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. This update further clarifies that if the fair value of a liability is determined by reference to a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability, that price would be considered a Level 1 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. Similarly, if the identical liability has a quoted price when traded as an asset in an active market, it is also a Level 1 fair value measurement if no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required. This update is effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance. The adoption of ASU 2009-05 did not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-04, “Accounting for Redeemable Equity Instruments” (“ASU 2009-04”), which represents an update to ASC Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,” and provides guidance on what type of instruments should be classified as temporary versus permanent equity, as well as guidance regarding measurement. ASU 2009-04 is effective for the first reporting period, including interim periods, beginning after issuance. The adoption of ASU 2009-04 did not have an impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2009, SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” and Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 28, “Interim Financial Reporting” were amended by FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) SFAS 107-1 and APB Opinion 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” and incorporated into the Codification under ASC Topic 825 (“ASC 825”) and ASC Topic 270 (“ASC 270”), respectively. These amendments enhance the consistency in financial reporting by increasing the frequency of fair value disclosures. We adopted the disclosure requirements for fair value of financial instruments, as prescribed by ASC 825 and ASC 270 on May 3, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 1, 2009, we adopted SFAS No. 141(R) “Business Combinations,” as amended by FSP SFAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies” (“FSP SFAS 141 (R)-1”), which have been incorporated into the Codification under ASC Topic 805 (“ASC 805”). ASC 805 states that all business combinations (whether full, partial or step acquisitions) will result in all assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at their fair values. Certain forms of contingent consideration and certain acquired contingencies will be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. ASC 805 also states acquisition costs will generally be expensed as incurred and restructuring costs will be expensed in periods after the acquisition date. FSP SFAS 141(R)-1 addresses application issues, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. The adoption of ASC 805 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 24, 2010; however, in the future, the net effect of the adoption will be dependent upon acquisitions at that time.

On February 1, 2009, we adopted FSP SFAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets,” (“FSP SFAS 142-3”), which has been incorporated into the Codification under ASC 350. FSP SFAS 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC 350. The adoption of FSP SFAS 142-3 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

On February 1, 2009, we adopted the fair value guidance related to nonfinancial assets and liabilities, as prescribed by ASC 820, formerly SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” as amended by the following: FSP SFAS 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Its Related Interpretive Accounting Pronouncements That Address Leasing Transactions,” FSP SFAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157: Fair Value Measurements,” FSP SFAS 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for that Asset is Not Active” and FSP SFAS 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” The guidance in the FSP’s discussed above are now codified under ASC 820. Assumptions made regarding the adoption of ASC 820 will impact any accounting standards that include fair value measurements. Refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for the impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements and further details.

In December 2008, ASC Topic 715, formerly SFAS No. 132 (Revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” was amended by FSP SFAS 132 (R)-1 “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets.” This FSP provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS” for the impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements and further details.

 

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Refer to Note 21 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS” for a discussion of accounting standards which we have not yet been required to implement and may be applicable to our future operations, and their impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from potential changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We regularly evaluate our exposure to these risks and take measures to mitigate these risks on our consolidated financial results. We enter into derivative financial instruments to economically manage our market risks related to interest rate and foreign currency exchange. We do not participate in speculative derivative trading. The analysis below presents our sensitivity to selected hypothetical, instantaneous changes in market interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates as of January 30, 2010.

Foreign Exchange Exposure

Our foreign currency exposure is primarily concentrated in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan. We believe the countries in which we own assets and operate stores are politically stable. We face currency translation exposures related to translating the results of our worldwide operations into U.S. dollars because of exchange rate fluctuations during the reporting period.

We face foreign currency exchange transaction exposures related to short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans and merchandise purchases:

 

   

We enter into short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans with our foreign subsidiaries. This exposure is economically hedged through the use of foreign currency exchange forward contracts. Our exposure to foreign currency risk related to exchange forward contracts on our short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans has not materially changed from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2009. As a result, a 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar would not have an impact on our pre-tax earnings related to our short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans.

 

   

In addition, our foreign subsidiaries make U.S. dollar denominated merchandise purchases through the normal course of business. From time to time, we enter into foreign exchange forward contracts under our merchandise import program. As of January 30, 2010, a 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar would impact our earnings by $11 million.

The above sensitivity analysis on our foreign currency exchange transaction exposures related to our short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans assumes our mix of foreign currency-denominated debt instruments and derivatives and all other variables will remain constant in future periods. These assumptions are made in order to facilitate the analysis and are not necessarily indicative of our future intentions.

Changes in foreign exchange rates affect interest expense recorded in relation to our foreign currency-denominated derivative instruments and debt instruments. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, we estimate that a 10% hypothetical change in foreign exchange rates would impact our pre-tax earnings due to the effect of foreign currency translation on interest expense related to our foreign currency-denominated derivative instruments and debt instruments by $9 million.

Interest Rate Exposure

We have a variety of fixed and variable rate debt instruments and are exposed to market risks resulting from interest rate fluctuations. In an effort to manage interest rate exposures, we periodically enter into interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. A change in interest rates on variable rate debt impacts our pre-tax earnings and cash flows, whereas a change in interest rates on fixed rate debt impacts the fair value of debt. A portion of our interest rate contracts are designated for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges. Therefore, for designated cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income and subsequently recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations at the time the hedged item affects earnings.

The following table illustrates the estimated sensitivity of a 1% change in interest rates to our future pre-tax earnings and cash flows on our derivative instruments and variable rate debt instruments at January 30, 2010:

 

(In millions )

   Impact of
1% Increase
    Impact of
1% Decrease
 

Interest rate swaps/caps (1)

   $ 34      $ (30

Variable rate debt

     (14     14   
                

Total pre-tax income exposure to interest rate risk

   $ 20      $ (16
                

 

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(1)

The difference of $4 million related to a 1% hypothetical change in interest rates is due to interest rate caps which manage the variable cash flows associated with changes in the one month LIBOR above a stated contractual interest rate. Therefore, a hypothetical change in interest rates may not result in a uniform impact.

The above sensitivity analysis assumes our mix of financial instruments and all other variables will remain constant in future periods. These assumptions are made in order to facilitate the analysis and are not necessarily indicative of our future intentions. As of January 31, 2009, we estimated that a 1% hypothetical increase or decrease in interest rates could potentially have caused either a $10 million increase or a $10 million decrease on our pre-tax earnings, respectively. The difference in our exposure to interest rate risk in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008 is primarily due to the reduction in market exposure as a result of the repayment of approximately $2.1 billion of variable rate debt and subsequent issuance of approximately $1.7 billion of fixed rate debt. Refer to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our debt in Note 2 entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” and our derivative instruments in Note 3 entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES.” At this time, we do not anticipate material changes to our interest rate risk exposure or to our risk management policies. We believe that we could mitigate potential losses on pre-tax earnings through our risk management objectives, if material changes occur in future periods.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

    PAGE

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  42

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  43

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  44

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  45

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

  46

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  47

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

  90

Schedule I — Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements and Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

  91

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Toys “R” Us, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Toys “R” Us, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 30, 2010. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Toys “R” Us, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended January 30, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements: i) in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 the Company recognized a change in accounting estimate effected by a change in accounting principle related to gift card breakage and ii) effective February 3, 2008, the Company changed its accounting method for valuing the merchandise inventories for its domestic segment from the retail inventory method to the weighted average cost method.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective February 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance on the accounting for non-controlling interests. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective February 4, 2007, the Company adopted new guidance on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 24, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

March 24, 2010

 

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Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions )

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Net sales

   $ 13,568      $ 13,724      $ 13,794   

Cost of sales

     8,790        8,976        8,987   
                        

Gross margin

     4,778        4,748        4,807   
                        

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     3,730        3,856        3,801   

Depreciation and amortization

     376        399        394   

Other income, net

     (112     (128     (84
                        

Total operating expenses

     3,994        4,127        4,111   
                        

Operating earnings

     784        621        696   

Interest expense

     (447     (419     (503

Interest income

     7        16        27   
                        

Earnings before income taxes

     344        218        220   

Income tax expense

     40        7        65   
                        

Net earnings

     304        211        155   

Less: Net (loss) earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (8     (7     2   
                        

Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

   $ 312      $ 218      $ 153   
                        

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(In millions - except share amounts)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,126      $ 783   

Accounts and other receivables

     202        251   

Merchandise inventories

     1,810        1,781   

Current deferred tax assets

     102        84   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     144        124   
                

Total current assets

     3,384        3,023   

Property and equipment, net

     4,084        4,187   

Goodwill, net

     382        380   

Deferred tax assets

     181        180   

Restricted cash

     44        193   

Other assets

     502        448   
                
   $ 8,577      $ 8,411   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 1,680      $ 1,505   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     851        754   

Income taxes payable

     72        49   

Current portion of long-term debt

     162        98   
                

Total current liabilities

     2,765        2,406   

Long-term debt

     5,034        5,447   

Deferred tax liabilities

     63        78   

Deferred rent liabilities

     275        260   

Other non-current liabilities

     323        372   

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit):

    

Common stock (par value $0.001 and $0.001; shares authorized 55,000,000 and 55,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 48,951,836 and 48,965,402 at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively)

     —          —     

Treasury stock

     (7     —     

Additional paid-in capital

     25        19   

Retained Earnings (accumulated deficit)

     112        (200

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (45     (93
                

Toys “R” Us, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     85        (274

Noncontrolling interest

     32        122   
                

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     117        (152
                
   $ 8,577      $ 8,411   
                

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net earnings

   $ 304      $ 211      $ 155   

Adjustments to reconcile earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     376        399        394   

Amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs

     54        34        31   

Net gains on sales of properties

     (6     (5     (33

Deferred income taxes

     (15     64        (115

Non-cash portion of restructuring, other charges and impairments

     20        52        20   

Other

     (17     12        10   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts and other receivables

     32        25        (13

Merchandise inventories

     47        106        (220

Prepaid expenses and other operating assets

     10        27        21   

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     226        (306     169   

Income taxes payable and receivable

     (17     (94     108   
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,014        525        527   
                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (192     (395     (326

Sale (purchase) of short-term investments

     —          167        (168

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     150        (64     17   

Proceeds from sales of fixed assets

     19        33        61   

Acquisitions

     (14     —          —     
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (37     (259     (416
                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Long-term debt borrowings

     3,907        1,123        906   

Short-term debt borrowings

     73        156        232   

Long-term debt repayment

     (4,354     (1,294     (1,020

Short-term debt repayment

     (75     (166     (268

Capitalized debt issuance costs

     (110     (6     —     

Purchase of Toys-Japan shares

     (66     (34     —     

Other

     (1     (2     (2
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (626     (223     (152
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (8     (11     27   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents:

      

Net increase (decrease) during period

     343        32        (14

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     783        751        765   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 1,126      $ 783      $ 751   
                        

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

      

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

   $ 42      $ 146      $ 72   

Interest paid

   $ 357      $ 352      $ 444   

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

 

     Toys “R” Us, Inc. Stockholder              
     Common Stock (1)    In Treasury (1)     Additional     Accumulated
Other
    Total Retained
Earnings
    Toys “R” Us, Inc.           Total  

(In millions)

   Issued Shares    Amount     Paid-in
Capital
    Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
    (Accumulated
Deficit)
    Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 

Balance, February 3, 2007

   49    $ —        $ 5      $ (95   $ (584   $ (674   $ 134      $ (540

Net earnings for the period

   —        —          —          —          153        153        2        155   

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

   —        —          —          121        —          121        18        139   

Unrealized loss on hedged transactions, net of tax

   —        —          —          (3     —          (3     —          (3
                                   

Total comprehensive income

                271        20        291   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

   —        —          —          —          (9     (9     —          (9

Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48

   —        —          —          —          21        21        —          21   

Effect of adoption of SFAS 158, net of tax

   —        —          —          (3     —          (3     —          (3

Dividends paid

   —        —          —          —          —          —          (1     (1

Stock compensation expense

   —        —          6        —            6        —          6   
                                                             

Balance, February 2, 2008

   49    $ —        $ 11      $ 20      $ (419   $ (388   $ 153      $ (235
                                                             

Net earnings (loss) for the period

   —      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 218      $ 218      $ (7   $ 211   

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

   —        —          —          (56     —          (56     16        (40

Unrealized loss on hedged transactions, net of tax

   —        —          —          (21     —          (21     —          (21

Unrealized actuarial gain, net of tax

   —        —          —          3        —          3        (1     2   

Foreign currency effect on liquidation of foreign subsidiary

   —        —          —          (39     —          (39     —          (39
                                   

Total comprehensive income

                105        8        113   

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

   —        —          —          —          1        1        —          1   

Acquisition of 14.35% of Toys-Japan shares

   —        —          —          —          —          —          (37     (37

Dividends paid

   —        —          —          —          —          —          (2     (2

Stock compensation expense

   —        —          8        —          —          8        —          8   
                                                             

Balance, January 31, 2009

   49    $ —        $ 19      $ (93   $ (200   $ (274   $ 122      $ (152
                                                             

Net earnings (loss) for the period

   —      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 312      $ 312      $ (8   $ 304   

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

   —        —          —          19        —          19        —          19   

Unrealized gain on hedged transactions, net of tax

   —        —          —          10        —          10        —          10   

Unrealized actuarial loss, net of tax

   —        —          —          (1     —          (1     —          (1
                                   

Total comprehensive income

                340        (8     332   

Acquisition of 28.12% of Toys-Japan shares

   —        —          (4     20        —          16        (82     (66

Stock compensation expense

   —        —          4        —          —          4        —          4   

Repurchase of common stock

   —        (8     —          —          —          (8     —          (8

Issuance of common stock

   —        1        6        —          —          7        —          7   
                                                             

Balance, January 30, 2010

   49    $ (7   $ 25      $ (45   $ 112      $ 85      $ 32      $ 117   
                                                             

 

(1)

For all periods presented, the amount of Common Stock issued is less than $1 million. The number of Common Stock shares in treasury is also less than 1 million.

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

As used herein, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means Toys “R” Us, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires. We are the leading global specialty retailer of toys and juvenile products, and the only specialty toy and juvenile products retailer that operates on a national scale in the United States. We sell a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through our retail locations and the Internet. Our brand names are highly recognized in North America, Europe and Asia, and our expertise in the specialty toy and juvenile retail space, our broad range of product offerings, our substantial scale and geographic footprint and our strong vendor relationships account for our market-leading position and distinguish us from the competition. As of January 30, 2010, we operated 849 stores in 49 states in the United States and Puerto Rico, and owned, licensed or franchised 717 retail stores in 33 countries outside the United States.

Our retail business began in 1948 when founder Charles Lazarus opened a baby furniture store, Children’s Bargain Town, in Washington, D.C. The Toys “R” Us name made its debut in 1957. By 1978, the year Toys “R” Us went public, the chain had grown to 72 stores, concentrated in the Northeast section of the United States. The Babies “R” Us brand was established in 1996, further solidifying the Company’s reputation as a leading consumer destination for toys and juvenile products.

On July 21, 2005, we were acquired through a $6.6 billion merger (the “Merger”) by an investment group consisting of entities advised by or affiliated with Bain Capital Partners LLC (“Bain”), Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. (“KKR”), and Vornado Realty Trust (“Vornado”) (collectively, the “Sponsors”), along with a fourth investor, GB Holdings I, LLC, an affiliate of Gordon Brothers, a consulting firm that is independent from and unaffiliated with the Sponsors and management.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31 of each calendar year. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this report relate to the fiscal years below:

 

Fiscal Year

   Number of Weeks    Ended

2009

   52    January 30, 2010

2008

   52    January 31, 2009

2007

   52    February 2, 2008

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) finalized the “FASB Accounting Standards Codification” (“Codification” or “ASC”), which is effective for periods ending on or after September 15, 2009. Accordingly, as of August 2, 2009, we have implemented the ASC structure required by the FASB and any references to guidance issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the ASC, in addition to the other legacy standards. The ASC does not change how we account for our transactions or the nature of the related disclosures made.

Basis of Presentation

On February 1, 2009, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – An Amendment of ARB No. 51,” which has been incorporated into the Codification under ASC Topic 810 (“ASC 810”). ASC 810 requires a company to clearly identify and present ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the company in the consolidated financial statements within the equity section but separate from the company’s equity. ASC 810 also requires the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest be clearly identified and presented on the face of the consolidated statement of income; changes in ownership interest be accounted for similarly, as equity transactions; and when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained noncontrolling equity investment in the former subsidiary and the gain or loss on the deconsolidation of the subsidiary be measured at fair value. The presentation and disclosure requirements of ASC 810 were applied retrospectively.

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—(Continued)

 

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all inter-company balances and transactions.

Variable Interest Entities

Financial Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“VIEs”), which has been incorporated into the Codification under ASC 810, requires the consolidation of entities that are controlled by a company through interests other than voting interests. Under the requirements of this topic, an entity that maintains a majority of the risks or rewards associated with VIEs is viewed to be effectively in the same position as the parent in a parent-subsidiary relationship.

We evaluate our lending vehicles, including our commercial mortgage-backed securities, structured loans and any joint venture interests to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The primary beneficiary will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of holding a VIE.

During fiscal 2008, we terminated the secured borrowing arrangement with KK Funding Corporation (“KKFC”), which we had previously identified and consolidated as a VIE during fiscal 2007 in accordance with ASC 810. During fiscal 2006, we identified Vanwall Finance PLC (“Vanwall”) as a VIE and concluded that in accordance with ASC 810, Vanwall should not be consolidated. As of January 30, 2010, the Company has not identified any subsequent changes to Vanwall’s governing documents or contractual arrangements that would change the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investment at risk in accordance with ASC 810 reconsideration guidance. In February 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-10, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments for Certain Investment Funds” (“ASU 2010-10”). This ASU is effective as of fiscal 2010. We are currently reassessing Vanwall in accordance with ASU 2010-10. For further details, refer to Note 2 entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT.”

Use of Estimates

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and during the applicable periods. We base these estimates on historical experience and other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates and such differences could have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reclassifications of Previously Issued Financial Statements

We have decreased Net cash used in investing activities and increased Net cash used in financing activities by $34 million for the period ended January 31, 2009 to restate the June 10, 2008 tender offer to purchase additional shares in Toys “R” Us – Japan, Ltd. (“Toys – Japan”) that were previously presented as an investing activity rather than as a financing activity. These changes were made pursuant to our adoption of and retrospective application of ASC 810 and had no effect on our previously reported Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).

In fiscal 2009, we reclassified $5 million and $33 million of Net gains on sales of properties related to fiscal year 2008 and 2007, respectively, into Other income, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. This change had no effect on our previously reported Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We have reclassified $93 million from Accrued expenses and other current liabilities to Accounts payable on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at January 31, 2009. This reclassification was made to reflect non-merchandise accounts payable within Accounts payable. This change had no effect on our previously reported Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).

On June 10, 2008, our Former Parent transferred all of its assets and liabilities to us in exchange for us issuing 48,955,808 shares of our Post-Reorganization Stock. This reorganization has been reflected in these financial statements as if it had occurred as of the earliest period presented. See Note 20 entitled “REORGANIZATION” for further details.

 

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Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider our highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents. Book cash overdrafts are reclassified to accounts payable.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents collateral and other cash that is restricted from withdrawal. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, we had restricted cash of $44 million and $193 million, respectively. Such restricted cash primarily serves as collateral for certain property financings we entered into during fiscal 2005 and 2006, and interest rate swaps entered into during fiscal 2008. The decrease in restricted cash compared to fiscal 2008 is primarily the result of the repayment of our unsecured credit agreement and our secured real estate loans. Refer to Note 2 entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT” for further details.

Accounts and Other Receivables

Accounts and other receivables consist primarily of receivables from vendor allowances and consumer credit card and debit card transactions.

Merchandise Inventories

We value our merchandise inventories at the lower of cost or market, as determined by the weighted average cost method. Cost of sales represents the weighted average cost of the individual items sold and is affected by adjustments to reflect current market conditions, merchandise allowances from vendors, estimated inventory shortages and estimated losses from obsolete and slow-moving inventory. We changed our method of accounting for inventory from the retail inventory method to the weighted average cost method for our Domestic segment as of February 3, 2008.

Property and Equipment, Net

We record property and equipment at cost. Leasehold improvements represent capital improvements made to our leased properties. We record depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the respective leases, if applicable.

We capitalize interest for new store construction-in-progress in accordance with ASC Topic 835, formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost.” Capitalized interest amounts are immaterial.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We account for asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) in accordance with ASC Topic 410 (“ASC 410”), formerly SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” and FIN No. 47 “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143,” which require us to recognize a liability for the fair value of obligations to retire tangible long-lived assets when there is a legal obligation to incur such costs. We recognize a liability for asset retirement obligations, capitalize asset retirement costs and amortize these costs over the life of the assets. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, we had approximately $61 million and $56 million, respectively, recorded for ARO.

Goodwill, Net

Details on goodwill by segment are as follows:

 

(In millions )

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Domestic

   $ 361    $ 359

International

     21      21
             

Total

   $ 382    $ 380
             

On May 28, 2009, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of FAO Schwarz which resulted in $2 million of goodwill. Refer to Note 18 entitled “ACQUISITIONS” for further details.

 

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On June 10, 2008, we purchased an additional 14% of Toys – Japan common stock. As a result of this purchase, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities were adjusted to their fair values and resulted in additional goodwill of $11 million recorded and assigned to the Toys – Japan operations of our International reporting segment in fiscal 2008. On November 10, 2009, we purchased an additional 28% of Toys – Japan common stock. This purchase did not impact goodwill. Refer to Note 19 entitled “TOYS – JAPAN SHARE ACQUISITION” for further details.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or whenever we identify certain triggering events that may indicate impairment, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350 (“ASC 350”), formerly SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” We test goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair values and carrying values of our reporting units.

We estimated the fair values of our reporting units on the first day of the fourth quarter of each year, which for fiscal 2009 was November 1, 2009, using the market multiples approach and the discounted cash flow analysis approach. Based on our estimates of our reporting units’ fair values at November 1, 2009, we determined that none of the goodwill associated with our reporting units was impaired.

Debt Issuance Costs

We defer debt issuance costs, which are classified as non-current other assets, and amortize the costs into Interest expense over the term of the related debt facility. Unamortized amounts at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 were $145 million and $82 million, respectively. Deferred financing fees amortized to Interest expense for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $54 million, $34 million and $31 million, respectively, which is inclusive of accelerated amortization due to certain debt repayments.

Insurance Risks

We self-insure a substantial portion of our workers’ compensation, general liability, auto liability, property, medical, prescription drug and dental insurance risks, in addition to maintaining third party insurance coverage. Provisions for losses related to self-insured risks are based upon actuarial techniques and estimates for incurred but not reported claims. We record the liability for workers’ compensation on a discounted basis. We also maintain insurance coverage above retention amounts of $15 million for employment practices liability, $8 million for catastrophic events, $5 million for property, $4 million for auto liability and a minimum of approximately $1 million for workers’ compensation to limit the exposure related to such risks. The assumptions underlying the ultimate costs of existing claim losses are subject to a high degree of unpredictability, which can affect the liability recorded for such claims. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, we had approximately $93 million and $103 million, respectively, of reserves for self-insurance risk which have been included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits and commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations. We recognize liabilities for contingencies and commitments when a loss is probable and estimable. For additional information on our commitments and contingencies, refer to Note 16 entitled “COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.”

Leases

We lease store locations, distribution centers, equipment and land used in our operations. We account for our leases under the provisions of ASC Topic 840 (“ASC 840”), formerly SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” and subsequent amendments, which require that leases be evaluated and classified as operating or capital leases for financial reporting purposes. Assets held under capital lease are included in Property and equipment, net. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, accumulated depreciation related to capital leases for property and equipment was $49 million and $44 million, respectively.

Operating leases are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. At the inception of a lease, we determine the lease term by assuming the exercise of renewal options that are reasonably assured. Renewal options are exercised at our sole discretion. The expected lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the useful life of buildings and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term. Refer to Note 9 entitled “LEASES” for further details.

 

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Substantially all of our leases include options that allow us to renew or extend the lease term beyond the initial lease period, subject to terms and conditions agreed upon at the inception of the lease. Such terms and conditions include rental rates agreed upon at the inception of the lease that could represent below or above market rental rates later in the life of the lease, depending upon market conditions at the time of such renewal or extension. In addition, many leases include early termination options, which can be exercised under specified conditions, including upon damage, destruction or condemnation of a specified percentage of the value or land area of the property.

Deferred Rent

We recognize fixed minimum rent expense on non-cancelable leases on a straight-line basis over the term of each individual lease starting at the date of possession, including the build-out period, and record the difference between the recognized rental expense and amounts payable under the leases as a deferred rent liability or asset. Deferred rent liabilities are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the total amount of $284 million and $268 million at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively, of which $9 million and $8 million are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, respectively. Landlord incentives and abatements are included in Deferred rent liabilities and amortized over the term of the lease.

Financial Instruments

We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize the risk associated with currency fluctuations relating to our foreign subsidiaries. We also enter into derivative financial arrangements such as interest rate swaps and interest rate caps to hedge interest rate risk associated with our long-term debt. We account for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815 (“ASC 815”), formerly SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, and record the fair values of these instruments within our Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other assets and liabilities. ASC 815 defines requirements for designation and documentation of hedging relationships, as well as ongoing effectiveness assessments, which must be met in order to qualify for hedge accounting. We record the changes in fair value of derivative instruments, which do not qualify and therefore are not designated for hedge accounting, in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. If we determine that we do qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the following is a summary of the impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

   

For designated cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income and subsequently recorded in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations at the time the hedged item affects earnings.

 

   

For designated cash flow hedges, the ineffective portion of a hedged derivative instrument’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Refer to Note 3 entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for more information related to our accounting for derivative financial instruments. We did not have significant credit risk related to our financial instruments at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009.

Revenue Recognition

We generally recognize sales, net of customer coupons and other sales incentives, at the time the customer takes possession of merchandise, either at the point of sale in our stores or at the time the customer receives shipment for products purchased from our websites. We recognize the sale from lay-away transactions when our customer satisfies all payment obligations and takes possession of the merchandise. We record sales net of sales, use and value added taxes.

Other revenues of $79 million, $93 million and $83 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are included in Net sales. Other revenues consist of shipping, licensing and franchising fees, warranty and consignment income and non-core product related revenue.

Reserve for Sales Returns

We reserve amounts for sales returns for estimated product returns by our customers based on historical return experience, changes in customer demand, known returns we have not received, and other assumptions. The balances of our reserve for sales returns were $9 million and $8 million at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

 

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Cost of Sales and SG&A Expenses

The following table illustrates costs associated with each expense category:

 

“Cost of sales”

  

“SG&A”

•        merchandise acquired from vendors;

  

•        store payroll and related payroll benefits;

•        freight in;

  

•        rent and other store operating expenses;

•        provision for excess and obsolete inventories;

  

•        advertising and promotional expenses;

•        shipping costs;

 

•        provision for inventory shortages; and

 

•        credits and allowances from our merchandise vendors.

  

•        costs associated with operating our distribution network, including costs related to transporting merchandise from distribution centers to stores;

 

  

•        restructuring charges; and

  

•        other corporate-related expenses.

Credits and Allowances Received from Vendors

We receive credits and allowances that are related to formal agreements negotiated with our vendors. These credits and allowances are predominantly for cooperative advertising, promotions and volume related purchases. We treat credits and allowances, including cooperative advertising allowances, as a reduction of product cost in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 605 (“ASC 605”), formerly Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor” since such funds are not a reimbursement of specific, incremental, identifiable costs incurred by us in selling the vendors’ products.

In addition, we record sales net of in-store coupons that are redeemed, in accordance with EITF Issue 03-10, “Application of EITF Issue No. 02-16 by Resellers to Sales Incentives Offered to Consumers by Manufacturers,” which has also been incorporated into the Codification under ASC 605.

Advertising Costs

Gross advertising costs are recognized in SG&A at the point of first broadcast or distribution and were $428 million, $453 million and $412 million in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Pre-opening Costs

The cost of start-up activities, including organization costs, related to new store openings are expensed as incurred.

Costs of Computer Software

We capitalize certain costs associated with computer software developed or obtained for internal use in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350, formerly Statement of Position No. 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use,” issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. We capitalize those costs from the acquisition of external materials and services associated with developing or obtaining internal use computer software. We capitalize certain payroll costs for employees that are directly associated with internal use computer software projects once specific criteria of ASC 350 are met. We expense those costs that are associated with preliminary stage activities, training, maintenance, and all other post-implementation stage activities as they are incurred. We amortize all costs capitalized in connection with internal use computer software projects on a straight-line basis over a useful life of five years, beginning when the software is ready for its intended use. We amortized computer software costs of $25 million for fiscal 2009, and $32 million for each of fiscals 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Other Income, net

Other income, net includes the following:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
    Fiscal
2008
    Fiscal
2007
 

Gain on litigation settlement

   $ (51   $ —        $ —     

Credit card program income

     (31     (35     (39

Gift card breakage income

     (20     (78     (17

Net gains on sales of properties

     (6     (5     (33

Impairment of long-lived assets

     7        33        13   

Gain on liquidation of a foreign subsidiary

     —          (39     —     

Other (1)

     (11     (4     (8
                        

Total

   $ (112   $ (128   $ (84
                        

 

(1)

Includes fixed asset write-offs, gains and losses resulting from foreign currency translation related to operations and other miscellaneous income and expense charges.

Gain on Litigation Settlement

In fiscal 2009, we recognized a $51 million gain related to the litigation settlement with Amazon.com (“Amazon”) which was recorded in Other income, net. Refer to Note 15 entitled “LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” for further information.

Credit Card Program

We currently operate under a Credit Card Program agreement (the “Agreement”) with a third-party credit lender to offer co-branded and private label credit cards to our customers, which expires in June 2012. The credit lender provides financing for our customers to purchase merchandise at our stores and other businesses and funds and administrates the customer loyalty program for credit card holders. We received an up-front incentive payment for entering into the Agreement, which is deferred and is being amortized ratably over the life of the Agreement. In addition, we receive bounty fees for credit card activations and royalties on the co-branded and private label credit cards. Bounty fees are recognized ratably over the life of the contract based upon our expected performance. Royalties are recognized when earned and realizable.

During fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $31 million, $35 million and $39 million of other income, respectively, relating to the credit card program. At January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, a total of $7 million and $16 million of deferred credit card income, respectively, is included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Partially offsetting the income from the credit card program are costs incurred to generate the income such as sales discounts (included as a reduction of Net sales) provided to customers upon activation.

Gift Cards and Breakage

We sell gift cards to customers in our retail stores, through our websites and through third parties and, in certain cases, provide gift cards for returned merchandise and in connection with promotions. We recognize income from gift card sales when the customer redeems the gift card, as well as an estimated amount of unredeemed liabilities (“breakage”). Gift card breakage is recognized proportionately, utilizing management estimates and assumptions based on actual redemptions, the estimated useful life of the gift card and an estimated breakage rate of unredeemed liabilities. Our estimated gift card breakage represents the remaining unused portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote and for which we have determined that we do not have a legal obligation to remit the value to the relevant jurisdictions. Income related to customer gift card redemption is included in Net sales, whereas income related to gift card breakage is recorded in Other income, net in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recognized breakage income when gift card redemptions were deemed remote and the Company determined that there was no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to the relevant tax jurisdiction (“Cliff Method”), based on historical information. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company concluded it had accumulated a sufficient level of historical data from a large pool of homogeneous transactions to allow management to reasonably and objectively determine an estimated gift card breakage rate and the pattern of actual gift card redemptions. Accordingly, the Company changed its method for recording gift card breakage income to recognize breakage income and derecognize the gift card liability for unredeemed gift cards in proportion to actual redemptions of gift cards (“Redemption Method”). As a result, the cumulative catch up adjustment recorded in fiscal 2008 resulted in an additional $59 million of gift card breakage income. In addition, we recognized $20 million, $19 million and $17 million of gift card breakage income in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Net Gains on Sales of Properties

Net gains on sales of properties were $6 million, $5 million and $33 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Refer to Note 5 entitled “PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT” for further information.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Costs Associated with Exit Activities

We evaluate the carrying value of all long-lived assets, which include property, equipment and finite-lived intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, in accordance with ASC Topic 360 (“ASC 360”), formerly SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” If a long-lived asset is found to be non-recoverable, we record an impairment charge equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying value and fair value. This evaluation requires management to make judgments relating to future cash flows, growth rates, and economic and market conditions. These evaluations are based on determining the fair value of an asset using a valuation method such as discounted cash flow or a relative, market-based approach.

During fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded total impairment losses of $7 million, $33 million and $13 million, respectively. Impairment losses are recorded in Other income, net within our Consolidated Statement of Operations. These impairments were primarily due to the identification of underperforming stores, the relocation of certain stores and a decrease in real estate market values. In the future, we plan to relocate additional stores and may incur additional asset impairments.

For any store closing where a lease obligation still exists, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation less any estimated sublease income on the date the store is closed in accordance with ASC Topic 420, formerly SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” Refer to Note 10 entitled “RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES” for charges related to restructuring initiatives.

Gain on Liquidation of a Foreign Subsidiary

In fiscal 2008, the operations of TRU (HK) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, were substantially liquidated. As a result, we recognized a $39 million gain representing a cumulative translation adjustment, in accordance with ASC Topic 830, formerly SFAS No. 52 “Foreign Currency Translation.” The gain is included in Other income, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and as Foreign currency effect on liquidation of foreign subsidiary in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are as follows:

 

   

Australian dollar for our subsidiary in Australia;

 

   

British pound sterling for our subsidiary in the United Kingdom;

 

   

Canadian dollar for our subsidiary in Canada;

 

   

Euro for subsidiaries in Austria, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal;

 

   

Japanese yen for our subsidiary in Japan; and

 

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Swiss franc for our subsidiary in Switzerland.

Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates during the applicable reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).

Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions related to operations have been immaterial and are included in Other income, net. Foreign currency transactions related to short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans amounted to a gain of $28 million, a loss of $38 million and a gain of $14 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such amounts were included in Interest expense.

We economically hedge these short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans with foreign currency forward contracts. These derivative contracts were not designated as hedges under ASC 815 and are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with a gain or loss recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Interest expense. For fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 we recorded a loss of $28 million, a gain of $38 million and a loss of $14 million, respectively. Refer to Note 3 entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for further details.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 740 (“ASC 740”), formerly SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Under ASC 740, deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in the mix and level of earnings by taxing jurisdiction.

At any one time, our tax returns for many tax years are subject to examination by U.S. Federal, state and non-U.S. taxing jurisdictions. We establish tax liabilities in accordance with FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which has been codified under ASC 740 and was adopted on February 4, 2007. The provisions of ASC 740 clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under ASC 740, the impact of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return must be recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized in the financial statements unless it is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. We adjust these tax liabilities, as well as the related interest and penalties, based on the latest facts and circumstances, including recently published rulings, court cases, and outcomes of tax audits. To the extent our actual tax liability differs from our established tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, our effective tax rate may be materially impacted.

At January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, we reported unrecognized tax benefits in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These tax liabilities do not include a portion of our unrecognized tax benefits, which have been recorded as a reduction of Deferred tax assets related to net operating losses. For further information, refer to Note 11 entitled “INCOME TAXES.”

Stock-Based Compensation

Under the provisions of ASC Topic 718 (“ASC 718”), formerly SFAS No. 123(R) (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. We have applied ASC 718 to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled since January 29, 2006. We continue to account for any portion of awards outstanding at January 29, 2006 that has not been modified, repurchased or cancelled using the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25. For further information refer to Note 7 entitled “STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION.”

 

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NOTE 2 —LONG-TERM DEBT

A summary of the Company’s Long-term debt as well as the effective interest rates on our outstanding variable rate debt as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively, is outlined in the table below:

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Unsecured credit agreement, due December 8, 2009 (6.14%) (1)

   $ —      $ 1,300

Secured real estate loan, due August 9, 2010 (1.64%) (2)

     —        800

Toys-Japan committed credit lines due fiscal 2011

     —        18

$2.1 billion secured revolving credit facility, expires fiscal 2010-2012 (3)

     —        —  

Toys-Japan 1.20%-2.85% loans due fiscals 2010-2014

     172      171

7.625% notes, due fiscal 2011 (4)

     507      512

Secured term loan facility, due fiscal 2012 (7.39% and 4.58%) (3)

     798      797

Unsecured credit facility, due fiscal 2012 (8.14% and 5.33%) (3)

     180      180

French real estate credit facility, due fiscal 2012 (4.51% and 4.51%)

     86      81

Spanish real estate credit facility, due fiscal 2012 (4.51% and 4.51%)

     180      168

European and Australian asset-based revolving credit facility expires fiscal 2012 (5)

     —        —  

U.K. real estate senior credit facility, due fiscal 2013 (5.02% and 5.02%)

     562      514

U.K. real estate junior credit facility, due fiscal 2013 (6.84% and 6.84%)

     99      91

7.875% senior notes, due fiscal 2013 (4)

     395      393

10.750% senior notes, due fiscal 2017 (6)

     926      —  

8.500% senior secured notes, due fiscal 2017 (7)

     715      —  

7.375% senior notes, due fiscal 2018 (4)

     406      406

8.750% debentures, due fiscal 2021 (8)

     22      22

Finance obligations associated with capital projects

     101      37

Capital lease obligations

     47      55
             
     5,196      5,545

Less current portion (9)

     162      98
             

Total Long-term debt (10)

   $ 5,034    $ 5,447
             

 

(1)

On July 9, 2009, we repaid the outstanding loan balance of $1,267 million plus accrued interest and fees.

(2)

On November 20, 2009, we repaid the outstanding loan balance of $800 million plus accrued interest and fees.

(3)

Represents obligations of Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc. (“Toys – Delaware”).

(4)

Represents obligations of Toys “R” Us, Inc. legal entity. For further details on parent company information, refer to Schedule I Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements and Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements.

(5)

On October 15, 2009 we repaid and terminated the multicurrency revolving credit facility in conjunction with the establishment of the European and Australian secured revolving credit facility (the “European ABL”).

(6)

Represents obligations of Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC (“TRU Propco I”) and its subsidiaries.

(7)

Represents obligations of Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC (“TRU Propco II”).

(8)

Represents obligations of Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Toys – Delaware, Inc.

(9)

Current portion of Long-term debt as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 is primarily comprised of $127 million in Toys – Japan bank loans maturing on January 17, 2011 and $65 million of payments made on the $1,267 million unsecured credit agreement, respectively.

(10)

We maintain derivative instruments on certain of our long-term debt, which impact our effective interest rates. Refer to Note 3 entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for further details.

 

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As of January 30, 2010, we had total indebtedness of $5,196 million, of which $2,588 million was secured indebtedness. Toys “R” Us, Inc. is a holding company and conducts its operations through its subsidiaries, certain of which have incurred their own indebtedness. Our credit facilities, loan agreements and indentures contain customary covenants, including, among other things, covenants that restrict our and our subsidiaries’ abilities to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions with respect to our capital stock or make other restricted payments;

 

   

issue stock of subsidiaries;

 

   

make certain investments, loans or advances;

 

   

transfer and sell certain assets;

 

   

create or permit liens on assets;

 

   

consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

   

enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

   

amend certain documents.

The amount of net assets that were subject to such restrictions was approximately $709 million as of January 30, 2010. Certain of our agreements also contain various and customary events of default with respect to the loans, including, without limitation, the failure to pay interest or principal when the same is due under the agreements, cross default provisions, the failure of representations and warranties contained in the agreements to be true and certain insolvency events. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the principal amounts outstanding thereunder, together with all accrued unpaid interest and other amounts owed thereunder, may be declared immediately due and payable by the lenders.

Due to the deterioration in the credit markets, some financial institutions have reduced and, in certain cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers. We are dependent on the borrowings provided by the lenders to support our working capital needs and capital expenditures. Currently we have funds available to finance our operations under our $2.1 billion secured revolving credit facility through May 2012, our European ABL through October 2012 and our Toys – Japan unsecured credit lines through March 2011. Our lenders may be unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments to us if these lenders face bankruptcy or failure. If our cash flow and capital resources do not provide the necessary liquidity, it could have a significant negative effect on our results of operations.

The total fair values of our Long-term debt, with carrying values of $5.2 billion and $5.5 billion at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, were $4.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively. The fair values of our Long-term debt are estimated using the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues and other pertinent information available to management as of the end of the respective periods.

The annual maturities of our Long-term debt, including current portions, at January 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

(In millions)

   Annual
Maturities

2010

   $ 162

2011

     542

2012

     1,260

2013

     1,055

2014

     5

2015 and subsequent

     2,172
      

Total

   $ 5,196
      

 

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$2.1 billion secured revolving credit facility, expires fiscal 2010-2012 ($0 at January 30, 2010)

On June 24, 2009, Toys – Delaware and certain of its subsidiaries amended and restated the credit agreement for their $2.0 billion five-year secured revolving credit facility in order to extend the maturity date of a portion of the facility and amend certain other provisions. The facility as amended provides for a bifurcation of the prior facility into a $517 million tranche maturing on July 21, 2010, continuing to bear a tiered floating interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of between 1.00%—2.00% depending on availability and a $1,526 million tranche maturing on May 21, 2012 and bearing a tiered floating interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%—4.25% depending on usage. We capitalized approximately $51 million in additional deferred financing fees associated with the amended and restated credit agreement. On November 13, 2009, we partially exercised the accordion feature of the secured revolving credit facility, increasing the credit available, subject to borrowing base restrictions, from $2,043 million to $2,148 million.

This secured revolving credit facility is available for general corporate purposes and the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings under this credit facility are secured by tangible and intangible assets of Toys – Delaware, subject to specific exclusions stated in the credit agreement. The credit agreement contains covenants, including, among other things, covenants that restrict Toys – Delaware’s ability to incur certain additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, engage in mergers or consolidations, pay dividends, repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make loans or advances, engage in transactions with affiliates, or amend material documents. The secured revolving credit facility, as amended pursuant to the amended and restated credit agreement, requires Toys – Delaware to maintain “capped” availability at all times (except during the holiday period) of no less than the greater of (x) $125 million or (y) 12.5% of the “line cap” (which is the lesser of the total commitments at any time and the aggregate combined borrowing base). During the “holiday period,” which runs from October 15 to December 15 each year starting in 2010, Toys – Delaware must maintain “capped” availability of no less than $100 million and “uncapped” availability of no less than 15% of the aggregate combined borrowing base, unless Toys – Delaware has otherwise elected for the non-holiday thresholds to apply for such holiday period. Availability is determined pursuant to a borrowing base, consisting of specified percentages of eligible inventory and eligible credit card receivables less any applicable availability reserves. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings, a total of $109 million of outstanding letters under this credit facility and excess availability of $874 million. This amount is also subject to a minimum availability covenant, which was $125 million at January 30, 2010, with remaining availability of $749 million in excess of the covenant. Outstanding borrowings under this facility are considered to be long-term since they may be refinanced under the tranche maturing on May 21, 2012. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for this credit facility were $50 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Toys – Japan Unsecured Credit Lines, expires fiscal 2011 ($0 at January 30, 2010)

On March 31, 2008, Toys – Japan entered into an agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions, which established two unsecured loan commitment lines of credit (“Tranche 1” and “Tranche 2”). Under the agreement, Tranche 1 is available in amounts of up to ¥20 billion ($222 million at January 30, 2010), which expires on March 30, 2011, and bears an interest rate of TOKYO INTER BANK OFFERED RATE (“TIBOR”) plus 0.63% per annum. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding debt under Tranche 1 with $222 million of availability.

On March 30, 2009, Toys – Japan entered into an agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions to refinance Tranche 2. As a result, Tranche 2 was available in amounts of up to ¥12.6 billion ($140 million at January 30, 2010) scheduled to expire on March 30, 2010, and bears an interest rate of TIBOR plus 0.63% per annum. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding Short-term debt under Tranche 2 with $140 million of availability. We paid fees of $1 million to refinance Tranche 2, which were capitalized as deferred debt issuance costs and are amortized over the term of the agreement. As of January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for this agreement were nominal and included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

These agreements contain covenants, including, among other things, covenants that require Toys – Japan to maintain a certain minimum level of net assets and profitability during the agreement terms. The agreement also restricts us from reducing our ownership percentage in Toys – Japan.

Subsequent Event

On February 26, 2010, Toys – Japan entered into an agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions to refinance Tranche 2. As a result, Tranche 2 will be available on March 29, 2010 in amounts of up to ¥13.0 billion ($146 million at February 26, 2010), expiring on March 28, 2011, and will bear an interest rate of TIBOR plus 0.80% per annum. We paid fees of $2 million to refinance Tranche 2, which will be capitalized as deferred debt issuance costs and amortized over the term of the agreement.

 

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European ABL, expires fiscal 2012 ($0 at January 30, 2010)

On October 15, 2009, certain of our foreign subsidiaries entered into the European ABL, which provides for a three-year £112 million ($179 million at January 30, 2010) senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility which expires October 15, 2012. On November 19, 2009, we partially exercised the accordion feature which increased availability to include additional lender commitments. This increased the ceiling of the facility from £112 million to £124 million ($198 million at January 30, 2010). Borrowings under the European ABL are subject, among other things, to the terms of a borrowing base derived from the value of eligible inventory and eligible accounts receivable of certain of Toys “R” Us Europe, LLC’s (“Toys Europe”) and Toys “R” Us Australia Holdings, LLC’s (“Toys Australia”) subsidiaries. The terms of the European ABL include a customary cash dominion trigger requiring the cash of certain of Toys Europe’s and Toys Australia’s subsidiaries to be applied to pay down outstanding loans if availability falls below certain thresholds. The European ABL also contains a springing fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10 to 1.00 based on the EBITDA and fixed charges of Toys Europe, Toys Australia and their subsidiaries. Loans under the European ABL bear interest at a rate based on LIBOR/the Euro Interbank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) plus a margin of 4.00% for the first year and thereafter 3.75%, 4.00% or 4.25% depending on availability. A commitment fee accrues on any unused portion of the commitments at a rate per annum also based on usage. Borrowings under the European ABL are guaranteed to the extent legally possible and practicable by Toys Europe, Toys Australia and certain of their material subsidiaries. Borrowings are secured by substantially all assets which are not already pledged, of Toys Europe, Toys Australia and certain UK and Australian obligors, as well as by share pledges over the shares of (and certain assets of) other material subsidiaries. The European ABL contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Toys Europe and Toys Australia and their respective subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, repurchase or pay dividends or make certain other restricted payments on capital stock, make acquisitions and investments or engage in mergers or consolidations. At January 30, 2010, we had no outstanding borrowings and $71 million of availability under the European ABL. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for this credit facility were $8 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On October 15, 2009, in conjunction with entering into the European ABL we terminated the Multi-currency revolving credit facility.

7.625% notes, due fiscal 2011 ($507 million at January 30, 2010)

On July 24, 2001, we issued $500 million of notes bearing interest at 7.625% per annum maturing on August 1, 2011. The notes were issued at a discount of $1 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $499 million. Simultaneously with the issuance of the notes, we entered into interest rate swap agreements. We subsequently terminated the interest rate swap agreements and received a payment of $27 million which is being amortized over the remaining term of the notes. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. These notes carry a limitation on creating liens on domestic real property or improvements or the stock or indebtedness of domestic subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) that exceed the greater of 10% of the consolidated net tangible assets or 15% of the consolidated capitalization. The covenants also restrict sale and leaseback transactions (subject to certain exceptions) unless net proceeds are at least equal to the sum of all costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of the principal property and a lien would be permitted on such principal property. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for these notes were $1 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Secured term loan facility, due fiscal 2012 ($798 million at January 30, 2010)

On July 19, 2006, Toys – Delaware entered into the Secured Credit Facilities (the “Secured Credit Facilities”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. The syndicate includes affiliates of KKR, an indirect equity owner of the Company, which owned 12% of the loan amount as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. Obligations under the Secured Credit Facilities are guaranteed by substantially all domestic subsidiaries of Toys – Delaware (other than the real estate borrowers) and the borrowings are secured by accounts receivable, inventory and intellectual property of Toys – Delaware and the guarantors. The Secured Credit Facilities contain customary covenants, including, among other things, covenants that restrict the ability of Toys – Delaware and certain of its subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, or engage in mergers or consolidations, pay dividends, repurchase capital stock, make other restricted payments, make loans or advances, engage in transactions with affiliates, or amend material documents. The term loan facility bears interest equal to LIBOR plus 4.25% per annum and matures on July 19, 2012. At January 30, 2010, the unamortized discount recorded for this loan facility was $2 million. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for this loan facility were $21 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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Unsecured credit facility, due fiscal 2012 ($180 million at January 30, 2010)

On December 1, 2006, Toys – Delaware entered into an unsecured credit facility (the “Unsecured Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of financial institutions and other lenders. The syndicate includes affiliates of Vornado and KKR, indirect equity owners of the Company, which owned 15% and 14% of the loan as of January 30, 2010, respectively, and each owned 15% of the loan as of January 31, 2009. The Unsecured Credit Facility matures on January 19, 2013 and bears interest equal to LIBOR plus 5.00% per annum or, at the option of Toys – Delaware, prime plus 4.00% per annum. In fiscals 2009 and 2008, the loan bore an interest rate of 5.00% plus LIBOR. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for this credit facility were $2 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In addition, obligations under the Unsecured Credit Facility are guaranteed by substantially all domestic subsidiaries of Toys – Delaware (other than the real estate borrowers). The Unsecured Credit Facility contains the same customary covenants as those under the Secured Credit Facilities.

€63 million French and €131 million Spanish real estate credit facilities, due fiscal 2012 ($86 million and $180 million at January 30, 2010, respectively)

On January 23, 2006, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries Toys “R” Us France Real Estate SAS and Toys “R” Us Iberia Real Estate S.L. entered into the French and Spanish real estate credit facilities, respectively. These facilities are secured by, among other things, selected French and Spanish real estate. The maturity date for each of these loans is February 1, 2013. The loans have interest rates of EURIBOR plus 1.50% plus mandatory costs per annum. The loan agreements contain covenants that restrict the ability of the borrowers to engage in mergers or consolidations, incur additional indebtedness, or create or permit additional liens on assets. The loan agreements also require the borrower to maintain interest coverage ratios of 110%. If the coverage ratio is less than 110% there is a 10 day window to prevent default. The borrower has an option to pay down the loan to increase the coverage up to 110%, acquire new properties or deposit collateral into an appropriate account. However, this cannot occur in two consecutive periods or more than six times during the life of the debt instrument. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for the French and Spanish credit facilities were $3 million and $4 million, respectively, included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

£354 million U.K. real estate senior and £63 million U.K. real estate junior credit facilities, due fiscal 2013 ($562 million and $99 million at January 30, 2010, respectively)

On February 8, 2006, Toys “R” Us Properties (UK) Limited (“Toys Properties”), our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a series of secured senior and junior loans with Vanwall Finance PLC (“Vanwall”) as the Issuer and Senior Lender and The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC as Junior Lender. These facilities are secured by, among other things, selected U.K. real estate. The U.K. real estate senior credit facility bears interest of 5.02% plus mandatory costs. The U.K. real estate junior credit facility bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% plus mandatory costs. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for these credit facilities were $4 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The credit agreements contain covenants that restrict the ability of Toys Properties to incur certain additional indebtedness, create or permit liens on assets, dispose of or acquire further property, vary or terminate the lease agreements, conclude further leases or engage in mergers or consolidations. Toys Properties is required to repay the loans in part in quarterly installments. The final maturity date for these credit facilities is April 7, 2013.

Vanwall is a variable interest entity established with the limited purpose of issuing and administering the notes under the credit agreement with Toys Properties. On February 9, 2006, Vanwall issued $620 million of multiple classes of commercial mortgage backed floating rate notes (the “Floating Rate Notes”) to third party investors (the “Bondholders”), which are publicly traded on the Irish Stock Exchange Limited. The proceeds from the Floating Rate Notes issued by Vanwall were used to fund the Senior Loan to Toys Properties. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, Vanwall is required to maintain an interest rate swap which effectively fixed the variable LIBOR rate at 4.56%, the same as the fixed interest rate less the applicable credit spread paid by Toys Properties to Vanwall. The fair value of this interest rate swap was a liability of approximately $40 million and $39 million at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. For further details regarding the consolidation of Vanwall, refer to Note 1 entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.”

 

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Senior Notes, due fiscal 2013 ($395 million at January 30, 2010)

On April 8, 2003, Toys R Us, Inc. issued $400 million in notes bearing interest at a coupon rate of 7.875%, maturing on April 15, 2013. The notes were issued at a discount of $7 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $393 million. Simultaneously with the sale of the notes, we entered into interest rate swap agreements. We subsequently terminated the swaps at a loss of $6 million which is being amortized over the remaining term of the notes. Interest is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. These notes carry a limitation on creating liens on domestic real property or improvements or the stock or indebtedness of domestic subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions) that exceed the greater of 10% of the consolidated net tangible assets or 15% of the consolidated capitalization. The covenants also restrict sale and leaseback transactions (subject to certain exceptions) unless net proceeds are at least equal to the sum of all costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of the principal property and a lien would be permitted on such principal property. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for these notes were $3 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Senior Notes, due fiscal 2017 ($926 million at January 30, 2010)

On July 9, 2009, TRU Propco I, formerly known as TRU 2005 RE Holding Co. I, LLC, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, completed the offering of $950 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured 10.75% notes due 2017 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued at a discount of $25 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $925 million. The proceeds of $925 million from the offering of the Notes, together with $263 million of cash on hand and $99 million of restricted cash released from restrictions were used to repay the outstanding loan balance under TRU Propco I’s unsecured credit agreement of $1,267 million plus accrued interest of approximately $1 million and fees at closing of approximately $19 million. Total fees paid in connection with the sale of the Notes totaled approximately $23 million and will be deferred and expensed over the life of the Notes. As a result of the repayment of our unsecured credit agreement, we expensed approximately $8 million of deferred financing costs. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for these notes were $21 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. TRU Propco I owns or has leasehold interests in 355 stores, three distribution centers and our headquarters building and it leases all of these properties to Toys – Delaware pursuant to a long-term lease.

The Notes are solely the obligation of TRU Propco I and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) and are not guaranteed by Toys “R” Us, Inc. or Toys – Delaware. The Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantors, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally, and the indenture governing the Notes contain covenants, including, among other things, covenants that restrict the ability of TRU Propco I and the Guarantors to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, make other restricted payments and investments, create liens, and impose restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to pay dividends or make other payments. The indenture governing the Notes also contains covenants that limit the ability of Toys “R” Us, Inc. to cause or permit Toys – Delaware to incur indebtedness or make restricted payments. These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and limitations. The Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to July 15, 2013 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after July 15, 2013, at the specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, TRU Propco I may redeem up to 35% of the Notes before July 15, 2012 with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. Following specified kinds of changes of control with respect to Toys “R” Us, Inc. or TRU Propco I, TRU Propco I will be required to offer to purchase the Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the purchase date. Interest on the Notes is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears through maturity on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing on January 15, 2010.

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement that TRU Propco I entered into in connection with the offering of the Notes, TRU Propco I is required to use its reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to register notes that would have substantially identical terms as the Notes, and consummate an exchange offer for such notes within 365 days after July 9, 2009. In the event TRU Propco I fails to meet the 365-day target or certain other conditions set forth in the registration rights agreement, the annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by 0.25%. The annual interest rate on the Notes will increase by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent 90-day period such target or conditions are not met, up to a maximum increase of 0.50%. On March 9, 2010 TRU Propco I filed Amendment No. 2 to Form S-4, a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933. As of the date of this filing, this Form S-4 had not been declared effective.

 

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Senior Secured Notes, due fiscal 2017 ($715 million at January 30, 2010)

On November 20, 2009, TRU Propco II, formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the offering of $725 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured 8.50% notes due 2017 (the “Secured Notes”). The Secured Notes were issued at a discount of $10 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $715 million. The proceeds of $715 million, together with $93 million in cash on hand and the release of $22 million in cash from restrictions, were used to repay TRU Propco II’s outstanding loan balance under the Secured real estate loan agreement of $600 million, plus accrued interest of approximately $1 million and paid fees of approximately $29 million, which includes advisory fees of $7 million payable to the Sponsors pursuant to their advisory agreement. Affiliates of KKR, an indirect equity owner of the Company, owned 4% of the notes as of January 30, 2010. In addition, in connection with the offering, MPO Properties, LLC an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, repaid the $200 million outstanding loan balance under the Secured real estate loan agreement. Fees paid in connection with the sale of the Secured Notes will be deferred and expensed over the life of the Secured Notes. As a result of the repayment of our secured real estate loans, we expensed approximately $3 million of deferred financing costs. The Secured Notes are solely the obligation of TRU Propco II and are not guaranteed by Toys “R” Us, Inc. or Toys – Delaware or any of our other subsidiaries. The Secured Notes are secured by the first priority security interests in all of the existing and future real estate properties of TRU Propco II and its interest in the master lease agreement between TRU Propco II as landlord and Toys – Delaware as tenant (the “TRU Propco II Master Lease”). Those real estate properties and interests in the TRU Propco II Master Lease are not available to satisfy or secure the obligations of the Company or its affiliates, other than the obligations of TRU Propco II under the Secured Notes. At January 30, 2010, deferred financing expenses recorded for these notes were $27 million included in Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The indenture governing the Secured Notes contains covenants, including, among other things, covenants that restrict the ability of TRU Propco II to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions, make other restricted payments and investments, create liens, and impose restrictions on dividends or make other payments. The indenture governing the Secured Notes also contains covenants that limit the ability of Toys “R” Us, Inc. to cause or permit Toys – Delaware to incur indebtedness or make restricted payments. These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and limitations. The Secured Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to December 1, 2013 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The Secured Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time on or after December 1, 2013, at the specified redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, prior to December 1, 2013, during each twelve month period commencing December 1, 2009, TRU Propco II may redeem up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Secured Notes at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the Secured Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. TRU Propco II may also redeem up to 35% of the Secured Notes prior to December 1, 2012, with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings, at a redemption price equal to 108.5% of the principal amount of the Secured Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Following specified kinds of changes of control with respect to Toys “R” Us, Inc. or TRU Propco II, TRU Propco II will be required to offer to purchase the Secured Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any to, but not including, the purchase date. Interest on the Secured Notes is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears through maturity on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2010.

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement that TRU Propco II entered into in connection with the offering of the Secured Notes, TRU Propco II is required to use its reasonable efforts to file a registration statement with the SEC to register notes that would have substantially identical terms as the Secured Notes, and consummate an exchange offer for such notes within 365 days after November 20, 2009. In the event TRU Propco II fails to meet the 365-day target or certain other conditions set forth in the registration rights agreement, the annual interest rate on the Secured Notes will increase by 0.25%. The annual interest rate on the Secured Notes will increase by an additional 0.25% for each subsequent 90-day period such target or conditions are not met, up to a maximum increase of 0.50%.

Senior Notes, due fiscal 2018 ($406 million at January 30, 2010)

On September 22, 2003, Toys R Us, Inc. issued $400 million in notes bearing interest at a coupon rate of 7.375%, maturing on October 15, 2018. The notes were issued at a discount of $2 million which resulted in the receipt of proceeds of $398 million. Simultaneously with the sale of the notes, we entered into interest rate swap agreements. We subsequently terminated the swaps and received a payment of $10 million which is being amortized over the remaining term of the notes. Interest is payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year. These notes carry a limitation on creating liens on properties owned or acquired at May 28, 2002 or thereafter without effectively securing the debt securities equally and ratably with that debt and such liens cannot exceed 10% of the consolidated net tangible assets or 15% of the consolidated capitalization. The covenants also restrict sale and leaseback transactions unless net proceeds are at least equal to the sum of all costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of the principal property.

 

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8.750% Debentures, due fiscal 2021 ($22 million at January 30, 2010)

On August 29, 1991, Toys R Us, Inc. issued $200 million in debentures bearing interest at a coupon rate of 8.750% (the “Debentures”), maturing on September 1, 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year. On November 2, 2006, Toys – Delaware commenced a cash tender offer for any and all of the outstanding Debentures (the “Tender Offer”) and a related consent solicitation to effect certain amendments to the Indenture, eliminating all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default in the Indenture. On November 30, 2006, the Tender Offer expired, and on December 1, 2006, Toys – Delaware consummated the Tender Offer of $178 million (approximately 89.2%) of the outstanding Debentures in the Tender Offer using borrowings under the unsecured credit facility (described above) to purchase the tendered Debentures.

Japan Bank Loans (1.20% to 2.85%) loans due Fiscal 2010-2014 ($172 million at January 30, 2010)

Toys “R” Us Japan entered into seven bank loans with various financial institutions totaling $172 million at January 30, 2010. Three of these seven loans, representing $127 million, mature on January 17, 2011. As such, these amounts were classified as Current portion of long-term debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 30, 2010. The remaining four loans, representing $45 million, are amortizing and mature between 2012 and 2014.

Guarantees

We currently guarantee 80% of three Toys-Japan installment loans, totaling ¥3.0 billion ($33 million at January 30, 2010). These loans have annual interest rates of 2.6% to 2.8%. In addition, we have an agreement with McDonald’s Holding Company (Japan), Ltd. (“McDonald’s Japan”), in which we promise to promptly reimburse McDonald’s Japan for any amounts it may be required to pay in connection with its guarantee of the remaining 20% of these loans.

NOTE 3 — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

ASC Topic 815 (“ASC 815”), formerly SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires the recording of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet measured at estimated fair value and the recognition of the unrealized gains and losses. The accounting for derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivatives and the resulting designation. In certain defined conditions, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for a particular exposure.

Interest Rate Contracts

We and our subsidiaries have a variety of fixed and variable rate debt instruments and are exposed to market risks resulting from interest rate fluctuations. In an effort to manage interest rate exposures, we periodically enter into interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. We enter into interest rate swaps and/or caps to reduce our exposure to variability in expected future cash outflows attributable to the changes in LIBOR and EURIBOR rates. Our interest rate contracts contain credit-risk related contingent features and are subject to master netting arrangements. Our interest rate contracts have various maturity dates through April 2015. A portion of our interest rate swaps and caps are designated for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges under ASC 815.

The effective portion of a cash flow hedge is recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income; the ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recorded to Interest expense. We evaluate the effectiveness of the hedging relationships on an ongoing basis and recalculate changes in fair values of the derivatives and the underlying hedged items separately. For our derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges, we recorded a nominal gain and loss in earnings related to ineffectiveness for the years ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to Interest expense primarily relate to realized Interest expense on interest rate swaps and the amortization of gains (losses) recorded on previously terminated or de-designated swaps. We expect to reclassify a net loss of approximately $29 million in fiscal 2010 to Interest expense from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Certain of our agreements with credit-risk related features contain provisions where we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if we default on certain specified indebtedness. Additionally, we have one agreement with a provision requiring we maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. As our ratings are currently below investment grade, we are required to post collateral for this contract. At January 30, 2010, derivative liabilities related to agreements that contain credit-risk related features had a fair value of $42 million. We have a minimum collateral posting threshold with certain derivative counterparties and have posted collateral of $33 million as of January 30, 2010.

 

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The following table presents our outstanding derivative contracts as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

                January 30, 2010    January 31, 2009

(In millions)

   Effective Date    Maturity Date    Notional Amount    Notional Amount

Interest Rate Swaps

           

3 Month EURIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap

   February 2006    February 2013    $ 86    $ 81

3 Month EURIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap

   February 2006    February 2013      180      168

3 Month GBP LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap

   February 2006    April 2013      96      88

3 Month GBP LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap (1)

   April 2007    April 2013      3      3

1 Month USD LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap (1) (2)

   May 2008    December 2010      750      750

1 Month USD LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap (2) (3)

   May 2008    December 2010      550      550

Interest Rate Caps

           

1 Month USD LIBOR Interest Rate Cap (4)

   July 2005    August 2010    $ 800    $ 800

1 Month USD LIBOR Interest Rate Cap

   December 2005    December 2009      —        1,300

1 Month USD LIBOR Interest Rate Cap

   May 2007    May 2009      —        91

3 Month USD LIBOR Interest Rate Cap

   August 2008    August 2010      600      600

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-starting Interest Rate Cap (1) (5)

   January 2011    April 2015      500      —  

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-starting Interest Rate Cap (5)

   January 2011    April 2015      500      —  

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-starting Interest Rate Cap (5) (6)

   January 2012    April 2015      500      —  

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-starting Interest Rate Cap (5)

   January 2012    April 2015      500      —  

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-starting Interest Rate Cap (5)

   January 2014    April 2015      311      —  

 

(1)

As of January 30, 2010, these derivatives qualified for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges.

(2)

On May 8, 2008, we entered into two new interest rate swaps initially associated with our $1.3 billion Unsecured credit agreement that mature in December 2010. The interest rate swaps convert the variable LIBOR-based portion of our interest payments to a fixed rate of interest of 3.14%, which effectively fix the all-in interest rate of the facility at 6.14%. Upon repayment of the $1.3 billion Unsecured credit agreement, the interest rate swaps were associated with the $800 million Secured real estate loan and the Secured term loan facility.

(3)

On November 10, 2009, in anticipation of the repayment of the $800 million Secured real estate loan and projected future variable interest rate exposure, the Company de-designated its $550 million interest rate swap. The remaining $16 million loss recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified to earnings over the life of the original hedged instrument.

(4)

On July 9, 2008, we extended the $800 million notional interest rate caps through the end of the second maturity extension as required under the terms of the Secured real estate loan. On May 11, 2009, we extended the interest rate caps through the end of the third maturity extension as required under the terms of the loan agreement. The amount paid to extend the caps was nominal. The interest rate caps manage the variable cash flows associated with changes in the one month LIBOR above 7.00%.

(5)

On April 3, 2009, we entered into five new forward-starting interest rate cap agreements to manage our future interest rate exposure. The total amount paid for the caps was $15 million. Four of these interest rate caps (including 60% of one of these four) were designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815, hedging the variability of LIBOR based cash flows above the strike price for each cap. Subsequently, on November 10, 2009, the Company de-designated two $500 million forward-starting interest rate caps resulting in a reclassification from Accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings a gain of $1 million; an additional $2 million will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to earnings over the remaining life of the caps.

(6)

Represents the designation of 60% of $500 million forward-starting interest rate cap.

 

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Foreign Exchange Contracts

We occasionally enter into foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge the U.S. dollar merchandise purchases of our foreign subsidiaries and our short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans with our foreign subsidiaries. We enter into these contracts in order to reduce our exposure to the variability in expected cash outflows attributable to changes in foreign currency rates. These derivative contracts are not designated as hedges under ASC 815 and are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with a gain or loss recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Interest expense.

Our foreign exchange contracts contain some credit-risk related contingent features, are subject to master netting arrangements and typically mature within 12 months. These agreements contain provisions where we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if we default on certain specified indebtedness. We are not required to post collateral for these contracts.

The following table presents our outstanding foreign exchange contracts as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

                January 30, 2010    January 31, 2009

(In millions)

   Effective Date    Maturity Date    Notional Amount    Notional Amount

Foreign-Exchange Forwards

           

Short-term cross-currency intercompany loans

   Varies    Varies    $ 23    $ 74

Merchandise purchases

   Varies    Varies      111      —  

The following table sets forth the net impact of the effective portion of derivatives on Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008:

 

      Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815:

       

Interest Rate Contracts

   $ 10    $ (21   $ (3

 

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The following table sets forth the impact of derivatives on Interest expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008:

 

      Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Derivatives not designated for hedge accounting under ASC 815:

      

(Loss) on the change in fair value - Interest Rate Contracts

   $ (3   $ (17   $ (15

(Loss) gain on the change in fair value - Foreign Exchange Contracts (1)

     (52     35        (34
                        
     (55     18        (49
                        

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815:

      

(Loss) reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (effective portion) - Interest Rate Contracts

     (36     (19     (3

Gain amortized from terminated cash flow hedges - Interest Rate Contracts

     1        1        1   
                        
     (35     (18     (2
                        

Total Interest expense

   $ (90   $ —        $ (51
                        

 

(1)

For further details related to gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, refer to Note 1 entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES.”

 

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The following table contains the notional amounts and the related fair values of our derivatives included within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

      January 30, 2010     January 31, 2009  

(In millions)

   Notional
Amount
   Fair Value
Assets/
(Liabilities)
    Notional
Amount
   Fair Value
Assets/
(Liabilities)
 

Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815:

          

Other assets

   $ 800    $ 7      $ —      $ —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     750      (18     —        —     

Other non-current liabilities

     3      —          1,303      (44
                              

Interest Rate Contracts not designated for hedge accounting under ASC 815:

          

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 1,400    $ —        $ 2,191    $ —     

Other assets

     1,511      10        600      —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     550      (13     —        —     

Other non-current liabilities

     362      (11     337      (6
                              

Foreign Currency Contracts not designated for hedge accounting under ASC 815:

          

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 134    $ 3      $ 45    $ —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     —        —          29      (2
                              

Total derivative contracts outstanding

          

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 1,534    $ 3      $ 2,236    $ —     

Other assets

     2,311      17        600      —     
                              

Total derivative assets(1)

   $ 3,845    $ 20      $ 2,836    $ —     
                              

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 1,300    $ (31   $ 29    $ (2

Other non-current liabilities

     365      (11     1,640      (50
                              

Total derivative liabilities(1)

   $ 1,665    $ (42   $ 1,669    $ (52
                              

 

(1)

Refer to Note 4 entitled “FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for the fair value of our derivative instruments classified within the fair value hierarchy.

NOTE 4 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

On February 1, 2009 and February 3, 2008, we adopted ASC Topic 820 (“ASC 820”), formerly SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” for nonfinancial assets and liabilities and financial assets and liabilities, respectively. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). ASC 820 applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements; accordingly, the standard does not require any new fair value measurements of reported balances.

Short-term Investments

As of February 3, 2008, we held $168 million of short-term investments comprised of municipal auction-rate securities, which were classified as Level 3 instruments. During fiscal 2008, we settled our entire portfolio of auction-rate securities at approximately $1 million below par. As of January 31, 2009, we no longer hold any Short-term investments. These securities were valued using a management model that took into consideration the financial conditions of the issuers and the bond insurers,

 

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current market condition and the value of the collateral bonds. We had determined that the significant majority of the inputs used to value these securities fell within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as the inputs are based on unobservable management estimates.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Currently, we use derivative financial arrangements to manage a variety of risk exposures, including interest rate risk associated with our Long-term debt and foreign currency risk relating to cross-currency intercompany lending and merchandise purchases. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates and implied volatilities.

To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

Although certain inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default. Based on this mixed input valuation we classify certain derivatives as Level 3 instruments as the Level 3 inputs are considered significant to the fair value of the instrument.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at acquisition. We have determined that our cash equivalents in their entirety are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

The table below presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, aggregated by level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

 

(In millions)

   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
    Balance at
January 30,
2010
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 403    $ —        $ —        $ 403   

Derivative financial instruments

     —        (20     (2     (22
                               

Balance at January 30, 2010

   $ 403    $ (20   $ (2   $ 381   
                               

(In millions)

   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
and Liabilities
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
    Balance at
January 31,

2009
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 183    $ —        $ —        $ 183   

Derivative financial instruments

     —        (46     (6     (52
                               

Balance at January 31, 2009

   $ 183    $ (46   $ (6   $ 131   
                               

 

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The table below presents the changes in the fair value of our derivative financial instruments and short-term investments within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy for the periods ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009.

 

(In millions)

   Level 3  

Balance, February 1, 2009

   $ (6

Total unrealized loss (1)

     (1

Transfers in to Level 3

     5   
        

Balance, January 30, 2010

   $ (2
        

 

(1)

Changes in the fair value of our Level 3 derivative financial instruments are recorded in Interest expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

(In millions)

   Level 3  

Balance, February 3, 2008

   $ 168   

Settlements

     (167

Total realized loss

     (1

Transfers in to Level 3

     (6
        

Balance, January 31, 2009

   $ (6
        

NOTE 5 — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

($ In millions)

   Useful life
(in years)
   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Land

      $ 777    $ 756

Buildings

   45-50      2,114      2,067

Furniture and equipment

   3-20      1,776      1,752

Leasehold improvements

   10-25      2,357      2,253

Costs of computer software

   5      176      261

Construction in progress

        15      44

Leased equipment under capital lease

   3-8      86      93
                
        7,301      7,226

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

        3,210      3,033
                
        4,091      4,193

Less: net assets held for sale

        7      6
                

Total

      $ 4,084    $ 4,187
                

Assets held for sale

Assets held for sale represent assets owned by us that we have committed to sell in the near term. The following assets are classified as held for sale and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Land

   $ 4    $ 4

Buildings

     6      3

Leasehold improvements

     2      1
             
     12      8

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

     5      2
             

Net assets held for sale

   $ 7    $ 6
             

 

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Net gains on sales of properties

During fiscal 2009, we sold idle properties for gross proceeds of $19 million which resulted in gains of approximately $6 million. The sales included an idle distribution center which resulted in gross proceeds of $14 million and a gain of $5 million.

During fiscal 2008, Toys “R” Us Iberia Real Estate S.L., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, sold a property to an unrelated third party for gross proceeds of $26 million, resulting in a net gain of $14 million. At the time of the sale, Toys “R” Us Iberia S.A., its parent company, leased back a portion of the property. Due to the leaseback, we recognized $4 million of the net gain and deferred the remaining $10 million, which is being amortized over the 25-year life of the lease.

During fiscal 2007, we sold our interest in an idle distribution center for gross proceeds of approximately $29 million, resulting in a gain of $18 million. We also sold 4 properties for gross proceeds of $14 million, resulting in a gain of $5 million as part of an agreement with Vornado Surplus 2006 Realty, LLC where properties of Toys – Delaware and MAP 2005 Real Estate, LLC, both wholly-owned subsidiaries, were sold to the affiliate of the Company and its subsidiaries. In addition, we consummated a lease termination agreement resulting in a net gain of $10 million.

NOTE 6 — ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

A summary of our Accounts payable, Accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 is outlined in the table below:

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Merchandise accounts payable (1)

   $ 1,562    $ 1,412

Non-merchandise accounts payable (2)

     118      93
             

Accounts payable

   $ 1,680    $ 1,505
             

Gift card and certificate liability

   $ 133    $ 132

Accrued bonus

     94      32

Sales and use tax and value added tax payable

     92      76

Accrued interest

     66      55

Other (3)

     466      459
             

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 851    $ 754
             

 

(1)

Includes $92 million and $61 million of book overdraft cash as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

(2)

Includes $86 million and $96 million of book overdraft cash as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively.

(3)

Other includes, among other items, accrued payroll and other benefits, profit sharing and other accruals. No individual amount included exceeds 10% of “Other” (shown above).

NOTE 7 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Management Equity Plan

On July 21, 2005, we adopted the 2005 Management Equity Plan (the “Management Equity Plan”). The Management Equity Plan originally provided for the granting of service-based and performance-based stock options, rollover options (i.e., options in the Company in lieu of options held prior to the Merger), and restricted stock to officers and other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Pursuant to a reorganization on June 10, 2008 and the subsequent dissolution of Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc., our former parent (“Former Parent”), the 1,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.01 par value held by Former Parent were exchanged for 48,955,808 new shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value (“Common Stock”). Prior to dissolution, Former Parent distributed the new shares of Common Stock to its shareholders. This reorganization did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 20 entitled “REORGANIZATION” for further details.

 

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On June 8, 2009, the Management Equity Plan was modified to eliminate the performance conditions of certain stock options and to reduce the required service period from eight years to five years. The modification changed all performance-based options into options similar to our “service-based” options.

The fair value analysis performed at the date of modification determined that the modification reduced the fair value of the options. Therefore, total stock compensation expense, which was calculated as of the original grant date, was not affected by the modification. Due to the elimination of the performance condition, the modification did result in extended derived service periods as compared to the original options. We will record the remaining unrecognized compensation expense prospectively over the revised requisite service periods. This change had a nominal impact on stock compensation expense for fiscal 2009.

The service-based options generally cliff vest 40% on the second anniversary of the award with the remaining portion vesting ratably over the subsequent three years, subject to the participant’s continued employment with the Company, and vest automatically upon a change of control of the Company. Prior to the modification, the performance-based options were scheduled to vest in the same manner as the service-based options but only if certain performance targets were achieved based on a specified internal rate of return realized by the Sponsors and the sale multiple realized by the Sponsors. The performance-based options vested on the eighth anniversary of the date of grant regardless of performance, subject to the participant’s continued employment with the Company. All options expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant.

At January 30, 2010 an aggregate of 252,028 shares were reserved for future option grants under the Management Equity Plan. All outstanding options are scheduled to expire at dates ranging from October 16, 2010 to October 30, 2019. The Board of Directors of the Company has discretion over the amount of shares available for future issuances of restricted stock and options. We expect to satisfy future option exercises by issuing shares held in treasury or authorized but unissued new shares.

Repurchase Obligations

Certain officers of the Company have the right to require us to repurchase the Common Stock that the officer acquired upon the exercise of certain options, the shares issued or issuable upon exercise of rollover options or the shares issued to the officer in the form of restricted stock. The put rights are triggered by the officer’s death, disability or retirement at any time. The put rights will expire upon either a change in control of the Company or an initial public offering of our Common Stock. The purchase price for shares repurchased as a result of the officer’s death, disability or retirement is the fair value of the covered shares at the time of repurchase. The number of shares that may be repurchased as a result of the officer’s retirement is subject to an aggregate fixed limitation. The liability related to these restricted shares and rollover options has been classified as Other non-current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liability as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 was $2 million and nominal, respectively.

Restricted Stock

The Management Equity Plan permits the sale of non-transferable, restricted stock to certain employees at a purchase price equal to the fair value of the Common Stock, and also permits grants of restricted stock without consideration. During fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, 74,140 shares, 35,186 shares and 144,844 shares of restricted stock were purchased by officers of the Company at a weighted-average price of $27.11 per share in fiscal 2009, $34.00 per share in fiscal 2008 and $32.00 per share in fiscal 2007, which were the estimated fair values as of the respective dates of those purchases.

The Company also awarded 15,000 shares of restricted stock without consideration in fiscal 2007 with an aggregate fair value of less than $1 million as of the grant date. There were no shares awarded in fiscals 2009 and 2008. Fifty percent of these awards vest on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining fifty percent vest on the second anniversary of the grant date, provided the recipients are still employed by the Company or any of its affiliates as of such respective dates.

Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of each option award modified or granted under the Management Equity Plan is estimated on the date of modification or grant using a lattice option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table, along with the associated weighted average fair values. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures. To the extent actual results of forfeitures differ from the estimates, such amounts will be recorded as an adjustment in the period the estimates are revised. The expected volatilities are based on a combination of implied and historical volatilities of a peer group of companies, as the Company is a non-publicly traded company. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the

 

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time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the options. The expected term represents the median time until exercise and is based on contractual terms of the awards, expectations of employee exercise behavior, and expectations of liquidity for the underlying shares. The expected dividend yield is based on an assumption that no dividends are expected to be approved in the near future. The following are the weighted average assumptions used:

 

     Fiscal 2009     Fiscal 2008     Fiscal 2007  

Volatility

     55.0     55.0     50.0

Risk-free interest rate

     3.5     2.6     4.2

Expected term

     5.1 years        3.2 years        3.8 years   

Dividend Yield

     0.0     0.0     0.0

Weighted average grant-date fair value per option:

      

Service-based

   $ 13.20      $ 13.28      $ 12.77   

Performance-based

     N/A      $ 11.48      $ 10.81   

A summary of option and restricted stock activity under the Management Equity Plan during fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

Service-Based Options

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
     January 30, 2010    January 31, 2009    February 2, 2008
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of fiscal year

   1,496,958      $ 23.44    1,685,403      $ 23.20    1,532,164      $ 20.31

Granted

   406,071        27.12    27,846        34.00    360,960        32.00

Exercised

   (203,687     26.67    (101,529     14.04    (136,094     11.52

Forfeited

   (159,864     27.00    (114,762     30.91    (71,627     27.78

Conversion from Performance-Based

   2,209,029        28.15    —          —      —          —  
                          

Outstanding at end of fiscal year

   3,748,507      $ 26.29    1,496,958      $ 23.44    1,685,403      $ 23.20
                          

 

     Options    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price $
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years )

Vested or expected to vest at January 30, 2010

   3,477,526    $ 26.21    6.19
                

Exercisable at January 30, 2010

   2,192,798    $ 24.52    5.47
                

The total intrinsic value of service-based options exercised in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately less than $1 million, $2 million and $3 million, respectively, and the total fair value of service-based options vested during the same periods was approximately $16 million, $2 million and $0, respectively. We received $5 million, $1 million, and $2 million from the exercise of service-based options in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We paid $6 million, $3 million and $4 million in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, to repurchase shares from the exercise of service-based options. The tax benefits recognized as a result of the options exercised was less than $1 million in fiscal 2009, and approximately $1 million for each of fiscals 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Performance-Based Options

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
     January 30, 2010    January 31, 2009    February 2, 2008
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of fiscal year

   2,209,029      $ 28.15    2,424,731      $ 28.25    1,858,038      $ 26.75

Granted

   —          —      55,690        34.00    721,920        32.00

Forfeited

   —          —      (271,392     30.26    (155,227     27.70

Conversion to Service-Based

   (2,209,029     28.15    —          —      —          —  
                          

Outstanding at end of fiscal year

   —        $ —      2,209,029      $ 28.15    2,424,731      $ 28.25
                          

Non-vested Restricted Stock Activity

Non-vested restricted stock grants as of January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008 and activities during fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30, 2010    January 31, 2009     February 2, 2008  
     Common
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

(In millions)
   Common
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

(In millions)
    Common
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

(In millions)
 

Non-Vested, Beginning of Fiscal Year

   1,250      $ —      35,560      $ 1.0      41,121      $ 1.1   

Granted

   —          —      —          —        15,000        0.5   

Vested

   (1,250     —      (28,060     (0.8   (20,561     (0.6

Forfeited

   —          —      (6,250     (0.2   —          —     
                                         

Non-Vested, End of Fiscal Year

   —        $ —      1,250      $ —        35,560      $ 1.0   
                                         

As of January 30, 2010, there was $6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to option share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Management Equity Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. There was no remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants as of January 30, 2010.

The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized in SG&A and tax benefit recognized in Income tax expense in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

 

(In millions)

   Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008
   Fiscal
2007

SG&A

   $ 4    $ 8    $ 6

Total recognized tax benefit

     2      3      1

NOTE 8 — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

Comprehensive income is included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit). Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax, is reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as follows:

 

     January 30,     January 31,  

(In millions)

   2010     2009  

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

   $ (39   $ (58

Unrealized loss on hedged transactions, net of tax

     (15     (25

Unrealized actuarial losses, net of tax

     (11     (10

Acquisition of approximately 28% of Toys-Japan shares (1)

     20        —     
                
   $ (45   $ (93
                

 

(1)

Upon acquisition of the additional ownership interest, Noncontrolling interest decreased by $82 million, representing the percentage of ownership purchased during the tender offer at historical cost. The difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the carrying amount of the Noncontrolling interest acquired was recognized as a net increase in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit). See Note 19 entitled “TOYS – JAPAN SHARE ACQUISITION” for further details.

 

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NOTE 9 — LEASES

We lease a majority of the real estate used in our operations. Most leases require us to pay real estate taxes and other expenses and some leases require additional payments based on percentages of sales.

Minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases as of January 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

     Operating Leases    Capital Leases

(In millions)

   Gross
Minimum
Rentals
   Sublease
Income
   Net
Minimum
Rentals
   Lease
Obligation

2010

   $ 556    $ 18    $ 538    $ 33

2011

     531      15      516      27

2012

     479      12      467      19

2013

     427      9      418      18

2014

     379      8      371      14

2015 and subsequent

     1,683      15      1,668      95
                           

Total

   $ 4,055    $ 77    $ 3,978    $ 206
                           

Total rent expense, net of sublease income of $23 million, $23 million and $26 million, was $519 million, $503 million and $476 million in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We remain directly and primarily liable for lease payments to third party landlords for locations where we have subleased all or a portion of the locations to third parties. To the extent that sub-lessees fail to make sublease rental payments, our total net rent expense to the third party landlords would increase in direct proportion.

We recognize rental expense on a straight-line basis and record the difference between the recognized rental expense and amounts payable under the leases as deferred rent liability. Deferred rent liabilities are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the total amount of $284 million and $268 million at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively, of which $9 million and $8 million are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, respectively. Virtually all of our leases include options that allow us to renew or extend the lease term beyond the initial lease period, subject to terms and conditions agreed upon at the inception of the lease. Such terms and conditions include rental rates agreed upon at the inception of the lease that could represent below or above market rental rates later in the life of the lease, depending upon market conditions at the time of such renewal or extension. In addition, many leases include early termination options, which can be exercised under specified conditions, including, upon damage, destruction or condemnation of a specified percentage of the value or land area of the property.

Lease payments that depend on factors that are not measurable at the inception of the lease, such as future sales volume, are contingent rentals and are excluded from minimum lease payments and included in the determination of total rental expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. Contingent rent expense was $10 million, $9 million and $10 million for the fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Future payments for maintenance, insurance and taxes to which we are obligated are excluded from minimum lease payments. Tenant allowances received upon entering into certain store leases are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the lease term.

NOTE 10 — RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES

In fiscal 2005, our Board of Directors approved the closing of 87 Toys “R” Us stores in the United States, resulting in the permanent closure of 75 stores. As a result of the store closings, approximately 3,000 employee positions were eliminated. In fiscal 2003, we decided to close all 146 freestanding Kids “R” Us stores and all 36 freestanding Imaginarium stores, as well as three distribution centers that supported these stores. In fiscal 2001, we closed stores, eliminated a number of staff positions, and consolidated five store support center facilities into our Global Store Support Center facility in Wayne, New Jersey. In fiscals 1998 and 1995, we had strategic initiatives to reposition our worldwide operations.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007 included net charges of $5 million, $8 million and $2 million, respectively, related to these restructuring initiatives and are primarily due to changes in management’s estimates for events such as lease terminations, assignments and sublease income adjustments.

 

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Our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 include these restructuring reserves in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities, which we believe are adequate to cover our commitments. We currently expect to utilize our remaining reserves through January 2019.

Restructuring and other activity during fiscals 2009 and 2008 relate to lease commitments as follows:

 

(In millions)

   2005
Initiative
    2003
Initiative
    2001
Initiative
    1998 and
1995
Initiatives
    Total  

Balance at February 2, 2008

   $ 9      $ 2      $ 36      $ 8      $ 55   
                                        

Charges

     2        —          5        2        9   

Reversals

     —          —          —          (1     (1

Utilized

     (3     (1     (10     (2     (16
                                        

Balance at January 31, 2009

   $ 8      $ 1      $ 31      $ 7      $ 47   
                                        

Charges

     1        —          4        1        6   

Reversals

     —          —          (1     —          (1

Utilized

     (2     (1     (10     (2     (15
                                        

Balance at January 30, 2010

   $ 7      $ —        $ 24      $ 6      $ 37   
                                        

NOTE 11 — INCOME TAXES

Earnings before income taxes are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009
   February 2,
2008

U.S.

   $ 287    $ 20    $ 131

Foreign

     57      198      89
                    

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 344    $ 218    $ 220
                    

Income tax expense (benefit) is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Current:

      

U.S. Federal

   $ 22      $ 10      $ 67   

Foreign

     26        (69     102   

State

     7        2        11   
                        

Total current income tax expense (benefit)

   $ 55      $ (57   $ 180   
                        

Deferred:

      

U.S. Federal

   $ (46   $ (14   $ (35

Foreign

     44        83        (62

State

     (13     (5     (18
                        

Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense

   $ (15   $ 64      $ (115
                        

Total Income tax expense

   $ 40      $ 7      $ 65   
                        

Included within the total provision for income taxes is expense of $10 million, less than $1 million and $9 million related to interest and penalties in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, as well as benefit of $8 million, $3 million and less than $1 million for interest attributable to income tax refunds in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

We have not provided deferred taxes on approximately $129 million of accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries as it is management’s intention to reinvest those earnings indefinitely. The unrecognized deferred tax liability associated with distributing these earnings is zero, net of foreign tax credits.

 

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The tax rate reconciliations are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

U.S. Federal statutory tax rate

   35.0   35.0   35.0

State taxes, net of U.S. Federal benefit

   (0.5   (1.1   (3.8

Foreign operations(1)

   (25.7   (15.9   (5.2

U.S. Federal valuation allowance

   1.0      (21.7   12.7   

Unrecognized tax benefits

   3.0      8.0      (11.2

Other

   (1.2   (1.1   2.0   
                  

Effective tax rate

   11.6   3.2   29.5
                  

 

(1)

Foreign operations include the net impact of: differences between local statutory rates and the U.S. statutory rate, the cost of repatriating foreign earnings net of foreign tax credits, changes to our APB 23 assertion regarding the permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings related to certain foreign entities, permanent items related to foreign operations, as well as changes in the tax status of foreign entities.

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are:

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Deferred tax assets:

    

U.S. Federal tax credit and other carryforwards

   $ 83      $ 91   

Foreign tax loss and other carryforwards

     274        250   

State tax loss and other carryforwards

     67        69   

Straight line rent

     120        111   

Insurance loss reserve

     33        37   

Restructuring charges

     26        30   

Deferred revenue

     53        2   

Other

     144        148   
                

Gross deferred tax assets before valuation allowance

     800        738   

Valuation allowance

     (269     (235
                

Total deferred tax assets

   $ 531      $ 503   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Fixed assets

   $ (199   $ (146

Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries

     (49     (70

Foreign currency translation

     (22     (68

Other

     (45     (41
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

   $ (315   $ (325
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 216      $ 178   
                

The deferred tax assets and liabilities above are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Current deferred tax assets

   $ 102      $ 84   

Current deferred tax liabilities (1)

     (4     (8

Non-current deferred tax assets

     181        180   

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

     (63     (78
                
   $ 216      $ 178   
                

 

(1)

The current deferred tax liabilities are included as components of Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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Our gross deferred tax assets above include an offset of $32 million and $51 million of unrecognized tax benefits related to tax loss carryforwards as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. The decrease in our deferred tax liability for undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries includes a reduction of $43 million attributable to two of our foreign subsidiaries as it is management’s intention to reinvest those earnings indefinitely.

Carryforwards

Of our $83 million of U.S. Federal tax credit and other carryforwards, $15 million will expire during the next 5 to 7 years and the remainder may be carried forward indefinitely. Of our $67 million of state tax loss and other carryforwards, $4 million will expire during the next 5 years, $49 million will expire during the next 6 to 20 years and $14 million may be carried forward indefinitely. Of our $274 million of foreign tax loss and other carryforwards, $2 million will expire during the next 5 years, $1 million will expire during the next 6 to 20 years and $271 million may be carried forward indefinitely.

On July 21, 2005, the Company was acquired by the Sponsors. U.S. Federal and certain state and foreign taxing jurisdictions impose limitations on the amount of tax losses, credits and other carryforwards that can be used to offset current income and tax within any given year when there has been an ownership change.

Valuation Allowance

Management has established a valuation allowance to offset some of our deferred tax assets as we believe it is more likely than not these assets will not be realized. During fiscal 2009, our valuation allowance increased by $34 million. This includes a $45 million increase of the valuation allowance for foreign loss and other carryforwards and an $11 million decrease of the valuation allowance for state tax loss and other carryforwards.

Of our total valuation allowance of $269 million, there is $7 million related to the foreign valuation allowance which, if a benefit is subsequently recognized, will result in a reduction of another asset.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest and penalties) is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Beginning balance

   $ 132      $ 261      $ 228   

Additions for tax positions of the current year

     26        11        57   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     44        15        71   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (25     (87     (73

Settlements

     (21     (37     (4

Currency translation adjustment

     6        (28     13   

Lapse of statute of limitations

     (4     (3     (31
                        

Ending balance

   $ 158      $ 132      $ 261   
                        

At January 30, 2010, $68 million of the $158 million of unrecognized tax benefits would affect our effective tax rate, if recognized, and the remaining $90 million would affect our deferred tax accounts. In addition, we had $26 million and less than $1 million of accrued interest and penalties, respectively, at January 30, 2010.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. Of the major jurisdictions, we are subject to examination by the United States for fiscal 2003 and forward, by Australia for fiscal 1993 and forward, by Canada for fiscal 2002 and forward, by France for fiscal 2007 and forward, by Germany for fiscal 2005 and forward, by Japan and Spain for fiscal 2004 and forward and by the United Kingdom for fiscals 2006 and forward. While it is often difficult to predict whether we will prevail, we believe that our tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect the more likely than not outcome of known tax contingencies.

 

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We believe that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by as much as $64 million during the next twelve months due to the resolution of ongoing audits and lapse of applicable statute of limitations.

NOTE 12 — SEGMENTS

We generate sales, earnings and cash flows by retailing numerous product offerings worldwide. We operate all of the “R” Us branded retail stores in the United States and Puerto Rico and approximately 72% of the 717 “R” Us branded retail stores internationally. The balance of the “R” Us branded retail stores outside the United States are operated by licensees and franchisees. These licensees and franchisees did not have a material impact on our Net sales. During fiscal 2009, the Company acquired certain business assets of FAO Schwarz, and began selling merchandise through our FAO Schwarz retail store in New York City. We also sell merchandise through our Internet sites in the United States at Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, as well as through other Internet sites internationally. In addition, commencing in fiscal 2009, we sell merchandise through our newly acquired eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com Internet sites.

Recognizing the numerous potential synergies between our toy and specialty juvenile products businesses over the last several years, we have begun to implement a strategy of creating an integrated “one-stop shopping” environment for our guests, combining the best of our toy and entertainment offerings with our specialty juvenile products, all under one roof (formats which we call “side-by-side” and “‘R’ Superstore”). Side-by-side (“SBS”) stores are typically former single-format Toys “R” Us stores between 40,000 and 50,000 square feet which have been converted to a combination Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us store format, often with dual entrances. “R” Superstores (“SSBS”) are conceptually similar to SBS stores, except they are typically newly-constructed facilities with store footprints in the 60,000 to 70,000 square foot range. In connection with our integrated strategy, we continue to increase the number of SBS and SSBS stores both domestically and internationally. Since implementing the integrated store format over three years ago, we have converted 129 existing stores into SBS store formats and have constructed 38 new SBS and SSBS stores. We expect that our integrated store formats will be our dominant focus going forward.

Our business has two reportable segments: Toys “R” Us – Domestic (“Domestic”) and Toys “R” Us – International (“International”). The following is a brief description of our segments:

 

   

Domestic — Our Domestic segment sells a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through 849 stores that operate in 49 states in the United States and Puerto Rico and through the Internet. Domestic Net sales are derived from 496 traditional toy stores (including 77 BRU Express and Juvenile Expansion formats), 260 specialty juvenile stores, 64 SBS stores, 26 SSBS stores and our 3 flagship stores in New York City. Additionally, we also generate sales through our Toys “R” Us Holiday Express store locations (“Pop-up stores”).

 

   

International — Our International segment sells a variety of products in the core toy, entertainment, juvenile, learning and seasonal categories through 717 owned, licensed or franchised stores that operate in 33 countries and through the Internet. Net sales (including fees received from licensed or franchised stores) in our International segment are derived from 618 traditional toy stores (including 2 BRU Express formats), as well as 77 SBS stores and 22 specialty juvenile stores. Our wholly-owned operations are in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We also consolidate the results of Toys – Japan of which owned 91% at January 30, 2010.

The Chief Executive Officer, who is our Chief Operating Decision Maker, evaluates segment performance primarily based on Net sales and segment operating earnings (loss). Segment operating earnings (loss) excludes corporate related charges and income. All intercompany transactions between the segments have been eliminated. Income tax information by segment has not been included as taxes are calculated at a company-wide level and are not allocated to each segment. Revenues from external customers are derived primarily from merchandise sales and we do not rely on any major customers as a source of revenue.

 

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The following table shows our percentage of Net sales by product category:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Core Toy

   17.0   16.1   16.8

Entertainment

   15.5   18.0   17.8

Juvenile

   30.8   31.2   29.8

Learning

   22.4   20.6   21.1

Seasonal

   13.2   13.0   13.4

Other (1)

   1.1   1.1   1.1
                  

Total

   100   100   100
                  

 

(1)

Consists primarily of shipping and other non-product related revenues.

A summary of financial results by reportable segment is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Net sales

      

Domestic

   $ 8,317      $ 8,480      $ 8,450   

International

     5,251        5,244        5,344   
                        

Total Net sales

   $ 13,568      $ 13,724      $ 13,794   
                        

Operating earnings (loss)

      

Domestic (1)

   $ 659      $ 593      $ 654   

International (2)

     341        193        340   

Corporate and other (3)

     (216     (165     (298
                        

Operating earnings

     784        621        696   

Interest expense

     (447     (419     (503

Interest income

     7        16        27   
                        

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 344      $ 218      $ 220   
                        

 

(1)

Includes impairment losses on long-lived assets of $6 million, $13 million and $6 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Also includes the impact of Net gains on sales of properties of $6 million and $33 million for fiscals 2009 and 2007, respectively. Refer to Note 1 entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” and Note 5 entitled “PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT” for further details.

(2)

Includes impairment losses on long-lived assets of $1 million, $20 million and $7 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Also includes the impact of Net gains on sales of properties of $4 million for fiscal 2008. Refer to Note 1 entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” and Note 5 entitled “PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT” for further details.

(3)

Includes gift card breakage income of $18 million, $78 million and $17 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, fiscal 2009 includes a $51 million gain related to the litigation settlement with Amazon. Fiscal 2008 includes a $39 million gain related to the substantial liquidation of the operations of TRU (HK) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary. Refer to Note 1 entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” and Note 15 entitled “LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” for further details.

Certain corporate and other items are reported separately in our disclosure of segment Operating earnings. In addition to the income items described above, charges include corporate office expenses and shared service center expenses, as well as certain other centrally managed expenses, which are not fully allocated to our reportable segments. The significant categories of expenses include salaries, benefits and related expenses, professional fees, corporate facility depreciation and amortization and insurance. Salaries, benefits and related expenses include salaries, bonus, payroll taxes and health insurance expenses for corporate office employees. Professional fees include costs related to internal control compliance, financial statement audits, legal, information technology and other consulting fees, which are engaged and managed through the corporate office. Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation of leasehold improvements for properties occupied by corporate office employees. Corporate insurance expense includes the cost of fire, liability and automobile premiums.

 

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     Fiscal Years Ended

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009
   February 2,
2008

Depreciation and amortization

        

Domestic

   $ 220    $ 225    $ 223

International

     122      138      133

Corporate

     34      36      38
                    

Total Depreciation and amortization

   $ 376    $ 399    $ 394
                    

Capital expenditures

        

Domestic

   $ 121    $ 249    $ 193

International

     50      105      100

Corporate

     21      41      33
                    

Total Capital expenditures

   $ 192    $ 395    $ 326
                    

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Merchandise inventories

     

Domestic

   $ 1,158    $ 1,165

International

     652      616
             

Total Merchandise inventories

   $ 1,810    $ 1,781
             

Total Assets

     

Domestic

   $ 4,421    $ 4,887

International

     2,513      2,505

Corporate and other (1)

     1,643      1,019
             

Total Assets

   $ 8,577    $ 8,411
             

 

(1)

Includes cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets and other corporate assets.

Our Net sales and long-lived assets by country or region are as follows:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009
   February 2,
2008

Net sales

        

United States

   $ 8,317    $ 8,480    $ 8,450

Japan

     1,791      1,786      1,643

Europe (1)

     1,587      1,611      1,630

United Kingdom

     891      902      1,146

Other (2)

     982      945      925
                    

Total Net sales

   $ 13,568    $ 13,724    $ 13,794
                    

 

(1)

Includes our wholly-owned operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain and Portugal.

(2)

Includes our wholly-owned operations in Australia and Canada.

 

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(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Long-lived assets

     

United States

   $ 2,977    $ 3,199

Japan

     607      664

Europe (1)

     456      439

United Kingdom

     312      284

Other (2)

     252      242
             

Total long-lived assets

   $ 4,604    $ 4,828
             

 

(1)

Includes our wholly-owned operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain and Portugal.

(2)

Includes our wholly-owned operations in Australia and Canada.

NOTE 13 — DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans covering certain international employees in the United Kingdom (“UK”), Austria, Japan, and Germany, with such benefits accounted for on an accrual basis using actuarial assumptions. For our pension plans, we use a measurement date matching the end of our fiscal years.

The following tables provide information regarding our pension plans (in millions):

Obligation and Funded Status at End of Fiscal Year:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

    

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 84      $ 101   

Service cost

     6        6   

Interest cost

     4        4   

Employee contributions

     1        1   

Benefits, expenses paid

     (2     (2

Actuarial loss (gain)

     10        (11

Foreign currency impact

     5        (15
                

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 108      $ 84   
                

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Change in fair value of plan assets:

    

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 52      $ 67   

Actual return on plan assets

     11        (14

Employer contributions

     9        8   

Employee contributions

     1        1   

Benefits, expenses paid

     (2     (2

Foreign currency impact

     4        (8
                

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 75      $ 52   
                

 

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     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Reconciliation of funded status to total amount recognized:

    

Funded status

   $ (33   $ (32

Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:

    

Non-current liability

   $ (33   $ (32

Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:

    

Unrecognized net actuarial losses, net of tax

   $ 11      $ 10   

The estimated net actuarial loss for defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into net periodic (benefit) cost in fiscal 2010 is expected to be $1 million.

Information for Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets:

 

     January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 108    $ 84

Accumulated benefit obligation (1)

     98      76

Fair value of plan assets

     75      52

 

(1)

Represents the total Accumulated benefit obligation as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost During Each Fiscal Year:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Service cost

   $ 6      $ 6      $ 6   

Interest cost

     4        4        4   

Expected return on plan assets

     (3     (2     (3

Amortization of:

      

Recognized actuarial loss

     1        1        1   
                        

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 8      $ 9      $ 8   
                        

Contributions

For fiscal 2010, we expect to contribute approximately $8 million to our pension plans.

 

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Estimated Future Payments

Pension benefit payments, including amounts to be paid from our assets, and reflecting expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:

 

     Pension
Benefits

2010

   $ 2

2011

     3

2012

     3

2013

     3

2014

     3

2015 and thereafter

     15
      

Total

   $ 29
      

Weighted-average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Costs at Fiscal Year End:

 

     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Discount rate

   4.4   4.7   4.4

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

   4.7   4.1   4.7

Rate of compensation increase

   4.0   4.3   4.0

Weighted-average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations at Fiscal Year End:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Discount rate

   4.4   4.4

Rate of compensation increase

   3.8   4.0

Determination of Discount Rate

Historically, the discount rate used to determine benefit obligations for our pension plans has been developed based on the AA corporate bond yield curve with the assistance of the Company’s external actuaries. Due to the turmoil in the credit markets in 2008 and its impact on the corporate AA bond markets in 2009, there was a much greater range of yields among AA-rated bonds than would typically be expected. As a result, certain high yield bonds were excluded from the yield curve in determining the discount rate. We expect to revert back to the use of historical methods of determining the discount rate as the credit markets continue to stabilize and yields related to the most affected corporate bonds are consistent with other issuers.

Determination of Expected Return on Assets

The expected return on assets is the rate of return expected to be achieved on pension fund assets in the long term, net of investment expenses. More than 90% of the plan assets relate to the UK and Japan pension plans. The UK and Japan pension plans expected return on assets assumption for fiscal 2010 has been determined by considering the return on the actual asset classes held as of the measurement date and our expectations of future rates of return on each asset class. For the UK and Japan pension plans, we determine the expected rate of return by utilizing the current return available on stocks and government and corporate bonds and applying suitable risk premiums that consider historical market returns and current market expectations. The estimate of the expected rate of return is based on a long term view and considers the impact of economic conditions in the evaluation of historical market returns.

 

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Plan Assets

Commencing in fiscal 2009, the rules related to accounting for postretirement benefit plans under ASC 715 require certain additional disclosures related to the investment and risk management policies over the Company’s pension plan assets, as well as the determination of the fair value and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets held by the Company.

Investment policies and strategies

Our overall investment policy and strategic management of the plan assets are the responsibility of the trustees (acting based on advice as they deem appropriate) and are driven by investment objectives as set out below. The remaining elements of our investment policy are part of the day-to-day management of the assets, which is delegated to a professional investment manager. The trustees of our defined benefit pension plans are guided by an overall objective of achieving, over the long-term, a return on the investments, which is consistent with the long-term assumptions made by the actuaries in determining funding of the plans.

The investment returns that the trustees expect to achieve are those that are broadly in line with or above the returns of the respective market indices and performance targets against which the investment manager is benchmarked. Over the longer term, the trustees expect to achieve an investment return in excess of the consumer price index.

Weighted-average asset allocation by asset category

The primary investment goal for our plans’ assets is to maximize total asset returns while ensuring the plans’ assets are available to fund the plans’ liabilities as they become due. A change in the overall investment strategy could significantly impact the expected rate of return on plan assets.

The following represents our pension plan target asset allocations for fiscal 2010, as well as the actual asset allocations as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

     2010 Target
Allocation
    January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Equity securities

   53   53   35

Debt securities

   31   29   23

Insurance contracts

   9   9   11

Cash

   7   9   31
                  

Total

   100   100   100
                  

Risk management

In managing the Company’s plan assets, our investment managers evaluate and manage risk associated with funded status risk, interest rate risk, market risk, counterparty risk, liquidity risk and operational risk. Cash flow management and asset class diversification are central to our risk management strategy and are critical to the overall investment strategy of our pension plan assets.

Fair value of plan assets

The following table presents our plan assets using the fair value hierarchy as of January 30, 2010. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1 refers to fair values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant other observable inputs, while Level 3 includes the fair values estimated using significant non-observable inputs. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

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(In millions)

   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for

Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
   Total

Equity Securities: (1)

           

Domestic

   $ —      $ 10    $ —      $ 10

International

     —        30      —        30

Fixed Income: (2)

           

Domestic

     —        8      —        8

International

     —        14      —        14

Insurance Contracts (3)

     —        6      —        6

Cash and cash equivalents (4)

     7      —        —        7
                           

Balance at January 30, 2010

   $ 7    $ 68    $ —      $ 75
                           

 

(1)

Domestic and international equity securities categorized as Level 2 are valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per fund share, which is derived from quoted prices in active markets of the underlying securities.

(2)

Domestic and international fixed-income securities categorized as Level 2 are valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per fund share, which is derived using a market approach with inputs that include broker quotes, benchmark yields, base spreads and reported trades.

(3)

Insurance contracts contain a minimum guaranteed return and are categorized as Level 2 as the fair value of the assets is equal to the total amount of all individual technical reserves plus the non allocated employer’s financing fund reserves at the valuation date. The individual technical and financing fund reserves are equal to the accumulated paid contributions taking into account the insurance ratification and any allocated profit sharing return.

(4)

Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

NOTE 14 — OTHER EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT AND COMPENSATION BENEFITS

We offer other employee retirement and compensation benefits for eligible employees. The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) provides supplemental retirement benefits to certain executive officers in excess of the limitations that are imposed by Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on contributions to our TRU Partnership Employees’ Savings and Profit Sharing Plan (the “Savings Plan”). Participants are generally 100 percent vested in their SERP accounts after completing five years of employment with the Company. For each of fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded SERP expenses of approximately $1 million. At January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, the SERP liability was $3 million and $2 million, respectively.

Included in our Savings Plan, we have a 401(k) salary deferral feature, company-matching contributions and a profit sharing component for eligible U.S.-based employees. Under the terms of the Savings Plan annual employer profit sharing contributions are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors, subject to certain limitations. The Savings Plan may be terminated at our discretion. Effective January 1, 2009, eligibility for participation in the 401(k) savings account portion of the Savings Plan has changed from six months to twelve months, affecting those employees hired on or after July 1, 2008. In addition, effective January 1, 2009 Company matching contributions has changed from a maximum of 5% to a maximum of 4%, affecting all participants in the Savings Plan. We also have various defined contribution and other foreign government sponsored retirement plans for foreign employees, which are managed by each respective foreign location. Expenses related to the Savings Plan and other foreign defined contribution plans were $19 million, $21 million and $20 million in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Board of Directors did not elect to contribute to the profit sharing portion of the Savings Plan in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007.

We also offer other supplemental compensation benefits to our executive officers. Prior to the Merger, we offered our executive officers an additional life insurance coverage benefit (“Split Dollar Plan”), which entitled their beneficiaries to receive a death benefit of five times the executive officer’s current compensation. As of March 2005, we discontinued this benefit to new employees. Pursuant to the Merger agreement, the endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies will remain in a trust for the

 

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then existing participants until July 2010 at which time management may liquidate the Plan assets. Unless otherwise provided for by the individual severance packages, if the existing participants leave the Company prior to July 2010, they forfeit this benefit. As of July 2005, the Split Dollar Plan was fully funded. As of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, our Split Dollar Plan assets were $5 million and $6 million, respectively. As of January 30, 2010, there were approximately 20 current and severed employees that were participating in the Split Dollar Plan.

NOTE 15 — LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On May 21, 2004, we filed a lawsuit against Amazon and its affiliated companies in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Passaic County and Amazon subsequently filed a counterclaim against us and our affiliated companies and filed a lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of Washington, King County. All lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice and, pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement, on July 21, 2009, Amazon paid the Company $51 million which was recorded in Other income, net.

On July 15, 2009, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granted the class plaintiffs’ motion for class certification in a consumer class action commenced in January 2006, which was consolidated with an action brought by two Internet retailers that was commenced in December 2005. Both actions allege that Babies “R” Us agreed with certain baby product manufacturers (collectively, with the Company, the “Defendants”) to impose, maintain and/or enforce minimum price agreements in violation of antitrust laws. In addition, in December 2009, a third Internet retailer filed a similar action and another class action was commenced making similar allegations involving most of the same Defendants. We intend to vigorously defend all of these cases. Related to those cases, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) notified the Company in April 2009 that the FTC had opened an investigation to confirm the Company’s compliance with a 1998 FTC Final Order that prohibits the Company from, among other things, influencing its suppliers to limit sales of products to other retailers, including price club warehouses. The Company believes it has complied with the FTC Final Order and is cooperating with the FTC.

In addition to the litigation discussed above, we are, and in the future, may be involved in various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the ordinary course of business. The results of litigation are inherently unpredictable. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in diversion of significant resources. The results of these lawsuits, claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these current matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements taken as a whole.

NOTE 16 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits as well as commitments under contractual and other commercial obligations. We recognize liabilities for contingencies and commitments when a loss is probable and estimable. For claims and contingencies related to income taxes, see Note 11 entitled “INCOME TAXES.” Refer to Note 9 entitled “LEASES” for minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases having a term of more than one year as of January 30, 2010.

As of January 30, 2010, we remain contingently liable for amounts due or amounts that may become due under certain real estate lease agreements that have been assigned to third parties. In the event of default by the assignees, we could be liable for payment obligations associated with these leases which have future lease related payments (not discounted to present value) of approximately $154 million through September 2032. The impact of these obligations are not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

We currently guarantee 80% of three Toys – Japan’s installment loans, totaling ¥3.0 billion ($33 million at January 30, 2010). These loans have annual interest rates of 2.6% to 2.8%. In addition, we have an agreement with McDonald’s Japan, in which we promise to promptly reimburse McDonald’s Japan for any amounts it may be required to pay in connection with its guarantee of the remaining 20% of these loans.

NOTE 17 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Sponsors provide management and advisory services to us pursuant to an advisory agreement executed at the closing of the Merger Transaction and effective as of July 21, 2005 and amended June 10, 2008 and February 1, 2009. The advisory fee (the “Advisory Fees”) paid to the Sponsors increases 5% per year during the ten-year term of the agreement. The fee paid to the Sponsors under the advisory agreement was approximately $15 million, $17 million and $17 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During each of fiscals 2009 and 2008, we paid the Sponsors fees of less than $1 million, respectively, for out-of-pocket expenses. During fiscal 2007, we paid the Sponsors fees of $1 million for out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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Pursuant to an amendment to the advisory agreement, the advisory fee for fiscal 2009 was capped at $15 million. The additional amount of approximately $3 million of advisory fees that would have been due for fiscal 2009, absent the amendment, will be paid by the Company, if at all, at the time (and from the proceeds) of a successful initial public offering of the Company’s securities.

In the event that the advisory agreement is terminated by the Sponsors or us, the Sponsors will receive all unpaid Advisory Fees, all unpaid transaction fees and expenses due under the advisory agreement with respect to periods prior to the termination date plus the net present value of the Advisory Fees that would have been payable for the remainder of the applicable term of the advisory agreement. The initial term of the advisory agreement is ten years, and it extends annually for one year unless we or the Sponsors provide notice of termination to the other. The advisory agreement provides that affiliates of the Sponsors will be entitled to receive a fee equal to 1% of the aggregate transaction value in connection with certain financing, acquisition, disposition and change of control transactions. The advisory agreement includes customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of the Sponsors and their affiliates. In connection with the TRU Propco II financing (as described below), we paid the Sponsors $7 million of transaction fees pursuant to the terms of the advisory agreement.

From time to time, the Sponsors or their affiliates may acquire debt or debt securities issued by the Company or its subsidiaries in open market transactions or through loan syndications. During fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, affiliates of Vornado and KKR, all equity owners of the Company, held debt and debt securities issued by the Company and its subsidiaries. The interest amounts paid on such debt and debt securities held by related parties were $18 million, $25 million and $26 million in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During fiscal 2009 and in connection with the offering on November 20, 2009 by TRU Propco II of $725 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured 8.50% notes due 2017, affiliates of KKR acquired $28 million of these secured notes. For further details, see Note 2 entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT.”

In fiscal 2007, we sold properties to Vornado Surplus 2006 Realty LLC. For further details, see Note 5 entitled “PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT.”

NOTE 18 — ACQUISITIONS

During fiscal 2009, we paid a total of $14 million for the acquisitions described below. The acquisitions resulted in $2 million of goodwill and we acquired $9 million of finite-lived intangibles. These acquisitions did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2009, we acquired the e-commerce websites eToys.com and babyuniverse.com as well as the Internet domain Toys.com and the parenting website ePregnancy.com.

On May 28, 2009, the Company acquired certain business assets of FAO Schwarz, a children’s retailer. As part of the acquisition, the Company continues to operate the FAO Schwarz retail store in New York City along with the FAO Schwarz e-commerce and catalog businesses.

On September 3, 2009, the Company acquired the brand and other intellectual property assets of KB Toys, a toy retailer.

NOTE 19 — TOYS – JAPAN SHARE ACQUISITION

As part of our global growth strategy, management continuously looks for opportunities to grow and strengthen our business in markets we currently participate in, as well as in other countries worldwide. Prior to the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we owned 48% of the outstanding common stock of Toys – Japan and consolidated 100% of its financial results as we held a majority of the financial control through our positions on its Board of Directors.

On May 13, 2008, TRU Japan Holdings 2, LLC (“Holdings 2”), our newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary, announced an open tender offer to purchase a minimum of 4,519,000 shares of Toys – Japan from McDonald’s Japan and all public shareholders at ¥729 ($6.81 at June 10, 2008) per share. The tender offer closed on June 10, 2008, on which date Holdings 2 purchased 4,943,036 shares (approximately 14% of Toys – Japan) for $35 million, including $1 million of transaction costs. As a result of this purchase, we owned 21,395,036 shares or approximately 62% of Toys – Japan at January 31, 2009.

 

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We allocated the $35 million purchase price to our additional approximately 14% share of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed based upon their fair values at June 10, 2008, of which $24 million adjusted the net book value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and $11 million was recorded as goodwill in our Consolidated Balance Sheet and assigned to our Toys – Japan reporting unit (included in our International segment). See Note 1 entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details on Goodwill, net.

On September 24, 2009, Holdings 2 announced an open tender offer to purchase the remaining outstanding shares of Toys – Japan from all public shareholders (excluding Toys “R” Us Japan Holdings, Inc., (“Holdings 1”) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toys “R” Us, Inc.) at ¥587 ($6.54 at November 11, 2009) per share. The tender offer closed on November 10, 2009, on which date Holdings 2 purchased 9,687,056 shares (approximately 28% of Toys – Japan) for approximately $66 million, including $2 million of transaction costs. As a result of this purchase, we owned 31,226,284 shares or approximately 91% of Toys – Japan at January 30, 2010.

As we maintained financial control of Toys – Japan during the transaction, the additional ownership interest acquired in Toys – Japan was accounted for as an equity transaction between owners in accordance with ASC 810. Upon acquisition of the additional ownership interest, Noncontrolling interest decreased by $82 million, representing the percentage of ownership purchased during the tender offer at historical costs. The net $16 million difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the carrying amount of the Noncontrolling interest acquired was recognized as a net increase in Toys “R” Us, Inc. stockholders’ equity, consisting of a $4 million reduction in Additional paid-in-capital and a $20 million reduction in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

At a special shareholders’ meeting of Toys – Japan on January 19, 2010, it was approved (through various steps) that Toys – Japan will conduct an exchange of the remaining outstanding common stock of Toys – Japan (“Toys – Japan Common Stock”) for a new class of stock (“New Stock”) at such an exchange ratio resulting in all shareholders other than our wholly-owned subsidiaries Holdings 1 and Holdings 2 being entitled to receive a fractional share of New Stock. As Toys – Japan is not permitted to issue fractional shares, all shareholders entitled to fractional shares of New Stock are expected to be cashed out at a price of ¥587 for each share of Toys – Japan Common Stock held by such shareholder. The acquisition of the fractional shares is expected to close in or around April 2010 upon receipt of judicial approval.

NOTE 20 — REORGANIZATION

On June 10, 2008, we entered into a plan of reorganization pursuant to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §368(a) with Former Parent under which Former Parent transferred all of its assets (including 1,000 shares of our Pre-Reorganization Common Stock (as defined below)) and liabilities to us in exchange for us issuing 48,955,808 shares of our Post-Reorganization Stock (as defined below) to Former Parent. In addition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, we assumed the obligations and succeeded the rights of Former Parent under the Management Equity Plan. In order to effect the plan of reorganization, we amended our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended, the “Certificate of Incorporation”) on June 10, 2008, in order to authorize 55,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Post-Reorganization Common Stock”) in addition to the already existing 3,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Pre-Reorganization Common Stock”). After effecting the plan of reorganization, we amended and restated the Certificate of Incorporation on June 10, 2008 in order to change the authorized capital to consist of only 55,000,000 shares of Post-Reorganization Common Stock. Immediately after the exchange, Former Parent, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, was dissolved. In connection with the dissolution of Former Parent, Former Parent distributed all of its assets (consisting solely of the Post-Reorganization Common Stock) to its shareholders, in a ratio of one share of Post-Reorganization Stock for each share of Former Parent common stock owned by each shareholder. On June 10, 2008, our by-laws were also amended and restated in order to incorporate certain Sponsor-related provisions formerly contained in Former Parent’s by-laws.

Accordingly, our common stock is now held directly by the former shareholders of Former Parent, including the Sponsors and certain members of management. In connection with the plan of reorganization, we also amended certain agreements in order for the Company to assume the responsibilities and obligations of Former Parent under those agreements, including the Advisory Agreement among Former Parent, the Company and affiliates of our Sponsors, dated as of July 21, 2005, and the Management Equity Plan, pursuant to which certain members of management of our Company hold common stock. We also assumed the responsibilities and obligations under the Stockholders Agreement among Former Parent, affiliates of our Sponsors and certain other persons, dated as of July 21, 2005, which, among other things, contains provisions regarding the composition of our Board of Directors and Sponsor approval of certain actions, including, but not limited to, a change in control of the Company, the incurrence of certain indebtedness by the Company and certain acquisitions and dispositions by the Company.

 

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This reorganization has been reflected in these financial statements as if it had occurred as of the earliest period presented.

NOTE 21 — RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-11, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Scope Exception Related to Embedded Credit Derivatives” (“ASU 2010-11”). ASU 2010-11 clarifies the only form of embedded credit derivative that is exempt from embedded derivative bifurcation requirements is one that is related only to the subordination of one financial instrument to another. As a result, entities that have contracts containing an embedded credit derivative feature in a form other than such subordination may need to separately account for the embedded credit derivative feature. The amendments in this ASU are effective at the beginning of a reporting entity’s first fiscal quarter beginning after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted at the beginning of each entity’s first fiscal quarter beginning after March 5, 2010. We are currently assessing the impact that ASU 2010-11 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” (“ASU 2010-06”). This ASU provides amendments that will require more robust disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, and the transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3. ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 is not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-01, “Equity (Topic 505): Accounting for Distributions to Shareholders with Components of Stock and Cash” (“ASU 2010-01”). This ASU clarifies that the stock portion of a distribution to shareholders that allows them to elect to receive cash or stock with a potential limitation on the total amount of cash that all shareholders can elect to receive in the aggregate is considered a share issuance that is reflected in earnings per share prospectively and is not a stock dividend. ASU 2010-01 is effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2009, and should be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact ASU 2010-01 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810) – Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities” (“ASU 2009-17”), formerly SFAS 167. ASU 2009-17 changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design, and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities of the other entity that most significantly impact the other entity’s economic performance. ASU 2009-17 also requires a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with VIEs and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. Additionally, a reporting entity will be required to disclose how its involvement with a VIE affects the reporting entity’s financial statements. ASU 2009-17 is effective at the start of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009. Early application is not permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that ASU 2009-17 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) – Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements” (“ASU 2009-13”), which represents an update to ASC 605. ASU 2009-13 establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is based on: (a) vendor-specific objective evidence; (b) third-party evidence; or (c) estimated selling price. This guidance also eliminates the residual method of allocation and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. This update is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that ASU 2009-13 will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following tables set forth certain unaudited quarterly financial information:

 

     For the 13 Weeks Ended  

(In millions)

   May 2,
2009
    August 1,
2009
    October 31,
2009
    January 30,
2010 (1)
 

Fiscal 2009

        

Net sales

   $ 2,477      $ 2,567      $ 2,667      $ 5,857   

Gross margin

     890        951        950        1,987   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     788        828        892        1,222   

Depreciation and amortization

     93        101        85        97   

Other income, net (2)

     (12     (64     (18     (18

Operating earnings (loss)

     21        86        (9     686   

Net (loss) earnings

     (40     25        (69     388   

Net (loss) earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc.

   $ (35   $ 27      $ (67   $ 387   
     For the 13 Weeks Ended  

(In millions)

   May 3,
2008
    August 2,
2008
    November 1,
2008
    January 31,
2009 (1)
 

Fiscal 2008

        

Net sales

   $ 2,719      $ 2,771      $ 2,773      $ 5,461   

Gross margin

     977        1,014        960        1,797   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     895        885        930        1,146   

Depreciation and amortization

     100        103        95        101   

Other income, net (2)

     (20     (53     (11     (44

Operating earnings (loss)

     2        79        (54     594   

Net (loss) earnings (3)

     (47     9        (106     355   

Net (loss) earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. (3)

   $ (36   $ 13      $ (104   $ 345   

 

(1)

Our Domestic and International businesses are highly seasonal with sales and earnings highest in the fourth quarter. During the last three fiscal years, more than 39% of the Net sales from our Domestic and International business were generated in the fourth quarter. Our results of operations depend significantly upon the fourth quarter holiday selling season.

(2)

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recognized a $51 million gain on litigation settlement with Amazon. See Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” for further details. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we recognized an additional $59 million of gift card breakage income as a result of the change in estimate effected by a change in accounting principle. Partially offsetting this income was an impairment charge of $33 million on long-lived assets. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the operations of TRU (HK) Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary, were substantially liquidated. As a result, we recognized a $39 million gain representing a cumulative translation adjustment, in accordance with SFAS No. 52 “Foreign Currency Translation.” Refer to Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further details.

(3)

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, our valuation allowance decreased by $46 million related to certain tax credit and other carryforwards where we believe that it is more likely than not that such carryforwards will be used.

 

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PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION

Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Schedule I — Condensed Statements of Operations

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Revenues

   $ 23      $ 26      $ 29   

General and administrative expenses

     32        36        31   

Depreciation and amortization

     14        22        23   

Other Income, net

     (51     (2     —     
                        

Total operating expenses (income)

     (5     56        54   
                        

Other (expense) income:

      

Interest expense, net

     (132     (102     (96

Inter-company interest (expense) income, net

     (1     13        17   

Equity in pre-tax earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     457        344        322   
                        

Earnings before income taxes

     352        225        218   

Income tax expense

     40        7        65   
                        

Net earnings

   $ 312      $ 218      $ 153   
                        

See accompanying notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

 

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Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Schedule I — Condensed Balance Sheets

 

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009
 

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 196    $ 212   

Current deferred tax assets

     13      3   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     17      4   
               

Total current assets

     226      219   

Property and equipment, net

     18      28   

Investments in and advances to/from subsidiaries

     1,364      996   

Deferred tax assets

     66      81   

Restricted cash

     33      51   

Other assets

     15      11   
               
   $ 1,722    $ 1,386   
               

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

     

Current Liabilities:

     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 113    $ 95   

Income taxes payable

     50      25   
               

Total current liabilities

     163      120   

Long-term debt

     1,330      1,333   

Liabilities for uncertain tax positions

     70      80   

Other non-current liabilities

     74      127   

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     85      (274
               
   $ 1,722    $ 1,386   
               

See accompanying notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

 

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Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Schedule I Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

   $ 42      $ 71      $ 45   
                        

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (4     (6     (7

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     —          4        —     

Sale (purchase) of short-term investments

     —          66        (67

Investments in subsidiaries

     (248     (3     (105

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

     18        (51     —     

Intercompany loan repayment by subsidiaries

     482        265        179   

Loans to subsidiaries

     (455     (249     (168
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (207     26        (168
                        

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Borrowings from subsidiaries

     150        18        124   

Other

     (1     —          —     
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     149        18        124   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents:

      

Net increase (decrease) during period

     (16     115        1   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     212        97        96   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 196      $ 212      $ 97   
                        

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

      

Income taxes (received) paid, net of refunds

   $ (1   $ 1      $ 1   

Interest paid

   $ 136      $ 84      $ 99   

See accompanying notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

 

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Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Schedule I — Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

NOTE A — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Toys “R” Us, Inc. (the “Parent Company”) is a holding company that conducts substantially all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. As specified in certain of its subsidiaries’ debt agreements, there are restrictions on the Parent Company’s ability to obtain funds from certain of its subsidiaries through dividends, loans or advances (refer to Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT”). Accordingly, these condensed financial statements have been presented on a “parent-only” basis. Under a parent-only presentation, the Parent Company’s investments in its consolidated subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. These parent-only financial statements should be read in conjunction with Toys “R” Us, Inc.’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

On January 28, 2010, our direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Toys “R” Us International LLC (“TRU-International”) was merged with and into Parent Company (the “Transaction”). These financial statements present the historical financial positions and results of operations of Parent Company and TRU-International on a combined basis. The Transaction has been reflected in these financial statements as if it had occurred as of the earliest period presented with prior year financial information combined retrospectively for fiscals 2008 and 2007. TRU-International provides certain information technology, accounting and operational support to our foreign subsidiaries for a service fee. For fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, the service fees from the foreign subsidiaries are based on costs plus a premium and have been recorded in Revenues on an accrual basis.

In connection with the July 21, 2005 Merger and subsequent reorganization, the Parent Company borrowed $770 million and received a promissory note of $887 million (£509 million) as a dividend from its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Toys “R” Us (UK) Limited (“Toys Limited”). The outstanding net intercompany receivable balance from Toys Limited was $208 million and $107 million as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively, and was included in Investments in and advances to/from subsidiaries.

On June 10, 2008, we entered into a plan of reorganization pursuant to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) §368(a) with Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc., our former parent (“Former Parent”) under which Former Parent transferred all of its assets (including 1,000 shares of Pre-Reorganization Common Stock) and liabilities to the Parent Company in exchange for issuing 48,955,808 shares of Parent Company Post-Reorganization Stock to Former Parent. In addition, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, the Parent Company assumed the obligations and succeeded the rights of Former Parent under the Management Equity Plan (refer to Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION”). Immediately after the exchange, Former Parent, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, was dissolved. On June 10, 2008, the Parent Company by-laws were also amended and restated in order to incorporate certain Sponsor-related provisions formerly contained in Former Parent’s by-laws. Refer to Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “REORGANIZATION.”

Included in Investments in and advances to/from subsidiaries as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 are intercompany payables of $366 million and $334 million to Toys – Delaware, which included $250 million advanced in fiscal 2006 to repay principal on our 6.875% notes and remain outstanding at each fiscal year end, respectively. In addition, Parent Company’s intercompany payable to Toys – Delaware at January 30, 2010 included $150 million related to loan proceeds received from Toys – Delaware and $18 million of accrued interest related to Parent Company’s overall intercompany payable balance, both of which were recorded during fiscal 2009. Parent Company’s intercompany payable balance with Toys – Delaware at January 31, 2009 included $18 million in payments received from Toys – Delaware to fund certain operating expenses of Parent Company and $21 million of accrued interest related to Parent Company’s overall intercompany payable balance, both of which were recorded during fiscal 2008. Also during fiscal 2009, Parent Company recorded a dividend-in-kind of a payable to Toys-Delaware in the aggregate amount of $146 million established as a result of payments by Toys-Delaware to Parent Company in fiscals 2006 and 2007 for interest payments on Parent Company’s publicly issued and outstanding notes.

For fiscals 2009, 2008, and 2007, the income tax expense of $40 million, $7 million and $65 million, respectively, in the attached Schedule I—Condensed Statements of Operations represents the Parent Company’s consolidated income tax benefit expense. Such amounts include income tax expense of $76 million, $34 million and $143 million, respectively, related to our subsidiaries, which have not been consolidated for this presentation. The Parent Company is responsible for cash income tax payments on the separate company income of such subsidiaries for U.S. Federal and certain state filings.

 

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NOTE B — DEBT

A summary of the Parent Company’s Long-term debt as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 is outlined in the table below:

 

     January 30,    January 31,

(In millions)

   2010    2009

7.625% notes, due fiscal 2011

   $ 507    $ 512

7.875% senior notes, due fiscal 2013

     395      393

7.375% senior notes, due fiscal 2018

     406      406

8.750% debentures, due fiscal 2021 (1)

     22      22
             

Total

   $ 1,330    $ 1,333
             

 

(1)

Represents obligations of Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Toys – Delaware.

The total fair values of the Parent Company’s Long-term debt, with carrying values of $1,330 million and $1,333 million at January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, were $1,304 million and $505 million, respectively. The fair values of the Parent Company’s Long-term debt are estimated using the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues and other pertinent information available to management as of the end of the respective periods.

The annual maturities of the Parent Company’s Long-term debt at January 30, 2010 are as follows:

 

(In millions)

   Annual
Maturities

2010

   $ —  

2011

     507

2012

     —  

2013

     395

2014

     —  

2015 and subsequent

     428
      

Total

   $ 1,330
      

The Parent Company is a co-obligor of the outstanding debentures due fiscal 2021, as are shown in the Parent Company Condensed Balance Sheets for stand-alone reporting purposes. However, it is expected all future principal and interest payments will be funded through the operating cash flows of Toys – Delaware. For each of fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, Toys – Delaware recorded interest expense related to the outstanding debentures due fiscal 2021 of $2 million, which is reflected as part of Equity in pre-tax earnings of consolidated subsidiaries in the Parent Company Condensed Statements of Operations.

The Parent Company currently guarantees 80% of three Toys – Japan’s installment loans, totaling ¥3.0 billion ($33 million at January 30, 2010). These loans have annual interest rates of 2.6% — 2.8%, mature from 2012 to 2014 and are reported as part of the Toys – Japan bank loans of $172 million at January 30, 2010. In addition, the Parent Company has an agreement with McDonald’s Holding Company (Japan), Ltd. (“McDonald’s Japan”), in which the Parent Company promises to promptly reimburse McDonald’s Japan for any amounts it may be required to pay in connection with its guarantee of the remaining 20% of Toys – Japan’s three installment loans.

For a discussion of the Parent Company’s guarantees and the debt obligations of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT.”

 

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NOTE C — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

ASC Topic 815 (“ASC 815”), formerly SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires the recording of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet measured at estimated fair value and the recognition of the unrealized gains and losses. The accounting for derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivatives and the resulting designation. In certain defined conditions, a derivative may be specifically designated as a hedge for a particular exposure.

Interest Rate Contracts

We and our subsidiaries have a variety of fixed and variable rate debt instruments and are exposed to market risks resulting from interest rate fluctuations. In an effort to manage interest rate exposures, we periodically enter into interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. We enter into interest rate swaps and/or caps to reduce our exposure to variability in expected future cash outflows attributable to the changes in LIBOR rates. Our interest rate contracts contain credit-risk related contingent features and are subject to master netting arrangements. Our interest rate contracts have various maturity dates through April 2015. A portion of these interest rate swaps are designated for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges under ASC 815.

The effective portion of the cash flow hedge is recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income; the ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recorded to Interest expense. We evaluate the effectiveness of the hedging relationship on an ongoing basis and recalculate changes in fair value of the derivative and the underlying hedged item separately.

For our derivative that is designated under ASC 815 as a cash flow hedge, we recorded a nominal gain and loss in earnings related to ineffectiveness for the years ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009, respectively. Reclassifications from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to Interest expense primarily relate to realized Interest expense on interest rate swaps and the amortization of gains (losses) recorded on previously terminated or de-designated swaps. We expect to reclassify a net loss of approximately $30 million over the next 12 months to Interest expense from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Certain of our agreements with credit-risk related features contain provisions where we could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if we default on certain specified indebtedness. Additionally, we have one agreement with a provision requiring we maintain an investment grade credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. As our ratings are currently below investment grade, we are required to post collateral for this contract. At January 30, 2010, derivative liabilities related to agreements that contain credit-risk related features had a fair value of $31 million. We have a minimum collateral posting threshold with certain derivative counterparties and have posted collateral of $33 million as of January 30, 2010.

The following table presents our outstanding derivative contracts as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

               January 30, 2010    January 31, 2009

(In millions)

   Effective Date    Maturity Date    Notional Amount    Notional Amount

Interest Rate Swaps

           

1 Month USD LIBOR Float to Fixed
Interest Rate Swap (1) (2)

   May 2008    December 2010    $ 750    $ 750

1 Month USD LIBOR Float to Fixed
Interest Rate Swap (2) (3)

   May 2008    December 2010      550      550

Interest Rate Caps

           

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-
starting Interest Rate Cap (4)

   January 2011    April 2015    $ 500    $ —  

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-
starting Interest Rate Cap (4)

   January 2012    April 2015      500      —  

1 Month USD LIBOR Forward-
starting Interest Rate Cap (4)

   January 2014    April 2015      311      —  

 

(1)

As of January 30, 2010, this derivative qualified for hedge accounting as a cash flow hedge.

(2)

On May 8, 2008, we entered into two new interest rate swaps initially associated with our $1.3 billion Unsecured credit agreement that mature in December 2010. The interest rate swaps convert the variable LIBOR-based portion of our interest payments to a fixed rate of interest of 3.14%, which effectively fix the all-in interest rate of the facility at 6.14%. Upon repayment of the $1.3 billion Unsecured credit agreement, the interest rate swaps were associated with the $800 million Secured real estate loan and the Secured term loan facility.

(3)

On November 10, 2009, in anticipation of the repayment of the $800 million Secured real estate loan and projected future variable interest rate exposure, the Company de-designated its $550 million interest rate swap. The remaining $16 million loss recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified to earnings over the life of the original hedged instrument.

 

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(4)

On April 3, 2009, we entered into three new forward-starting interest rate cap agreements to manage our future interest rate exposure. The total amount paid for the caps was $8 million. Two of these interest rate caps were designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815, hedging the variability of LIBOR based cash flows above the strike price for each cap. Subsequently, on November 10, 2009, the Company de-designated two $500 million forward-starting interest rate caps resulting in a reclassification from Accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings a gain of $1 million; an additional $2 million will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to earnings over the remaining life of the caps.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

We occasionally enter into foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge our short-term, cross-currency intercompany loans with our foreign subsidiaries. We enter into these contracts in order to reduce our exposure to the variability in expected cash outflows attributable to changes in foreign currency rates. These derivative contracts are not designated as hedges under ASC 815 and are recorded on our Condensed Balance Sheets at fair value with a gain or loss recorded on the Condensed Statements of Operations in Interest expense.

Our foreign exchange contracts contain some credit-risk related contingent features, are subject to master netting arrangements and typically mature within 12 months. These derivatives contracts are not designated as hedges under ASC 815. These agreements contain provisions where we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if we default on certain specified indebtedness. We are not required to post collateral for these contracts.

The following table presents our outstanding foreign exchange contracts as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

            January 30, 2010   January 31, 2009

(In millions)

  Effective Date   Maturity Date   Notional Amount   Notional Amount

Foreign-Exchange Forwards

       

Short-term cross-currency intercompany loans

  Varies   Varies   $ —     $ 31

The following table sets forth the net impact of the effective portion of derivatives on Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income on our Condensed Statements of Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
   January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815:

       

Interest Rate Contracts

   $ 10    $ (26   $ (1

The following table sets forth the impact of derivatives on Interest expense on our Condensed Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 31, 2009 and February 2, 2008:

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
 

Derivatives not designated for hedge accounting under ASC 815:

      

Gain on the change in fair value - Interest Rate Contracts

   $ 2      $ —        $ —     

(Loss) gain on the change in fair value - Foreign Exchange Contracts

     (10     23        (15
                        
     (8     23        (15
                        

Derivatives designated as variable cash flow hedges under ASC 815:

      

Loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive

      

(loss) income (effective portion) - Interest Rate Contracts

     (36     (10     (3
                        

Total Interest expense

   $ (44   $ 13      $ (18
                        

 

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The following table contains the notional amounts and fair values of Parent Company’s outstanding derivative contracts as of January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009:

 

     January 30, 2010     January 31, 2009  

(In millions)

   Notional
Amount
   Fair Value
Assets/
(Liabilities)
    Notional
Amount
   Fair Value
Assets/
(Liabilities)
 

Interest Rate Contracts designated as cash flow hedges under ASC 815:

          

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 750    $ (18   $ —      $ —     

Other non-current liabilities

     —        —          1,300      (44
                              

Interest Rate Contracts not designated for hedge accounting under ASC 815:

          

Other assets

   $ 1,311    $ 9      $ —      $ —     

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     550      (13     —        —     
                              

Foreign Currency Contracts not designated for hedge accounting under ASC 815:

          

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ —      $ —        $ 31    $ —     

Total derivative contracts outstanding

          

Prepaid expenses and other assets

   $ —      $ —        $ 31    $ —     

Other assets

     1,311      9        —        —     
                              

Total derivative assets

   $ 1,311    $ 9      $ 31    $ —     
                              

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 1,300    $ (31   $ —      $ —     

Other non-current liabilities

     —        —          1,300      (44
                              

Total derivative liabilities

   $ 1,300    $ (31   $ 1,300    $ (44
                              

Refer to Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for further details on derivative instruments.

NOTE D — LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In fiscal 2009, Parent Company recognized a $51 million gain related to the litigation settlement with Amazon which was recorded in Other income, net. Additionally, Parent Company is party to other lawsuits. Refer to Note 15 entitled “LITIGATION AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” for further information.

NOTE E — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Parent Company is a guarantor on certain leases entered into by its subsidiaries. For a discussion of the lease obligations of the Parent Company and its subsidiaries, see Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LEASES.”

NOTE F — DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS

The Parent Company received cash dividends from certain of its subsidiaries of $158 million, $156 million and $236 million during fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, Parent Company received cash distributions from its property subsidiaries during 2009, 2008 and 2007 which amounted to $7 million, $45 million and $46 million and which were recorded as returns of capital.

During fiscal 2009, Parent Company made the following capital contributions: $66 million to TRU Japan Holdings 2, LLC (“Holdings 2”), which it used to purchase additional 28% of Toys – Japan common stock. (Refer to Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “TOYS – JAPAN SHARE ACQUISITION” for further details); $142 million to Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC, which it used to repay the outstanding loan balance under the Unsecured credit agreement and related transaction costs; and $47 million to Toys “R” Us property Company II, LLC, which it used to repay $200 million in Secured real estate loans.

During fiscal 2008, Parent Company loaned $28 million and made a capital contribution of $8 million to TRU Japan Holdings 2, LLC (“Holdings 2”), which it used to purchase an additional approximately 14% share of Toys – Japan common stock. (Refer to Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “TOYS – JAPAN SHARE ACQUISITION” for further details). Also during fiscal 2008, the Parent Company made a capital contribution of $40 million to its direct subsidiary, TRU Australia Holdings, LLC, who made a similar contribution to its subsidiary, Toys “R” Us Australia Pty Ltd. The funds were used to pay down certain liabilities.

During fiscal 2007, Parent Company made a capital contribution of $151 million to TRU Australia Holdings, LLC, which it used to settle an inter-company loan with Toys “R” Us Europe, LLC (“Toys-Europe”). In turn, Toys-Europe paid a cash dividend to the Parent Company in the same amount.

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including the principal executive and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

We have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this annual report.

Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K to accomplish their objectives at the reasonable assurance level.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report based on the framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework.

Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of January 30, 2010, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm which has audited and reported on the financial statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued its written attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Toys “R” Us, Inc.:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Toys “R” Us, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of January 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended January 30, 2010 of the Company and our report dated March 24, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of new guidance on the accounting for non-controlling interests.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

March 24, 2010

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors

The following persons were members of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) as of January 30, 2010. Each elected director will hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal from office by our stockholders.

 

Name

 

Age

  

Principal Occupation and Business Experience During Past Five Years and Other Directorships

Joshua Bekenstein   51    Mr. Bekenstein has been our director since September 2005. Mr. Bekenstein is a Managing Director of Bain Capital LLC. He has been with Bain Capital LLC since its founding in 1984. Mr. Bekenstein currently serves as a member of the Boards of Directors of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., Waters Corporation, Dollarama Capital Corporation, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels Stores, Inc. and Bright Horizons Family Solutions.
Michael M. Calbert   47    Mr. Calbert has been our director since July 2005. Mr. Calbert has been an executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Ltd. since 2000. Mr. Calbert currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Dollar General, Inc.
Michael D. Fascitelli   53    Mr. Fascitelli has been our director since July 2005. Mr. Fascitelli has been President and a Trustee of Vornado Realty Trust since December 1996 and Chief Executive Officer of Vornado Realty Trust since May 2009. Mr. Fascitelli has also been President and a director of Alexanders, Inc. since August 1996. Mr. Fascitelli was on the Board of Directors of GMH Communities Trust from August 2005 until June 2008.
Matthew S. Levin   44    Mr. Levin has been our director since July 2005. Mr. Levin has been a Managing Director at Bain Capital LLC since 2000. Mr. Levin also currently serves as a director of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., Dollarama Capital Corporation, Michaels Stores, Inc., Unisource Worldwide, Inc. and Guitar Centers, Inc.
Sanjay Morey   38    Mr. Morey has been our director since June 2008. Mr. Morey has been an executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Ltd. since 2006. Mr. Morey was a Vice President of Fenway Partners from August 2001 through February 2006. Mr. Morey is a director of U.S. Foodservice.
John Pfeffer   41    Mr. Pfeffer has been our director since September 2005. Mr. Pfeffer has been an executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Ltd. since 2000, heading the European Retail Sector Team.
Steven Roth   68    Mr. Roth has been our director since September 2005. Mr. Roth has been Chairman of the Board of Vornado Realty Trust since May 1989. Mr. Roth was Chief Executive Officer of Vornado Realty Trust from May 1989 to May 2009 and has been Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Vornado Realty Trust since April 1980. Mr. Roth is currently the Managing General Partner of Interstate Properties, an owner of shopping centers and investor in securities and partnerships. Mr. Roth has been a general partner of Interstate Properties since 1968. He has also been the Chief Executive Officer of Alexander’s, Inc. since March 1995 and Chairman of the Board of Alexander’s, Inc. since 2004 and a director since 1989.
Wendy Silverstein   49    Ms. Silverstein has been our director since September 2005. Ms. Silverstein has been Executive Vice President — Capital Markets of Vornado Realty Trust since 1998.
Michael Ward   46    Mr. Ward has been our director since September 2007. Mr. Ward is a Managing Director of Bain Capital Partners, LLC. He has been with Bain Capital Partners, LLC since 2002. Mr. Ward is a member of the Board of Directors of Sensata Technologies, Inc. and The Weather Channel, Inc.
Gerald L. Storch   53    Mr. Storch has been our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since February 2006. Mr. Storch was Vice Chairman of Target Corporation (“Target”) from 2001 to 2005 and held various other positions at Target from 1993 (then Dayton-Hudson) to 2001. Prior to joining Target, Mr. Storch was a Principal of McKinsey & Company where he served from 1982 to 1993.

 

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Other than Mr. Storch, each of the Directors was elected to the Board pursuant to a stockholders agreement dated July 21, 2005 by and among the Company, the Sponsors and a private investor (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”). Pursuant to such agreement, Messrs. Bekenstein, Levin and Ward were appointed to the Board as a consequence of their respective relationships with Bain Capital; Messrs. Calbert, Morey and Pfeffer were appointed to the Board as a consequence of their respective relationships with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.; and Messrs. Fascitelli and Roth and Ms. Silverstein were appointed to the Board as a consequence of their respective relationships with Vornado Realty Trust.

Executive Officers

The following persons were our Executive Officers as of January 30, 2010, having been elected to their respective offices by our Board of Directors:

 

Name

 

Age

  

Position with the Registrant

Gerald L. Storch(1)

  53    Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer

F. Clay Creasey, Jr.

  61    Executive Vice President — Chief Financial Officer

Claire Babrowski

  52    Executive Vice President — Chief Operating Officer

Deborah M. Derby

  46    Executive Vice President — Chief Administrative Officer

Antonio Urcelay

  58    President — Continental Europe

David Rurka

  63    Managing Director of Toys “R” Us Holdings, Limited

Daniel Caspersen

  57    Executive Vice President — Human Resources

David J. Schwartz

  42    Executive Vice President — General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

 

(1)

See “Directors” above for Mr. Storch’s biography.

The following is a brief description of the business experience of each of our Executive Officers:

Mr. Creasey has served as our Executive Vice President — Chief Financial Officer since May 2006. From July 2005 to April 2006, Mr. Creasey served as Chief Financial Officer of Zoom Systems, an automated retailer. Prior to that, Mr. Creasey served in various roles at Mervyn’s, a subsidiary of Target, from 1992 to 2005, most recently as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 2000 to 2005.

Ms. Babrowski has served as our Executive Vice President — Chief Operating Officer since June 2007. From February 2006 to September 2006, Ms. Babrowski served as Interim Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Radio Shack Corporation. From July 2005 to February 2006, she served as Radio Shack’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, from 1974 to 2005, Ms. Babrowski served in various executive roles at McDonald’s Corporation, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Restaurant Operations Officer (2003-2005) and as President, McDonald’s Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (2001-2003). Ms. Babrowski is a Director of Delhaize Group.

Ms. Derby has served as our Executive Vice President — Chief Administrative Officer since February 2009. From May 2006 to February 2009, Ms. Derby served as Executive Vice President — President — Babies “R” Us. From September 2005 until May 2006, Ms. Derby served as our Executive Vice President — Human Resources, Legal and Corporate Communications and Secretary. From May 2003 until September 2005, Ms. Derby served as our Executive Vice President — Human Resources. From November 2002 to May 2003, Ms. Derby served as our Senior Vice President, Associate Relations and Organizational Effectiveness. From January 2002 to November 2002, Ms. Derby was our Vice President, Associate Relations. From June 2000 (when she first joined the Company) to January 2002, Ms. Derby was our Vice President — Human Resources, Babies “R” Us.

Mr. Urcelay has served as our President — Continental Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Spain and Portugal) since August 2004. Mr. Urcelay served as the Managing Director of Toys “R” Us Iberia, S.A. from October 2006 until February 2009. From August 2003 through August 2004, Mr. Urcelay was President of Southern Europe (France, Spain and Portugal).

 

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Mr. Rurka has served as the Managing Director of Toys “R” Us Holdings, Limited, a United Kingdom subsidiary of the Company, since 1984.

Mr. Caspersen has served as our Executive Vice President — Human Resources since May 2006. From September 2004 until April 2006, Mr. Caspersen served as Vice President — Stores — Human Resources of Target. Prior to that, from September 2001 to September 2004, Mr. Caspersen was Vice President — Headquarters — Human Resources at Target.

Mr. Schwartz has served as our Executive Vice President – General Counsel since October 2009 and has served as Corporate Secretary since April 2006. From September 2003 until October 2009, Mr. Schwartz served as Senior Vice President — General Counsel. From January 2002 until September 2003, Mr. Schwartz served as our Vice President — Deputy General Counsel, and has served as Assistant Corporate Secretary from that time until April 2006. From February 2001 to January 2002, Mr. Schwartz served as our Vice President — Corporate Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary. Mr. Schwartz is a Director of Toys “R” Us Japan, Ltd.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

As our equity securities are not registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), none of our directors, officers or ten percent holders were subject to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act for the past fiscal year or the filing requirements thereof.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or any person performing similar functions (the “Code of Ethics”). The Code of Ethics is available on the Corporate Governance page of our website at www.Toysrusinc.com. If we ever were to amend or waive any provision of our Code of Ethics, we intend to satisfy our disclosure obligations with respect to any such waiver or amendment by posting such information on our Internet website set forth above rather than by filing a Form 8-K. The Code of Ethics is also available in print, free of charge, to any investor who requests it by writing to: Toys “R” Us, Inc., One Geoffrey Way, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, Attention: Investor Relations.

Audit Committee

Our Board of Directors has a separately designated audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of Sanjay Morey, Michael Ward and Wendy Silverstein. Our Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and that Mr. Ward is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. None of our Audit Committee members is an independent director because of their affiliations with the Sponsors.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following Executive Compensation discussion and analysis discusses our compensation policies and decisions regarding our named executive officers and describes the material elements of compensation for our named executive officers. Our named executive officers are:

 

   

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Gerald L. Storch;

 

   

Executive Vice President — Chief Financial Officer, F. Clay Creasey, Jr.;

 

   

Executive Vice President — Chief Operating Officer, Claire Babrowski;

 

   

Executive Vice President — Chief Administrative Officer, Deborah M. Derby; and

 

   

President of Continental Europe, Antonio Urcelay.

 

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Role of Our Board of Directors in Compensation Decisions

Our Board of Directors bears the ultimate responsibility for approving both our compensation program and the specific compensation paid to each of our named executive officers. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Executive Committee”) assists the Board in discharging this responsibility as further described below. The Executive Committee takes action pursuant to a charter approved by the Board. The Executive Committee is comprised of three members, one designee from each of our Sponsors.

Objective of Our Compensation Program

The overall objective of our compensation program is to provide compensation opportunities that will allow us to attract and retain executive officers of a caliber and level of experience necessary to effectively manage our global business and motivate such executive officers to increase the value of our Company. We believe that, in order to achieve that objective, our program must:

 

   

provide each executive officer with compensation opportunities that are competitive with the compensation opportunities available to executives in comparable positions at companies with whom we compete for talent;

 

   

tie a significant portion of each executive officer’s compensation to our financial performance and his or her individual performance; and

 

   

align the interests of our executive officers with those of the Sponsors.

Elements of Our Compensation Program

Our executive compensation program consists of the following integrated components:

 

   

base salary;

 

   

annual incentive awards;

 

   

long-term incentives;

 

   

perquisites;

 

   

other benefits; and

 

   

benefits upon termination without cause or change of control.

Mix of Total Compensation

No formula or specific weightings or relationships are used with regard to the allocation of the various pay elements within the total compensation program. Cash compensation includes base salary and annual incentive awards which, for top executive officers, are targeted to approach or exceed base salaries to emphasize performance-based compensation. Perquisites and other types of non-cash benefits are used on a limited basis and represent only a small portion of total compensation for our executive officers. Stock compensation includes long-term incentives, which provide a long-term capital appreciation element to our executive compensation program. The bulk of deferred compensation is provided through our “TRU” Partnership Employees’ Savings and Profit Sharing Plan (the “Savings Plan”) and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) for the U.S. officers. For Mr. Urcelay, the bulk of his deferred compensation is provided through his retirement plans, the Plan de Pensiones CajaMadrid Rent (the “Spain Savings Plan”) and certain annuity products from MAPFRE Vida (the “MAPFRE Policies”).

Initial Determination of Compensation

Prior to hiring a new executive officer to fill a vacant position, we typically describe the responsibilities of the position and the skills and level of experience required for the position to one or more national executive search firms. The search firms inform us about the compensation ranges of executives in positions with similar responsibilities at comparable companies and provide us with guidance as to how different skills and levels of experience impact those compensation ranges. In addition, the Sponsors inform us about the compensation ranges paid by their portfolio companies to executive officers with similar skills and experiences. By using the information obtained from the search firms and our Sponsors, we determine target compensation ranges

 

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for the positions we are seeking to fill, taking into account the individual candidate’s particular skills and levels of experience. In specific circumstances, when making an offer to a potential new executive officer, we also consider other factors such as the amount of unvested compensation that the executive officer has with his or her former employer. By using information provided by one or more search firms, we seek to ensure that the compensation information we consider is both comprehensive and reliable. We believe this process has enabled us to attract superior individuals for key positions by providing for reasonable and competitive compensation. Each of our named executive officer’s initial base salary, annual incentive award target and, in some instances, long-term incentives was determined through this process.

Base Salary

Base salary provides fixed compensation and is designed to reward core competence in the executive officer’s role relative to his or her skills, experience and contribution to the Company.

The Executive Committee reviews the base salary of each of our executive officers annually as part of the Company’s performance review process described below, as well as upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility. On an annual basis, the Executive Committee determines the range, if any, for merit-based increases for eligible employees of the Company (including our executive officers). In developing the range for merit-based increases, the Executive Committee will often look at broad-based industry surveys to determine the reasonableness of the proposed range of merit-based increases. Merit-based increases to the base salary of an executive officer are based on the Executive Committee’s assessment that the executive officer performed at or above his or her established goals. Increases in base salary due to a promotion or change in job responsibilities are based on the Executive Committee’s assessment of the responsibilities and importance of the executive officer’s new position compared to the executive officer’s prior position.

At the beginning of each fiscal year, each of our executive officers is required to establish his or her personal business goals for the year, using some or all of the following five criteria:

 

   

Financial—focuses on financial metrics that we believe are good indicators of whether the Company and our business segments are achieving their annual and long-term business objectives;

 

   

Operational Efficiency—focuses on operational efficiencies and cost reduction, such as supply chain optimization and reducing selling, general and administrative expenses;

 

   

Team Work—focuses on people individually and as a team, such as the hiring, development and retention of employees, compensation initiatives, team building, conflict resolution, communication and succession planning activities;

 

   

Customer Satisfaction—focuses on operational execution, such as improving customer satisfaction and testing new business initiatives and new product lines; and

 

   

Future Development—focuses on growing our business, such as implementing new business strategies, accelerating new store rollouts and developing financial strategies.

We believe that these five criteria, when considered together, provide an appropriate method of measuring our executive officers’ personal performance.

At the beginning of each fiscal year, Mr. Storch, our Chairman and CEO, reviews and approves the goals developed by each of our executive officers, other than himself, and the Executive Committee reviews and approves Mr. Storch’s goals. At the end of each fiscal year, Mr. Storch reviews the individual performance of each executive officer against his or her personal goals. Mr. Storch also prepares a self-evaluation of his own performance. He then presents his conclusions and recommendations with respect to base salary adjustments to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee considers these conclusions and recommendations when determining any adjustments to our executive officers’ base salaries. Based upon the economic conditions and the resulting impact on our business, the Executive Committee decided that no named executive officers would receive an increase in salary for fiscal 2009.

Annual Incentive Awards

Annual incentive awards are an important part of the overall compensation we pay our executive officers. Unlike base salary, which is fixed, the annual incentive awards are paid only if specified performance levels are achieved during the year. We believe that annual incentive awards encourage our executive officers to focus on specific short-term business and financial goals of the Company. Our executive officers receive annual cash incentive awards under the Toys “R” Us, Inc. Management Incentive Plan (the “Management Incentive Plan”).

 

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Under the Management Incentive Plan, each executive officer has an annual incentive target expressed as a percentage of his or her salary. The target bonus percentages for our named executive officers were established in their employment agreements and may be subsequently adjusted based upon performance and/or a promotion in responsibility. Our named executive officers’ annual incentive award targets, expressed as a percentage of base salary, are as follows: 200% for Mr. Storch; 110% for Ms. Babrowski and Ms. Derby; and 100% for Messrs. Creasey and Urcelay. Each executive officer’s annual incentive target is weighted 70% on the Company’s financial performance (“Financial Component”) and 30% on the executive officer’s personal performance (“Personal Component”). We believe that weighting the executive officers’ annual incentive targets in this way aligns the interests of our executive officers with the interests of the Sponsors by motivating the executive officers to increase the shareholder value of the Company as a whole, while also rewarding each of the executive officers for his or her individual performance.

The Financial Component is based on a combination of the Adjusted EBITDA results for the total Company and for one or more business units of the Company. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA, for this purpose, as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted for the effects of certain period charges and gains or losses, including, among others, changes in foreign currency, noncontrolling interest, gains or losses on liquidations of subsidiaries or sales of properties, asset impairments and accounting changes. More detail about the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is set forth in the narrative after the “Summary Compensation” table on page 110, including actual Adjusted EBITDA results. We believe that focusing the Financial Component solely on Adjusted EBITDA closely aligns the executive officers’ interests with those of the Sponsors. The Adjusted EBITDA goals for the Company and each business unit are established at the beginning of each year by the Executive Committee. The Adjusted EBITDA goals for fiscal 2009 were $976,300,000 for the consolidated Company, $841,500,000 for our Domestic segment, $335,800,000 for our International segment, $28,209,000 for Central Europe (using the budgeted conversion rate of 1 EURO = 1.2813 USD), $44,847,000 for France (using the budgeted conversion rate of 1 EURO = 1.2813 USD) and $56,630,000 for Iberia (using the budgeted conversion rate of 1 EURO = 1.2813 USD).

The specific combination of Adjusted EBITDA measures that make up the Financial Component for a particular named executive officer relates to his or her primary job responsibilities. For example, corporate officers generally have a financial target based 50% on consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and 50% on Adjusted EBITDA of the Domestic segment and International segment, weighted two-thirds for the Domestic segment and one-third for the International segment. However, if the named executive officer has primary responsibility for one business unit, the Financial Component of his or her annual bonus is based 25% on consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and 75% on Adjusted EBITDA for that particular business unit (except for Mr. Urcelay, whose annual bonus is based 25% on consolidated EBITDA, and 25% on the Adjusted EBITDA for each of Iberia, France and Central Europe). We believe that these Financial Component weightings motivate our executive officers to work to improve the Company as a whole with appropriate emphasis on business unit results as the executive’s job responsibilities merit.

The Executive Committee sets the threshold, target and maximum payout levels for the Financial Component of the Management Incentive Plan. The Executive Committee generally sets the target levels of achievement under the Management Incentive Plan at the Adjusted EBITDA targets for the Company and its business units, as applicable, which the Executive Committee determines when it establishes our business plan as part of our annual financial planning process whereby we assess the future operating environment and build projections of anticipated results. Achievement at the respective levels would result in a payout at the target level (i.e., 70% of the executive officer’s annual incentive target in fiscal 2009). If the applicable Adjusted EBITDA performance is less than the minimum threshold of the particular Adjusted EBITDA target, no bonus will be earned with respect to that portion of the Financial Component of the Management Incentive Plan. If Adjusted EBITDA performance is greater than 100% of any particular Adjusted EBITDA target, the executive officer’s total payout with respect to the Financial Component of the Management Incentive Plan (i.e., 70% of his or her annual incentive target) is capped at 300% of the Financial Component target (which means 210% of his or her annual incentive target).

The Personal Component of the annual incentive under the Management Incentive Plan is based on each executive officer’s individual performance measured against his or her personal business goals (as further described in the “Base Salary” section above), as assessed as part of the Company’s performance review process described under “Base Salary” above. The Executive Committee sets the threshold and maximum payout levels for the Personal Component of the Management Incentive Plan. The Executive Committee will first determine an average payout percentage of the annual incentive target for all eligible employees at the Company (including our executive officers) and will then determine the actual payout of the Personal Component portion of each executive officer’s annual incentive target, after considering the conclusions and recommendations provided by Mr. Storch with respect to executive officers other than himself. An executive officer’s payout with respect to the Personal Component of the Management Incentive Plan (i.e., 30% of his or her annual incentive target) is capped at 200% (which means 60% of his or her annual incentive target). The Executive Committee also considers how the payouts to the executive officers will affect the payouts for all eligible employees, as all percentage payouts to employees (including our executive officers) must equal the average payout percentage determined by the Executive Committee.

 

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Notwithstanding the formulas described above for the Management Incentive Plan, the Executive Committee has the discretion to adjust the Personal Component and/or Financial Component payouts for all participants (which includes our executive officers) of the Management Incentive Plan.

The “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2009” table on page 112 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K shows the threshold, target and maximum Management Incentive Plan awards that each of our named executive officers was eligible to receive in fiscal 2009. The Management Incentive Plan awards actually earned by our named executive officers in fiscal 2009 are shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table” on page 110.

Long-Term Incentives

We believe that providing long-term incentives as a component of compensation helps us to attract and retain our executive officers. These incentives also align the financial rewards paid to our executive officers with the Company’s long-term performance, thereby encouraging our executive officers to focus on the Company’s long-term goals. We offer long-term incentives under the Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc., Management Equity Plan (the “Management Equity Plan”).

Under the Management Equity Plan, executive officers are eligible to purchase (or in some instances to receive without payment) restricted shares of our common stock, par value $.001 per share (“Common Stock”) and to receive stock options to purchase such Common Stock. Restricted shares of Common Stock may be purchased at a price equal to the fair value of the Common Stock. When the shares of Common Stock are purchased for fair value, they are fully vested upon purchase and are “restricted” in that the Common Stock is subject to certain transfer restrictions, as well as, in some cases, a put right exercisable in certain circumstances by the holder and a call right exercisable by us (and, if not exercised by us, by the Sponsors in the event the holder is no longer employed by us or any of our subsidiaries). When the shares of Common Stock are granted without consideration, they generally have a vesting period designed to encourage retention of the executive officer. Stock options granted under the Management Equity Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying Common Stock on the grant date. Unless special vesting conditions are approved in an individual case, stock options granted under the Management Equity Plan vest over five years based on continued service (“service-based options”) or (ii) after eight years (“performance-based options”). The service-based stock options are designed to encourage retention, while the performance-based stock options combine retention with reward for achieving designated levels of return on investment for the Sponsors. In June 2009, the Management Equity Plan was amended in order to remove the performance-based requirements and have all of the options to purchase our Common Stock vest upon continued service of five years. More detail about the restricted stock and stock options held by our named executive officers (including the vesting provisions related to these grants) are shown in the tables that follow this discussion, including the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2009 Fiscal Year-End” table on page 113.

Our executive officers who were employed at the time of the Merger (including Ms. Derby and Mr. Urcelay) were offered the opportunity at that time to invest in the Company along with the Sponsors, by either making a cash investment to purchase restricted shares of Common Stock under the Management Equity Plan or rolling over previously existing options into the Management Equity Plan. Our executive officers, who were hired after the Merger, are provided the option of making a cash investment to purchase restricted shares of Common Stock. The equity ownership of our named executive officers is set forth in the Beneficial Ownership table in Item 12 entitled “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During Fiscal 2009, no named executive officer was granted an equity award. For more information on our practice for granting equity awards, see the section below entitled “Equity Grant Practices.”

Perquisites

We provide our executive officers with perquisites that we believe are reasonable and consistent with the perquisites that would be available to them at other potential employers. We provide each of our executive officers with a car allowance or company-leased car; financial planning, accounting and tax preparation services; legal services; an annual executive physical; and reimbursement of relocation expenses. In addition to these perquisites, pursuant to her employment agreement, Ms. Derby is entitled to tax gross-up payments if and to the extent that a change in control of the Company causes her to incur an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Perquisites are valued at aggregate incremental cost to the Company.

 

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For more information regarding perquisites for our executive officers, see the “Summary Compensation Table” on page 110 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information on the incremental costs of these perquisites, see the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table starting on page 110.

Other Benefits

Other benefits for our executive officers include retirement benefits and health and insurance benefits. Retirement benefits play an important role within our overall executive compensation program by facilitating retention and encouraging our employees to accumulate assets for retirement. Based upon annual surveys sponsored by the Retail Benefits Group in which we have participated, we believe that our retirement program, including the amount of benefits, is comparable to those offered by other companies in the retail industry and, as a result, is needed to ensure that our executive compensation program remains competitive.

We maintain the Savings Plan in which our U.S. named executive officers who have at least one year of employment with the Company are eligible to participate, along with a substantial majority of our employees. The Savings Plan is a traditional 401(k) plan, under which the Company matches 100% up to the first 4% of each plan participant’s (including our executive officers) earnings up to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) limit for each respective year in which the executive officer participates in the Savings Plan.

We also maintain the SERP for U.S. officers of the Company, including executive officers, who have one year of employment with the Company. Participants are generally 100% vested in their SERP accounts after completing five years of employment with the Company. The SERP provides supplemental retirement benefits that restore benefits to individuals whose retirement benefits are affected by the Internal Revenue Code limit on the maximum amount of compensation that may be taken into account under the Savings Plan. We intend the SERP to constitute an unfunded deferred compensation plan that is a “top-hat” plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. We believe the SERP gives our executive officers parity in terms of retirement benefits with our other employees whose benefits are not subject to these limitations. In addition, the SERP supports the financial security component of compensation by providing a level of retirement benefits that is based on the actual level of compensation earned by our named executive officers during their employment rather than only a portion of such compensation.

We currently offer an executive life insurance coverage benefit to certain of our officers. This benefit, however, is in the process of being phased out and Ms. Derby is the only current named executive officer entitled to this benefit. This plan has been a closed population, with no new members, since March 2005. This plan entitles executive officers’ beneficiaries or estates to receive an amount equal to five times their annual salary and target annual cash incentive as of May 2006, net of any principal amounts paid by the Company (i.e., a “split dollar plan”). This plan will remain in place until July 2010.

Mr. Urcelay, along with certain other management employees in Spain, participated in the Spain Savings Plan, which is a defined contribution pension plan. This plan is a product offered by CajaMadrid, a Spanish bank, and participation in this plan is not limited to our management employees but rather is available to other companies and investors who elect to participate. Mr. Urcelay will be eligible to receive this benefit at age 65, or a reduced benefit beginning at age 60. The benefit is paid either as a lump sum or as an annuity. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Urcelay is entitled to receive annual contributions equal to 15% of his base salary (the “Contribution Amount”). Spanish regulations limit company contributions to the Spain Savings Plan. The remaining balance of the Contribution Amount is utilized to purchase certain additional annuity products under the MAPFRE Policies, which provide certain payments to Mr. Urcelay upon maturity of each policy and prior to maturity, in the event of Mr. Urcelay’s disability or death. On July 23, 2009, Mr. Urcelay’s Spain Savings Plan account was cancelled and the balance was moved into the MAPFRE Policies. His entire 2009 contribution was made into the MAPFRE Policies.

Benefits Upon Termination or Change of Control

Pursuant to their employment agreements, our executive officers are entitled to benefits upon termination or change of control. We believe these benefits play an important role in attracting and retaining high caliber executive officers and permit our executive officers to focus on their responsibilities for the Company without distractions caused by uncertainties in the context of an actual or threatened change of control. We also believe these benefits play an important role in protecting the Company’s highly competitive business by restricting our executive officers from working for a competitor during the severance period. These benefits and restrictions are described in more detail beginning on page 114.

 

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Tax and Accounting Considerations

In making decisions about executive compensation, we take into account certain tax and accounting considerations. For example, we consider Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code regarding non-qualified deferred compensation and Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code with regard to change-in-control provisions. In making decisions about executive compensation, we also consider how various elements of compensation will affect our financial reporting. For example, we consider the impact of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification” or “ASC”) Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), which requires us to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant date fair value of those awards.

Equity Ownership Guidelines

Although as a privately held company we do not have formal equity ownership guidelines, we strongly encourage our executive officers to invest in the Company through the Management Equity Plan. We believe equity ownership aligns our executive officers’ interests with the Sponsors’ interests. The equity ownership of our named executive officers is set forth in the Beneficial Ownership Table in Item 12 entitled “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Equity Grant Practices

We intend to only issue equity under the Management Equity Plan twice a year to eligible new hires and eligible promoted individuals, although we may decide to issue equity at other times. Each grant date will coincide with a re-valuation of the stock price. After the stock price has been determined and our Executive Committee of the Board has approved the grant, there will be a limited investment window, during which eligible individuals will be able to purchase Common Stock and/or be granted stock options. These stock valuations will not be performed without considering all relevant public and non-public information. The number of options granted to these individuals will generally be determined by a multiple of the amount of their investment in restricted stock divided by the stock price, although the Board may grant options to persons who do not invest in the Common Stock at that time. The multiple is fixed and is based on the experience of the Sponsors in similar transactions.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Executive Committee of the Company, which serves as the Company’s Compensation Committee, has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on such review and discussion, the Executive Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Michael M. Calbert

Michael D. Fascitelli

Matthew S. Levin

 

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table summarizes the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named executive officers for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Fiscal
Year
  Salary   Bonus   Stock
Awards
  Option
Awards (1)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
  Change in
Pension value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
  All Other
Compensation
    Total

Gerald L. Storch,
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

  2009   $ 1,100,000   $ —     $ —     $ —        $ 3,503,887   $ —     $ 112,709 (2)    $ 4,716,596
  2008     1,084,615     —       —       —          1,278,265     —       187,363        2,550,243
  2007     1,000,000     —       —       —          2,423,490     —       253,009        3,676,499

F. Clay Creasey, Jr.,
EVP - Chief Financial Officer

  2009     515,000     —       —       —          820,228     —       62,081 (3)      1,397,309
  2008     512,692     —       —       —          299,230     —       83,928        895,850
  2007     492,307     —       —       1,408,004 (4)      545,285     —       170,586        2,616,182

Claire Babrowski,
EVP - Chief Operating Officer

  2009     725,000     —       —       —          971,096     —       88,081 (5)      1,784,177
  2008     721,154     —       —       —          403,559     —       119,463        1,244,176
  2007     473,846     —       —       1,176,998 (4)      817,544     —       363,301        2,831,689

Deborah M. Derby, (6)
EVP - Chief Administrative Officer

  2009     650,000     —       —       —          1,031,513     —       60,443 (7)      1,741,956
                 
                 

Antonio Urcelay, (8)
President, Continental Europe

  2009     673,110     —       —       —          1,090,850     —       236,235 (9)      2,000,195
  2008     695,458     —       —       —          539,665     —       294,249        1,529,372
                 

 

(1)

These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of equity awards granted in the specified fiscal year as calculated pursuant to ASC 718 (excluding estimates of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions). For additional information about the valuation assumptions with respect to equity awards, refer to Note 7 of the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION.” In connection with each executive officer’s purchase or grant of shares of Common Stock either at the time of the Merger or at the time of his or her hire, each named executive officer received, at no further cost, option awards to purchase shares of Common Stock. See the “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2009 Fiscal Year-end” table below for the vesting terms and conditions of these awards.

(2)

Includes $87,023 of Company contribution to the SERP, $15,948 for a leased car, $8,400 for financial planning services, $705 for life insurance premiums and $633 for long-term disability premiums.

(3)

Includes $24,641 for a leased car, $23,562 of Company contribution to the SERP, $9,800 of Company matching contribution to the Savings Plan, $2,740 for financial planning services, $705 for life insurance premiums and $633 for long-term disability premiums.

(4)

Represents the value of the stock option grant on the date of grant, August 6, 2007. The options were originally both service-based and performance-based options. In June 2009, the Management Equity Plan was amended in order to remove the performance-based requirements and have all options vest upon continued service.

(5)

Includes $36,458 of Company contribution to the SERP, $21,600 for car allowance, $20,000 for financial planning services, $8,685 of Company matching contribution to the Savings Plan, $705 for life insurance premiums and $633 for long-term disability premiums.

(6)

Ms. Derby was not a Named Executive Officer in 2007 or 2008.

(7)

Includes $32,732 of Company contribution to the SERP, $16,358 for a leased car, $8,800 of Company matching contribution to the Savings Plan, $1,215 for financial planning services, $705 for life insurance premiums and $633 for long-term disability premiums.

(8)

Mr. Urcelay is compensated in Euros. His 2009 compensation has been converted to U.S. dollars using a rate equal to the average monthly rate for fiscal 2009 of 1.0000 Euros = 1.4025 USD. His 2008 compensation has been converted to U.S. dollars using a rate equal to the average monthly rate for fiscal 2008 of 1.0000 Euros = 1.4594 USD. Mr. Urcelay was not a named executive officer in fiscal 2007.

(9)

Includes $173,960 for the purchase of annuity products under the MAPFRE Policies, $30,490 for a leased car, $21,120 for executive life insurance premiums, $9,843 for executive medical premiums and $822 for financial planning services.

 

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Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation for fiscals 2009 and 2008 is based on the actual Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA (earnings before interest income (expense), provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization), as further adjusted to exclude the effects of certain period charges and gains or losses. Although the nature of many of these period charges and gains or losses is recurring, we have historically excluded such impact from internal performance assessments. A reconciliation of Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA for fiscals 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

     For the Fiscal Years Ended  

(In millions)

   January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
 

Net earnings attributable to Toys “R” Us, Inc

   $ 312      $ 218   

Add:

    

Interest expense

     447        419   

Interest income

     (7     (16

Income tax expense

     40        7   

Depreciation and amortization

     376        399   
                

EBITDA (a)

     1,168        1,027   

Adjustments:

    

Sponsor management and advisory fees

     15        18   

Impairment on long-lived assets

     7        33   

Gain on settlement of litigation

     (51     —     

Noncontrolling interest (b)

     (44     (49

Foreign currency translation (c)

     (42     33   

Merchandise purchase hedges (d)

     (21     (2

McDonald’s Japan contract termination

     —          14   

Gift card breakage accounting change

     —          (59

Gain on liquidation of TRU (HK) Limited

     —          (39

Other (e)

     30        26   
                

Adjusted EBITDA - Consolidated (f)

   $ 1,062      $ 1,002   
                

 

(a)

Foreign currency translation contributed to a $21 million increase to EBITDA for the year ended January 30, 2010, when compared to the year ended January 31, 2009.

(b)

Represents the noncontrolling interest in Toys “R” Us – Japan (“Toys-Japan”). In fiscal 2008, we increased our investment in Toys – Japan by purchasing approximately an additional 14% share, to bring our total ownership percentage to approximately 62%. In fiscal 2009, we increased our ownership in Toys – Japan by an additional 28%, bringing our total ownership percentage to approximately 91%. See Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “TOYS –JAPAN SHARE ACQUISITION” for further details. The adjustments for both fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 represent the elimination of the noncontrolling interest in the Adjusted EBITDA of Toys – Japan. For fiscal 2009, although our ownership percentage of Toys – Japan increased to 91%, our adjustment to EBITDA reflects the 63% ownership percentage at the date we developed our compensation targets. For fiscal 2008, although our ownership percentage of Toys – Japan increased to 63%, our adjustment to EBITDA reflects the 48% ownership percentage at the date we developed our compensation targets.

(c)

Represents the difference between the previous year’s period-end rates and the actual translation impact on our results of operations. The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are their respective local currencies. The operating results of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates during the applicable period.

(d)

Represents the impact associated with hedging foreign merchandise purchase orders.

 

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(e)

Represents other charges consisting primarily of store closing costs, gains on the sales of properties, restructuring, severance, a portion of the fees related to our debt refinancings, and miscellaneous allowances.

(f)

Included in Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA are actual Adjusted EBITDA results for certain business units used in calculating Management Incentive Plan compensation. Actual Adjusted EBITDA results in fiscal 2009 were $894,100,000 for our Domestic segment and $383,800,000 for our International segment. The following components of our International segment had the following results: $42,420,000 for Central Europe, $47,978,000 for France and $61,443,000 for Iberia. For the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, Adjusted EBITDA reflects actual total bonus expense, despite the exclusion of bonus expense in excess of amounts budgeted for purposes of calculating non-equity incentive plan compensation.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS IN FISCAL 2009

 

    Estimated Potential Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)
  Estimated Number of Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards
 

All Other
Stock

Awards:
Number of

Shares of

Stock

 

All Other
Option
Awards:

Number of
Securities

Underlying

 

Per
Share
Exercise

or Base

Price of
Option

 

Grant Date

Fair Value
of Stock
and Option

Name

  Threshold (2)   Target   Maximum (3)   Threshold   Target   Maximum   or Units   Options   Awards   Awards

Storch

  $ —     $ 2,200,000   $ 5,940,000   $ —     $ —     $ —     —     —     $ —     $ —  

Creasey

    —       515,000     1,390,500     —       —       —     —     —       —       —  

Babrowski

    —       797,500     2,153,250     —       —       —     —     —       —       —  

Derby

    —       715,000     1,930,500     —       —       —     —     —       —       —  

Urcelay

    —       673,110     1,817,398     —       —       —     —     —       —       —  

 

(1)

These amounts reflect estimated possible payouts under our annual incentive awards granted for fiscal 2009. Our Executive Committee approved the threshold, target and maximum payment amounts in fiscal 2009 on September 2, 2009. The target is the following percent of salary: 200% for Mr. Storch, 110% for Mss. Babrowski and Derby, and 100% for Messrs. Creasey and Urcelay. The target is weighted 70% on the Financial Component and 30% on the Personal Component. The following Financial Component weightings have been set for our named executive officers:

 

   

For Messrs. Storch and Creasey and Mss. Babrowski and Derby who serve in corporate positions for the Company (i.e., they are not directly responsible for a specific business unit), the Financial Component of their annual incentive target is based 50% on the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA results and 50% on the Adjusted EBITDA results of the Domestic segment and International segment (weighted two-thirds for the Domestic segment and one-third for the International segment).

 

   

For Mr. Urcelay, the President of Continental Europe, the Financial Component target is based 25% on the consolidated Adjusted EBITDA results, and 25% on the Adjusted EBITDA results for each of Iberia, France and Central Europe.

 

(2)

The Threshold amount shown is 0% of the Target amount, which is comprised of the Financial Component and the Personal Component. The Financial Component pays out beginning at 0% of the Target amount if the threshold payout level is met. If the Threshold payout level is not met, no Financial Component will be paid and no Personal Component will be paid.

(3)

The maximum, which refers to the maximum payout possible under the Management Incentive Plan, for fiscal 2009 is 300% of the Financial Component target and 200% of the Personal Component target. For a further description of these awards, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Elements of Our Compensation Program — Annual Incentive Awards” section set forth above.

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2009 FISCAL YEAR-END

 

           Option Awards    Stock Awards

Name

   Grant
Date
    Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised

Options
Unexercisable
   Equity
Incentive
Plan

Awards:
Number of

Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
   Option
Exercise
Price
   Option
Expiration
Date
   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
   Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
   Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have

Not Vested
   Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value

of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

Storch

   2/7/2006  (1)    448,598    299,066    —      $ 26.75    2/7/2016    —      $ —      —      $ —  

Creasey

   8/6/2007  (1)    49,136    73,705    —        32.00    8/6/2017    —        —      —        —  

Babrowski

   8/6/2007  (1)    41,075    61,612    —        32.00    8/6/2017    —        —      —        —  

Derby

   7/21/2005  (1)    98,273    24,568    —        26.75    7/21/2015    —        —      —        —  

Urcelay

   7/21/2005  (1)    98,273    24,568    —        26.75    7/21/2015    —        —      —        —  
   4/1/2003  (2)    25,000    —      —        8.25    4/1/2013    —        —      —        —  
   10/16/2000  (2)    12,383    —      —        15.53    10/16/2010    —        —      —        —  

 

(1)

These options time vest 40% on the second anniversary of the grant date, 20% on the third anniversary of the grant date, 20% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date and 20% on the fifth anniversary of the grant date. The vesting of these options may accelerate under certain circumstances as further described in Item 11 “PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2)

In connection with the Merger, holders of vested stock options (“Pre-Merger Options”) to purchase equity in the Company were permitted to exchange these Pre-Merger Options for a like value of fully vested stock options (“Rollover Options”) to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Management Equity Plan. The stock options listed in these rows are Rollover Options, which are fully vested.

 

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OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED FOR FISCAL 2009

During fiscal 2009, none of our named executive officers exercised any stock options nor had any shares of Common Stock vest.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2009

 

Name

   Executive
Contributions
in Last FY
   Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY (1)(2)
   Aggregate
Earnings

at Last FY (3)
   Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions
   Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE (4)

Storch

   $ —      $ 87,023    $ 8,671    $ —      $ 521,980

Creasey

     —        23,562      1,942      —        120,639

Babrowski

     —        36,458      1,544      —        112,284

Derby

     —        32,732      3,542      —        210,629

Urcelay (5)

     —        173,960      29,085      —        1,054,688

 

(1)

We make an annual contribution to the SERP for each U.S. executive officer who is employed on the last day of the SERP plan year. The amount of the contribution is equal to 4% of that portion of the executive officer’s “total compensation” in excess of the dollar limits under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17). Generally, total compensation means compensation as reported on Form W-2 with the Internal Revenue Service or such other definition as is utilized under the Savings Plan. However, total compensation includes amounts paid pursuant to our Management Incentive Plan but does not include sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, project completion bonuses or other types of success bonuses. The Executive Committee may at its discretion also credit additional notional contributions if the Company had an exceptional year. Each U.S. executive’s SERP account will be credited or debited with “Declared Interest,” which will be based upon hypothetical investments selected by the executive officer pursuant to procedures established by the administrative committee that administers the SERP. The Administrator of the SERP determines the number of investment options available under the SERP and such investment options are comprised of a subset of the investment options available under the Savings Plan. Participants in the SERP have the right to change their hypothetical investment selections on a daily basis. The contributions made by the Company vest five years after the executive officer’s first day of employment with the Company. All SERP distributions are paid in lump sums.

(2)

All contributions that we made for each executive officer during fiscal 2009 were included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above.

(3)

Earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation were not required to be reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

(4)

Of the aggregate balance amount set forth in this column, $412,000, $92,362, $73,695 and $42,853 were previously reported in the Summary Compensation table for Messrs. Storch and Creasey and Mss. Babrowski and Derby, respectively, for prior fiscal years. $181,139 was reported in the Summary Compensation Table in fiscal 2008 for contributions to the Spain Savings Plan and the MAPFRE policies for Mr. Urcelay.

(5)

These amounts reflect the annuity products purchased for the benefit of Mr. Urcelay under the MAPFRE Polices.

PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

Employment Agreements

We maintain employment agreements with each of our named executive officers that provide certain benefits upon termination of employment or change of control and certain restrictive covenants.

For Messrs. Storch and Creasey and Ms. Babrowski:

Termination for Cause, Resignation Without Good Reason or Retirement. If one of the above named executives’ employment is terminated for cause or he or she resigns without good reason (as such terms are defined in each of their employment agreements), the executive will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of his or her termination; and

 

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any employee benefits that he or she may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans.

In addition, Mr. Storch and Ms. Babrowski will also receive any annual incentive award for the immediately preceding fiscal year that is earned but unpaid as of the date of his or her termination.

Termination Due to Death or Disability. If one of the above named executives dies, or if we terminate his or her employment due to disability, he or she (or his or her estate) will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of his or her termination;

 

   

any employee benefits that he or she may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans;

 

   

any annual incentive award for the immediately preceding fiscal year that is earned, but unpaid as of the date of his or her termination; and

 

   

a pro-rata portion of his or her annual incentive award for the current fiscal year earned through the date of termination, based on the Company’s actual results as opposed to his or her target annual incentive award.

Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. If one of the above named executives’ employment is terminated without cause or he or she resigns for good reason, he or she will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of his or her termination;

 

   

any employee benefits that he or she may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans;

 

   

any annual incentive award for the immediately preceding fiscal year that is earned, but unpaid as of the date of his or her termination;

 

   

a pro-rata portion of his or her annual incentive award earned through the date of termination, based on the Company’s actual results as opposed to his or her target annual incentive award;

 

   

for Mr. Storch, an amount equal to the sum of (x) two times his base salary and (y) the product of (i) the actual annual incentive award he received for the fiscal year immediately preceding the year of the termination of his employment and (ii) the “Severance Period,” as expressed in years (the “Severance Period” shall initially be a twelve month period commencing on the executive’s termination of employment, which period shall be increased by three months on each anniversary of the hire date prior to such termination of employment, up to a maximum of twenty-four months);

 

   

for Mr. Creasey and Ms. Babrowski, an amount equal to the sum of (x) the product of the Severance Period, as expressed in years, times his or her base salary and (y) one times the actual annual incentive award he or she received for the fiscal year immediately preceding the year of the termination of his or her employment; and

 

   

continuation of medical, dental and life insurance benefits, with the executive paying a portion of such costs as if his or her employment had not terminated, until the earlier to occur of (i) the end of the Severance Period or (ii) the date on which the executive commences to be eligible for coverage under substantially comparable medical, dental and life insurance benefit plans from any subsequent employer.

Restrictive Covenants. During the term of their employment and during the Severance Period, each of Messrs. Storch and Creasey and Ms. Babrowski has agreed not to:

 

   

engage in any business that directly or indirectly is a Competitive Business (as defined in each of their employment agreements);

 

   

enter the employ of, or render any services to, any person who or which engages in a Competitive Business;

 

   

acquire a financial interest in, or otherwise become actively involved with, any Competitive Business, directly or indirectly;

 

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interfere with, or attempt to interfere with, business relationships between the Company or any of its affiliates and customers, clients, suppliers, partners, members or investors of the Company or its affiliates;

 

   

solicit to leave the employment of, or encourage any employee of the Company or its affiliates to leave the employment of, the Company or its affiliates;

 

   

hire any such employee who was employed by the Company or its affiliates as of the date of his or her termination of employment with the Company or who left the employment of the Company or its affiliates coincident with, or within one year prior to, the termination of his or her employment with the Company; and

 

   

solicit to leave the employment of, or encourage to cease to work with, as applicable, the Company or its affiliates or any consultant, supplier or service provider under contract with the Company or its affiliates.

In addition, during the term of his or her employment and anytime thereafter, each of the above named executive officers has agreed not to use for his or her benefit or disclose any of the Company’s confidential information.

For Ms. Derby:

Termination for Cause or Resignation Without Good Reason. If Ms. Derby’s employment is terminated for cause or she resigns without good reason (as such terms are defined in her employment agreement), she will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination; and

 

   

any employee benefits that she may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans.

Termination Due to Death or Disability. If Ms. Derby dies, or if we terminate her employment due to disability, she (or her estate) will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination;

 

   

any employee benefits that she may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans;

 

   

any accrued, but unused vacation time for the year in which the date of her termination occurs, pro-rated for the number of days in such fiscal year preceding the date of her termination;

 

   

any annual incentive award for the immediately preceding fiscal year that is earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination; and

 

   

a pro-rata portion of her targeted (as opposed to it being based on actual results) annual incentive award through the date of termination.

Termination Due to Retirement. If Ms. Derby retires, she will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination;

 

   

any employee benefits that she may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans;

 

   

any accrued, but unused vacation time for the year in which the date of her termination occurs, pro-rated for the number of days in such fiscal year preceding the date of her termination;

 

   

any annual incentive award for the immediately preceding fiscal year, that is earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination; and

 

   

continuation of medical and dental benefits, with Ms. Derby paying a portion of such costs pursuant to Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, until the earlier to occur of (i) her reaching the age of 65 or (ii) the date on which she becomes employed by a subsequent employer that offers medical benefits to her.

Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason. If Ms. Derby is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, she will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination;

 

   

the targeted amount of her annual incentive award for the year in which her date of termination occurs, pro-rated for the number of completed months in such fiscal year preceding the date of her termination;

 

   

any accrued, but unused vacation time for the year in which the date of her termination occurs, pro-rated for the number of days in such fiscal year preceding the date of her termination;

 

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any actual earned annual incentive awards for any completed fiscal year not previously paid;

 

   

continued eligibility to participate in the Savings Plan and the SERP for two years following the date of termination of her employment and she shall be fully vested as of the date of termination in any account balance and all other benefits under such plans;

 

   

two times the sum of (i) her annual base salary and (ii) her targeted annual incentive award for the year in which the date of her termination occurs;

 

   

continuation of medical and dental benefits, with Ms. Derby paying a portion of such costs equal to the portion paid by active employees for the first twenty-four months after the date of her termination and then she will pay a portion of such costs pursuant to Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, until the earlier to occur of (i) her reaching the age of 65 and (ii) the date on which she becomes employed by a subsequent employer that offers medical benefits to her;

 

   

continuation of her Company leased automobile for two years; and

 

   

continuation of financial planning services for two years.

Termination Due to Change in Control or Resignation for Good Reason after Change in Control. If Ms. Derby is terminated due to a change in control or she resigns for good reason due to a change in control, then she will receive:

 

   

any base salary earned, but unpaid as of the date of her termination;

 

   

the targeted amount of her annual incentive award for the year in which the date of her termination occurs, pro-rated for the number of completed months in such fiscal year preceding the date of her termination;

 

   

any accrued, but unused vacation time for the year in which the date of her termination occurs, pro-rated for the number of days in such fiscal year preceding the date of her termination;

 

   

any actual earned annual incentive awards for any completed fiscal year not previously paid;

 

   

continued eligibility to participate in the Savings Plan and SERP for two years and she shall be fully vested as of the date of her termination in any account balance and any other benefits under such plans;

 

   

an amount equal to (a) two times her annual base salary and (b) two times her targeted annual incentive award for the year in which the date of her termination occurs;

 

   

all unvested options and equity based awards shall vest immediately on the later of the date of her termination or the date of the change in control event and all such options may be exercised until the earlier of (i) the thirty-month anniversary of the date of her termination or (ii) the original expiration date of such options; subject to the vesting provisions of the Management Equity Plan which govern the vesting of any equity awards issued under the Management Equity Plan;

 

   

continuation of medical and dental benefits, with Ms. Derby paying a portion of such costs equal to the portion paid by active employees for the first twenty-four months after the date of her termination and then she will pay a portion of such costs pursuant to Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, until the earlier to occur of (i) her reaching the age of 65 and (ii) the date on which the she becomes employed by a subsequent employer that offers medical benefits to her;

 

   

continuation of her Company leased automobile for two years following the date of termination of her employment; and

 

   

continuation of financial planning services for two years following the date of termination of employment.

Restrictive Covenants. During the term of her employment and for a period of two years thereafter, Ms. Derby has agreed not to:

 

   

directly or indirectly seek or obtain a Competitive Position (as defined in her employment agreement) in the Restricted Territory (as defined in her employment agreement) with a Competitor (as defined in her employment agreement); and

 

   

directly or indirectly on her own behalf or as a principal or representative of any person or otherwise solicit or induce any Protected Employee (as defined in her employment agreement) to terminate his or her employment relationship with the Company or to enter into employment with any other person.

In addition, during the term of her employment and anytime thereafter, Ms. Derby has agreed not to use for her benefit or disclose any of the Company’s confidential information.

For Mr. Urcelay:

Termination Without Cause or Due to Relocation. If Mr. Urcelay’s employment is terminated for reasons other than cause or if he resigns due to a requirement to relocate outside of the Madrid, Spain area, he will receive:

 

   

eighteen months base salary;

 

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actual achieved annual incentive award up to a maximum of his target annual incentive award for the eighteen month period after his termination, based on the Company’s actual results, as opposed to his target annual incentive award;

 

   

continuation of car benefit for eighteen months, excluding gas, maintenance and other usage-related expenses;

 

   

continuation of health benefits for eighteen months;

 

   

continuation of the use of his Company provided laptop computer and cell phone for eighteen months, except that he will be responsible for the costs of all telephone calls;

 

   

any stock options and restricted stock will continue vesting for ninety days after the date of termination, subject to the vesting provision of the Management Equity Plan, but once the ninety day period has elapsed any unvested stock options will be automatically cancelled;

 

   

up to thirty days following the expiration of the eighteen-month period after his termination date, he may exercise any vested stock options; subject to the vesting provisions of the Management Equity Plan; and

 

   

continuation of Company contributions to his defined contribution plan and provision of tax advice for eighteen months.

Termination Due to Change in Control or Resignation Due to Relocation or Change in Position after Change in Control. If Mr. Urcelay is terminated due to a change in control (as defined in his employment agreement), resigns due to a requirement to relocate outside of the Madrid, Spain area due to a change in control, or resigns due to his removal as President of Continental Europe and is not offered another professional position in the Company in the Madrid, Spain area with equivalent target compensation, he will receive eighteen months gross pay, which is determined by (i) dividing the last twelve months salary and target annual incentive award by twelve and (ii) multiplying the result by eighteen.

Restrictive Covenants. Mr. Urcelay’s benefits described above are subject to his promise that for a period of eighteen months following the termination of his employment, he will not:

 

   

carry out any other business, similar or equal to the Company or which otherwise competes with the business of the Company directly or indirectly, individually or as an employee, consultant, or in any other capacity, unless the competitive business represents less than ten percent of the whole business turnover;

 

   

call upon, communicate with, attempt to communicate with or solicit business from any client or customer of the Company or any person responsible for referring business to the Company, or any competitor of the Company, or for his own interest if he should become a competitor of the Company; and

 

   

take any action to assist any successor employer or entity in employment solicitation or recruiting any employee who had worked for the Company during the immediate six months prior to his termination.

Management Equity Plan

The Management Equity Plan governs the vesting and exercise of stock options and restricted stock (issued under the Management Equity Plan) upon termination of employment.

Under the Management Equity Plan, if an executive officer ceases to be employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for any reason, then the portion of such executive officer’s stock options that have not fully vested as of such executive officer’s date of termination of employment (the “Termination Date”) shall expire at such time.

The portion of an executive officer’s stock options that have fully vested as of such executive officer’s Termination Date shall expire (i) 30 days after such executive officer’s Termination Date if the executive officer is terminated without Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan) or if the executive officer resigns for any reason (including retirement), (ii) 90 days after such executive officer’s Termination Date if the executive officer is terminated due to disability, (iii) 180 days after such executive officer’s Termination Date if the executive officer is terminated due to death, and (iv) immediately upon termination if such executive officer is terminated with Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan). In addition, pursuant to the Management Equity Plan the unvested portion of options will accelerate and become vested upon a change in control as defined in the Management Equity Plan.

 

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In the event that an executive officer ceases to be employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for any reason, all Common Stock held by such executive officer (including vested options to purchase shares of Common Stock) may be subject to purchase by the Company and the Sponsors, solely at their option, unless such executive officer’s Award Agreement gives the executive officer the right to force the Company to purchase his or her Common Stock. Please see the “Summary of Payments and Benefits Upon Termination or Change in Control” tables below for more information.

Summary of Payments and Benefits Upon Termination or Change In Control

The following tables summarize the estimated value of the termination payments and benefits that each of our named executive officers would receive if there was a change in control and/or his or her employment was terminated on January 30, 2010 under the various circumstances described in the tables.

GERALD L. STORCH

 

Type of Payment

   Termination
for Cause or
Resignation

Without
Good Reason
   Termination
Without
Cause or
Resignation
For Good Reason
   Retirement    Death    Long-Term
Disability
   Change in
Control
    Termination
Without Cause or
Resignation
for Good
Reason in
Connection with a
Change of
Control
 

Severance

   $ —      $ 4,436,964    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —        $ 4,436,964   

Fiscal 2009 Annual Bonus

     3,503,887      3,503,887      3,503,887      3,503,887      3,503,887      —          3,503,887   

Fiscal 2006 Stock Option Grant

     —        —        —        —        —        373,833 (1)      373,833 (1) 

SERP Balance

     —        —        521,980      521,980      521,980      —          —     

Benefit Continuation (2)

     —        11,813      —        —        —        —          11,813   
                                                   

TOTAL

   $ 3,503,887    $ 7,952,664    $ 4,025,867    $ 4,025,867    $ 4,025,867    $ 373,833      $ 8,326,497   
                                                   

 

(1)

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, the unvested portion of options will accelerate and become vested upon a change in control. In calculating the amount set forth in the table, we utilized a per share value of $28.00, which was the fair value of our shares of Common Stock as of October 1, 2009. As we are a privately held company, the value of shares of Common Stock is only available when a valuation is performed.

(2)

Represents estimated Company costs based on fiscal 2010 projections for medical, dental and life insurance coverage for the duration of the Severance Period.

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, if the Company terminates Mr. Storch’s employment for Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Storch’s shares of Common Stock at the lesser of (i) the value on the date of issuance and (ii) the fair value. If Mr. Storch resigns with or without Good Reason (as defined in his employment agreement) or if the Company terminates Mr. Storch’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Storch’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. If Mr. Storch retires, dies or becomes disabled, the Company may purchase, or Mr. Storch may require the Company to purchase, Mr. Storch’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. These repurchase rights also apply to the shares of Common Stock underlying each vested stock option.

Upon any termination, Mr. Storch has the right to withdraw his Savings Plan balance, which, as of January 30, 2010, was $0.

All U.S. benefit eligible employees receive, at no cost to the individual, the following life insurance benefit and long-term disability coverage: (i) the life insurance benefit is an amount equal to the individual’s base salary plus annual incentive award target, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 and (ii) the long-term disability coverage is an amount equal to 60% of the individual’s monthly base salary, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. The long-term disability benefit is payable beginning 26 weeks after the onset of the disability and is payable for the duration of the disability up to age 65.

 

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F. CLAY CREASEY, JR.

 

Type of Payment

   Termination
for Cause or
Resignation
Without
Good Reason
   Termination
Without
Cause or
Resignation
For Good Reason
   Retirement    Death    Long-Term
Disability
   Change in
Control
    Termination
Without Cause or
Resignation
for Good
Reason in
Connection with
a Change of
Control
 

Severance

   $ —      $ 1,200,480    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —        $ 1,200,480   

Fiscal 2009 Annual Bonus

     —        820,228      —        820,228      820,228      —          820,228   

Fiscal 2007 Stock Option Grant

     —        —        —        —        —        —   (1)      —   (1) 

SERP Balance

     —        —        120,639      120,639      120,639      —          —     

Benefit Continuation (2)

     —        5,571      —        —        —        —          5,571   
                                                   

TOTAL

   $ —      $ 2,026,279    $ 120,639    $ 940,867    $ 940,867    $ —        $ 2,026,279   
                                                   

 

(1)

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, the unvested portion of options will accelerate and become vested upon a change in control. Based upon a per share value of $28.00, which was the fair value of our shares of Common Stock as of October 1, 2009, all options had no value at January 30, 2010 as the per share exercise price was greater than $28.00. As we are a privately held company, the value of shares of Common Stock is only available when a valuation is performed.

(2)

Represents estimated Company costs based on fiscal 2010 projections for medical, dental and life insurance coverage for the duration of the Severance Period.

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, if the Company terminates Mr. Creasey’s employment for Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Creasey’s shares of Common Stock at the lesser of (i) the value on the date of issuance and (ii) the fair value. If Mr. Creasey resigns with or without Good Reason (as defined in his employment agreement) or if the Company terminates Mr. Creasey’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Creasey’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. If Mr. Creasey retires, dies or becomes disabled, the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Creasey’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. These repurchase rights also apply to the shares of Common Stock underlying each vested stock option.

Upon any termination, Mr. Creasey has the right to withdraw his Savings Plan balance, which, as of January 30, 2010, was $101,180.

All U.S. benefit eligible employees receive, at no cost to the individual, the following life insurance benefit and long-term disability coverage: (i) the life insurance benefit is an amount equal to the individual’s base salary plus annual incentive award target, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 and (ii) the long-term disability coverage is an amount equal to 60% of the individual’s monthly base salary, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. The long-term disability benefit is payable beginning 26 weeks after the onset of the disability and is payable for the duration of the disability up to age 65.

 

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CLAIRE BABROWSKI

 

Type of Payment

   Termination
for Cause or
Resignation
Without
Good Reason
   Termination
Without
Cause or
Resignation

For Good Reason
   Retirement    Death    Long-Term
Disability
   Change in
Control
    Termination
Without Cause or
Resignation
for Good
Reason in
Connection with a
Change of
Control
 

Severance

   $ —      $ 1,491,059    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —        $ 1,491,059   

Fiscal 2009 Annual Bonus

     971,096      971,096      971,096      971,096      971,096      —          971,096   

Fiscal 2007 Stock Option Grant

     —        —        —        —        —        —   (1)      —   (1) 

SERP Balance

     —        —        112,284      112,284      112,284      —          —     

Benefit Continuation (2)

     —        8,496      —        —        —        —          8,496   
                                                   

TOTAL

   $ 971,096    $ 2,470,651    $ 1,083,380    $ 1,083,380    $ 1,083,380    $ —        $ 2,470,651   
                                                   

 

(1)

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, the unvested portion of options will accelerate and become vested upon a change in control. Based upon a per share value of $28.00, which was the fair value of our shares of Common Stock as of October 1, 2009, all options had no value at January 30, 2010 as the per share exercise price was greater than $28.00. As we are a privately held company, the value of shares of Common Stock is only available when a valuation is performed.

(2)

Represents estimated Company costs based on fiscal 2010 projections for medical, dental and life insurance coverage for the duration of the Severance Period.

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, if the Company terminates Ms. Babrowski’s employment for Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Ms. Babrowski’s shares of Common Stock at the lesser of (i) the value on the date of issuance and (ii) the fair value. If Ms. Babrowski resigns with or without Good Reason (as defined in her employment agreement) or if the Company terminates Ms. Babrowski’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Ms. Babrowski’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. If Ms. Babrowski retires, dies or becomes disabled, the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Ms. Babrowski’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. These repurchase rights also apply to the shares of Common Stock underlying each vested stock option.

Upon any termination, Ms. Babrowski has the right to withdraw her Savings Plan balance, which, as of January 30, 2010, was $64,403.

All U.S. benefit eligible employees receive, at no cost to the individual, the following life insurance benefit and long-term disability coverage: (i) the life insurance benefit is an amount equal to the individual’s base salary plus annual incentive award target, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 and (ii) the long-term disability coverage is an amount equal to 60% of the individual’s monthly base salary, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. The long-term disability benefit is payable beginning 26 weeks after the onset of the disability and is payable for the duration of the disability up to age 65.

 

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DEBORAH M. DERBY

 

Type of Payment

   Termination
for Cause or
Resignation
Without
Good Reason
   Termination
Without
Cause or
Resignation
For Good Reason
   Retirement    Death    Long-Term
Disability
   Change in
Control
    Termination
Without Cause or
Resignation
for Good
Reason in
Connection with a
Change of
Control
 

Severance

   $ —      $ 2,730,000    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —        $ 2,730,000   

Fiscal 2009 Annual Bonus

     —        1,031,513      1,031,513      1,031,513      1,031,513      —          1,031,513   

Fiscal 2005 Stock Option Grant

     —        —        —        —        —        30,710 (1)      30,710 (1) 

Split Dollar Life Insurance Proceeds (2)

     —        —        —        5,773,541      —        —          —     

Benefit Continuation (3)

     —        125,212      —        —        —        —          125,212   

Leased Automobile Continuation (4)

     —        32,716      —        —        —        —          32,716   

Financial Planning Services Continuation (5)

     —        40,000      —        —        —        —          40,000   
                                                   

TOTAL

   $ —      $ 3,959,441    $ 1,031,513    $ 6,805,054    $ 1,031,513    $ 30,710      $ 3,990,151   
                                                   

 

(1)

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, the unvested portion of options will accelerate and become vested upon a change in control. In calculating the amount set forth in the table, we utilized a per share value of $28.00, which was the fair value of our shares of Common Stock as of October 1, 2009. As we are a privately held company, the value of shares of Common Stock is only available when a valuation is performed.

(2)

Represents the amount Ms. Derby’s beneficiary would receive.

(3)

Represents estimated Company costs based on fiscal 2010 projections for medical, dental and life insurance coverage, Company matching contribution to the Savings Plan and Company contribution to the SERP for the duration of the Severance Period.

(4)

Represents two years’ worth of leased automobile benefit, based upon 2009 actual cost.

(5)

Represents the maximum amount Ms. Derby would be entitled to receive in financial planning services (two years at $20,000 per year).

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, if the Company terminates Ms. Derby’s employment for Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Ms. Derby’s common stock at the lesser of (i) the value on the date of issuance and (ii) the fair value. If Ms. Derby resigns with or without Good Reason (as defined in her employment agreement) or if the Company terminates Ms. Derby’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Ms. Derby’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. If Ms. Derby retires, dies or becomes disabled, the Company may purchase, or Ms. Derby may require the Company to purchase, Ms. Derby’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. These repurchase rights also apply to the shares of Common Stock underlying each vested stock option.

Upon any termination, Ms. Derby has the right to withdraw her Savings Plan balance, which, as of January 30, 2010, was $264,510. In addition, upon any termination other than for cause, as defined in the SERP, the Company will pay Ms. Derby the outstanding balance in her SERP account, which, as of January 30, 2010, was $210,629.

All U.S. benefit eligible employees receive, at no cost to the individual, the following life insurance benefit and long-term disability coverage: (i) the life insurance benefit is an amount equal to the individual’s base salary plus annual incentive award target, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 and (ii) the long-term disability coverage is an amount equal to 60% of the individual’s monthly base salary, up to a maximum of $10,000 per month. The long-term disability benefit is payable beginning 26 weeks after the onset of the disability and is payable for the duration of the disability up to age 65.

 

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ANTONIO URCELAY(1)

 

Type of Payment

   Termination
for Cause or
Resignation
Without
Good Reason
   Termination
Without Cause or
Resignation
Due to Relocation
   Retirement    Death    Long-Term
Disability
   Change in
Control
    Termination or
Specified
Resignation
Due to a Change
of Control
 

Severance(2)

   $ —      $ 2,019,331    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —        $ 2,019,331   

Fiscal 2009 Annual Bonus

     —        1,090,850      —        —        —        —          1,090,850   

Fiscal 2005 Stock Option Grant

     —        —        —        —        —        30,710 (3)      30,710 (3) 

Executive Retirement Plan Balance (4)

     —        —        1,054,688      1,054,688      1,054,688      —          —     

Executive Life Insurance

     —        —        —        3,365,551      3,365,551      —          —     

Company Car (5)

     —        45,736      —        —        —        —          —     

Use of Company Provided Laptop and Cell Phone (5)

     —        100      —        —        —        —          —     

Tax Advice (5)

     —        1,233      —        —        —        —          —     

Company Contributions to Defined Contribution Plan (5)

     —        260,941      —        —        —        —          —     

Benefit Continuation (5)

     —        14,764      —        —        —        —          —     
                                                   

TOTAL

   $ —      $ 3,432,955    $ 1,054,688    $ 4,420,239    $ 4,420,239    $ 30,710      $ 3,140,891   
                                                   

 

(1)

All amounts calculated in Euros have been converted to U.S. dollars using the rate of 1.0000 Euro = 1.4025 U.S. dollars.

(2)

Represents the maximum amount of severance that Mr. Urcelay may receive.

(3)

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, the unvested portion of options will accelerate and become vested upon a change in control. In calculating the amount set forth in the table, we utilized a per share value of $28.00, which was the fair value of our shares of Common Stock as of October 1, 2009. As we are a privately held company, the value of shares of Common Stock is only available when a valuation is performed.

(4)

This amount represents his benefit entitlement under the MAPFRE Policies.

(5)

Represents estimated Company costs of various benefits and perquisites based on fiscal 2009 actual amounts for the duration of the Severance Period.

Pursuant to the Management Equity Plan, if the Company terminates Mr. Urcelay’s employment for Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Urcelay’s shares of Common Stock at the lesser of (i) the value on the date of issuance and (ii) the fair value. If Mr. Urcelay resigns with or without Good Reason (as defined in his employment agreement) or if the Company terminates Mr. Urcelay’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Management Equity Plan), the Company and the Sponsors may purchase, solely at their option, Mr. Urcelay’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. If Mr. Urcelay retires, dies or becomes disabled, the Company may purchase, or Mr. Urcelay may require the Company to purchase, Mr. Urcelay’s shares of Common Stock at fair value. These repurchase rights also apply to the shares of Common Stock underlying each vested stock option.

Mr. Urcelay also participates in the Spain Savings Plan. His account balance as of January 30, 2010 was $0. His balance was moved into the MAPFRE policies.

All benefit eligible employees in Spain receive, at no cost to the individual, a life insurance benefit. Mr. Urcelay’s benefit amount is equal to five times his base salary.

 

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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2009

We do not pay our directors any compensation for serving on our Board of Directors.

 

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

The following table presents information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock, as of March 15, 2010, by the named executive officers, each of our directors, all of our directors and executive officers as a group and each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Common Stock.

 

     Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership *
      

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Shares    Total
Beneficial
Ownership(1)
   Percent of
Outstanding
Shares(2)
 

Affiliates of Bain Capital Partners, LLC (3)

   16,012,464    16,012,464    32.71

Toybox Holdings, LLC (4)

   16,012,464    16,012,464    32.71

Vornado Truck LLC (5)

   16,012,464    16,012,464    32.71

Claire Babrowski

   12,500    53,575    —     

Joshua Bekenstein

   —      —      —     

Michael M. Calbert

   —      —      —     

F. Clay Creasey, Jr

   12,500    61,636    —     

Deborah M. Derby

   14,953    113,226   

Michael D. Fascitelli

   —      —      —     

Matthew S. Levin

   —      —      —     

Sanjay Morey

   —      —      —     

John Pfeffer

   —      —      —     

Steven Roth

   —      —      —     

Wendy Silverstein

   —      —      —     

Gerald L. Storch

   74,766    672,897    1.36

Antonio Urcelay

   —      135,656    —     

Michael Ward

   —      —      —     

Directors and executive officers as a group (17 persons)

   135,492    1,329,927    2.65

 

* For purposes of this table, “beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 pursuant to which a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares of Common Stock with respect to which such person has (or has the right to acquire within 60 days, i.e., by May 14, 2010 in this case) sole or shared voting power or investment power.
(1)

Total Beneficial Ownership includes shares and options exercisable within 60 days, of which Ms. Babrowski has 41,075, Mr. Creasey has 49,136, Ms. Derby has 98,273, Mr. Storch has 598,131 and Mr. Urcelay has 135,656.

(2)

Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial ownership of any named person does not exceed, in the aggregate, one percent of our outstanding equity securities on March 15, 2010, as adjusted as required by applicable rules.

(3)

Includes Bain Capital (TRU) VIII, L.P., Bain Capital (TRU) VIII-E, L.P., Bain Capital (TRU) VIII Coinvestment, L.P., Bain Capital Integral Investors, LLC and BCIP TCV, LLC (the “Bain Capital Funds”). The Bain Capital Funds are all affiliates of Bain Capital Partners, LLC. Bain Capital Partners, LLC disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares. The Bain Capital Funds each have an address c/o Bain Capital Partners, LLC, 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199.

(4)

Shares owned of record by Toybox Holdings, LLC are also beneficially owned by its majority member, KKR Millennium Fund L.P. As the sole general partner of KKR Millennium Fund L.P., KKR Associates Millennium L.P. may be deemed to

 

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be the beneficial owner of such securities held by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. As the sole general partner of KKR Associates Millennium L.P., KKR Millennium GP LLC also may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such securities held by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. Each of KKR Fund Holdings L.P. (as the designated member of KKR Millennium GP LLC); KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited (as a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings L.P.); KKR Group Holdings L.P. (as a general partner of KKR Fund Holdings L.P. and the sole shareholder of KKR Fund Holdings GP Limited); KKR Group Limited (as the sole general partner of KKR Group Holdings L.P.); KKR & Co. L.P. (as the sole shareholder of KKR Group Limited) and KKR Management LLC (as the sole general partner of KKR & Co. L.P.) may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the securities held by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. As the designated members of KKR Management LLC, Henry R. Kravis and George R. Roberts may also be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by KKR Millennium Fund L.P. Messrs. Kravis and Roberts have also been designated as managers of KKR Millennium GP LLC by KKR Fund Holdings L.P. Messrs. Calbert, Morey and Pfeffer are members of our Board of Directors and are each an executive of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and/or one or more of its affiliates. Each of Messrs. Calbert, Morey and Pfeffer disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities held by Toybox Holdings, LLC. For a description of material relationships between KKR and us over the last three years, see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.” The address of KKR Millennium GP LLC and each individual listed above is c/o Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., 2800 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA.

(5)

An affiliate of Vornado Realty Trust, having an address of 888 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

     ( a )     ( b )    ( c )  

Plan Category

   Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
    Weighted-
average
exercise
price of
outstanding
options,
warrants,
and rights
   Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   3,748,507 (1)    $ 26.29    252,028 (2) 

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —          —      —     
                   

Total

   3,748,507      $ 26.29    252,028   
                   

 

(1)

As of January 30, 2010, represents the shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding options under the Management Equity Plan.

(2)

As of January 30, 2010, represents the shares of our common stock which may be issued pursuant to future issuances under the Management Equity Plan.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Advisory Agreement

The Sponsors provide management and advisory services to us pursuant to an advisory agreement executed at the closing of the Merger Transaction and effective as of July 21, 2005 and amended June 10, 2008 and February 1, 2009. The advisory fee (the “Advisory Fees”) paid to the Sponsors increases 5% per year during the ten-year term of the agreement. The fee paid to the Sponsors under the advisory agreement was approximately $15 million, $17 million and $17 million for fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During each of fiscals 2009 and 2008, we paid the Sponsors fees of less than $1 million, respectively, for out-of-pocket expenses. During fiscal 2007, we paid the Sponsors fees of $1 million for out-of-pocket expenses.

Pursuant to an amendment to the advisory agreement, the advisory fee for fiscal 2009 was capped at $15 million. The additional amount of approximately $3 million of advisory fees that would have been due for fiscal 2009, absent the amendment, will be paid by the Company, if at all, at the time (and from the proceeds) of a successful initial public offering of the Company’s securities.

In the event that the advisory agreement is terminated by the Sponsors or us, the Sponsors will receive all unpaid Advisory Fees, all unpaid Transaction Fees and expenses due under the advisory agreement with respect to periods prior to the termination date plus the net present value of the Advisory Fees that would have been payable for the remainder of the applicable term of the

 

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advisory agreement. The initial term of the advisory agreement is ten years, and it extends annually for one year unless we or the Sponsors provide notice of termination to the other. The advisory agreement provides that affiliates of the Sponsors will be entitled to receive a fee equal to 1% of the aggregate transaction value in connection with certain financing, acquisition, disposition and change of control transactions (“Transaction Fees”). The advisory agreement includes customary exculpation and indemnification provisions in favor of the Sponsors and their affiliates. In connection with the Propco II Financing (as described below), we paid the Sponsors $7 million of Transaction Fees pursuant to the terms of the advisory agreement.

Other Relationships and Transactions

From time to time, the Sponsors or their affiliates may acquire debt or debt securities issued by the Company or its subsidiaries in open market transactions or through loan syndications. During fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, affiliates of Vornado Realty Trust and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., all equity owners of the Company held debt and debt securities issued by the Company and its subsidiaries. The interest amounts paid on such debt and debt securities held by related parties were $18 million, $25 million and $26 million in fiscals 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During fiscal 2009 and in connection with the offering on November 20, 2009 by Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC of $725 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured 8.50% notes due 2017 (“Propco II Financing”), affiliates of KKR acquired $28 million of these secured notes. For further details, see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “LONG-TERM DEBT.”

Management Equity Plan

Our officers and employees participate in the Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc. Management Equity Plan (“the Management Equity Plan”). The Management Equity Plan provides for the granting of non-qualified stock options (including “rollover options” (as defined in the Management Equity Plan)) to purchase shares of Common Stock, as well as restricted stock to our officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors. For a description of the Management equity Plan, see Item 11 entitled “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.”

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

There were no transactions with related persons since the beginning of fiscal 2009 other than transactions that are described under this Item 13 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our Board has adopted written policies and procedures for the review of any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which the Company is a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees (or their immediate family members) or 5% stockholders or an employee serving in the capacity of an executive officer of a 5% stockholder or any consultant or an advisor of a 5% stockholder who participates in meetings of our management or Board, each of whom we refer to as a “related person,” has a direct or indirect material interest.

If a related person proposes to enter into such a transaction, arrangement or relationship, which we refer to as a “related person transaction,” the related person must report the proposed related person transaction to our General Counsel. The policy calls for the proposed related person transaction to be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by our Board’s Audit Committee. The policy also permits the Chairman of the Audit Committee to review and, if deemed appropriate, approve proposed related person transactions that arise between meetings, subject to providing notice to the other members of the Audit Committee at the next meeting of the Audit Committee. Any related person transactions that are ongoing in nature will be reviewed annually.

A related person transaction reviewed under the policy will be considered approved or ratified if it is authorized by the Audit Committee (or its Chairman) after full disclosure of the related person’s interest in the transaction. The Audit Committee (or its Chairman) will review and consider such information regarding the related person transaction as it deems appropriate under the circumstances.

The Audit Committee (or its Chairman) may approve or ratify the transaction only if the Audit Committee or its Chairman, as applicable, determines that, under all of the circumstances, the transaction is not inconsistent with the Company’s best interests. The Audit Committee (or its Chairman) may impose any conditions on the related person transaction that it deems appropriate.

Director Independence

Each of the members of our Board of Directors, other than Mr. Storch, our Chief Executive Officer, is affiliated with the Sponsors as further described in Item 10 entitled “DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE” and our Board of Directors has not determined any of our directors to be independent.

 

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Appointment of Independent Auditors

The Audit Committee appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”) as the Company’s independent auditors to conduct the audit of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscals 2009 and 2008.

Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed by D&T and their respective affiliates for professional services rendered for the audit of the annual Consolidated Financial Statements for fiscals 2009 and 2008 and for the reviews of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for those fiscal years, and for other services rendered during those fiscal years on our behalf were as follows:

 

     Fiscal
2009
   Fiscal
2008

Audit Fees (1)

   $ 5,003,000    $ 6,613,000

Audit-Related Fees (2)

   $ 2,451,000    $ 893,000

Tax Fees (3)

   $ 1,190,000    $ 823,000

All Other Fees (4)

   $ —      $ 11,000

 

(1)

For fiscals 2009 and 2008, the audit fees consist of fees for professional services performed in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, review of financial statements included in our 10-Q filings, the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 audit and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

(2)

For fiscal 2009, audit-related fees consist primarily of fees for special purpose audits associated with the debt offerings of Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC (“TRU Propco I”) and Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC (“TRU Propco II”). For fiscal 2008, audit-related fees consist primarily of fees for the special purpose audit of Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc., our former parent (“Former Parent”).

(3)

For fiscals 2009 and 2008, tax fees consist of a variety of U.S. Federal, state and non-U.S. tax consultation services.

(4)

For fiscal 2008, other fees were recorded for various domestic and international accounting matters.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by D&T. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy for the pre-approval of services provided by D&T. Under the policy, pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. In addition, the Audit Committee may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. Such member or members must report any decision to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Financial Statements and financial statement schedules

(1) and (2) The financial statements and financial statement schedules required to be filed as part of this report are set forth in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

(3) Exhibits. See Item 15(b) below.

(b) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Index to Exhibits beginning on page 131 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We will furnish to any stockholder, upon written request, any exhibit listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits upon payment by such stockholder of our reasonable expenses in furnishing any such exhibit. Written requests should be sent to Investor Relations, Toys “R” Us Inc., One Geoffrey Way, Wayne, New Jersey 07470.

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

TOYS “R” US, INC.
(Registrant)
/S/    GERALD L. STORCH        
Gerald L. Storch
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 24, 2010

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 24th day of March 2010.

 

Signature

  

Title

/S/    GERALD L. STORCH        

  

Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

Gerald L. Storch   

/S/    F. CLAY CREASEY, JR.        

  

Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

F. Clay Creasey, Jr.   

/S/    CHARLES D. KNIGHT        

  

Senior Vice President – Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Charles D. Knight   

*

  

Director

Joshua Bekenstein   

*

  

Director

Michael M. Calbert   

*

  

Director

Michael D. Fascitelli   

*

  

Director

Matthew S. Levin   

*

  

Director

Sanjay Morey   

*

  

Director

John Pfeffer   

*

  

Director

Steven Roth   

*

  

Director

Wendy Silverstein   

*

  

Director

Michael Ward   

The foregoing constitutes all of the Board of Directors and the Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officers of the Registrant.

 

*By  

/S/    GERALD L. STORCH        

  Gerald L. Storch
  Attorney-In-Fact

 

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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT

We have not sent a copy of our annual report or proxy statement to our security holders.

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

The following is a list of all exhibits filed as part of this Report:

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Document

  2.1

   Reorganization Agreement, dated June 10, 2008, by and between the Registrant and Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

  3.1

   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 10, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

  3.2

   Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, dated June 10, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.1

   Indenture between the Registrant and Fleet Bank, as trustee, pursuant to which securities in one or more series up to $300,000,000 in principal amount may be issued by the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-42237, filed on August 31, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.2

   Form of the Registrant’s 8  3/4% Debentures due 2021 (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 29, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.3

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1996, among Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc., Toys “R” Us, Inc. and United Jersey Bank, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.4

   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2006, among Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc., Toys “R” Us, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on December 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.5

   Indenture, dated July 24, 2001, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-73800, filed on November 20, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.6

   Form of the Registrant’s 7.65% Notes due 2011 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-73800, filed on November 20, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.7

   Form of the Registrant’s 7.875% Notes due 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-11609 filed on April 8, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.8

   Form of the Registrant’s 7.375% Notes due 2018 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-11609 filed on September 22, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.9

   Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2002, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Post-Effective Amendment to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-84254, filed on May 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

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Exhibit
No.

  

Document

  4.10

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 28, 2002, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Post-Effective Amendment to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-84254, filed on May 29, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.11

   Indenture for the 10.75% Senior Notes due 2017, dated July 9, 2009 (“Propco I Notes”), among Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC, the Registrant and the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

  4.12

   Form of the 10.75% Senior Notes due 2017 (included in Exhibit 4.11).

  4.13

   Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 9, 2009, among Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC, the Guarantors named therein and the initial purchasers of the Propco I Notes, which was executed in connection with the issuance of the Propco I Notes.

  4.14

   Indenture for the 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, dated November 20, 2009 (“Propco II Notes”), among Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC, the Registrant and the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.

  4.15

   Form of the 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (included in Exhibit 4.14).

  4.16

   Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 20, 2009, among Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC and the initial purchasers of the Propco II Notes, which was executed in connection with the issuance of the Propco II Notes.

  4.17

  

Substantially all other long-term debt of the Registrant (which other debt does not exceed on an aggregate basis 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) is evidenced by, among other things, (i) industrial revenue bonds issued by industrial development authorities and guaranteed by the Registrant, (ii) mortgages held by third parties on real estate owned by the Registrant and (iii) stepped coupon guaranteed bonds held by a third party and guaranteed by the Registrant, any of which the Registrant will furnish to the Commission upon request.

10.1

   Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2009, among Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc., as the lead borrower, and the other borrowers named therein, Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltd., Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltee, as the Canadian borrower, certain other subsidiaries of Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc., as Facility Guarantors, Bank of America N.A., as Administrative Agent, Canadian Agent and Co-Collateral Agent, Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, as Co-Collateral Agent, and the Lenders named therein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 25, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2

   Security Agreement, dated as of July 21, 2005, among Toys “R” Us, Inc., and the borrowers named therein, the guarantors named therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.3

   Syndicated Facility Agreement, dated as of October 15, 2009, among Toys “R” Us Europe, LLC, TRU Australia Holdings, LLC, Toys “R” Us (UK) Limited, Toys “R” Us Limited, Toys “R” Us (Australia) Pty Ltd, Toys “R” Us GmbH, Toys “R” Us SARL, Toys “R” Us Iberia, S.A., the other Obligors party thereto from time to time, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and Security Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as Facility Agent and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and Bank of America, N.A., as Co-Collateral Agents (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 16, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

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Exhibit
No.

  

Document

10.4

   UK Propco Facility Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2006, among Toys “R” Us Properties (UK) Limited, as borrower, Vanwall Finance PLC, as senior lender, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as junior lender and Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch, as facility agent and security agent (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006, filed on April 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.5

   Credit Agreement, dated as of July 19, 2006 (the “2006 Credit Agreement”), by and among Toys “R” Us - Delaware, Inc., as the borrower, Banc of America Bridge LLC, as Administrative Agent, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Syndication Agent, Citicorp North America, Inc., as Collateral Agent, the Lenders named therein, Credit Suisse, as Documentation Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Banc of America Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as Joint Bookrunning Managers (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.6

   Amendment No.1, dated as of July 25, 2006, to the 2006 Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.7

   Security Agreement, dated as of July 19, 2006, among Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc., and the Guarantors named therein, and Banc of America Bridge LLC, as Administrative Agent (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.8

   Credit Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2006, by and among Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc., as the Borrower, Banc of America Bridge LLC, as Administrative Agent and as Syndication Agent, the Lenders Party thereto and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Lead Arranger (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on December 12, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.9

   Stockholders Agreement among Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc. (subsequently assumed by the Registrant), Funds managed by Bain Capital Partners, LLC or its Affiliates, Toybox Holdings LLC and Vornado Truck LLC and certain other persons, dated as of July 21, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.10

   Amendment No. 1, dated June 10, 2008, to the Stockholders Agreement among Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc. (subsequently assumed by the Registrant), Funds managed by Bain Capital Partners, LLC or its Affiliates, Toybox Holdings LLC and Vornado Truck LLC and certain other persons, dated as of July 21, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.11

   Advisory Agreement, dated as of July 21, 2005, among the Registrant, Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc. (subsequently assumed by the Registrant), Bain Capital Partners, LLC, Bain Capital, Ltd., Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. and Vornado Truck LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.12

   Amendment No. 1, dated June 10, 2008, to the Advisory Agreement among the Registrant, Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc. (subsequently assumed by the Registrant), Bain Capital Partners, LLC, Bain Capital, Ltd., Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. and Vornado Truck LLC, dated as of July 21, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

133


Table of Contents

Exhibit
No.

  

Document

10.13

   Amendment No. 2, dated February 1, 2009, to the Advisory Agreement among the Registrant, Bain Capital Partners, LLC, Bain Capital, Ltd., Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P. and Vornado Truck LLC, dated as of July 21, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.14

   Form of Advancement and Indemnification Rights Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.15*

   Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc. 2005 Management Equity Plan, (subsequently assumed by the Registrant), adopted on August 3, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on December 18, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.16*

   Amendment No. 1, dated June 10, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Toys “R’ Us Holdings, Inc. 2005 Management Equity Plan, (subsequently assumed by the Registrant and renamed the Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc. Management Equity Plan), adopted on August 3, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 10, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.17*

   Amendment No. 2, effective as of June 8, 2009, to the Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc. Management Equity Plan, adopted on August 3, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 9, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.18*

   Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc. Management Incentive Compensation Plan, effective as of February 2, 2003 (filed as Exhibit F to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A, File No. 001-11609 filed on April 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.19*

   Amended and Restated Toys “R” Us, Inc. Grantor Trust Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2003, between Registrant and Wachovia Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004, File No. 001-11609, filed on April 14, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.20*

   Toys “R” Us, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of February 1, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 22, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.21*

   Amendment No. 1, effective as of February 1, 2008, to the Toys “R” Us, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective as of February 1, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.22*

   Toys “R” Us, Inc. Split Dollar Plan, effective February 1, 1996 and Amendment to Toys “R” Us, Inc. Split Dollar Plan, effective November 5, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004, File No. 001-11609, filed on April 14, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.23*

   Summary of 2006 Corporate Incentive Program (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on June 13, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

134


Table of Contents

Exhibit
No.

  

Document

10.24*

   Form of Toys “R” Us, Inc. Non-Qualified Stock Option For Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.25*

   Form of Toys “R” Us, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement (With Consideration) for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.26*

   Form of Toys “R” Us, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement (Without Consideration) for Executive Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.27*

   Employment Agreement among Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc., Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Gerald Storch, dated as of February 6, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006, filed on April 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.28*

   Amendment No. 1, dated October 27, 2008, to the Employment Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2006, with Gerald Storch (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.29*

   Employment Agreement among Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc., Toys “R” Us, Inc. and F. Clay Creasey, Jr., dated as of April 5, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006, filed on April 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.30*

   Amendment No. 1, dated October 16, 2008, to the Employment Agreement, dated as of April 5, 2006, with F. Clay Creasey, Jr. (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.31*

   Employment Agreement among Toys “R” Us Holdings, Inc., Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Claire Babrowski, dated as of May 29, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.55 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, filed on May 2, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.32*

   Amendment No. 1, dated October 16, 2008, to the Employment Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2007, with Claire Babrowski (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.33*

   Letter Agreement, dated October 20, 2004, between Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Antonio Urcelay (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006, filed on April 28, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

135


Table of Contents

Exhibit
No.

  

Document

10.34*

   Amended and Restated Retention Agreement between Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Deborah M. Derby, dated as of November 1, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, File No. 001-11609, filed on December 8, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.35*

   Amendment, dated February 11, 2005, to the Retention Agreement by and between Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Deborah M. Derby (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, File No. 001-11609, filed on February 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.36*

   Amendment, dated July 21, 2005, to the Retention Agreement between Toys “R” Us, Inc. and Deborah M. Derby (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on September 14, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.37*

   Amendment No. 3, dated December 24, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated November 1, 2004 with Deborah M. Derby.

12

   Statement re: computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

21

   Subsidiaries of the Registrant as of January 30, 2010.

24

   Power of Attorney, dated March 15, 2010.

31.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and Rule 15d – 14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) and Rule 15d – 14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

136

EX-4.13 2 dex413.htm REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED JULY 9, 2009 Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 9, 2009

Exhibit 4.13

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

by and among

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY I, LLC

MAP REAL ESTATE, LLC

WAYNE REAL ESTATE COMPANY, LLC

TRU 2005 RE I, LLC

TRU 2005 RE II TRUST

and

Banc of America Securities LLC

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Dated as of July 9, 2009


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 9, 2009, by and among Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC (formerly know as TRU 2005 RE Holding Co. I, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), the Guarantors listed on Schedule I hereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”), and Banc of America Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (collectively, the “Initial Purchasers”), each of whom has agreed to purchase the Company’s 10.75% Senior Notes due 2017 (the “Notes”) fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors (the “Guarantees”) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below). The Notes and the Guarantees attached thereto are herein collectively referred to as the “Securities.”

This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 2009, among Toys ‘R’ Us, Inc. (“TRU”) and the Initial Purchasers as amended by the Joinder Agreement, dated as of July 9, 2009 among the Company and the Guarantors (collectively, the “Purchase Agreement”) (i) for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and (ii) for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Transfer Restricted Securities, including the Initial Purchasers. In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Securities, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers set forth in Section 5(f) of the Purchase Agreement.

The parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Interest: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

Advice: As defined in Section 6(c) hereof.

Broker-Dealer: Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.

Business Day: Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or U.S. federal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies located in New York, New York are authorized or obligated to be closed.

Closing Date: The date of this Agreement.

Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company: As defined in the preamble hereto.


Consummate: A registered Exchange Offer shall be deemed “Consummated” for purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (i) the filing and effectiveness under the Securities Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (ii) the maintenance of such Registration Statement continuously effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than the minimum period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof, and (iii) the delivery by the Company to the Registrar under the Indenture of Exchange Securities in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities that were properly tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Date: As defined in Section 3(a) hereto.

Exchange Offer: The registration by the Company and the Guarantors under the Securities Act of the Exchange Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement pursuant to which the Company and the Guarantors offer the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holders for Exchange Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement: The Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus.

Exchange Securities: The 10.75% Senior Notes due 2017, of the same series under the Indenture as the Notes and the Guarantees attached thereto, to be issued to Holders in exchange for Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to this Agreement in an Exchange Offer or upon a sale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement.

FINRA: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Holders: As defined in Section 2(b) hereof.

Indemnified Holder: As defined in Section 8(a) hereof.

Indenture: The Indenture, dated as of July 9, 2009, by and among the Company, TRU, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Trustee”), pursuant to which the Securities are to be issued, as such Indenture is amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Initial Placement: The issuance and sale by the Company of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

Initial Purchasers: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Interest Payment Date: As defined in the Indenture and the Securities.


Person: An individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prospectus: The prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference into such Prospectus.

Registration Default: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

Registration Statement: Any registration statement of the Company relating to (a) an offering of Exchange Securities pursuant to an Exchange Offer or (b) the registration for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, which is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, including the Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and material incorporated by reference therein.

Securities: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shelf Filing Deadline: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof.

Transfer Restricted Securities: The Securities; provided that the Securities shall cease to be Transfer Restricted Securities on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and such Securities have been exchanged or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) the date on which such Securities cease to be outstanding, or (iii) during an Effectiveness Period in which such Securities were eligible to be included in a Shelf Registration Statement, the date on which such Securities are sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

TRU: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Trust Indenture Act: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Underwritten Registration or Underwritten Offering: A registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

SECTION 2. Securities Subject to this Agreement.

(a) Transfer Restricted Securities. The securities entitled to the benefits of this Agreement are the Transfer Restricted Securities.


(b) Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities. A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (each, a “Holder”) whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.

SECTION 3. Registered Exchange Offer.

(a) Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permissible under applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), the Company and the Guarantors shall (i) cause to be filed with the Commission an Exchange Offer Registration Statement under the Securities Act relating to the Exchange Securities and the Exchange Offer, (ii) use their reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act, (iii) in connection with the foregoing, file (A) all pre-effective amendments to such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to cause such Registration Statement to become effective, (B) if applicable, a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act and (C) cause all necessary filings in connection with the registration and qualification of the Exchange Securities to be made under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer, and (iv) upon the effectiveness of such Registration Statement, commence the Exchange Offer. Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use reasonable efforts to Consummate the Exchange Offer not later than 365 days following the Closing Date (or if such 365th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) (the “Exchange Date”). The Exchange Offer shall be on the appropriate form permitting registration of the Exchange Securities to be offered in exchange for the Transfer Restricted Securities and to permit resales of Transfer Restricted Securities held by Broker-Dealers as contemplated by Section 3(c) hereof.

(b) The Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously, and shall keep the Exchange Offer open, for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be less than 20 Business Days after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders. The Company shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No securities other than the Exchange Securities shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(c) The Company shall indicate in a “Plan of Distribution” section contained in the Prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement that any Broker-Dealer who holds Transfer Restricted Securities that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Company), may exchange such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the Exchange Securities received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, which prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by the delivery by such Broker-Dealer of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Such “Plan of Distribution” section


shall also contain all other information with respect to such resales by Broker-Dealers that the Commission may require in order to permit such resales pursuant thereto, but such “Plan of Distribution” shall not name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer except to the extent required by the Commission as a result of a change in policy after the date of this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for resales of Transfer Restricted Securities acquired by Broker-Dealers for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 90 days from the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective and (ii) the date on which a Broker-Dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus in connection with market-making or other trading activities.

The Company shall provide sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to Broker-Dealers promptly upon request at any time during such period referred to in the preceding paragraph in order to facilitate such resales.

SECTION 4. Shelf Registration.

(a) Shelf Registration. If (i) the Company is not required to file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or to consummate the Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), (ii) for any reason the Exchange Offer is not Consummated by the Exchange Date, or (iii) (A) the Initial Purchasers request from the Company with respect to Transfer Restricted Securities not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Securities in the Exchange Offer or (B) with respect to any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities such Holder notifies the Company that (i) such Holder is prohibited by applicable law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer, (ii) such Holder may not resell the Exchange Securities acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and that the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such Holder, or (iii) such Holder is a Broker-Dealer and holds Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Company or one of its affiliates, the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(x) cause to be filed a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (in either event, the “Shelf Registration Statement”) on or prior to the 90th day after the date such obligation arises but no earlier than the 365th day after the Closing Date (or if such 365th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) (such date being the “Shelf Filing Deadline”), which Shelf Registration Statement shall provide for resales of all Transfer Restricted Securities the Holders of which shall have provided the information required pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof; and


(y) use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective promptly by the Commission.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders of such Securities entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, from the date on which the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission until the second anniversary of the Closing Date (or shorter period that will terminate on the date when all the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement and the date when there are no Transfer Restricted Securities outstanding that are entitled to be included in a Shelf Registration Statement (the “Effectiveness Period”).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, at any time, the Company and the Guarantors may delay the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement or delay or suspend the effectiveness thereof, for a reasonable period of time, but not in excess of 60 consecutive days or 90 days in total during any calendar year (each, a “Shelf Suspension Period”), if the Board of Directors of the Company determines reasonably and in good faith that the filing of any such Shelf Registration Statement or the continuing effectiveness thereof would require the disclosure of non-public material information that, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company, would be detrimental to the Company, the Guarantors or their Affiliates (as defined in the Indenture) if so disclosed or would otherwise materially adversely affect a financing, acquisition, disposition, merger or other material transaction or such action is required by applicable law.

(b) Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the Company in writing, within 20 Business Days after receipt of a request therefor, such information as the Company may reasonably request for use in connection with any Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein. Each Holder as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not materially misleading.

SECTION 5. Additional Interest. If either (i) the Exchange Offer has not been Consummated prior to the Exchange Date, (ii) any Shelf Registration Statement required by this Agreement has not been declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the later of (x) the 365th day after the Closing Date and (y) the 90th day after the date the Shelf Registration


Statement was required to be filed pursuant to Section 4 hereof or (iii) any Shelf Registration Statement required by this Agreement has been declared effective but ceases to be effective during the Effectiveness Period (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iii), a “Registration Default”), the Company hereby agrees that 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 (such increase, “Additional Interest”), but in no event shall such increase exceed 0.50% per annum) commencing on (x) the 365th day after the original issue date of the Notes, in the case of (i) above (y) the later of the 365th day after the original issue date of the Notes and the 90th day after the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement was required, in the case of (ii) above or (z) the day such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective, in the case of (iii) above. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults relating to particular Transfer Restricted Securities (which shall be the date of the Consummation of the Exchange Offer, in the case of clause (i) above, the effectiveness date of the Shelf Registration Statement in the case of clause (ii) above and the date that the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective, in the case of clause (iii) above), 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 provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 5, the Company and the Guarantors shall not be obligated to pay Additional Interest provided in this Section 5 during a Shelf Suspension Period permitted by Section 4(a) hereof.

If the Company is required to pay Additional Interest, the Company shall provide written notice to the Trustee of the Company’s obligations to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to each interest payment date on which Additional Interest is payable, which notice shall set forth the amount of the Additional Interest to be paid by the Company on such interest payment date.

All obligations of the Company and the Guarantors set forth in this Section 5 that are outstanding with respect to any Transfer Restricted Security at the time such security ceases to be a Transfer Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all such obligations with respect to such security shall have been satisfied in full.


SECTION 6. Registration Procedures.

(a) Exchange Offer Registration Statement. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company and the Guarantors shall comply with all of the provisions of clauses (i), (ii), (xv), (xvi), (xix) of Section 6(c) hereof, shall use their reasonable efforts to effect such exchange and to permit the sale of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and shall comply with all of the following provisions:

(i) If in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Company there is a question as to whether the Exchange Offer is permitted by applicable law and it is advisable to do so, each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the Commission allowing the Company and the Guarantors to Consummate an Exchange Offer for such Transfer Restricted Securities. Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees to pursue the issuance of such a decision to the Commission staff level but shall not be required to take action to effect a change of Commission policy. Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees, however, to (A) participate in telephonic conferences with the Commission, (B) deliver to the Commission staff an analysis prepared by counsel to the Company setting forth the legal bases, if any, upon which such counsel has concluded that such an Exchange Offer should be permitted and (C) diligently pursue a favorable resolution by the Commission staff of such submission.

(ii) As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall furnish, upon the request of the Company, prior to the Consummation thereof, a written representation to the Company (which may be contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or in the Agent’s Message (as defined in the Indenture)) to the effect that (A) it is not an affiliate of the Company, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Securities in its ordinary course of business. In addition, all such Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall otherwise cooperate in the Company’s preparations for the Exchange Offer. Each Holder shall acknowledge and agree that any Broker-Dealer and any such Holder using the Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the securities to be acquired in the Exchange Offer (1) could not under Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the Commission’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters (which may include any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above), and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K if the resales are of Exchange Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Transfer Restricted Securities acquired by such Holder directly from the Company.

(b) Shelf Registration Statement. If required pursuant to Section 4, in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall comply with all the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof, shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto each of the Company and the Guarantors will promptly prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution therefor.


(c) General Provisions. In connection with any Registration Statement and any Prospectus required by this Agreement to permit the sale or resale of Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without limitation, any Registration Statement and the related Prospectus required to permit resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by Broker-Dealers), each of the Company and the Guarantors shall:

(i) use its reasonable efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective and provide all requisite financial statements (including, if required by the Securities Act or any regulation thereunder, financial statements of Toys “R” Us - Delaware, Inc. (“Toys-Delaware”) and/or the Guarantors for the period specified in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable; upon the occurrence of any event that would cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained therein (A) to contain a material misstatement or omission or (B) not to be effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period required by this Agreement, the Company shall file promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus or document incorporated by reference, in the case of clause (A), correcting any such material misstatement or omission, and, in the case of either clause (A) or (B), use its reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to be declared effective and such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus to become usable for their intended purpose(s) as soon as practicable thereafter;

(ii) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or otherwise cease to be Transfer Restricted Securities entitled to be included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, and to comply fully with the applicable provisions of Rules 424 and 430A under the Securities Act in a timely manner; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

(iii) advise the underwriter(s), if any, and selling Holders named in the applicable Registration Statement promptly and, if requested by such Persons, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for amendments to the Registration Statement or amendments or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating


thereto, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act or of the suspension by any state securities commission of the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the preceding purposes, (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or blue sky laws, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible time;

(iv) furnish without charge to each of the Initial Purchasers, counsel to the selling Holders named in any Registration Statement, and each of the underwriter(s), if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of any Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such counsel to such Holders and underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, for a period of at least five Business Days, and the Company will not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus to which such counsel or the underwriter(s), if any, shall reasonably object in writing within five Business Days after the receipt thereof (such objection to be deemed timely made upon confirmation of telecopy transmission within such period). The objection of an Initial Purchaser or underwriter, if any, shall be deemed to be reasonable if such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains a material misstatement or omission;

(v) make available at reasonable times for inspection by the Initial Purchasers, the managing underwriter(s), if any, participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement and any attorney or accountant retained by such Initial Purchasers or any of the underwriter(s), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of each of the Company and the Guarantors and cause the Company’s and the Guarantors’ officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Initial Purchaser, underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness and to participate in meetings with investors to the extent requested by the managing underwriter(s), if any, in each case, as shall be reasonably necessary to enable such persons to conduct an investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that any information that is reasonably and in good faith designated by the Company and the Guarantors in writing as confidential at the time of


delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by the Initial Purchasers or any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or other agent, unless (1) disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or is necessary to respond to inquiries of regulatory authorities, (2) disclosure of such information is required by law (including any disclosure requirements pursuant to federal securities laws in connection with the filing of such Registration Statement or the use of any Prospectus), (3) such information becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or failure to safeguard such information by such person or (4) such information becomes available to such Initial Purchaser, underwriter, attorney, accountant or other agent from a source other than the Company or the Guarantors and such source is not known, after due inquiry, by the relevant Initial Purchaser, underwriter, attorney, accountant or other agent to be bound by a confidentiality agreement or is not otherwise under a duty of trust to the Company or the Guarantor;

(vi) if requested by any selling Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, promptly incorporate in any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such selling Holders and underwriter(s), if any, may reasonably request to have included therein, including, without limitation, information relating to the “Plan of Distribution” of the Transfer Restricted Securities, information with respect to the principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold to such underwriter(s), the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Company is notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(vii) use commercially reasonable efforts to confirm that the ratings assigned to the Notes will apply to the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Registration Statement, if so requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities covered thereby or the underwriter(s), if any;

(viii) deliver to each selling Holder and each of the underwriter(s), if any, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons reasonably may request; each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby consents to the use of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and each of the underwriter(s), if any, in connection with the offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;

(ix) enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement), and make such representations and warranties (including with respect to TRU and/or Toys-Delaware, on a basis materially consistent with the Purchase Agreement), and take all such other actions in connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement


contemplated by this Agreement, all to such extent as may be reasonably requested by any Initial Purchaser or by any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities or underwriter in connection with any sale or resale pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement; and whether or not an underwriting agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is an Underwritten Registration, each of the Company and the Guarantors shall to the extent applicable:

(A) furnish to each underwriter, if any, in such substance and scope as they may request and as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings, upon the date of the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement:

(1) a certificate, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, signed by (y) the President or any Vice President and (z) a principal financial or accounting officer of each of the Company and the Guarantors, confirming, as of the date thereof, the matters with respect to which certificates were delivered under the Purchase Agreement;

(2) an opinion, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement of counsel for the Company and the Guarantors, covering the matters set forth in Section 6(c) of the Purchase Agreement with respect to corporate type opinions, not special ones and a negative assurance statement consistent with the letter delivered pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Purchase Agreement; and

(3) a customary comfort letter, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, from the Company’s independent accountants, in the customary form and covering matters of the type customarily requested to be covered in comfort letters by underwriters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, and covering or affirming the matters set forth in the comfort letters delivered pursuant to Section 5(a) of the Purchase Agreement, to the extent applicable;

(B) set forth in full or incorporate by reference in the underwriting agreement, if any, the indemnification provisions and procedures of Section 8 hereof with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant to said Section; and

(C) deliver such other documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by such parties to evidence compliance with Section 6(c)(xi)(A) hereof and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Company or any of the Guarantors pursuant to this Section 6(c)(xi), if any.


If at any time the representations and warranties of the Company and the Guarantors contemplated in Section 6(c)(xi)(A)(1) hereof cease to be true and correct, the Company or the Guarantors shall so advise the Initial Purchasers and the underwriter(s), if any, and each selling Holder promptly and, if requested by such Persons, shall confirm such advice in writing;

(x) prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders, the underwriter(s), if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the selling Holders or underwriter(s), if any, may request and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that neither the Company nor the Guarantors shall be required to register or qualify as a foreign corporation where it is not then so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation, other than as to matters and transactions relating to the Registration Statement, in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(xi) shall issue, upon the request of any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement, Exchange Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Exchange Securities to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchaser(s) of such Securities, as the case may be; in return, the Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation;

(xii) cooperate with the selling Holders and the underwriter(s), if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Exchange Securities for Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Exchange Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, may request at least two Business Days prior to any sale of Transfer Restricted Securities made by such Holders or underwriter(s);

(xiii) use its reasonable efforts to cause the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter(s), if any, to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in Section 6(c)(xii) hereof;


(xiv) if any fact or event contemplated by Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof shall exist or have occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading for the period specified in Section (3) and Section (4), as applicable;

(xv) provide a CUSIP number for all Securities not later than the effective date of the Registration Statement covering such Securities and provide the Trustee under the Indenture with printed certificates for such Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company and take all other action necessary to ensure that all such Securities are eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company;

(xvi) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter (including any “qualified independent underwriter”) that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FINRA;

(xvii) otherwise use its reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its security holders, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earnings statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 under the Securities Act (which need not be audited) for the twelve-month period (A) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Transfer Restricted Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering or (B) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, beginning with the first month of the Company’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the Registration Statement; and

(xviii) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement required by this Agreement, and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders of Securities to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and to execute and use its reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents that may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner.

Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the existence of any fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xvi) hereof, or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. If so directed by the Company, each Holder will


deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that was current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the event the Company shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof to and including the date when each selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xvi) or shall have received the Advice; provided, however, that no such extension shall be taken into account in determining whether Additional Interest is due pursuant to Section 5 hereof or the amount of such Additional Interest.

SECTION 7. Registration Expenses.

(a) All expenses incident to the Company’s and the Guarantors’ performance of or compliance with this Agreement will be borne by the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, regardless of whether a Registration Statement becomes effective, including, without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses (including filings made by any Initial Purchaser or Holder with the FINRA (and, if applicable, customary fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” and its counsel that may be required by the rules and regulations of FINRA)); (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state securities or blue sky laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, the Guarantors and, subject to Section 7(b) hereof, the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; (v) all fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance) and (vi) all fees and expenses of the Trustee and any exchange agent, and reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel each for the Trustee and such exchange agent, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors will, in any event, bear its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Company or the Guarantors. Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts, commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Transfer Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

(b) In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will reimburse the Initial Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities being registered pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel, who shall be Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP or such other counsel as may be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being prepared.


SECTION 8. Indemnification.

(a) The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Holder and (ii) each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) any Holder (any of the Persons referred to in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred to as a “controlling person”) and (iii) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of any Holder or any controlling person (any Person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may hereinafter be referred to as an “Indemnified Holder”), to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, actions and expenses (including, without limitation, and as incurred, reimbursement of all reasonable costs of investigating, preparing, pursuing, settling, compromising, paying or defending any claim or action, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to any Indemnified Holder), joint or several, directly or indirectly caused by, related to, based upon, arising out of or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission that is made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any of the Holders furnished in writing to the Company by any of the Holders expressly for use therein. This indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability which the Company or any of the Guarantors may otherwise have.

In case any action or proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation or proceeding) shall be brought or asserted against any of the Indemnified Holders with respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Company or the Guarantors, such Indemnified Holder (or the Indemnified Holder controlled by such controlling person) shall promptly notify the Company and the Guarantors in writing; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve any of the Company or the Guarantors of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement except to the extent they are prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure. In case any such action is brought against any Indemnified Holder and such Indemnified Holder seeks or intends to seek indemnity from the Company or the Guarantors, the Company or the Guarantors will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it shall elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written notice delivered to the Indemnified Holder promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such Indemnified Holder, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Holder; provided, however, if the defendants in any such action include both the Indemnified Holder and the Company or the Guarantors and the Indemnified Holder shall have reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel) that a conflict may arise between the positions of the Company or the Guarantors and the Indemnified Holder in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other


Indemnified Holders which are different from or additional to those available to the Company or the Guarantors, the Indemnified Holder or Holders shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Holder or Holders. Upon receipt of notice from the Company or Guarantors to such Indemnified Holder of the Company’s or the Guarantors’ election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the Indemnified Holder of counsel, the Issuer or the Guarantors will not be liable to such Indemnified Holder under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Holder in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the Indemnified Holder shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the Company or the Guarantors shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), approved by the Company or the Guarantors, representing the Indemnified Holders who are parties to such action) or (ii) the Company or the Guarantors shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Holder to represent the Indemnified Holder within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the Issuer or the Guarantors. It is understood and agreed that the Company or the Guarantors shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (together with any local counsel) for all Indemnified Holders. Each Indemnified Holder, as a condition to indemnification hereunder, shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company or the Guarantors in the defense of any such action or claim. The Company and the Guarantors shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action or proceeding effected without the their prior written consent, but if settled with such consent or there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Company and the Guarantors agree to indemnify and hold harmless any Indemnified Holder from and against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment. The Company and the Guarantors shall not, without the prior written consent of each Indemnified Holder, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any pending or threatened action, claim, litigation or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Holder is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Holder from all liability arising out of such action, claim, litigation or proceeding.

(b) Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantors and their respective directors, officers, partners, employees, representative and agents, and any Person controlling (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Company or any of the Guarantors, and the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of each such Person, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company and the Guarantors to each of the Indemnified Holders, but only with respect to claims and actions based on information relating to such Holder furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement. In case any action or proceeding shall be brought against the Company, the Guarantors or their respective directors or officers, partners, employees, representative and agents or any such controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities,


such Holder shall have the rights and duties given the Company and the Guarantors, and the Company, the Guarantors, their respective directors and officers, partners, employees, representative and agents and such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to each Indemnified Holder by the preceding paragraph.

(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 8(a) or (b) hereof (other than by reason of exceptions provided in those Sections, including by reason of failure to notify the Company and the Guarantors of indemnification obligations thereunder to the extent that they are prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure) in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, actions or expenses referred to therein, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, from the Initial Placement (which in the case of the Company and the Guarantors shall be deemed to be equal to the total gross proceeds to the Company and the Guarantors from the Initial Placement), or if such allocation is not permitted by applicable law, the relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Holders, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors on the one hand and of the Indemnified Holders on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or any of the Guarantors, on the one hand, or the Indemnified Holders, on the other hand, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in the second paragraph of Section 8(a) hereof, any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim.

The Company, the Guarantors agree and each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(c) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, none of the Holders (and its related Indemnified Holders) shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Notes pursuant to a Registration Statement exceeds the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or


alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8(c) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of Securities held by each of the Holders hereunder and not joint.

SECTION 9. Rule 144A. Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding, to make available to any Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder or beneficial owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

SECTION 10. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. The Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement who desire to do so may sell such Transfer Restricted Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment banker(s) and managing underwriter(s) that will administer such offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities included in such offering; provided, however, that such investment banker(s) and managing underwriter(s) must be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. No Holder may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all reasonable questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, lock-up letters and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

SECTION 11. [Intentionally omitted.]

SECTION 12. Miscellaneous.

(a) Remedies. Each of the Company and the Guarantors hereby agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agree to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

(b) No Inconsistent Agreements. Each of the Company and the Guarantors will not on or after the date of this Agreement enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. Neither the Company nor any of the Guarantors has previously entered into any agreement granting any registration rights with respect to its securities to any Person pursuant to which any such Person would have the right to include any securities in any Registration Statement to be filed with the Commission as required under this Agreement. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Company’s or any of the Guarantors’ securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof.


(c) Adjustments Affecting the Securities. The Company will not take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to the Securities that would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Holders to Consummate any Exchange Offer.

(d) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has (i) in the case of Section 5 hereof and this Section 12(d)(i), obtained the written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities affected thereby and (ii) in the case of all other provisions hereof, obtained the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities (excluding any Transfer Restricted Securities held by the Company or its Affiliates). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and that does not affect directly or indirectly the rights of other Holders whose securities are not being tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being tendered or registered; provided, however, that, with respect to any matter that directly or indirectly affects the rights of any Initial Purchaser hereunder, the Company shall obtain the written consent of each such Initial Purchaser with respect to which such amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver, consent or departure is to be effective.

(e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

(i) if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of the Registrar under the Indenture, with a copy to the Registrar under the Indenture;

(ii) if to the Initial Purchasers:

 

Banc of America Securities LLC
One Bryant Park
New York, New York 10036
Facsimile:    (646) 901-7897
Attention:    Legal Department

with a copy to:

 

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
80 Pine Street
New York, NY 10005
Facsimile:    (212) 269-5240
Attention:    Noah Newitz


(iii) if to the Company or the Guarantors:

Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC

c/o Toys “R” Us, Inc.

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Attention: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

with a copy to:

Toys “R” Us Inc.

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, New Jersey 07470

Facsimile: (973) 617-4006

Attention: General Counsel

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address specified in the Indenture.

(f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including, without limitation, and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities made in compliance with this Agreement and the Indenture; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding upon a successor or assign of a Holder unless and to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder and all such Transfer Restricted Securities shall be held subject to the terms of this Agreement.

(g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

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


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

(j) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

(k) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the registration rights granted by the Company and the Guarantors with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY I, LLC
By:   /s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Name:   F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Title:   Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer

GUARANTORS:

 

MAP REAL ESTATE, LLC

By:   /s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Name:   F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Title:   Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
WAYNE REAL ESTATE COMPANY, LLC
By:   /s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Name:   F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Title:   Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
TRU 2005 RE I, LLC
By:   /s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Name:   F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Title:   Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
TRU 2005 RE II TRUST
By:   /s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Name:   F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Title:   Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer


The foregoing Registration Rights Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:

 

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

As Representatives of the Initial Purchasers

By:   Banc of America Securities LLC
By:   /s/ Stephan Jaeger
 

Name: Stephan Jaeger

Title:   Managing Director


Schedule I

 

Guarantors

   Jurisdiction of Organization

MAP Real Estate, LLC

   Delaware

Wayne Real Estate Company, LLC

   Delaware

TRU 2005 RE I, LLC

   Delaware

TRU 2005 RE II Trust

   Delaware
EX-4.14 3 dex414.htm INDENTURE, DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2009 Indenture, dated November 20, 2009

Exhibit 4.14

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC,

TOYS “R” US, INC.

and

THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 

 

8.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

 

 

INDENTURE

DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 20, 2009

 

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

as Trustee

and

Collateral Agent


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

Trust Indenture Act Section

       

Indenture Section

310(a)(1)       7.10
      (a)(2)       7.10
      (a)(3)       N.A.
      (a)(4)       N.A.
      (a)(5)       7.10
      (b)       7.3; 7.10
      (c)       N.A.
311(a)       7.11
      (b)       7.11
      (c)       N.A.
312(a)       2.5
      (b)       11.3
      (c)       11.3
313(a)       7.6
      (b)(1)       7.6; 13.6
      (b)(2)       7.6; 7.7
      (c)       7.6; 11.2
      (d)       7.6
314(a)       4.3; 11.5
      (b)       13.2
      (c)(1)       11.4
      (c)(2)       11.4
      (c)(3)       N.A.
      (d)       13.6
      (e)       11.5
      (f)       N.A.
315(a)       7.1
      (b)       1.1, 7.5; 11.2
      (c)       7.1
      (d)       7.1
      (e)       6.11
316(a) (last sentence)       2.9
      (a)(1)(A)       6.5
      (a)(1)(B)       6.4
      (a)(2)       N.A.
      (b)       6.7
      (c)       2.13
317(a)(1)       6.8
      (a)(2)       6.9
      (b)       2.4
318(a)       11.1
      (b)       N.A.
      (c)       11.1

 

N.A. means not applicable.

 

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


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

SECTION 1.1    Definitions    1
SECTION 1.2    Other Definitions    32
SECTION 1.3    Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act    33
SECTION 1.4    Rules of Construction    33

ARTICLE II

 

THE NOTES

SECTION 2.1    Form and Dating    34
SECTION 2.2    Execution and Authentication    36
SECTION 2.3    Registrar; Paying Agent    36
SECTION 2.4    Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust    37
SECTION 2.5    Holder Lists    37
SECTION 2.6    Book-Entry Provisions for Global Securities    37
SECTION 2.7    Replacement Notes    43
SECTION 2.8    Outstanding Notes    43
SECTION 2.9    Treasury Notes    43
SECTION 2.10    Temporary Notes    44
SECTION 2.11    Cancellation    44
SECTION 2.12    Defaulted Interest    44
SECTION 2.13    Record Date    44
SECTION 2.14    Computation of Interest    44
SECTION 2.15    CUSIP/ISIN Number    45
SECTION 2.16    Special Transfer Provisions    45
SECTION 2.17    Issuance of Additional Notes    46
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT
SECTION 3.1    Notices to Trustee    47
SECTION 3.2    Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed    48
SECTION 3.3    Notice of Redemption    48
SECTION 3.4    Effect of Notice of Redemption    49
SECTION 3.5    Deposit of Redemption Price    49
SECTION 3.6    Notes Redeemed in Part    50
SECTION 3.7    Optional Redemption    50
SECTION 3.8    Mandatory Redemption    51
SECTION 3.9    Offer to Purchase    51


ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.1    Payment of Notes    53
SECTION 4.2    Maintenance of Office or Agency    53
SECTION 4.3    Provision of Financial Information    53
SECTION 4.4    Compliance Certificate    54
SECTION 4.5    Taxes    55
SECTION 4.6    Stay, Extension and Usury Laws    55
SECTION 4.7    Limitation on Restricted Payments    55
SECTION 4.8    Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries    56
SECTION 4.9    Limitation on Incurrence of Debt    58
SECTION 4.10    Limitation on Asset Sales    58
SECTION 4.11    Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates    60
SECTION 4.12    Limitation on Liens    61
SECTION 4.13    Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control    61
SECTION 4.14    Corporate Existence    62
SECTION 4.15    Additional Note Guarantees; Additional Security    62
SECTION 4.16    Books and Records    63
SECTION 4.17    Conduct of Business / Amendments to the Master Lease    63
SECTION 4.18    [Reserved]    63
SECTION 4.19    Post-Closing Covenant    63
SECTION 4.20    Chief Executive Office; Change of Name; Jurisdiction of Organization; Status    64
SECTION 4.21    Further Assurances    64
ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS
SECTION 5.1    Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease    65
SECTION 5.2    Successor Person Substituted    66
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.1    Events of Default    67
SECTION 6.2    Acceleration    69
SECTION 6.3    Other Remedies    70
SECTION 6.4    Waiver of Past Defaults    70
SECTION 6.5    Control by Majority    70
SECTION 6.6    Limitation on Suits    71


SECTION 6.7    Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment    71
SECTION 6.8    Collection Suit by Trustee    71
SECTION 6.9    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim    72
SECTION 6.10    Priorities    72
SECTION 6.11    Undertaking for Costs    73
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.1    Duties of Trustee    73
SECTION 7.2    Rights of Trustee    74
SECTION 7.3    Individual Rights of Trustee    76
SECTION 7.4    Trustee’s Disclaimer    76
SECTION 7.5    Notice of Defaults    76
SECTION 7.6    Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes    76
SECTION 7.7    Compensation and Indemnity    77
SECTION 7.8    Replacement of Trustee    78
SECTION 7.9    Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.    79
SECTION 7.10    Eligibility; Disqualification    79
SECTION 7.11    Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company    79
SECTION 7.12    Trustee’s Application for Instructions from the Company    79
ARTICLE VIII
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.1    Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance    79
SECTION 8.2    Defeasance and Discharge    80
SECTION 8.3    Covenant Defeasance    81
SECTION 8.4    Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance    81
SECTION 8.5    Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions    83
SECTION 8.6    Repayment to Company    83
SECTION 8.7    Reinstatement    84
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
SECTION 9.1    Without Consent of Holders of the Notes    84
SECTION 9.2    With Consent of Holders of Notes    85
SECTION 9.3    Compliance with Trust Indenture Act    87
SECTION 9.4    Revocation and Effect of Consents    87
SECTION 9.5    Notation on or Exchange of Notes    87
SECTION 9.6    Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.    87


ARTICLE X
NOTE GUARANTEES
SECTION 10.1    Note Guarantees    88
SECTION 10.2    Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee    89
SECTION 10.3    Severability    90
SECTION 10.4    Limitation of Guarantors’ Liability    90
SECTION 10.5    Releases Following Sale of Assets    90
SECTION 10.6    Benefits Acknowledged    91
SECTION 10.7    Future Guarantors    91
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.1    Trust Indenture Act Controls    91
SECTION 11.2    Notices    91
SECTION 11.3    Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes    92
SECTION 11.4    Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent    92
SECTION 11.5    Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion    93
SECTION 11.6    Rules by Trustee and Agents    93
SECTION 11.7    No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees, Stockholders and the Trustee    93
SECTION 11.8    Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial    94
SECTION 11.9    No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements    94
SECTION 11.10    Successors    94
SECTION 11.11    Severability    94
SECTION 11.12    Counterpart Originals    94
SECTION 11.13    Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.    94
SECTION 11.14    Qualification of Indenture    95
SECTION 11.15    Force Majeure    95
SECTION 11.16    Assignment of Prior Obligations    95
SECTION 11.17    Security Documents    95
ARTICLE XII
COVENANTS APPLICABLE TO DELAWARE
SECTION 12.1    Limitation on Restricted Payments    96
SECTION 12.2    Incurrence of Debt and Issuance of Preferred Stock    101
SECTION 12.3    Provision of Financial Information    104
SECTION 12.4    Suspension of Covenants Applicable to Delaware    105
SECTION 12.5    Corporate Existence    105
SECTION 12.6    Books and Records    106


ARTICLE XIII
SECURITY
SECTION 13.1    Security Documents; Additional Collateral; Post-Closing Matters    106
SECTION 13.2    Recording, Registration and Opinions    108
SECTION 13.3    Releases of Collateral    108
SECTION 13.4    Form and Sufficiency of Release    109
SECTION 13.5    Possession and Use of Collateral; Cash and Cash Equivalents    109
SECTION 13.6    Reports and Certificates Relating to Collateral    110
SECTION 13.7    Collateral Agent    110
SECTION 13.8    Purchaser Protected    113
SECTION 13.9    [Reserved]    114
SECTION 13.10    Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents    114
SECTION 13.11    Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Collateral Agent    114
SECTION 13.12    Compensation and Indemnification    114

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    FORM OF 8.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTE
Exhibit B    FORM OF NOTATIONAL GUARANTEE
Exhibit C    FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO RULE 144A
Exhibit D    FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO REGULATION S
SCHEDULES
Schedule I    POST-CLOSING DELIVERABLES


This Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2009, is by and among Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC (formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), the Guarantors (as defined herein), Toys “R” Us, Inc. (“Parent”) (with respect to Article XII and provisions related thereto only) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Trustee”), and as Collateral Agent.

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of (i) the Company’s 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 issued on the date hereof that contain the restrictive legend in Exhibit A (the “Initial Notes”), (ii) Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Initial Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act without the restrictive legends in Exhibit A (the “Exchange Notes”) and (iii) Additional Notes issued from time to time hereunder as either Initial Notes or Exchange Notes (together with the Initial Notes and any Exchange Notes, the “Notes”).

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

SECTION 1.1 Definitions.

Accreted Value” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (1) the initial Accreted Value (which is $985.73 per $1,000 in principal amount at maturity of Notes) and (2) the portion of the excess of the principal amount at maturity of each Note over such initial Accreted Value which shall have been amortized up to but not including such date, such amount to be so amortized on a daily basis and compounded semiannually on June 1 and December 1 at the rate of 8.50% per annum from the date of original issuance of the Notes up to but not including the date of determination, computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Acquired Debt” means Debt (1) of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (in the case of Delaware, a Restricted Subsidiary) or (2) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person. Acquired Debt shall be deemed to have been Incurred, with respect to clause (1) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary (in the case of Delaware, a Restricted Subsidiary) and, with respect to clause (2) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of assets.

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

Additional Notes” means Notes (other than the Initial Notes or the Exchange Notes) issued pursuant to Article II hereof and otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture.

Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings that correspond to the foregoing.

 

1


Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent (so long as Trustee serves in such capacity) or co-Registrar.

Agent’s Message” means a message transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the Depositary and forming a part of the Book-Entry Confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from each participant in DTC tendering the Notes that such participants have received the letter of transmittal and agree to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal and the Company may enforce such agreement against such participants.

Applicable Premium” means, with respect to a Note, the greater of

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

(2) (a) the present value of all remaining required interest and principal payments due on such Note and all premium payments relating to such Note assuming a redemption date of December 1, 2013, computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, minus

(b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note minus

(c) accrued interest paid on the date of redemption.

Asset Sale” means any transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition (including, without limitation, dispositions pursuant to any consolidation or merger) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any Person (other than to the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries) in any single transaction or series of transactions of:

(i) Equity Interests in another Person;

(ii) any other property or assets;

provided, however, that the term “Asset Sale” shall exclude:

(a) any asset disposition permitted by Article V that constitutes a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

(b) any transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition of Equity Interests or other property or assets, the gross proceeds of which (exclusive of indemnities) do not exceed in any one or related series of transactions $5.0 million;

(c) sales or other dispositions of cash or Cash Equivalents or obsolete or worn out equipment in the ordinary course of business;

 

2


(d) a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is otherwise permitted by this Indenture;

(e) the creation of a Lien (but not the sale or other disposition of the property subject to such Lien);

(f) leases, assignments or subleases in the ordinary course of business to third persons not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;

(g) any disposition by a Subsidiary to the Company or by the Company or a Subsidiary to a Subsidiary;

(h) dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; and

(i) foreclosures on assets to the extent it would not otherwise result in a Default or Event of Default.

For purposes of this definition, any series of related transactions that, if effected as a single transaction, would constitute an Asset Sale, shall be deemed to be a single Asset Sale effected when the last such transaction which is a part thereof is effected.

Asset Sale Offer” means an Offer to Purchase required to be made by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 to all Holders.

Attributable Debt” in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the rate of interest implicit in such transaction) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been or may be extended).

Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person,” as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, such “person” shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition.

Board of Directors” means (i) with respect to a corporation (including Delaware), the board of directors of such corporation or any duly authorized committee thereof; (ii) with respect to any limited liability company, the managing member(s) thereof and (iii) with respect to any other entity, the board of directors or similar body of the general partner or managers of such entity or any duly authorized committee thereof.

 

3


Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or any Subsidiary to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification and delivered to the Trustee.

Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

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, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

Capital Stock” means (i) in the case of a corporation, capital stock; (ii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock; (iii) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and (iv) 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. For the avoidance of doubt, non-economic interests held by “independent members” shall not constitute Capital Stock.

Captive Insurance Subsidiary” means TRU (Vermont), Inc. and any successor thereto, to the extent such Person constitutes a Subsidiary of Delaware.

Cash Equivalents” means:

(1) United States dollars;

(2) euros or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU or such local currencies held by Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time 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 the U.S. 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;

(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;

 

4


(6) commercial paper rated at least P-1 by Moody’s or at least A-1 by S&P and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;

(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;

(8) investment funds investing at least 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above;

(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;

(10) Debt or debt securities issued by Persons (other than Parent, Delaware or any of their respective subsidiaries) with a rating of A or higher from S&P or A2 or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and

(11) Investments with average maturities of 24 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.

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.

Certificated Notes” means Notes that are in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, other than the Global Notes.

Change of Control” means:

(1) 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), other than one or more of the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transaction, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Interests of Parent or any of its direct or indirect parent companies holding, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Voting Interests of Parent (together with Parent, a “Parent Company”),

 

5


(2) a Parent Company ceases to own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the Voting Interests in Delaware,

(3) the Company sells, conveys, transfers or leases (either in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (determined on a consolidated basis) to, or merges or consolidates with, a Person other than a Subsidiary of the Company, or

(4) the Company ceases to be a direct or indirect, Wholly Owned Subsidiary of a Parent Company.

For the avoidance of doubt, the transactions contemplated by the Master Lease shall not be subject to the foregoing.

CMBS Agreement” means the Loan and Security Agreement by and between the Company and German American Capital Corporation, on behalf of the holders of the notes thereunder, as Lender, dated as of July 21, 2005, as amended on November 18, 2005.

Collateral” means all property and assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in which Liens are, from time to time, granted or purported to be granted (or required to be granted by the terms of this Indenture) to secure the obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees pursuant to the Security Documents; it being understood that Collateral shall not include any Excluded Assets or Excluded Property (as defined in the Mortgage).

Collateral Agent” means The Bank of New York Mellon, in its capacity as Collateral Agent under the Security Documents together with its successors and assigns in accordance with Section 13.7.

Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the 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, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and capitalized software expenditures, of such Person and its Subsidiaries (in the case of Delaware, its Restricted Subsidiaries) for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

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 Debt at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts

 

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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, and (e) net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Debt, and excluding (x) any Additional Interest and any comparable “additional interest” with respect to other securities, (y) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and (z) 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 that

(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary or non-recurring gains or losses (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 principle(s) during such period;

(3) any net after-tax gains or losses attributable to asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of such Person) and any gain (or loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person shall be excluded;

(4) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of such Person, or that is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that, to the extent not already included, Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be (A) increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period and (B) decreased by the amount of any equity of Delaware in a net loss of any such Person for such period to the extent Delaware has funded such net loss;

(5) non-cash compensation charges, including any such charges arising from stock options, restricted stock grants, stock appreciation rights or other equity-incentive programs shall be excluded;

 

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(6) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of Debt shall be excluded;

(7) the effect of any non-cash items resulting from any amortization, write-up, write-down or write-off of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding inventory) in connection with any acquisition, merger, consolidation or similar transaction or any other non-cash impairment changes incurred subsequent to the Issue Date (excluding any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded;

(8) any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, disposition, recapitalization, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Debt, 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 merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded; and

(9) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to such Person and its Subsidiaries) in the property and equipment, inventory and other intangible assets, 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 of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of clause (3) of Section 12.1 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments made by Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments made by Delaware and any Restricted Subsidiary, 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 clause (3)(c) of the first paragraph of Section 12.1.

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 11.2 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.

Credit Agreement” means that certain credit agreement, dated as of July 21, 2005 (as amended and restated as of June 24, 2009) among Delaware, the additional borrowers party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agents, and the lenders party thereto, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether at maturity or thereafter) or refinanced from time to time in one or more agreements, commercial paper facilities or indentures (in each case with the same or new

 

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agents, institutional lenders or institutional investors), including any agreement adding or changing the borrower or any guarantor or extending the maturity thereof or otherwise restructuring or replacing all or any portion of the indebtedness thereunder or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 12.2).

Credit Facilities” means, with respect to Delaware or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, the Credit Agreement and one or more debt facilities 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 refundings 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 or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 12.2) and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Cumulative Free Cash Flow” means, for any period means the sum, without duplication, of:

(1) the consolidated net income of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP; provided that (i) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Company, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that, to the extent not already included, the net income of the Company shall be (A) increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Company or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period and (B) decreased by the amount of any equity of the Company in a net loss of any such Person for such period to the extent the Company has funded such net loss, and (ii) the aggregate amount of (A) all other non-cash charges, expenses or losses reducing consolidated net income (excluding any non-cash charge, expense or loss that results in an accrual of a reserve for cash charges in any future period and any non-cash charge, expense or loss relating to write-offs, write-downs or reserves with respect to accounts or inventory) for such period, and (B) all non-cash gains or other items increasing consolidated net income (other than the accrual of revenue or recording of receivables in the ordinary course of business) for such period, shall be excluded, provided that for purposes of this clause (1), interest on the Notes for the period from the Issue Date until the first day of the month occurring after the Issue Date shall be deducted from consolidated net income, plus

(2) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP, less

 

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(3) capital expenditures made during such period (other than to the extent such capital expenditures are paid by Delaware or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Master Lease), plus

(4) the excess, if any, of the amount of net rent received or receivable in cash during such period over the amount of net rent income in accordance with GAAP for such period, less

(5) the excess, if any, of the amount of net rent income in accordance with GAAP for such period over the amount of net rent received or receivable in cash during such period.

For purposes of clauses (4) and (5) above, “net rent” shall mean rent income or rent received or receivable minus the amount of rent expense or rent paid or payable, as the case may be (whether a positive or negative number).

For the avoidance of doubt, Cumulative Free Cash Flow shall not include (e.g. shall not be increased or decreased by the receipt or use of) (x) any proceeds, gains or losses from any sale or disposition of assets or (y) any payments from Delaware or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Master Lease or (z) any Net Loss Proceeds.

Cumulative Free Cash Flow Offer Amount” means (w) 50% of Cumulative Free Cash Flow of the Company accrued on a cumulative basis during the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first full fiscal month after which the Issue Date occurs and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of calculation less (x) aggregate proceeds utilized to purchase Notes in each Free Cash Flow Offer since the Issue Date less (y) the aggregate principal amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to clause (4) of the first paragraph of Section 4.7.

Debt” means with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) any indebtedness 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 a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP; or

(d) representing net obligations under any Hedging Obligations;

 

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if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Debt (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 the such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business;

(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; and

(4) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Disqualified Stock in such Person at the time of determination.

For purposes of the foregoing: (a) the maximum fixed repurchase price of any Disqualified Stock that does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock were repurchased on any date on which Debt shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture; provided that, if such Disqualified Stock is not then permitted to be repurchased, the repurchase price shall be the book value of such Disqualified Stock; (b) the amount outstanding at any time of any Debt issued with original issue discount is the principal amount of such Debt less the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such Debt at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP, but such Debt shall be deemed Incurred only as of the date of original issuance thereof; (c) the amount of any Debt described in clause (1)(d) is the net amount payable (after giving effect to permitted set off) if such Swap Contracts or Hedging Obligations are terminated at that time due to default of such Person; (d) the amount of any Debt described in clause (2) above shall be the maximum liability under any such guarantee; (e) the amount of any Debt described in clause (3) above shall be the lesser of (I) the maximum amount of the obligations so secured and (II) the Fair Market Value of such property or other assets; and (f) interest, fees, premium, and expenses and additional payments, if any, will not constitute Debt.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with the purchase of any business, the term “Debt” will exclude (x) customary indemnification obligations and (y) post-closing payment adjustments to which the seller may become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such payment is otherwise contingent; provided that, at the time of closing, the amount of any such payment is not determinable and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and determined, the amount is paid within 60 days thereafter.

The amount of Debt of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, only upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligations, of any contingent obligations at such date; provided that in the case of Debt sold at a discount, the amount of such Debt at any time will be the accreted value thereof at such time. If such Person or any of its Subsidiaries (in the case of Delaware, any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) directly or indirectly Guarantees Debt of a third Person, the amount of Debt of such Person shall give effect to the Incurrence of such Guaranteed Debt as if such Person or such Subsidiary had directly Incurred or otherwise assumed such Guaranteed Debt.

 

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Default” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time, or both, would be, an Event of Default.

Delaware” means Toys “R” Us — Delaware, Inc.

Delaware Permitted Investment” means

(1) any Investment by Delaware in any Restricted Subsidiary or by a Restricted Subsidiary in Delaware or another Restricted Subsidiary;

(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(3) any Investment in property or assets owned or used by Delaware in the ordinary course of business;

(4) any Investment by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person that is engaged in a Permitted 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, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, Delaware 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 and that any Investment held by such Person does not constitute a material amount of the total purchase price or Fair Market Value of such Person;

(5) any Investment in securities or other assets received in connection with disposition of assets;

(6) any Investment existing on the Issue Date or required to be made pursuant to any agreement or obligation of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary in effect on the Issue Date and any modification, replacement, renewal or extension thereof; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or (y) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(7) loans and advances to employees and any guarantees thereof made in the ordinary course of business, but in any event not in excess of $5.0 million in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;

(8) any Investment acquired by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by Delaware or 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 or (B) as a result of a foreclosure by Delaware or Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

 

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(9) Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (8) of the definition of “Permitted Debt” and any Swap Contracts;

(10) 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;

(11) any Investment by Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (11) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed $150 million (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(12) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests of Delaware or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations (exclusive of Disqualified Stock);

(13) guarantees of Debt permitted under Section 12.2 and performance guarantees consistent with past practice;

(14) Investments consisting of licensing of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

(15) Investments to secure obligations of the Captive Insurance Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(16) Investments consisting of earnest money deposits required in connection a purchase agreement or other acquisition;

(17) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, material or equipment; and

(18) any Investment in any Subsidiary or any joint venture in connection with intercompany cash management arrangements or related activities arising in the ordinary course of business.

Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.3 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof, and, thereafter, “Depositary” shall mean or include such successor.

DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.

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

 

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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 final maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of Delaware or any of 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 Delaware or any of its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.

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 gains, including, without limitation, state, franchise and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period to the extent the same was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income; plus

(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, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges) to the extent the same was 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 other non-cash charges, including any write-offs or write-downs, reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(e) the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly Owned Subsidiary deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus

(f) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, and advisory fees, and related expenses paid in such period pursuant to the Management Agreement; plus

 

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(g) any costs or expense incurred by the such Person 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 such Person or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of such Person (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 of Section 12.1;

(2) decreased by (without duplication) 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

(3) increased or decreased by (without duplication):

(a) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations and the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133; plus or minus, as applicable,

(b) any net gain or loss resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Debt (including any net loss or gain resulting from hedge agreements for currency exchange risk).

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).

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

Exchange Notes” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Exchange Offer” means an offer that may be made by the Company pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement to exchange Initial Notes for the Exchange Notes.

Excluded Assets” means (i) any contract, lease, license or other agreement to the extent that the grant of a security interest therein would violate applicable law or would violate any term or provision of such contract, lease, license or other agreement (in each case, after giving effect to applicable provisions of the UCC) or provide any party thereto with a termination right or invalidation thereof, (ii) any Equity Interests in the Company’s Subsidiaries, and (iii) any deposit accounts of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

Existing Debt” means Debt of Delaware and its Subsidiaries (other than Debt under the Credit Agreement) in existence on the Issue Date.

Existing Parent Debt” means (i) the $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Notes due 2011 of Parent outstanding on the Issue Date, issued under the indenture dated July 24, 2001 between Parent and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, (ii) the

 

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$400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.875% Notes due 2013 of Parent outstanding on the Issue Date, issued under the indenture dated May 28, 2002 between Parent and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee and (iii) the $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% Notes due 2018 of Parent outstanding on the Issue Date, issued under the indenture dated May 28, 2002 between Parent and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.

Expiration Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Offer to Purchase.”

Event of Loss” means, with respect to any property or asset (tangible or intangible, real or personal) constituting Collateral, any of the following:

(i) any loss, destruction or damage of such property or asset;

(ii) any institution of any proceeding for the condemnation or seizure of such property or asset or for the exercise of any right of eminent domain;

(iii) any actual condemnation, seizure or taking by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise of such property or asset, or confiscation of such property or asset or the requisition of the use of such property or asset; or

(iv) any settlement in lieu of clauses (ii) or (iii) above.

Fair Market Value” means, with respect to the consideration received or paid in any transaction or series of transactions, the fair market value thereof as determined in good faith by the Company or Parent, as applicable.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person for any period consisting of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees or repays any Debt (other than Debt incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Debt 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 on or prior to the date on which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee or repayment of Debt, 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 and as if Delaware or Restricted Subsidiary had not earned the interest income actually earned during such period in respect of such cash used to repay, repurchase, defease or otherwise discharge such Debt.

If Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers or consolidations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) have been made by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Calculation Date, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers or consolidations (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.

 

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If since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation 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 or consolidation 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 an Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation and the amount of income or earnings relating thereto, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting Officer of Delaware and shall comply with the requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission.

If any Debt bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Debt shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Debt if the related hedge has a remaining term in excess of twelve months). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at the interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of Delaware to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. Interest on Debt 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 Delaware may designate.

Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication, (a) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period, (b) all cash dividends paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person and its Subsidiaries and (c) all cash dividends paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock of such Person and its Subsidiaries.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, which are in effect as of the Issue Date.

Global Note Legend” means the legend identified as such in Section 2.6(e)(ii) hereto.

Global Notes” means the Notes in global form and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee that are substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.

Guarantee” means, as applied to any Debt of another Person, a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the normal course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of such Debt, and any direct or indirect obligation, contingent or otherwise, of a Person guaranteeing or having the effect of guaranteeing the Debt of any other Person in any manner (and “Guaranteed” and “Guaranteeing” shall have meanings that correspond to the foregoing).

 

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Guarantor” means any Person that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and their respective successors and assigns.

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, modification or mitigation of interest rate, commodity or currency risks either generally or under specific contingencies.

Holder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered in the security register.

Incur” means, with respect to any Debt or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume, Guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Debt or other obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any such Debt or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person; provided that a change in GAAP or an interpretation thereunder that results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Debt shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such Debt. Debt otherwise Incurred by a Person before it becomes a Subsidiary of such Person shall be deemed to be Incurred at the time at which such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company. “Incurrence,” “Incurred,” “Incurrable” and “Incurring” shall have meanings that correspond to the foregoing. A Guarantee (i) by the Company or a Subsidiary of Debt Incurred by the Company or a Subsidiary or (ii) by Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary of Debt Incurred by Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, shall not be a separate Incurrence of Debt. In addition, the following shall not be deemed a separate Incurrence of Debt:

(1) amortization of debt discount or accretion of principal with respect to a non-interest bearing or other discount security;

(2) the payment of regularly scheduled interest in the form of additional Debt of the same instrument or the payment of regularly scheduled dividends on Equity Interests in the form of additional Equity Interests of the same class and with the same terms;

(3) the obligation to pay a premium in respect of Debt arising in connection with the issuance of a notice of redemption or making of a mandatory offer to purchase such Debt; and

(4) unrealized losses or charges in respect of Hedging Obligations.

Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Initial Purchasers” means Banc of America Securities LLC and the other initial purchasers party to the Purchase Agreement entered into in connection with the offer and sale of the Notes.

 

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Investment” by any Person means any direct or indirect loan, advance, guarantee for the benefit of (or other extension of credit) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property or assets to another Person or any other payments for property or services for the account or use of another Person) another Person, including, without limitation, the following: (i) the purchase or acquisition of any Equity Interest or other evidence of beneficial ownership in another Person; (ii) the purchase, acquisition or Guarantee of the Debt of another Person; and (iii) the purchase or acquisition of the business or assets of another Person substantially as an entirety but shall exclude: (a) accounts receivable and other extensions of trade credit in accordance with the Company’s (or Delaware’s, as applicable) customary practices; (b) the acquisition of property and assets from suppliers and other vendors in the normal course of business; (c) the acquisition of Real Property in the normal course of business (but not the acquisition of any Person that owns Real Property); and (d) prepaid expenses and workers’ compensation, utility, lease and similar deposits, in the normal course of business.

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 an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency; provided that, (i) when such term refers to a person, the applicable rating shall be the corporate credit or corporate family rating and (ii) when such term refers to a debt instrument, the applicable rating shall be the rating of such instrument.

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 Company 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.

Issue Date” means November 20, 2009.

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York, the city in which the principal Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located or at a place of payment are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date in a place of payment is a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

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Lien” means, with respect to any property or other asset, any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, pledge, hypothecation, security interest, lien (statutory or otherwise), charge, easement, encumbrance, preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or other asset (including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing), provided that in no event shall a lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Management Agreement” means the Management Agreement to be dated as of July 21, 2005, by and among Parent, Bain Capital Partners, LLC, Bain Capital, Ltd., Toybox Holdings, LLC and Vornado Truck LLC, as in effect on the Issue Date.

Master Lease” means that Amended and Restated Master Lease Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, between the Company, as landlord, and Delaware, as tenant, as amended from time to time in compliance with the terms of this Indenture.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

Mortgage” means, individually or collectively as the context may require, one or more first priority (subject to Permitted Liens) mortgages, deeds of trust, trust deeds, deeds to secure indebtedness, debenture, financing statement or other similar document entered into or authorized to be filed by the owner or leaseholder of each Mortgaged Property encumbering each such owner’s or leaseholder’s fee or leasehold interest, as applicable, in the Mortgaged Property, collectively with all additions, improvements, component parts and personal property related thereto and all rents and profits therefrom, each securing the Obligations, in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Mortgaged Property” means any property of the Company or a Guarantor that is secured by a Mortgage in favor of the Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, to secure the payment in full of the Obligations.

Net Cash Proceeds” means, with respect to Asset Sales of any Person, cash and Cash Equivalents received, net of: (i) all out-of-pocket costs and expenses of such Person incurred in connection with such a sale, including, without limitation, all legal, accounting, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred and all federal, state, foreign and local taxes arising in connection with such an Asset Sale that are paid or required to be accrued as a liability under GAAP by such Person; (ii) all payments made by such Person on any Debt that is secured by such properties or other assets in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon or with respect to such properties or other assets or that must, by the terms of such Lien or such Debt, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such transaction or by applicable law, be repaid to any other Person (other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof) in connection with such Asset Sale; and (iii) all contractually required distributions and other payments made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries of such Person as a result of such transaction; provided that: (a) in the event that any consideration for an Asset Sale (which would otherwise constitute Net Cash Proceeds) is required by (I) contract to be held in escrow pending determination of whether a purchase price adjustment will be made or (II) GAAP to be reserved against other liabilities in connection with such Asset Sale, such consideration (or any portion thereof)

 

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shall become Net Cash Proceeds only at such time as it is released to such Person from escrow or otherwise; and (b) any non-cash consideration received in connection with any transaction, which is subsequently converted to cash, shall become Net Cash Proceeds only at such time as it is so converted. For the avoidance of doubt, Net Cash Proceeds shall not include any payments from Delaware or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Master Lease.

Net Loss Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any Guarantor, and not required to be paid over by the Company or any Guarantor pursuant to its respective leases, in respect of any Event of Loss, including, without limitation, insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or damages awarded by any judgment, net of the direct cost in recovery of such Net Loss Proceeds (including, without limitation, legal, accounting, appraisal and insurance adjuster fees and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof) and any taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.

New Property” means any properties acquired by the Company or a Guarantor after the Issue Date (other than Replacement Properties, or allocable portions thereof, purchased with Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale or Net Loss Proceeds from an Event of Loss) that are leased to Delaware pursuant to the Master Lease.

New Property Leverage Ratio” means the ratio of (x) the aggregate principal amount of Additional Notes proposed to be incurred on the date of calculation to (y) the aggregate New Property Rent (but only to the extent such New Property Rent has not been included in a previous calculation of New Property Leverage Ratio for the purpose of incurring Additional Notes).

New Property Rent” means the additional “triple net” rent under the Master Lease allocable to any New Property, which shall be determined in accordance with the first paragraph of Section 4.11.

Non-Toys Lease” means any lease with parties other than Parent or its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) the number of properties covered by such leases shall not exceed 25% of the 129 properties owned by the Company as of the Issue Date (whether as fee-owned property or pursuant to leases or ground leases) and (ii) such lease (or related subordination and attornment agreement with the Collateral Agent) shall contain subordination and attornment provisions vis-a-vis the Security Documents substantially similar to those contained in the Master Lease and the Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement.

Note Custodian” means the Trustee when serving as custodian for the Depositary with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.

Note Guarantee” means any guarantee of the Notes by any Guarantor pursuant to this Indenture.

Notes” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture.

Obligations” means any principal, premium, 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), penalties, fees, indemnifications,

 

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reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s 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 Debt.

Offer” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Offer to Purchase.”

Offer to Purchase” means a written offer (the “Offer”) sent by the Company by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each Holder at his address appearing in the security register on the date of the Offer, offering to purchase up to the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth in such Offer at the purchase price set forth in such Offer (as determined pursuant to this Indenture). Unless otherwise required by applicable law, the offer shall specify an expiration date (the “Expiration Date”) of the Offer to Purchase which shall be, subject to any contrary requirements of applicable law, not less than 30 days or more than 60 days after the date of mailing of such Offer and a settlement date (the “Purchase Date”) for purchase of Notes within five business days after the Expiration Date. The Company shall notify the Trustee at least 15 days (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee) prior to the mailing of the Offer of the Company’s obligation to make an Offer to Purchase, and the Offer shall be mailed by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company. The Offer shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Offer shall also state:

(1) the Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Offer to Purchase is being made;

(2) the Expiration Date and the Purchase Date;

(3) the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes offered to be purchased pursuant to the Offer to Purchase (including, if less than 100%, the manner by which such amount has been determined pursuant to Section 3.9) (the “Purchase Amount”);

(4) the purchase price to be paid by the Company for each $2,000 principal amount of Notes (and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) accepted for payment (the “Purchase Price”);

(5) that the Holder may tender all or any portion of the Notes registered in the name of such Holder and that any portion of a Note tendered must be tendered in a minimum amount of $2,000 principal amount (and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof);

(6) the place or places where Notes are to be surrendered for tender pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, if applicable;

(7) that, unless the Company defaults in making such purchase, any Note accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will cease to accrue interest on and after the Purchase Date, but that any Note not tendered or tendered but not purchased by the Company pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will continue to accrue interest at the same rate;

 

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(8) that, on the Purchase Date, the Purchase Price will become due and payable upon each Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase;

(9) that each Holder electing to tender a Note pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will be required to surrender such Note or cause such Note to be surrendered at the place or places set forth in the Offer prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date (such Note being, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing);

(10) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw all or any portion of Notes tendered if the Company (or its paying agent) receives, not later than the close of business on the Expiration Date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes the Holder tendered, the certificate number of the Note the Holder tendered and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing all or a portion of his tender;

(11) that (a) if Notes having an aggregate principal amount less than or equal to the Purchase Amount are duly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Company shall purchase all such Notes and (b) if Notes having an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Purchase Amount are tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Company shall purchase Notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to the Purchase Amount on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000 principal amount or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof shall be purchased); and

(12) if applicable, that, in the case of any Holder whose Note is purchased only in part, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Note without service charge, a new Note or Notes, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in the aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unpurchased portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes so tendered.

Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum related to the issuance of the Initial Notes on the Issue Date, dated November 10, 2009.

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary or any Person performing a similar function.

Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers of the Company or a Guarantor, as applicable, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company or such Guarantor, as applicable, or any Person performing a similar function.

 

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Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, and which opinion shall be addressed to the Trustee in its capacity as such, and shall comply with any applicable provisions herein. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company; it being understood that the general counsel of Parent or Delaware shall in all cases be deemed acceptable to the Trustee.

Original Issue Discount Legend” means the legend identified as such in Section 2.6(e)(v).

Parent” means Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Participant” means, with respect to DTC, a Person who has an account with DTC.

Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance, covenant defeasance or similar payment with respect to, any Notes on behalf of the Company.

Permitted Business” means the business and any services, activities or businesses incidental, or directly related or similar to, any line of business engaged in by Delaware and its Subsidiaries as of the Issue Date or any business activity that is a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto.

Permitted Holders” means each of the Sponsors and members of management of Parent (or its direct or indirect parent or Subsidiaries) on the Issue Date who are holders of Equity Interests of Parent (or any of its direct or indirect parent companies) and any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that, in the case of such group and without giving effect to the existence of such group or any other group, such Investors and members of management, collectively, have beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Interests of Parent or any of its direct or indirect parent companies.

Permitted Investments” means:

(a) Investments in existence on the Issue Date;

(b) Investments required pursuant to any agreement or obligation of the Company or a Subsidiary, in effect on the Issue Date, to make such Investments;

(c) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(d) Investments in property and other assets, owned or used by the Company or any Subsidiary in the normal course of business;

(e) Investments by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

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(f) Investments by the Company or any Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (A) such Person becomes a Subsidiary or (B) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated or wound-up into, the Company or a Subsidiary;

(g) Swap Contracts and Hedging Obligations;

(h) Investments received in settlement of obligations owed to the Company or any Subsidiary and as a result of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(i) Investments the payment for which consists solely of Equity Interests of the Company;

(j) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;

(k) guarantees by the Company or any Subsidiary of Debt of the Company or a Subsidiary otherwise permitted by Section 4.9; and

(l) any Investment in any Subsidiary in connection with intercompany cash management arrangements or related activities arising in the ordinary course of business.

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) Liens securing the Notes issued on the Issue Date and any Additional Notes incurred in compliance with Section 4.9.

(2) pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Debt) 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;

(3) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ 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;

(4) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue for a period of more than 30 days or payable or subject to penalties for nonpayment 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;

 

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(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes (including, for the avoidance of doubt, operating agreements), or zoning or other restrictions 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 Debt 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 arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(7) Liens in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(8) deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;

(9) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (7) of Section 6.1 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;

(10) 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;

(11) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code, or any comparable or successor provision, 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;

(12) 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 Debt or (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(13) Liens existing on the Issue Date;

(14) Subleases and Non-Toys Leases existing on the Issue Date or entered into in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

 

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(15) Liens disclosed on any title insurance policy after the Issue Date provided to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent; and

(16) any matters that would be disclosed by an accurate survey of the subject property which would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or the subject property.

For purposes of this definition, the term “Debt” shall be deemed to include interest on such Debt.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Purchase Agreement” means the purchase agreement dated November 10, 2009 (as amended by the Joinder Agreement thereto, dated the Issue Date) by and among the Company, the Initial Purchasers and Parent.

Purchase Amount” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Offer to Purchase.”

Purchase Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Offer to Purchase.”

Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Offer to Purchase.”

Qualified Equity Offering” means a public or private equity offering of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and other than issuances to an Affiliate of the Company) of the Company or any direct or indirect parent company of the Company, of at least $50.0 million; provided that, in the case of an offering or sale by a direct or indirect parent company of the Company, such parent company contributes to the capital of the Company the portion of the net cash proceeds of such offering or sale necessary to pay the aggregate Redemption Price (plus accrued interest to the redemption date) of the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to the provisions described under the second paragraph of Section 3.7.

Rating Agency” means (1) each of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc, in each case or any successor to such entities rating agency business and (2) if Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate any referent Person for reasons outside of the control of such Person, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Rule 15c-3-1(c)(2)(vi)(F) under the Exchange Act selected by Parent or Delaware, as applicable, as a replacement agency.

Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned, leased or operated by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all buildings, structures, parking areas and improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.

 

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Redemption Price,” when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated as of the date of this Indenture, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers and any similar agreement entered into in connection with any Additional Notes.

Replacement Property” means one or more parcels of Real Property that are suitable for retail sales (or associated manufacturing or distribution of products) and that are leased to Parent or one of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Master Lease or other lease arrangements on similar terms as the Master Lease.

Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note that is a Restricted Note.

Restricted Note” has the meaning set forth in Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act for the term “restricted securities”; provided, however, that the Trustee shall be entitled to request and conclusively rely upon an Opinion of Counsel with respect to whether any Note is a Restricted Note. Restricted Notes are required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend identified as such in Section 2.6(e)(i) hereto.

Restricted Payment” is defined to mean any of the following:

(a) any dividend or other distribution declared and paid on the Equity Interests in the Company or on the Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Company that are held by, or declared and paid to, any Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company (other than dividends, distributions or payments made solely in Capital Stock in the Company (other than Disqualified Stock));

(b) any payment made by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to purchase, redeem, acquire or retire any Equity Interests in the Company (including the conversion into, or exchange for, Debt, of any Equity Interests) other than any such Equity Interests owned by the Company or any Subsidiary (other than a payment made solely in Capital Stock in the Company (other than Disqualified Stock));

(c) any Investment by the Company or a Subsidiary in any Person, other than a Permitted Investment.

 

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Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of Delaware that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided 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 Leaseback Transaction” means any direct or indirect arrangement pursuant to which property is sold or transferred by the Company or a Subsidiary (or Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable) and is thereafter leased back as 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 by the Company or a Subsidiary (or Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable).

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security Documents” means (i) the Mortgages, (ii) the Assignment of Master Lease, Sublease, Rents and Security Deposits, dated as of the Issue Date, made by the Company in favor of the Collateral Agent, (iii) the Non-Disturbance, Subordination and Attornment Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, between the Collateral Agent and Delaware, and consented to by the Company, in each case as amended, modified, restated, supplemented or replaced from time to time, and each other security document delivered in accordance with applicable local law to grant a valid, perfected security interest in any Collateral, and all UCC or other financing statement or instruments of perfection to be filed with respect to the security interests in property and fixtures created pursuant to any Mortgage.

Senior Secured Note Documents” means this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents.

Services Agreement” means the Domestic Services Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2006, between Delaware and certain Subsidiaries of Parent as in effect on the Issue Date and amended from time to time.

Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Significant Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and Exchange Act as such Regulation is in effect on the Issue Date.

Sponsors” means Bain Capital (TRU) VIII, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Bain Capital (TRU) VIII-E, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Bain Capital (TRU) VIII Coinvestment, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, Bain Capital Integral Investors, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and BCIP TCV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Toybox Holdings, LLC, Vornado Realty Trust and Vornado Truck, LLC, and each of their respective Affiliates.

Stated Maturity,” when used with respect to (i) any Note or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in such Note as the fixed date on which the principal amount of such Note or such installment of interest is due and payable and (ii) any other Debt or any installment of interest thereon, means the date specified in the instrument governing such Debt as the fixed date on which the principal of such Debt or such installment of interest is due and payable.

 

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Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.

Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Subsidiary of the Company that is a Guarantor.

Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including, without limitation, any fuel price caps and fuel price collar or floor agreements and similar agreements or arrangements designed to protect against or manage fluctuations in fuel prices and any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as amended, as in effect on the date hereof, until such time as this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, and thereafter as in effect on the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.3 hereof.

Total Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, at any date the ratio of (i) Debt of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the last day of the fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of calculation less total unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents as of such date, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and as provided below to (ii) EBITDA of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of calculation. For purposes of calculating the Total Leverage Ratio for any period, the amount of Debt of any Person represented by outstanding letters of credit shall be excluded from the amount of Debt except to the extent such letter of credit has been drawn and not reimbursed by such Person. In the event that Delaware or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs or repays or redeems any Debt (other than Debt incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facilities) subsequent to the end of the period for which the Total Leverage Ratio is being

 

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calculated and on or prior to the event for which the calculation of the Total Leverage Ratio is made, then the Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or redemption or repayment of Debt as if the same had occurred on the last day of the applicable period. The Total Leverage Ratio shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the pro forma provision (to the extent applicable) of the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.” The amount of Debt under revolving credit facilities and unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents, shall be based on the average of the month-end balances of such Debt and unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents for the applicable period.

Treasury Rate” means the rate per annum equal to the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity most nearly equal to the period from such date of redemption to December 1, 2013; provided, however, that if the period from such date of redemption to December 1, 2013 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from such date of redemption to December 1, 2013 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided, however, that, at any time, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in any item or portion of the Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other that the State of New York, the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, at such time, in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority and for purposes of definitions relating to such provisions.

Trustee” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the successor.

Unrestricted Definitive Note” means a Certificated Note that is an Unrestricted Note.

Unrestricted Global Note” means a Global Note that is an Unrestricted Note.

Unrestricted Notes” means one or more Notes that do not and are not required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend including, without limitation, the Exchange Notes and any Notes registered under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (i) any Subsidiary of Delaware that at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Board of Directors of Parent, as provided below) and (ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Parent may designate any Subsidiary of Delaware (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 Debt of, or owns or holds any Lien

 

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on, any property of, Delaware or any Subsidiary of Delaware (other than any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that (a) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which shares of the Capital Stock or other equity interests (including partnership interests) entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all shares or equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body are owned, directly or indirectly, by Delaware, (b) such designation complies with Section 12.1 and (c) each of (I) the Subsidiary to be so designated and (II) 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 Debt pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of Parent 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 Delaware could incur $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test described under the first paragraph of Section 12.2.

Voting Interests” means, with respect to any Person, securities of any class or classes of Equity Interests in such Person entitling the holders thereof generally to vote on the election of members of the Board of Directors.

Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals under applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

SECTION 1.2 Other Definitions.

 

Term

   Defined in Section

“Affiliate Transaction”

           4.11

“Agent Members”

           2.6

“Authentication Order”

           2.2

“Change of Control Offer”

           4.13

“Change of Control Payment”

           4.13

“covenant defeasance”

           8.3

“defeasance”

           8.2

“Event of Default”

           6.1

“Excess Proceeds”

           4.10

“Free Cash Flow Offer”

           4.7

“Note Register”

           2.3

“Offer Amount”

           3.9

“Purchase Date”

           3.9

“QIB”

           2.1

“QIB Global Note”

           2.1

“redemption date”

           3.1

“Registrar”

           2.3

“Regulation S”

           2.1

“Regulation S Global Note”

           2.1

“Rule 144A”

           2.1

“Surviving Entity”

           5.1

 

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SECTION 1.3 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in, and made a part of, this Indenture.

The following TIA term used in this Indenture has the following meaning:

obligor” on the Notes and the Note Guarantees means the Company and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by the Commission rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them therein.

SECTION 1.4 Rules of Construction.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein;

(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP or a successor to GAAP;

(3) “or” is not exclusive;

(4) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;

(5) unless otherwise specified, any reference to a Section or an Article refers to such Section or Article of this Indenture;

(6) provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

(7) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the TIA shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the Commission from time to time;

(8) for the avoidance of doubt, any references to “interest” shall include any Additional Interest that may be payable; and

(9) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not any particular article, section, clause or other subdivision.

 

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ARTICLE II

THE NOTES

SECTION 2.1 Form and Dating.

(a) The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules and agreements to which the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor is subject or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issued only in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Trustee shall authenticate the Notes, upon a written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of such Notes, which order shall set forth the number of separate notes, the principal amount of each such Note to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated, the registered holders of each of the said Notes and delivery instructions.

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

The Notes shall be issued initially in the form of one or more Global Notes substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto and shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Trustee as Note Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.

Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges, redemptions and transfers of interests. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Note Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.6.

Except as set forth in Section 2.6, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor of the Depositary or its nominee.

(c) The Initial Notes are being issued by the Company only (i) to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”)) (“QIBs”) and (ii) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”). After such initial offers, Initial Notes that are Restricted Notes may be transferred to QIBs, in reliance on Rule 144A,

 

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outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S or to the Company, in accordance with certain transfer restrictions. Initial Notes that are offered in reliance on Rule 144A shall be issued in the form of one or more permanent Global Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A (the “QIB Global Note”) deposited with the Trustee, as Note Custodian, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Initial Notes that are offered in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued in the form of one or more temporary Global Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, including the Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend (the “Regulation S Temporary Global Note”) deposited with the Trustee, as Note Custodian, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Reasonably promptly following the date that is 40 days after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Notes in reliance on Regulation S and the Issue Date, a single permanent Global Note in registered form substantially in the form of Exhibit A (the “Regulation S Permanent Global Note,” and together with the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, the “Regulation S Global Note”) duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided shall be deposited with the Trustee, as Note Custodian, and the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the cancellation of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the issuance of the Regulation S Permanent Global Note. The QIB Global Note and the Regulation S Global Note shall each be issued with separate CUSIP numbers. The aggregate principal amount of each Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee, as Note Custodian. Transfers of Notes between QIBs and to or by purchasers pursuant to Regulation S shall be represented by appropriate increases and decreases to the respective amounts of the appropriate Global Notes, as more fully provided in Section 2.16.

Section 2.1(c) shall apply only to Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of the Depositary.

(d) The Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 2.1(c) and this Section 2.1(d), authenticate and deliver the Global Notes that (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary and (ii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instructions or held by the Trustee as Note Custodian.

Participants shall have no rights either under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Note Custodian or under such Global Note, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any Agent or other agent of the Company or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Participants, the operation of customary practices of such Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of an owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any Holder, any member of (or a participant in) DTC or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC (or its nominee) or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or

 

35


the payment of any amount or delivery of any Notes (or other security or property) under or with respect to the Notes. The Trustee may rely (and shall be fully protected in relying) upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any Beneficial Owners in the Notes.

(e) Notes issued in certificated form, including Global Notes, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.

SECTION 2.2 Execution and Authentication.

An Officer shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

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

A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual or facsimile signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

The Trustee shall, upon a written order of the Company signed by one Officer (an “Authentication Order”) directing the Trustee to authenticate and deliver the Notes and certifying that all conditions precedent to the issuance of the Notes contained herein have been complied with, authenticate Notes for original issue up to the aggregate principal amount stated in paragraph 4 of the Notes. The aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed such amount.

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

SECTION 2.3 Registrar; Paying Agent.

The Company shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and (ii) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment to a Paying Agent. The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes (the “Note Register”) and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents; provided, however, that at all times there shall be only one Note Register. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent not a party to this Indenture, which, in the case of a Paying Agent, shall incorporate the provisions of Section 317(b) of the TIA. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Agent.

 

36


The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and initially appoints the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as the office or agency of the Company for such purposes and as the office or agency of the Company where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served and the Trustee as the agent of the Company to receive such notices and demands.

The Company initially appoints DTC to act as the Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

SECTION 2.4 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee of any Default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such Default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon the occurrence of events specified in Section 6.1(8) hereof, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

SECTION 2.5 Holder Lists.

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least five (5) Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders, and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).

SECTION 2.6 Book-Entry Provisions for Global Securities.

(a) Each Global Note constituting a Restricted Note shall (i) be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Notes or the nominee of such Depositary, (ii) be delivered to the Trustee as Note Custodian and (iii) bear legends as required by Section 2.6(e).

Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Trustee as its custodian, or under the Global Note, and the Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of any Note.

 

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(b) Transfers of a Global Note shall be limited to transfers of such Global Note in whole, but not in part, to the Depositary, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of Beneficial Owners (or the requesting Beneficial Owners in the case of clause (ii) immediately below) in a Global Note may be transferred in accordance with Section 2.16 and the rules and procedures of the Depositary. In addition, Certificated Notes shall be transferred to all Beneficial Owners in exchange for their beneficial interests if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Notes or the Depositary ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within ninety (90) days of such notice or (ii) an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual notice has occurred and is continuing and the Registrar has received a request from the Depositary or a Beneficial Owner in a Global Note to issue such Certificated Notes.

(c) In connection with the transfer of the entire Global Note to Beneficial Owners pursuant to clause (b) of this Section, such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each Beneficial Owner identified by the Depositary in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note an equal aggregate principal amount of Certificated Notes of authorized denominations.

(d) The registered holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any person, including Agent Members and persons that may hold interest through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

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

(i) Restricted Notes Legend.

(1) Unless and until (x) a Note is exchanged for an Exchange Note or sold in connection with an effective registration statement pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or (y) the Company determines and there is delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and a letter of representation of the Company reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee to the effect that the following legend and the related restrictions on transfer are not required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act, each Global Note and each Certificated Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution therefor) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form (such legend, the “Restricted Notes Legend”):

“THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF

 

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1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED ONLY (i) (a) TO A PERSON WHO IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (b) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 903 OR RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF APPLICABLE), OR (d) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE COMPANY SO REQUESTS), (ii) TO THE COMPANY OR A SUBSIDIARY OF THE COMPANY, OR (iii) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER FROM IT OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN (A) ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY.”

(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note, whether or not an Exchange Note, Restricted Global Note or Unrestricted Global Note, shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(e)(vi) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.6(b) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO

 

39


THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY. UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”

(iii) Each Global Note shall bear the Global Note Legend on the face thereof.

(iv) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend. Each temporary Note that is a Global Note issued pursuant to Regulation S shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ALSO AGREES, REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IF IT IS A PURCHASER IN A SALE THAT OCCURS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, UNTIL EXPIRATION OF THE “40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 903 OF REGULATION S, ANY OFFER OR SALE OF THIS NOTE SHALL NOT BE MADE BY IT TO A U.S. PERSON TO OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 902(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

 

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(v) Original Issue Discount Legend. Each Global Note issued with “original issue discount” (within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) will bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THIS NOTE HAS BEEN ISSUED WITH “ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 1273 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED). UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, THE COMPANY WILL PROMPTLY MAKE AVAILABLE TO ANY HOLDER OF THIS NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: (1) THE ISSUE PRICE AND ISSUE DATE OF THE NOTE, (2) THE AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT ON THE NOTE AND (3) THE YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE NOTE.”

(vi) At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Notes have been exchanged for Certificated Notes, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, all Global Notes shall be returned to or retained and cancelled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Certificated Notes, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Note Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such reduction, and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

(f) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

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

(ii) No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such stamp or transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.2, 2.10, 3.6, 4.10, 4.13 and 9.5).

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

(iv) The Registrar shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange Notes during a period beginning at the opening of fifteen (15) days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.2 and ending at the close of business on the day of selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part, or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.

 

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(v) [Reserved].

(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and neither the Trustee, any Agent nor the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(vii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Certificated Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2. Except as provided in Section 2.6(b), neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall authenticate or deliver any Certificated Note in exchange for a Global Note.

(viii) Each Holder agrees to provide reasonable indemnity to the Company and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment of such Holder’s Note in violation of any provision of this Indenture and/or applicable United States federal or state securities law.

(ix) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Agent Members or Beneficial Owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(g) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue, and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable letters of transmittal or through an Agent’s Message through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program that (x) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company, (y) they are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes to be issued in the Exchange Offer and (z) they are acquiring the Exchange Notes in their ordinary course of business and (ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Notes that are Certificated Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Trustee shall deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Notes that are Certificated Notes so accepted the Unrestricted Global Notes or Unrestricted Definitive Notes issued and authenticated in accordance with the preceding sentence in the appropriate principal amount.

 

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SECTION 2.7 Replacement Notes.

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

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

SECTION 2.8 Outstanding Notes.

The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.8 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.9 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note.

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.1 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

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

SECTION 2.9 Treasury Notes.

In determining whether the Holders of the required aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company or by any Affiliate of the Company shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes shown on the register as being owned shall be so disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Notes that are to be acquired by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company pursuant to an exchange offer, tender offer or other agreement shall not be deemed to be owned by such entity until legal title to such Notes passes to such entity.

 

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SECTION 2.10 Temporary Notes.

Until Certificated Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes upon an Authentication Order. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of Certificated Notes but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall upon receipt of an Authentication Order authenticate Certificated Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.

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

SECTION 2.11 Cancellation.

The Company at any time may deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder or which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. All Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, shall be delivered to the Trustee. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation. Subject to Section 2.7 hereof, the Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that they have redeemed or paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. All cancelled Notes held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with its customary practice, and certification of their disposal delivered to the Company, unless by a written order, signed by an Officer of the Company, the Company shall direct that cancelled Notes be returned to it.

SECTION 2.12 Defaulted Interest.

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, which date shall be at the earliest practicable date but in all events at least five (5) Business Days prior to the payment date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.1 hereof. The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date and shall promptly thereafter notify the Trustee of any such date. At least fifteen (15) days before the special record date, the Company (or the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Company) shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

SECTION 2.13 Record Date.

The record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted under this Indenture shall be determined as provided for in TIA § 316 (c).

SECTION 2.14 Computation of Interest.

Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

 

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SECTION 2.15 CUSIP/ISIN Number.

The Company in issuing the Notes may use a CUSIP and/or ISIN or other similar number, and if it does so, the Company may use the CUSIP and/or ISIN or other similar number in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP and/or ISIN or other similar number printed in the notice or on the Notes and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of any change in the CUSIP and/or ISIN or other similar number.

SECTION 2.16 Special Transfer Provisions.

Unless and until (i) a Restricted Note is exchanged for an Exchange Note or sold in connection with an effective shelf registration statement pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement or (ii) the Restricted Notes Legend is no longer required pursuant to Section 2.6(e), the following provisions shall apply:

(a) Transfers to QIBs. The following provisions shall apply with respect to the registration of any proposed transfer of a Restricted Note (other than pursuant to Regulation S):

(i) The Registrar shall register the transfer of a Restricted Note by a Holder to a QIB if such transfer is being made by a proposed transferor who has provided the Registrar with (a) an appropriately completed certificate of transfer in the form attached to the Note and (b) a letter substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto.

(ii) If the proposed transferee is an Agent Member and the Restricted Note to be transferred consists of an interest in the Regulation S Global Note, upon receipt by the Registrar of (x) the items required by paragraph (i) above and (y) instructions given in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Registrar’s procedures therefor, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the QIB Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note to be so transferred, and the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an appropriate decrease in the principal amount of such Regulation S Global Note.

(b) Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S. The following provisions shall apply with respect to registration of any proposed transfer of a Restricted Note pursuant to Regulation S:

(i) The Registrar shall register any proposed transfer of a Restricted Note pursuant to Regulation S by a Holder upon receipt of (a) an appropriately completed certificate of transfer in the form attached to the Note and (b) a letter substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit D hereto from the proposed transferor.

 

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(ii) If the proposed transferee is an Agent Member holding a beneficial interest in a QIB Global Note and the Restricted Note to be transferred consists of an interest in a QIB Global Note, upon receipt by the Registrar of (x) the letter, if any, required by paragraph (i) above and (y) instructions in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Registrar’s procedures therefor, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the QIB Global Note to be transferred, and the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an appropriate decrease in the principal amount of the QIB Global Note.

(c) [Reserved].

(d) Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Unrestricted Notes, the Registrar shall deliver Unrestricted Notes that do not bear the Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Restricted Notes, the Registrar shall deliver only Restricted Notes that bear the Restricted Notes Legend unless the Restricted Notes Legend is no longer required by Section 2.6(e), or the Company determines and there is delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required or appropriate in order to ensure that subsequent transfers of the Notes are effected in compliance with the Securities Act.

(e) General. By its acceptance of any Note bearing the Restricted Notes Legend, each Holder of such a Note acknowledges receipt of a Restricted Note with restrictions on transfer of such Note set forth in this Indenture and in the Restricted Notes Legend and agrees that it shall transfer such Note only as provided in this Indenture until such time as the Restricted Note Legend is no longer required pursuant to Section 2.6(e) and such Holder transfers such a Restricted Note to an Unrestricted Note. The Registrar shall not register a transfer of any Note unless such transfer complies with the restrictions on transfer of such Note set forth in this Indenture. In connection with any transfer of Notes, each Holder agrees by its acceptance of the Notes to furnish the Registrar or the Company such certifications, legal opinions or other information as either of them may reasonably require to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act until such time as the Restricted Note Legend is no longer required pursuant to Section 2.6(e) and such Holder transfers such a Restricted Note to an Unrestricted Note; provided that the Registrar shall not be required to determine (but may rely on a determination made by the Company with respect to) the sufficiency of any such certifications, legal opinions or other information.

SECTION 2.17 Issuance of Additional Notes.

The Company shall be entitled to issue after the Issue Date, from time to time, Additional Notes under this Indenture that shall have identical terms as the Initial Notes, other than with respect to the date of issuance, issue price, amount of interest payable on the first interest payment date applicable thereto and any customary escrow provisions (and, if such Additional Notes shall

 

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be issued in the form of Restricted Notes, with respect to any Registration Rights Agreement and additional interest with respect thereto); provided that such issuance is not prohibited by the terms of this Indenture, including Section 4.9. The Initial Notes and any Additional Notes and all Exchange Notes shall be, without limitation, treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

With respect to any Additional Notes, the Company shall set forth in a resolution of its Board of Directors and in an Officers’ Certificate, a copy of each of which shall be delivered to the Trustee, the following information:

(1) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;

(2) the issue price, the issue date, the CUSIP and/or ISIN or other similar number of such Additional Notes, the first interest payment date and the amount of interest payable on such first interest payment date applicable thereto and the date from which interest shall accrue; and

(3) whether such Additional Notes shall be Restricted Notes.

ARTICLE III

REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

SECTION 3.1 Notices to Trustee.

If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.7 hereof, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least two (2) Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee), an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the date fixed for redemption (the “redemption date”), (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the Redemption Price.

If the Company is required to make an Offer to Purchase pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.13 hereof, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least five (5) Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee), an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the section of this Indenture pursuant to which the offer to purchase shall occur, (ii) the terms of the offer, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be purchased, (iv) the purchase price and (v) the purchase date and further setting forth a statement to the effect that (a) the Company or one of its Subsidiaries has effected an Asset Sale and there are Excess Proceeds aggregating more than $10.0 million or (b) a Change of Control has occurred, as applicable.

 

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SECTION 3.2 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.

The Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed among the Holders in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (and in a manner that complies with applicable requirements of the Depositary); provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part except if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed or repurchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000 or even if the Notes do not have denominations larger than $2,000, shall be redeemed or repurchased. Notices of redemption shall be sent electronically (to the extent permitted by applicable procedures or regulations) or mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof 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 of them called for redemption. The Trustee shall make the selection from the Notes outstanding and not previously called for redemption and shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption.

SECTION 3.3 Notice of Redemption.

At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company shall send or cause to be sent by electronic transmission or by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed.

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

(1) the redemption date;

(2) the Redemption Price;

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

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

(5) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price;

(6) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest, if any, on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

 

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

(8) the conditions, if any, to the redemption of the Notes; and

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

At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee at least 2 Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to this Section (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee), an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in the notices as provided in the preceding paragraph. The notice sent in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not a Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by electronic transmission or by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note shall not affect the validity of the proceeding for the redemption of any other Note.

SECTION 3.4 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

Once notice of redemption is sent in accordance with Section 3.3 hereof, Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date at the Redemption Price plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice of redemption may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a Qualified Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. The notice sent in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not a Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice by electronic transmission or by mail or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note shall not affect the validity of the proceeding for the redemption of any other Note.

SECTION 3.5 Deposit of Redemption Price.

On or before 12:00 noon (New York City time) on each redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the Redemption Price of (including any applicable premium), of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

If Notes called for redemption or tendered in an Asset Sale Offer or Change of Control Offer are paid or if Company has deposited with the Trustee or Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price or purchase price of, and unpaid and accrued interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest, if any, shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or tendered and not withdrawn in an Asset Sale Offer or Change of Control Offer (regardless of whether certificates

 

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for such securities are actually surrendered). If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after a regular record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption or repurchase shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption or repurchase because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case, at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.1 hereof.

SECTION 3.6 Notes Redeemed in Part.

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Company shall issue and, upon the written request of an Officer of the Company, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered; provided that each new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

SECTION 3.7 Optional Redemption.

(a) The Notes are subject to redemption, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after December 1, 2013, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on December 1 of the years indicated below:

 

Year

   Redemption Price  

2013

   104.250

2014

   102.125

2015 and thereafter

   100.000

(b) Prior to December 1, 2013, the Company may redeem during each 12-month period commencing with December 1, 2009 up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued on the Issue Date (or any Exchange Notes therefor) at its option, from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed by first-class mail to each Holder’s registered address, at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the 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 that is on or prior to the redemption date).

(c) In addition, at any time prior to December 1, 2013, the Company may, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, redeem the Notes, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date).

 

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(d) In addition to the optional redemption of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, prior to December 1, 2012, the Company may on one or more occasions, with the net proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including any Additional Notes) at a Redemption Price equal to 108.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date); provided that at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company or its Subsidiaries) and that any such redemption occurs within 90 days following the closing of any such Qualified Equity Offering.

The Company or any of its Affiliates may, at any time and from time to time, purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise, subject to compliance with this Indenture and compliance with all applicable securities laws.

Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.1 through 3.6 hereof.

SECTION 3.8 Mandatory Redemption.

The Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

SECTION 3.9 Offer to Purchase.

In the event that the Company shall be required to commence an Offer to Purchase pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer, the Company shall follow the procedures specified below.

Unless otherwise required by applicable law, an Offer to Purchase shall specify an expiration date (the “Expiration Date”) of the Offer to Purchase, which shall be, subject to any contrary requirements of applicable law, not less than 30 days or more than 60 days after the date of delivering of such Offer, and a settlement date (the “Purchase Date”) for purchase of Notes within five Business Days after the Expiration Date. On the Purchase Date, the Company shall purchase the aggregate principal amount of Notes required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof or Section 4.13 hereof (the “Offer Amount”), or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered in response to the Offer to Purchase. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made. If the Purchase Date is on or after the regular record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest, if any, shall be payable to the Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Company shall notify the Trustee at least 2 Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or

 

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caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to this Section (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee in its sole discretion) prior to the delivering of the Offer of the Company’s obligation to make an Offer to Purchase, and the Offer shall be sent electronically or mailed by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company. The Offer shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Purchase.

On or before 12:00 noon (New York City time) on each Purchase Date, the Company shall irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent (other than the Company or an Affiliate of the Company) in immediately available funds the aggregate purchase price equal to the Offer Amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to be held for payment in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.9. On the Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (i) accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered, (ii) deliver or cause the Paying Agent or depositary, as the case may be, to deliver to the Trustee Notes so accepted and (iii) deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.9. The Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later than five (5) Business Days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, and the Company shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, at the written request of the Company, shall authenticate and mail or deliver at the expense of the Company such new Note to such Holder, equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of such Holder’s Notes surrendered; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall publicly announce in a newspaper of general circulation or in a press release provided to a nationally recognized financial wire service the results of the Offer to Purchase on or promptly after the Purchase Date.

The Company shall comply with the requirements of any applicable securities laws and any regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of an Asset Sale Offer or Change of Control Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with Sections 3.9, 4.10 or 4.13 of this Indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will be deemed to have complied with its obligations under Section 3.9, 4.10 or 4.13, as applicable, by virtue of such compliance.

Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.9, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.9 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.1 through 3.6 hereof.

 

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ARTICLE IV

COVENANTS

SECTION 4.1 Payment of Notes.

(a) The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid for all purposes hereunder on the date the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds, as of 12:00 noon (New York City time), money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all such principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

(b) The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

SECTION 4.2 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.3 hereof. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

SECTION 4.3 Provision of Financial Information.

Whether or not required by the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall furnish to the Holders of Notes and make available on a public website, or file electronically with the Commission through the Commission’s IDEA System (f/k/a EDGAR) (or any successor system), within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations for non-accelerated filers:

(1) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company’s certified independent accountants; and

 

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(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.

In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing the Company and the Guarantors will for so long as any Restricted Notes remain outstanding furnish to the Holders and to prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, such requirements shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by the filing with the Commission of the Exchange Offer registration statement or shelf registration statement, and any amendments thereto, in accordance with the requirements of Form S-11, S-4 or S-3, as applicable, with such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act.

The Company will also hold a quarterly conference call to discuss the financial results of the Company with holders of the Notes, beginning with a discussion of the fiscal quarter ending January 30, 2010. Such conference call may be part of or separate from any conference call relating to the financial results of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (including, for the avoidance of doubt, as part of the conference call contemplated by Section 12.3). The conference call will not be later than five business days from the date on which the financial information of Delaware is filed or otherwise made available to holders of the Notes in accordance with this Indenture. No fewer than two days prior to the conference call, the Company shall issue a press release to the appropriate wire services announcing the time, date and access details of such conference call.

SECTION 4.4 Compliance Certificate.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that, to his or her knowledge, each entity is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that, to his or her knowledge, no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

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The Company shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

SECTION 4.5 Taxes.

The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency all material taxes, assessments and governmental levies, except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

SECTION 4.6 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

SECTION 4.7 Limitation on Restricted Payments.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any Restricted Payment unless, at the time of and after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment:

(a) no Default in the payment in respect of principal or interest on the Notes or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or will occur as a consequence thereof; and

(b) after giving effect to such Restricted Payment on a pro forma basis, the aggregate amount expended or declared for all Restricted Payments made on or after the Issue Date, shall not exceed the sum (without duplication) of:

(1) 50% of the Cumulative Free Cash Flow of the Company accrued on a cumulative basis during the period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first full fiscal month after which the Issue Date occurs and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of such proposed Restricted Payment, plus

(2) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company subsequent to the initial issuance of the Notes as a contribution to its common equity capital or the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock), plus

 

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(3) to the extent that any Investment (other than Permitted Investments) that was made on and after the Issue Date is sold for cash or otherwise disposed of, liquidated or repaid for cash or other assets, the lesser of (i) the initial amount of such Investment, or (ii) to the extent not otherwise included in the calculation of Cumulative Free Cash Flow of the Company for such period, the net cash return of capital or net Fair Market Value of return of capital with respect to such Investment, less the cost of any such disposition or liquidation, plus

(4) Declined Offer Proceeds.

From time to time, the Company shall have the right (but not the obligation) to make an Offer to Purchase to all Holders of Notes utilizing some or all of the Cumulative Free Cash Flow Offer Amount, at a Purchase Price not less than 100% of the Accreted Value of the Notes on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest to but not including the date of purchase (each such offer, a “Free Cash Flow Offer”), payable in cash. At the settlement of each Free Cash Flow Offer, the excess of (x) the Cumulative Free Cash Flow Offer Amount that was offered to Holders in such Free Cash Flow Offer over (y) the total Cumulative Free Cash Flow Offer Amount actually used to purchase Notes in such Free Cash Flow Offer shall constitute “Declined Offer Proceeds” and such Declined Offer Proceeds shall be available to the Company to make Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (4) of the preceding paragraph; provided that, 30 days after the expiration of any Free Cash Flow Offer, such amount shall no longer constitute “Declined Offer Proceeds”; provided further that, if Delaware’s Total Leverage Ratio is below 4.75x, at the time of such Restricted Payment, the Cumulative Free Cash Flow Offer Amount shall be deemed to be Declined Offer Proceeds without any requirement for the Company to make a Free Cash Flow Offer. If the Company’s purchase of all Notes tendered into such Offer to Purchase as set forth above would exceed the Cumulative Free Cash Flow Offer Amount, the Trustee will select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis.

The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other applicable securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase.

If the Company makes a Restricted Payment which, at the time of the making of such Restricted Payment, in the good faith determination of the Company, would be permitted under this Section 4.7, such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been made in compliance with this Section 4.7 notwithstanding any subsequent adjustment made in good faith to the Company’s financial statements affecting Cumulative Free Cash Flow.

SECTION 4.8 Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, cause or suffer to exist or become effective or enter into any encumbrance or restriction (other than pursuant to this Indenture, any Note Guarantee or any law, rule, regulation or order) on the ability of any Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Equity

 

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Interests owned by the Company or any Subsidiary or pay any Debt or other obligation owed to the Company or any Subsidiary, (ii) make loans or advances to the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or (iii) transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any Subsidiary.

However, the preceding restrictions shall not apply to the following encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(a) any encumbrance or restriction in existence on the Issue Date (including, without limitation, this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents) and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements, restructurings or refinancings, of any of the foregoing agreements or documents, provided that the amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings, in the good faith judgment of the Company, are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend or other payment restrictions in existence on the Issue Date or refinancings thereof;

(b) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement relating to an acquisition of property or assets, so long as the encumbrances or restrictions in any such agreement relate solely to the property or assets so acquired (and are not or were not created in anticipation of or in connection with the acquisition thereof);

(c) any encumbrance or restriction which exists with respect to a Person that becomes a Subsidiary or merges with or into a Subsidiary of the Company on or after the Issue Date, which is in existence at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary, but not created in connection with or in anticipation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary, and which is not applicable to any Person or the property or assets of any Person other than such Person or the property or assets of such Person becoming a Subsidiary;

(d) any encumbrance or restriction by reason of applicable law, rule, regulation or order;

(e) any encumbrance or restriction under the sale of assets or Equity Interests, including, without limitation, any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

(f) any instrument governing Debt or Equity Interests of a Person acquired by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Debt or Equity Interests was Incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, provided that, in the case of Debt, such Debt was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be Incurred; and

(g) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by lessors in the ordinary course of business.

 

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Nothing contained in this Section 4.8 shall prevent the Company or any Subsidiary from (i) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to exist any Liens otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 4.12 or (ii) restricting the sale or other disposition of property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that secure Debt of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries Incurred in accordance with Section 4.9 and Section 4.12.

SECTION 4.9 Limitation on Incurrence of Debt.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, Incur any Debt (including Acquired Debt) or trade payables or issue Preferred Stock (other than the Notes and the Note Guarantees and Debt or Preferred Stock issued to the Company or its Subsidiaries); provided that:

(i) the Company and any of its Subsidiaries may Incur Debt not secured by Liens or trade payables, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50.0 million at any one time outstanding; and

(ii) in connection with the acquisition by the Company of any New Properties that become subject to the Master Lease, the Company may incur up to $150 million aggregate principal amount of Additional Notes so long as the New Property Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 6.75x.

Notwithstanding anything set forth in this Indenture, in no event shall the Company or any Subsidiary be permitted to guarantee the obligations of any other Person (other than the Company and its Subsidiaries).

SECTION 4.10 Limitation on Asset Sales.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

(1) the Company (or the Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2) at least 90% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such Subsidiary is in the form of cash, Cash Equivalents or Replacement Property. For purposes of this provision, (i) any liabilities, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company or any Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary assignment and assumption agreement that releases the Company or such Subsidiary from further liability; and (ii) any marketable securities received by the Company or any such Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company into cash within 180 days of their receipt to the extent of the cash received in that conversion will be deemed to be cash.

 

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Within 720 days after the receipt of any Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale or any Net Loss Proceeds from an Event of Loss, the Company (or the applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be) may apply such Net Cash Proceeds, or Net Loss Proceeds, as applicable, at its option:

(i) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or any Equity Interests of, another Person or make capital expenditures, in compliance with Section 4.17; provided that to the extent the subject of the Asset Sale or Event of Loss constituted Collateral, the acquired assets (other than Excluded Assets) shall be pledged as additional Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents;

(ii) to acquire Replacement Property; provided that to the extent the subject of the Asset Sale or Event of Loss constituted Collateral, the Replacement Property shall be pledged as additional Collateral in accordance with and pursuant to the Security Documents as provided in this Indenture; or

(iii) any combination of the foregoing.

Any Net Cash Proceeds from Asset Sales or Net Loss Proceeds from an Event of Loss that are not applied or invested as provided in the preceding paragraph of this Section 4.10 will constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, the Company will, within 30 days, commence an Offer to Purchase to all Holders of Notes equal to the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Offer to Purchase will be equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Offer to Purchase, the Company may use those funds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture and they will no longer constitute Excess Proceeds. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Offer to Purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.

Pending the final application of any Net Cash Proceeds or Net Loss Proceeds pursuant to this Section 4.10, the holder of such Net Cash Proceeds or Net Loss Proceeds may apply such Net Cash Proceeds or Net Loss Proceeds temporarily to reduce Debt outstanding under a revolving credit facility or otherwise invest such Net Cash Proceeds or Net Loss Proceeds in any manner not prohibited hereunder.

The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other applicable securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sale provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will be deemed to have complied with its obligations under the Asset Sale provisions of this Indenture by virtue of such compliance.

 

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SECTION 4.11 Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, 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 or series of related transactions, contract, agreement, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, unless:

(i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or the relevant Subsidiary than those that could reasonably have been obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction by the Company or such Subsidiary with an unaffiliated party; and

(ii) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $15.0 million, the Company delivers to the Trustee a resolution adopted in good faith by the majority of the Board of Directors of the Company approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above; and

(iii) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $40.0 million, the Company must obtain and deliver to the Trustee a written opinion of a nationally recognized investment banking, accounting or appraisal firm stating that the transaction is fair to the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial point of view.

The foregoing limitations do not limit, and shall not apply to:

(1) Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.7 hereof and Permitted Investments permitted under this Indenture;

(2) the payment of reasonable and customary compensation and indemnities and other benefits to members of the Board of Directors of the Company or a Subsidiary who are outside directors;

(3) the payment of reasonable and customary compensation and other benefits (including retirement, health, option, deferred compensation and other benefit plans) and indemnities to officers and employees of the Company or any Subsidiary as determined by the Board of Directors thereof in good faith;

(4) transactions between or among the Company and/or its Subsidiaries;

(5) any agreement or arrangement as in effect on the Issue Date, including, without limitation, the Master Lease and the Services Agreement and any amendment or modification thereto so long as such amendment or modification (taken as a whole) is not materially disadvantageous to the Holders of the Notes and in the case of the Master Lease, any amendments or modification made in compliance with Section 4.17;

 

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(6) any contribution of capital to the Company;

(7) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to Parent or Delaware or any Permitted Holder or to any director, officer, employee or consultant;

(8) transactions permitted by, and complying with, Article V;

(9) leases with any Affiliates (other than Parent or its Subsidiaries) entered into in the ordinary course of business; or

(10) access and non-disturbance, attornment and subordination agreements.

SECTION 4.12 Limitation on Liens.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Liens of any kind securing Debt, other than Permitted Liens, on or with respect to any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom.

SECTION 4.13 Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control.

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Section 3.7, the Company will make an Offer to Purchase (the “Change of Control Offer”) all of the outstanding Notes at a Purchase Price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount tendered, together with accrued interest, if any, to but not including the Purchase Date (the “Change of Control Payment”). For purposes of the foregoing, an Offer to Purchase shall be deemed to have been made if (i) within 60 days following the date of the consummation of a transaction or series of transactions that constitutes a Change of Control, the Company commences an Offer to Purchase for all outstanding Notes at the Purchase Price and (ii) all Notes properly tendered pursuant to the Offer to Purchase are purchased on the terms of such Offer to Purchase.

The Change of Control provisions described above will be applicable whether or not any other provisions of this Indenture are applicable.

The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer contemporaneously with or upon a Change of Control, in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth herein applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer or (ii) a notice of redemption has been given under Section 3.3.

To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.13 by virtue of such conflict.

 

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In addition, an Offer to Purchase 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 launching the Offer to Purchase.

SECTION 4.14 Corporate Existence.

Subject to Article V hereof, as the case may be, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence of each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Company or any such Subsidiary and the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

SECTION 4.15 Additional Note Guarantees; Additional Security.

(a) If the Company acquires or creates a Subsidiary after the Issue Date, then that newly acquired or created Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor pursuant to Article X hereof within 60 days of the date on which it was acquired or created.

(b) Each Subsidiary that becomes a Guarantor on or after the Issue Date shall also as promptly as practicable execute and deliver such security instruments, financing statements, mortgages, deeds of trust (in substantially the same form as those executed and delivered with respect to the Collateral on the Issue Date) and certificates and opinions of counsel (to the extent, and substantially in the form, delivered on the Issue Date (but no greater scope)) as may be necessary to vest in the Collateral Agent a perfected first priority security interest (subject to Permitted Liens and the other exceptions contained in the Security Documents) in properties and assets of such Guarantor that constitute Collateral as security for the Guarantee of such Guarantor and as may be necessary to have such property or asset added to the applicable Collateral as required under the Security Documents and this Indenture (with respect to such Collateral constituting Real Property, including, without limitation, the deliverables required under Section 13.1(b)), and thereupon all provisions of this Indenture relating to the Collateral shall be deemed to relate to such properties and assets to the same extent and with the same force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the property of a Guarantor that is subject to a mortgage-recording or similar tax upon the execution, delivery, and/or recording of the related Security Documents, the principal portion of the Notes secured by the Security Documents to be recorded against such property shall be limited to the then fair market value of such property or, if such limitation is ineffective to prevent the imposition of a tax assessed against an amount in excess of such value, then the Company and the Collateral Agent shall take such other measures as are customarily employed in the jurisdiction in question so as to minimize such tax.

 

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SECTION 4.16 Books and Records.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, keep proper books of record and account, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP.

SECTION 4.17 Conduct of Business / Amendments to the Master Lease.

The Company and its Subsidiaries shall not hold any material assets, become liable for any material obligations, engage in any trade or business, or conduct any business activity, other than (1) owning the equity interests of its Subsidiaries, (2) owning or leasing properties that are leased or sub-leased to Parent or one of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Master Lease or otherwise on terms (taken as a whole) that are similar to, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, the terms of the Master Lease or leased or subleased pursuant to a Non-Toys Lease, (3) the incurrence of Debt that is permitted to be incurred under Section 4.9, (4) the sale of assets in compliance with Section 4.10 and (5) other activities incidental or relating thereto (which, for the avoidance of doubt, may include the acquisition of additional properties or entities that engage solely in activities that fall within clauses (1) through (4)).

The Company shall not permit any amendments or waivers to the Master Lease that (taken as a whole) are materially adverse to the Holders; provided that any amendment or modification that decreases the rent or other amounts due to the Company or other payment terms (including, without limitation, any changes to the time, manner, method or currency of payment) under the Master Lease shall be deemed to be materially adverse under all circumstances; provided further that amendments of the Master Lease (and corresponding rent reduction) pursuant to the terms of the Master Lease either

(x) in connection with an asset sale made in accordance with Section 4.10 and pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Master Lease, or

(y) pursuant to Section 10.2 or 10.3 of the Master Lease shall be deemed not to be materially adverse to the Holders.

Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall effect an amendment, modification or waiver of its organizational documents in any manner materially adverse to the Holders of the Notes, including, without limitation, any amendment, modification or waiver to or of the provisions of Section 8(d) thereof or the analogous provisions of the organizational documents of any Subsidiary (“Limitation on Activities”) thereof.

SECTION 4.18 [Reserved].

SECTION 4.19 Post-Closing Covenant.

From and after the Issue Date, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event, within 90 days following the Issue Date, complete those actions required to create and perfect all of the Liens on the Collateral and the Mortgaged Property, including the delivery of each of the items set forth on Schedule I hereto.

 

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SECTION 4.20 Chief Executive Office; Change of Name; Jurisdiction of Organization; Status.

The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary who has become a Guarantor pursuant to Article X hereof to, effect any change (i) to its legal name, (ii) in its trade name or names, (iii) in its organizational identification number, if any, (iv) in its jurisdiction of organization (in each case, including by merging with or into any other entity, reorganizing, dissolving, liquidating, reorganizing or organizing in any other jurisdiction), or (v) in its mailing address, unless (A) it shall have given the Collateral Agent written notice at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of any such change, clearly describing such change and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, and (B) it shall have taken or will promptly take all action necessary to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral at all times following such change.

SECTION 4.21 Further Assurances

The Company will, and will cause each future Guarantor to, execute and deliver such additional instruments, certificates or documents, and take such other actions as may, in each case, be reasonably required from time to time in order to:

(1) carry out more effectively the purposes of the Security Documents;

(2) comply in all respects with Section 3(b) (“Other Property”) of each Mortgage;

(3) create, grant, perfect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of any of the Security Documents and the Liens created, or intended to be created, by the Security Documents (subject to Permitted Liens); and

(4) better assure, protect and confirm to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent any of the rights granted or intended to be granted to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent under any other instrument executed in connection therewith.

In addition, to the extent any Mortgage Policy received after the Issue Date discloses any Lien that is permitted under clause (15) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” but not by any other clause thereunder, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to discharge such Lien, except to the extent that the Company in its good faith judgment determines that such Lien does not materially adversely affect the intended use by the Company and its lessee of the property covered by such policy.

The Company will, from time to time after the Issue Date, cause the Security Documents and any continuation statement or similar instrument relating to any property subject thereto or to any property intended to be encumbered, granted, conveyed, transferred and assigned by any Security Document to be filed, registered and recorded in such manner and in such places as may be required by law in order to publish notice of and fully to protect the validity thereof or the grant thereby of the property subject thereto and the interest and rights of lender therein. The

 

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Company covenants that it has paid or will pay or cause to be paid all taxes and fees incident to such filing, registration and recording, and all reasonable expenses incident to the preparation, execution and acknowledgment thereof, and of any instrument of further assurance, and all federal or state stamp taxes or other charges arising out of or in connection with the execution and delivery of such instruments.

The Company shall maintain the validity, perfection, priority and effectiveness of the Security Documents (subject to Permitted Liens).

ARTICLE V

SUCCESSORS

SECTION 5.1 Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease.

The Company shall not, in any transaction or series of transactions, consolidate with or merge into any other Person (other than a merger of a Subsidiary into the Company in which the Company is the continuing Person or the merger of a Subsidiary into or with another Subsidiary or another Person that as a result of such transaction becomes or merges into a Subsidiary), or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries (determined on a consolidated basis), taken as a whole, to any other Person, unless:

(i) either: (a) the Company shall be the continuing Person or (b) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged, or the Person that acquires, by sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Company (such Person, the “Surviving Entity”), (1) shall be a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or similar entity organized and validly existing under the laws of the United States, any political subdivision thereof or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (2) shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture and other documentation and instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on all the Notes and the performance of the covenants and obligations of the Company under this Indenture, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Security Documents (as applicable) and will cause such amendments, supplements or other instruments to be executed, filed and recorded in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Lien on the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Surviving Entity, together with such UCC financing statements or comparable documents as may be required to perfect any security interests in such Collateral which may be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement or a similar document under the UCC or other similar statute or regulation of the relevant states or jurisdictions;

(ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (including, without limitation, any Debt Incurred or anticipated to be Incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom (including, without limitation, no Default or Event of Default related to the failure to comply with Section 4.17); and

 

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(iii) the Company delivers, or causes to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, assignment, transfer, lease or other disposition complies with the requirements of this Indenture.

For the avoidance of doubt, the transactions contemplated by the Master Lease shall not be subject to the foregoing.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to satisfy the requirements of the preceding clauses (ii) and (iii) in connection with:

(a) a merger between the Company and a Subsidiary that is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company; or

(b) a merger between the Company and an Affiliate organized solely for the purpose of converting the Company into an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision or state thereof, so long as, in each case, the amount of Debt of the Company and its Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

For all purposes of this Indenture and the Notes, upon such transaction or series of transactions, all Debt and all Liens on property or assets, of the Surviving Entity and its Subsidiaries that was not Debt, or were not Liens on property or assets, of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions shall be deemed to have been Incurred upon such transaction or series of transactions.

SECTION 5.2 Successor Person Substituted.

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1 hereof, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the successor corporation and not to the Company), and shall exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein and when such successor Person duly assumes all the obligations and covenants of the Company pursuant to this Indenture, the Notes and the Security Documents the predecessor Person shall be relieved of all such obligations; provided, however, that in the event of a lease, the predecessor shall not be released from the payment of principal and interest or other obligations on the Notes.

 

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ARTICLE VI

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

SECTION 6.1 Events of Default.

Each of the following constitutes an “Event of Default”:

(1) default in the payment in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note when due and payable (whether at Stated Maturity or upon repurchase, acceleration, optional redemption or otherwise);

(2) default in the payment of any interest upon any Note when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days;

(3) failure to perform or comply with Section 4.3 or Section 12.3 hereof after 15 days after the time periods specified therein and continuance of such failure to perform or comply for a period of 120 days after written notice thereof has been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;

(4) except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee of any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall for any reason cease to be, or it shall be asserted by any Guarantor or the Company not to be, in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms other than by reason of the termination of this Indenture or the release of such Guarantee in compliance with this Indenture;

(5) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Company, any Guarantor or Parent in this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with in clauses (1), (2), (3) or (4) above or (10) below), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after written notice thereof has been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes;

(6) a default or defaults under any bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of Debt (other than the Notes) by the Company or its Subsidiaries having, individually or in the aggregate, a principal or similar amount outstanding of at least $20.0 million, whether such Debt now exists or shall hereafter be created, which default or defaults shall have resulted in the acceleration of the maturity of such Debt prior to its express maturity or shall constitute a failure to pay at least $20.0 million of such Debt when due and payable after the expiration of any applicable grace period with respect thereto;

(7) the entry against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company of a final judgment or final judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $20.0 million, by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction, which judgments remain undischarged, unwaived, unstayed, unbonded or unsatisfied for a period of 60 consecutive days;

 

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(8) (i) Delaware, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(a) commences a voluntary case,

(b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

(c) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,

(d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or

(e) generally is not paying its debts as they become due; or

(ii) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(a) is for relief against Delaware, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), in an involuntary case;

(b) appoints a custodian of Delaware, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary); or

(c) orders the liquidation of Delaware, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary);

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or

(9) any payment Event of Default in excess of $15.0 million under the Master Lease beyond the period of grace set forth in the Master Lease, the Master Lease terminates in full or otherwise ceases to be in effect or any responsible officer of Delaware denies its obligations under the Master Lease or gives notice that the Master Lease is not in effect; and

(10) unless all of the Collateral has been released from the Liens securing the Notes in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Security Documents (a) (i) a default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement of the Company or any Guarantor in the Security Documents or, to the extent relating to the Collateral (including without limitation, Sections 4.19, 4.20 , 4.21 and Article XIII), this Indenture or (ii) any Security Document ceases to be in full force and effect (except as permitted by

 

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the terms of this Indenture or the Security Documents), or any of the Security Documents ceases to give the Collateral Agent a valid, perfected security interest (except as permitted by the terms of this Indenture or the Security Documents), in each case described in clause (i) or (ii) of this clause (a), (x) with respect to a material portion of the Collateral and (y) for a period of 60 days after written notice thereof has been given to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, or (b) the repudiation or disaffirmation by the Company or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary in writing of its material obligations under the Security Documents or the determination in a judicial proceeding that the Security Documents are unenforceable or invalid against the Company or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary for any reason with respect to a material portion of the Collateral which repudiation, disaffirmation or determination is not rescinded, stayed, or waived by the Persons having such authority pursuant to the Security Documents or otherwise cured within 60 days after the Company receives written notice thereof specifying such occurrence from the Trustee.

SECTION 6.2 Acceleration.

If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (8) of Section 6.1 with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare the principal of the Notes and any accrued interest on the Notes to be due and payable immediately by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders); provided, however, that after such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal of or interest on the Notes, have been cured or waived as provided in this Indenture.

In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes solely because an Event of Default described in clause (6) of Section 6.1 has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically rescinded and annulled if the event of default or payment default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause (6) of Section 6.1 shall be remedied or cured by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or waived by the holders of the relevant Debt within 20 Business Days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if the rescission and annulment of the acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Trustee for the payment of amounts due on the Notes.

If an Event of Default specified in clause (8) of Section 6.1 occurs with respect to the Company, the principal of and any accrued interest on the Notes then outstanding shall ipso facto become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder. The Trustee may withhold from Holders notice of any Default (except Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest) if the Trustee determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the Holders to do so.

 

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No Holder of any Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to this Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default and unless also the Holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall have made written request to the Trustee, and provided indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, to institute such proceeding as Trustee, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with such request and shall have failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days. Such limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a Holder of a Note directly (as opposed to through the Trustee) for enforcement of payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on such Note on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may any individual Holder enforce any Lien of the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents.

SECTION 6.3 Other Remedies.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

SECTION 6.4 Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the Notes (other than as a result of an acceleration), which shall require the consent of all of the Holders of the Notes then outstanding (provided that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration).

SECTION 6.5 Control by Majority.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust power conferred on it. However, (i) the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture, that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability, and (ii) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. In addition, the Collateral Agent shall only be permitted to exercise remedies and sell the Collateral under the Security Documents at the direction of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

 

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SECTION 6.6 Limitation on Suits.

A Holder may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes only if:

(a) the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default or the Trustee receives such notice from the Company;

(b) the Holders of at least 30% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(c) such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(d) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer and, if requested, the provision of such indemnity or security; and

(e) during such 60-day period the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

SECTION 6.7 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

SECTION 6.8 Collection Suit by Trustee.

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

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SECTION 6.9 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property, shall be entitled to participate as a member, voting or otherwise, of any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter, and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other securities or property payable or deliverable upon the conversion or exchange of the Notes or on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money and securities that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

SECTION 6.10 Priorities.

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article VI and any money or other property distributable in respect of the Company’s obligations under this Indenture after an Event of Default shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, upon presentation of the Notes and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

First: to the Collateral Agent, for amounts due in accordance with the Security Documents;

Second: to the Trustee (including any predecessor Trustee), its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.7 hereof, including payment of all reasonable compensation, expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;

Third: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest respectively; and

Fourth: to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

 

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The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10.

SECTION 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

ARTICLE VII

TRUSTEE

SECTION 7.1 Duties of Trustee.

(a) If an Event of Default of which the Trustee has knowledge has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of which the Trustee has knowledge:

(i) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the TIA and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture or the TIA and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee shall be under a duty of reasonable care to examine the certificates and opinions specifically required to be furnished to it to determine whether or not they conform as to form with the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts or conclusions stated therein).

 

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(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraphs (b) or (e) of this Section 7.1;

(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by an officer of the Trustee, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5 hereof.

(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) of this Section 7.1.

(e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability. The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any Holders, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

(f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law and except for money held in trust pursuant to Article VIII.

(g) The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Event of Default unless either (1) a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge of such Event of Default or (2) written notice of such Event of Default shall have been received by a Responsible Officer in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

SECTION 7.2 Rights of Trustee.

(a) The Trustee, as Trustee and acting in each of its capacities hereunder, may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in any such document.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel of the Trustee’s own choosing and the Trustee shall be fully protected from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance on the written advice or opinion of such counsel or on any Opinion of Counsel.

(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any attorney or agent appointed with due care.

 

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(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture. Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution. Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate.

(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company or a Guarantor shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company or such Guarantor.

(f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or documents, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine during normal business hours the books, records and premises of the Company or any Guarantor, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company, and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(h) The rights, privileges, protections and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, including, but not limited to, as Collateral Agent, and to each agent, custodian and other Persons employed to act hereunder.

(i) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

(j) Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under Section 4.3 and Section 12.3 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of their covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

 

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(k) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, punitive, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless if the form of action.

SECTION 7.3 Individual Rights of Trustee.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest as defined in Section 310(b) of the TIA, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue as Trustee or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

SECTION 7.4 Trustee’s Disclaimer.

The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, and it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company’s or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes, any statement or recital in any document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication on the Notes.

SECTION 7.5 Notice of Defaults.

If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee, the Trustee shall send electronically or mail to Holders a notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders.

SECTION 7.6 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.

Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with May 15, 2010, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall send to the Holders a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).

A copy of each report at the time of its delivery to the Holders shall be mailed or delivered to the Company and filed with the Commission and each stock exchange on which the Company has informed the Trustee in writing the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d). The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

 

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SECTION 7.7 Compensation and Indemnity.

The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include, but not limited to, the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee (which for purposes of this Section 7.7 shall include its officers, directors, employees and agents) against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company (including this Section 7.7) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company or any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder except to the extent any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of one such counsel. The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 7.7 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge or termination for any reason of this Indenture or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

To secure the Company’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.7, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal or interest, if any, on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge or termination for any reason of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

In addition, and without prejudice to the rights provided to the Trustee under any of the provisions of this Indenture, when the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(8) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

“Trustee” for the purposes of this Section 7.7 shall include any predecessor Trustee and the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and each agent, custodian and other person employed to act hereunder; provided, however, that the negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.

The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

 

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SECTION 7.8 Replacement of Trustee.

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.8.

The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company in writing. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

(a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;

(b) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

(c) a Custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall notify each Holder of such event and shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of all then outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Promptly after that, the retiring Trustee shall transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided in Section 7.7 hereof, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. A successor Trustee shall deliver notice of its succession to each Holder.

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, any Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.8, the Company’s and Guarantors’ obligations under Section 7.7 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

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SECTION 7.9 Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.

If the Trustee or any Agent consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another Person, the successor Person without any further act shall be the successor Trustee or any Agent, as applicable.

SECTION 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power and that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities. The Trustee together with its affiliates shall at all times have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent annual report of condition.

This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA §§ 310(a)(l), (2) and (5). If this Indenture becomes qualified under the TIA, the Trustee shall be subject to TIA § 310(b) including the provision in § 310(b)(1); provided that there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA § 310(b)(1) any indenture or indentures under which other securities, or certificates of interest or participation in other securities, of the Company or the Guarantors are outstanding if the requirements for exclusion set forth in TIA § 310(b)(1) are met.

SECTION 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company.

The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

SECTION 7.12 Trustee’s Application for Instructions from the Company.

Any application by the Trustee for written instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Trustee, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Trustee under this Indenture and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective.

ARTICLE VIII

DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 8.1 Option to Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The Company may, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a Board Resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, at any time, elect to have either the first paragraph of Section 8.2 or 8.3 hereof applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article VIII.

 

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SECTION 8.2 Defeasance and Discharge.

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.2, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations (and discharged Parent from all its obligations hereunder) with respect to all outstanding Notes and all obligations of the Guarantors discharged with respect to the Note Guarantees (and all covenants of Parent shall terminate) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”). For this purpose, defeasance means that the Company and the Guarantors shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Debt represented by the outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.5 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all of its other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture (and all covenants of Parent shall be terminated) (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.4(l); (b) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.10 and 4.2 hereof; (c) the rights, powers, trusts, benefits and immunities of the Trustee, including without limitation thereunder, under Sections 7.7, 8.5 and 8.7 hereof and the Company’s obligations in connection therewith; (d) the Company’s rights pursuant to Section 3.7; and (e) the provisions of this Article VIII. Subject to compliance with this Article VIII, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.3 hereof.

In addition, the Company, the Guarantors and Parent may terminate the obligations under this Indenture when:

(1) either: (A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or (B) all such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable or (ii) will become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year (a “Discharge”) under irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes, not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest to the Stated Maturity or date of redemption;

(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable under this Indenture by the Company;

(3) the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;

 

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(4) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the redemption date, as the case may be; and

(5) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, each stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the Discharge have been complied with.

SECTION 8.3 Covenant Defeasance.

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.3, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 hereof, be released from its obligations (and Parent shall be released from its obligations) under the covenants contained in Sections 4.3, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.19, 4.20, 4.21, and 5.1 and Article XIII, and Parent shall be released from its obligations under Sections 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 and 12.6 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, covenant defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or, as applicable, Parent) may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.1 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.1 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.3, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 hereof, Sections 6.1(3), (5), (6), (7) and (8) (except with respect to the Company), (9) and (10) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.

SECTION 8.4 Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

The following shall be the conditions to the application of the election pursuant to Section 8.1 of defeasance pursuant to Section 8.2 or covenant defeasance pursuant to 8.3 hereof to the outstanding Notes:

In order to exercise either defeasance or covenant defeasance:

(1) the Company must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the Holders of such Notes: (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. government obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount

 

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or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient without reinvestment, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee to pay and discharge, the entire indebtedness in respect of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on such Notes on the Stated Maturity thereof or (if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) the redemption date thereof, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and such Notes;

(2) in the case of defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge were not to occur;

(3) in the case of covenant defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such outstanding Notes will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and covenant defeasance to be effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance were not to occur;

(4) no Default or Event of Default with respect to the outstanding Notes shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit after giving effect thereto (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien to secure such borrowing);

(5) such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the TIA (assuming all Notes are in default within the meaning of the TIA);

(6) such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or material instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound; and

(7) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

 

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If the Company exercises the defeasance or covenant defeasance option, the Liens on the Collateral will be released as provided in Section 13.3, the Company and the Guarantors shall be released from all covenants and obligations under the Security Documents, and the Note Guarantees and the Security Documents in effect at such time will terminate.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (2) above with respect to a defeasance need not to be delivered if all Notes not therefore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable, or (y) will become due and payable at Stated Maturity 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 Company.

SECTION 8.5 Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

Subject to Section 8.6 hereof, all money and non-callable U.S. government obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.5, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.4 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust, shall not be invested, and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company or any Subsidiary acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable U.S. government obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.4 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

Anything in this Article VIII to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the written request of the Company and be relieved of all liability with respect to any money or non-callable U.S. government obligations held by it as provided in Section 8.4 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.4(1) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent defeasance or covenant defeasance.

SECTION 8.6 Repayment to Company.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Note and remaining unclaimed for one year after such principal and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its written request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability

 

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of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall be repaid to the Company.

SECTION 8.7 Reinstatement.

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States dollars or non-callable U.S. government obligations in accordance with Section 8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.2 or 8.3 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.2 or 8.3 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

SECTION 9.1 Without Consent of Holders of the Notes.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture and the Note Guarantees or amendments or supplements to the Security Documents for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company in this Indenture, the Note Guarantees and the Notes;

(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;

(3) to add additional Events of Default;

(4) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of the certificated Notes;

 

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(5) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under this Indenture by a successor Trustee;

(6) to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with this Indenture;

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

(8) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees or Security Documents to any provision of the “Description of Notes” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent that that such provision was intended to be a verbatim recitation of the corresponding provision in the “Description of Notes”;

(9) to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(10) to add additional collateral as security for the Notes or the Note Guarantees;

(11) to evidence the release and subordination of Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral as provided under Section 13.3, 13.7(k), or otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Security Documents; or

(12) to provide for or confirm the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

SECTION 9.2 With Consent of Holders of Notes.

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes), the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to this Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or the Notes or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders under this Indenture, including the definitions herein, or amendments or supplements to the Security Documents; provided that (i) the consent of the Holders of not less than two-thirds of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes) shall be required for (x) any amendment to Section 4.9 and Section 4.17 hereof and (y) any amendment, supplement or waiver to modify the provisions in this Indenture dealing with Security Documents or application of trust moneys in any manner, taken as a whole, materially adverse to the Holders other than in accordance with this Indenture and the Security Documents and (ii) no such supplemental indenture or amendments or supplements to the Security Documents shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby:

(1) change the Stated Maturity of any Note or of any installment of interest on any Note, or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or reduce the amount that would be due

 

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and payable on acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof, or change the date on which any Notes may be subject to redemption or reduce the Redemption Price therefor (other than the provisions set forth in Section 4.10 and Section 4.13 hereof),

(2) reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture,

(3) modify the obligations of the Company to make Offers to Purchase upon a Change of Control or from the Excess Proceeds of Asset Sales if such modification was done after the occurrence of such Change of Control or such Asset Sale,

(4) modify or change any provision of this Indenture affecting the ranking of the Notes or any Note Guarantee in a manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes,

(5) modify any of the provisions of this paragraph or provisions relating to waiver of defaults or certain covenants, except to increase any such percentage required for such actions or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby,

(6) release any Note Guarantees required to be maintained under this Indenture (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture), or

(7) release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the Notes and the Guarantees other than in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Security Documents.

The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes may consent (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of or tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes) to the waiver of any past default under this Indenture and its consequences, except a default:

(1) in any payment in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Notes (other than any Note which is required to have been purchased pursuant to an Offer to Purchase which has been made by the Company), or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under this Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected.

 

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

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no supplemental indenture shall modify or change any provision of this Indenture affecting the covenants of Parent without Parent’s prior written consent.

SECTION 9.3 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

SECTION 9.4 Revocation and Effect of Consents.

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on the Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective. When an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms, it thereafter binds every Holder.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for determining which Holders consent to such amendment, supplement or waiver. If the Company fixes a record date, the record date shall be fixed at (i) the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished for the Trustee prior to such solicitation pursuant to Section 2.5 hereof or (ii) such other date as the Company shall designate.

SECTION 9.5 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

SECTION 9.6 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. In signing or refusing to sign any amendment or supplemental indenture the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.1 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, that all conditions precedent thereto have been met or waived, that such amendment or supplemental indenture is not inconsistent herewith, and that it will be valid and binding upon the Company and Guarantors, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.

 

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ARTICLE X

NOTE GUARANTEES

SECTION 10.1 Note Guarantees.

(a) Subject to this Article X, each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantees the Notes and obligations of the Company hereunder and thereunder, and guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee on behalf of such Holder, that: (i) the principal of and premium, if any and interest on the Notes shall be paid in full when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise (including, without limitation, the amount that would become due but for the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code), together with interest on the overdue principal, if any, and interest on any overdue interest, to the extent lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder shall be paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or of any such other obligations, the same shall be paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Each of the Note Guarantees shall be a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

(b) Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor.

(c) Each Guarantor hereby waives the benefits of diligence, presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company or any other Person, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor shall not be discharged as to any Note except by complete performance of the obligations contained in such Note and such Note Guarantee or as provided for in this Indenture. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that, in the event of a default in payment of principal or premium, if any or interest on such Note, whether at its Stated Maturity, by acceleration, call for redemption, purchase or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of, or by, the Holder of such Note, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against each of the Guarantors to enforce such Guarantor’s Note Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company or any other Guarantor. Each Guarantor agrees that if, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee or any of the Holders are prevented by applicable law from exercising their respective rights to accelerate the maturity of the Notes, to collect

 

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interest on the Notes, or to enforce or exercise any other right or remedy with respect to the Notes, such Guarantor shall pay to the Trustee for the account of the Holders, upon demand therefor, the amount that would otherwise have been due and payable had such rights and remedies been permitted to be exercised by the Trustee or any of the Holders.

(d) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company or any Guarantor, or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to the Company or any Guarantor, any amount paid by any of them to the Trustee or such Holder, the Note Guarantee of each of the Guarantors, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect. This paragraph (d) shall remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may be taken by the Trustee or any Holder in reliance upon such amount required to be returned. This paragraph (d) shall survive the termination of this Indenture.

(e) Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between each Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Section 6.2 hereof for the purposes of the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any acceleration of such obligations as provided in Section 6.2 hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by each Guarantor for the purpose of the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor.

SECTION 10.2 Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.

To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.1, each Guarantor agrees that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B shall be endorsed on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee. Such notation of Note Guarantee shall be signed on behalf of such Guarantor by an officer of such Guarantor (or, if an officer is not available, by a board member or director or another authorized person) on behalf of such Guarantor by manual or facsimile signature. In case the officer, board member or director of such Guarantor who shall have signed such notation of Note Guarantee shall cease to be such officer, board member or director before the Note on which such Note Guarantee is endorsed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, such Note nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered as though the Person who signed such notation of Note Guarantee had not ceased to be such officer, board member or director.

Each Guarantor agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.1 shall remain in full force and effect and apply to all the Notes notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee. The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of any Note Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.

The failure to endorse a Note Guarantee shall not affect or impair the validity thereof.

 

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SECTION 10.3 Severability.

In case any provision of any Note Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 10.4 Limitation of Guarantors’ Liability.

Each Guarantor and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law relating to fraudulent transfer or conveyance. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount that will not, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Note Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

SECTION 10.5 Releases Following Sale of Assets.

Any Guarantor shall be released and relieved of any obligations under this Note Guarantee, and the Liens on its property pursuant to the Security Documents shall be released, (1) in connection with any sale or other disposition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of all or substantially all of the assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) an Affiliate, if the Company or the Guarantor applies the Net Proceeds of that sale or other disposition in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof; or (2) in connection with any sale of all of the Equity Interests of a Guarantor by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) an Affiliate, if the Company applies the Net Cash Proceeds of that sale in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof. Upon delivery to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation Section 4.10 hereof, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.

Except as set forth in Articles IV and V hereof, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes shall prevent any consolidation or merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or shall prevent any sale or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or another Guarantor.

Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under this Note Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article X.

 

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SECTION 10.6 Benefits Acknowledged.

Each Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by this Indenture and that its guarantee and waivers pursuant to its Note Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

SECTION 10.7 Future Guarantors.

Each Person that is required to become a Guarantor after the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.15 shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Person shall become a Guarantor. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Person and that, subject to the application of bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer and other similar laws relating to creditors’ rights generally and to the principles of equity, whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity, the Guarantee of such Guarantor is a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms and/or to such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 11.1 Trust Indenture Act Controls.

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA § 318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

SECTION 11.2 Notices.

Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor, Parent, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others address:

If to the Company, any Guarantor or Parent:

Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Facsimile: (973) 617-4006

Attention: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

 

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If to the Trustee and/or Collateral Agent:

The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Finance Unit

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Facsimile: 212-815-5706

Attention: Toys “R” Us Property II - Trustee

The Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and Collateral Agent, by notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders and the Trustee) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier promising next Business Day delivery.

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be sent electronically or mailed by first class mail or by overnight air courier promising next Business Day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so sent to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to send a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

If a notice or communication is mailed or delivered in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except in the case of notices or communications given to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, which shall be effective only upon actual receipt.

If the Company mails or delivers a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail or deliver a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

SECTION 11.3 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

SECTION 11.4 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture (other than the initial issuance of the Notes), the Company shall furnish to the Trustee upon request:

(a) an Officers’ Certificate (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

 

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(b) an Opinion of Counsel (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

SECTION 11.5 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

(a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and

(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied.

SECTION 11.6 Rules by Trustee and Agents.

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

SECTION 11.7 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees, Stockholders and the Trustee.

No director, officer, employee, stockholder, member, general or limited partner or incorporator, past, present or future, of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, as such or in such capacity, shall have any personal liability for any obligations of the Company under the Notes, any Note Guarantee, this Indenture or the Security Documents of Parent under this Indenture by reason of his, her or its status as such director, officer, employee, stockholder, member, general or limited partner or incorporator. Each Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuances of the Notes and the Note Guarantees.

No recourse may, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Company or the Guarantors on the Notes or under this Indenture or of Parent under this Indenture or any related documents, any certificate or other

 

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writing delivered in connection therewith, against (i) the Trustee in its individual capacity, or (ii) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee, agent, successor or assign of the Trustee, each in its individual capacity, or (iii) any holder of equity in the Trustee.

Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

SECTION 11.8 Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE SECURITY DOCUMENTS (TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH THEREIN) AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES, IF ANY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE NOTE GUARANTEES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

SECTION 11.9 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

SECTION 11.10 Successors.

All agreements of the Company and the Guarantors in this Indenture and the Notes and the Note Guarantees and of Parent in this Indenture, as applicable, shall bind their respective successors and assigns. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors and assigns.

SECTION 11.11 Severability.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

SECTION 11.12 Counterpart Originals.

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

SECTION 11.13 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

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SECTION 11.14 Qualification of Indenture.

(a) The Company and the Guarantors shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses for the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee) incurred in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement, including, but not limited to, costs and expenses of qualification of this Indenture and the Notes and printing this Indenture and the Notes. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive from the Company and the Guarantors any such Officers’ Certificates, Opinions of Counsel or other documentation as it may reasonably request in connection with any such qualification of this Indenture under the TIA. The TIA shall not apply to this Indenture prior to such qualification, and all references herein to compliance with the TIA refer to such compliance following any such qualification.

SECTION 11.15 Force Majeure.

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services.

SECTION 11.16 Assignment of Prior Obligations.

The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes includes $68,785,955 of prior indebtedness of the Company under the CMBS Agreement which was assigned to Banc of America Securities LLC immediately prior to the issuance of the Notes. The terms of such prior indebtedness are hereby amended and restated in their entirety to be the same as the terms as the Notes, and such prior indebtedness shall hereafter be part of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes, issued on the Issue Date, and all Obligations in respect of such prior indebtedness from and after the Issue Date shall be a part of, and solely arise and be enforced under, the Notes.

SECTION 11.17 Security Documents.

The Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders agree with the Company that they are bound by the terms of the Security Documents.

 

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ARTICLE XII

COVENANTS APPLICABLE TO DELAWARE

SECTION 12.1 Limitation on Restricted Payments.

Parent shall not permit Delaware or any of Delaware’s Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(a) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on account of Delaware’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 Delaware payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of Delaware, (B) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary payable to Delaware or any other Restricted Subsidiary or (C), 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, pro rata dividends or distributions to minority stockholders of such Restricted Subsidiary (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation), provided that Delaware or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries 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);

(b) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of Delaware or any direct or indirect parent entity of Delaware held by any Person (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary), including in connection with any merger or consolidation; or

(c) make any Investment that is not a Delaware Permitted Investment (“Restricted Investments”);

(all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (a) through (c) being collectively referred to as “Delaware Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Delaware Restricted Payment:

(1) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Delaware Restricted Payment;

(2) Delaware would, at the time of such Delaware Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Delaware Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 12.2; and

(3) such Delaware Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Delaware Restricted Payments made by Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries after July 9, 2009 (including Delaware Restricted Payments permitted pursuant to clause (1) of the next succeeding paragraph but excluding any other Delaware Restricted Payments permitted by the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum, without duplication, of

(a) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of Delaware for the period (taken as one accounting period) from August 2, 2009 to the end of Delaware’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Delaware Restricted Payment (or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus

 

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(b) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds, and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Delaware, of property and marketable securities, received by Delaware after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of (x) Equity Interests of Delaware (including Retired Capital Stock (as defined below) but excluding (i) cash proceeds received from the sale of Equity Interests of Delaware and, to the extent actually contributed to Delaware, Equity Interests of Delaware’s direct or indirect parent corporations to members of management, directors or consultants of Delaware, any direct or indirect parent corporation of Delaware and the Subsidiaries of Delaware after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Delaware Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (3) of the next succeeding paragraph, (ii) cash proceeds received from the sale of Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) to the extent such amounts have been applied to Delaware Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (2) of the next succeeding paragraph, and (iii) Disqualified Stock or (y) debt securities of Delaware that have been converted into such Equity Interests of Delaware (other than Refunding Capital Stock or Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of Delaware sold to a Restricted Subsidiary or Delaware, as the case may be, and other than Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock), plus

(c) without duplication of any amounts included in clause (3) of the paragraph below and to the extent not already included in Consolidated Net Income, upon (A) the sale or other disposition (other than to Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by Delaware or its Restricted Subsidiaries after July 9, 2009 and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from Delaware or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances which constitute Restricted Investments of Delaware or its Restricted Subsidiaries or (B) the sale (other than to Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the lesser of (i) the amount of cash received or the fair market value, as determined in good faith of the Board of Directors of Delaware in the case of property and marketable securities, received after July 9, 2009 from such sale or disposition and (ii) the initial amount of such Restricted Investment or fair market value of such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of the original designation thereof, plus

(d) in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or the merger or consolidation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary into Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary or the transfer of assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary, the lesser of (i) the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary, as determined by the Board of Directors of Delaware in good faith at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of such merger, consolidation or transfer of assets and (ii) the fair market value of such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of the original designation thereof (other to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment), plus

 

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(e) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Delaware, of property and marketable securities contributed to the capital of Delaware after July 9, 2009 (other than (i) by a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) made in respect of any Disqualified Stock, (iii) made in respect of any Refunding Capital Stock and (iv) cash proceeds applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (3) of the next succeeding paragraph).

The preceding provisions will not prohibit:

(1) the payment of any dividend or other 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 this Indenture;

(2) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests of Delaware or any direct or indirect parent corporation of Delaware (“Retired Capital Stock”) in exchange for or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or Delaware) of Equity Interests of Delaware or contributions to the equity capital of Delaware (in each case, other than Disqualified Stock) (“Refunding Capital Stock”);

(3) a Delaware Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of Delaware or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations held by any present or former employee, director or consultant of Delaware, any Subsidiary or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations (or their permitted transferees, assigns, estates or heirs) upon death, disability or termination of employment, provided, however, that the aggregate amount of Delaware Restricted Payments made under this clause (3) does not exceed in any calendar year $15.0 million (with unused amounts in any calendar year carried forward and available under this clause (3) in the next calendar year; and 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 Delaware and, to the extent contributed to Delaware, Equity Interests of any of its direct or indirect parent corporations, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of Delaware, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations and any of their Subsidiaries that occurs after the Issue Date plus (B) the cash proceeds of “key man” life insurance policies received by Delaware or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date;

(4) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary issued or incurred in accordance with Section 12.2 to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of Fixed Charges for such entity;

(5) 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;

 

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(6) other Delaware Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100.0 million;

(7) the declaration and payment of dividends to, or the making of loans to, a direct or indirect parent Person of Delaware in amounts required for such Person to pay, without duplication:

(A) franchise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain the corporate existence of such Person;

(B) income taxes of such Person;

(C) customary salary, bonus, severance, indemnification obligations and other benefits payable to officers and employees of such Person;

(D) general corporate overhead and operating expenses of such Person;

(E) reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with any unsuccessful debt or equity offering or other financing transaction by such Person;

(F) obligations under the Management Agreement (as in effect on the Issue Date);

(G) audit costs, professional fees and expenses and other costs incurred in connection with reporting obligations under or otherwise incurred in connection with compliance with applicable law (including applicable rules or regulations of any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body or stock exchange);

(H) obligations under or in respect of director and officer insurance policies or indemnification obligations to directors or officers and directors’ fees and expenses, and

(I) trade payables and other operating expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the operations of Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries and which are reasonably expected to be, and appropriately should be payable by, Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

(8) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of Delaware; provided that any such cash payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitation of the covenant described under this subheading (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Delaware);

(9) the payment of dividends and other distributions to Parent necessary to pay interest expense in respect of Existing Parent Debt when due or any Debt incurred by Parent to refinance the Existing Parent Debt or any refinancing thereof (so long as such Debt does not have a Stated Maturity earlier than the Existing Parent Debt that is refinanced);

 

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(10) the payment of dividends and other distributions, or making of loans, to Parent to fund the redemption or other repayment of Existing Parent Debt or Debt of Subsidiaries of Parent existing on the Issue Date or Debt that refinances any such existing Parent or Subsidiary Debt, so long as Delaware’s Total Leverage Ratio is less than 4.75x; or

(11) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

provided that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Delaware Restricted Payment permitted under clauses 6 and 10 of this Section 12.1, no Event of Default under clause (9) of Section 6.1 shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

The amount of all Delaware Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the fair market value on the date of the Delaware Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by Delaware or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Delaware Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this covenant will be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of Delaware. Such determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an independent accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the fair market value exceeds $40.0 million.

As of the Issue Date, all of Delaware’s Subsidiaries (including the Company) will be Restricted Subsidiaries. Delaware will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the second to last sentence of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary. For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding investments by Delaware and the Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Delaware Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the preceding paragraph. Such designation will be permitted only if a Delaware Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time under this covenant or the definition of Delaware Permitted Investments and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

For the avoidance of doubt, any dividend or distribution otherwise permitted pursuant to this Section 12.1 may be in the form of a loan.

If Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary makes a Restricted Payment which, at the time of the making of such Restricted Payment, in the good faith determination of Parent, would be permitted under this Section 12.1, such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been made in compliance with this Section 12.1 notwithstanding any subsequent adjustment made in good faith to Delaware’s financial statements.

 

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SECTION 12.2 Incurrence of Debt and Issuance of Preferred Stock.

Parent shall not cause or permit Delaware or any of Delaware’s Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Debt (including Acquired Debt) and will not permit any of Delaware’s Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided that Delaware and any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur Debt (including Acquired Debt) and issue Preferred Stock if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries (on a consolidated combined basis) for Delaware’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Debt is incurred or such Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1 determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Debt had been incurred or the 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.

The first paragraph of this Section 12.2 will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):

(1) the incurrence by Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary of Debt under Credit Facilities together with the incurrence by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary of the guarantees thereunder 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, equal to $2,500 million outstanding at any one time, less the amount of all mandatory principal payments (with respect to revolving borrowings and letters of credit, only to the extent revolving commitments are correspondingly reduced) actually made by the borrower thereunder in respect of Debt thereunder with net proceeds from asset sales;

(2) the Notes and the Existing Debt (other than Debt under the Credit Agreement as described in clause (1));

(3) Debt (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) or Preferred Stock incurred by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Permitted Business (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) in an aggregate principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Debt, then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (3) does not exceed $250.0 million;

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

(5) Debt arising from agreements of Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn-outs or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition or acquisition of any

 

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business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Debt incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided that in the case of a disposition, the maximum assumable liability in respect of all such Debt shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds including noncash proceeds (the fair market value of such noncash proceeds being measured at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value) actually received by Delaware and any Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a disposition;

(6) Debt of Delaware owed to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary owed to and held by Delaware or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of any such Debt (except to Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute the incurrence of such Debt by the issuer thereof;

(7) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to Delaware or a 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 Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock;

(8) Hedging Obligations of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes) for the purpose of limiting, hedging or managing (A) interest rates with respect to any Debt that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding, (B) currency exchange rates or (C) commodity prices or otherwise entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(9) obligations in respect of performance and surety bonds, appeal bonds and other similar types of bonds and performance and completion guarantees provided by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary or obligations in respect of letters of credit related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;

(10) Debt of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary 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 Debt and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (10), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $100.0 million;

(11) any guarantee by Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary of Debt or other obligations of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Debt or other obligations incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture;

 

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(12) the incurrence by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary of Debt or Preferred Stock that serves to refund or refinance any Debt incurred as permitted under the first paragraph of this covenant and clause (2) above and this clause (12) or any Debt issued to so refund or refinance such Debt including additional Debt incurred to pay accrued interest, premiums and fees and expenses in connection therewith (the “Refinancing Debt”) prior to its respective maturity; provided that such Refinancing Debt (A) has a weighted average life to maturity at the time such Refinancing Debt is incurred which is not less than the weighted average life to maturity of the Debt being refunded or refinanced, (B) shall not include Debt or Preferred Stock of Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Debt or Preferred Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, and (C) 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 of, the Debt being refunded or refinanced;

(13) Debt arising from the honoring by a bank or financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

(14) Debt consisting of promissory notes issued by Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary to current or former officers, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of Delaware or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations permitted by Section 12.1;

(15) Debt of Delaware or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business or take or pay obligations contained in supply agreements incurred in the ordinary course of business;

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

(17) Debt consisting of deferred purchase price or notes issued to officers, directors and employees of Restricted Subsidiaries to purchase or redeem equity interests (or option or warrants or similar instruments) of Delaware or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(18) Debt issued as consideration for the repurchase or redemption of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent in transactions to repurchase or redeem Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of Parent (or its direct parent company) held by officers, directors or employees or former officers, directors or employees (or their transferees, estates or beneficiaries under their estates) of Parent or any Subsidiary thereof, upon their death, disability, retirement, severance or termination of employment or service; and

(19) guarantees constituting Investments permitted under the terms of this Indenture.

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 12.2, in the event that an item of proposed Debt or Preferred Stock meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (19) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 12.2, Delaware will be permitted to classify and later reclassify

 

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such item of Debt or Preferred Stock in any manner that complies with this Section 12.2, and such item of Debt or Preferred Stock will be treated as having been incurred pursuant to only one of such categories. Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Debt or Preferred Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Debt or Preferred Stock for purposes of this Section 12.2.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar restriction on the incurrence of Debt where the Debt incurred is denominated in a different currency, the amount of such Debt will be the U.S. dollar equivalent determined on the date of the incurrence of such Debt; provided that if any such Debt denominated in a different currency is subject to a currency agreement with respect to U.S. dollars covering all principal, premium, if any, and interest payable on such Debt, the amount of such Debt expressed in U.S. dollars will be as provided in such currency agreement. The principal amount of any refinancing Debt incurred in the same currency as the Debt being refinanced will be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the Debt being refinanced, except to the extent that (1) such U.S. Dollar Equivalent was determined based on a currency agreement, in which case the refinancing Debt will be determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, and (2) the principal amount of the refinancing Debt exceeds the principal amount of the Debt being refinanced, in which case the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of such excess will be determined on the date such refinancing Debt is incurred. The maximum amount of Debt that Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur pursuant to Section 12.2 shall not be deemed to be exceeded, with respect to any outstanding Debt, solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.

SECTION 12.3 Provision of Financial Information.

Whether or not required by the Commission so long as any Notes are outstanding, Parent shall furnish to the Holders of Notes, and make available on a public website, or file with the Commission through the Commission’s IDEA System (f/k/a/ EDGAR) (or any successor system), within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations for non-accelerated filers, all quarterly and annual financial statements of Delaware that would be required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if Delaware were required to file such Forms, and with respect to the annual financial statements only, a report on the annual financial statements, a report on the annual financial statements by Delaware’s certified independent accountants.

In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of Delaware becomes a guarantor of the Master Lease, Parent may satisfy its obligations under this Section 12.3 by furnishing financial statements with respect 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 Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, such requirements shall be deemed satisfied prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by the filing with the SEC of the exchange offer registration statement or shelf registration statement, and any amendments thereto, in accordance with the requirements of Form S-11, S-4 or S-3, as applicable, with such financial statements that satisfy Regulation S-X of the Securities Act.

 

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Parent will also hold a quarterly conference call to discuss the financial results of Delaware with holders of the Notes, beginning with a discussion of the quarter ending October 31, 2009. Such conference call may be part of or separate from any conference call relating to the financial results of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries(including for the avoidance of doubt, the conference call of the Company contemplated by Section 4.3). The conference call will not be later than five business days from the date on which the financial information of Delaware is filed or otherwise made available to holders of the Notes in accordance with this Indenture. No fewer than two days prior to the conference call, Parent shall issue a press release to the appropriate wire services announcing the time, date and access details of such conference call.

SECTION 12.4 Suspension of Covenants Applicable to Delaware.

Beginning on the date that:

(1) one or both of Parent or Delaware has Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies; and

(2) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,

and ending on the date (the “Reversion Date”) that neither Parent nor Delaware possesses Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies (such period of time, the “Suspension Period”), Section 12.1 and Section 12.2 shall not apply. During a Suspension Period, Parent’s Board of Directors may not designate any of Delaware’s Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

On the Reversion Date, all Debt incurred by Delaware and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been incurred pursuant to and permitted under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or one of the clauses set forth in the definition of Permitted Debt (to the extent such Debt would be permitted to be incurred thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to Debt incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date). To the extent any Debt would not be permitted to be incurred pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or any of the clauses set forth in the definition of Permitted Debt, such Debt will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as Permitted Debt under clause (2) of the definition of Permitted Debt and permitted to be refinanced under clause (12) of the definition of Permitted Debt.

Notwithstanding the fact that covenants suspended during a Suspension Period may be reinstated, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of a failure to comply with the covenants during the Suspension Period or at the time the covenants are reinstated.

SECTION 12.5 Corporate Existence.

Parent shall cause Delaware to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the corporate in accordance with its organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) and the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of Delaware; provided that Delaware shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate existence, if the Board of Directors of Delaware shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of Delaware, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

 

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SECTION 12.6 Books and Records.

Parent shall cause Delaware to keep proper books of record and account, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all financial transactions of Delaware, in accordance with GAAP.

ARTICLE XIII

SECURITY

SECTION 13.1 Security Documents; Additional Collateral; Post-Closing Matters.

(a) Security Documents. In order to secure the due and punctual payment of the Obligations, the Company, each Guarantor party hereto, the Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto have simultaneously with the execution of this Indenture have entered into or, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.15, Section 4.19, Section 4.21 and this Article XIII, will enter into the Security Documents and complete actions required to create and perfect all of the Liens on the Collateral and the Mortgaged Property in such form and substance as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Indenture and the Security Documents, this Indenture shall control.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, and each Subsidiary shall, make all filings (including filings of continuation statements and amendments to UCC financing statements that may be necessary to continue the effectiveness of such UCC financing statements) and take all other actions as are reasonably necessary or required by the Security Documents to maintain (at the sole cost and expense of the Company) the security interest created by the Security Documents in the Collateral as a perfected first priority security interest subject only to Permitted Liens.

(b) Additional Collateral. Concurrently with the acquisition after the Issue Date by the Company or any Guarantor of any property constituting Collateral (but, in all cases, other than Excluded Assets):

(i) To the extent necessary to perfect the Collateral Agent’s Lien on the Collateral, the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, and the Collateral Agent shall enter into such amendments or supplements to the Security Documents or such additional Mortgages (in each case in registrable or recordable form) and other Security Documents, and, at or prior to the times required by this Indenture, the Company shall cause such amendments, supplements, mortgages and other Security Documents to be filed and recorded in all such governmental offices as shall be necessary in order to grant and create a valid first priority Lien on and security interest in such after-acquired property in favor of the Collateral Agent (subject to no Liens except Permitted Liens) and the Company shall complete all other actions necessary to perfect the Collateral Agent’s Lien on such property in accordance with the provisions hereof,

 

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(ii) in the case of additional Collateral which constitutes Real Property, the Company or Guarantor, as the case may be, shall also deliver (in the case of clause (I) below, use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver) to the Collateral Agent the following:

(A) policies or certificates of insurance covering such Real Property, which policies or certificates, in the case of liability insurance coverage, shall reflect the Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes, as additional insured and mortgagee;

(B) a policy of title insurance or commitment to issue such a policy having the effect of a policy of title insurance insuring (or committing to insure) the Lien of the new Mortgage to be recorded against such Real Property as a valid and enforceable first priority mortgage or deed of trust lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, which reasonably assures the Collateral Agent that the Mortgage on such Real Property is a valid and enforceable mortgage lien on such Real Property, free and clear of all defects and encumbrances except Permitted Liens and such Mortgage Policy shall include such coinsurance and re-insurance arrangements as substantially similar to those delivered to the Collateral Agent under this Indenture;

(C) proper fixture filings under the Uniform Commercial Code on Form UCC-1 for filing under the Uniform Commercial Code in the appropriate jurisdiction in which such Real Property is located, desirable to perfect the security interests in fixtures purported to be created by the Security Documents in favor of the Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders;

(D) proper financing statements on Form UCC-1 for filing under the Uniform Commercial Code with the secretary of state of the state in which the Company or Guarantor, as applicable, is located, to perfect the security interests in personal property purported to be created by the Security Documents in favor of the Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders;

(E) such affidavits, certificates, instruments of indemnification and other items (including a so-called “gap” indemnification) as shall be reasonably required to induce the title company to issue the Mortgage Policies, endorsements and coverages contemplated above;

(F) evidence of payment by the Company of all mortgage policy premiums, search and examination charges, mortgage recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the recording of the Security Documents, fixture filings and issuance of the mortgage policies referred to above;

 

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(G) an opinion, addressed to the Collateral Agent, of local counsel in each state where a Mortgage is delivered after the Issue Date in form and substance substantially similar to the local counsel opinions delivered on the Issue Date to the extent the fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Company) of any parcel of Real Property exceeds $7.5 million;

(H) copies of all notices delivered to the lessor under each ground lease (if any) relating to such Real Property, solely with respect to (x) the Company’s or such Guarantor’s compliance under the terms of each ground lease with the applicable provisions of such lease concerning notification to the lessor thereunder of the Company or Guarantor entering into the transactions contemplated by this Section 13.1, and (y) such notice affording the Collateral Agent all of the benefits and protections of a mortgagee lender, as set forth in the ground lease; and

(I) UCC-3 termination statements, mortgage releases and other similar lien releases relating to the release of existing liens (other than Permitted Liens), if applicable.

The Lien of the Security Documents encumbering additional Collateral which constitutes Real Property in any such jurisdiction that imposes a mortgage recording tax will be limited to 125% of its allocated portion of the Notes (as reasonably determined by the Company).

SECTION 13.2 Recording, Registration and Opinions.

To the extent required by Section 314(b)(2) of the TIA, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary of the Issue Date in each year an Opinion of Counsel, dated as of such date, either (i) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the recording, filing, re-recording, and refiling of this Indenture or the Security Documents, as applicable, as are necessary to maintain the perfected Liens of the applicable Security Documents securing the Obligations under applicable law to the extent required by the Security Documents other than any action as described therein to be taken or (ii) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to maintain such Liens or security interests, and such opinion in the case of clause (i) or (ii) above may refer to prior Opinions of Counsel and contain customary assumptions, qualifications and exceptions and may rely on an Officers’ Certificate of the Company and prior Opinions of Counsel.

SECTION 13.3 Releases of Collateral.

The Liens securing the Notes will automatically and without the need for any further consent by the Holders, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent or any other action by any Person be released:

(1) in whole or in part, as applicable, as to all or any portion of property subject to such Liens which has been taken by eminent domain, condemnation or other similar circumstances;

 

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(2) in whole upon:

(a) satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Section 8.2 hereof; or

(b) a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance of this Indenture in accordance with Article VIII hereof;

(3) in part, as to any property or any portion thereof that (a) is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by the Company or any Guarantor (other than to the Company or another Guarantor) in a transaction not prohibited by this Indenture at the time of such transfer or disposition (including, without limitation, in compliance with Section 4.10) or (b) is owned or at any time acquired by a Guarantor that has been released from its Note Guarantee, concurrently with the release of such Note Guarantee;

(4) as to any property or group of properties being disposed of in one or a series of related transactions that constitutes all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the Notes, with the consent of each Holder;

(5) as to any property or group of properties being disposed of in one or a series of related transactions that constitutes less than all or substantially all of the Collateral securing the Notes, with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding; and

(6) in part, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Security Documents.

SECTION 13.4 Form and Sufficiency of Release.

In the circumstances described in Section 13.3, the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver such satisfactions, re-assignments, discharges, releases and similar instruments and certificates to evidence or effectuate such release and the removal of record of any Liens in favor of the Trustee or Collateral Agent in respect of the Collateral and/or such assignments of the Security Documents, in whole or in part, to such Person or Persons as the Company may designate and shall take such other steps, in each case as the Company may reasonably request in each instance at the sole cost and expense of the Company and provided any such release shall be made without recourse to the Trustee or Collateral Agent, as applicable. Prior to executing any such document, the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall be entitled to receive an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such release complies with Section 13.3 and specifying the provision in Section 13.3 pursuant to which such release is being made (upon which the Trustee and Collateral Agent may exclusively and conclusively rely).

SECTION 13.5 Possession and Use of Collateral; Cash and Cash Equivalents.

Subject to the provisions of the Security Documents, the Company and the Guarantors shall have the right to remain in possession and retain exclusive control of and to exercise all rights with respect to the Collateral, to freely operate, manage, develop, lease, use, consume and enjoy the Collateral, to alter or repair any Collateral so long as such alterations and repairs do not impair the Lien of the Security Documents thereon, and to collect, receive, use, invest and dispose

 

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of the reversions, remainders, interest, rents, lease payments, issues, profits, revenues, proceeds and other income thereof, including, without limitation, to effect transactions permitted under Section 4.10 and Section 5.1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture or any Security Document, the Company or any Guarantor shall be permitted to use any cash or Cash Equivalents in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture at the time of such use. In addition, the Company or the applicable Guarantor may collect and receive any amounts payable in connection with an Event of Loss and use such amounts in accordance with this Indenture, the Master Lease and any Non-Toys Lease and, at the request of the Company or the applicable Guarantor, the Collateral Agent will execute and deliver to condemnors, insurance carriers and other parties such instruments as the Company or such Guarantor may reasonably request to confirm such rights.

SECTION 13.6 Reports and Certificates Relating to Collateral.

(a) From the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, to the extent applicable, the Company shall cause Section 313(b)(1) of the TIA, relating to reports, and Section 314(d) of the TIA, relating to the release of property or securities subject to the Lien of the Security Documents, to be complied with.

(b) Any release of Collateral permitted by Section 13.3 shall be deemed not to impair the Liens under this Indenture and the Security Documents in contravention thereof. From the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, any certificate or opinion required under Section 314(d) of the TIA may be made by an officer or legal counsel, as applicable, of the Company except in cases where Section 314(d) of the TIA requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent Person, which Person shall be an independent engineer, appraiser or other expert selected by the Company.

(c) From the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 13.6, the Company and the Guarantors shall not be required to comply with all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the TIA if they reasonably determine that under the terms of Section 314(d) of the TIA or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no action” letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of Section 314(d) of the TIA is inapplicable to any release or series of releases of Collateral.

SECTION 13.7 Collateral Agent.

(a) The Trustee and each of the Holders by acceptance of the Notes hereby designate and appoints the Collateral Agent as the collateral agent under this Indenture and the Security Documents and the Trustee and each of the Holders by acceptance of the Notes hereby irrevocably authorize the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Indenture and the Security Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Collateral Agent by the terms of this Indenture and the Security Documents, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Holders of the Notes also agree that the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to the rights, privileges, protections, immunities, and benefits provided to the Collateral Agent by the Security Documents. Furthermore, each holder of a Note, by accepting such Note, consents to the terms of and authorizes and

 

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directs the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into and perform the Security Documents in each of its capacities thereunder. The Collateral Agent agrees to act as such on the express conditions contained in this Section 13.7. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Indenture or the Security Documents, the Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in the Security Documents, nor shall the Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with the Trustee, any Holder or the Company or any Guarantor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Indenture and the Security Documents or otherwise exist against the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Indenture with reference to the Collateral Agent shall not be construed to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties. Except as expressly otherwise provided in this Indenture or the Security Documents, the Collateral Agent shall have and may use its sole discretion with respect to exercising or refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking or refraining from taking any discretionary actions which the Collateral Agent is expressly entitled to take or assert under this Indenture and the Security Documents, including the exercise of remedies pursuant to Article VI, and any action so taken or not taken shall be deemed consented to by the Trustee and the Holders.

(b) The Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Indenture and the Security Documents by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects as long as such selection was made without negligence or willful misconduct.

(c) None of the Collateral Agent or any of its agents or employees shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own negligence or willful misconduct) or under or in connection with any Security Document or the transactions contemplated thereby (except for its own negligence or willful misconduct), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to the Trustee or any Holder for any recital, statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Company or any Guarantor, contained in this Indenture or any indenture, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture or any other indenture, the Security Documents, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Indenture or any other indenture or the Security Documents, or for any failure of the Company or any Guarantor or any other party to this Indenture or the Security Documents to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. None of the Collateral Agent or any of its agents or employees shall be under any obligation to the Trustee or any Holder to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Indenture or any other indenture or the Security Documents or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Company or any Guarantor.

 

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(d) The Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless the Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from the Trustee or the Company referring to this Indenture, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Trustee in accordance with Article VI (subject to this Section 13.7); provided, however, that unless and until the Collateral Agent has received any such request, the Collateral Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable.

(e) A resignation or removal of the Collateral Agent and appointment of a successor Collateral Agent shall become effective only upon the successor Collateral Agent’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 13.7(e). The Collateral Agent may resign in writing at any time by so notifying the Company and the Trustee at least 30 days prior to the proposed date of resignation. The Company may remove the Collateral Agent if: (i) the Collateral Agent is removed as Trustee under this Indenture; (ii) the Collateral Agent fails to meet the requirements for being a Trustee under Section 7.10 (prior to the discharge or defeasance of this Indenture); (iii) the Collateral Agent is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Collateral Agent under any Bankruptcy Law; (iv) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Collateral Agent or its property; or (v) the Collateral Agent becomes incapable of acting. If the Collateral Agent resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Collateral Agent for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Collateral Agent which complies with the eligibility requirements contained in this Indenture. If a successor Collateral Agent does not take office within 10 days after the retiring Collateral Agent resigns or is removed, the retiring Collateral Agent, the Company or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Collateral Agent. A successor Collateral Agent shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Collateral Agent and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Collateral Agent shall become effective, and the successor Collateral Agent shall have all the rights, powers and the duties of the Collateral Agent under this Indenture and the Security Documents. The successor Collateral Agent shall mail a notice of its succession to the Trustee. The retiring Collateral Agent shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Collateral Agent to the successor Collateral Agent, provided that all sums owing to the Collateral Agent hereunder have been paid. Notwithstanding replacement of the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section 13.7(e), the Company’s obligations under this Section 13.7 and Section 13.12 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Collateral Agent.

(f) The Trustee shall initially act as Collateral Agent and shall be authorized to appoint co-Collateral Agents as necessary in its sole discretion. Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein or in the Security Documents, neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof. The Collateral Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither the Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for its own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

 

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(g) The Trustee, as such and as Collateral Agent, is authorized and directed by the Holders and the Holders by acquiring the Notes are deemed to have authorized the Trustee and Collateral Agent to (i) enter into the Security Documents, (ii) bind the Holders on the terms as set forth in the Security Documents and (iii) perform and observe its obligations under the Security Documents.

(h) The Collateral Agent (i) shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it reasonably believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, or for any error of judgment made in good faith by an authorized officer, unless it is proved that the Collateral Agent was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts, (ii) shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Company (and money held in trust by the Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law), and (iii) may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel. The grant of permissive rights or powers to the Collateral Agent shall not be construed to impose duties to act.

(i) The rights, privileges, protections and benefits given to the Collateral Agent, including, without limitation, its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Collateral Agent in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Persons employed to act hereunder.

(j) With respect to Collateral which constitutes Real Property located in the state of Alabama, the Trustee, as such and as Collateral Agent, is authorized and directed by the Holders and the Holders by acquiring the Notes are deemed to have authorized the Trustee and Collateral Agent to execute on behalf of the Holders the Petition for Ascertainment of Mortgage Tax to be filed with the applicable probate court in Alabama.

(k) The Trustee, as such and as Collateral Agent, is authorized to enter into (x) collateral recognition and collateral access agreements and other similar documents with creditors (or agents on their behalf) of Delaware or other parties under leases with the Company; provided that no such agreement shall affect the scope or priority of the Lien on the Collateral or conflict with any other provisions of this Indenture or the Security Documents and (y) in connection with any Permitted Liens described in clause (5) of the definition thereof, such instruments as the Company or such Guarantor may reasonably request to subordinate the Lien on the Collateral to such Permitted Lien; provided that the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate stating that the Permitted Lien which is the subject of such instrument is a Permitted Lien described in clause (5) of the definition thereof.

SECTION 13.8 Purchaser Protected.

No purchaser or grantee of any property or rights purporting to be released shall be bound to ascertain the authority of the Collateral Agent or Trustee to execute the release or to inquire as to the existence of any conditions herein prescribed for the exercise of such authority so long as the conditions set forth in Section 13.4 have been satisfied.

 

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SECTION 13.9 [Reserved].

SECTION 13.10 Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents.

The Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of Holders distributed under the Security Documents to the Trustee, to apply such funds as provided in Section 6.10.

SECTION 13.11 Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Collateral Agent.

In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article XIII upon the Company or any Guarantor, as applicable, with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Company or any Guarantor, as applicable, or of any officer or officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article XIII.

SECTION 13.12 Compensation and Indemnification.

The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to the compensation and indemnification set forth in Section 7.7 (with the references to the Trustee therein being deemed to refer to the Collateral Agent).

[Signatures on following page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC
(formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC).
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

TOYS “R” US, INC. (with respect to Article XII

and provisions related thereto only)

By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

115


THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
as Collateral Agent
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

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THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,
as Trustee
By:    
  Name:
  Title:

 

117


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF 8.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE 2017

(Face of Note)

8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

[Global Notes Legend]

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Restricted Notes Legend]

[Insert the Restricted Notes Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend]

[Insert the Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend from Section 2.6(e)(iv), if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Original Issue Discount Legend]

[Insert the Original Issue Discount Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]


TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC

8.50% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2017

 

No. ____            144A CUSIP: 89236M AA8
           144A ISIN: US89236MAA80
           REG S CUSIP: U8925E AA9
           REG S ISIN: USU8925EAA92

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC (formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC) promises to pay to             , or registered assigns, the principal sum                 of Dollars ($             ), [as the same may be revised from time to time on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note,]1 on December 1, 2017.

Interest Payment Dates: June 1 and December 1, beginning June 1, 2010.

Record Dates: May 15 and November 15.

Reference is made to further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

1

To be included in Global Notes only.


In WITNESS HEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: November 20, 2009

 

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC
By:    
 

Name:

Title:


TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Notes

referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture:

Dated: November 20, 2009

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON,

as Trustee

By:     
  Authorized Signatory


(Reverse of Note)

8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

(1) Interest.

(a) Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC (formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC), a Delaware Limited Liability Company, or its successor (together, the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note (the “Notes”) at a fixed rate. The Company will pay interest in United States dollars (except as otherwise provided herein) semiannually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on June 1, 2010 or, if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including November 20, 2009; provided that if there is no existing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date (but after November 20, 2009), interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date, except in the case of the original issuance of the Notes, in which case interest shall accrue from the date of authentication. The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. The interest rate on the Notes will in no event be higher than the maximum rate permitted by New York law as the same may be modified by United States law of general application.

(2) Method of Payment. The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) on the applicable Interest Payment Date to the Persons who are registered Holders of the Notes at the close of business on the May 15 and November 15 preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are cancelled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes shall be payable as to principal, premium and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds shall be required with respect to principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all Global Notes and all other Notes in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $5,000,000 the Holders of which shall have provided written wire transfer instructions to the Company and the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.


Any payments of principal of and interest on this Note prior to Stated Maturity shall be binding upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not noted hereon. The amount due and payable at the maturity of this Note shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at an office of the Trustee or the Trustee’s agent appointed for such purposes.

(3) Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York Mellon, the Trustee under the Indenture, shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

(4) Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, Parent, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and, subject to the terms of the Indenture, those made a part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”). To the extent the provisions of this Note are inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture, the Indenture shall govern. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. The Notes issued on the Issue Date are senior secured Obligations of the Company limited to $725,000,000 in aggregate principal amount. The Indenture permits the issuance of Additional Notes subject to compliance with certain conditions.

The payment of principal and interest on the Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by any future Guarantors.

(5) Optional Redemption.

(i) The Notes are subject to redemption, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at any time on or after December 1, 2013 upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on December 1 of the years indicated below:

 

2013

   104.250

2014

   102.125

2015 and thereafter

   100.000

(ii) Prior to December 1, 2013, the Company may redeem during each 12-month period commencing with December 1, 2009 up to 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued on the Issue Date (or any exchange Notes therefore) at its option, from time to time, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed by first-class mail to each holder’s registered address, at a redemption price equal to 103% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the 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 that is on or prior to the redemption date).


(iii) In addition, at any time prior to December 1, 2013, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a Redemption Price equal to the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but not including the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date).

(iv) In addition to the optional redemption of the Notes in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraphs, prior to December 1, 2012, the Company may, with the net proceeds of one or more Qualified Equity Offerings, redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including any Additional Notes) at a Redemption Price equal to 108.500% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but not including, the date of redemption (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date); provided that at least 65% of the principal amount of Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company or its Subsidiaries) and that any such redemption occurs within 90 days following the closing of any such Qualified Equity Offering.

(6) Mandatory Redemption. The Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

(7) Repurchase at Option of Holder.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will make an Offer to Purchase for all of the outstanding Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to but not including the date of purchase. Within 60 days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail or deliver a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer required by the Indenture.

(b) Upon the occurrence of certain Asset Sales, the Company may be required to offer to purchase the Notes.

(c) Holders of the Notes that are the subject of an Offer to Purchase will receive notice of an Offer to Purchase pursuant to an Asset Sale or a Change of Control from the Company prior to any related Purchase Date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form titled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” appearing below.

(8) Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption shall be delivered at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in a minimum amount of $2,000 principal amount (and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof), unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on the Notes or portions hereof called for redemption. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the Trustee will select the Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed by lot, pro rata or by any other method the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (subject to the Depository Trust Company, Euroclear and/or Clearstream procedures as applicable).


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

(10) Persons Deemed Owners. The registered holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

(11) Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture and the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, and any existing Default or compliance with any provision may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Notes to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, defect, omission or mistake or inconsistency in the Indenture, provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to certificated Notes or to comply with any requirements of the Commission in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA.

(12) Defaults and Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes generally may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company as set forth in the Indenture, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default (except a Default relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by 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, or the principal of, or the premium on, the Notes.

(13) Security. This Note and the Guarantees hereof are secured by the Collateral as set forth in the Indenture and the Security Documents. Each holder of this Note, by acceptance hereof, hereby (i) designates and appoints the Collateral Agent as its collateral agent under the Indenture and the Security Documents, and (ii) irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent to


take such action on its behalf under the provisions of the Indenture and the Security Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Collateral Agent by the terms of the Indenture and the Security Documents, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

(14) Trustee Dealings with the Company. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company, the Guarantors or their respective Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company, the Guarantors or their respective Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

(15) No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, stockholder, member, general or limited partner or incorporator, past, present or future, of the Company, the Guarantors or any of their respective Subsidiaries, or Parent or its Subsidiaries, as such or in such capacity, shall have any personal liability for any obligations of the Company under the Notes, any Guarantee or the Indenture or Parent under the Indenture by reason of his, her or its status as such director, officer, employee, stockholder, member, general or limited partner or incorporator. Each Holder of the Notes by accepting the Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuances of the Notes.

No recourse may, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Company or the Guarantors on the Notes or under the Indenture or Parent under the Indenture or any related documents, any certificate or other writing delivered in connection therewith, against (i) the Trustee in its individual capacity, or (ii) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee, agent, successor or assign of the Trustee, each in its individual capacity, or (iii) any holder of equity in the Trustee.

Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

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

(17) Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

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

(19) THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES, IF ANY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE NOTE GUARANTEES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY


[(20) Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Notes. Pursuant to, but subject to the exceptions in, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will be obligated to consummate an Exchange Offer pursuant to which the Holder of this Note shall have the right to exchange this Note for a 8.50% Senior Secured Note due 2017 of the Company which shall have been registered under the Securities Act, in like principal amount and having terms identical in all material respects to this Note (except that such note shall not be entitled to Additional Interest). The Holders shall be entitled to receive certain Additional Interest in the event the such exchange offer is not consummated or the Notes are not offered for resale and upon certain other conditions, all pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.]2

The Company shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:

Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Facsimile: (973) 617-4006

Attention: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

 

2

To be included in Restricted Notes only.


ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to

_____________________________

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

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

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

 

and irrevocably appoint

    
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date: __________________

 

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

Signature guarantee: ___________________

(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC pursuant to Section 4.10 (Asset Sale) or 4.13 (Change of Control) of the Indenture, check the box below:

¨ Section 4.10             ¨ Section 4.13

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.13 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$                            

 

   
Date: ____________________     Your Signature:    
      (Sign exactly as your name appears on the Note)
      Tax Identification Number: _______________________

Signature guarantee: ______________

(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)


CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON

EXCHANGE OR REGISTRATION

OF RESTRICTED NOTES

Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Attention: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Finance Unit

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Toys “R” Us Property II - Trustee

 

  Re: Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017

Reference is hereby made to that certain Indenture dated November 20, 2009 (the “Indenture”) among Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC (“the Company”), the Guarantors party thereto from time to time after the Issue Date, Toys “R” Us, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Trustee”) and collateral agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.

This certificate relates to $ __________ principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable space) ________ book-entry or ________________ definitive form by the undersigned.

The undersigned ____________________ (transferor) (check one box below):

¨     hereby requests the Registrar to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Note held by the Depositary a Note or Notes in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Note (or the portion thereof indicated above), in accordance with Section 2.6 of the Indenture;

¨     hereby requests the Trustee to exchange or register the transfer of a Note or Notes to ___________ (transferee).

In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the periods referred to in Rule 144(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:

(1)     ¨     to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, subject to Section 2.6 of the Indenture; or


(2)     ¨     inside the United States to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A thereunder; or

(3)     ¨     outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in compliance with Rule 904 thereunder; or

(4)      ¨     pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.


Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Registrar will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered holder thereof.

 

  
Signature

Signature Guarantee: ____________________________

(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant

in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (2) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Rule 144A”), and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

      [Name of Transferee]
Dated:   ___________________       
     

NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer


SCHEDULE A

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for other 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

   Amount of
Decrease in
Principal Amount
of this Global Note
   Amount of
Increase in
Principal Amount
of this Global Note
   Principal Amount
of this Global Note
Following Such
Decrease

(or Increase)
   Signature of
Authorized Officer
of Trustee or Note
Custodian


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF NOTATIONAL GUARANTEE

Each Guarantor listed below (hereinafter referred to as the “Guarantor,” which term includes any successors or assigns under that certain Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2009, by and among Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC (“the Company”), the Guarantors party thereto from time to time after the Issue Date, Toys “R” Us, Inc., the Trustee and Collateral Agent (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”) and any additional Guarantors) has guaranteed the 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “Notes”) and the obligations of the Company under the Indenture, which include (i) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes of the Company, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent permitted by law) interest on any interest, if any, on the Notes, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee, (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, and (iii) the payment of any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Note Guarantee or the Indenture, all in accordance with the terms set forth in Article X of the Indenture.

The obligations of each Guarantor to the Holders and to the Trustee pursuant to this Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article X of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to such Indenture for the precise terms of this Note Guarantee.

No stockholder, employee, officer, director or incorporator, as such, past, present or future of each Guarantor shall have any liability under this Note Guarantee by reason of his or its status as such stockholder, employee, officer, director or incorporator.

This is a continuing Note Guarantee and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns until full and final payment of all of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and Indenture or until released in accordance with the Indenture and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the Holders, and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any Holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges herein conferred upon that party shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions hereof. This is a Note Guarantee of payment and not of collection.

This Note Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Note upon which this Note Guarantee is noted shall have been executed by the Trustee under the Indenture by the manual signature of one of its authorized officers. The Obligations of each Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the extent necessary to insure that it does not constitute a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law.

 

B-1


THE TERMS OF ARTICLE X OF THE INDENTURE ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE.

Capitalized terms used herein have the same meanings given in the Indenture unless otherwise indicated.

Dated as of ____________________

 

[NAME OF GUARANTOR]
By:    
 

Name:

Title:

 

B-2


EXHIBIT C

[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED

IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO RULE 144A]

Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Attention: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Finance Unit

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Toys “R” Us Property II - Trustee

 

  Re: Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “Notes”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with our proposed sale of $                 aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes, we hereby certify that such transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A (“Rule 144A”) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, we hereby further certify that the Notes are being transferred to a person that we reasonably believe is purchasing the Notes for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such person exercises sole investment discretion, and such person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Notes are being transferred in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

You and Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

Very truly yours,
 
[Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Authorized Signature
Signature guarantee: __________________________

(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)

 

C-1


EXHIBIT D

[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED

IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS

PURSUANT TO REGULATION S]

Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Attention: Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporate Finance Unit

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Toys “R” Us Property II - Trustee

 

  Re: Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “Notes”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with our proposed sale of $             aggregate principal amount of the Notes, we confirm that such sale has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, we represent that:

(1) the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

(2) either (a) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States or (b) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated off-shore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction has been pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;

(3) no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S, as applicable; and

(4) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

D-1


In addition, if the sale is made during a restricted period and the provisions of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S are applicable thereto, we confirm that such sale has been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b), as the case may be.

 

D-2


Toys “R” Us Property Company II , LLC and you are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

Very truly yours,
 
[Name of Transferor]
By:    
  Authorized Signature

Signature guarantee: __________________________

(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guarantee medallion program)

 

D-3


SCHEDULE I

Post-Closing Deliverables

(i) with respect to each Mortgage encumbering the Mortgaged Property located in the state of Alabama, a policy of title insurance (or commitment to issue such a policy having the effect of a policy of title insurance) in form and substance substantially similar to the Mortgage Policies (each, a “Alabama Mortgage Policy”) insuring (or committing to insure) the lien of such Mortgage as a valid and enforceable first priority mortgage or deed of trust lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, which reasonably assures the Collateral Agent that the Mortgage on such Mortgaged Property is valid and enforceable mortgage lien on the Mortgaged Property, free and clear of all defects and encumbrances except Permitted Liens and such Alabama Mortgage Policy shall include such title endorsements as affirmative coverage, co-insurance, and re-insurance arrangements as substantially similar to those delivered on the Issue Date;

(ii) with respect to each Mortgaged Property located in the state of Alabama, such affidavits, certificates, instruments of indemnification and other items (including a so-called “gap” indemnification) as shall be reasonably required to induce the title company to issue the Mortgage Policies, endorsements and coverages contemplated above; and

(iii) evidence reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent of payment by the Company of all Alabama Mortgage Policy premiums, search and examination charges, mortgage recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the recording of the Security Documents for Mortgaged Properties located in Alabama, fixture filings and issuance of the Alabama Mortgage Policies referred to above.

 

Schedule I-1

EX-4.16 4 dex416.htm REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 20, 2009 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2009

Exhibit 4.16

EXECUTION VERSION

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

by and among

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC

and

Banc of America Securities LLC

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC

Barclays Capital Inc.

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Dated as of November 20, 2009


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of November 20, 2009, by and among Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC (formerly known as Giraffe Properties, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and Banc of America Securities LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (collectively, the “Initial Purchasers”), each of whom has agreed to purchase the Company’s 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “Securities”) pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below).

This Agreement is made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated November 10, 2009, among Toys “R” Us, Inc. (“TRU”) and the Initial Purchasers as amended by the Joinder Agreement, dated as of November 20, 2009, among the Company and the Initial Purchasers (collectively, the “Purchase Agreement”) (i) for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and (ii) for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Transfer Restricted Securities (as defined below), including the Initial Purchasers. In order to induce the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Securities, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the obligations of the Initial Purchasers set forth in Section 6(f) of the Purchase Agreement.

The parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

Additional Interest: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

Advice: As defined in Section 6(c) hereof.

Broker-Dealer: Any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.

Business Day: Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or U.S. federal holiday or a day on which banking institutions or trust companies located in New York, New York are authorized or obligated to be closed.

Closing Date: The date of this Agreement.

Commission: The Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Consummate: A registered Exchange Offer shall be deemed “Consummated” for purposes of this Agreement upon the occurrence of (i) the filing and effectiveness under the Securities Act of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Securities


to be issued in the Exchange Offer, (ii) the maintenance of such Registration Statement continuously effective and the keeping of the Exchange Offer open for a period not less than the minimum period required pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof, and (iii) the delivery by the Company to the Registrar under the Indenture of Exchange Securities in the same aggregate principal amount as the aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities that were properly tendered by Holders thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Exchange Date: As defined in Section 3(a) hereto.

Exchange Offer: The registration by the Company under the Securities Act of the Exchange Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement pursuant to which the Company offers the Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities the opportunity to exchange all such outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holders for Exchange Securities in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities tendered in such exchange offer by such Holders.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement: The Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Offer, including the related Prospectus.

Exchange Securities: The 8.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2017, of the same series under the Indenture as the Securities attached thereto, to be issued to Holders in exchange for Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to this Agreement in an Exchange Offer or upon a sale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement.

FINRA: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Holders: As defined in Section 2(b) hereof.

Indemnified Holder: As defined in Section 8(a) hereof.

Indenture: The Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2009, by and among the Company, TRU and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Trustee”), pursuant to which the Securities are to be issued, as such Indenture is amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Initial Placement: The issuance and sale by the Company of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

Initial Purchasers: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Interest Payment Date: As defined in the Indenture and the Securities.

Person: An individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.


Prospectus: The prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement and by all other amendments thereto, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference into such Prospectus.

Registration Default: As defined in Section 5 hereof.

Registration Statement: Any registration statement of the Company relating to (a) an offering of Exchange Securities pursuant to an Exchange Offer or (b) the registration for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, which is filed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, in each case, including the Prospectus included therein, all amendments and supplements thereto (including post-effective amendments) and all exhibits and material incorporated by reference therein.

Securities: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shelf Filing Deadline: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement: As defined in Section 4(a) hereof.

Transfer Restricted Securities: The Securities; provided that the Securities shall cease to be Transfer Restricted Securities on the earliest to occur of (i) the date on which a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and such Securities have been exchanged or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) the date on which such Securities cease to be outstanding, or (iii) during an Effectiveness Period in which such Securities were eligible to be included in a Shelf Registration Statement, the date on which such Securities are sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

TRU: As defined in the preamble hereto.

Trust Indenture Act: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Underwritten Registration or Underwritten Offering: A registration in which securities of the Company are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

SECTION 2. Securities Subject to this Agreement.

(a) Transfer Restricted Securities. The securities entitled to the benefits of this Agreement are the Transfer Restricted Securities.

(b) Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities. A Person is deemed to be a holder of Transfer Restricted Securities (each, a “Holder”) whenever such Person owns Transfer Restricted Securities.


SECTION 3. Registered Exchange Offer.

(a) Unless the Exchange Offer shall not be permissible under applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), the Company shall (i) cause to be filed with the Commission an Exchange Offer Registration Statement under the Securities Act relating to the Exchange Securities and the Exchange Offer, (ii) use its reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act, (iii) in connection with the foregoing, file (A) all pre-effective amendments to such Registration Statement as may be necessary in order to cause such Registration Statement to become effective, (B) if applicable, a post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act and (C) cause all necessary filings in connection with the registration and qualification of the Exchange Securities to be made under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as are necessary to permit Consummation of the Exchange Offer, and (iv) upon the effectiveness of such Registration Statement, commence the Exchange Offer. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to Consummate the Exchange Offer not later than 365 days following the Closing Date (or if such 365th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) (the “Exchange Date”). The Exchange Offer shall be on the appropriate form permitting registration of the Exchange Securities to be offered in exchange for the Transfer Restricted Securities and to permit resales of Transfer Restricted Securities held by Broker-Dealers as contemplated by Section 3(c) hereof.

(b) The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be effective continuously, and shall keep the Exchange Offer open, for a period of not less than the minimum period required under applicable federal and state securities laws to Consummate the Exchange Offer; provided, however, that in no event shall such period be less than 20 Business Days after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the Holders. The Company shall cause the Exchange Offer to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws. No securities other than the Exchange Securities shall be included in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement.

(c) The Company shall indicate in a “Plan of Distribution” section contained in the Prospectus forming a part of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement that any Broker-Dealer who holds Transfer Restricted Securities that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities (other than Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Company), may exchange such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, such Broker-Dealer may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the Exchange Securities received by such Broker-Dealer in the Exchange Offer, which prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by the delivery by such Broker-Dealer of the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Such “Plan of Distribution” section shall also contain all other information with respect to such resales by Broker-Dealers that the Commission may require in order to permit such resales pursuant thereto, but such “Plan of Distribution” shall not name any such Broker-Dealer or disclose the amount of Transfer Restricted Securities held by any such Broker-Dealer except to the extent required by the Commission as a result of a change in policy after the date of this Agreement.


The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to keep the Exchange Offer Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for resales of Transfer Restricted Securities acquired by Broker-Dealers for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 90 days from the date on which the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective and (ii) the date on which a Broker-Dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus in connection with market-making or other trading activities.

The Company shall provide sufficient copies of the latest version of such Prospectus to Broker-Dealers promptly upon request at any time during such period referred to in the preceding paragraph in order to facilitate such resales.

SECTION 4. Shelf Registration.

(a) Shelf Registration. If (i) the Company is not required to file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or to consummate the Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not permitted by applicable law or Commission policy (after the procedures set forth in Section 6(a) hereof have been complied with), (ii) for any reason the Exchange Offer is not Consummated by the Exchange Date, or (iii) (A) the Initial Purchasers request from the Company with respect to Transfer Restricted Securities not eligible to be exchanged for Exchange Securities in the Exchange Offer or (B) with respect to any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities such Holder notifies the Company that (i) such Holder is prohibited by applicable law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer, (ii) such Holder may not resell the Exchange Securities acquired by it in the Exchange Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and that the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for such resales by such Holder, or (iii) such Holder is a Broker-Dealer and holds Transfer Restricted Securities acquired directly from the Company or one of its affiliates, the Company shall:

(x) cause to be filed a shelf registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, which may be an amendment to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement (in either event, the “Shelf Registration Statement”) on or prior to the 90th day after the date such obligation arises but no earlier than the 365th day after the Closing Date (or if such 365th day is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day) (such date being the “Shelf Filing Deadline”), which Shelf Registration Statement shall provide for resales of all Transfer Restricted Securities the Holders of which shall have provided the information required pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof; and


(y) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective promptly by the Commission.

The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep such Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, supplemented and amended as required by the provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) hereof to the extent necessary to ensure that it is available for resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by the Holders of such Securities entitled to the benefit of this Section 4(a), and to ensure that it conforms with the requirements of this Agreement, the Securities Act and the policies, rules and regulations of the Commission as announced from time to time, from the date on which the Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective by the Commission until the second anniversary of the Closing Date (or shorter period that will terminate on the date when all the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Shelf Registration Statement have been sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement and the date when there are no Transfer Restricted Securities outstanding that are entitled to be included in a Shelf Registration Statement (the “Effectiveness Period”).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, at any time, the Company may delay the filing of any Shelf Registration Statement or delay or suspend the effectiveness thereof, for a reasonable period of time, but not in excess of 60 consecutive days or 90 days in total during any calendar year (each, a “Shelf Suspension Period”), if the Board of Directors of the Company determines reasonably and in good faith that the filing of any such Shelf Registration Statement or the continuing effectiveness thereof would require the disclosure of non-public material information that, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company, would be detrimental to the Company or its Affiliates (as defined in the Indenture) if so disclosed or would otherwise materially adversely affect a financing, acquisition, disposition, merger or other material transaction or such action is required by applicable law.

(b) Provision by Holders of Certain Information in Connection with the Shelf Registration Statement. No Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities may include any of its Transfer Restricted Securities in any Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Agreement unless and until such Holder furnishes to the Company in writing, within 20 Business Days after receipt of a request therefor, such information as the Company may reasonably request for use in connection with any Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus included therein. Each Holder as to which any Shelf Registration Statement is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to be disclosed in order to make the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder not materially misleading.

SECTION 5. Additional Interest. If either (i) the Exchange Offer has not been Consummated prior to the Exchange Date, (ii) any Shelf Registration Statement required by this Agreement has not been declared effective by the Commission on or prior to the later of (x) the 365th day after the Closing Date and (y) the 90th day after the date the Shelf Registration Statement was required to be filed pursuant to Section 4 hereof or (iii) any Shelf Registration Statement required by this Agreement has been declared effective but ceases to be effective during the Effectiveness Period (each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iii),


a “Registration Default”), the Company hereby agrees that 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 (such increase, “Additional Interest”), but in no event shall such increase exceed 0.50% per annum) commencing on (x) the 365th day after the original issue date of the Securities, in the case of (i) above (y) the later of the 365th day after the original issue date of the Securities and the 90th day after the filing of such Shelf Registration Statement was required, in the case of (ii) above or (z) the day such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective, in the case of (iii) above. Following the cure of all Registration Defaults relating to particular Transfer Restricted Securities (which shall be the date of the Consummation of the Exchange Offer, in the case of clause (i) above, the effectiveness date of the Shelf Registration Statement in the case of clause (ii) above and the date that the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective, in the case of clause (iii) above), 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 provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 5, the Company shall not be obligated to pay Additional Interest provided in this Section 5 during a Shelf Suspension Period permitted by Section 4(a) hereof.

If the Company is required to pay Additional Interest, the Company shall provide written notice to the Trustee of the Company’s obligations to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to each interest payment date on which Additional Interest is payable, which notice shall set forth the amount of the Additional Interest to be paid by the Company on such interest payment date.

All obligations of the Company set forth in this Section 5 that are outstanding with respect to any Transfer Restricted Security at the time such security ceases to be a Transfer Restricted Security shall survive until such time as all such obligations with respect to such security shall have been satisfied in full.

SECTION 6. Registration Procedures.

(a) Exchange Offer Registration Statement. In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Company shall comply with all of the provisions of clauses (i), (ii), (xv), (xvi), (xix) of Section 6(c) hereof, shall use its reasonable efforts to effect such exchange and to permit the sale of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and shall comply with all of the following provisions:

(i) If in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Company there is a question as to whether the Exchange Offer is permitted by applicable law and it is advisable to do so, the Company hereby agrees to seek a no-action letter or other favorable decision from the Commission allowing the Company to Consummate an Exchange Offer for such Transfer Restricted Securities. The Company hereby agrees to pursue the issuance of such a decision to the Commission staff level but shall not be required


to take action to effect a change of Commission policy. The Company hereby agrees, however, to (A) participate in telephonic conferences with the Commission, (B) deliver to the Commission staff an analysis prepared by counsel to the Company setting forth the legal bases, if any, upon which such counsel has concluded that such an Exchange Offer should be permitted and (C) diligently pursue a favorable resolution by the Commission staff of such submission.

(ii) As a condition to its participation in the Exchange Offer pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall furnish, upon the request of the Company, prior to the Consummation thereof, a written representation to the Company (which may be contained in the letter of transmittal contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or in the Agent’s Message (as defined in the Indenture)) to the effect that (A) it is not an affiliate of the Company, (B) it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and (C) it is acquiring the Exchange Securities in its ordinary course of business. In addition, all such Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities shall otherwise cooperate in the Company’s preparations for the Exchange Offer. Each Holder shall acknowledge and agree that any Broker-Dealer and any such Holder using the Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of the securities to be acquired in the Exchange Offer (1) could not under Commission policy as in effect on the date of this Agreement rely on the position of the Commission enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the Commission’s letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters (which may include any no-action letter obtained pursuant to clause (i) above), and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K if the resales are of Exchange Securities obtained by such Holder in exchange for Transfer Restricted Securities acquired by such Holder directly from the Company.

(b) Shelf Registration Statement. If required pursuant to Section 4, in connection with the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall comply with all the provisions of Section 6(c) hereof, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such registration to permit the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities being sold in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will promptly prepare and file with the Commission a Registration Statement relating to the registration on any appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form shall be available for the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution therefor.


(c) General Provisions. In connection with any Registration Statement and any Prospectus required by this Agreement to permit the sale or resale of Transfer Restricted Securities (including, without limitation, any Registration Statement and the related Prospectus required to permit resales of Transfer Restricted Securities by Broker-Dealers), the Company shall:

(i) use its reasonable efforts to keep such Registration Statement continuously effective and provide all requisite financial statements (including, if required by the Securities Act or any regulation thereunder, financial statements of Toys “R” Us - Delaware, Inc. (“Toys-Delaware”) for the period specified in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable; upon the occurrence of any event that would cause any such Registration Statement or the Prospectus contained therein (A) to contain a material misstatement or omission or (B) not to be effective and usable for resale of Transfer Restricted Securities during the period required by this Agreement, the Company shall file promptly an appropriate amendment to such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus or document incorporated by reference, in the case of clause (A), correcting any such material misstatement or omission, and, in the case of either clause (A) or (B), use its reasonable efforts to cause such amendment to be declared effective and such Registration Statement and the related Prospectus to become usable for their intended purpose(s) as soon as practicable thereafter;

(ii) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective for the applicable period set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Transfer Restricted Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or otherwise cease to be Transfer Restricted Securities entitled to be included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, and to comply fully with the applicable provisions of Rules 424 and 430A under the Securities Act in a timely manner; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;

(iii) advise the underwriter(s), if any, and selling Holders named in the applicable Registration Statement promptly and, if requested by such Persons, confirm such advice in writing, (A) when the Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and, with respect to any Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective, (B) of any request by the Commission for amendments to the Registration Statement or amendments or supplements to the Prospectus or for additional information relating thereto, (C) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under the Securities Act or of the suspension by any state securities commission of the qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation of any proceeding for any of the preceding purposes, (D) of the existence of any fact or the happening of any event that makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement,


the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto, or any document incorporated by reference therein untrue, or that requires the making of any additions to or changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading. If at any time the Commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, or any state securities commission or other regulatory authority shall issue an order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under state securities or blue sky laws, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal or lifting of such order at the earliest possible time;

(iv) furnish without charge to each of the Initial Purchasers, counsel to the selling Holders named in any Registration Statement, and each of the underwriter(s), if any, before filing with the Commission, copies of any Registration Statement or any Prospectus included therein or any amendments or supplements to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such counsel to such Holders and underwriter(s) in connection with such sale, if any, for a period of at least five Business Days, and the Company will not file any such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to any such Registration Statement or Prospectus to which such counsel or the underwriter(s), if any, shall reasonably object in writing within five Business Days after the receipt thereof (such objection to be deemed timely made upon confirmation of telecopy transmission within such period). The objection of an Initial Purchaser or underwriter, if any, shall be deemed to be reasonable if such Registration Statement, amendment, Prospectus or supplement, as applicable, as proposed to be filed, contains a material misstatement or omission;

(v) make available at reasonable times for inspection by the Initial Purchasers, the managing underwriter(s), if any, participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement and any attorney or accountant retained by such Initial Purchasers or any of the underwriter(s), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Initial Purchaser, underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with such Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto subsequent to the filing thereof and prior to its effectiveness and to participate in meetings with investors to the extent requested by the managing underwriter(s), if any, in each case, as shall be reasonably necessary to enable such persons to conduct an investigation within the meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act; provided, however, that any information that is reasonably and in good faith designated by the Company in writing as confidential at the time of delivery of such information shall be kept confidential by the Initial Purchasers or any such underwriter, attorney, accountant or other agent, unless (1) disclosure of such information is required by court or administrative order or is necessary to respond to inquiries of regulatory authorities, (2) disclosure of such information is required by law (including any disclosure requirements pursuant to federal securities laws in connection with the filing of such Registration Statement or the use of any Prospectus), (3) such information becomes generally available to the public other than


as a result of a disclosure or failure to safeguard such information by such person or (4) such information becomes available to such Initial Purchaser, underwriter, attorney, accountant or other agent from a source other than the Company and such source is not known, after due inquiry, by the relevant Initial Purchaser, underwriter, attorney, accountant or other agent to be bound by a confidentiality agreement or is not otherwise under a duty of trust to the Company;

(vi) if requested by any selling Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, promptly incorporate in any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, pursuant to a supplement or post-effective amendment if necessary, such information as such selling Holders and underwriter(s), if any, may reasonably request to have included therein, including, without limitation, information relating to the “Plan of Distribution” of the Transfer Restricted Securities, information with respect to the principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being sold to such underwriter(s), the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold in such offering; and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as practicable after the Company is notified of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(vii) use commercially reasonable efforts to confirm that the ratings assigned to the Securities will apply to the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Registration Statement, if so requested by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities covered thereby or the underwriter(s), if any;

(viii) deliver to each selling Holder and each of the underwriter(s), if any, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons reasonably may request; the Company hereby consents to the use of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and each of the underwriter(s), if any, in connection with the offering and the sale of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto;


(ix) enter into such agreements (including an underwriting agreement), and make such representations and warranties (including with respect to TRU and/or Toys-Delaware, on a basis materially consistent with the Purchase Agreement), and take all such other actions in connection therewith in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement, all to such extent as may be reasonably requested by any Initial Purchaser or by any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities or underwriter in connection with any sale or resale pursuant to any Shelf Registration Statement contemplated by this Agreement; and whether or not an underwriting agreement is entered into and whether or not the registration is an Underwritten Registration, the Company shall to the extent applicable:

(A) furnish to each underwriter, if any, in such substance and scope as they may request and as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in primary underwritten offerings, upon the date of the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement:

(1) a certificate, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, as the case may be, signed by (y) the President or any Vice President and (z) a principal financial or accounting officer of the Company, confirming, as of the date thereof, the matters with respect to which certificates were delivered under the Purchase Agreement;

(2) an opinion, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement of counsel for the Company, covering the matters set forth in Section 6(c) of the Purchase Agreement with respect to corporate type opinions, not special ones and a negative assurance statement consistent with the letter delivered pursuant to Section 6(c) of the Purchase Agreement; and

(3) a customary comfort letter, dated the date of effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, from the Company’s independent accountants, in the customary form and covering matters of the type customarily requested to be covered in comfort letters by underwriters in connection with primary underwritten offerings, and covering or affirming the matters set forth in the comfort letters delivered pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Purchase Agreement, to the extent applicable;

(B) set forth in full or incorporate by reference in the underwriting agreement, if any, the indemnification provisions and procedures of Section 8 hereof with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant to said Section; and

(C) deliver such other documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by such parties to evidence compliance with Section 6(c)(xi)(A) hereof and with any customary conditions contained in the underwriting agreement or other agreement entered into by the Company pursuant to this Section 6(c)(xi), if any.

If at any time the representations and warranties of the Company contemplated in Section 6(c)(xi)(A)(1) hereof cease to be true and correct, the Company shall so advise the Initial Purchasers and the underwriter(s), if any, and each selling Holder promptly and, if requested by such Persons, shall confirm such advice in writing;


(x) prior to any public offering of Transfer Restricted Securities, cooperate with the selling Holders, the underwriter(s), if any, and their respective counsel in connection with the registration and qualification of the Transfer Restricted Securities under the state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the selling Holders or underwriter(s), if any, may request and do any and all other acts or things necessary or advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to register or qualify as a foreign corporation where it is not then so qualified or to take any action that would subject it to the service of process in suits or to taxation, other than as to matters and transactions relating to the Registration Statement, in any jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(xi) shall issue, upon the request of any Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement, Exchange Securities having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities surrendered to the Company by such Holder in exchange therefor or being sold by such Holder; such Exchange Securities to be registered in the name of such Holder or in the name of the purchaser(s) of such Securities, as the case may be; in return, the Transfer Restricted Securities held by such Holder shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation;

(xii) cooperate with the selling Holders and the underwriter(s), if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Exchange Securities for Transfer Restricted Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Exchange Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the Holders or the underwriter(s), if any, may request at least two Business Days prior to any sale of Transfer Restricted Securities made by such Holders or underwriter(s);

(xiii) use its reasonable efforts to cause the Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or sellers thereof or the underwriter(s), if any, to consummate the disposition of such Transfer Restricted Securities, subject to the proviso contained in Section 6(c)(xii) hereof;

(xiv) if any fact or event contemplated by Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof shall exist or have occurred, prepare a supplement or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of Transfer Restricted Securities, the Prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading for the period specified in Section (3) and Section (4), as applicable;

(xv) provide a CUSIP number for all Securities not later than the effective date of the Registration Statement covering such Securities and provide the Trustee under the Indenture with printed certificates for such Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company and take all other action necessary to ensure that all such Securities are eligible for deposit with the Depository Trust Company;


(xvi) cooperate and assist in any filings required to be made with the FINRA and in the performance of any due diligence investigation by any underwriter (including any “qualified independent underwriter”) that is required to be retained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FINRA;

(xvii) otherwise use its reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission, and make generally available to its security holders, as soon as practicable, a consolidated earnings statement meeting the requirements of Rule 158 under the Securities Act (which need not be audited) for the twelve-month period (A) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which Transfer Restricted Securities are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts Underwritten Offering or (B) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering, beginning with the first month of the Company’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the effective date of the Registration Statement; and

(xviii) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act not later than the effective date of the first Registration Statement required by this Agreement, and, in connection therewith, cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders of Securities to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for such Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and to execute and use its reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents that may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the Commission to enable such Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner.

Each Holder agrees by acquisition of a Transfer Restricted Security that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the existence of any fact of the kind described in Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof, such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the applicable Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xvi) hereof, or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus. If so directed by the Company, each Holder will deliver to the Company (at the Company’s expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Transfer Restricted Securities that was current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the event the Company shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of such Registration Statement set forth in Section 3 or 4 hereof, as applicable, shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 6(c)(iii)(D) hereof to and including the date when each selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 6(c)(xvi) or shall have received the Advice; provided, however, that no such extension shall be taken into account in determining whether Additional Interest is due pursuant to Section 5 hereof or the amount of such Additional Interest.


SECTION 7. Registration Expenses.

(a) All expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement will be borne by the Company regardless of whether a Registration Statement becomes effective, including, without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees and expenses (including filings made by any Initial Purchaser or Holder with the FINRA (and, if applicable, customary fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” and its counsel that may be required by the rules and regulations of FINRA)); (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with federal securities and state securities or blue sky laws; (iii) all expenses of printing (including printing certificates for the Exchange Securities to be issued in the Exchange Offer and printing of Prospectuses), messenger and delivery services and telephone; (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and, subject to Section 7(b) hereof, the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities; (v) all fees and disbursements of independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and comfort letters required by or incident to such performance) and (vi) all fees and expenses of the Trustee and any exchange agent, and reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel each for the Trustee and such exchange agent, in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

The Company will, in any event, bear its internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expenses of any annual audit and the fees and expenses of any Person, including special experts, retained by the Company. Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts, commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

(b) In connection with any Shelf Registration Statement, the Company will reimburse the Initial Purchasers and the Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities being registered pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement, as applicable, for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one counsel, who shall be Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP or such other counsel as may be chosen by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Transfer Restricted Securities for whose benefit such Registration Statement is being prepared.

SECTION 8. Indemnification.

(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless (i) each Holder and (ii) each Person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) any Holder (any of the Persons referred to in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred to as a “controlling person”) and (iii) the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of any Holder or any controlling person (any Person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may hereinafter be referred to as an “Indemnified Holder”), to the fullest extent lawful, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages,


liabilities, judgments, actions and expenses (including, without limitation, and as incurred, reimbursement of all reasonable costs of investigating, preparing, pursuing, settling, compromising, paying or defending any claim or action, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, including the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to any Indemnified Holder), joint or several, directly or indirectly caused by, related to, based upon, arising out of or in connection with any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are caused by an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission that is made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any of the Holders furnished in writing to the Company by any of the Holders expressly for use therein. This indemnity agreement shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.

In case any action or proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation or proceeding) shall be brought or asserted against any of the Indemnified Holders with respect to which indemnity may be sought against the Company, such Indemnified Holder (or the Indemnified Holder controlled by such controlling person) shall promptly notify the Company in writing; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not relieve any of the Company of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement except to the extent they are prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure. In case any such action is brought against any Indemnified Holder and such Indemnified Holder seeks or intends to seek indemnity from the Company, the Company will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it shall elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written notice delivered to the Indemnified Holder promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such Indemnified Holder, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Holder; provided, however, if the defendants in any such action include both the Indemnified Holder and the Company and the Indemnified Holder shall have reasonably concluded (based on the advice of counsel) that a conflict may arise between the positions of the Company and the Indemnified Holder in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other Indemnified Holders which are different from or additional to those available to the Company, the Indemnified Holder or Holders shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such Indemnified Holder or Holders. Upon receipt of notice from the Company to such Indemnified Holder of the Company’s election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the Indemnified Holder of counsel, the Company will not be liable to such Indemnified Holder under this Section 8 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such Indemnified Holder in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the Indemnified Holder shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the next preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the Company shall not be liable for the expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), approved by the Company, representing the Indemnified Holders who are parties to such action) or (ii) the Company shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Holder to represent the Indemnified Holder within a reasonable time after notice


of commencement of the action, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the Company. It is understood and agreed that the Company shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (together with any local counsel) for all Indemnified Holders. Each Indemnified Holder, as a condition to indemnification hereunder, shall use all reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Company in the defense of any such action or claim. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action or proceeding effected without the prior written consent, but if settled with such consent or there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Indemnified Holder from and against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of each Indemnified Holder, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any pending or threatened action, claim, litigation or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not any Indemnified Holder is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination includes an unconditional release of each Indemnified Holder from all liability arising out of such action, claim, litigation or proceeding.

(b) Each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its directors, officers, partners, employees, representative and agents, and any Person controlling (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) the Company, and the respective officers, directors, partners, employees, representatives and agents of each such Person, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each of the Indemnified Holders, but only with respect to claims and actions based on information relating to such Holder furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement. In case any action or proceeding shall be brought against the Company or its directors or officers, partners, employees, representative and agents or any such controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against a Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities, such Holder shall have the rights and duties given the Company, and the Company, its directors and officers, partners, employees, representative and agents and such controlling person shall have the rights and duties given to each Indemnified Holder by the preceding paragraph.

(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 8 is unavailable to an indemnified party under Section 8(a) or (b) hereof (other than by reason of exceptions provided in those Sections, including by reason of failure to notify the Company of indemnification obligations thereunder to the extent that they are prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure) in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, actions or expenses referred to therein, then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, from the Initial Placement (which in the case of the Company shall be deemed to be equal to the total gross proceeds to the Company from the Initial Placement), or if such allocation is not permitted by applicable law, the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Holders, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or


omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Indemnified Holders on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company, on the one hand, or the Indemnified Holders, on the other hand, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in the second paragraph of Section 8(a) hereof, any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim.

The Company agrees and each Holder of Transfer Restricted Securities shall agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 8(c) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, none of the Holders (and its related Indemnified Holders) shall be required to contribute, in the aggregate, any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of the Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement exceeds the amount of any damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8(c) are several in proportion to the respective principal amount of Securities held by each of the Holders hereunder and not joint.

SECTION 9. Rule 144A. The Company hereby agrees with each Holder, for so long as any Transfer Restricted Securities remain outstanding, to make available to any Holder or beneficial owner of Transfer Restricted Securities in connection with any sale thereof and any prospective purchaser of such Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder or beneficial owner, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act in order to permit resales of such Transfer Restricted Securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.

SECTION 10. Participation in Underwritten Registrations. The Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement who desire to do so may sell such Transfer Restricted Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment banker(s) and managing underwriter(s) that will administer such offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the


Transfer Restricted Securities included in such offering; provided, however, that such investment banker(s) and managing underwriter(s) must be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. No Holder may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Transfer Restricted Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all reasonable questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, lock-up letters and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

SECTION 11. [Intentionally omitted.]

SECTION 12. Miscellaneous.

(a) Remedies. The Company hereby agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Agreement and hereby agree to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

(b) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not on or after the date of this Agreement enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The Company has not previously entered into any agreement granting any registration rights with respect to its securities to any Person pursuant to which any such Person would have the right to include any securities in any Registration Statement to be filed with the Commission as required under this Agreement. The rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the Company’s securities under any agreement in effect on the date hereof.

(c) Adjustments Affecting the Securities. The Company will not take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to the Securities that would materially and adversely affect the ability of the Holders to Consummate any Exchange Offer.

(d) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to or departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has (i) in the case of Section 5 hereof and this Section 12(d)(i), obtained the written consent of Holders of all outstanding Transfer Restricted Securities affected thereby and (ii) in the case of all other provisions hereof, obtained the written consent of Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities (excluding any Transfer Restricted Securities held by the Company or its Affiliates). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to departure from the provisions hereof that relates exclusively to the rights of Holders whose securities are being tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer and that does not affect directly or indirectly the rights of other Holders whose securities are not being tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer may be given by the Holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of Transfer Restricted Securities being tendered or registered; provided, however, that, with respect to any matter that directly or indirectly affects the rights of any Initial Purchaser hereunder, the Company shall obtain the written consent of each such Initial Purchaser with respect to which such amendment, qualification, supplement, waiver, consent or departure is to be effective.


(e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, first-class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telex, telecopier, or air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery:

(i) if to a Holder, at the address set forth on the records of the Registrar under the Indenture, with a copy to the Registrar under the Indenture;

(ii) if to the Initial Purchasers:

Banc of America Securities LLC

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

Facsimile:       (646) 901-7897

Attention:        Legal Department

with a copy to:

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

80 Pine Street

New York, NY 10005

Facsimile:       (212) 269-5240

Attention:        Noah B. Newitz

(iii) if to the Company:

Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC

c/o Toys “R” Us, Inc.

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, NJ 07470

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

with a copy to:

Toys “R” Us, Inc.

One Geoffrey Way

Wayne, New Jersey 07470

Facsimile: (973) 617-4006

Attention: General Counsel

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day, if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.


Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee at the address specified in the Indenture.

(f) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including, without limitation, and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders of Transfer Restricted Securities made in compliance with this Agreement and the Indenture; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not inure to the benefit of or be binding upon a successor or assign of a Holder unless and to the extent such successor or assign acquired Transfer Restricted Securities from such Holder and all such Transfer Restricted Securities shall be held subject to the terms of this Agreement.

(g) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

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

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

(j) Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

(k) Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the registration rights granted by the Company with respect to the Transfer Restricted Securities. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

TOYS “R” US PROPERTY COMPANY II, LLC
By:   /s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Name:   F. Clay Creasey, Jr.
Title:  

Executive Vice President – Chief Financial

Officer


The foregoing Registration Rights Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:

 

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC

As Representatives of the Initial Purchasers

By:   Banc of America Securities LLC
By:   /s/ Peter Almond
  Name:   Peter Almond
  Title:   Vice President

 

EX-10.37 5 dex1037.htm AMEND. NO. 3 TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED RETENTION AGREEMENT - DEBORAH M. DERBY Amend. No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Retention Agreement - Deborah M. Derby

Exhibit 10.37

409A Amendments

TOYS “R” US, INC.

Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Retention Agreement

with Deborah M. Derby

This Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated Retention Agreement dated as of November 1, 2004, as previously amended on February 11, 2005 and July 21, 2005 (collectively, the “Agreement”) between Toys “R” Us, Inc. (the “Company”) and Deborah M. Derby (“Executive”) is made this 24th day of December 2008.

The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and Executive have determined that it is in their best interests to amend the Agreement to include special provisions intended to ensure compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A relating to deferred compensation. In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and the continued employment of Executive by the Company, the parties agree as follows:

 

  1. Post-Termination Plan Participation. The Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the first sentence of Section 7(a)(iii) thereof in its entirety and substituting the following:

“(1) SERP. Subject to Section 24, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination (the actual payment date within such period being at the election of the Company) a single lump sum payment equal to the additional amount of Notional Contributions without regard to Declared Interest (as such terms are defined under the “TRU” Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan as in effect on the Date of Termination (the “SERP”)) which would have been credited to Executive under the SERP, calculated as if (i) Executive had continued to be employed for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the Date of Termination (the “Additional Period”) earning her Base Annual Salary and target annual incentive bonus as in effect on the Date of Termination, (ii) Executive was fully vested and continued to participate in the SERP for the Additional Period, (iii) the rate of the Notional Contributions during the Additional Period remained the same as the Notional Contribution rate in effect on the Date of Termination, and (iv) such additional credits were discounted to the date of payment at the short-term applicable federal rate, compounded annually, published by the Internal Revenue Service for the month in which the Date of Termination occurs.

(2) Savings Plan. Subject to Section 24, the Company shall pay to Executive within thirty (30) days following the Date of Termination (the actual payment date within such period being at the election of the Company) a single lump sum payment equal to the additional amount of Matching Contributions and Basic Contributions (as such terms are defined under the “TRU” Partnership Employees’ Savings and Profit


Sharing Plan as in effect on the Date of Termination (the “Savings Plan”)) without regard to interest or earnings, which would have been credited to Executive under the Savings Plan, calculated as if (i) Executive had continued to be employed for the Additional Period earning her Base Annual Salary and target annual incentive bonus as in effect on the Date of Termination, (ii) Executive was fully vested and continued to participate in the Savings Plan for the Additional Period with the same Savings Contribution election as in effect on the Date of Termination, (iii) the rate of the Company’s Matching Contribution and Basic Contribution during the Additional Period remained the same as the Matching Contribution rate in effect on the Date of Termination and the Basic Contribution last determined by the Company as of such date, and (iv) such additional contributions were discounted to the date of payment at the short-term applicable federal rate, compounded annually, published by the Internal Revenue Service for the month in which the Date of Termination occurs.”

 

  2. Post-Termination Health Coverage. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentences to the end of Section 7(a)(v):

“In no event shall the coverage provided pursuant to this Section 7(a)(v) extend beyond December 31 of the year in which Executive reaches age 65. To the extent that any portion of the benefits under this Section 7(a)(v) during the period of coverage is provided pursuant to a self-insured arrangement as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 105 or is otherwise taxable, the benefits provided in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits to be provided in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense was incurred. Executive’s rights pursuant to this Section 7(a)(v) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

 

  3. Leased Automobile. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentences to the end of Section 7(a)(vi):

“The benefits provided under this Section 7(a)(vi) in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits to be provided in any other calendar year. Executive’s rights pursuant to this Section 7(a)(vi) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

 

  4. Financial Planning Services. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentences to the end of Section 7(a)(vii):

“The benefits provided under this Section 7(a)(vii) in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits to be provided in any other calendar year. Executive’s rights pursuant to this Section 7(a)(vii) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”


  5. Post-Retirement Health Coverage. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentences to the end of Section 7(d):

“To the extent that any portion of the health insurance coverage under this Section 7(d) is provided pursuant to a self-insured arrangement as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 105 or is otherwise taxable, the benefits provided in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount of benefits to be provided in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made on or before December 31 of the year after the calendar year in which the expense was incurred. Executive’s rights pursuant to this Section 7(d) shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

 

  6. Excise Tax Gross-Up and Cooperation with Tax Contests Requested by the Company. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentences to the end of Section 9:

“If Executive is required to make a payment of Excise Tax, then after following the procedures set forth in Exhibit B, (i) the Tax-Gross-up payments shall be promptly paid by the Company to or for the benefit of Executive, but no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which Executive remits the Excise Tax, and (ii) any payment or reimbursement by the Company to Executive of expenses incurred in connection with any contest of a claim or suit for refund as described in Exhibit B shall be made on a current basis, as incurred, and in no event later than December 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the taxes that are the subject of such contest are remitted to the taxing authority, or where as a result of such contest no taxes are remitted, December 31 of the year following the calendar year in which the contest is completed or there is a final and nonappealable settlement or other resolution of the context. The amount reimbursable by the Company under this Section 9 in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount reimbursable in any other calendar year. Executive’s rights pursuant to this Section 9 shall expire at the end of 20 years after the Effective Date and shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

 

  7. Assistance to the Company. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following sentences to the end of Section 13:

“If Executive is entitled to be paid or reimbursed for any expenses under this Section 13, the amount reimbursable in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount reimbursable in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense was incurred. Executive’s rights to payment or reimbursement of expenses pursuant to this Section 13 shall expire at the end of 20 years after the Effective Date and shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”


  8. Legal Fees. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph to the end of Section 17:

“If Executive is entitled to be paid or reimbursed for any expenses under this Section 17, the amount payable or reimbursable in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount payable or reimbursable in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense was incurred. Executive’s rights to payment or reimbursement of expenses pursuant to this Section 17 shall expire at the end of 20 years after the Effective Date and shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.”

 

  9. Section 409A. The Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following Section 24:

“24. Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. This Agreement shall be interpreted and administered in a manner so that any amount or benefit payable hereunder shall be paid or provided in a manner that is either exempt from or compliant with the requirements Section 409A of the Code and applicable advice and regulations issued thereunder. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any amount or benefit that would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under the Agreement by reason of the occurrence of a Change in Control, or Executive’s separation from service, such amount or benefit will not be payable or distributable to the Executive by reason of such circumstance unless (i) the circumstances giving rise to such Change in Control or separation from service meet any description or definition of “change in control event” or “separation from service”, as the case may be, in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations (without giving effect to any elective provisions that may be available under such definition), or (ii) the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit would be exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code by reason of the short-term deferral exemption or otherwise. Also, to the extent that the time and/or form of payment of any non-exempt “deferred compensation” would change based on whether or not a Change in Control has occurred, the time and form of payment shall not change unless the circumstances giving rise to such Change in Control meet any description or definition of “change in control event” in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations. This provision does not prohibit the vesting of any amount upon a Change in Control or separation from service, however defined. If this provision prevents the payment or distribution of any amount or benefit, such payment or distribution shall be made on the next earliest payment or distribution date or event specified in the Agreement that is permissible under Section 409A.

Whenever in this Agreement the provision of a payment or benefit is conditioned on Executive’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, such release must be executed, and all revocation periods shall have expired, within 60 days after the date of termination of Executive’s employment, but the Company may elect to commence payment at any time during such 60-day period.


If any amount or benefit that would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of the Executive’s separation from service during a period in which she is a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A and applicable regulations), then payment or commencement of such non-exempt amounts or benefits shall be delayed until the earlier of the Executive’s death or the first day of the seventh month following the Executive’s separation from service.”

Except as expressly amended hereby, the terms of the Agreement shall be and remain unchanged and the Agreement as amended hereby shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive have caused this Amendment to be duly executed.

 

TOYS “R” US, INC.
By:   /s/ Richard N. Cudrin
/s/ Deborah M. Derby
Deborah M. Derby
EX-12 6 dex12.htm STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Statement re: computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges

EXHIBIT 12

Toys “R” Us, Inc.

Computation of Historical Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (a)

(In Thousands, Except Ratio Data)

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 30,
2010
    January 31,
2009
    February 2,
2008
    February 3,
2007
    January 28,
2006
 

Consolidated pretax income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 344,176      $ 218,009      $ 220,071      $ 143,378      $ (505,542

Share of pretax income of less than 50%-owned companies

     —          —          —          —          2,969   

Noncontrolling interest in Toys – Japan

     (7,660     (7,440     2,254        (1,444     —     

Interest capitalized during period

     (409     (1,051     (627     (365     (437

Total fixed charges

     677,247        600,504        656,191        729,317        508,175   
                                        

Adjusted income from continuing operations

   $ 1,013,354      $ 810,022      $ 877,889      $ 870,886      $ 5,165   
                                        

Fixed Charges:

          

Interest expense

   $ 447,115      $ 419,173      $ 502,691      $ 536,762      $ 394,257   

Interest capitalized during period

     409        1,051        627        365        437   

Adjustment to deferred financing amortization – U.S. bridge debt

     —          —          —          —          (32,455

Interest portion of rental expense

     229,723        180,280        152,873        192,190        145,936   
                                        

Total Fixed Charges

   $ 677,247      $ 600,504      $ 656,191      $ 729,317      $ 508,175   
                                        

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     1.50        1.35        1.34        1.19     
                                  

Deficiency of Earnings over Fixed Charges

           $ (503,010
                

 

(a)    For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings were calculated by adding (i) earnings from continuing operations before noncontrolling interest and income taxes, (ii) interest expense, including the portion of rents representative of an interest factor, (iii) amortization of debt issue costs and (iv) the amount of the company's undistributed (income) losses of less than 50%-owned companies. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of debt issue costs and the portions of rents representative of an interest factor.

           

Rent expense, net of sublease income

     518,722        502,944        475,943        437,891        299,050   

Capitalization factor

     5.3        6.7        7.3        6.6        6.1   

Weighted average cost of long-term debt

     8.3     5.3     4.4     6.7     8.0

Interest in rent expense

     229,723        180,280        152,873        192,190        145,936   

% of interest to rent expense

     44     36     32     44     49
EX-21 7 dex21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTARNT AS OF JANUARY 30, 2010 Subsidiaries of the Registarnt as of January 30, 2010

Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant as of January 30, 2010

 

Name

  

Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Geoffrey Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

Geoffrey International, LLC

   Delaware

Geoffrey, LLC

   Delaware

Giraffe Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

Giraffe Junior Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

MAP Real Estate, LLC

   Delaware

MAP 2005 Real Estate, LLC

   Delaware

Toys Acquisition, LLC

   Delaware

Toys “R” Us – Delaware, Inc.

   Delaware

Toys “R” Us Europe, LLC

   Delaware

Toys “R” Us Property Company I, LLC

   Delaware

Toys “R” Us Property Company II, LLC

   Delaware

Toys “R” Us – Service, LLC

   Delaware

Toys “R” Us – Value, Inc.

   Virginia

TRU 2005 RE I, LLC

   Delaware

TRU 2005 RE II Trust

   Delaware

TRU Australia Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

TRU China Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

TRU Hong Kong Holdings, LLC

   Delaware

TRU Japan Holdings, Inc.

   Delaware

TRU Japan Holdings 2, LLC

   Delaware

TRU – SVC, LLC

   Virginia

TRU (Vermont), Inc.

   Vermont

Wayne Real Estate Company, LLC

   Delaware

Wayne Real Estate Holding Company, LLC

   Delaware

Babies “R” Us (Australia) Pty Ltd

   Australia

Toys “R” Us (Australia) Pty Ltd

   Australia

Toys “R” Us Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H.

   Austria

TRU BVI, LTD.

   British Virgin Islands

Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltd./Toys “R” Us (Canada) Ltee

   Canada

Toys “R” Us France Real Estate SAS

   France

Toys “R” Us SARL

   France

Toys “R” Us GmbH

   Germany

Toys “R” Us Logistik GmbH

   Germany

Toys “R” Us Operations GmbH

   Germany

TRU (HK) Limited

   Hong Kong

Toys “R” Us – Japan, Ltd.

   Japan

Y.K. Babiesrus Internet Japan

   Japan

Y.K. Toysrus Internet Japan

   Japan

Toys R Us Portugal, Limitada

   Portugal

TRU of Puerto Rico, Inc.

   Puerto Rico

Toys R Us Iberia, S.A.

   Spain

Toys R Us Iberia Real Estate, S.L.

   Spain

Toys R Us Madrid, S.L.

   Spain

Toys “R” Us AG

   Switzerland

Toys “R” Us Financial Services Limited

   United Kingdom

Toys “R” Us Holdings Limited

   United Kingdom

Toys ‘R’ Us Holdings (UK) Limited

   United Kingdom

Toys “R” Us Limited

   United Kingdom

Toys “R” Us (UK) Limited

   United Kingdom

Toys “R” Us Properties Limited

   United Kingdom

Toys “R” Us Properties (UK) Limited

   United Kingdom

TruToys (UK) Limited

   United Kingdom

TRU (UK) Holdings Limited

   United Kingdom
EX-24 8 dex24.htm POWER OF ATTORNEY Power of Attorney

Exhibit 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gerald L. Storch, F. Clay Creasey, Jr. and Charles D. Knight and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Toys “R” Us, Inc. for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, and any amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform such and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

This Power of Attorney may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the 15th day of March, 2010.

 

Name

  

Title

 

Signature

Josh Bekenstein

   Director   /s/ Josh Beckenstein

Michael M. Calbert

   Director   /s/ Michael M. Calbert

Michael D. Fascitelli

   Director   /s/ Michael D. Fascitelli

Matthew S. Levin

   Director   /s/ Matthew S. Levin

Sanjay Morey

   Director   /s/ Sanjay Morey

John Pfeffer

   Director   /s/ John Pfeffer

Steven Roth

   Director   /s/ Steven Roth

Wendy Silverstein

   Director   /s/ Wendy Silverstein

Michael Ward

   Director   /s/ Michael Ward
EX-31.1 9 dex311.htm CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Gerald L. Storch, certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Toys “R” Us, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 24, 2010
/s/ Gerald L. Storch

Gerald L. Storch

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2 10 dex312.htm CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, F. Clay Creasey, Jr., certify that:

 

  1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Toys “R” Us, Inc.;

 

  2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

  3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

  4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

  5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 24, 2010
/s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.

F. Clay Creasey, Jr.

Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1 11 dex321.htm CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 By The Chief Executive Officer,

As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.

I, Gerald L. Storch, Chief Executive Officer of Toys “R” Us, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

  1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the annual period ended January 30, 2010 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78m); and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ Gerald L. Storch

Gerald L. Storch

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

March 24, 2010

EX-32.2 12 dex322.htm CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 906

Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant To 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 By The Chief Financial Officer,

As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.

I, F. Clay Creasey, Jr., Chief Financial Officer of Toys “R” Us, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

 

  1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the annual period ended January 30, 2010 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78m); and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ F. Clay Creasey, Jr.

F. Clay Creasey, Jr.

Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

March 24, 2010

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