EX-10.2 2 dex102.htm CREDIT AGREEMENT Credit Agreement

Exhibit 10.2

 


Published CUSIP Number:                 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of March 29, 2006

among

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.,

as a Borrower,

AAG HOLDING COMPANY, INC.,

as a Borrower

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent,

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

and

NATIONAL CITY BANK,

As Co-Syndication Agents

and

US BANK, N.A.

As Documentation Agent

and

The Other Lenders Party Hereto

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC, as

Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

 



TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section

        Page

ARTICLE I  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

   1

        1.01

  

Defined Terms

   1

1.02

  

Other Interpretive Provisions

   21

1.03

  

Accounting Terms

   22

1.04

  

Rounding

   23

1.05

  

Times of Day

   23

1.06

  

Letter of Credit Amounts

   23

ARTICLE II  THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

   23

2.01

  

Revolving Loans

   23

2.02

  

Revolving Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Revolving Loans

   23

2.03

  

Letters of Credit

   25

2.04

  

Prepayments

   33

2.05

  

Termination or Reduction of Commitments

   34

2.06

  

Repayment

   34

2.07

  

Interest

   34

2.08

  

Fees

   35

2.09

  

Computation of Interest and Fees

   36

2.10

  

Evidence of Debt

   36

2.11

  

Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback

   36

2.12

  

Sharing of Payments by Lenders

   38

2.13

  

Increase in Commitments.

   39

ARTICLE III  TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

   40

3.01

  

Taxes

   40

3.02

  

Illegality

   42

3.03

  

Inability to Determine Rates

   43

3.04

  

Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans

   43

3.05

  

Compensation for Losses

   44

3.06

  

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

   45

3.07

  

Survival

   46

ARTICLE IV  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

   46

4.01

  

Conditions of Initial Credit Extension

   46

4.02

  

Conditions to all Credit Extensions

   48

ARTICLE V  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

   48

5.01

  

Existence, Qualification and Power

   48

5.02

  

Authorization; No Contravention

   48

5.03

  

Governmental Authorization; Other Consents

   49

5.04

  

Binding Effect

   49

5.05

  

Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

   49

 

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        5.06

  

Litigation

   50

5.07

  

No Default

   50

5.08

  

Ownership of Property; Liens

   50

5.09

  

Environmental Compliance

   50

5.10

  

Insurance

   50

5.11

  

Taxes

   50

5.12

  

ERISA Compliance

   51

5.13

  

Subsidiaries; Equity Interests

   51

5.14

  

Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act; Public Utility Holding Company Act

   52

5.15

  

Disclosure

   52

5.16

  

Compliance with Laws

   52

5.17

  

Taxpayer Identification Number

   52

5.18

  

Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc

   52

ARTICLE VI  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

   53

6.01

  

Financial Statements

   53

6.02

  

Certificates; Other Information

   54

6.03

  

Notices

   56

6.04

  

Payment of Obligations

   57

6.05

  

Preservation of Existence, Etc

   57

6.06

  

Maintenance of Properties

   57

6.07

  

Maintenance of Insurance

   57

6.08

  

Compliance with Laws

   57

6.09

  

Books and Records

   58

6.10

  

Inspection Rights

   58

6.11

  

Use of Proceeds

   58

6.12

  

Maintenance of Insurance Licenses

   58

ARTICLE VII  NEGATIVE COVENANTS

   58

7.01

  

Liens

   58

7.02

  

Investments

   59

7.03

  

Indebtedness

   59

7.04

  

Fundamental Changes

   59

7.05

  

Restricted Payments; Stock Redemptions

   60

7.06

  

Change in Nature of Business

   61

7.07

  

Transactions with Affiliates

   61

7.08

  

Burdensome Agreements

   61

7.09

  

Use of Proceeds

   61

7.10

  

Financial Covenants

   61

7.11

  

Additional Debt Subordination

   62

7.12

  

Tax Sharing Agreements

   62

7.13

  

Equity Issuances by Subsidiaries

   63

7.14

  

AFG Bonds and AAG Bonds

   63

ARTICLE VIII  EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

   63

8.01

  

Events of Default

   63

 

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        8.02

  

Remedies Upon Event of Default

      65

8.03

  

Application of Funds

      66

ARTICLE IX  ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

      66

9.01

  

Appointment and Authority

      66

9.02

  

Rights as a Lender

      67

9.03

  

Exculpatory Provisions

      67

9.04

  

Reliance by Administrative Agent

      68

9.05

  

Delegation of Duties

      68

9.06

  

Resignation of Administrative Agent

      68

9.07

  

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

      69

9.08

  

No Other Duties, Etc

      69

9.09

  

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

      69

ARTICLE X  MISCELLANEOUS

      70

10.01

  

Amendments, Etc

      70

10.02

  

Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.

      71

10.03

  

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

      73

10.04

  

Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

      73

10.05

  

Payments Set Aside

      75

10.06

  

Successors and Assigns

      76

10.07

  

Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality

      79

10.08

  

Right of Setoff

      80

10.09

  

Interest Rate Limitation

      81

10.10

  

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

      81

10.11

  

Survival of Representations and Warranties

      81

10.12

  

Severability

      81

10.13

  

Replacement of Lenders

      81

10.14

  

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc

      82

10.15

  

Waiver of Jury Trial

      83

10.16

  

No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

      83

10.17

  

USA PATRIOT Act Notice

      84

10.18

  

Entire Agreement

      84

SIGNATURES

     

 

iii


SCHEDULES

        1.01

  

CDO Variable Interest Entities

        1.02

  

Existing Letters of Credit

        2.01

  

Commitments and Applicable Percentages

        5.13

  

Subsidiaries; Other Equity Investments

        10.02

  

Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses for Notices

        10.06

  

Processing and Recordation Fees

EXHIBITS

  

Form of

        A

  

Revolving Loan Notice

        B

  

Note

        C

  

Compliance Certificate

        D

  

Assignment and Assumption

        E

  

Subordination Agreement

        F

  

AFG Guaranty

        G

  

Joinder Agreement

 

iv


CREDIT AGREEMENT

This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of March 29, 2006 among AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., an Ohio corporation (“AFG”), AAG HOLDING COMPANY, INC., an Ohio corporation (“AAG”) (each of AFG and AAG are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as a “Borrower” and collectively as the “Borrowers”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Co-Syndication Agents, US BANK, N.A., as Documentation Agent and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

The Borrowers have requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

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

AAG” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

AAG Bonds” means the 6 7/8% Senior Notes, issued by AAG with a maturity date of June 1, 2008.

AAG Capital Trust Securities” means capital stock issued by AAG Trust or any other trust or similar entity, the proceeds of which are invested by such Person in an equivalent amount of Subordinated Debentures.

AAG Trust” means collectively American Annuity Group Capital Trust II, a statutory trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware and Great American Financial Statutory Trust IV, a Connecticut statutory trust.

Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.

Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrowers and the Lenders.

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling, Controlled by or under direct or indirect common Control with such Person and

 

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shall include (i) any officer or director or general partner of such Person and (ii) any Person or Affiliate of such Person that, directly or indirectly, beneficially owns either (a) at least 30% of the outstanding voting equity securities or (b) at least 30% of all Equity Interests.

AFG” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

AFG Bonds” means the 7 1/8% Senior Debentures issued by AFG with a maturity date of December 15, 2007.

AFG Capital Trust Securities” means capital stock issued by American Financial Capital Trust I or any other trust or similar entity, the proceeds of which are invested by such Person in an equivalent amount of Subordinated Debentures.

AFG Consolidated Net Worth” means, on any date, the sum of (a) amount reported by AFG, determined in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis, as “Total Shareholders’ Equity” on its Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, but excluding (i) all amounts in respect of unrealized gains or losses recorded pursuant to FAS 115 and (ii) any mandatorily redeemable capital stock (or redeemable shares of other beneficial interest) plus (b) to the extent not included in clause (a) above, Capital Trust Securities permitted by Section 7.13, in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP.

AFG Consolidated Total Financing Debt” means, on any date, on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP for AFG and its Subsidiaries (a) the sum of (i) indebtedness for borrowed money, or indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, Capitalized Leases, guarantees (excluding guarantees of indebtedness already included as Indebtedness) or similar instruments, (ii) indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of assets (other than the normal trade accounts payable), and (iii) indebtedness in respect of mandatory redemption or dividend rights related to an Equity Interest, but (b) excluding Indebtedness in respect of (i) the AFG Capital Trust Securities permitted by Section 7.13 (including the Subordinated Debentures), (ii) any collateralized debt obligation fund managed by AFG which is listed on Schedule 1.01 and which Indebtedness in this clause (b) is carried as “Long Term Debt - Variable Interest Entities” on AFG’s balance sheet from time to time in accordance with GAAP, and (iii) Non-Recourse Real Estate Indebtedness of AFG and its Subsidiaries.

AFG Guaranty” means the Guaranty made by AFG, substantially in the form of Exhibit F.

AFG Total Capitalization” means, on any date, the sum of (a) AFG Consolidated Total Financing Debt, plus (b) AFG Consolidated Net Worth, plus (c) all amounts appearing on a consolidated balance sheet of AFG and its Subsidiaries in the line item “Minority Interest”, all determined in accordance with GAAP.

Agent Parties” has the meaning specified in Section 10.02(c).

Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.

Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.

 

2


Applicable Percentage” means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment at such time. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

Applicable Rate” means, from time to time, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Debt Rating as set forth below:

 

Applicable Rate
Pricing  
Level  
  

Debt Ratings    

S&P/Moody’s    

   Commitment            
Fee            
  Eurodollar            
Rate Loan            
  Base Rate        
Loan        
  Letter of        
Credit Fee        
1    A-/A3 or better        0.100%   0.500%   0.000%   0.500%
2    BBB+/Baa1        0.125%   0.600%   0.000%   0.600%
3    BBB/Baa2        0.150%   0.750%   0.000%   0.750%
4    BBB-/Baa3        0.175%   0.875%   0.000%   0.875%
5    lower than BBB-/Baa3        0.250%   1.250%   0.000%   1.250%

Debt Rating” means, as of any date of determination, the rating as determined by either S&P or Moody’s (collectively, the “Debt Ratings”) of AFG’s non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt; provided that (a) if the respective Debt Ratings issued by the foregoing rating agencies differ by one level, then the Pricing Level for the higher of such Debt Ratings shall apply (with the Debt Rating for Pricing Level 1 being the highest and the Debt Rating for Pricing Level 5 being the lowest); (b) if there is a split in Debt Ratings of more than one level, then the Pricing Level that is one level higher than the Pricing Level of the lower Debt Rating shall apply; (c) if AFG has only one Debt Rating, the Pricing Level of such Debt Rating shall apply; and (d) if AFG does not have a Debt Rating, Pricing Level 5 shall apply.

Initially, the Applicable Rate shall be determined based upon the Debt Rating specified in the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(vii). Thereafter, each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a publicly announced change in the Debt Rating shall be effective, in the case of an upgrade, during the period commencing on the date of delivery by AFG to the Administrative Agent of notice thereof pursuant to Section 6.03(e) and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change and, in the case of a downgrade, during the period commencing on the date of the public announcement thereof and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change.

Approved Bank” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Cash and Equivalents”.

 

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Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

APU Holding” means APU Holding Company, an Ohio corporation.

Arranger” means Banc of America Securities LLC, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole book manager.

Assignee Group” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit D or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a Capitalized Lease.

Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of AFG and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of AFG and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.

Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b)(iii).

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05, and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans pursuant to Section 8.02.

Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code.

Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate.” The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

 

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Base Rate Loan” means a Revolving Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

Borrower” and “Borrowers” have the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Borrowers’ Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the State of New York or the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.

Capital Trust Securities” means either AAG Capital Trust Securities or AFG Capital Trust Securities, as applicable.

Capitalized Lease” means any lease which is required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee in accordance with GAAP and Statement No. 13 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

Capitalized Lease Obligations” means the amount of the liability reflecting the aggregate discounted amount of future payments under all Capitalized Leases calculated in accordance with GAAP and Statement No. 13 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

Cash and Equivalents” means unrestricted and unencumbered (a) cash, (b) securities based or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than 180 days from the date of acquisition, (c) Dollar denominated time and demand deposits and certificates of deposit of (i) any Lender, (ii) any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 or (iii) any bank whose short-term commercial paper rating from S&P is at least A-2 or the equivalent thereof or from Moody’s is at least P-2 or the equivalent thereof (any such bank being an “Approved Bank”), in each case with maturities of not more than 180 days from the date of acquisition, (d) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by any Approved Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable rate notes issued by, or guaranteed by, any domestic corporation rated A-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or P-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s and maturing within 180 days of the date of acquisition, (e) repurchase agreements with a bank or trust company (including any of the Lenders) or recognized securities dealer having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 for direct obligations issued by or fully guaranteed by the United States of America in which AFG or any of its Subsidiaries shall have a perfected first priority security interest (subject to no other Liens) and having, on the date of purchase thereof, a fair market value of at least 100% of the repurchase obligations, (f) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets, in money market investments programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are administered by reputable financial institutions having capital of at least $500,000,000.

Cash Collateralize” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(g).

 

5


Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.

Change of Control” means an event or series of events by which (a) Lindner Family Members shall collectively cease to own beneficially (i) at least 15% of the outstanding voting common stock of AFG and (ii) a sufficient number of shares of such voting common stock of AFG so that Lindner Family Members in the aggregate own more shares of such voting common stock than any other Person or group of Persons, (b) fewer than 10% of the members of the board of directors of AFG shall be Lindner Family Members or representatives thereof, (c) AFG shall cease to own directly, or indirectly through a direct non-regulated subsidiary holding company (which does not (i) have any material Indebtedness, (ii) transact any material business and (iii) own any material assets other than Equity Interests of GAIC and other Insurance Subsidiaries) in which AFG owns 100% of the Equity Interests, 100% of the voting common stock of GAIC, (d) GAFRI, AAG, or any of their respective Subsidiaries (or any combination thereof) shall cease to own, directly or indirectly through a direct non-regulated holding company (which does not (i) have any material Indebtedness, (ii) transact any material business, and (iii) own any material assets other than Equity Interests of GALIC and other Insurance Subsidiaries) in which GAFRI, AAG or one of their respective Subsidiaries (or any combination thereof) owns 100% of the Equity Interests, 100% of the voting common stock of GALIC, or (e) any Change of Control (howsoever defined) shall occur with respect to any other Indebtedness of AFG or any of its Subsidiaries.

Closing Date” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.01 and (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C.

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (or loss) of AFG and its Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis, and as reported by AFG on its Form 10-K or Form 10-Q.

Contractual Obligation” means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

 

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Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

Credit Extension” means each of the following: (a) a Revolving Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.

Debt Rating” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Applicable Rate.”

Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.

Default Rate” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, and (b) when used with respect to the Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Rate plus 2% per annum.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Revolving Loans or participations in L/C Obligations required to be funded by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date required to be funded by it hereunder unless such failure has been cured, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute or unless such failure has been cured, or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii), (v) and (vi), subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii).

Environmental Laws” means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants,

 

7


franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.

Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of AFG or any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with either Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by either Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate thereof from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by AFG or any ERISA Affiliate thereof from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon AFG or any ERISA Affiliate thereof.

Eurodollar Rate” means, for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as

 

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published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period. If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “Eurodollar Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

Eurodollar Rate Loan” means a Revolving Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate.

Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of either Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which either Borrower is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by AFG under Section 10.13), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.01(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from either Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a).

Existing AFG Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 19, 2004 among AFG, Bank of America, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Existing GAFRI Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2004 among GAFRI, AAG and Bank of America, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

Existing Letters of Credit” means those Letters of Credit set forth on Schedule 1.02.

 

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Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

Fee Letter” means the letter agreement, dated February 10, 2006, among AFG, AAG, the Administrative Agent and the Arranger.

Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which either Borrower is resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

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

Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.

GAFRI” means Great American Financial Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

GAFRI Consolidated Financing Debt” means on a consolidated basis for GAFRI and its Subsidiaries the sum of (a)(i) indebtedness for borrowed money, or indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures (excluding any subordinated debentures issued by AAG to AAG Trust and other similar entities), Capitalized Leases, guarantees (excluding guarantees of indebtedness already included as GAFRI Consolidated Financing Debt) or similar instruments, (ii) indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of assets (other than the normal trade accounts payable), and (iii) indebtedness in respect of mandatory redemption or dividend rights related to an Equity Interest, minus the sum of (b)(i) all Cash and Equivalents in excess of $5,000,000 held by GAFRI and AAG, on a holding company only basis, and other non-insurance Subsidiaries so long as the movement of cash to GAFRI and AAG is not restricted, (ii) any collateralized debt obligation fund managed by GAFRI which is listed on Schedule 1.01 and which Indebtedness in this clause (b)(ii) is carried as “Long Term Debt – Variable Interest Entities” on GAFRI’s

 

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balance sheet from time to time in accordance with GAAP, and (iii) Non-Recourse Real Estate Indebtedness of GAFRI and its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this definition, “Cash and Equivalents” shall mean unencumbered cash and short-term investments, fixed income securities, and equity securities (excluding GAFRI and/or its Subsidiaries securities) at market value.

GAFRI Consolidated Net Worth” means, on any date, the amount reported by GAFRI, determined in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis, as “Total Shareholders’ Equity” on its Form 10-K or Form 10-Q. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the calculation of GAFRI Consolidated Net Worth shall (a) include the preferred securities of AAG Trust and other similar entities (to the extent the proceeds of such preferred securities were, or will be, used to purchase subordinated debentures issued by GAFRI or one of its Subsidiaries) and (b) exclude (i) all amounts in respect of unrealized gains or losses recorded pursuant to FAS 115, and (ii) preferred stock which is required to be included as GAFRI Consolidated Financing Debt.

GAFRI Total Capitalization” means, as of any date the sum of (a) GAFRI Consolidated Financing Debt, plus (b) GAFRI Consolidated Net Worth.

GAIC” means Great American Insurance Company, an Ohio insurance company.

GALIC” means Great American Life Insurance Company, an Ohio insurance company.

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, any Insurance Authorities, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guarantee” means, as to any Person, any (a) obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if

 

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not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

Honor Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

Increase Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.13.

Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

(a)    all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;

(b)    all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments other than under insurance policies issued by an Insurance Subsidiary;

(c)    net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;

(d)    all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business);

(e)    indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;

(f)    Capitalized Leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations;

(g)    all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person or any other Person, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and

(h)    all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.

For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited

 

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liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any Capitalized Lease or Synthetic Lease Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date.

Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).

Insurance Authorities” means collectively, in relation to any particular jurisdiction, the insurance regulatory authorities, commissions, agencies, departments, boards or other authorities of or in that jurisdiction.

Insurance Subsidiary” means each Significant Subsidiary of AFG engaged primarily in the insurance business and licensed as an insurance company in one or more states or Puerto Rico.

Interest and Dividend Charges” means, for any period, with respect to AFG, the sum (without duplication) of (a) the aggregate amount of interest, including commitment fees, charges in the nature of interest under Capitalized Leases and net amounts due under Swap Contracts, accrued directly by AFG (whether such interest is reflected as an item of expense or capitalized but excluding interest on intercompany debt) in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) actual cash dividends (including liquidating distributions and dividends paid on AFG Capital Trust Securities) paid by AFG (other than regular cash dividends paid on AFG’s common stock in amounts consistent with past practice and other than dividends paid to any holding company that is a Subsidiary of AFG) with respect to Equity Interests.

Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.

Interest Period” means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months (or other periods if available to all Lenders) thereafter, as selected by the applicable Borrower in its Revolving Loan Notice; provided that:

(i)    any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

 

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(ii)        any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and

(iii)        no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.

Internal Control Event” means a material weakness in, or fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in, AFG’s internal controls over financial reporting, in each case as described in the Securities Laws.

Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) any loan, advance or extension of credit (including Guarantees), (b) any capital contribution or purchase of Equity Interests, and (c) any acquisition of property other than upon full payment in cash at fair market value; provided, however that the term “Investment” shall not include (i) investments and reinvestments in portfolio securities in the ordinary course of business, (ii) sales or other transfers of portfolio assets among AFG and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (iii) trade and customer accounts receivable for property leased, goods furnished or services rendered in the ordinary course of business and payable on a current basis in accordance with customary trade terms, (iv) deposits, advances or prepayments to suppliers for property leased or licensed, goods furnished and services rendered in the ordinary course of business, (v) advances to employees for relocation and travel expenses, drawing accounts and similar expenditures, (vi) stock or other securities acquired in connection with the satisfaction or enforcement of Indebtedness or claims due to any Person or as security for any such Indebtedness or claims or (vii) demand deposits in banks or similar financial institutions. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in value of such Investment.

IP Rights” has the meaning specified in Section 5.18.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

Issuer Documents” means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and either Borrower (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.

Joinder Agreement” means the Joinder Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit G, executed by any Subsidiary of AFG (other than AAG) for whose account a Letter of Credit is issued.

Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial

 

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precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.

L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

L/C Borrowing” means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Revolving Borrowing.

L/C Credit Extension” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.

L/C Issuer” means Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

L/C Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder, and shall include Existing Letters of Credit.

Letter of Credit Application” means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer.

Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the day that is seven days prior to the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).

Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(i).

Letter of Credit Obligor” means AFG, AAG and any Subsidiary who may execute a Joinder Agreement.

 

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Letter of Credit Sublimit” means an amount equal to $25,000,000. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.

Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

Lindner Family Members” means Carl H. Lindner, his wife and all lineal descendents and their wives, as well as trusts established by or for the benefit of such persons.

Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to either Borrower under Article II in the form of a Revolving Loan.

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document, the Fee Letter, the Subordination Agreement, each Joinder Agreement and the AFG Guaranty.

Loan Parties” means AFG, AAG and each other Letter of Credit Obligor.

Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of AFG, individually, or AFG and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

Maturity Date” means the earliest of (a) March 29, 2011 (provided, however, if such date is not a Business Day, the date which is the next preceding Business Day), (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05 and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans pursuant to Section 8.02.

Maximum Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 10.09.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which either Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate thereof makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

NAIC” means the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

National Interstate” means National Interstate Corporation, an Ohio corporation.

Non-Extension Notice Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(b)(iii).

 

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Non-Recourse Real Estate Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, any Indebtedness of such Person for which the owner of such Indebtedness has no recourse, directly or indirectly, to such Person for the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Indebtedness, and for which such Person is not directly or indirectly obligated or otherwise liable for the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Indebtedness, except with respect to real property of such Person pursuant to mortgages, deeds of trust or other security interests to which such Indebtedness relates, provided that recourse obligations or liabilities solely for fraud, environmental matters and other customary “non-recourse carve-outs” in respect of any Indebtedness will not prevent Indebtedness from being classified as Non-Recourse Real Estate Indebtedness.

Note” means a promissory note made by each Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.

Organization Documents” means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

Outstanding Amount” means (a) with respect to Revolving Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date, and (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligation on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by any Loan Party of Unreimbursed Amounts.

Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).

 

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PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by either Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate thereof or to which either Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate thereof contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years.

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

Plan” means any “employee benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by either Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.

Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

Qualified Institutional Buyer” means any domestic or foreign bank, insurance company (other than any of AFG’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries that are insurance companies) savings and loan association, or registered investment company which in the aggregate owns and invests on a discretionary basis at least $100,000,000 in securities and which has a net worth of at least $100,000,000; provided, however, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, AFG shall approve any assignment to a Qualified Institutional Buyer to the extent required under Section 10.06(b).

Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c).

Registered Public Accounting Firm” has the meaning specified in the Securities Laws and shall be independent of AFG as provided by the Securities Laws.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Revolving Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Revolving Loans, a Revolving Loan Notice, and (b) with respect to an L/C Extension, a Letter of Credit Application.

Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having at least 51% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the

 

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obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the aggregate at least 51% of the Total Outstandings(with the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations being deemed “held” by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

Responsible Officer” means a chief executive officer, president, executive

vice president, senior vice president, chief financial officer, general counsel, treasurer or assistant treasurer of a Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

Restricted Payment” means (a) the declaration or payment of any dividend on any Equity Interest of AFG or any Subsidiary, other than dividends payable solely in shares of common stock, (b) the purchase or other retirement of any class of Equity Interest of AFG or any Subsidiary, (c) any other distribution on or in respect of any class of Equity Interest of AFG or any Subsidiary, and (d) any payment of principal or interest or premium on, or any purchase or other retirement of, any Indebtedness required to be subordinated to the Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including (i) the Subordinated Debentures, and (ii) intercompany debt obligations of either Borrower owing to any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

Revolving Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Revolving Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.

Revolving Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

Revolving Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Revolving Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Revolving Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

RICA” means Republic Indemnity Company of America, a California insurance company.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

Sarbanes-Oxley” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

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Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley and the applicable accounting and auditing principles, rules, standards and practices promulgated, approved or incorporated by the SEC or the PCAOB.

Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of AFG which has five percent (5%) or more of the total assets of AFG and its Subsidiaries (determined as of the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter), and shall in any event include (a) GAIC, (b) GALIC, (c) RICA, (d) GAFRI, (e) Great American Holding, Inc., (f) APU Holding, (g) AAG and (h) the successors and assigns of any of the foregoing permitted under this Agreement.

Statutory Accounting Methods” means the statutory reporting practices prescribed by the applicable Insurance Authorities with respect to the Insurance Subsidiaries.

Subordinated Debentures” means any subordinated debentures (which debentures shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) issued by AFG or any of its Subsidiaries on or prior to the Closing Date (or, in the case only of AFG or GAFRI, after the Closing Date as contemplated by Section 7.13(c)(ii)) to AAG Trust, American Financial Capital Trust I or any other trust or similar entity controlled by AFG or any of its Subsidiaries.

Subordination Agreement” means the Subordination Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit E pursuant to which each of the Borrowers’ Subsidiaries and Affiliates to which either Borrower has any Indebtedness shall unconditionally subordinate any Indebtedness owed to it by such Borrower to the prior payment in full of the Obligations.

Subsidiary” means any person of which AFG (or other specified Person) shall at the time, directly or indirectly through one or more of its Subsidiaries, (i) own more than 50% of the outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote generally, (ii) hold more than 50% of the Equity Interests or (iii) be a general partner or joint venture. Unless otherwise specified, all references to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of AFG.

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 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.

 

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Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).

Synthetic Lease Obligation” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).

Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and L/C Obligations.

Type” means, with respect to a Revolving Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

Unfunded Pension Liability” means the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.

United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.

Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

1.02    Other Interpretive Provisions.  With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

(a)    The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such

 

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Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

(b)    In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

(c)    Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(d)    For purposes of Section 8.01(b), a breach of a financial covenant contained in Section 7.10 shall be deemed to have occurred as of any date of determination thereof by the Administrative Agent or as of the last day of any specified measuring period, regardless of when the financial statements reflecting such breach are delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

1.03    Accounting Terms.  (a)    Generally.  All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP or Statutory Accounting Methods, as the case may be, applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.

(b)    Changes in GAAP or Statutory Accounting Methods. If at any time any change in GAAP or Statutory Accounting Methods, as the case may be, would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either AFG or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and AFG shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP or Statutory Accounting Methods, as the case may be, (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP or Statutory Accounting Methods, as the case may be, prior to such change therein and (ii) AFG shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP or Statutory Accounting Methods, as the case may be.

 

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1.04    Rounding.  Any financial ratios required to be maintained by AFG pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).

1.05    Times of Day.  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).

1.06    Letter of Credit Amounts.  Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Issuer Document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.

ARTICLE II

THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

2.01    Revolving Loans.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “Revolving Loan”) to each of the Borrowers from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender’s Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Revolving Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Revolving Loans made to AAG and L/C Obligations for which GAFRI or one of its Subsidiaries is the Letter of Credit Obligor shall not exceed $200,000,000. Within the limits of each Lender’s Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.04, and reborrow under this Section 2.01. Revolving Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

2.02    Revolving Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Revolving Loans.

(a)    Each Revolving Borrowing, each conversion of Revolving Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the applicable Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Revolving Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Revolving Borrowing of Base Rate Loans.

 

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Each telephonic notice by the applicable Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Revolving Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the applicable Borrower; provided, however, any Revolving Loan Notices delivered by AAG shall be signed by two Responsible Officers of AAG, at least one of whom shall be the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer or the general counsel of AAG. Each Revolving Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each Revolving Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Revolving Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether such Borrower is requesting a Revolving Borrowing, a conversion of Revolving Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Revolving Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Revolving Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Revolving Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Revolving Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If a Borrower fails to specify a Type of Revolving Loan in a Revolving Loan Notice or if a Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Revolving Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Loans. If a Borrower requests a Revolving Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Revolving Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.

(b)    Following receipt of a Revolving Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the Revolving Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the applicable Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection. In the case of a Revolving Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Revolving Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the Revolving Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Revolving Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the applicable Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the applicable Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the applicable Borrower; provided, however, that if, on the date the Revolving Loan Notice with respect to such Revolving Borrowing is given by a Borrower there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Revolving Borrowing, first, shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second, shall be made available to the applicable Borrower as provided above.

(c)    Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.

 

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(d)    The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the applicable Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the applicable Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

(e)    After giving effect to all Revolving Borrowings, all conversions of Revolving Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Revolving Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Revolving Loans.

2.03    Letters of Credit.

(a)    The Letter of Credit Commitment.

(i)    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Letter of Credit Obligors, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below, and (2) to honor drawings under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Letter of Credit Obligors and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment, and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. Each request by a Letter of Credit Obligor for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by such Letter of Credit Obligor that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Letter of Credit Obligor’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Letter of Credit Obligors may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed. All Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued pursuant hereto, and from and after the Closing Date shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions hereof.

(ii)    The L/C Issuer shall not issue any Letters of Credit if:

 

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(A)    subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date;

(B)    the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Lenders have approved such expiry date; or

(C)    such Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars.

(iii)    The L/C Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

(A)    any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;

(B)    the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally;

(C)    except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, such Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $500,000;

(D)    such Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the stated amount after any drawing thereunder; or

(E)    a default of any Lender’s obligations to fund under Section 2.03(c) exists or any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender hereunder, unless the L/C Issuer has entered into satisfactory arrangements with AFG or, as the case may be, an applicable Letter of Credit Obligor or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer’s risk with respect to such Lender.

(iv)    The L/C Issuer shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the L/C Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof.

(v)    The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.

 

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(vi)    The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article IX included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer.

(b)    Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit.

(i)    Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of a Letter of Credit Obligor delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of such Letter of Credit Obligor. Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (G) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require. Additionally, the Letter of Credit Obligor shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require.

(ii)    Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from a Letter of Credit Obligor and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or

 

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more applicable conditions contained in Article IV shall not then be satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the applicable Letter of Credit Obligor or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit

(iii)    If a Letter of Credit Obligor so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole and absolute discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “Non-Extension Notice Date”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, a Letter of Credit Obligor shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided, however, that the L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.03(a) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is five Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or a Letter of Credit Obligor that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.

(iv)    Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the applicable Letter of Credit Obligor and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.

(c)    Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations.

(i)    Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Letter of Credit Obligor who requested the issuance of such Letter of Credit and the Administrative Agent thereof. Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an “Honor Date”), such Letter of Credit Obligor shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to

 

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the amount of such drawing. If such Letter of Credit Obligor fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the “Unreimbursed Amount”), and the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. In such event, AFG shall be deemed to have requested a Revolving Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Revolving Loan Notice). Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

(ii)    Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to AFG in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer.

(iii)    With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Revolving Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Letter of Credit Obligor for whose account that such Letter of Credit was issued shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate. In such event, each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03.

(iv)    Until each Lender funds its Revolving Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.

(v)    Each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, any Letter of Credit Obligor or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the

 

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foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by a Borrower of a Revolving Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of any Letter of Credit Obligor to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.

(vi)    If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Loan included in the relevant Revolving Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be. A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)    Repayment of Participations.

(i)    At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from a Letter of Credit Obligor or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.

(ii)    If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

(e)    Obligations Absolute.  The obligation of each Letter of Credit Obligor to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

 

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(i)    any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document;

(ii)    the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that any Letter of Credit Obligor may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;

(iii)    any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

(iv)    any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or

(v)    any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Letter of Credit Obligor.

Each Letter of Credit Obligor shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit issued for its account and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with such Letter of Credit Obligor’s instructions or other irregularity, such Letter of Credit Obligor will immediately notify the L/C Issuer. Each Letter of Credit Obligor shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.

(f)    Role of L/C Issuer.  Each Lender and each Letter of Credit Obligor agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross

 

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negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. Each Letter of Credit Obligor hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude any Letter of Credit Obligor pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.03(e); provided, however, that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, a Letter of Credit Obligor may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to such Letter of Credit Obligor, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by such Letter of Credit Obligor which such Letter of Credit Obligor proves were caused by the L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.

(g)    Cash Collateral.  Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, (i) if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, AFG shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations. Sections 2.04 and 8.02(c) set forth certain additional requirements to deliver Cash Collateral hereunder. For purposes of this Section 2.03, Section 2.04 and Section 8.02(c), “Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. AFG hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America.

(h)    Applicability of ISP.  Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and a Letter of Credit Obligor when a Letter of Credit is issued (including any such agreement applicable to an Existing Credit Agreement), the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit.

(i)    Letter of Credit Fees.  Each Letter of Credit Obligor shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable

 

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Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the “Letter of Credit Fee”) for each Letter of Credit issued for such Letter of Credit Obligor’s account equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand and (ii) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

(j)    Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer.  Each Letter of Credit Obligor shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued for such Letter of Credit Obligor’s account, at the rate per annum specified in the Fee Letter, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the tenth Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06. In addition, AFG shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

(k)    Conflict with Issuer Documents.  In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.

(l)    Letters of Credit Issued for Letter of Credit Obligors that are Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Letter of Credit Obligor that is a Subsidiary, AFG shall be jointly and severally obligated to reimburse the L/C Issuer hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit. AFG hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of Letter of Credit Obligors that are Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of AFG, and that AFG’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

2.04    Prepayments.

(a)    Either Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Revolving Loans made to it in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent

 

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not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of a whole multiple of $1,000,000; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Revolving Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by a Borrower, such Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Each such prepayment shall be applied to the Revolving Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.

(b)    If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrowers shall immediately prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that AFG shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.04(b) unless after prepayment in the full amount of the Revolving Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect.

2.05    Termination or Reduction of Commitments.  AFG may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, and (iii) AFG shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments. Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage. All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

2.06    Repayment.  Each Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans made to it and AFG shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date all other Obligations outstanding on such date.

2.07    Interest.

(a)    Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate and

 

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(ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

(b)    (i)    If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(ii)    If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(iii)    Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, AFG shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.

(iv)    Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

(c)    Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

2.08 Fees.

(a)    Commitment Fee.  AFG shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans and (ii) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations. The commitment fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

 

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(b)     Other Fees.

(i)    The Borrowers shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

(ii)    The Borrowers shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

2.09    Computation of Interest and Fees.  All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America’s “prime rate” and all computations of fees shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. Subject to Section 10.09, all other computations of interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more interest being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.11(a), bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

2.10    Evidence of Debt.  The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrowers and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

2.11    Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.

(a)    General.  All payments to be made by the Borrowers shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrowers hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to

 

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each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrowers shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

(b)    (i)    Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Revolving Borrowing of a Eurodollar Rate Loan (or, in the case of any Revolving Borrowing of a Base Rate Loan, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Revolving Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing on a Base Rate Loan, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Revolving Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the applicable Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by a Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If a Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to such Borrower the amount of such interest paid by such Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Revolving Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Loan included in such Revolving Borrowing. Any payment by a Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim such Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

(ii)    Payments by a Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer hereunder that such Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if such Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer,

 

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as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or a Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(c)    Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent.  If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to a Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall promptly return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.

(d)    Obligations of Lenders Several.  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Revolving Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Revolving Loan or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Revolving Loan or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c).

(e)    Funding Source.  Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

2.12    Sharing of Payments by Lenders.  If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Revolving Loans made by it or the participation in L/C Obligations held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a portion of the aggregate amount of such Revolving Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

(i)    if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and

 

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(ii)    the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by a Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Revolving Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations to any assignee or participant, other than to AFG or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

2.13    Increase in Commitments.

(a)    Request for Increase.  Provided there exists no Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), AFG may from time to time, request one or more increases in the Aggregate Commitments in an aggregate amount (for all such requests) not exceeding $100,000,000; provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000, and (ii) the Aggregate Commitments shall not at any time exceed the lesser of (x) $600,000,000 or (y) the amount to which the maximum Aggregate Commitments shall have been permanently reduced pursuant to Section 2.05 or otherwise under this Agreement. At the time of sending such notice, AFG (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).

(b)    Lender Elections to Increase.  Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.

(c)    Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders.  The Administrative Agent shall notify AFG and each Lender of the Lenders’ responses to each request made hereunder. To achieve the full amount of a requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld), AFG may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

(d)    Effective Date and Allocations.  If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and AFG shall determine the effective date (the “Increase Effective Date”) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify AFG and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date.

 

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(e)    Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase.  As a condition precedent to such increase, each Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of such Borrower dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Borrower (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Borrower approving or consenting to such increase, and (ii) certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.13, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, and (B) no Default exists. The Borrowers shall prepay any Revolving Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Revolving Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.

(f)    Conflicting Provisions.  This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.12 or 10.01 to the contrary.

ARTICLE III

TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

3.01    Taxes.

(a)    Payments Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrowers hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes), provided that if either Borrower shall be required by applicable law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes) from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) such Borrower shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b)    Payment of Other Taxes.  Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, AFG (and AAG, to the extent related to any Revolving Loan made to it) shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(c)    Indemnification.  AFG (and AAG, to the extent related to any Revolving Loan made to it) shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including

 

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Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to AFG by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)    Evidence of Payments.  As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by AFG (or to the extent applicable, AAG) to a Governmental Authority, AFG (or to the extent applicable, AAG) shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e)    Status of Lenders.  Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which either Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to such Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by such Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if requested by either Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by such Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable such Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that either Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, any Foreign Lender shall deliver to such Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of a Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:

(i)    duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,

(ii)    duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,

(iii)    in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the

 

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Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of either Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or

(iv)    any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit a Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

(f)    Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by either Borrower or with respect to which either Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to such Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that such Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority, unless such penalties, interest or other charges have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such Lender) to the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to either Borrower or any other Person.

3.02    Illegality.  If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurodollar Rate Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrowers through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the applicable Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender owed by such Borrower to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, such Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

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3.03    Inability to Determine Rates.  If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrowers and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the applicable Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Revolving Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Revolving Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

3.04    Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.

(a)    Increased Costs Generally.  If any Change in Law shall:

(i)    impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement contemplated by Section 3.04(e));

(ii)    subject any Lender or the L/C Issuer to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any Eurodollar Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the L/C Issuer in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer ); or

(iii)    impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C issuer, as the case may be, AFG will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

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(b)    Capital Requirements.   If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letter of Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time AFG will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

(c)    Certificates for Reimbursement.   A certificate of a Lender or the L/C Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to AFG shall be conclusive absent manifest error. AFG shall pay such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

(d)    Delay in Requests.   Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that neither Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies a Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

(e)    Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.   AFG (and AAG, to the extent related to any Eurodollar Rate Loan made to it) shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as “Eurocurrency liabilities”), additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the applicable Borrower shall have received at least 10 days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.

3.05    Compensation for Losses.   Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, AFG (and AAG, to the extent related to any Eurodollar Rate Loan made to it) shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

 

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(a)    any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);

(b)    any failure by a Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by such Borrower; or

(c)    any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by AFG pursuant to Section 10.13;

including any loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The applicable Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing. For purposes of calculating amounts payable by a Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05 with respect to loss of anticipated profits, such Borrower shall be obligated to pay an amount equal to the daily interest for the unexpired portion of such Interest Period on the portion of the Loan so repaid, or as to which a Eurodollar Rate Loan was so terminated, at a per annum rate equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the Eurodollar Rate calculated on the basis of the rate applicable to such Loan minus (ii) the rate of interest obtainable by the Administrative Agent upon the purchase of debt securities customarily issued by the Treasury of the United States of America which have a maturity date approximating the last Banking Day of such Interest Period, together with reimbursement for any other fees, expenses or charges incurred by such Lender arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits.

3.06    Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a)    Designation of a Different Lending Office.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or a Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. AFG (and AAG, to the extent related to any Eurodollar Rate Loan made to it) hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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(b)    Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if a Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, AFG may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13.

3.07    Survival.  All of the Borrowers’ obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

4.01    Conditions of Initial Credit Extension.  The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent having been met:

(a)    The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:

(i)    executed counterparts of this Agreement, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Borrower;

(ii)    a Note executed by each Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;

(iii)    the AFG Guaranty, duly executed by AFG;

(iv)    such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Borrower as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a party;

(v)    such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(vi)    a favorable opinion of Keating, Muething & Klekamp, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to the matters concerning AFG and its Subsidiaries and the Loan Documents as the Required Lenders may reasonably request;

 

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(vii)    a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Borrower either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Borrower and the validity against such Borrower of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;

(viii)    a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of AFG certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied, and (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and (C) the current Debt Ratings;

(ix)    a duly completed Compliance Certificate for the period ending December 31, 2005, signed by a Responsible Officer of AFG;

(x)    evidence that the Existing AFG Credit Agreement and the Existing GAFRI Credit Agreement have been or concurrently with the Closing Date are being terminated and all outstanding fees and interest related thereto have been paid in full;

(xi)    executed Subordination Agreement by each Borrower’s Subsidiaries and Affiliates to which each Borrower has any Indebtedness; and

(xii)    such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders reasonably may require.

(b)    Any fees related to this Agreement required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.

(c)    Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent).

(d)    The Closing Date shall have occurred on or before April 15, 2006.

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.04, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, (i) this Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits attached hereto and each other document to which it is a party or which it has reviewed or (ii) any other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

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4.02    Conditions to all Credit Extensions.  The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Revolving Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Revolving Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:

(a)    The representations and warranties of AFG contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a), (b) and (c) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a), (b) and (c), respectively, of Section 6.01.

(b)    No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

(c)    The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer, shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Revolving Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Revolving Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) submitted by a Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

AFG represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

5.01    Existence, Qualification and Power.  AFG and each of its Subsidiaries thereof (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, insurance licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license, except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.02    Authorization; No Contravention.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which it is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Loan Party’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Loan Party is a party or affecting such Loan Party or the properties of

 

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AFG or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Loan Party or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law.

5.03    Governmental Authorization;  Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

5.04    Binding Effect.  This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party to the extent that it is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party that is party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party to the extent that it is party thereto in accordance with its terms, subject to Debtor Relief Laws.

5.05    Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

(a)    The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of AFG and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of AFG and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

(b)    AFG’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 (including all of the financial statements and schedules included therein) contains all information which is required to be stated therein in accordance with the Exchange Act and conforms in all material respects to the requirements thereof; and AFG’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 did not when filed include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact which was required to be stated therein or was necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances in which they were made. AFG’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 sets forth all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of AFG and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date of such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

(c)    The December 31, 2005 annual financial statements of GAIC, GALIC and RICA in the form filed with the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of Ohio and California, respectively, were prepared in accordance with applicable statutory accounting principles and fairly present in accordance with applicable statutory regulations and guidelines, the financial condition of GAIC, GALIC and RICA at the dates thereof and the results of its operation for the periods covered thereby.

 

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(d)    Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.06    Litigation.  There is no litigation, at law or in equity, or any proceeding before any federal, state, provincial or municipal court, board or other Governmental Authority or administrative agency or any arbitrator pending or to the knowledge of AFG threatened which may involve any material risk of any final judgment or liability not adequately covered by insurance or which may otherwise, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, or which questions the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no judgment, decree, or order of any federal, state, provincial or municipal court, board or other governmental or administrative agency or arbitrator has been issued against AFG or any of its Subsidiaries which has resulted, or poses a material risk of resulting in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

5.07    No Default.  Neither AFG nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

5.08    Ownership of Property; Liens.  AFG and each of its Subsidiaries has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The property of AFG and its Subsidiaries is subject to no Liens, other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01.

5.09    Environmental Compliance.  AFG and its Subsidiaries conduct in the ordinary course of business a review of the effect of existing Environmental Laws and claims alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law on their respective businesses, operations and properties, and as a result thereof AFG has reasonably concluded that such Environmental Laws and claims could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.10    Insurance.  The properties of AFG and its Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of AFG, in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance compatible with the following standards), with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where AFG or the applicable Subsidiary operates.

5.11    Taxes.  AFG and its Subsidiaries have filed all Federal, state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all Federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves

 

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have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed tax assessment against AFG or any of its Subsidiaries that would, either individually or in the aggregate, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither AFG nor any of its Subsidiaries is party to any tax sharing agreement, other than the tax sharing agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 7.12.

5.12    ERISA Compliance.

(a)    Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the best knowledge of either Borrower, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification. Each Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made with respect to any Plan.

(b)    There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of AFG, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(c)    (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability; (iii) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iv) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (v) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

5.13    Subsidiaries; Equity Interests.  As of the Closing Date, AFG has no Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 5.13, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests in such Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are directly or indirectly owned by AFG or another Subsidiary in the amounts specified on Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 free and clear of all Liens. AFG has no equity investments in excess of 10% of the equity capital in any other non-public corporation or non-public entity other than those specifically disclosed in Part (b) of Schedule 5.13. All of the outstanding Equity Interests of each Borrower have been validly issued, and are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

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5.14    Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act; Public Utility Holding Company Act.

(a)    Neither Borrower is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.

(b)    None of AFG, any Person Controlling AFG, or any Subsidiary (i) is a “holding company,” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company,” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or of a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company,” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, or (ii) is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

5.15    Disclosure.  AFG has disclosed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished (whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of AFG to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, AFG represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.

5.16    Compliance with Laws.  AFG and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.17    Taxpayer Identification Number.  The Borrowers’ true and correct U.S. taxpayer identification numbers are set forth on Schedule 10.02.

5.18    Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.  AFG and each of its Subsidiaries own, or possess the right to use, all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “IP Rights”) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights of any other Person. To the best knowledge of AFG, no slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by AFG or any Subsidiary infringes upon any rights held by any other Person.

 

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ARTICLE VI

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, AFG shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03) cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

6.01    Financial Statements.  Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:

(a)    as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of AFG (commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AFG for the fiscal year then ended, a consolidated balance sheet of AFG and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, such consolidated statements of AFG to be audited and accompanied by (i) a report and opinion of a Registered Public Accounting Firm of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and applicable Securities Law and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit and (ii) an opinion of such Registered Public Accounting Firm independently assessing AFG’s internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Item 308 of SEC Regulation S-K, PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 2 and Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley;

(b)    as soon as available, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of AFG (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006) the quarterly report of AFG as required by the Exchange Act on Form 10-Q, a consolidated balance sheet of AFG and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of AFG and its Subsidiaries’ fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, such consolidated statements to be certified by a Responsible Officer of AFG as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of AFG and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c)    as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of GAFRI (commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005), the Annual Report on Form 10-K of GAFRI for the fiscal year then ended, a consolidated balance sheet of GAFRI and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, such consolidated statements of GAFRI to be audited and accompanied by (i) a report and opinion of a Registered Public Accounting Firm of nationally

 

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recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and applicable Securities Law and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit or with respect to the absence of any material installment and (ii) an opinion of such Registered Public Accounting Firm independently assessing GAFRI’s internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Item 308 of SEC Regulation S-K, PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 2 and Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley;

(d)    as soon as available, but in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of GAFRI (commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006) the quarterly report of GAFRI as required by the Exchange Act on Form 10-Q, a consolidated balance sheet of GAFRI and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of GAFRI and its Subsidiaries’ fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, such consolidated statements to be certified by a Responsible Officer of GAFRI as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of GAFRI and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; and

(e)    as soon as available, all quarterly and annual statutory financial statements, including all exhibits and schedules thereto, of the Insurance Subsidiaries, in the form required by the respective Insurance Authorities.

As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(d), AFG or GAFRI, as the case may be, shall not be separately required to furnish such information under clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of AFG or GAFRI, as the case may be, to furnish the information and materials described in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above at the times specified therein.

6.02    Certificates; Other Information.  Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:

(a)    concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.01(c), a certificate of the Registered Public Accounting Firm certifying such financial statements and stating that in making the examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any Default under the financial covenants set forth herein or, if any such Default shall exist, stating the nature and status of such event;

(b)    concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a), (b), (c) and (d) (commencing with the delivery of the financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of AFG with respect to the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b) and a Responsible Officer of GAFRI with respect to the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(c) and (d);

 

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(c)    promptly after any request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of either Borrower by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of AFG or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them;

(d)    promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of either Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which either Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

(e)    promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of AFG or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01 or any other clause of this Section 6.02;

(f)    promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by AFG or any of its Subsidiaries, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of AFG or any of its Subsidiaries; and

(g)    promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of AFG or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) or Section 6.02(d) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which a Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on such Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on such Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) a Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests such Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) each Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance AFG or GAFRI, as the case may be, shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(b) to the Administrative Agent and each Lender. Except for such Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the

 

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documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by either Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

The Borrowers hereby acknowledge that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrowers hereunder (collectively, “Borrowers’ Materials”) by posting the Borrowers’ Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrowers or their respective securities) (each, a “Public Lender”). The Borrowers hereby agree that (w) all Borrowers’ Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrowers’ Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrowers shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders to treat such Borrowers’ Materials as either publicly available information or not material information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrowers or their respective securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws; (y) all Borrowers’ Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Investor;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger shall be entitled to treat any Borrowers’ Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Investor.”

6.03    Notices.  Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

(a)    of the occurrence of any Default;

(b)    of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of AFG or any Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between AFG or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting AFG or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws;

(c)    of the occurrence of any ERISA Event;

(d)    of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by AFG or any Subsidiary;

(e)    of any announcement by Moody’s or S&P of any change in a Debt Rating; and (f) of the determination by the Registered Public Accounting Firm providing the opinion required under Section 6.01(a)(ii) or 6.01(c)(ii) (in connection with its preparation of either such opinion) or a Borrower’s determination at any time of the occurrence or the existence of any Internal Control Event.

Each notice pursuant to this Section (other than Section 6.03(e)) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of AFG setting forth details of the occurrence referred to

 

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therein and stating what action AFG has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

6.04    Payment of Obligations.  Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by AFG or any Subsidiary; (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property; and (c) all Indebtedness, as and when due and payable, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness.

6.05    Preservation of Existence,  Etc. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.06    Maintenance of Properties.  (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) use the standard of care typical in the industry in the operation and maintenance of its facilities.

6.07    Maintenance of Insurance.  Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of AFG, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance compatible with the following standards) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons and providing for not less than 30 days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent of termination, lapse or cancellation of such insurance.

6.08    Compliance with Laws.  Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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6.09    Books and Records.  (a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of AFG and each Subsidiary; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over AFG and each Subsidiary.

6.10    Inspection Rights.  Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of AFG and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to AFG; provided, however, that when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of AFG at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.

6.11    Use of Proceeds.  Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes and not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document.

6.12    Maintenance of Insurance Licenses.  Maintain all insurance licenses in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such license to conduct such business.

ARTICLE VII

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied:

7.01    Liens.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:

(a)    Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;

(b)    Investments on deposit with Insurance Authorities that are required by statute or regulation;

(c)    Liens on the assets of AFG and its Subsidiaries (other than the Equity Interest of GAIC, GALIC or any other Insurance Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary) so long as no Default exists either before or immediately after giving effect to the creation of such Liens; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of AFG and its Subsidiaries at any time outstanding which is secured by Liens permitted under this Section 7.01(c) and Section 7.01(e) shall not exceed $100,000,000; and

 

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(d)    Liens securing Indebtedness of any of the Subsidiaries owing to either Borrower;

(e)    Purchase money Liens (including mortgages, conditional sales, Capitalized Leases and any other title retention or deferred purchase devices) in property of AFG or any of its Subsidiaries existing or created at the time of acquisition thereof, and the extension and refunding of any such Lien in an amount not exceeding the amount thereof remaining unpaid immediately prior to such extension or refunding; provided, however, that (a) the principal amount of Indebtedness (including Indebtedness in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations) secured by each such Lien shall not exceed the fair market value (including all such Indebtedness secured thereby, whether or not assumed) of the property subject thereto and (b) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of AFG and its Subsidiaries at any time outstanding which is secured by Liens permitted under this Section 7.01(e) and Section 7.01(c) shall not exceed $100,000,000; and

(f)    Liens to secure Non-Recourse Real Estate Indebtedness of AFG and its Subsidiaries, provided such Liens are and will remain confined to the property or assets subject to it at the time of its creation (and to fixed improvements thereafter) erected on such property or assets.

7.02    Investments.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any Investments, unless no Default exists both before and immediately after giving effect to such Investment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Default shall exist, (a) any Subsidiary of AFG may make Investments in any other Subsidiary or in AFG and (b) AFG may make Investments in any of its Subsidiaries, provided that such Subsidiary shall not then have outstanding any Indebtedness other than in respect of this Agreement.

7.03    Indebtedness.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(a)    Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

(b)    Indebtedness in respect of Capitalized Leases and purchase money obligations for fixed or capital assets within the limitations set forth in Section 7.01(e); and

(c)    other Indebtedness at any time outstanding; provided, (i) that at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness and immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default exists or could result therefrom, and (ii) no Indebtedness shall have covenants more restrictive than the covenants set forth in this Agreement.

7.04    Fundamental Changes.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of any assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom:

(a)    AFG may become party to any merger or consolidation of which AFG is the surviving entity so long as (i) AFG continues directly, or indirectly through a direct non-regulated subsidiary holding company in which AFG owns 100% of the Equity Interests, to own 100% of the voting common stock of GAIC, and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such

 

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transaction no Default shall occur or be continuing and AFG can demonstrate pro forma compliance with the financial covenants contained in Section 7.10 of this Agreement immediately after giving effect to such transaction;

(b)    GAFRI may become party to any merger or consolidation of which GAFRI is the surviving entity or the surviving entity is an Affiliate of AFG and directly owns 100% of the common stock of AAG so long as (i) GAFRI continues directly, or indirectly through a direct non-regulated subsidiary holding company in which GAFRI owns 100% of the Equity Interests, to own 100% of the voting common stock of AAG, (ii) AFG, GAFRI, AAG or any of their respective Subsidiaries continues directly to own 100% of the voting common stock of GALIC, and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction no Default shall occur or be continuing and AFG can demonstrate pro forma compliance with the financial covenants contained in Section 7.10 immediately after giving effect to such transaction;

(c)    subject to clauses (a) and (b) above, any Subsidiary of AFG may be merged into or consolidated with, or may sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to, AFG or any other Subsidiary of AFG, so long as in the case of a merger or consolidation involving AFG, AFG shall be the surviving or resulting Person. Any Insurance Subsidiary may merge into or be consolidated with another Insurance Subsidiary so long as in the case of a merger or consolidation involving (i) GAIC, the surviving entity shall be GAIC or (ii) GALIC, the surviving entity shall be GALIC;

(d)    AFG and its Subsidiaries may dispose of assets in the ordinary course of business that are no longer used or useful in such business or with respect to any business that is discontinued; and

(e)    AFG and its Subsidiaries may from time to time sell or dispose of assets (other than stock of GAIC and GALIC) on arm’s length terms; provided, however, that:

(i)    the net book value, determined in accordance with GAAP, of the assets sold pursuant to this Section 7.04(d) shall not exceed on a cumulative basis 25% of the net book value of all assets of AFG and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 provided that, for purposes of this clause (i), the net book value of assets sold shall not include (A) sales and dispositions of assets among AFG and its Subsidiaries, (B) sales and dispositions of portfolio assets among AFG and its Subsidiaries, and (C) sales and dispositions of portfolio assets of AFG and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and

(ii)    the assets sold pursuant to this Section 7.04(d) shall not have contributed revenue, determined in accordance with GAAP, over the period of four fiscal quarters prior to the respective sales exceeding 25% of the revenue of AFG and its Subsidiaries for the four fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2005.

7.05    Restricted Payments; Stock Redemptions.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except that, so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any proposed Restricted

 

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Payment or would result therefrom, AFG and its Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments; provided, that, if there is a Default, any Subsidiary of AFG may make a Restricted Payment to any other Subsidiary or to AFG.

7.06    Change in Nature of Business.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business other than those lines of business conducted by AFG and its Subsidiaries described in AFG’s 2005 Form 10-K and in businesses reasonably related thereto.

7.07    Transactions with Affiliates.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any of its Affiliates (other than AFG or any of its Subsidiaries) on a basis less favorable to AFG or any such Subsidiary than if the transaction had been effected with a non-Affiliate other than transactions involving less than $10,000,000 per year in the aggregate.

7.08    Burdensome Agreements.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, subject to limitations imposed by Laws, enter into any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that (a) limits the ability (i) of any Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to either Borrower or to otherwise transfer property or make extensions of credit to either Borrower or (ii) of AFG or any Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person; provided, however, that this clause (ii) shall not prohibit any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(b) solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness; or (b) requires the grant of a Lien to secure an obligation of such Person if a Lien is granted to secure another obligation of such Person.

7.09    Use of Proceeds.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.

7.10    Financial Covenants.

(a)    AFG Consolidated Net Worth.  AFG shall not permit AFG Consolidated Net Worth on the last day of any fiscal quarter after December 31, 2005 to be less than $1,720,000,000; provided, however, that such required minimum amount of AFG Consolidated Net Worth shall be increased for each fiscal quarter of AFG after December 31, 2005, by an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) 50% of Consolidated Net Income of AFG for each such fiscal quarter minus (ii) cash dividends paid by AFG during each such fiscal quarter.

(b)    AFG Consolidated Total Financing Debt to AFG Total Capitalization.  AFG shall not permit the ratio of AFG Consolidated Total Financing Debt to AFG Total Capitalization to exceed 0.375 to 1.00 on the last day of any fiscal quarter during the term of this Agreement.

 

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(c)    Dividends to Interest and Dividend Charges for AFG.  AFG shall not permit, for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of AFG, the greatest of:

(i)    10% of “surplus as regards policyholders” (currently line 55, page 4 in the NAIC form of statutory annual financial statement) (as computed by the applicable Insurance Authorities) of the Insurance Subsidiaries owned directly (or indirectly through a holding company in which all of the Equity Interest thereof is owned directly by AFG) by AFG as of the end of the then most recently completed fiscal year of AFG,

(ii)    100% of the “statutory net income” (currently line 35, page 4 in the NAIC form of statutory annual financial statement) (as computed by the applicable Insurance Authorities) of the Insurance Subsidiaries owned directly (or indirectly through a holding company in which all of the Equity Interest thereof is owned directly by AFG) by AFG for the then most recently completed fiscal year of AFG, or

(iii)    the amount of cash dividends (or marketable securities paid in lieu of cash dividends) actually paid by the Insurance Subsidiaries and other Subsidiaries and received by AFG during such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters,

to be less than 200% of Interest and Dividend Charges for such period of four consecutive fiscal quarters.

(d)    Risk Based Capital Ratio of GAIC.  AFG shall not permit GAIC’s Risk Based Capital Ratio (as defined by the NAIC) at any time to be less than 275%.

(e)    GAFRI Consolidated Financing Debt to GAFRI Total Capitalization.  The ratio of GAFRI Consolidated Financing Debt to GAFRI Total Capitalization shall not exceed 0.350 to 1.00 on the last day of any fiscal quarter during the term of this Agreement.

(f)    Minimum Risk Based Capital Ratio of GALIC.  GALIC’s Risk Based Capital Ratio (as defined by the NAIC) shall not at any time be less than 450%.

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any required increases in the minimum requirements set forth in the financial covenants set forth in this Section 7.10 shall exclude realized gains on stock already reflected in AFG Consolidated Net Worth and GAFRI Consolidated Net Worth.

7.11    Additional Debt Subordination.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, suffer or permit to exist any Indebtedness to any Affiliate of AFG except (a) Indebtedness which is subordinated on terms substantially similar to the manner in which the Borrowers’ Indebtedness to their respective Affiliates is subordinated under the Subordination Agreement, (b) public Indebtedness held from time to time by an Affiliate and (c) Indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debentures.

7.12    Tax Sharing Agreements.  AFG shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any tax sharing agreements, including any amendments thereto, with any non-Affiliate unless such agreement or amendment shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

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7.13    Equity Issuances by Subsidiaries.  The Subsidiaries of AFG shall not issue or sell any of their Equity Interests other than (a) shares issued to AFG or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of AFG; (b) shares issued by GAFRI or National Interstate for fair value in compliance with applicable securities laws so long as the issuer in question remains a Subsidiary following such issuance; (c) Capital Trust Securities (i) issued to refinance Capital Trust Securities outstanding as of the Closing Date or (ii) issued by American Financial Capital Trust I, AAG Trust or any other trust or similar entity, the proceeds of which are invested by such Person in an equivalent amount of Subordinated Debentures issued by GAFRI or AFG and (d) shares issued to employees in connection with employee stock option plans.

7.14    AFG Bonds and AAG Bonds.  Neither AFG nor AAG shall prepay, repurchase, defease or redeem the AFG Bonds or the AAG Bonds, respectively, in whole or in part, if at the time of any such prepayment, repurchase, defeasance or redemption a Default exists or would result therefrom.

ARTICLE VIII

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

8.01    Events of Default.  Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:

(a)    Non-Payment.  Any Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Obligation, or (ii) within three days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or

(b)    Specific Covenants.  AFG fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.03(a), (b), (c) or (d), 6.05, 6.10, or 6.11 or Article VII; or

(c)    Other Defaults.  Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days; or

(d)    Representations and Warranties.  Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of either Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be materially incorrect or misleading when made or deemed made; or

(e)    Cross-Default.  (i) AFG or any or its Subsidiaries (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than $20,000,000, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or

 

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holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which AFG or any of its Subsidiaries is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which AFG or any of its Subsidiaries is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by AFG or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than $20,000,000; or

(f)    Insolvency Proceedings, Etc.  AFG or any of its Significant Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

(g)    Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment.  (i) AFG or any of its Significant Subsidiaries becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 30 days after its issue or levy; or

(h)    Judgments.  There is entered against AFG or any of its Significant Subsidiaries (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) exceeding $20,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

(i)    ERISA.    (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of AFG under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of $20,000,000, or (ii) AFG or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of $20,000,000; or

 

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(j)    Invalidity of Loan Documents.  Any provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any of its Affiliates contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document; or

(k)    Change of Control.  There occurs any Change of Control; or

(l)    Business Prohibitions.  GAIC, GALIC or any other Insurance Subsidiary shall be prohibited by law from engaging in the business of effecting and carrying out of contracts of insurance, and such prohibition would have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(m)    Governmental and Insurance Authority Decrees.  Any Governmental Authority or Insurance Authority shall issue an order or decree which would require GAIC, GALIC or any other Insurance Subsidiary to reduce or terminate any substantial part of its insurance business, and such event would have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(n)    Internal Control Event.  An Internal Control Event shall occur that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

8.02    Remedies Upon Event of Default.  If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:

(a)    declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments shall be terminated;

(b)    declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrowers;

(c)    require that AFG Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and

(d)    exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under the Loan Documents;

provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to either Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of AFG to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case, without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

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8.03    Application of Funds.  After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

First,  to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

Second,  to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer, including fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of any Lender or the L/C Issuer, and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

Third,  to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans, L/C Borrowings and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

Fourth,  to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and

Fifth,  to the Administrative agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit;

Sixth,  to any remaining outstanding unpaid Obligations, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fifth held by them; and

Last,  the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the applicable Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.

ARTICLE IX

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

9.01    Appointment and Authority.  Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and the Borrowers shall not have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

 

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9.02    Rights as a Lender.  The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with AFG or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

9.03    Exculpatory Provisions.  The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(a)    shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

(b)    shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

(c)    shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to AFG or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by AFG, a Lender or the L/C Issuer.

The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other

 

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agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

9.04    Reliance by Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, of the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for either Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

9.05    Delegation of Duties.  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

9.06    Resignation of Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Borrowers. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with AFG, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (a) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (b) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative

 

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Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrowers and such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer, (b) the retiring L/C Issuer shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (c) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring L/C Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring L/C Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.

9.07    Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

9.08    No Other Duties, Etc.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Co-Syndication Agents, Documentation Agent or Arranger listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Lender.

9.09    Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on a Borrower or any other Loan Party) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise

 

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(a)    to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.07 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(b)    to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.07 and 10.04.

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender of the L/C Issuer in any such proceeding.

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

10.01    Amendments, Etc.  No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by a Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrowers or the other applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

(a)    waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) without the written consent of each Lender;

(b)    extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender;

(c)    postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

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(d)    reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (ii) or (iii) of this proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrowers to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;

(e)    change Section 2.12 or Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;

(f)    change any provision of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; or

(g)    amend any other voting provisions in this Section 10.01;

and, provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (iii) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender.

10.02    Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.

(a)    Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

(i)    if to either Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and

 

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(ii)    if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.

Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).

(b)    Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or either Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

(c)    The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWERS’ MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWERS’ MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWERS’ MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to either Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of a Borrower’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrowers’ Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are

 

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determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided, however, that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to either Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).

(d)    Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender.

(e)    Reliance by Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act, and shall be fully protected in relying and acting, upon any notice (including any telephonic Revolving Loan Notice) writing, letter, certificate, consent, investment, statement, fax or affidavit believed in good faith by the Administrative Agent purportedly to have been signed, sent or made by the Person in question, including without limitation any telephonic or oral statement by such Person, and, with respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel selected by the Administrative Agent. Each Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of such Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

10.03    No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.  No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

10.04    Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

(a)    Costs and Expenses. The Borrowers shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), all reasonable out-of-pocket

 

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expenses incurred by the L/C Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment therefor, and (iii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letter of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

(b)    Indemnification by the Borrowers.  The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and each Lender and the L/C Issuer, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee, incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by a Borrower arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by AFG or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to AFG or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by a Borrower, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the comparative, contributory or sole negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by a Borrower against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if such Borrower has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c)    Reimbursement by Lenders.  To the extent that either Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the L/C Issuer or any Related

 

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Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (exclusive of any principal or interest with respect to Loans owed to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as a Lender), provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such subagent) or the L/C Issuer in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or L/C Issuer in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.11(d).

(d)    Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrowers shall not assert, and hereby waive, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such intended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

(e)    Payments.  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten Business Days after demand therefor.

(f)    Survival.  The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.

10.05    Payments Set Aside.  To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of a Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

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10.06    Successors and Assigns.

(a)    Successors and Assigns Generally.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee or Qualified Institutional Buyer in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b)    Assignments by Lenders.  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees or a Qualified Institutional Buyer all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C Obligations)) at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i)    Minimum Amounts.

(A)    except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(B)    in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000, in additional $1,000,000 increments, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, AFG otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single assignee (or to an assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met;

 

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(ii)    Proportionate Amounts.  Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned;

(iii)    Required Consents.  No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsections (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

(A)    the consent of AFG (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

(B)    the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender; and

(C)    the consent of the L/C Issuer (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment that increases the obligation of the assignee to participate in exposure under one or more Letters of Credit (whether or not then outstanding).

(iv)    Assignment and Assumption.  The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount, if any, required as set forth on Schedule 10.06; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee or Qualified Institutional Buyer, if it shall not be a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

(v)    No Assignment to Borrowers.  No such assignment shall be made to a Borrower or any of a Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

(vi)    No Assignment to Natural Persons.  No such assignment shall be made to a natural person.

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee or Qualified Institutional Buyer thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender

 

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shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Upon request, the Borrowers (at no expense to the Borrowers) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

(c)    Register.  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by each of the Borrowers and any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. In addition, at any time that a request for a consent for a material or substantive change to the Loan Documents is pending, any Lender wishing to consult with other Lenders in connection therewith may request and receive from the Administrative Agent a copy of the Register.

(d)    Participations.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, either Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or a Borrower or any of a Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (iv) the amount of the participation shall not be less than $5,000,000 or increments of $1,000,000 thereafter, (v) the participations may be sold only to Qualified Institutional Buyers, (vi) the participants may not sell additional participations and (vii) the Lender shall provide notice of such participation to the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers.

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.11 as though it were a Lender.

 

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(e)    Limitations upon Participant Rights.  A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with AFG’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless AFG is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrowers, to comply with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender.

(f)    Certain Pledges.  Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(g)    Electronic Execution of Assignments.  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

(h)    Resignation as L/C Issuer after Assignment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank of America may, upon 30 days’ notice to the Borrowers and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer. In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer, AFG shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by AFG to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America as L/C Issuer. If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)). Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer, and (b) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America with respect to such Letters of Credit.

10.07    Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality.  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of

 

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the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives who are, or are expected to be, engaged in evaluating, approving, structuring or administering the credit facility provided herein (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the NAIC), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the applicable Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of AFG or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than AFG.

For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from AFG or any Subsidiary relating to AFG or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by AFG or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from AFG or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

10.08    Right of Setoff.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of a Borrower against any and all of the obligations of such Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of a Borrower may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have.

 

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10.09    Interest Rate Limitation.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the applicable Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

10.10    Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

10.11    Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.

10.12    Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

10.13    Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if a Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any

 

81


Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or if any other circumstance exists hereunder that gives the Borrower the right to replace a Lender as a party hereto, then AFG may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

(a)    AFG shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b);

(b)    such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or AFG (in the case of all other amounts);

(c)    in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

(d)    such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling AFG to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

10.14    Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

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

(b)    SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. EACH BORROWER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN

 

82


THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR THE L/C ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST EITHER BORROWER OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(c)    WAIVER OF VENUE.  EACH BORROWER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.

(d)    SERVICE OF PROCESS.  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

10.15    Waiver of Jury Trial.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

10.16    No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.  In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that: (a) the credit facility provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arm’s-length commercial transaction between each Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Arranger, on the other hand, and each Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof); (b) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, the Administrative Agent

 

83


and the Arranger each is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for each Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or, to its knowledge, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person; (c) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of either Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent or the Arranger has advised or is currently advising either Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger has any obligation to either Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; (iv) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of each Borrower and its Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interest by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and each Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory an tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate. Each Borrower hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Arranger with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty.

10.17    USA PATRIOT Act Notice.  Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrowers, which information includes the name and address of the Borrowers and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act.

10.18    Entire Agreement.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

 

 

84


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

AAG HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as

Administrative Agent

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Co-Syndication

Agent and as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as

Co-Syndication Agent and as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


US BANK, N.A., as Documentation Agent and as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK, as a

Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


MERRILL LYNCH BANK USA, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, acting

through its Cayman Islands Branch, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


REGIONS BANK, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


NORTHERN TRUST BANK, as a Lender

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement


NOTE

 

$ 72,500,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of SEVENTY-TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($72,500,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 55,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of FIFTY-FIVE MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($55,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 55,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to NATIONAL CITY BANK or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of FIFTY-FIVE MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($55,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 55,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to U. S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of FIFTY-FIVE MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($55,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 40,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to THE BANK OF NEW YORK or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of FORTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($40,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 40,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of FORTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($40,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 30,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to REGIONS BANK or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of THIRTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($30,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 20,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 20,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to THE HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 20,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 20,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to MERRILL LYNCH BANK USA or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 20,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 20,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 17,500,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of SEVENTEEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($17,500,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


NOTE

 

$ 15,000,000.00

  March 29, 2006

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., hereby promises to pay to NORTHERN TRUST BANK or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of FIFTEEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00) or such lesser principal amount of Loans (as defined in such Agreement) due and payable by American Financial Group, Inc. to the Lender on the Maturity Date under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2006 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among American Financial Group, Inc., AAG Holding Company, Inc., the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

American Financial Group, Inc. promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

American Financial Group, Inc., for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

1


THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

 

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

 

   

Title:

 

 

 

2


LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

Date   Type of
Loan Made
  Amount of
Loan Made
  End of
Interest
Period
  Amount of
Principal or
Interest
Paid This
Date
  Outstanding
Principal
Balance
This Date
  Notation
Made By

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

__________

  __________   __________   __________   __________   __________   __________

 

3


GUARANTY

GUARANTY (this “Guaranty”), dated as of March 29, 2006, made by the party listed on the signature page hereof (the “Guarantor”), in favor of the Guarantied Parties referred to below.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, American Financial Group, Inc., an Ohio corporation and AAG Holding Company, Inc. (“AAG”), an Ohio corporation (the “Borrowers”), have entered into a Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 2006, among the Lenders party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent (hereinafter, the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders, (said Credit Agreement, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, being the “Credit Agreement”, and capitalized terms not defined herein but defined therein being used herein as therein defined); and

WHEREAS, the Borrowers are members of the same consolidated group of companies and are engaged in operations which require financing on a basis in which credit can be made available from time to time to the Borrowers, and the Guarantor will derive direct and indirect economic benefit from the Revolving Loans made to AAG under the Credit Agreement; and

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the obligation of the Lenders to make Revolving Loans under the Credit Agreement that the Guarantor shall have executed and delivered this Guaranty; and

WHEREAS, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or Affiliate of any Lender entering into a Swap Contract (provided that such Lender was a Lender at the time such Swap Contract was entered into) with either Borrower or any Affiliate of either Borrower, and the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document are herein referred to as the “Guarantied Parties”;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Lenders to make Revolving Loans, the Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

1. Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the full and prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of, and the performance of, (a) the principal of and interest on the Loans made to, and any Notes held by the Lenders of, AAG, (b) all other amounts from time to time owing to the Lenders, the Administrative Agent or any indemnified party under the Credit Agreement, the Notes or the other Loan Documents, including all Obligations of AAG, whether now or hereafter existing and whether for principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise, (c) all Swap Obligations owed to any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender (provided at the time of execution of the Swap Contract related to such Swap Obligations such Lender is a party to the Credit Agreement), (d) any and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable expenses and reasonable counsel fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) incurred by any of the Guarantied Parties in enforcing any rights under this Guaranty and (e) all present and future amounts that would become due but for the operation of any provision of Debtor Relief Laws, and all present and future accrued and unpaid interest, including, without limitation, all

 

- 1 -


post-petition interest if AAG or the Guarantor voluntarily or involuntarily becomes subject to any Debtor Relief Laws (the items set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) immediately above being herein referred to as the “Guarantied Obligations”). Upon failure of AAG to pay any of the Guarantied Obligations when due after the giving by the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders of any notice and the expiration of any applicable cure period in each case provided for in the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), the Guarantor hereby further agrees to promptly pay the same after the Guarantor’s receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent of AAG’s failure to pay the same, without any other demand or notice whatsoever, including without limitation, any notice having been given to the Guarantor of either the acceptance by the Guarantied Parties of this Guaranty or the creation or incurrence of any of the Guarantied Obligations. This Guaranty is an absolute guaranty of payment and performance of the Guarantied Obligations and not a guaranty of collection, meaning that it is not necessary for the Guarantied Parties, in order to enforce payment by the Guarantor, first or contemporaneously to accelerate payment of any of the Guarantied Obligations, to institute suit or exhaust any rights against any Loan Party, or to enforce any rights against any collateral. Notwithstanding anything herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, in any action or proceeding involving any state corporate law, or any state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if, as a result of applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, including Section 548 of Bankruptcy Code or any applicable provisions of comparable state law (collectively, “Fraudulent Transfer Laws”), the obligations of the Guarantor under this Section 1 would otherwise, after giving effect to (a) all other liabilities of the Guarantor, contingent or otherwise, that are relevant under such Fraudulent Transfer Laws (specifically excluding, however, any liabilities of the Guarantor in respect of intercompany Indebtedness to AAG to the extent that such Indebtedness would be discharged in an amount equal to the amount paid by the Guarantor hereunder) and (b) to the value as assets of the Guarantor (as determined under the applicable provisions of such Fraudulent Transfer Laws) of any rights of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar rights held by the Guarantor pursuant to (i) applicable requirements of Law, (ii) Section 10 hereof or (iii) any other contractual obligations providing for an equitable allocation among the Guarantor and other Subsidiaries or Affiliates of AAG of obligations arising under this Guaranty or other guaranties of the Guarantied Obligations by such parties, be held or determined to be void, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under this Section 1, then the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by the Guarantor, any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any other Person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.

2. Guaranty Absolute. The Guarantor guarantees that the Guarantied Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents, without set-off or counterclaim, and regardless of any applicable Law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Guarantied Parties with respect thereto. The liability of the Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:

 

- 2 -


2.1 any lack of validity or enforceability of any provision of any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating to any Loan Document, or avoidance or subordination of any of the Guarantied Obligations;

2.2 any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, or any increase in the amount of, all or any of the Guarantied Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of any term of, or any consent to departure from any requirement of, the Credit Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents;

2.3 any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on any collateral for, or any release of any Loan Party or amendment or waiver of any term of any other guaranty of, or any consent to departure from any requirement of any other guaranty of, all or any of the Guarantied Obligations;

2.4 the absence of any attempt to collect any of the Guarantied Obligations from AAG or from any other Loan Party or any other action to enforce the same or the election of any remedy by any of the Guarantied Parties;

2.5 any waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by any of the Guarantied Parties with respect to any provision of any other Loan Document;

2.6 the election by any of the Guarantied Parties in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law;

2.7 any borrowing or grant of a security interest by AAG, as debtor-in-possession, under any Debtor Relief Law; or

2.8 any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of AAG or the Guarantor other than payment or performance of the Guarantied Obligations.

3. Waiver.

3.1 The Guarantor hereby (i) waives (A) promptness, diligence, and, except as otherwise provided herein, notice of acceptance and any and all other notices, including, without limitation, notice of intent to accelerate and notice of acceleration, with respect to any of the Guarantied Obligations or this Guaranty, (B) any requirement that any of the Guarantied Parties protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest in or other Lien on any property subject thereto or exhaust any right or take any action against AAG or any other Person or any collateral, (C) the filing of any claim with a court in the event of receivership or bankruptcy of AAG or any other Person, (D) except as otherwise provided herein, protest or notice with respect to nonpayment of all or any of the Guarantied Obligations, (E) the benefit of any statute of limitation, (F) except as otherwise provided herein, all demands whatsoever (and any requirement that demand be made on AAG or any other Person as a condition precedent to the Guarantor’s obligations hereunder), (G) all rights by which the Guarantor might be entitled to require suit on an accrued right of action in respect of any of the Guarantied Obligations or require suit against AAG or any other Person, (H) any defense based upon an election of remedies by any Guarantied Party, or (I) notice of any events or circumstances set forth in

 

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clauses (a) through (h) of Section 2 hereof; and (ii) covenants and agrees that, except as otherwise agreed by the parties, this Guaranty will not be discharged except by complete payment and performance of the Guarantied Obligations and any other obligations of the Guarantor contained herein.

3.2 If, in the exercise of any of its rights and remedies in accordance with the provisions of applicable Law, any of the Guarantied Parties shall forfeit any of its rights or remedies, including, without limitation, its right to enter a deficiency judgment against AAG or any other Person, whether because of any applicable Laws pertaining to “election of remedies” or the like, the Guarantor hereby consents to such action by such Guarantied Party and waives any claim based upon such action. Any election of remedies which, by reason of such election, results in the denial or impairment of the right of such Guarantied Party to seek a deficiency judgment against AAG shall not impair the obligation of the Guarantor to pay the full amount of the Guarantied Obligations or any other obligation of the Guarantor contained herein.

3.3 In the event any of the Guarantied Parties shall bid at any foreclosure or trustee’s sale or at any private sale permitted by Law or under any of the Loan Documents, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law, such Guarantied Party may bid all or less than the amount of the Guarantied Obligations and the amount of such bid, if successful, need not be paid by such Guarantied Party but shall be credited against the Guarantied Obligations.

3.4 The Guarantor agrees that notwithstanding the foregoing and without limiting the generality of the foregoing if, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Guarantied Parties are prevented by applicable Law from exercising their respective rights to accelerate the maturity of the Guarantied Obligations, to collect interest on the Guarantied Obligations, or to enforce or exercise any other right or remedy with respect to the Guarantied Obligations, or the Administrative Agent is prevented from taking any action to realize on the Collateral, the Guarantor agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Guarantied Parties, upon demand therefore, for application to the Guarantied Obligations, the amount that would otherwise have been due and payable had such rights and remedies been permitted to be exercised by the Guarantied Parties.

3.5 The Guarantor hereby assumes responsibility for keeping itself informed of the financial condition of AAG and of each other Loan Party, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guarantied Obligations or any part thereof, that diligent inquiry would reveal. The Guarantor hereby agrees that the Guarantied Parties shall have no duty to advise the Guarantor of information known to any of the Guarantied Parties regarding such condition or any such circumstance. In the event that any of the Guarantied Parties in its sole discretion undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to the Guarantor, such Guarantied Party shall be under no obligation (i) to undertake any investigation not a part of its regular business routine, (ii) to disclose any information which, pursuant to accepted or reasonable banking or commercial finance practices, such Guarantied Party wishes to maintain as confidential, or (iii) to make any other or future disclosures of such information or any other information to the Guarantor.

 

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3.6 The Guarantor consents and agrees that the Guarantied Parties shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets in favor of the Guarantor or otherwise in connection with obtaining payment of any or all of the Guarantied Obligations from any Person or source.

4. Representations and Warranties. The Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to the Guarantied Parties that the representations and warranties set forth in Article V of the Credit Agreement as they relate to the Guarantor or to the Loan Documents to which the Guarantor is a party are true and correct in all material respects in the manner specified in the Credit Agreement and the Guarantied Parties shall be entitled to rely on each of them as if they were fully set forth herein.

5. Amendments. Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor herefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing, approved by the Required Lenders (or by all the Lenders where the approval of each Lender is required under the Credit Agreement) and signed by the Administrative Agent, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

6. Addresses for Notices. All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be effectuated in the manner provided for in Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement.

7. No Waiver; Remedies.

7.1 No failure on the part of any Guarantied Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by applicable Law or any of the other Loan Documents.

7.2 No waiver by the Guarantied Parties of any default shall operate as a waiver of any other default or the same default on a future occasion, and no action by any of the Guarantied Parties permitted hereunder shall in way affect or impair any of the rights of the Guarantied Parties or the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty or under any of the other Loan Documents, except as specifically set forth in any such waiver. Any determination by a court of competent jurisdiction of the amount of any principal and/or interest or other amount constituting any of the Guarantied Obligations shall be conclusive and binding on the Guarantor irrespective of whether the Guarantor was a party to the suit or action in which such determination was made.

8. Right of Set-off. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default under the Credit Agreement, each of the Guarantied Parties is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set-off and apply any and all deposits (general or special (except trust and escrow accounts), time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other Indebtedness at any time owing by such Guarantied Party to or for the credit or the account of the Guarantor against any and all of the obligations of the Guarantor now or hereafter existing under this Guaranty, irrespective of whether or not such Guarantied Party shall have made any demand under this Guaranty;

 

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provided, however, such Guarantied Party shall promptly notify the Guarantor and AAG after such set-off and the application made by such Guarantied Party. The rights of each Guarantied Party under this Section 8 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Guarantied Party may have.

9. Continuing Guaranty; Transfer of Notes. This Guaranty (a)(i) is a continuing guaranty

and shall remain in full force and effect until the date that the Aggregate Commitments have been terminated and all Loans and other Obligations have been paid in full (the “Release Date”) and (ii) binding upon the Guarantor, its permitted successors and assigns, and (b) inures to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Guarantied Parties and their respective successors, permitted transferees, and permitted assigns. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (b), each of the Guarantied Parties may assign or otherwise transfer any Note held by it or the Guarantied Obligations owed to it to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the rights in respect thereof granted to such Guarantied Party herein or otherwise with respect to such of the Notes and the Guarantied Obligations so transferred or assigned, subject, however, to compliance with the provisions of Section 10.06 of the Credit Agreement in respect of assignments. Except as the result of the consummation of a transaction permitted under Section 7.04 of the Credit Agreement, the Guarantor may not assign any of its obligations under this Guaranty without first obtaining the written consent of the Lenders as set forth in the Credit Agreement. If upon any merger, dissolution, liquidation or consolidation permitted under Section 7.04 of the Credit Agreement, the Guarantor no longer exists, the Guarantor shall be released of its obligations hereunder.

10. Reinstatement. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Loan Party for liquidation or reorganization, should any Loan Party become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Loan Party’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Guarantied Obligations, or any part thereof, is, pursuant to applicable Law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligees of the Guarantied Obligations or such part thereof, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer,” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Guarantied Obligations shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

11. GOVERNING LAW.

11.1 THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE: PROVIDED THAT EACH PARTY SHALL RETAIN ALL RIGHTS ARISING UNDER FEDERAL LAW.

11.2 ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE

 

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COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND BY EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE OF THIS GUARANTY, THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY SUMMONS, COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS, WHICH MAY BE MADE BY ANY OTHER MEANS PERMITTED BY THE LAW OF SUCH STATE.

12. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY (OR BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF) EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE GUARANTOR, AAG, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

13. Section Titles. The Section titles contained in this Guaranty are and shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of this Guaranty.

14. Execution in Counterparts. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same Guaranty.

15. Miscellaneous. All references herein to AAG or to the Guarantor shall include their respective successors and assigns, including, without limitation, a receiver, trustee or debtor-inpossession of or for AAG or the Guarantor. All references to the singular shall be deemed to include the plural where the context so requires.

 

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16.

Subrogation and Subordination.

16.1 Subrogation. Notwithstanding any reference to subrogation contained herein to the contrary, until the Release Date, the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any claim or other rights which it may have or hereafter acquire against AAG that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of the Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty, including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification, any right to participate in any claim or remedy of any Lender against AAG or any collateral which any Lender now has or hereafter acquires, whether or not such claim, remedy or right arises in equity, or under contract, statutes or common law, including without limitation, the right to take or receive from AAG, directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other manner, payment or security on account of such claim or other rights. If any amount shall be paid to the Guarantor in violation of the preceding sentence and the Guarantied Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be deemed to have been paid to the Guarantor for the benefit of, and held in trust for the benefit of, the Lenders, and shall forthwith be paid to the Administrative Agent to be credited and applied upon the Guarantied Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Credit Agreement and that the waiver set forth in this Section 16 is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

16.2 Subordination. All debt and other liabilities of AAG to the Guarantor (“Borrower Debt”) are expressly subordinate and junior to the Guarantied Obligations and any instruments evidencing the Borrower Debt to the extent provided below.

(i) Until the Release Date, the Guarantor agrees that it will not request, demand, accept, or receive (by set-off or other manner) any payment amount, credit or reduction of all or any part of the amounts owing under the Borrower Debt or any security therefor, except as specifically allowed pursuant to clause (ii) below;

(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (i) above, AAG may pay to the Guarantor and the Guarantor may request, demand, accept and receive and retain from AAG payments, credits or reductions of all or any part of the amounts owing under the Borrower Debt or any security therefor on the Borrower Debt, provided that AAG’s right to pay and the Guarantor’s right to receive any such amount shall automatically and be immediately suspended and cease (A) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or (B) if, after taking into account the effect of such payment, an Event of Default would occur and be continuing. The Guarantor’s right to receive amounts under this clause (ii) (including any amounts which theretofore may have been suspended) shall automatically be reinstated at such time as the Event of Default which was the basis of such suspension has been cured or waived (provided that no subsequent Event of Default has occurred) or such earlier date, if any, as the Administrative Agent gives notice to the Guarantor of reinstatement by the Required Lenders, in the Required Lenders’ sole discretion;

 

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(iii) If the Guarantor receives any payment on the Borrower Debt in violation of this Guaranty, the Guarantor will hold such payment in trust for the Lenders and will immediately deliver such payment to the Administrative Agent; and

(iv) In the event of the commencement or joinder of any suit, action or proceeding of any type (judicial or otherwise) or proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law against AAG (an “Insolvency Proceeding”) and subject to court orders issued pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, the Guarantied Obligations shall first be paid, discharged and performed in full before any payment or performance is made upon the Borrower Debt notwithstanding any other provisions which may be made in such Insolvency Proceeding. In the event of any Insolvency Proceeding, the Guarantor will at any time prior to the Release Date (A) file, at the request of any Guarantied Party, any claim, proof of claim or similar instrument necessary to enforce AAG’s obligation to pay the Borrower Debt, and (B) hold in trust for and pay to the Guarantied Parties any and all monies, obligations, property, stock dividends or other assets received in any such proceeding on account of the Borrower Debt in order that the Guarantied Parties may apply such monies or the cash proceeds of such other assets to the Obligations.

17. Guarantor Insolvency. Should the Guarantor voluntarily seek, consent to, or acquiesce in the benefits of any Debtor Relief Law or become a party to or be made the subject of any proceeding provided for by any Debtor Relief Law (other than as a creditor or claimant) that could suspend or otherwise adversely affect the rights of any Guarantied Party granted hereunder, then, the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be, as between the Guarantor and such Guarantied Party, a fully-matured, due, and payable obligation of the Guarantor to such Guarantied Party (without regard to whether there is an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement or whether any part of the Guarantied Obligations is then due and owing by AAG to such Guarantied Party), payable in full by the Guarantor to such Guarantied Party upon demand, which shall be the estimated amount owing in respect of the contingent claim created hereunder.

18. Rate Provision. It is not the intention of any Guarantied Party to make an agreement violative of the laws of any applicable jurisdiction relating to usury. Regardless of any provision in this Guaranty, no Guarantied Party shall ever be entitled to contract, charge, receive, collect or apply, as interest on the Guarantied Obligations, any amount in excess of any applicable Laws. In no event shall the Guarantor be obligated to pay any amount in excess of applicable Laws. If from any circumstance the Administrative Agent or any Guarantied Party shall ever receive, collect or apply anything of value deemed excess interest under applicable Laws, an amount equal to such excess shall be applied to the reduction of the principal amount of outstanding Revolving Loans and any remainder shall be promptly refunded to the payor. In determining whether or not interest paid or payable with respect to the Guarantied Obligations, under any specified contingency, exceeds the amount allowed by applicable Law, the Guarantor and the Guarantied Parties shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Laws, (a) characterize any non-principal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread the total amount of interest throughout the full term of such Guarantied Obligations so that the interest paid on account of such Guarantied Obligations does not exceed the amount permitted by applicable Laws and/or (c) allocate interest between portions of such Guarantied Obligations; provided that if the Guarantied Obligations are paid and

 

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performed in full prior to the end of the full contemplated term thereof, and if the interest received for the actual period of existence thereof exceeds the amount permitted by applicable Laws, the Guarantied Parties shall refund to the payor the amount of such excess or credit the amount of such excess against the total principal amount owing, and, in such event, no Guarantied Party shall be subject to any penalties provided by any laws for contracting for, charging or receiving interest in excess of the amount permitted by applicable Law.

19. Severability. Any provision of this Guaranty which is for any reason prohibited or found or held invalid or unenforceable by any court or governmental agency shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity or unenforceability, without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof in such jurisdiction or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

20. Taxes.

20.1 Any and all payments by or on account of any obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, provided that if the Guarantor shall be required by applicable Law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes) from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Guarantied Party receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Guarantor shall make such deductions and (iii) the Guarantor shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law.

20.2 Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Guarantor shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Law.

20.3 The Guarantor shall indemnify each Guarantied Party, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by such Guarantied Party and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Guarantor by such Guarantied Party (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of any Guarantied Party shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

20.4 As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Guarantor to a Governmental Authority, the Guarantor shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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20.5 If any Guarantied Party determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Guarantor or with respect to which the Guarantor has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Guarantor an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Guarantor under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of such Guarantied Party, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Guarantor, upon the request of such Guarantied Party, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Guarantor (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to such Guarantied Party in the event such Guarantied Party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require any Guarantied Party to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Guarantor or any other Person.

20.6 The obligations of the Guarantor and Guarantied Party under this Section 20 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all Guarantied Obligations.

21. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES REGARDING THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREIN AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS. OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer on the date first above written.

 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.,
an Ohio corporation

By:

    
 

James C. Kennedy

Vice President

 

Signature Page to Guaranty