0000909518-14-000190.txt : 20140521 0000909518-14-000190.hdr.sgml : 20140521 20140521171804 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000909518-14-000190 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 7 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20140515 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20140521 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20140521 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: SIGNET JEWELERS LTD CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000832988 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-JEWELRY STORES [5944] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 0129 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-32349 FILM NUMBER: 14861548 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: CLARENDON HOUSE STREET 2: 2 CHURCH STREET CITY: HAMILTON STATE: D0 ZIP: HM11 BUSINESS PHONE: 44-207-317-9700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O 15 GOLDEN SQUARE CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: W1F9JG FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: SIGNET GROUP PLC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931213 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: RATNERS GROUP PLC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931213 8-K 1 mm05-2114_8k.htm FORM 8-K mm05-2114_8k.htm





 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form 8-K
 
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 15, 2014
 
 
SIGNET JEWELERS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Commission File Number:  1-32349
 
 
Bermuda
  
Not Applicable
(State or other jurisdiction of
  
(IRS Employer
incorporation)
  
Identification No.)
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton
HM11
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
 
441 296 5872
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
[  ]   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 


 
 
 
 
 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation

On May 15, 2014, Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust (the “Issuer”), a Delaware statutory trust and an indirect subsidiary of Signet Jewelers Limited (“Signet”), issued its Series 2014-A asset-backed variable funding notes (the “Notes”) pursuant to the Master Indenture dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Master Indenture”) among the Issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc. (“SJI”), as servicer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Indenture Trustee”) as supplemented by the 2014-A Indenture Supplement dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Indenture Supplement”) among the Issuer, SJI and the Indenture Trustee.

Under the Notes, the Issuer may obtain up to $600,000,000 of financing from third parties, which indebtedness will be secured by credit card receivables originated from time to time by SJI.  SJI will transfer credit card receivables to the Issuer pursuant to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Transfer and Servicing Agreement”) among the Issuer, Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. (“SJRC”), as transferor, and SJI, as servicer.  SJRC will acquire credit card receivables from SJI pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”) between SJI, as seller, and SJRC, as purchaser.

The Issuer is administered by SJI pursuant to the Administration Agreement dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Administration Agreement”) between SJI and the Issuer.
 
Signet guarantees the performance by SJI of its obligations under the Administration Agreement, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and a Note Purchase Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014 among the Issuer, the Servicer, the Transferor and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Seller under the Receivables Purchase Agreement pursuant to a Performance Undertaking dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Performance Undertaking”) by Signet in favor of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
 
The foregoing descriptions of the Master Indenture, the Indenture Supplement, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Receivables Purchase Agreement, the Administration Agreement and the Performance Undertaking are qualified in their entirety by reference to such agreements, copies of which have been filed as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 or 4.6 hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(d) Exhibits
 
     
Exhibit
Number
  
 
Description
   
  4.1
  
Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001, among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee.
   
  4.2
  
2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014, among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee.
  4.3
 
Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014, among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as transferor, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer, and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer.
   
  4.4
  
Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014 between Sterling Jewelers Inc., as seller, and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as purchaser.
   
  4.5
  
Administration Agreement dated as of November 2, 2001 between Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer, and Sterling Jewelers Inc., as administrator.
   
  4.6
  
Performance Undertaking dated as of May 15, 2014 by Signet Jewelers Limited, as performance guarantor, in favor of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as recipient.
 
 
 

 
2

 




SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
SIGNET JEWELERS LIMITED
Date:  May 21 , 2014
   
     
     
 
By:
/s/ Ronald Ristau
 
Name:
Ronald Ristau
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
3

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
Exhibit
Number
  
 
Description
     
  4.1
  
Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001, among  Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee.
     
  4.2
  
2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014, among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee.
  4.3
 
Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014, among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as transferor, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer, and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer.
     
  4.4
  
Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 15, 2014 between Sterling Jewelers Inc., as seller, and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as purchaser.
     
  4.5
  
Administration Agreement dated as of November 2, 2001 between Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as issuer, and Sterling Jewelers Inc., as administrator.
     
  4.6
  
Performance Undertaking dated as of May 15, 2014 by Signet Jewelers Limited, as performance guarantor, in favor of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as recipient.
 


 
 
 
 
 
4
EX-4.1 2 mm05-2114_8k41.htm EX.4.1 - MASTER INDENTURE mm05-2114_8k41.htm
 
EXHIBIT 4.1
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES
MASTER NOTE TRUST
 

 
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 

 
Issuer
 

 
and
 

 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.
 

 
Servicer
 

 
and
 

 
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
 

 
Indenture Trustee
 

 

 
MASTER INDENTURE
 
Dated as of November 2, 2001
 

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
ARTICLE I   DEFINITIONS
2
     
 
Section 1.01.
Definitions
2
       
 
Section 1.02.
Other Definitional Provisions
15
       
ARTICLE II   THE NOTES
16
     
 
Section 2.01.
Form Generally
16
       
 
Section 2.02.
Denominations
16
       
 
Section 2.03.
Execution. Authentication and Delivery
16
       
 
Section 2.04.
Authenticating Agent
17
       
 
Section 2.05.
Registration of and Limitations on Transfer and Exchange of Notes
18
       
 
Section 2.06.
Mutilated. Destroyed. Lost or Stolen Notes
19
       
 
Section 2.07.
Persons Deemed Owners
20
       
 
Section 2.08.
Appointment of Paying Agent
21
       
 
Section 2.09.
Access to List of Noteholders’ Names and Addresses
21
       
 
Section 2.10.
Cancellation
22
       
 
Section 2.11.
Release of Collateral
22
       
 
Section 2.12.
New Issuances
22
       
 
Section 2.13.
Book-Entry Notes
24
       
 
Section 2.14.
Notices to Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency
25
       
 
Section 2.15.
Definitive Notes
25
       
 
Section 2.16.
Global Note
26
       
 
Section 2.17.
Meetings of Noteholders
26
       
 
Section 2.18.
Uncertificated Classes
26
       
ARTICLE III   COVENANTS OF ISSUER; REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ISSUER
26
     
 
Section 3.01.
Payment of Principal and Interest
26
       
 
Section 3.02.
Maintenance of Office or Agency
27
       
 
Section 3.03.
Money for Note Payments to Be Held in Trust
27
       
 
Section 3.04.
Existence
29
       
 
Section 3.05.
Protection of Trust
29
       
 
Section 3.06.
Opinions as to Collateral
29
       
 
 
 

 
- i -

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont.)
Page
 
 
Section 3.07.
Performance of Obligations: Servicing of Receivables
30
       
 
Section 3.08.
Negative Covenants
32
       
 
Section 3.09.
Statements as to Compliance
32
       
 
Section 3.10.
Issuer May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms
33
       
 
Section 3.11.
Successor Substituted
35
       
 
Section 3.12.
No Other Business
35
       
 
Section 3.13.
No Borrowing
35
       
 
Section 3.14.
Servicer’s Obligations
35
       
 
Section 3.15.
Guarantees, Loans, Advances and Other Liabilities
35
       
 
Section 3.16.
Capital Expenditures
35
       
 
Section 3.17.
Removal of Administrator
36
       
 
Section 3.18.
Restricted Payments
36
       
 
Section 3.19.
Notice of Events of Default
36
       
 
Section 3.20.
Further Instruments and Acts
36
       
 
Section 3.21.
Tax Treatment
36
       
 
Section 3.22.
Representations and Warranties of the Issuer
37
       
ARTICLE IV   SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
38
     
 
Section 4.01.
Satisfaction and Discharge of this Indenture
38
       
 
Section 4.02.
Application of Trust Money
39
       
ARTICLE V   PAY OUT EVENTS, DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
39
     
 
Section 5.01.
Pay Out Events
39
       
 
Section 5.02.
Events of Default
40
       
 
Section 5.03.
Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment
41
       
 
Section 5.04.
Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Indenture Trustee
41
       
 
Section 5.05.
Remedies; Priorities
43
       
 
Section 5.06.
Optional Preservation of the Collateral
45
       
 
Section 5.07.
Limitation on Suits
45
       
 
Section 5.08.
Unconditional Rights of Noteholders to Receive Principal and Interest
46
       
 
Section 5.09.
Restoration of Rights and Remedies
46
       
 
 
 
 
 

 
- ii -

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont.)
Page
 
 
Section 5.10.
Rights and Remedies Cumulative
47
       
 
Section 5.11.
Delay or Omission Not Waiver
47
       
 
Section 5.12.
Rights of Noteholders to Direct Indenture Trustee
47
       
 
Section 5.13.
Waiver of Past Defaults
47
       
 
Section 5.14.
Undertaking for Costs
48
       
 
Section 5.15.
Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws
48
       
 
Section 5.16.
Sale of Receivables
48
       
 
Section 5.17.
Action on Notes
49
       
 
Section 5.18.
Indenture Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Notes
49
       
ARTICLE VI   THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE
49
     
 
Section 6.01.
Duties of the Indenture Trustee
49
       
 
Section 6.02.
Notice of Pay Out Event or Event of Default
51
       
 
Section 6.03.
Rights of Indenture Trustee
51
       
 
Section 6.04.
Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Notes
53
       
 
Section 6.05.
May Hold Notes
53
       
 
Section 6.06.
Money Held in Trust
53
       
 
Section 6.07.
Compensation, Reimbursement and Indemnification
53
       
 
Section 6.08.
Replacement of Indenture Trustee
54
       
 
Section 6.09.
Successor Indenture Trustee by Merger
55
       
 
Section 6.10.
Appointment of Co-Indenture Trustee or Separate Indenture Trustee
55
       
 
Section 6.11.
Eligibility: Disqualification
56
       
 
Section 6.12.
Preferential Collection of Claims Aminst
57
       
 
Section 6.13.
Tax Returns
57
       
 
Section 6.14.
Representations and Covenants of the Indenture Trustee
57
       
 
Section 6.15.
Custody of the Collateral
58
       
ARTICLE VII   NOTEHOLDERS’ LIST AND REPORTS BY INDENTURE TRUSTEE AND ISSUER
58
     
 
Section 7.01.
Issuer to Furnish Indenture Trustee Names and Addresses of Noteholders
58
       
 
Section 7.02.
Preservation of Information: Communications to Noteholders
58
       
 
 
 
 
 

 
- iii -

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont.)
Page
 
 
Section 7.03.
Reports by Issuer
59
       
 
Section 7.04.
Reports by Indenture Trustee
59
       
ARTICLE VIII   ALLOCATION AND APPLICATION OF COLLECTIONS
59
     
 
Section 8.01.
Collection of Money
59
       
 
Section 8.02.
Rights of Noteholders
60
       
 
Section 8.03.
Establishment of Collection Account and Special Funding Account
60
       
 
Section 8.04.
Collections and Allocations
62
       
 
Section 8.05.
Shared Principal Collections
63
       
 
Section 8.06.
Additional Withdrawals from the Collection Account
64
       
 
Section 8.07.
Allocation of Collateral to Series or Groups
64
       
 
Section 8.08.
Excess Finance Charge Collections
65
       
 
Section 8.09.
Release of Collateral: Eligible Loan Documents
65
       
 
Section 8.10.
Opinion of Counsel
66
       
ARTICLE IX   DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPORTS TO NOTEHOLDERS
66
     
ARTICLE X   SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
66
     
 
Section 10.01.
Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Noteholders
66
       
 
Section 10.02.
Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Noteholders
68
       
 
Section 10.03.
Execution of Supplemental Indentures
69
       
 
Section 10.04.
Effect of Supplemental Indenture
69
       
 
Section 10.05.
Conformity With Trust Indenture Act
70
       
 
Section 10.06.
Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures
70
       
ARTICLE XI   TERMINATION
70
     
 
Section 11.01.
Termination of Trust
70
       
 
Section 11.02.
Final Distribution
70
       
 
Section 11.03.
Termination Distributions
71
       
 
Section 11.04.
Defeasance
71
       
ARTICLE XII   MISCELLANEOUS
73
     
 
Section 12.01.
Compliance Certificates and Opinions etc
73
       
 
Section 12.02.
Form of Documents Delivered to Indenture Trustee
75
       
 
Section 12.03.
Acts of Noteholders
75
       
 
 
 
 
 

 
- iv -

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(cont.)
Page
 
 
Section 12.04.
Notices. Etc. to Indenture Trustee and Issuer
76
       
 
Section 12.05.
Notices to Noteholders; Waiver
76
       
 
Section 12.06.
Alternate Payment and Notice Provisions
77
       
 
Section 12.07.
Conflict with Trust Indenture Act
77
       
 
Section 12.08.
Effect of Headings and Table of Contents
77
       
 
Section 12.09.
Successors and Assigns
78
       
 
Section 12.10.
Separability
78
       
 
Section 12.11.
Benefits of Indenture
78
       
 
Section 12.12.
Legal Holidays
78
       
 
Section 12.13.
GOVERNING LAW
78
       
 
Section 12.14.
Counterparts
78
       
 
Section 12.15.
Trust Obligation
78
       
 
Section 12.16.
No Petition
79


 
 
 

 
 
- v -

 
 
 
RECONCILIATION AND TIE BETWEEN TRUST INDENTURE
ACT OF 1939 AND INDENTURE PROVISIONS*
 
Trust Indenture
Act Section
Indenture Section
   
310(a)(1)
6.11
(a)(2)
6.11
(a)(3)
6.10
(a)(4)
Not Applicable
(a)(5)
6.11
(b)
6.08, 6.11
(c)
Not Applicable
311(a)
6.12
(b)
6.12
(c)
Not Applicable
312(a)
7.01, 7.02(a)
(b)
7.02(b)
(c)
7.02(c)
313(a)
7.04
(b)
7.04
(c)
7.03, 7.04
(d)
7.04
314(a)
3.09, 7.03
(b)
3.06
(c)(1)
2.11, 8.09(c), 12.01(a)
(c)(2)
2.11, 8.09(c), 12.01(a)
(c)(3)
2.11, 8.09(c), 12.01(a)
(d)(1)
2.11, 8.09(c), 12.01(b)
(d)(2)
Not Applicable
(d)(3)
Not Applicable
(e)
5.14
316(a)(1)(A)
5.12
316(a)(1)(B)
5.13
316(a)(2)
Not Applicable
316(b)
5.08
317(a)(1)
5.04
317(a)(2)
5.04(d)
317(b)
5.04(a)
318(a)
12.07
_________________________________
 
*This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of the within indenture.
 
 

 
 

 

THIS MASTER INDENTURE, dated as of November 2, 2001 (herein, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time as permitted hereby, called this “Indenture”), among STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST, a business trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein, together with its permitted successors and assigns, called the “Issuer” or the “Trust”), BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, a New York banking corporation, as indenture trustee (herein, together with its successors in the trusts hereunder, called the “Indenture Trustee”) and STERLING JEWELERS INC., a Delaware corporation, as servicer (the “Servicer”). This Indenture may be supplemented at any time and from time to time by an indenture supplement in accordance with Article X hereof (an “Indenture Supplement,” and any Indenture Supplement together with this Indenture and amendments hereof collectively referred to as the “Agreement”). If a conflict exists between the terms and provisions of this Indenture and any Indenture Supplement, the terms and provisions of the Indenture Supplement shall be controlling with respect to the related Series.
 
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
 
The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for an issue of its asset backed notes (the “Notes”) as provided in this Indenture. All covenants and agreements made by the Issuer herein are for the benefit and security of the Noteholders. The Issuer is entering into this Indenture, and the Indenture Trustee is accepting the trusts created hereby, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged.
 
Simultaneously with the delivery of this Indenture the Issuer is entering into the Transfer and Servicing Agreement with Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., a Delaware corporation, as Transferor (the “Transferor”), and Sterling Jewelers Inc., as Servicer, pursuant to which (a) the Transferor will convey to the Issuer all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables, which the Transferor will have received from each Seller pursuant to a Receivables Purchase Agreement and (b) the Servicer will agree to service the Receivables and make collections thereon on behalf of the Noteholders.
 
Under each Receivables Purchase Agreement and the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, Receivables arising in the Accounts from time to time will be conveyed thereunder to the Issuer.
 
GRANTING CLAUSES
 
The Issuer hereby Grants to the Indenture Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, all of the Issuer’s right, title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in, to and under (a) the Receivables, (b) Recoveries related to and all money, instruments, investment property and other property distributed or distributable in respect of (together with all earnings, dividends, distributions, income, issues, and profits relating to) the Receivables pursuant to the terms of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, this Indenture and any Indenture Supplement, (c) all Eligible Investments and all money, investment property, instruments and other property on deposit from time to time in, credited to or related to the Collection Account, the Series Accounts and the Special Funding Account (including any subaccounts of such
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
account), and all interest, dividends, earnings, income and other distributions from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed or distributable thereto or in respect thereof (including any accrued discount realized on liquidation of any investment purchased at a discount), (d) all rights, remedies, powers, privileges and claims of the Issuer under or with respect to any Series Enhancement or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement (whether arising pursuant to the terms of such Series Enhancement or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or otherwise available to the Issuer at law or in equity), including, without limitation, the rights of the Issuer to enforce such Series Enhancement or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, and to give or withhold any and all consents, requests, notices, directions, approvals, extensions or waivers under or with respect to such Series Enhancement or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement to the same extent as the Issuer could but for the assignment and security interest granted to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders, (e) all money, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, documents, goods, investment property, deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, and advices of credit belonging to the Issuer, (f) all other property of the Issuer, (g) all present and future claims, demands, causes and choses in action in respect of any or all of the foregoing and all payments on or under and all proceeds of every kind and nature whatsoever in respect of any or all of the foregoing, including all proceeds, products, rents, receipts or profits of the conversion, voluntary or involuntary, into cash or other property, all cash and non-cash proceeds, and other property consisting of, arising from or relating to all or any part of any of the foregoing, and (h) any proceeds of the foregoing; in each case, excluding the Transferor Interest and all amounts distributable to the Holders of any Certificates pursuant to the terms of any Transaction Document (collectively, the “Collateral”).
 
LIMITED RECOURSE
 
The obligation of the Issuer to make payments of principal of, interest on and other amounts with respect to, the Notes is limited by recourse only to the Collateral.
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
Section 1.01. Definitions.
 
Whenever used in this Indenture, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, and the definitions of such terms are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such terms.
 
Accumulation Period” shall mean, with respect to any Series, or any Class within a Series, a period following the Revolving Period during which Collections of Principal Receivables are accumulated in an account for the benefit of the Noteholders of such Series or Class within such Series, which shall be the controlled accumulation period, the principal accumulation period, the early accumulation period, the optional accumulation period, the limited accumulation period or other accumulation period, in each case as defined with respect to such Series in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
 
Act” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 12.03(a).
 
Administration Agreement” shall mean the Administration Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 between the Issuer and the Administrator, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Administrator” shall mean Sterling, or its permitted successors and assigns, or any successor Administrator under the Administration Agreement.
 
Adverse Effect” shall have the meaning specified in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Aggregate Investor Percentage” shall mean, with respect to Principal Receivables, Finance Charge Receivables and Defaulted Receivables, as the case may be, as of any date of determination, the sum of the Investor Percentages of all Series of Notes issued and outstanding on such date of determination; provided, however, that the Aggregate Investor Percentage shall not exceed 100%.
 
Agreement” shall mean this Master Indenture, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including, with respect to any Series or Class, the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Amortization Period” shall mean, with respect to any Series, or any Class within a Series, a period following the Revolving Period during which Collections of Principal Receivables are distributed to Noteholders, which shall be the controlled amortization period, the principal amortization period, the rapid amortization period, the optional amortization period, the limited amortization period or other amortization period, in each case as defined with respect to such Series in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Applicants” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.09.
 
Authorized Officer” shall mean:
 
(a)           with respect to the Issuer, any officer of the Owner Trustee who is authorized to act for the Owner Trustee in matters relating to the Issuer and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers, containing the specimen signature of each such Person, delivered by the Owner Trustee to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter) and any Vice President or more senior officer of the Administrator who is authorized to act for the Administrator in matters relating to the Issuer and to be acted upon by the Administrator pursuant to the Administration Agreement and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers (containing the specimen signatures of such officers) delivered by the Administrator to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter).
 
(b)           with respect to the Transferor, any officer of the Transferor who is authorized to act for the Transferor in matters relating to the Transferor and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers, containing the specimen signature of each
 
 
 
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such Person, delivered by the Transferor to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter)
 
(c) with respect to the Servicer, any officer of the Servicer who is authorized to act for the Servicer in matters relating to the Servicer and who is identified on the list of Authorized Officers, containing the specimen signature of each such Person, delivered by the Servicer to the Indenture Trustee on the Closing Date (as such list may be modified or supplemented from time to time thereafter)
 
Bearer Notes” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
 
Beneficial Owner” shall mean, with respect to a Book-Entry Note, the Person who is the owner of such Book-Entry Note, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency, or on the books of a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing Agency Participant or as an Indirect Participant, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency).
 
Book-Entry Notes” shall mean beneficial interests in the Notes, ownership and transfers of which shall be made through book entries by a Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency as described in Section 2.13.
 
Business Day” shall mean any day other than (a) a Saturday or a Sunday or (b) any other day on which national banking associations or state banking institutions in New York, Ohio, Delaware or any other state in which the principal executive offices of Sterling, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or an Account Owner, as the case may be, are located, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or other governmental decree to be closed or (c) for purposes of any particular Series, any other day specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Class” shall mean, with respect to any Series, any one of the classes of Notes of that Series.
 
Clearing Agency” shall mean an organization registered as a “clearing agency” pursuant to Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and serving as clearing agency for a Series or Class of Book-Entry Notes.
 
Clearing Agency Participant” shall mean a broker, dealer, bank, other financial institution or other Person for whom from time to time a Clearing Agency effects book-entry transfers and pledges of securities deposited with the Clearing Agency.
 
Clearstream” shall mean Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, a professional depository incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, and its successors.
 
Closing Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the closing date specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
 
 
 
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Collateral” shall have the meaning specified in the Granting Clause of this Indenture.
 
Collection Account” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.03.
 
Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission and its successors in interest.
 
Corporate Trust Office” shall mean the principal office of the Indenture Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at date of the execution of this Indenture is located at Four Albany Street, New York, New York 10006, or at such other address as the Indenture Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Noteholders and the Transferor, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Indenture Trustee (the address of which the successor Indenture Trustee will notify the Noteholders and the Transferor); provided that for the purposes of Section 3.02, the address of any such office shall be in the Borough of Manhattan of the City of New York.
 
Coupon” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
 
Default” shall mean any occurrence that is, or with notice or the lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default.
 
Defeasance” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 11.04(a).
 
Defeased Series” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 11.04(a).
 
Definitive Notes” shall mean Notes in definitive, fully registered form.
 
Deposit Date” shall mean each day on which the Servicer deposits Collections in the Collection Account.
 
Determination Date” shall mean, unless otherwise specified in the Indenture Supplement for a particular Series, the second Business Day preceding the related Distribution Date.
 
Distribution Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the date specified in the applicable Indenture Supplement.
 
Dollars,” “$” or “U.S. $” shall mean United States dollars. “DTC” shall mean The Depository Trust Company.
 
Eligible Institution” shall mean any depository institution (which may be the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee) organized under the laws of the United States or any one of the states thereof, including the District of Columbia (or any domestic branch of a foreign bank), which depository institution at all times (a) is a member of the FDIC and (b) has (i) a long-term unsecured debt rating acceptable to the Rating Agencies or (ii) a certificate of deposit rating acceptable to the Rating Agencies. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, any institution the appointment of which satisfies the Rating Agency Condition shall be considered an Eligible
 
 
 
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Institution. If so qualified, the Servicer may be considered an Eligible Institution for the purposes of this definition.
 
Eligible Investments” shall mean instruments, investment property or other property, or, in the case of deposits described below, deposit accounts held in the name of the Indenture Trustee in trust for the benefit of the Noteholders subject to the exclusive custody and control of the Indenture Trustee and for which the Indenture Trustee has sole signature authority, which mature so that funds will be available no later than the close of business on each Transfer Date following each Monthly Period and which evidence:
 
(a)           direct obligations of, or obligations fully guaranteed as to timely payment by, the United States of America;
 
(b)           demand deposits, time deposits or certificates of deposit (having original maturities of no more than 365 days) of depository institutions or trust companies incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof, including the District of Columbia (or domestic branches of foreign banks) and subject to supervision and examination by federal or state banking or depository institution authorities; provided that at the time of the Trust’s investment or contractual commitment to invest therein, the short-term debt rating of that depository institution or trust company shall be in the highest rating category of Standard & Poor’s and each other Rating Agency that rates such depository institution or trust company;
 
(c)           commercial paper or other short-term obligations (having original or remaining maturities of no more than thirty (30) days) having, at the time of the Trust’s investment or contractual commitment to invest therein, a rating in the highest rating category of Standard & Poor’s and each other Rating Agency that rates such security;
 
(d)           demand deposits, time deposits and certificates of deposit which are fully insured by the FDIC having, at the time of the Trust’s investment therein, a rating in the highest rating category of Standard & Poor’s and each other Rating Agency that rates such security
 
(e)           bankers’ acceptances (having original maturities of no more than 365 days) issued by any depository institution or trust company referred to in clause (b) above;
 
(f)           money market funds having, at the time of the Trust’s investment therein, a rating in the highest rating category of Standard & Poor’s and each other Rating Agency that rates such security (including funds for which the Indenture Trustee or any of its Affiliates is investment manager or advisor);
 
(g)            time deposits (having maturities not later than the succeeding Distribution Date) other than as referred to in clause (d) above, with a Person the commercial paper of which has a credit rating satisfactory to each Rating Agency; or
 
(h)           any other investment of a type or rating that satisfies the Rating Agency Condition.
 
 
 
 
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Enhancement Agreement” shall mean any agreement, instrument or document governing the terms of any Series Enhancement or pursuant to which any Series Enhancement is issued or outstanding.
 
Euroclear Operator” shall mean Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, and its successor and assigns in such capacity.
 
Event of Default” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.02.
 
Excess Allocation Series” shall mean a Series that, pursuant to the Indenture Supplement therefor, is entitled to receive certain excess Collections of Finance Charge Receivables, as more specifically set forth in such Indenture Supplement. If so specified in the Indenture Supplement for a Group of Series, each such Series may be an Excess Allocation Series only for the other Series in such Group.
 
Excess Finance Charge Collections” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.08.
 
Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
FDIC” shall mean the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or its successor.
 
Finance Charge Shortfalls” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.08.
 
Final Maturity Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the final maturity date for such Series specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Foreign Clearing Agency” shall mean Clearstream and the Euroclear Operator.
 
GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America in effect from time to time.
 
Global Note” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.16.
 
Grant” shall mean to grant, mortgage, sell, pledge, bargain, warrant, alienate, remise, demise, release, convey, assign, transfer, create, and grant a lien upon and a security interest in and right of set-off against, deposit, set over and confirm pursuant to this Indenture. A Grant of the Collateral or of any other agreement or instrument shall include all rights, powers and options (but none of the obligations) of the Granting party thereunder, including the immediate and continuing right to claim for, collect, receive and give receipt for principal and interest payments in respect of the Collateral and all other moneys payable thereunder, to give and receive notices and other communications, to make waivers or other agreements, to exercise all rights and options, to bring Proceedings in the name of the Granting party or otherwise and generally to do and receive anything that the Granting party is or may be entitled to do or receive thereunder or with respect thereto.
 
Group” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the group of Series, if any, in which the related Indenture Supplement specifies such Series is to be included.
 
 
 
 
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Indenture” shall mean this Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001, among the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Indenture Supplement” shall mean, with respect to any Series, a supplement to the Indenture, executed and delivered in connection with the original issuance of the Notes of such Series pursuant to Section 10.01, and an amendment to the Indenture executed pursuant to Sections 10.01 or 10.02, and, in either case, including all amendments thereof and supplements thereto.
 
Indenture Trustee” shall mean Bankers Trust Company, in its capacity as trustee under the Agreement, its successors in interest and any successor indenture trustee under the Agreement.
 
Independent” shall mean, when used with respect to any specified Person, that the Person (a) is in fact independent of the Issuer, any other obligor upon the Notes, the Transferor and any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons, (b) does not have any direct financial interest or any material indirect financial interest in the Issuer, any such other obligor, the Transferor or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons and (c) is not connected with the Issuer, any such other obligor, the Transferor or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons as an officer, employee, promoter, underwriter, trustee, partner, director, or person performing similar functions.
 
Independent Certificate” shall mean a certificate or opinion to be delivered to the Indenture Trustee under the circumstances described in, and otherwise complying with, the applicable requirements of Section 12.01, made by an Independent appraiser or other expert appointed by an Issuer Order, and such opinion or certificate shall state that the signer has read the definition of “Independent” in this Indenture and that the signer is Independent within the meaning thereof.
 
Indirect Participant” shall mean other Persons such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant of DTC, either directly or indirectly.
 
Invested Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Series and for any date, an amount equal to the “Invested Amount” or “Adjusted Invested Amount,” as applicable, specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Investment Company Act” shall mean the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
Issuer” shall mean the Trust.
 
Issuer Order” and “Issuer Request” shall mean a written order or request signed in the name of the Issuer by any one of its Authorized Officers and delivered to the Indenture Trustee.
 
 
 
 
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Monthly Period” shall mean, with respect to each Distribution Date, unless otherwise provided in an Indenture Supplement, the period from and including the twentieth (20th) day of the second preceding calendar month to and including the nineteenth (19th) day of the preceding calendar month; provided, however, that the initial Monthly Period with respect to any Series will commence on the Closing Date with respect to such Series.
 
New Issuance” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.12(a).
 
Note Interest Rate” shall mean, as of any particular date of determination and with respect to any Series or Class, the interest rate as of such date specified therefor in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Note Owner” shall mean, with respect to a Book-Entry Note, the Person who is the owner of such Book-Entry Note, as reflected on the books of the Clearing Agency, or on the books of a Person maintaining an account with such Clearing Agency (directly as a Clearing Agency Participant or as an indirect participant, in accordance with the rules of such Clearing Agency).
 
Note Register” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05.
 
Noteholder” or “Holder” shall mean the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Note Register and, if applicable, the holder of any Bearer Note, Global Note, or Coupon, as the case may be, or such other Person deemed to be a “Noteholder” or “Holder” in any related Indenture Supplement.
 
Notes” shall mean all Series of Notes issued by the Trust pursuant to the Indenture and the applicable Indenture Supplement.
 
Notice of Default” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 5.02(c).
 
Officer’s Certificate” shall mean, unless otherwise specified in this Indenture, a certificate delivered to the Indenture Trustee signed by any Authorized Officer of the Issuer, Transferor, or Servicer, as applicable, under the circumstances described in, and otherwise complying with, the applicable requirements of Section 12.01.
 
Opinion of Counsel” shall mean a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for, or an employee of, the Person providing the opinion and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Indenture Trustee; provided that a Tax Opinion shall be an opinion of nationally recognized tax counsel.
 
Outstanding” shall mean, as of the date of determination, all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture except:
 
(i)           Notes theretofore canceled by the Transfer Agent and Registrar or delivered to the Transfer Agent and Registrar for cancellation;
 
(ii)           Notes or portions thereof the payment for which money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent in
 
 
 
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trust for the Holders of such Notes (provided, however, that if such Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor, satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, has been made); and
 
(iii)           Notes in exchange for or in lieu of other Notes which have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture unless proof satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee is presented that any such Notes are held by a Protected Purchaser;
 
provided that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite Outstanding Amount of the Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Notes owned by the Issuer, any other obligor upon the Notes, the Transferor, the Servicer or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Indenture Trustee shall be fully protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Indenture Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer, any other obligor upon the Notes, the Transferor, the Servicer or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing Persons. In making any such determination, the Indenture Trustee may rely conclusively on the representations of the pledgee and shall not be required to undertake any independent investigation.
 
Outstanding Amount” shall mean the aggregate principal amount of all Notes Outstanding at the date of determination and, with respect to the Notes of a particular Series, the aggregate principal amount of all Notes of such Series which are Outstanding at the date of determination.
 
Owner Trustee” shall mean Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity, but solely as owner trustee under the Trust Agreement, its successors in interest and any successor owner trustee under the Trust Agreement.
 
Paired Series” shall mean (i) each Series which has been paired with another Series (which Series may be prefunded or partially prefunded), such that the reduction of the Invested Amount or Adjusted Invested Amount of such Series results in the increase of the Invested Amount of such other Series, as described in the related Indenture Supplements, and (ii) such other Series.
 
Pay Out Event” shall mean, with respect to any Series, a Trust Pay Out Event or a Series Pay Out Event.
 
Paying Agent” shall mean any paying agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.08 and shall initially be the Indenture Trustee; provided that if the Indenture Supplement for a Series so provides, a separate or additional Paying Agent may be appointed with respect to such Series.
 
Permitted Assignee” shall mean any Person who, if it were to purchase Receivables (or interests therein) in connection with a sale thereof pursuant to Sections 5.05(a)
 
 
 
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and 5.16, would not cause the Trust to be taxable as a publicly traded partnership for federal income tax purposes.
 
Principal Sharing Series” shall mean a Series that, pursuant to the Indenture Supplement therefor, is entitled to receive Shared Principal Collections. If so specified in the Indenture Supplement for a Group of Series, each such Series may be a Principal Sharing Series only for the other Series in such Group.
 
Principal Shortfalls” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 8.05.
 
Principal Terms” shall mean, with respect to any Series, (a) the name or designation; (b) the initial principal amount (or method for calculating such amount), the Invested Amount and the Required Transferor Interest; (c) the Note Interest Rate for each Class of Notes of such Series (or method for the determination thereof); (d) the payment date or dates and the date or dates from which interest shall accrue; (e) the method for allocating Collections to Noteholders; (f) the designation of any Series Accounts and the terms governing the operation of any such Series Accounts; (g) the Servicing Fee; (h) the issuer and terms of any form of Series Enhancements with respect thereto; (i) the terms on which the Notes of such Series may be exchanged for Notes of another Series, repurchased by the Transferor or remarketed to other investors; (j) the Final Maturity Date; (k) the number of Classes of Notes of such Series and, if more than one Class, the rights and priorities of each such Class; (1) the extent to which the Notes of such Series will be issuable in temporary or permanent global form (and, in such case, the depositary for such global note or notes, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such global note may be exchanged, in whole or in part, for Definitive Notes, and the manner in which any interest payable on a temporary or global note will be paid); (m) whether the Notes of such Series may be issued in bearer form and any limitations imposed thereon; (n) the priority of such Series with respect to any other Series; (o) whether such Series will be part of a Group; (p) whether such Series will be a Principal Sharing Series; (q) whether such Series will be an Excess Allocation Series; (r) the Distribution Date; (s) whether such Series will or may be a Paired Series and the Series with which it will be paired, if applicable; and (t) any other terms of such Series.
 
Proceeding” shall mean any suit in equity, action at law or other judicial or administrative proceeding.
 
Protected Purchaser” shall have the meaning set forth in the New York Uniform Commercial Code.
 
Qualified Account” shall mean either (a) a segregated non-interest bearing account with an Eligible Institution or (b) a segregated non-interest bearing trust account with the corporate trust department of a depository institution organized under the laws of the United States or any one of the states thereof, including the District of Columbia (or any domestic branch of a foreign bank), and acting as a trustee for funds deposited in such account, so long as any of the unsecured, unguaranteed senior debt securities of such depository institution shall have a credit rating from each Rating Agency in one of its generic credit rating categories that signifies investment grade.
 
 
 
 
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Rating Agency” shall mean, with respect to any outstanding Series or Class, each rating agency, as specified in the applicable Indenture Supplement, selected by the Transferor to rate the Notes of such Series or Class.
 
Rating Agency Condition” shall mean, with respect to any action, that each Rating Agency shall have notified the Transferor, the Servicer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee in writing that such action will not result in a reduction or withdrawal of the then existing rating of any outstanding Series or Class with respect to which it is a Rating Agency or, with respect to any outstanding Series or Class not rated by any Rating Agency, the written consent of such Series or Class as specified in the Indenture Supplement for such Series.
 
Receivables Purchase Agreements” shall have the meaning specified in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Record Date” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date unless otherwise specified for a Series in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Redemption Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the date or dates, if any, specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Registered Notes” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
 
Required Transferor Interest” shall mean, with respect to any date, an amount equal to the product of (i) the Required Transferor Percentage and (ii) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables.
 
Required Transferor Percentage” shall mean the highest Required Transferor Percentage specified in any Indenture Supplement; provided, however, that the Transferor may reduce the Required Transferor Percentage upon (x) thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency, (y) satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition with respect thereto and (z) delivery to the Indenture Trustee of a certificate of a Vice President or more senior officer of the Transferor stating that the Transferor reasonably believes that such reduction will not, based on the facts known to such officer at the time of such certification, then or thereafter have an Adverse Effect.
 
Responsible Officer” shall mean, when used with respect to the Indenture Trustee, any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Indenture Trustee including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant treasurer, director, managing director, associate, assistant secretary, trust officer or any other officer of the Indenture Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred at the Corporate Trust Office because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.
 
Revolving Period” shall have, with respect to each Series, the meaning specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
 
 
 
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Seller” shall have the meaning specified in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Series” shall mean any series of Notes issued pursuant to this Indenture and the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Series Account” shall mean any deposit, trust, securities escrow or similar account maintained for the benefit of the Noteholders of any Series or Class, as specified in any Indenture Supplement.
 
Series Enhancement” shall mean the rights and benefits provided to the Trust or the Noteholders of any Series or Class pursuant to any letter of credit, surety bond, cash collateral account, collateral invested amount, spread account, reserve account, guaranteed rate agreement, maturity liquidity facility, tax protection agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other similar arrangement. The subordination of any Series or Class to another Series or Class shall be deemed to be a Series Enhancement.
 
Series Enhancer” shall mean the Person or Persons providing any Series Enhancement, other than (except to the extent otherwise provided with respect to any Series in the Indenture Supplement for such Series) the Noteholders of any Series or Class which is subordinated to another Series or Class.
 
Series Issuance Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the date on which the Notes of such Series are to be originally issued in accordance with Section 2.12 and the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Series Pay Out Event” shall have, with respect to any Series, the meaning specified pursuant to the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Servicer” shall mean Sterling Jewelers Inc., an Ohio corporation, and its successors and permitted assigns.
 
Shared Excess Finance Charge Collections” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, the aggregate amount for all outstanding Series that the related Indenture Supplements specify are to be treated as “Shared Excess Finance Charge Collections” for such Distribution Date.
 
Shared Principal Collections” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.05.
 
Special Funding Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.
 
Special Funding Amount” shall mean the amount on deposit in the Special Funding Account.
 
Sterling” shall mean Sterling Jewelers Inc., a Delaware corporation.
 
Tax Opinion” shall mean, with respect to any action, an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes, (a) such action will not adversely affect the tax
 
 
 
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characterization as debt of the Notes of any outstanding Series or Class that were characterized as debt at the time of their issuance, (b) such action will not cause the Trust to be deemed to be an association (or publicly traded partnership) taxable as a corporation and (c) such action will not cause or constitute an event in which gain or loss would be recognized by any Noteholder.
 
Transaction Documents” shall mean, with respect to any Series of Notes, the Certificate of Trust, the Trust Agreement, the Receivables Purchase Agreements, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, this Indenture, the related Indenture Supplement, the Administration Agreement and such other documents and certificates delivered in connection therewith.
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05.
 
Transfer and Servicing Agreement” shall mean the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001, among the Transferor, the Servicer, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Transfer Date” shall mean the Business Day immediately preceding each Distribution Date.
 
Transferor” shall have the meaning specified in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Transferor Interest” shall mean on any date of determination an amount equal to the difference between (a) the sum of (i) an amount equal to the aggregate balance of Principal Receivables at the end of the day immediately prior to such date of determination plus (ii) the Special Funding Amount at the end of the day immediately prior to such date of determination minus (b) the aggregated Invested Amounts with respect to all Series of Notes issued and outstanding on such date of determination.
 
Transferor Percentage” shall mean, on any date of determination, when used with respect to Principal Receivables, Finance Charge Receivables and Defaulted Receivables, a percentage equal to 100% minus the Aggregate Investor Percentage with respect to such category of Receivables.
 
Trust” shall mean the Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust.
 
Trust Agreement” shall mean the Trust Agreement relating to the Trust, dated as of October 18, 2001, between Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. and the Owner Trustee, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Trust Indenture Act” or “TIA” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
 
Trust Pay Out Event” shall have, with respect to each Series, the meaning specified in Section 5.01.
 
 
 
 
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UCC” shall have the meaning specified in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Section 1.02. Other Definitional Provisions.
 
(a) With respect to any Series, all terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have meanings ascribed to them in the Trust Agreement, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or the related Indenture Supplement, as applicable.
 
(b) All terms defined in this Indenture shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein.
 
(c) As used in this Indenture and in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, accounting terms not defined in this Indenture or in any such certificate or other document, and accounting terms partly defined in this Indenture or in any such certificate or other document to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP. To the extent that the definitions of accounting terms in this Indenture or in any such certificate or other document are inconsistent with the meanings of such terms under GAAP, the definitions contained in this Indenture or in any such certificate or other document shall control.
 
(d) Any reference to each Rating Agency shall only apply to any specific rating agency if such rating agency is then rating any outstanding Series.
 
(e) Unless otherwise specified, references to any amount as on deposit or outstanding on any particular date shall mean such amount at the close of business on such day.
 
(f) The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Indenture shall refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Indenture; references to any subsection, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are references to subsections, Sections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to this Indenture unless otherwise specified; and the term “including” means “including without limitation.”
 
(g)           Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:
 
“indenture securities” shall mean the Notes.
 
“indenture security holder” shall mean a Noteholder.
 
“indenture to be qualified” shall mean this Indenture.
 
indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” shall mean the Indenture Trustee.
 
“obligor” on the indenture securities shall mean the Issuer and any other obligor on the indenture securities.
 
 
 
 
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All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule have the meaning assigned to them by such definitions.
 
ARTICLE II
 
THE NOTES
 
Section 2.01. Form Generally.
 
Any Series or Class of Notes, together with the Indenture Trustee’s certificate of authentication related thereto, may be issued in bearer form (the “Bearer Notes”) with attached interest coupons and a special coupon (collectively, the “Coupons”) or in fully registered form (the “Registered Notes”) and shall be in substantially the form of an exhibit to the related Indenture Supplement with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture or such Indenture Supplement, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon, as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Notes, as evidenced by their execution of such Notes. Any portion of the text of any Note may be set forth on the reverse thereof, with an appropriate reference thereto on the face of the Note. The terms of any Notes set forth in an exhibit to the related Indenture Supplement are part of the terms of this Indenture, as applicable. Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Indenture Supplement, any Notes that are issued in bearer form pursuant to this Indenture shall be issued in accordance with the requirements of Code section 163(f)(2).
 
The Definitive Notes shall be typewritten, printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods, all as determined by the officers executing such Notes, as evidenced by its execution of such Notes.
 
Each Note will be dated the Closing Date and each Definitive Note will be dated as of the date of its authentication.
 
Section 2.02. Denominations.
 
Except as otherwise specified in the related Indenture Supplement and the Notes, each class of Notes of each Series shall be issued in fully registered form in minimum amounts of $1,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof (except that one Note of each Class may be issued in a different amount, so long as such amount exceeds the applicable minimum denomination for such Class), and shall be issued upon initial issuance as one or more Notes in an aggregate original principal amount equal to the applicable Invested Amount for such Class or Series.
 
Section 2.03. Execution. Authentication and Delivery.
 
Each Note shall be executed by manual or facsimile signature on behalf of the Issuer by an Authorized Officer.
 
 
 
 
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Notes bearing the manual or facsimile signature of an individual who was, at the time when such signature was affixed, authorized to sign on behalf of the Issuer shall not be rendered invalid, notwithstanding the fact that such individual ceased to be so authorized prior to the authentication and delivery of such Notes or does not hold such office at the date of issuance of such Notes.
 
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Notes executed by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee for authentication and delivery, and the Indenture Trustee upon Issuer Order shall authenticate and deliver such Notes as provided in this Indenture or the related Indenture Supplement and not otherwise.
 
No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or the applicable Indenture Supplement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein or in the related Indenture Supplement executed by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee by the manual signature of a duly authorized signatory, and such certificate upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.
 
Section 2.04. Authenticating Agent.
 
(a) The Indenture Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents with respect to the Notes which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Indenture Trustee in authenticating the Notes in connection with the issuance, delivery, registration of transfer, exchange or repayment of the Notes. Whenever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication of Notes by the Indenture Trustee or the Indenture Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication on behalf of the Indenture Trustee by an authenticating agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Indenture Trustee by an authenticating agent. Each authenticating agent must be acceptable to the Issuer and the Servicer.
 
(b) Any institution succeeding to the corporate agency business of an authenticating agent shall continue to be an authenticating agent without the execution or filing of any power or any further act on the part of the Indenture Trustee or such authenticating agent.
 
(c) An authenticating agent may at any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer and the Servicer. The Indenture Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an authenticating agent by giving notice of termination to such authenticating agent and to the Issuer and the Servicer. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time an authenticating agent shall cease to be acceptable to the Indenture Trustee or the Issuer and the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee may promptly appoint a successor authenticating agent. Any successor authenticating agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an authenticating agent. No successor authenticating agent shall be appointed unless acceptable to the Issuer and the Servicer.
 
 
 
 
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(d) The Issuer agrees to pay to each authenticating agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 2.04.
 
(e) The provisions of Sections 6.01 and 6.04 shall be applicable to any authenticating agent.
 
(f) Pursuant to an appointment made under this Section 2.04, the Notes may have endorsed thereon, in lieu of or in addition to the Indenture Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of authentication in substantially the following form:
 
“This is one of the Notes described in the within-mentioned Indenture.
 
________________________________
 
________________________________
 
as Authenticating Agent
 
for the Indenture Trustee
 
By:  ______________________________
Authorized Signatory”
 
Section 2.05. Registration of and Limitations on Transfer and Exchange of Notes.
 
The Issuer shall cause to be kept a register (the “Note Register) in which the Issuer shall provide for the registration of Notes and the registration of transfers of Notes. The Indenture Trustee initially shall be the transfer agent and registrar (in such capacity, the “Transfer Agent and Registrar) for the purpose of registering Notes and transfers of Notes as herein provided. Upon any resignation of any Transfer Agent and Registrar, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor or, if it elects not to make such an appointment, assume the duties of Transfer Agent and Registrar.
 
If a Person other than the Indenture Trustee is appointed by the Issuer as Transfer Agent and Registrar, the Issuer will give the Indenture Trustee prompt written notice of the appointment of a Transfer Agent and Registrar and of the location, and any change in the location, of the Transfer Agent and Registrar and Note Register. The Indenture Trustee shall have the right to inspect the Note Register at all reasonable times and to obtain copies thereof, and the Indenture Trustee shall have the right to rely conclusively upon a certificate executed on behalf of the Transfer Agent and Registrar by an officer thereof as to the names and addresses of the Noteholders and the principal amounts and numbers of such Notes.
 
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Transfer Agent and Registrar, to be maintained as provided in Section 3.02, if the requirements of Section 8-401 of the UCC are met, the Issuer shall execute, and upon receipt of such surrendered Note the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Noteholder, in
 
 
 
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the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes (of the same Series and Class) in any authorized denominations of like aggregate principal amount.
 
At the option of a Noteholder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes (of the same Series and Class) in any authorized denominations and of like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of such Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Transfer Agent and Registrar. Whenever any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, if the requirements of Section 8-401 of the UCC are met, the Issuer shall execute, and upon receipt of such surrendered Note the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Noteholder, the Notes which the Noteholder making the exchange is entitled to receive.
 
All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes shall evidence the same obligations, evidence the same debt, and be entitled to the same rights and privileges under this Indenture, as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
 
Every Note presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in a form satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee duly executed by, the Noteholder thereof or its attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing, and by such other documents as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably require.
 
The registration of transfer of any Note shall be subject to the additional requirements, if any, set forth in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Issuer and Transfer Agent and Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of such Notes.
 
All Notes surrendered for registration of transfer and exchange shall be canceled by the Issuer and delivered to the Indenture Trustee for subsequent destruction without liability on the part of either. The Indenture Trustee shall destroy the Global Note upon its exchange in full for Definitive Notes and shall deliver a certificate of destruction to the Transferor. Such certificate shall also state that a certificate or certificates of each Foreign Clearing Agency referred to in the applicable Indenture Supplement was received with respect to each portion of the Global Note exchanged for Definitive Notes.
 
Unless otherwise set forth in an Indenture Supplement, the preceding provisions of this Section 2.05 notwithstanding, the Issuer shall not be required to make, and the Transfer Agent and Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of Notes for a period of twenty (20) days preceding the due date for any payment with respect to the Note.
 
Section 2.06. Mutilated. Destroyed. Lost or Stolen Notes.
 
If (a) any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Indenture Trustee, or the Indenture Trustee receives evidence to its reasonable satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, and (b) in case of destruction, loss, or theft there is delivered to the Indenture Trustee such
 
 
 
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security or indemnity as may be required by it to hold the Issuer, the Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee harmless, then, in the absence of written notice to the Issuer, the Transfer Agent and Registrar or the Indenture Trustee that such Note has been acquired by a Protected Purchaser, the Issuer shall execute, and the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note, a replacement Note of like tenor (including the same date of issuance) and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding; provided, however, that if any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall have become or within seven (7) days shall be due and payable, or shall have been selected or called for redemption, instead of issuing a replacement Note, the Issuer may pay such Note without surrender thereof, except that any mutilated Note shall be surrendered. If, after the delivery of such replacement Note or payment of a destroyed, lost or stolen Note pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, a Protected Purchaser of the original Note in lieu of which such replacement Note was issued presents for payment such original Note, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to recover such replacement Note (or such payment) from the Person to whom it was delivered or any Person taking such replacement Note from such Person to whom such replacement Note was delivered or any assignee of such Person, except a Protected Purchaser, and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by the Issuer or the Indenture Trustee in connection therewith.
 
Upon the issuance of any replacement Note under this Section 2.06, the Issuer may require the payment by the Holder of such Note of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other reasonable expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Indenture Trustee or the Transfer Agent and Registrar) connected therewith.
 
Every replacement Note issued pursuant to this Section 2.06 in replacement of any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall constitute complete and indefeasible evidence of debt of the Trust, as if originally issued, whether or not the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes duly issued hereunder.
 
The provisions of this Section 2.06 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes.
 
Section 2.07. Persons Deemed Owners.
 
The Indenture Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Note Registrar, the Transferor, the Issuer and any agent of any of them may (a) prior to due presentation of a Registered Note for registration of transfer, treat the Person in whose name any Registered Note is registered as the owner of such Registered Note for the purpose of receiving distributions pursuant to the terms of the applicable Indenture Supplement and for all other purposes whatsoever, and (b) treat the bearer of a Bearer Note or Coupon as the owner of such Bearer Note or Coupon for the purpose of receiving distributions pursuant to the terms of the applicable Indenture Supplement and for all other purposes whatsoever; and, in any such case, neither the Indenture Trustee, the Paying
 
 
 
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Agent, the Note Registrar, the Transferor, the Issuer nor any agent of any of them shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
 
Section 2.08. Appointment of Paying Agent.
 
(a) The Issuer reserves the right at any time to vary or terminate the appointment of a Paying Agent for the Notes, and to appoint additional or other Paying Agents, provided that it will at all times maintain the Indenture Trustee as Paying Agent.
 
Notice of all changes in the identity or specified office of a Paying Agent will be delivered promptly to the Noteholders by the Indenture Trustee.
 
(b) The Issuer shall cause the Paying Agent (other than the Indenture Trustee) to execute and deliver to the Indenture Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Indenture Trustee that such Paying Agent will hold all sums, if any, held by it for payment to the Noteholders in trust for the benefit of the Noteholders entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Noteholders and shall agree, and if the Indenture Trustee is the Paying Agent it hereby agrees, that it shall comply with all requirements of the Code regarding the withholding by the Indenture Trustee of payments in respect of federal income taxes due from the Beneficial Owners.
 
Section 2.09. Access to List of Noteholders’ Names and Addresses.
 
(a) The Transfer Agent and Registrar will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer, any Noteholder or the Paying Agent, within five (5) Business Days after receipt by the Registrar of a written request therefor from the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer, such Noteholder or the Paying Agent, respectively, a list of the names and addresses of the Noteholders. Unless otherwise provided in the related Indenture Supplement, holders of 10% of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of any Series (the “Applicants) may apply in writing to the Indenture Trustee, and if such application states that the Applicants desire to communicate with other Noteholders of any Series with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Notes and is accompanied by a copy of the communication which such Applicants propose to transmit, then the Indenture Trustee, after having been indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction by such Applicants for its costs and expenses, shall afford or shall cause the Transfer Agent and Registrar to afford such Applicants access during normal business hours to the most recent list of Noteholders held by the Indenture Trustee and shall give the Servicer notice that such request has been made, within five (5) Business Days after the receipt of such application. Such list shall be as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of receipt of such Applicants’ request.
 
(b) Every Noteholder, by receiving and holding a Note, agrees that none of the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Transfer Agent and Registrar and the Servicer or any of their respective agents and employees shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Noteholders hereunder, regardless of the sources from which such information was derived.
 
 
 
 
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Section 2.10. Cancellation.
 
All Notes surrendered for payment, registration of transfer, exchange or redemption shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Indenture Trustee, be delivered to the Indenture Trustee and shall be promptly canceled by it. The Issuer may at any time deliver to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Issuer may have acquired in any lawful manner whatsoever, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly canceled by the Indenture Trustee. No Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Notes canceled as provided in this Section 2.10, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Notes held by the Indenture Trustee shall be destroyed unless the Issuer shall direct by a timely Issuer Order that they be returned to it.
 
Section 2.11. Release of Collateral.
 
If and for so long as this Indenture is required to be qualified under the TIA and subject to Section 12.01, the Indenture Trustee shall release property from the lien of this Indenture only upon receipt of an Issuer Request accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel and Independent Certificates in accordance with TIA §314(c) and, §314(d) or an Opinion of Counsel in lieu of such Independent Certificates to the effect that the TIA does not require any such Independent Certificates.
 
Section 2.12. New Issuances.
 
(a) Pursuant to one or more Indenture Supplements, the Transferor may from time to time direct the Owner Trustee in writing, on behalf of the Issuer, to issue one or more new Series of Notes (a “New Issuance). The Notes of all outstanding Series shall be equally and ratably entitled as provided herein to the benefits of this Indenture without preference, priority or distinction, all in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture and the applicable Indenture Supplement except, with respect to any Series or Class, as provided in the related Indenture Supplement. Interest on the Notes of all outstanding Series shall be paid on each Distribution Date as specified in the Indenture Supplement relating to such outstanding Series. Principal of the Notes of each outstanding Series shall be paid as specified in the Indenture Supplement relating to such outstanding Series.
 
(b) On or before the Series Issuance Date relating to any new Series of Notes, the parties hereto will execute and deliver an Indenture Supplement which will specify the Principal Terms of such Series. The terms of such Indenture Supplement may modify or amend the terms of this Indenture solely as applied to such new Series. The obligation of the Owner Trustee to execute, on behalf of the Issuer, the Notes of any Series and of the Indenture Trustee to authenticate such Notes and to execute and deliver the related Indenture Supplement (other than any Series issued pursuant to an Indenture Supplement dated as of November 2, 2001) is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
 
(i) on or before the fifth day immediately preceding the Series Issuance Date the Transferor shall have given the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer
 
 
 
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and each Rating Agency written notice (unless such notice requirement is otherwise waived) of such issuance and the Series Issuance Date;
 
(ii) the Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee any related Indenture Supplement, in form satisfactory to the Owner Trustee (as such and in its individual capacity) and the Indenture Trustee, executed by each party hereto (other than the Indenture Trustee);
 
(iii) the Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee any related Enhancement Agreement executed by the provider of the credit enhancement and the other parties thereto;
 
(iv) the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to such issuance;
 
(v) such issuance will not result in any Adverse Effect and the Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the Series Issuance Date to the effect that (i) the Transferor reasonably believes that such issuance will not, based on the facts known to such officer at the time of such certification, have an Adverse Effect, and (ii) all conditions precedent to such execution, authentication, and delivery have been satisfied;
 
(vi) there shall have been delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee (with a copy to each Rating Agency) a Tax Opinion, dated the Series Issuance Date with respect to such issuance; and
 
(vii) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables plus the principal amount of any Participation Interest theretofore conveyed to the Trust as of the Series Issuance Date shall be greater than the Required Minimum Principal Balance and the Transferor Interest shall be greater than the Required Transferor Interest, each as of the Series Issuance Date and after giving effect to such issuance.
 
Any Note held by the Transferor at any time after the date of its initial issuance may be transferred or exchanged only upon the delivery to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee of a Tax Opinion dated as of the date of such transfer or exchange, as the case may be, with respect to such transfer or exchange.
 
(c) Upon satisfaction of the above conditions, pursuant to Section 2.03, the Owner Trustee, on behalf of the Issuer, shall execute and the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate and deliver the Notes of such Series as provided in this Indenture and the applicable Indenture Supplement. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.12, prior to the execution of any Indenture Supplement (other than any Indenture Supplement dated as of November 2, 2001), the Indenture Trustee and Owner Trustee shall be entitled to receive and rely conclusively upon an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such Indenture Supplement is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and any Indenture Supplement related to any outstanding Series. The Indenture Trustee and Owner Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such Indenture Supplement which adversely affects the Indenture Trustee’s or Owner Trustee’s (as
 
 
 
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such or in its individual capacity) own rights, duties, benefits, protections, privileges or immunities under this Indenture.
 
(d) The Issuer may direct the Indenture Trustee in writing to deposit the net proceeds from any New Issuance in the Special Funding Account. The Issuer may also specify that on any Transfer Date the proceeds from the sale of any new Series may be withdrawn from the Special Funding Account and treated as Shared Principal Collections.
 
Section 2.13. Book-Entry Notes.
 
Unless otherwise provided in any related Indenture Supplement, the Notes, upon original issuance, shall be issued in the form of typewritten Notes representing the Book-Entry Notes to be delivered to the depository specified in such Indenture Supplement which shall be the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency, by or on behalf of such Series.
 
The Notes of each Series shall, unless otherwise provided in the related Indenture Supplement, initially be registered in the Note Register in the name of the nominee of the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency for such Book-Entry Notes and shall be delivered to the Indenture Trustee or, pursuant to such Clearing Agency’s or Foreign Clearing Agency’s instructions held by the Indenture Trustee’s agent as custodian for the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency.
 
Unless and until Definitive Notes are issued under the limited circumstances described in Section 2.15, no Beneficial Owner shall be entitled to receive a Definitive Note representing such Beneficial Owner’s interest in such Note. Unless and until Definitive Notes have been issued to the Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section 2.15:
 
(a) the provisions of this Section 2.13 shall be in full force and effect with respect to each such Series;
 
(b) the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to deal with the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency and the Clearing Agency Participants for all purposes of this Indenture (including the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes of each such Series) as the authorized representatives of the Beneficial Owners;
 
(c) to the extent that the provisions of this Section 2.13 conflict with any other provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Section 2.13 shall control with respect to each such Series;
 
(d) the rights of Beneficial Owners of each such Series shall be exercised only through the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency and the applicable Clearing Agency Participants and shall be limited to those established by law and agreements between such Beneficial Owners and the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency and/or the Clearing Agency Participants. Pursuant to the depository agreement applicable to a Series, unless and until Definitive Notes of such Series are issued pursuant to Section 2.15, the initial Clearing Agency shall make book-entry transfers among the Clearing Agency Participants and receive and transmit distributions of principal and interest on the Notes to such Clearing Agency Participants; and
 
 
 
 
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(e) whenever this Indenture requires or permits actions to be taken based upon instructions or directions of the Holders of Notes evidencing a specified percentage of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes, the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency shall be deemed to represent such percentage only to the extent that they have received instructions to such effect from the Beneficial Owners and/or Clearing Agency Participants owning or representing, respectively, such required percentage of the beneficial interest in the Notes and has delivered such instructions to the Indenture Trustee.
 
Section 2.14. Notices to Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency.
 
Whenever a notice or other communication to the Noteholders is required under this Indenture, unless and until Definitive Notes shall have been issued to Beneficial Owners pursuant to Section 2.15, the Indenture Trustee shall give all such notices and communications specified herein to be given to Noteholders to the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency, as applicable, and shall have no obligation to the Beneficial Owners.
 
Section 2.15. Definitive Notes.
 
If (i) (a) the Issuer advises the Indenture Trustee in writing that the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency is no longer willing or able to discharge properly its responsibilities as Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency with respect to the Book-Entry Notes of a given Class and (b) the Indenture Trustee or Issuer is unable to locate and reach an agreement on satisfactory terms with a qualified successor, (ii) the Issuer, at its option, advises the Indenture Trustee in writing that it elects to terminate the book-entry system through the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency with respect to such Class or (iii) after the occurrence of a Servicer Default, Beneficial Owners aggregating a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes (or such other percentage as specified in the related Indenture Supplement) of such Class advise the Indenture Trustee and the applicable Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency through the applicable Clearing Agency Participants in writing that the continuation of a book-entry system is no longer in the best interests of the Beneficial Owners of such Class, the Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency, as the case may be, shall notify all Beneficial Owners of such Class of the occurrence of such event and of the availability of Definitive Notes to Beneficial Owners of such Class requesting the same. Upon surrender to the Indenture Trustee of the Notes of such Class, accompanied by registration instructions from the applicable Clearing Agency, the Issuer shall execute and the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes of such Class and shall recognize the registered holders of such Definitive Notes as Noteholders under this Indenture. Neither the Issuer nor the Indenture Trustee shall be liable for any delay in delivery of such instructions, and the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying on, such instructions. Upon the issuance of Definitive Notes of such Series, all references herein to obligations imposed upon or to be performed by the applicable Clearing Agency or Foreign Clearing Agency shall be deemed to be imposed upon and performed by the Indenture Trustee, to the extent applicable with respect to such Definitive Notes, and the Indenture Trustee shall recognize the registered holders of the Definitive Notes of such Series as Noteholders of such Series hereunder. Definitive Notes will be transferable and exchangeable at the offices of the Transfer Agent and Registrar.
 
 
 
 
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Section 2.16. Global Note.
 
If specified in the related Indenture Supplement for any Series, Notes may be initially issued in the form of a single temporary Global Note (the “Global Note”) in bearer form, without interest coupons, in the denomination of the Initial Invested Amount and substantially in the form attached to the related Indenture Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the related Indenture Supplement, the provisions of this Section 2.16 shall apply to such Global Note. The Global Note will be authenticated by the Indenture Trustee upon the same conditions, in substantially the same manner and with the same effect as the Definitive Notes. The Global Note may be exchanged in the manner described in the related Indenture Supplement for Registered Notes or Bearer Notes in definitive form.
 
Section 2.17. Meetings of Noteholders.
 
To the extent provided by the Indenture Supplement for any Series issued in whole or in part in Bearer Notes, the Servicer or the Indenture Trustee may at any time call a meeting of the Noteholders of such Series, to be held at such time and at such place as the Servicer or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be, shall determine, for the purpose of approving a modification of or amendment to, or obtaining a waiver of, any covenant or condition set forth in this Indenture with respect to such Series or in the Notes of such Series, subject to Article X.
 
Section 2.18. Uncertificated Classes.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article II or in Article XI, unless otherwise specified in any Indenture Supplement, any provisions contained in this Article II and in Article XI relating to the registration, form, execution, authentication, delivery, presentation, cancellation and surrender of Notes shall not be applicable to any uncertificated Notes, provided, however, that, except as otherwise specifically provided in the Indenture Supplement, any such uncertificated Notes shall be issued in “registered form” within the meaning of Code section 163(0(1).
 
ARTICLE III
 
COVENANTS OF ISSUER; REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ISSUER
 
Section 3.01. Payment of Principal and Interest.
 
(a) The Issuer will duly and punctually pay principal and interest in accordance with the terms of the Notes as specified in the relevant Indenture Supplement.
 
(b) The Noteholders of a Series as of the Record Date in respect of a Distribution Date shall be entitled to the interest accrued and payable and principal payable on such Distribution Date as specified in the related Indenture Supplement. All payment obligations under a Note are discharged to the extent such payments are made to the Noteholder of record.
 
 
 
 
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Section 3.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency.
 
The Issuer will maintain an office or agency within the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York and such other locations as may be set forth in an Indenture Supplement where Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer hereby initially appoints the Indenture Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office to serve as its agent for the foregoing purposes. The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders of the location, and of any change in the location, of any such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Indenture Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Indenture Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
 
Section 3.03. Money for Note Payments to Be Held in Trust.
 
As specified in Section 8.03 herein and in the related Indenture Supplement, all payments of amounts due and payable on the Notes which are to be made from amounts withdrawn from the Collection Account, the Special Funding Account or any Series Account shall be made on behalf of the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee or by the Paying Agent, and no amounts so withdrawn from the Collection Account, the Special Funding Account or any Series Account shall be paid over to or at the direction of the Issuer except as provided in this Section 3.03 and in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Whenever the Issuer shall have a Paying Agent in addition to the Indenture Trustee, it will, on or before the Business Day next preceding each Distribution Date, direct the Indenture Trustee in writing to deposit with such Paying Agent on or before such Distribution Date an aggregate sum sufficient to pay the amounts then becoming due, such sum to be (i) held in trust for the benefit of Persons entitled thereto and (ii) invested, pursuant to an Issuer Order, by the Paying Agent in an Eligible Investment in accordance with the terms of the related Indenture Supplement. For all investments made by a Paying Agent under this Section 3.03, such Paying Agent shall be entitled to all of the rights and obligations of the Indenture Trustee under the related Indenture Supplement, such rights and obligations being incorporated in this paragraph by this reference.
 
The Issuer will cause each Paying Agent other than the Indenture Trustee to execute and deliver to the Indenture Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Indenture Trustee (and if the Indenture Trustee acts as Paying Agent, it hereby so agrees), subject to the provisions of this Section 3.03, that such Paying Agent, in acting as Paying Agent, is an express agent of the Issuer and, further, that such Paying Agent will:
 
(i) hold all sums held by it for the payment of amounts due with respect to the Notes in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and pay such sums to such Persons as herein provided;
 
 
 
 
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(ii) give the Indenture Trustee prompt written notice of any default by the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Notes) of which it has actual knowledge in the making of any payment required to be made with respect to the Notes;
 
(iii) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Indenture Trustee, forthwith pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent;
 
(iv) immediately resign as a Paying Agent and forthwith pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums held by it in trust for the payment of Notes if at any time it ceases to meet the standards required to be met by a Paying Agent at the time of its appointment; and
 
(v) comply with all requirements of the Code with respect to the withholding from any payments made by it on any Notes of any applicable withholding taxes imposed thereon and with respect to any applicable reporting requirements in connection therewith.
 
The Issuer may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, by Issuer Order direct any Paying Agent to pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Indenture Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by such Paying Agent; and upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Indenture Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.
 
Subject to applicable laws with respect to escheat of funds, and after such notice required with respect to Notes not surrendered for cancellation pursuant to Section 11.02(b) is given, any money held by the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for the payment of any amount due with respect to any Note remaining unclaimed for two years after such amount has become due and payable shall be discharged from such trust, and the Indenture Trustee or such Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall give prompt notice of such occurrence to the Issuer and shall release such money to the Issuer on Issuer Order; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer (and then only to the extent of the amounts so paid to the Issuer) for payment thereof, and all liability of the Indenture Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, shall at the direction of the Issuer cause to be published once, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day and of general circulation in The City of New York, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuer. The cost of any such notice or publication shall be paid out of funds in the Collection Account or any Series Account held for the benefit of the Noteholders. The Indenture Trustee shall also adopt and employ, at the expense of the Issuer, any other reasonable means of notification of such repayment (including, but not limited to, mailing notice of such repayment to Holders whose Notes have been called but have not been surrendered for redemption or whose right to or interest in moneys due and payable but not claimed is determinable from the records of the
 
 
 
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Indenture Trustee or of any Paying Agent, at the last address of record for each such Holder). All such unclaimed funds shall remain uninvested and in no event shall the Indenture Trustee be liable for interest thereon.
 
Section 3.04. Existence.
 
The Issuer will keep in full effect its existence, rights and franchises as a business trust under the laws of the State of Delaware (unless it becomes, or any successor Issuer hereunder is or becomes, organized under the laws of any other state or of the United States of America, in which case the Issuer will keep in full effect its existence, rights and franchises under the laws of such other jurisdiction) and will obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes, the Collateral and each other related instrument or agreement.
 
Section 3.05. Protection of Trust.
 
The Issuer will from time to time prepare, or cause to be prepared, execute and deliver all such supplements and amendments hereto and all such financing statements, continuation statements, instruments of further assurance and other instruments, and will take such other action necessary or advisable to:
 
(a) Grant more effectively all or any portion of the Collateral as security for the Notes;
 
(b) maintain or preserve the lien (and the priority thereof) of this Indenture or to carry out more effectively the purposes hereof;
 
(c) perfect, publish notice of, or protect the validity of any Grant made or to be made by this Indenture;
 
(d) enforce any of the Collateral; or
 
(e) preserve and defend title to the Collateral securing the Notes and the rights therein of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders secured thereby against the claims of all Persons and parties.
 
The Issuer hereby designates the Indenture Trustee its agent and attorney-in-fact to execute any financing statement, continuation statement or other instrument required pursuant to this Section 3.05 upon the written direction or the Issuer or Servicer.
 
The Issuer shall pay or cause to be paid any taxes levied on all or any part of Receivables securing the Notes.
 
Section 3.06. Opinions as to Collateral.
 
(a) On the Series Issuance Date relating to any new Series of Notes, the Issuer shall furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (with a copy to each Rating
 
 
 
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Agency) either stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken to perfect the lien and security interest of this Indenture, including without limitation with respect to the recording and filing of this Indenture, any indentures supplemental hereto, and any other requisite documents, and with respect to the execution and filing of any financing statements and continuation statements, as are so necessary and reciting the details of such action, or stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to maintain the perfection of such lien and security interest.
 
(b) On or before April 30 in each calendar year, beginning in 2002, the Issuer shall furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel either stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken to perfect the lien and security interest of this Indenture, including without limitation with respect to the recording, filing, re-recording and refiling of this Indenture, any indentures supplemental hereto and any other requisite documents and with respect to the execution and filing of any financing statements and continuation statements as is so necessary and reciting the details of such action or stating that in the opinion of such counsel no such action is necessary to maintain the perfection of such lien and security interest. Such Opinion of Counsel shall also describe the recording, filing, re-recording and refiling of this Indenture, any indentures supplemental hereto and any other requisite documents and the execution and filing of any financing statements and continuation statements that will, in the opinion of such counsel, be required to maintain the perfection of the lien and security interest of this Indenture until April 30 in the following calendar year.
 
Section 3.07. Performance of Obligations: Servicing of Receivables.
 
(a) The Issuer will not take any action and will use its best efforts not to permit any action to be taken by others that would release any Person from any of such Person’s material covenants or obligations under any instrument or agreement included in the Collateral or that would result in the amendment, hypothecation, subordination, termination or discharge of, or impair the validity or effectiveness of, any such instrument or agreement, except as expressly provided in this Indenture, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or such other instrument or agreement.
 
(b) The Issuer may contract with other Persons to assist it in performing its duties under this Indenture, and any performance of such duties by a Person identified to the Indenture Trustee in an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer shall be deemed to be action taken by the Issuer. Initially, the Issuer has contracted with the Administrator to assist the Issuer in performing its duties under this Indenture.
 
(c) The Issuer will punctually perform and observe all of its obligations and agreements contained in this Indenture, the other Transaction Documents and in the instruments and agreements relating to the Collateral, including but not limited to filing or causing to be filed all UCC financing statements and continuation statements required to be filed by the terms of this Indenture and the Transfer and Servicing Agreement in accordance with and within the time periods provided for herein and therein.
 
(d) If the Issuer shall have knowledge of the occurrence of a Servicer Default under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Issuer shall cause the Indenture Trustee to
 
 
 
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promptly notify the Rating Agencies thereof, and shall cause the Indenture Trustee to specify in such notice the action, if any, being taken with respect to such default. If a Servicer Default shall arise from the failure of the Servicer to perform any of its duties or obligations under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement with respect to the Receivables, the Issuer shall take all reasonable steps available to it to remedy such failure.
 
(e) On and after the receipt by the Servicer of a Termination Notice pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer shall continue to perform all servicing functions under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement until the date specified in the Termination Notice or otherwise specified by the Indenture Trustee or until a date mutually agreed upon by the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee. As promptly as possible after the giving of a Termination Notice to the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee shall appoint a Successor Servicer, and such Successor Servicer shall accept its appointment by a written assumption in a form acceptable to the Indenture Trustee. In the event that a Successor Servicer has not been appointed and accepted its appointment at the time when the Servicer ceases to act as Servicer, the Indenture Trustee without further action shall automatically be appointed the Successor Servicer. The Indenture Trustee may delegate any of its servicing obligations to an Affiliate or agent in accordance with subsection 3.01(b) and Section 5.07 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee shall, if it is legally unable so to act, petition at the expense of the Servicer a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint any established institution qualifying as an Eligible Servicer as the Successor Servicer. The Indenture Trustee shall give prompt notice to each Rating Agency and each Series Enhancer upon the appointment of a Successor Servicer. Upon its appointment, the Successor Servicer shall be the successor in all respects to the Servicer with respect to servicing functions under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and shall be subject to all the responsibilities, duties and liabilities relating thereto placed on the Servicer by the terms and provisions thereof, and all references in this Indenture to the Servicer shall be deemed to refer to the Successor Servicer; provided that (I) any failure of such successor to perform such responsibilities or duties that are caused by the Servicer’s failure to provide information or monies required hereunder or under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement shall not be considered a default by its successor and (ii) such successor shall have no liability for actions or inactions of the predecessor servicer. As compensation therefor, such successor shall be entitled to receive any and all compensation which the Servicer would have been entitled to if the Servicer had continued to act hereunder and all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such successor in connection with the assuming the duties and obligations of the Servicer. In connection with any Termination Notice, the Indenture Trustee will review any bids which it obtains from Eligible Servicers and shall be permitted to appoint any Eligible Servicer submitting such a bid as a Successor Servicer for servicing compensation, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7.02 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
In no event shall the Indenture Trustee be liable for the Servicing Fee or for the costs and expenses incurred by the successor servicer in connection with its assumption of the duties and obligations of the Servicer.
 
(f) Without derogating from the absolute nature of the assignment granted to the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture or the rights of the Indenture Trustee hereunder, the Issuer agrees (i) that it will not, without the prior written consent of the Indenture Trustee and a majority in Outstanding Amount of the Notes of each Series, amend, modify, waive, supplement,
 
 
 
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terminate or surrender, or agree to any amendment, modification, supplement, termination, waiver or surrender of, the terms of any Collateral (except to the extent otherwise provided in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement) or the Transaction Documents (except to the extent otherwise provided in the Transaction Documents), or waive timely performance or observance by the Servicer or the Transferor under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement; and (ii) that any such amendment shall not (A) increase or reduce in any manner the amount of; or accelerate or delay the timing of, collections of payments on the Receivables or distributions that are required to be made for the benefit of the Noteholders or (B) reduce the aforesaid percentage of the Notes that is required to consent to any such amendment, without the consent of the Holders of all the Outstanding Notes. If any such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver shall be so consented to by the Indenture Trustee and such Noteholders, the Issuer agrees, promptly following a request by the Indenture Trustee to do so, to execute and deliver, in its own name and at its own expense, such agreements, instruments, consents and other documents as the Indenture Trustee may deem necessary or appropriate in the circumstances.
 
Section 3.08. Negative Covenants.
 
So long as any Notes are Outstanding, the Issuer will not:
 
(a) sell, transfer, exchange, pledge or otherwise dispose of any part of the Collateral except as expressly permitted by this Indenture, any Indenture Supplement, the Trust Agreement or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement;
 
(b) claim any credit on, or make any deduction from, the principal and interest payable in respect of the Notes (other than amounts properly withheld from such payments under the Code or applicable state law) or assert any claim against any present or former Noteholder by reason of the payment of any taxes levied or assessed upon any part of the Collateral;
 
(c) incur, assume or guarantee any direct or contingent indebtedness other than as contemplated by the Transaction Documents;
 
(d) (A) permit the validity or effectiveness of this Indenture to be impaired, or permit the lien of this Indenture to be amended, hypothecated, subordinated, terminated or discharged, or permit any Person to be released from any covenants or obligations with respect to the Notes under this Indenture except as may be expressly permitted hereby, (B) permit any Lien, charge, excise, claim, security interest, mortgage or other encumbrance (other than the lien of this Indenture) to be created on or extend to or otherwise arise upon or burden the Collateral or any part thereof or any interest therein or the proceeds thereof or (C) permit the lien of this Indenture not to constitute a valid first priority security interest in the Collateral; or
 
(e) voluntarily dissolve or liquidate in whole or in part.
 
Section 3.09. Statements as to Compliance.
 
The Issuer will deliver to the Indenture Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer (commencing within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year 2001), an Officer’s Certificate stating, as to the Authorized Officer signing such Officer’s Certificate, that
 
 
 
 
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(i) a review of the activities of the Issuer during the 12-month period ending at the end of such fiscal year (or in the case of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2001, the period from the Closing Date to December 31, 2001) and of performance under this Indenture has been made under such Authorized Officer’s supervisions, and
 
(ii) to the best of such Authorized Officer’s knowledge, based on such review, the Issuer has complied with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture throughout such year, or, if there has been a default in the compliance of any such condition or covenant, specifying each such default known to such Authorized Officer and the nature and status thereof.
 
Section 3.10. Issuer May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.
 
(a) The Issuer shall not consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:
 
(1) the Person (if other than the Issuer) formed by or surviving such consolidation or merger or that acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Issuer substantially as an entirety (i) shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state or the District of Columbia, (ii) shall not be subject to regulation as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act and (iii) shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Indenture Trustee, in a form satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all Notes and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Issuer to be performed or observed;
 
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default or Pay Out Event shall have occurred and be continuing;
 
(3) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that (i) such consolidation or merger and such supplemental indenture comply with this Section 3.10, (ii) all conditions precedent in this Section 3.10 relating to such transaction have been complied with (including any filing required by the Exchange Act), and (iii) such supplemental indenture is duly authorized, executed and delivered and is valid, binding and enforceable against such Person;
 
(4) the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to such transaction;
 
(5) the Issuer shall have received a Tax Opinion and an Opinion of Counsel dated the date of such consolidation or merger (and shall have delivered copies thereof to the Indenture Trustee) to the effect that such transaction will not have any material adverse tax consequence to any Noteholder;
 
(6) any action that is necessary to maintain the perfection of the lien and security interest created by this Indenture shall have been taken; and
 
 
 
 
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(7) such action shall not be contrary to the status of the Issuer as a qualified special purpose entity under existing accounting literature.
 
(b) The Issuer shall not convey or transfer any of its properties or assets, including those included in the Collateral, substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:
 
(1) the Person that acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Issuer the conveyance or transfer of which is hereby restricted shall (A) be a United States citizen or a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state, or the District of Columbia, (B) expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Indenture Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on all Notes and the performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Issuer to be performed or observed, all as provided herein, (C) expressly agree by means of such supplemental indenture that all right, title and interest so conveyed or transferred shall be subject and subordinate to the rights of Holders of the Notes, (D) unless otherwise provided in such supplemental indenture, expressly agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Issuer against and from any loss, liability or expense arising under or related to this Indenture and the Notes, (E) expressly agree by means of such supplemental indenture that such Person (or if a group of Persons, then one specified Person) shall make all filings with the Commission (and any other appropriate Person) required by the Exchange Act in connection with the Notes and (F) not be an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act;
 
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default or Pay Out Event shall have occurred and be continuing;
 
(3) the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to such transaction;
 
(4) the Issuer shall have received a Tax Opinion and an Opinion of Counsel (and shall have delivered copies thereof to the Indenture Trustee) to the effect that such transaction will not have any material adverse tax consequence to any Noteholder;
 
(5) any action that is necessary to maintain the lien and security interest created by this Indenture shall have been taken; and
 
(6) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such conveyance or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Section 3.10 and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with (including any filing required by the Exchange Act).
 
 
 
 
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Section 3.11. Successor Substituted.
 
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer of the properties and assets of the Issuer substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 3.10 hereof, the Person formed by or surviving such consolidation or merger (if other than the Issuer) or the Person to which such conveyance or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of; the Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Person had been named as the Issuer herein. In the event of any such conveyance or transfer, the Person named as the Issuer in the first paragraph of this Indenture or any successor which shall theretofore have become such in the manner prescribed in this Section 3.11 shall be released from its obligations under this Indenture as issued immediately upon the effectiveness of such conveyance or transfer, provided that the Issuer shall not be released from any obligations or liabilities to the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders arising prior to such effectiveness.
 
Section 3.12. No Other Business.
 
The Issuer shall not engage in any business other than the activities set forth in Section 2.03 of the Trust Agreement and all activities incidental thereto or other than as required or authorized by the terms of the Transaction Documents.
 
Section 3.13. No Borrowing.
 
The Issuer shall not issue, incur, assume, guarantee or otherwise become liable, directly or indirectly, for any indebtedness except as expressly provided for pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Documents and the Notes.
 
Section 3.14. Servicer’s Obligations.  The Issuer shall cause the Servicer to comply with all of its obligations under the Transaction Documents.
 
Section 3.15. Guarantees, Loans, Advances and Other Liabilities.
 
Except as contemplated by this Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Issuer shall not make any loan or advance or credit to, or guarantee (directly or indirectly or by an instrument having the effect of assuring another’s payment or performance on any obligation or capability of so doing or otherwise), endorse or otherwise become contingently liable, directly or indirectly, in connection with the obligations, stocks or dividends of, or own, purchase, repurchase or acquire (or agree contingently to do so) any stock, obligations, assets or securities of; or any other interest in, or make any capital contribution to, any other Person.
 
Section 3.16. Capital Expenditures.
 
The Issuer shall not make any expenditure (by long-term or operating lease or otherwise) for capital assets (either realty or personalty).
 
 
 
 
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Section 3.17. Removal of Administrator.
 
So long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall not remove the Administrator without cause unless the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied in connection with such removal.
 
Section 3.18. Restricted Payments.
 
The Issuer shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) pay any dividend or make any distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof; to the Owner Trustee or any owner of a beneficial interest in the Issuer or otherwise with respect to any ownership or equity interest or security in or of the Issuer or to the Servicer, (ii) redeem, purchase,, retire or otherwise acquire for value any such ownership or equity interest or security or (iii) set aside or otherwise segregate any amounts for any such purpose; provided, however, that the Issuer may make, or cause to be made, (x) distributions as contemplated by, and to the extent funds are available for such purpose under, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or the Trust Agreement and (y) payments to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof. The Issuer will not, directly or indirectly, make payments to or distributions from the Collection Account except in accordance with the Transaction Documents.
 
Section 3.19. Notice of Events of Default.
 
The Issuer agrees to give the Indenture Trustee and the Rating Agencies (with respect to any Series or Class of Notes, as applicable, rated by such Rating Agency) prompt written notice of each Event of Default hereunder and, immediately after obtaining knowledge of any of the following occurrences, written notice of each default on the part of the Servicer or the Transferor of its obligations under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and each default on the part of a Seller of its obligations under the applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement.
 
Section 3.20. Further Instruments and Acts.
 
Upon request of the Indenture Trustee, the Issuer will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
 
Section 3.21. Tax Treatment.
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Indenture Supplement with respect to a particular Series, the Issuer has entered into this Indenture, and the Notes will be issued, with the intention that, for federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes, (i) the Notes will qualify as indebtedness secured by the Receivables and (ii) the Issuer shall not be treated as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation. The Issuer, by entering into this Agreement, and each Noteholder, by the acceptance of any such Note (and each beneficial owner of a Note, by its acceptance of an interest in the applicable Note), agree to treat such Notes for federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes as indebtedness of the Issuer. Each Holder of such Note agrees that it will cause any beneficial owner of such Note acquiring an interest in a Note through it to comply with this Agreement as to treatment of indebtedness under applicable tax law, as described in this Section 3.21. The parties hereto agree
 
 
 
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that they shall not cause or permit the making, as applicable, of any election under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3 whereby the Issuer or any portion thereof would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes and, except as required by Section 6.13 of this Indenture, shall not file tax returns or obtain any federal employer identification number for the Issuer, but shall treat the Issuer as a security device or disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of this Indenture shall be construed in furtherance of the foregoing intended tax treatment.
 
Section 3.22. Representations and Warranties of the Issuer.
 
The Issuer represents and warrants to the Indenture Trustee the following:
 
(a) this Indenture creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Receivables described in the Granting Clauses in favor of the Indenture Trustee, which security interest is prior to all other Liens (other than any Lien for municipal or other local taxes if such taxes are not then due and payable or if the Issuer or a Transferor is then contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto), and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from the Issuer;
 
(b) such Receivables constitute “accounts,” “payment intangibles” or “tangible chattel paper” within the meaning of the applicable UCC;
 
(c) the Issuer owns and has good and marketable title to such Receivables free and clear of any Lien (other than any Lien for municipal or other local taxes if such taxes are not then due and payable or if the Issuer is then contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto), claim or encumbrance of any Person other than a Transferor;
 
(d) the Issuer has caused or will have caused, within ten days of this Supplement, the filing of all appropriate financing statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest in such Receivables granted to the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture; and
 
(e) other than the security interest granted to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Indenture, the Issuer has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of such Receivables. The Issuer has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements against the Issuer that include a description of collateral covering such Receivables other than any financing statement (i) relating to the security interest granted to the Indenture Trustee under this Indenture, or (ii) that has been terminated.
 
The foregoing representations and warranties shall survive the termination of this Indenture and shall not be waived without the written consent of Standard and Poor’s.
 
 
 
 
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ARTICLE IV
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
Section 4.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of this Indenture.
 
This Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to the Notes except as to (a) rights of registration of transfer and exchange, (b) substitution of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, (c) the rights of Noteholders to receive payments of principal thereof and interest thereon, (d) Sections 3.03, 3.07, 3.08, 3.11, 12.16 and 3.12, (e) the rights and immunities of the Indenture Trustee hereunder, including the rights of the Indenture Trustee under Section 6.07, and the obligations of the Indenture Trustee under Section 4.02, and (f) the rights of Noteholders as beneficiaries hereof with respect to the property so deposited with the Indenture Trustee and payable to all or any of them, and the Indenture Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Notes when:
 
(i) either
 
(A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (1) Notes which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced, or paid as provided in Section 2.06, and (2) Notes for whose full payment (principal and interest) money is held in trust by the Indenture Trustee) have been delivered to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation; or
 
(B) all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation:
 
(1)           have become due and payable;
 
(2)           will become due and payable at the Final Maturity Date for such Class or Series of Notes; or
 
(3)           are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Indenture Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer;
 
and the Issuer, in the case of (1), (2) or (3) above, has irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited with the Indenture Trustee either from proceeds of another Series of Notes issued under this Indenture, collections of Principal Receivables allocated for such purpose or from other sources which do not include any amounts contributed directly or indirectly by or derived from funds of any Transferor, any Affiliate of a Transferor or an agent of a Transferor cash or direct obligations of or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America (which will mature prior to the date such amounts are payable), in trust for such purpose, in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Notes not theretofore delivered to the Indenture Trustee for cancellation when due at the Final Maturity Date for such Class or Series of
 
 
 
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Notes or the Redemption Date (if Notes shall have been called for redemption pursuant to the related Indenture Supplement), as the case may be;
 
(ii) the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer; and
 
(iii) the Issuer has delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, an Opinion of Counsel and (if required by the TIA or the Indenture Trustee) an Independent Certificate from a firm of certified public accountants, each meeting the applicable requirements of Section 12.01(a) and each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.
 
Section 4.02. Application of Trust Money.
 
All monies deposited with the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 4.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes, this Indenture and the applicable Indenture Supplement, to make payments, either directly or through any Paying Agent, as the Indenture Trustee may determine, to the Noteholders and for the payment in respect of which such monies have been deposited with the Indenture Trustee, of all sums due and to become due thereon for principal and interest; but such monies need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required herein or in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or required by law.
 
ARTICLE V
 
PAY OUT EVENTS, DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
Section 5.01. Pay Out Events.
 
If any one of the following events (each, a “Trust Pay Out Event) shall occur:
 
(a) the occurrence of an Insolvency Event relating to the Transferor or any Seller;
 
(b) a Transfer Restriction Event shall occur; or
 
(c) the Trust shall become subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission as an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act;
 
then a Pay Out Event with respect to all Series of Notes shall occur without any notice or other action on the part of the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders immediately upon the occurrence of such event.
 
Upon the occurrence of a Pay Out Event, an Amortization Period shall commence and payment on the Notes of each Series will be made in accordance with the terms of the related Indenture Supplement.
 
 
 
 
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Section 5.02. Events of Default.
 
Event of Default,” wherever used herein, shall mean with respect to any Series the occurrence and continuation of any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):
 
(a) default in the payment of the principal of any Note of that Series, if and to the extent not previously paid, when the same becomes due and payable; or
 
(b) default in the payment of any interest on any Note of that Series when the same becomes due and payable, and such default shall continue for a period of thirty-five (35) days; or
 
(c) default in the observance or performance of any covenant or agreement of the Issuer made in this Indenture made in respect of the Notes of such Series (other than a covenant, or agreement, a default in the observance or performance of which is elsewhere in this Section 5.02 specifically dealt with) (all of such covenants and agreements in this Indenture which are not expressly stated to be for the benefit of a particular Series being deemed to be in respect of the Notes of all Series for this purpose), and such default shall continue or not be cured for a period of sixty (60) days after there shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee or to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee by the Holders of at least 50% of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series, a written notice specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder and, as a result of such default, the interests of the Holders of the Notes are materially and adversely affected and continue to be materially and adversely affected during the 60-day period; or
 
(d) the filing of a decree or order for relief by a court having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of the Issuer in an involuntary case under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appointing a receiver, conservator, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official for the Issuer or ordering the winding-up or liquidation of the Issuer’s affairs, and such decree or order shall remain unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or
 
(e) the commencement by the Issuer of a voluntary case under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or the consent by the Issuer to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or the consent by the Issuer to the appointment of or the taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator or similar official of the Issuer, or the making by the Issuer of any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the failure by the Issuer generally to pay, or the admission in writing by the Issuer of its inability to pay, its debts as such debts become due, or the taking of action by the Issuer in furtherance of any of the foregoing.
 
 
 
 
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The Issuer shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee, within five (5) days after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an Officer’s Certificate of any event which with the giving of notice and the lapse of time would become an Event of Default, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
 
Section 5.03. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.
 
If an Event of Default described in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of Section 5.02 should occur and be continuing with respect to a Series, then and in every such case the Indenture Trustee or the Holders of Notes representing not less than a majority of the Outstanding Amount of such Series may declare all the Notes of such Series to be immediately due and payable, by a notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Indenture Trustee if declared by Noteholders), and upon any such declaration the unpaid principal amount of such Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of acceleration, shall become immediately due and payable.
 
If an Event of Default described in paragraph (d) or (e) of Section 5.02 should occur and be continuing, then the unpaid principal of the Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of acceleration, shall automatically become, and shall be deemed to be declared, due and payable.
 
At any time after such declaration of acceleration of maturity has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Indenture Trustee as hereinafter in this Article V provided, the Holders of Notes representing not less than a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series, by written notice to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences.
 
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereto.
 
Section 5.04. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Indenture Trustee.
 
(a) The Issuer covenants that if (i) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Note when the same becomes due and payable, and such default continues for a period of thirty-five (35) days following the date on which such interest became due and payable, or (ii) default is made in the payment of principal of any Note, if and to the extent not previously paid, when the same becomes due and payable, the Issuer will, upon demand of the Indenture Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of the affected Series, the whole amount then due and payable on such Notes for principal and interest, with interest upon the overdue principal, and, to the extent payment at such rate of interest shall be legally enforceable, interest upon overdue installments of interest, at the applicable Note Interest Rate borne by the Notes of such Series, and in addition thereto will pay such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee and its agents and counsel.
 
(b) In case the Issuer shall fail forthwith to pay such amounts upon such demand, the Indenture Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a
 
 
 
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Proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such Proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Issuer or other obligor upon such Notes and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or other obligor upon such Notes, wherever situated, the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable.
 
(c) If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Indenture Trustee may, as more particularly provided in Section 5.05, in its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Noteholders of the affected Series, by such appropriate Proceedings as the Indenture Trustee shall deem most effective to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy or legal or equitable right vested in the Indenture Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
 
(d) In case there shall be pending, relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Notes of the affected Series, or any Person having or claiming an ownership interest in the Collateral, Proceedings under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or in case a receiver, conservator, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator, custodian or other similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Issuer or its property or such other obligor or Person, or in case of any other comparable judicial Proceedings relative to the Issuer or other obligor upon the Notes of such Series, or to the creditors or property of the Issuer or such other obligor, the Indenture Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of any Notes shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Indenture Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.04, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such Proceedings or otherwise:
 
(i) to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Notes of such Series and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Indenture Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee, and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee, except as a result of negligence or bad faith) and of the Noteholders of such Series allowed in such Proceedings;
 
(ii) unless prohibited by applicable law and regulations, to vote on behalf of the Holders of Notes of such Series in any election of a trustee, a standby trustee or Person performing similar functions in any such Proceedings;
 
(iii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of the Noteholders of such Series and of the Indenture Trustee on their behalf; and
 
(iv) to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Indenture Trustee or the Holders
 
 
 
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of Notes of such Series allowed in any judicial Proceedings relative to the Issuer, its creditors and its property;
 
and any trustee, receiver, conservator, liquidator, custodian, assignee, sequestrator or other similar official in any such Proceeding is hereby authorized by each of such Noteholders to make payments to the Indenture Trustee, and, in the event that the Indenture Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to such Noteholders, to pay to the Indenture Trustee such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Indenture Trustee, each predecessor Indenture Trustee and their respective agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Indenture Trustee and each predecessor Indenture Trustee except as a result of negligence or bad faith.
 
(e) Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Indenture Trustee to authorize or consent to or vote for or accept or adopt on behalf of any Noteholder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Indenture Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Noteholder in any such proceeding except, as aforesaid, to vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar Person.
 
(f) All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Notes, may be enforced by the Indenture Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof in any trial or other Proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or Proceedings instituted by the Indenture Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment, subject to the payment of the expenses, disbursements and compensation of the Indenture Trustee, each predecessor Indenture Trustee and their respective agents and attorneys, shall be for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes of the affected Series as provided herein.
 
(g) In any Proceedings brought by the Indenture Trustee (and also any Proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Indenture Trustee shall be a party), the Indenture Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Notes of the affected Series, and it shall not be necessary to make any such Noteholder a party to any such Proceedings.
 
Section 5.05. Remedies; Priorities.
 
(a) If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to any Series, and the Notes of such Series have been accelerated pursuant to Section 5.03, the Indenture Trustee may do one or more of the following (subject to Sections 5.06 and 12.16):
 
(i) institute Proceedings in its own name and as trustee of an express trust for the collection of all amounts then payable on the Notes of the affected Series or under this Indenture with respect thereto, whether by declaration or otherwise, enforce any judgment obtained, and collect from the Issuer and any other obligor upon such Notes moneys adjudged due;
 
 
 
 
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(ii) subject to the last paragraph of this subsection 5.05(a), take any other appropriate action to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the Indenture Trustee and the Holders of the Notes of the affected Series;
 
(iii) at the written direction of the Holders of a majority of the Outstanding Amount of such Notes, cause the Issuer to sell Principal Receivables in an amount equal to the Invested Amount with respect to the accelerated Series and the related Finance Charge Receivables (or interests therein) in accordance with Section 5.16 hereof;
 
provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee may not exercise the remedy described in subparagraph (iii) above unless (A) the Holders of 100% of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of the affected Series consent thereto, (B) the Indenture Trustee determines that any proceeds of such exercise distributable to the Noteholders of the affected Series are sufficient to discharge in full all amounts then due and unpaid upon the Notes for principal and interest or (C) the Indenture Trustee determines that the Collateral may not continue to provide sufficient funds for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes as they would have become due if the Notes had not been declared due and payable, and the Indenture Trustee obtains the consent of Holders of at least 66-2/3% of the Outstanding Amount of each Class of the Notes of such Series. In determining such sufficiency or insufficiency with respect to clause (B) and (C), the Indenture Trustee may, but need not, obtain and conclusively rely upon an opinion of an Independent investment banking or accounting firm of national reputation as to the feasibility of such proposed action and as to the sufficiency of the Collateral for such purpose.
 
The remedies provided in this Section 5.05(a) are the exclusive remedies provided to the Noteholders with respect to an Event of Default and each of the Noteholders (by their acceptance of their respective interests in the Notes) and the Indenture Trustee hereby expressly waive any other remedy that may be available under the applicable UCC.
 
(b) If the Indenture Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article V following the acceleration of the maturities of the Notes of the affected Series pursuant to Section 5.03 (so long as such declaration shall not have been rescinded or annulled), it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:
 
FIRST:  to the Indenture Trustee for amounts due pursuant to Section 6.07;
 
SECOND:  to Holders of Notes of such Series for amounts due and unpaid on such Notes for interest, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind except for preferences or priorities specified in and in accordance with the related Indenture Supplement, according to the amounts due and payable on such Notes for interest according to the terms of the related Indenture Supplement;
 
THIRD:  to Holders of Notes of such Series for amounts due and unpaid on such Notes for principal, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind except for preferences or priorities specified in and in accordance with the related Indenture Supplement, according
 
 
 
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to the amounts due and payable on such Notes for principal according to the terms of the related Indenture Supplement;
 
FOURTH: to any Series Enhancer for such Series for amounts due and unpaid to such Series Enhancer under the Series Enhancement, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, according to the terms of the Series Enhancement; and FIFTH: to the Issuer for distribution pursuant to Article IV of the related Indenture Supplement.
 
(c) In addition to the application of money or property referred to in Section 5.05(b) for an accelerated Series, amounts then held in the Collection Account, Special Funding Account or Series Accounts for such Series and any amounts available under the Series Enhancement for such Series shall be used to make payments to the Holders of the Notes of such Series and the Series Enhancer for such Series in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, the related Indenture Supplement and the Series Enhancement for such Series. Following the sale of the Collateral (or portion thereof) for a Series and the application of the proceeds of such sale to such Series and the application of the amounts then held in the Collection Account, the Special Funding Account and any Series Accounts for such Series as are allocated to such Series and any amounts available under the Series Enhancement for such Series, such Series shall no longer be entitled to any allocation of Collections or other property constituting the Collateral under this Indenture and the Notes of such Series shall no longer be Outstanding.
 
(d) The Indenture Trustee may, upon notification to the Issuer, fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Noteholders of the affected Series pursuant to this Section 5.05. At least fifteen (15) days before such record date, the Indenture Trustee shall mail or send by facsimile to each such Noteholder a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount to be paid.
 
Section 5.06. Optional Preservation of the Collateral.  If the Notes of any Series have been declared to be due and payable under Section 5.03 following an Event of Default and such declaration and its consequences have not been rescinded and annulled, and the Indenture Trustee has not received written directions from the Noteholders pursuant to Section 5.12, the Indenture Trustee may, but need not, elect to maintain possession of the portion of the Collateral which secures such Notes. It is the desire of the parties hereto and the Noteholders that there be at all times sufficient funds for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes, and the Indenture Trustee shall take such desire into account when determining whether or not to maintain possession of the Collateral. In determining whether to maintain possession of the Collateral, the Indenture Trustee may, but need not, obtain and conclusively rely upon an opinion of an Independent investment banking or accounting firm of national reputation as to the feasibility of such proposed action and as to the sufficiency of the Collateral for such purpose.
 
Section 5.07. Limitation on Suits.
 
No Noteholder shall have any right to institute any Proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
 
 
 
 
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(a) the Holders of not less than 25% of the Outstanding Amount of any affected Series of Notes have made written request to the Indenture Trustee to institute such proceeding in its own name as indenture trustee;
 
(b) such Noteholder or Noteholders has previously given written notice to the Indenture Trustee of a continuing Event of Default;
 
(c) such Noteholder or Noteholders has offered to the Indenture Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
 
(d) the Indenture Trustee for sixty (60) days after its receipt of such request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such Proceeding; and
 
(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Indenture Trustee during such 60-day period by a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series;
 
it being understood and intended that no one or more Noteholders of the affected Series shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Noteholders of such Series or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Noteholders of such Series or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided.
 
In the event the Indenture Trustee shall receive conflicting or inconsistent requests and indemnity from two (2) or more groups of Noteholders of such affected Series, each representing less than a majority of the Outstanding Amount of such Notes, the Indenture Trustee in its sole discretion may determine what action, if any, shall be taken, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture.
 
Section 5.08. Unconditional Rights of Noteholders to Receive Principal and Interest.
 
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, each Holder of a Note shall have the right which is absolute and unconditional to receive payment of the principal of and interest in respect of such Note as such principal and interest becomes due and payable and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Noteholder.
 
Section 5.09. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
 
If the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder has instituted any Proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such Proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned, or has been determined adversely to the Indenture Trustee or to such Noteholder, then and in every such case the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholder shall, subject to any determination in such Proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders shall continue as though no such Proceeding had been instituted.
 
 
 
 
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Section 5.10. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
 
No right, remedy, power or privilege herein conferred upon or reserved to the Indenture Trustee or to the Noteholders is intended to be exclusive of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, and every right, remedy, power or privilege shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative. The assertion or exercise of any right or remedy shall not preclude any other further assertion or the exercise of any other appropriate right or remedy.
 
Section 5.11. Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
 
No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of the Indenture Trustee or of any Noteholder or other Person, any right or remedy occurring hereunder upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver thereof of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article V may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Indenture Trustee or by the Noteholders, as the case may be.
 
Section 5.12. Rights of Noteholders to Direct Indenture Trustee.
 
A majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of any affected Series (if an Event of Default with respect to such Series has occurred and is continuing) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any Proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Notes or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Indenture Trustee with respect to the Notes; provided, however, that subject to Section 6.01:
 
(a) the Indenture Trustee shall have the right to decline any such direction if the Indenture Trustee, after being advised by counsel, determines that the action so directed is in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and
 
(b) the Indenture Trustee shall have the right to decline any such direction if the Indenture Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer of the Indenture Trustee, determine that the Proceedings so directed would be illegal or involve the Indenture Trustee in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Noteholders not parties to such direction.
 
Section 5.13. Waiver of Past Defaults.
 
Prior to the declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of the Notes of the affected Series as provided in Section 5.03, a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series may, on behalf of all such Noteholders, waive in writing any past default with respect to such Notes and its consequences, except a default:
 
(a) in the payment of the principal or interest in respect of any Note of such Series, or
 
(b) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof that under Section 10.02 hereof cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Noteholder of each Outstanding Note affected.
 
 
 
 
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Upon any such written waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.
 
Section 5.14. Undertaking for Costs.
 
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Noteholder by its acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Indenture Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Indenture Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 5.14 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Indenture Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Noteholder, or group of Noteholders (in compliance with Section 5.08 hereof), holding in the aggregate more than 10% of the principal balance of the Outstanding Notes of the affected Series, or to any suit instituted by any Noteholder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal or interest in respect of any Note on or after the Distribution Date on which any of such amounts was due (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the applicable Redemption Date).
 
Section 5.15. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
 
The Issuer covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may adversely affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Indenture Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
 
Section 5.16. Sale of Receivables.
 
(a) If the Receivables are to be sold under the terms of Section 5.05(a)(iii), the Indenture Trustee shall, unless another method of sale is directed in writing by the holders of a majority of the Outstanding Notes, use its best efforts to sell, dispose or otherwise liquidate the Receivables by the solicitation of competitive bids and on terms equivalent to the best purchase offer as determined by the Indenture Trustee. The Indenture Trustee may from time to time postpone any sale by public announcement made at the time and place of such sale. The Indenture Trustee hereby expressly waives its right to any amount fixed by law as compensation for any sale.
 
(b) The Indenture Trustee is hereby irrevocably appointed the agent and attorney-in-fact of the Issuer in connection with any sale of Receivables pursuant to Section 5.05(a)(iii). No purchaser or transferee at any such sale shall be bound to ascertain the Indenture
 
 
 
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Trustee’s authority, inquire into the satisfaction of any conditions precedent or see to the application of any monies.
 
(c) In its exercise of the foreclosure remedy pursuant to Section 5.05(a)(iii), the Indenture Trustee shall solicit bids from Permitted Assignees for the sale of Principal Receivables in an amount equal to the Invested Amount with respect to the affected Series of Notes at the time of sale and the related Finance Charge Receivables (or interests therein). The Indenture Trustee shall sell such Receivables (or interests therein) to the bidder with the highest cash purchase offer. The proceeds of any such sale shall be applied in accordance with Section 5.05(b).
 
Section 5.17. Action on Notes.
 
The Indenture Trustee’s right to seek and recover judgment on the Notes or under this Indenture shall not be affected by the seeking or obtaining of or application for any other relief under or with respect to this Indenture. Neither the lien of this Indenture nor any rights or remedies of the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders shall be impaired by the recovery of any judgment by the Indenture Trustee against the Issuer or by the levy of any execution under such judgment upon any portion of the Collateral or upon any of the assets of the Issuer. Any money or property collected by the Indenture Trustee shall be applied as specified in the applicable Indenture Supplement.
 
Section 5.18. Indenture Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Notes.
 
All rights of action and claims under the Indenture or the Notes may be prosecuted and enforced by the Indenture Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes or the production thereof in any Proceeding relating thereto, and any such Proceeding instituted by the Indenture Trustee shall be brought in its own name as Indenture Trustee. Any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Noteholders and any other parties entitled thereto pursuant to the applicable Indenture Supplement in respect of which such judgment has been obtained.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE
 
Section 6.01. Duties of the Indenture Trustee.
 
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to a Series of Notes and a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge or written notice of such Event of Default, the Indenture Trustee shall, prior to the receipt of written directions, if any, from a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series, exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
 
 
 
 
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(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
 
(i) the Indenture Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Indenture Trustee; and
 
(ii) in the absence of bad faith or negligence on its part, the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Indenture Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; provided, however, the Indenture Trustee, upon receipt of any resolutions, certificates, statements, opinions, reports, documents, orders or other instruments furnished to the Indenture Trustee which are specifically required to be furnished pursuant to any provision of this Indenture or any Indenture Supplement, shall examine them to determine whether they substantially conform to the requirements of this Indenture or any Indenture Supplement. The Indenture Trustee shall give prompt written notice to the Noteholders of such Series and each Rating Agency of any material lack of conformity of any such instrument to the applicable requirements of this Indenture or any Indenture Supplement discovered by the Indenture Trustee which would entitle a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series to take any action pursuant to this Indenture or any Indenture Supplement.
 
(c) In case a Pay Out Event has occurred and is continuing with respect to a Series and a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge or written notice of such Pay Out Event, the Indenture Trustee shall, prior to the receipt of directions, if any, from a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of such Series, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
 
(d) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Indenture Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
 
(i) this subsection (d) shall not be construed to limit the effect of subsection (a) of this Section 6.01;
 
(ii) the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Indenture Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
 
(iii) the Indenture Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with this Indenture and/or the direction of a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of each outstanding Series of Notes relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee, or for exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Indenture Trustee, under this Indenture. The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in
 
 
 
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good faith in accordance with the direction of the Issuer, the Servicer, the Transferor or the Trust in compliance with the terms of this Indenture or any Indenture Supplement.
 
(e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Indenture Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
 
(f) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Indenture Trustee is subject to subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 6.01.
 
(g) Except as expressly provided in this Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture Trustee shall have no power to vary the Collateral, including, without limitation, by (i) accepting any substitute payment obligation for a Receivable initially transferred to the Trust under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, (ii) adding any other investment, obligation or security to the Trust or (iii) withdrawing from the Trust any Receivable.
 
(h) The Indenture Trustee shall have no responsibility or liability for investment losses on Eligible Investments.
 
(i) The Indenture Trustee shall notify each Rating Agency immediately of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Pay Out Event of which the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge.
 
(j) For all purposes under this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any Event of Default, Pay Out Event or Servicer Default unless a Responsible Officer assigned to and working in the Corporate Trust Office of the Indenture Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or has received written notice thereof. For purposes of determining the Indenture Trustee’s responsibility, and liability hereunder, any reference to an Event of Default, Pay Out Event or Servicer Default shall be construed to refer only to such event of which the Indenture Trustee is deemed to have notice as described in this subsection 6.01(j).
 
Section 6.02. Notice of Pay Out Event or Event of Default.
 
Upon the occurrence of any Pay Out Event or Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer has actual knowledge or has received notice thereof, the Indenture Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Noteholders as their names and addresses appear on the Note Register and the Rating Agencies, notice of such Pay Out Event or Event of Default hereunder known to the Indenture Trustee within thirty (30) days after it occurs or within ten (10) Business Days after it receives such notice or obtains actual notice, if later.
 
Section 6.03. Rights of Indenture Trustee.
 
Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.01 hereof:
 
 
 
 
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(a) The Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely and shall fully be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, note or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
 
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default, whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Indenture Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Indenture Trustee (unless other evidence is specifically prescribed herein) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer;
 
(c) As a condition to the taking, suffering or omitting of any action by it hereunder, the Indenture Trustee may consult with Independent counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
 
(d) The Indenture Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or to honor the request or direction of any of the Noteholders pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Noteholders shall have offered to the Indenture Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;
 
(e) The Indenture Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, note or other paper or document, but the Indenture Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Indenture Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer and the Servicer, personally or by agent or attorney upon reasonable notice;
 
(f) The Indenture Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees and the Indenture Trustee shall not be responsible for (i) any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent, attorney, custodians or nominees appointed with due care by it hereunder or (ii) the supervision of such agents, attorneys, custodians or nominees after such appointment with due care;
 
(g) The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any actions taken, suffered or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights conferred upon the Indenture Trustee by this Indenture; and
 
(h) In the event that the Indenture Trustee is also acting as Paying Agent and Transfer Agent and Registrar, the rights and protections afforded to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Article VI shall also be afforded to such Paying Agent and Transfer Agent and Registrar.
 
 
 
 
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(i) The Indenture Trustee shall have no obligation to invest and reinvest any cash held in the absence of timely and specific written investment direction from the Servicer. In no event shall the Indenture Trustee be liable for the selection of investments or for investment losses incurred thereon. The Indenture Trustee shall have no liability in respect of losses incurred as a result of the liquidation of any investment at the written direction of the Servicer prior to its stated maturity or the failure of the Servicer to provide timely written investment direction.
 
Section 6.04. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Notes.
 
The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except the certificate of authentication of the Indenture Trustee, shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Indenture Trustee assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Indenture Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of the Agreement, the Notes, or any related document. The Indenture Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of the proceeds from the Notes.
 
Section 6.05. May Hold Notes.
 
The Indenture Trustee, any Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar or any other agent of the Issuer, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Indenture Trustee, Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar or such other agent.
 
Section 6.06. Money Held in Trust.
 
Money held by the Indenture Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds held by the Indenture Trustee in trust hereunder except to the extent required herein or required by law. The Indenture Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer.
 
Section 6.07. Compensation, Reimbursement and Indemnification.
 
The Servicer shall pay to the Indenture Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by the Indenture Trustee under this Agreement (which compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust). The Servicer shall reimburse the Indenture Trustee for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include without limitation the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Indenture Trustee’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts, but not overhead. Pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Issuer shall direct the Servicer to indemnify and the Servicer shall indemnify the Indenture Trustee and its officers, directors, employees and agents against any and all loss, liability or expense (including the fees of either in-house counsel or outside counsel, but not both) of whatever kind or nature regardless of their merit incurred by it in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder. The Indenture Trustee shall notify the Issuer and the Servicer promptly of any claim of which a Responsible Officer has actual knowledge for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Indenture Trustee to so notify the Issuer and the Servicer
 
 
 
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shall not relieve the Issuer or the Servicer of its obligations hereunder unless such loss, liability or expense could have been avoided with such prompt notification and then only to the extent of such loss, expense or liability which could have been so avoided. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Servicer shall defend any claim against the Indenture Trustee; if the Servicer does not so defend, the Indenture Trustee may have separate counsel and, if it does, the Servicer shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel. The Servicer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Indenture Trustee through the Indenture Trustee’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.
 
The Servicer’s payment obligations to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.07 shall survive the discharge of this Indenture and the earlier removal or resignation of the Indenture Trustee. When the Indenture Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in subsection 5.02(d) or (e) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under Title 11 of the United States Code or any other applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.
 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Indenture Trustee’s right to enforce any of the Servicer’s payment obligations pursuant to this Section 6.07 shall be subject to the provisions of Section 12.16.
 
Section 6.08. Replacement of Indenture Trustee.
 
No resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and no appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.08. The Indenture Trustee may resign at any time by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the Issuer and the Rating Agencies. A majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes may remove the Indenture Trustee by so notifying the Indenture Trustee and the Rating Agencies in writing and may appoint a successor Indenture Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Indenture Trustee if:
 
(i) the Indenture Trustee fails to comply with Section 6.11;
 
(ii) the Indenture Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
 
(iii) a receiver of the Indenture Trustee or of its property shall be appointed, or any public officer takes charge of the Indenture Trustee or its property or its affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation; or
 
(iv) the Indenture Trustee otherwise becomes legally unable to act.
 
If the Indenture Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Indenture Trustee for any reason (the Indenture Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Indenture Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Indenture Trustee.
 
A successor Indenture Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Indenture Trustee, the Administrator and the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Indenture Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Indenture Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Indenture Trustee under this
 
 
 
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Indenture. The successor Indenture Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to all of the Noteholders. The retiring Indenture Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Indenture Trustee to the successor Indenture Trustee.
 
If a successor Indenture Trustee does not take office within sixty (60) days after the retiring Indenture Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Indenture Trustee, the Issuer or the Holders of a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee.
 
If the Indenture Trustee fails to comply with Section 6.11, any Noteholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Indenture Trustee and the appointment of a successor Indenture Trustee.
 
Notwithstanding the replacement of the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Section 6.08, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 6.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Indenture Trustee.
 
Section 6.09. Successor Indenture Trustee by Merger.
 
If the Indenture Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or banking association without any further act shall be the successor Indenture Trustee; provided that such corporation or banking association shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under Section 6.11. The Indenture Trustee shall provide the Rating Agencies prompt written notice of any such transaction.
 
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion, consolidation or transfer to the Indenture Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Indenture Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor Indenture Trustee and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Indenture Trustee may authenticate such Notes in the name of the successor to the Indenture Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Indenture Trustee shall have.
 
Section 6.10. Appointment of Co-Indenture Trustee or Separate Indenture Trustee.
 
(a) (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, at any time, for the purpose of meeting any legal requirement of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Collateral may at the time be located, the Indenture Trustee shall have the power and may execute and deliver all instruments to appoint one or more Persons to act as a co-trustee or co-trustees, or separate trustee or separate trustees, of all or any part of the Collateral, and to vest in such Person or Persons, in such capacity and for the benefit of the Noteholders, such title to the Collateral, or any part hereof, and, subject to the other provisions of this Section 6.10, such powers, duties, obligations, rights and trusts as the Indenture Trustee may consider necessary or desirable; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee shall exercise due care in the
 
 
 
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appointment of any co-trustee. No co-trustee or separate trustee hereunder shall be required to meet the terms of eligibility as a successor trustee under Section 6.11 and no notice to Noteholders of the appointment of any co-trustee or separate trustee shall be required under Section 6,08 hereof.
 
(b) Every separate trustee and co-trustee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be appointed and act subject to the following provisions and conditions:
 
(i) all rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or imposed upon the Indenture Trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Indenture Trustee and such separate trustee or co-trustee jointly (it being understood that such separate trustee or co-trustee is not authorized to act separately without the Indenture Trustee joining in such act), except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act or acts are to be performed the Indenture Trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act or acts, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations (including the holding of title to the Collateral or any portion thereof in any such jurisdiction) shall be exercised and performed singly by such separate trustee or co-trustee, but solely at the direction of the Indenture Trustee;
 
(ii) no trustee hereunder shall be personally liable by reason of any act or omission of any other trustee hereunder; and
 
(iii) the Indenture Trustee may at any time accept the resignation of or remove any separate trustee or co-trustee.
 
(c) Any notice, request or other writing given to the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to have been given to each of the then separate trustees and co-trustees, as effectively as if given to each of them. Every instrument appointing any separate trustee or co-trustee shall refer to this Indenture and the conditions of this Article VI. Each separate trustee and co-trustee, upon its acceptance of the trusts conferred, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in its instrument of appointment, either jointly with the Indenture Trustee or separately, as may be provided therein, subject to all the provisions of this Indenture, specifically including every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct of, affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Indenture Trustee. Every such instrument shall be filed with the Indenture Trustee.
 
(d) Any separate trustee or co-trustee may at any time constitute the Indenture Trustee, its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent not prohibited by law, to do any lawful act under or in respect of this Indenture on its behalf and in its name. If any separate trustee or co-trustee shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all of its estates, properties, rights, remedies and trusts shall vest in and be exercised by the Indenture Trustee, to the extent permitted by law, without the appointment of a new or successor trustee.
 
Section 6.11. Eligibility: Disqualification.
 
The Indenture Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA §310(a). The Indenture Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition and its long-term unsecured debt
 
 
 
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shall be rated at least Baa3 by Moody’s or BBB- by Standard & Poor’s. The Indenture Trustee shall comply with TIA §310(b), including the optional provision permitted by the second sentence of TIA §310(b)(9); provided, however, that TIA §310(b) shall not apply or otherwise operate to disqualify the Indenture Trustee for a conflicting interest, if any, which arises as a result of serving as Indenture Trustee in respect of multiple Series of Notes issued hereunder and/or multiple Classes with differing priorities within one or more Series.
 
Section 6.12. Preferential Collection of Claims Against.  The Indenture Trustee shall comply with TIA §311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA §311(b). An Indenture Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA §311(a) to the extent indicated.
 
Section 6.13. Tax Returns.
 
In the event the Trust shall be required to file tax returns, the Servicer shall prepare or shall cause to be prepared such tax returns and shall provide such tax returns to the Owner Trustee for signature at least five (5) days before such tax returns are due to be filed or as soon as practicable after the Servicer is made aware of the duty to file such returns. The Servicer, in accordance with the terms of each Indenture Supplement, shall also prepare or shall cause to be prepared all tax information required by law to be distributed to Noteholders and shall deliver such information to the Owner Trustee at least five (5) days prior to the date it is required by law to be distributed to Noteholders. The Owner Trustee, upon written request, will furnish the Servicer with all such information known to the Owner Trustee as may be reasonably requested and required in connection with the preparation of all tax returns of the Trust, and shall, upon request, execute such returns. In no event shall the Owner Trustee or the Servicer be personally liable for any liabilities, costs or expenses of the Trust or any Noteholder arising under any tax law, including without limitation, federal, state or local income or excise taxes or any other tax imposed on or measured by income (or any interest or penalty with respect thereto arising from a failure to comply therewith).
 
Section 6.14. Representations and Covenants of the Indenture Trustee.
 
The Indenture Trustee represents, warrants and covenants that as of each Closing Date:
 
(i) The Indenture Trustee is a banking corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of New York;
 
(ii) (ii)           The Indenture Trustee has full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Indenture and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Indenture and other Transaction Documents to which it is a party; and
 
(iii) Each of this Indenture and other Transaction Documents to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by the Indenture Trustee and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation in accordance with its terms.
 
 
 
 
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Section 6.15. Custody of the Collateral.
 
The Indenture Trustee shall hold such of the Collateral as consists of instruments, deposit accounts, negotiable documents, money, goods, letters of credit, and advices of credit in the State of New York. The Indenture Trustee shall hold such of the Collateral as constitutes investment property through a securities intermediary, which securities intermediary shall agree with the Indenture Trustee that (a) such investment property shall at all times be credited to a securities account of the Indenture Trustee, (b) such securities intermediary shall treat the Indenture Trustee as entitled to exercise the rights that comprise each financial asset credited to such securities account, (c) all property credited to such securities account shall be treated as financial assets, (d) such securities intermediary shall comply with entitlement orders originated by the Indenture Trustee without the further consent of any other person or entity, (e) such securities intermediary will not agree with any person or entity other than the Indenture Trustee to comply with entitlement orders originated by such other person or entity, (f) such securities accounts and the property credited thereto shall not be subject to any lien, security interest, or right of set-off in favor of such securities intermediary or anyone claiming through it (other than the Indenture Trustee), and (g) such agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York. Terms used in the preceding sentence that are defined in the New York UCC and not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meaning set forth in the New York UCC. Except as permitted by this Section 6.15, the Indenture Trustee shall not hold any part of the Collateral through an agent or a nominee.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
NOTEHOLDERS’ LIST AND REPORTS BY INDENTURE TRUSTEE AND ISSUER
 
Section 7.01. Issuer to Furnish Indenture Trustee Names and Addresses of Noteholders.
 
The Issuer will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Indenture Trustee (a) upon each transfer of a Note, a list, in such form as the Indenture Trustee may reasonably require, of the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of the Noteholders as they appear on the Note Register as of the most recent Record Date, and (b) at such other times, as the Indenture Trustee may request in writing, within ten (10) days after receipt by the Issuer of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than ten (10) days prior to the time such list is furnished; provided, however, that for so long as the Indenture Trustee is the Transfer Agent and Registrar, no such list shall be required to be furnished.
 
Section 7.02. Preservation of Information: Communications to Noteholders.
 
(a) The Indenture Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of the Noteholders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Indenture Trustee as provided in Section 7.01 and the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of the Noteholders received by the Indenture Trustee in its capacity as Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Indenture Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 7.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.
 
 
 
 
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(b) Noteholders may communicate, pursuant to TIA §312(b), with other Noteholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Notes.
 
(c) The Issuer, the Indenture Trustee and the Transfer Agent and Registrar shall have the protection of TIA §312(c).
 
Section 7.03. Reports by Issuer.
 
(a) If this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, the Issuer shall:
 
(i) file with the Indenture Trustee, within fifteen (15) days after the Issuer is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Issuer may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
 
(ii) file with the Indenture Trustee and the Commission in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Issuer with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and
 
(iii) supply to the Indenture Trustee (and the Indenture Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Noteholders described in TIA §313(c)) such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Issuer pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of this subsection 7.03(a) as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.
 
(b) Unless the Issuer otherwise determines, the fiscal year of the Issuer shall end on December 31 of each year.
 
Section 7.04. Reports by Indenture Trustee.
 
If required by TIA §313(a), within sixty (60) days after each April 30, the Indenture Trustee shall mail to each Noteholder as required by TIA §313(c) a brief report dated as of such date that complies with TIA §313(a). The Indenture Trustee also shall comply with TIA §313(b), if required.
 
ARTICLE VIII
 
ALLOCATION AND APPLICATION OF COLLECTIONS
 
Section 8.01. Collection of Money.
 
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and in the related Indenture Supplement, the Indenture Trustee may demand payment or delivery of, and shall receive and collect, directly and without intervention or assistance of any fiscal agent or other intermediary,
 
 
 
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all money and other property payable to or receivable by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to this Indenture. The Indenture Trustee shall hold all such money and property received by it in trust for the Noteholders and shall apply it as provided in this Indenture. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, if any default occurs in the making of any payment or performance under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the Indenture Trustee may, and upon the written request of a majority of the Holders of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of an affected Series shall, take such action as may be appropriate to enforce such payment or performance, including the institution and prosecution of appropriate Proceedings. Any such action shall be without prejudice to any right to claim a Pay Out Event or a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture and to proceed thereafter as provided in Article V hereof.
 
Section 8.02. Rights of Noteholders.
 
The Collateral shall secure the obligation of the Trust to pay to the Holders of the Notes of each Series principal and interest and other amounts payable pursuant to this Indenture and the related Indenture Supplement. Except as specifically set forth in the Indenture Supplement with respect thereto, the Notes of any Series or Class shall not have rights to payment from any Series Account or Series Enhancement allocated for the benefit of any other Series or Class.
 
Section 8.03. Establishment of Collection Account and Special Funding Account.
 
The Servicer, for the benefit of the Noteholders, shall establish and maintain with the Indenture Trustee or its nominee in the name of the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, a Qualified Account (including any subaccount thereof) bearing a designation clearly indicating that the funds and other property credited thereto are held for the benefit of the Noteholders (the “Collection Account). The Indenture Trustee shall possess all right, title and interest in all monies, instruments, investment property, documents, certificates of deposit and other property credited from time to time to the Collection Account and in all proceeds, earnings, income, revenue, dividends and distributions thereof for the benefit of the Noteholders.
 
The Collection Account shall be under the sole dominion and control of the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders. Except as expressly provided in this Indenture and the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer agrees that it shall have no right of setoff or banker’s lien against, and no right to otherwise deduct from, any funds held in the Collection Account for any amount owed to it by the Indenture Trustee, the Trust, any Noteholder or any Series Enhancer. If, at any time, the Collection Account ceases to be a Qualified Account, the Indenture Trustee (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall within ten (10) Business Days (or such longer period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days, as to which each Rating Agency may consent) establish a new Collection Account meeting the conditions specified above, transfer any monies, documents, instruments, investment property, certificates of deposit and other property to such new Collection Account and from the date such new Collection Account is established, it shall be the “Collection Account.” Pursuant to the authority granted to the Servicer in subsection 3.01(b) of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer shall have the power, revocable by the Indenture Trustee in writing, to make
 
 
 
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withdrawals and payments from the Collection Account and to instruct the Indenture Trustee to make withdrawals and payments from the Collection Account for the purposes of carrying out the Servicer’s or the Indenture Trustee’s duties hereunder and under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, as applicable. The Servicer shall reduce deposits into the Collection Account payable by the Transferor on any Deposit Date or on the related Distribution Date to the extent the Transferor is entitled to receive funds from the Collection Account on such Deposit Date, but only to the extent such reduction would not reduce the Transferor Interest to an amount less than the Required Transferor Interest.
 
Funds on deposit in the Collection Account (other than investment earnings and amounts deposited pursuant to Section 2.06, 6.01, or 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or Section 11.02 of this Indenture) shall at the written direction of the Servicer be invested by the Indenture Trustee in Eligible Investments selected by the Servicer. All such Eligible Investments shall be held by the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders pursuant to Section 6.15. Investments of funds representing Collections collected during any Monthly Period shall be invested in Eligible Investments that will mature so that such funds will be available no later than the close of business on each monthly Transfer Date following such Monthly Period in amounts sufficient to the extent of such funds to make the required distributions on the following Distribution Date. No such Eligible Investment shall be disposed of prior to its maturity; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee may sell, liquidate or dispose of any such Eligible Investment before its maturity, at the written direction of the Servicer, if such sale, liquidation or disposal would not result in a loss of all or part of the principal portion of such Eligible Investment or if, prior to the maturity of such Eligible Investment, a default occurs in the payment of principal, interest or any other amount with respect to such Eligible Investment. On each Distribution Date, all interest and other investment earnings (net of losses and investment expenses) on funds on deposit in the Collection Account shall be paid to the Transferor, except as otherwise specified in any Indenture Supplement. The Indenture Trustee shall bear no responsibility or liability for any losses resulting from investment or reinvestment of any funds in accordance with this Section 8.03 nor for the selection of Eligible Investments in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and any Indenture Supplement.
 
The Servicer, for the benefit of the Noteholders, shall establish and maintain with the Indenture Trustee or its nominee in the name of the Indenture Trustee, on behalf of the Trust, a Qualified Account (including any subaccounts thereof) bearing a designation clearly indicating that the funds and other property credited thereto are held for the benefit of the Noteholders (the “Special Funding Account”). The Indenture Trustee shall possess all right, title and interest in all monies, instruments, investment property, documents, certificates of deposit and other property credited from time to time to the Special Funding Account and in all proceeds, dividends, distributions, earnings, income and revenue thereof for the benefit of the Noteholders. The Special Funding Account shall be under the sole dominion and control of the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders. Except as expressly provided in this Indenture and the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer shall have no right of setoff or banker’s lien against, and no right to otherwise deduct from, any funds and other property held in the Special Funding Account for any amount owed to it by the Indenture Trustee, the Trust, any Noteholder or any Series Enhancer. If, at any time, the Special Funding Account ceases to be a Qualified Account, the Indenture Trustee (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall within ten (10) Business Days
 
 
 
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(or such longer period, not to exceed thirty (30) calendar days, as to which each Rating Agency may consent) establish a new Special Funding Account meeting the conditions specified above, transfer any monies, documents, instruments, investment property, certificates of deposit and other property to such new Special Funding Account and from the date such new Special Funding Account is established, it shall be the “Special Funding Account.
 
Funds on deposit in the Special Funding Account shall at the written direction of the Servicer be invested by the Indenture Trustee in Eligible Investments selected by the Servicer. All such Eligible Investments shall be held by the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders pursuant to Section 6.15. Funds on deposit in the Special Funding Account on any Distribution Date will be invested in Eligible Investments that will mature so that such funds will be available no later than the close of business on the Transfer Date following such Monthly Period. No such Eligible Investment shall be disposed of prior to its maturity; provided, however, that the Indenture Trustee may sell, liquidate or dispose of any such Eligible Investment before its maturity, at the written direction of the Servicer, if such sale, liquidation or disposal would not result in a loss of all or part of the principal portion of such Eligible Investment or if, prior to the maturity of such Eligible Investment, a default occurs in the payment of principal, interest or any other amount with respect to such Eligible Investment and funds deposited in the Special Funding Account on a Transfer Date with respect to the immediately succeeding Distribution Date are not required to be invested overnight. On each Distribution Date, all interest and other investment earnings (net of losses and investment expenses) on funds on deposit in the Special Funding Account shall be treated as Collections of Finance Charge Receivables with respect to the last day of the related Monthly Period except as otherwise specified in the related Indenture Supplement. On each Business Day on which funds are on deposit in the Special Funding Account and on which no Series is in an Accumulation Period or Amortization Period, the Servicer shall determine the amount (if any) by which the Transferor Interest exceeds the Required Transferor Interest on such date and shall instruct the Indenture Trustee to withdraw any such excess from the Special Funding Account and pay such amount to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates; provided, however, that, if an Accumulation Period or Amortization Period has commenced and is continuing with respect to one or more outstanding Series, any funds on deposit in the Special Funding Account shall be treated as Shared Principal Collections and shall be allocated and distributed in accordance with Section 8.05 and the terms of each Indenture Supplement.
 
Section 8.04. Collections and Allocations.
 
(a) The Servicer will apply or will instruct the Indenture Trustee in writing to apply all funds on deposit in the Collection Account as described in this Article VIII and in each Indenture Supplement. Except as otherwise provided below, the Servicer shall deposit Collections into the Collection Account as promptly as possible after the Date of Processing of such Collections, but in no event later than the second Business Day following the Date of Processing. Subject to the express terms of any Indenture Supplement, but notwithstanding anything else in this Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement to the contrary, for so long as any of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) Sterling remains the Servicer and maintains a commercial paper rating of not less than A-1 by Standard & Poor’s and not less than the highest short-term category by each other Rating Agency that then rates the short-term obligations of Sterling, or (ii) any other arrangements are made such that the Rating Agency
 
 
 
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Condition is satisfied with respect thereto, the Servicer need not make the daily deposits of Collections into the Collection Account as provided in the preceding sentence, but may make a single deposit in the Collection Account in immediately available funds not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Transfer Date relating to the Distribution Date following the Monthly Period with respect to which such deposit relates. Subject to the first proviso in Section 8.05, but notwithstanding anything else in this Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement to the contrary, with respect to any Monthly Period, whether the Servicer is required to make deposits of Collections pursuant to the first or the second preceding sentence, (x) the Servicer will only be required to deposit Collections into the Collection Account up to the aggregate amount of Collections required to be deposited into any Series Account or, without duplication, distributed on or prior to the related Distribution Date to Noteholders or to any Series Enhancer pursuant to the terms of any Indenture Supplement or Enhancement Agreement and (y) if at any time prior to such Distribution Date the amount of Collections deposited in the Collection Account exceeds the amount required to be deposited pursuant to clause (x) above, the Servicer will be permitted to withdraw the excess from the Collection Account and pay such amounts pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Documents. Subject to the immediately preceding sentence, the Servicer may retain its Servicing Fee with respect to a Series and shall not be required to deposit it in the Collection Account. To the extent that, in accordance with this subsection 8.04(a), the Servicer has retained amounts which would otherwise be required to be deposited into the Collection Account or any Series Account with respect to any Monthly Period, the Servicer shall be required to deposit such amounts in the Collection Account or such Series Account on the related Distribution Date to the extent necessary to make required distributions on the related Distribution Date, including any amounts which are required to be applied as Reallocated Principal Collections, and pay any amounts remaining after making such deposit pursuant to the terms of the Transaction Documents.
 
(b) Collections of Finance Charge Receivables, Principal Receivables and Defaulted Receivables will be allocated to each Series of Notes and to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates in accordance with this Article VIII and each Indenture Supplement and amounts so allocated to any Series will not, except as specified in the related Indenture Supplement, be available to the Noteholders of any other Series. Allocations of the foregoing amounts between the Holders of the Notes and the Holders of the Transferor Certificates, among the Series and among the Classes in any Series, shall be set forth in the related Indenture Supplement or Indenture Supplements.
 
Section 8.05. Shared Principal Collections.
 
On each Distribution Date, (a) the Servicer shall allocate Shared Principal Collections (as described below) to each Principal Sharing Series, pro rata, in proportion to the Principal Shortfalls, if any, with respect to each such Series and (b) the Servicer shall withdraw from the Collection Account and pay to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the aggregate amount for all outstanding Series of Collections of Principal Receivables which the related Indenture Supplements specify are to be treated as “Shared Principal Collections” for such Distribution Date over (y) the aggregate amount for all outstanding Series which the related Indenture Supplements specify are “Principal Shortfalls” for such Series and for such Distribution Date; provided, however, that if the Transferor Interest as of such Distribution Date (determined after giving effect to the Principal Receivables or
 
 
 
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Participation Interests transferred to the Trust on such date) is less than the Required Transferor Interest, the Servicer will not distribute to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates any such amounts that otherwise would be distributed to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates, but shall deposit such funds in the Special Funding Account. The Transferor may, at its option, instruct the Indenture Trustee in writing to deposit Shared Principal Collections which are otherwise payable to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates pursuant to the provisions set forth above into the Special Funding Account. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Group of Series may specify in their related Indenture Supplements that Shared Principal Collections from such Series shall be allocated as provided above but only among the Series in such Group.
 
Section 8.06. Additional Withdrawals from the Collection Account.
 
On or before the Determination Date with respect to any Monthly Period, the Servicer shall determine the amounts payable to Sterling or any other Account Owner with respect to such Monthly Period under the applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement in respect of amounts credited to the Collection Account that were not transferred to the Trust hereunder, and the Servicer shall withdraw such amounts from the Collection Account and pay such amounts to Sterling for distribution to the Sellers or any other Account Owner, as applicable.
 
Section 8.07. Allocation of Collateral to Series or Groups.
 
To the extent so provided in the Indenture Supplement for any Series or in an Indenture Supplement otherwise executed pursuant to Section 10.01, Receivables conveyed to the Trust pursuant to Section 2.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and Receivables or Participation Interests conveyed to the Trust pursuant to Section 2.09 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or any Participation Interest Supplement, and all Collections received with respect thereto may be allocated or applied in whole or in part to one or more Series or Groups as may be provided in such Indenture Supplement; provided, however, that any such allocation or application shall be effective only upon satisfaction of the following conditions:
 
(i) on or before the fifth Business Day immediately preceding such allocation, the Servicer shall have given the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency written notice of such allocation;
 
(ii) the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to such allocation; and
 
(iii) the Servicer shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the date of such allocation, to the effect that the Servicer reasonably believes that such allocation will not have an Adverse Effect.
 
Any such Indenture Supplement may provide that (i) such allocation to one or more particular Series or Groups may terminate upon the occurrence of certain events specified therein and (ii) that upon the occurrence of any such event, such assets and any Collections with respect thereto, shall be reallocated to other Series or Groups or to all Series, all as shall be provided in such Indenture Supplement.
 
 
 
 
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Section 8.08. Excess Finance Charge Collections.
 
On each Distribution Date, (a) the Servicer shall allocate Excess Finance Charge Collections (as described below) to each Excess Allocation Series, pro rata, in proportion to the Finance Charge Shortfalls (as described below), if any, with respect to each such Series and (b) the Servicer shall withdraw from the Collection Account and pay to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the aggregate amount for all outstanding Series of Collections of Finance Charge Receivables which the related Supplements specify are to be treated as “Excess Finance Charge Collections” for such Distribution Date over (y) the aggregate amount for all outstanding Series which the related Supplements specify are “Finance Charge Shortfalls” for such Series and such Distribution Date; provided, however, that the sharing of Excess Finance Charge Collections among Series will continue only until such time, if any, at which the Transferor shall deliver to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that, in the reasonable belief of the Transferor, the continued sharing of Excess Finance Charge Collections among Series would have adverse regulatory implications with respect to an Account Owner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Group of Series may specify in their related Indenture Supplements that Excess Finance Charge Collections from such Series shall be allocated as provided above but only among the Series in such Group.
 
Section 8.09. Release of Collateral: Eligible Loan Documents.
 
(a) The Indenture Trustee may, and when required by the provisions of this Indenture shall, execute instruments to release property from the lien of this Indenture, or convey the Indenture Trustee’s interest in the same, in a manner and under circumstances which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture. No party relying upon an instrument executed by the Indenture Trustee as provided in this Article VIII shall be bound to ascertain the Indenture Trustee’s authority, inquire into the satisfaction of any conditions precedent or see to the application of any monies.
 
(b) In order to facilitate the servicing of the Receivables by the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee upon Issuer Order shall authorize the Servicer to execute in the name and on behalf of the Indenture Trustee instruments of satisfaction or cancellation, or of partial or full release or discharge, and other comparable instruments with respect to the Receivables (and the Indenture Trustee shall execute any such documents on request of the Servicer), subject to the obligations of the Servicer under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
(c) The Indenture Trustee shall, at such time as there are no Notes outstanding, release and transfer, without recourse, all of the Collateral that secured the Notes (other than any cash held for the payment of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.02). The Indenture Trustee shall release property from the lien of this Indenture pursuant to this Section 8.09(c) only upon receipt of an Issuer Order accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate and (if required by the TIA) Independent Certificates in accordance with TIA §314(c) and 314(d)(1) meeting the applicable requirements of Section 12.01.
 
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and the Trust Agreement, immediately prior to the release of any portion of the Collateral or any funds on deposit in the Series Accounts pursuant to this
 
 
 
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Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall remit to the Transferor for its own account any funds that, upon such release, would otherwise be remitted to the Issuer.
 
Section 8.10. Opinion of Counsel.
 
The Indenture Trustee shall receive at least seven (7) days notice when requested by the Issuer to take any action pursuant to subsection 8.09(a), accompanied by copies of any instruments involved, and the Indenture Trustee shall also require, as a condition to such action, an Opinion of Counsel, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, stating the legal effect of any such action, outlining the steps required to complete the same, and concluding that all conditions precedent to the taking of such action have been complied with and such action will not materially and adversely impair the security for the Notes or the rights of the Noteholders in contravention of the provisions of this Indenture; provided, however, that such Opinion of Counsel shall not be required to express an opinion as to the fair value of the Collateral. The Indenture Trustee and counsel rendering any such opinion may rely conclusively, without independent investigation, on the accuracy and validity of any certificate or other instrument delivered to the Indenture Trustee in connection with any such action.
 
ARTICLE IX
 
DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPORTS TO NOTEHOLDERS
 
Distributions shall be made to, and reports shall be provided to, Noteholders as set forth in the applicable Indenture Supplement. The identity of the Noteholders with respect to distributions and reports shall be determined according to the immediately preceding Record Date.
 
ARTICLE X
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
 
Section 10.01. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Noteholders.
 
(a) Without the consent of the Holders of any Notes but with prior notice to the Rating Agencies with respect to the Notes of all Series, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, when authorized by an Issuer Order, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA, if this Indenture is subject to the TIA, as in force at the date of the execution thereof), in form satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
 
(i) to correct or amplify the description of any property at any time subject to the lien of this Indenture, or better to assure, convey and confirm unto the Indenture Trustee any property subject or required to be subjected to the lien of this Indenture, or to subject to the lien of this Indenture additional property;
 
(ii) to evidence the succession, in compliance with Section 3.11 hereof, of another person to the Issuer, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Issuer herein and in the Notes contained;
 
 
 
 
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(iii) to add to the covenants of the Issuer, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;
 
(iv) upon satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition, to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Indenture Trustee;
 
(v) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein or in any supplemental indenture that may be inconsistent with any other provision herein or in any supplemental indenture or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture or in any supplemental indenture; provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Notes;
 
(vi) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of the appointment hereunder by a successor indenture trustee with respect to the Notes and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one indenture trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Article VI;
 
(vii) to modify, eliminate or add to the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to effect the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA or under any similar federal statute hereafter enacted and to add to this Indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required by the TIA;
 
(viii) to provide for the issuance of one or more new Series of Notes, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.12 hereof;
 
(ix) or upon satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition, to provide for the termination of any interest rate swap agreement or other form of credit enhancement in accordance with the provisions of the related Indenture Supplement.
 
The Indenture Trustee is hereby authorized to join in the execution of any such supplemental indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained.
 
(b) The Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, when authorized by an Issuer Order, may, also without the consent of any Noteholders of any Series then Outstanding but upon satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition with respect to the Notes of all Series, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of; this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under this Indenture; provided, however, that (i) the Transferor shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the date of any such action, stating that the Transferor reasonably believes that such action will not have an Adverse Effect and (ii) a Tax Opinion shall have been delivered to each Rating Agency. Additionally, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, when authorized by an Issuer Order, may, without the consent of any Noteholders of any Series then Outstanding or the Series Enhancers for any Series, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto to add, modify or eliminate such provisions as may be necessary or advisable in order to enable all or a portion of the Trust (i) to qualify as, and to permit an election
 
 
 
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to be made to cause the Trust to be treated as, a “financial asset securitization investment trust” as described in the provisions of Section 860L of the Code, and (ii) to avoid the imposition of state or local income or franchise taxes imposed on the Trust’s property or its income; provided, however, that (i) the Transferor delivers to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that the proposed amendments meet the requirements set forth in this subsection 10.01(b), (ii) the Rating Agency Condition will have been satisfied and (iii) such amendment does not affect the rights, duties or obligations of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee hereunder.
 
Section 10.02. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Noteholders.
 
The Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, when authorized by an Issuer Order, also may, upon satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition and with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of each adversely affected Series of Notes, by Act of such Holders delivered to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to, changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of such Noteholders under this Indenture or any supplemental indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby:
 
(a) change the due date of any installment of principal of or interest on any Note, or reduce the principal amount thereof; the interest rate specified thereon or the redemption price with respect thereto or change any place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Note or any interest thereon is payable;
 
(b) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of the provisions of this Indenture requiring the application of funds available therefor, as provided in Article V, to the payment of any such amount due on the Notes on or after the respective due dates thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date);
 
(c) reduce the percentage of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes of any Series outstanding the consent of the Holders of which is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of the Holders of which is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences as provided for in this Indenture;
 
(d) reduce the percentage of the aggregate outstanding amount of any Notes, the consent of the Holders of which is required to direct the Indenture Trustee to sell or liquidate the Collateral if the proceeds of such sale would be insufficient to pay the principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest on the outstanding Notes of such Series;
 
(e) decrease the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes required to amend the sections of this Indenture which specify the applicable percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes of such Series necessary to amend the Indenture or any Transaction Documents which require such consent;
 
 
 
 
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(f) modify or alter the provisions of this Indenture*prohibiting the voting of Notes held by the Trust, any other obligor on the Notes, a Seller or any affiliate thereof; or
 
(g) permit the creation of any Lien ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of this Indenture with respect to any part of the Collateral for any Notes or, except as otherwise permitted or contemplated herein, terminate the lien of this Indenture on any such Collateral at any time subject hereto or deprive the Holder of any Note of the security provided by the lien of this Indenture.
 
The Indenture Trustee may in its discretion determine whether or not any Notes would be affected by any supplemental indenture and any such determination shall be conclusive upon the Holders of all Notes, whether theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder. The Indenture Trustee shall not be liable for any such determination made in good faith.
 
It shall not be necessary for any Act of Noteholders under this Section 10.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.
 
Promptly after the execution by the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee of any Supplement Indenture pursuant to this Section 10.02, the Indenture Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes to which such amendment or supplemental indenture relates written notice setting forth in general terms the substance of such Supplement Indenture. Any failure of the Indenture Trustee to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.
 
Section 10.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.
 
In executing, or permitting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article X or the modification thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and subject to Sections 6.01 and 6.02, shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Indenture Trustee or Owner Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Indenture Trustee’s or Owner Trustee’s (as such or in its individual capacity) own rights, duties, liabilities, benefits, protections, privileges or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.
 
Section 10.04. Effect of Supplemental Indenture.
 
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article X, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
 
 
 
 
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Section 10.05. Conformity With Trust Indenture Act.
 
Every amendment of this Indenture and every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article X shall conform to the requirements of the TIA as then in effect so long as this Indenture shall then be required to be qualified under the TIA.
 
Section 10.06. Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures.
 
Notes authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article X may, and if required by the Indenture Trustee shall, bear a notation in form approved by the Indenture Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Issuer shall so determine, new Notes so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Indenture Trustee in exchange for the outstanding Notes.
 
ARTICLE XI
 
TERMINATION
 
Section 11.01. Termination of Trust.
 
The Trust and the respective obligations and responsibilities of the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer created hereby (other than the obligation of the Indenture Trustee to make payments to Noteholders as hereinafter set forth) shall terminate, except with respect to the duties described in subsections 6.13 and 11.02(b), as provided in the Trust Agreement.
 
Section 11.02. Final Distribution.
 
(a) The Servicer shall give the Indenture Trustee at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of the Distribution Date on which the Noteholders of any Series or Class may Docsix:1:128v,01070 surrender their Notes for payment of the final distribution on and cancellation of such Notes (or, in the event of a final distribution resulting from the application of Section 2.06, 6.01 or 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, notice of such Distribution Date promptly after the Servicer has determined that a final distribution will occur, if such determination is made less than thirty (30) days prior to such Distribution Date). Such written notice shall be accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the information specified in Section 3.05 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement covering the period during the then-current calendar year through the date of such notice. Not later than the fifth day of the month in which the final distribution in respect of such Series or Class is payable to Noteholders, the Indenture Trustee shall provide notice to Noteholders of such Series or Class specifying (i) the date upon which final payment of such Series or Class will be made upon presentation and surrender of Notes of such Series or Class at the office or offices therein designated, (ii) the amount of any such final payment and (iii) that the Record Date otherwise applicable to such payment date is not applicable, payments being made only upon presentation and surrender of such Notes at the office or offices therein specified (which, in the case of Bearer Notes, shall be outside the United States). The Indenture Trustee shall give such notice to the Transfer Agent and Registrar and the Paying Agent at the time such notice is given to Noteholders.
 
 
 
 
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(b) Notwithstanding a final distribution to the Noteholders of any Series or Class (or the termination of the Trust), except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, all funds then on deposit in the Collection Account and any Series Account allocated to such Noteholders shall continue to be held in trust for the benefit of such Noteholders and the Paying Agent or the Indenture Trustee shall pay such funds to such Noteholders upon surrender of their Notes, if certificated (and any excess shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the Indenture Supplement and the Enhancement Agreement, if any, for such Series or Class). In the event that all such Noteholders shall not surrender their Notes for cancellation within six (6) months after the date specified in the notice from the Indenture Trustee described in paragraph (a), the Indenture Trustee shall give a second notice to the remaining such Noteholders to surrender their Notes for cancellation and receive the final distribution with respect thereto (which surrender and payment, in the case of Bearer Notes, shall be outside the United States). If within one year after the second notice all such Notes shall not have been surrendered for cancellation, the Indenture Trustee may take appropriate steps, or may appoint an agent to take appropriate steps, to contact the remaining such Noteholders concerning surrender of their Notes, and the cost thereof shall be paid out of the funds in the Collection Account or any Series Account held for the benefit of such Noteholders. In accordance with Section 3.03, the Indenture Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer any monies held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two (2) years. After payment to the Issuer, Noteholders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors unless an applicable abandoned property law designates another Person.
 
Section 11.03. Termination Distributions.
 
Upon the termination of the Trust pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement, the Indenture Trustee shall upon the written direction of the Issuer assign and convey to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates or any of their designees, without recourse, representation or warranty, all right, title and interest of the Trust in the Receivables, whether then existing or thereafter created, all Recoveries related thereto, all monies due or to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto (including all moneys then held in the Collection Account or any Series Account) and all proceeds thereof, except for amounts held by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to subsection 11.02(b). The Indenture Trustee shall execute and deliver such instruments of transfer and assignment, in each case without recourse, as shall be reasonably requested by the Holders of the Transferor Certificates to vest in the Holders of the Transferor Certificates or any of their designees all right, title and interest which the Indenture Trustee had in the Collateral and such other property.
 
Section 11.04. Defeasance.
 
The provisions of this Section 11.04 shall be applicable on a Series by Series basis and shall apply to a Series or Class of a Series only if the Indenture Supplement under which such Series is issued specifically provides for defeasance under this Section 11.04. If the relevant Indenture Supplement provides for defeasance under this Section 11.04, then, in addition to any other relevant provisions set forth in the Indenture Supplement, the following shall apply to that Series:
 
 
 
 
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(a) The Issuer may at its option be discharged from its obligations hereunder with respect to any Series (each, a “Defeased Series”) on the date the applicable conditions set forth in subsection 11.04(c) are satisfied (a “Defeasance”); provided, however, that the following rights, obligations, powers, duties and immunities shall survive with respect to each Defeased Series until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (i) the rights of the Holders of Notes of the Defeased Series to receive, solely from the trust fund provided for in subsection 11.04(c), payments in respect of principal of and interest on such Notes when such payments are due; (ii) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections 2.05 and 2.06; (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, and immunities of the Indenture Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar hereunder; and (iv) this Section 11.04 and Section 12.16.
 
(b) Subject to subsection 11.04(c), the Issuer at its option may cause Collections allocated to each Defeased Series and available to purchase additional Receivables to be applied to purchase Eligible Investments rather than additional Receivables.
 
(c) The following shall be the conditions precedent to any Defeasance under subsection 11.04(a):
 
(i) the Issuer irrevocably shall have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Indenture Trustee (such deposit to be made from other than the Issuer’s or any Affiliate of the Issuer’s funds), under the terms of an irrevocable trust agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee, as trust funds in trust for making the payments described below, (A) Dollars in an amount equal to, or (B) Eligible Investments which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof will provide, not later than the due date of payment thereon, money in an amount equal to, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient to pay and discharge (without relying on income or gain from reinvestment of such amount), and which shall be applied by the Indenture Trustee to pay and discharge, all remaining scheduled interest and principal payments on all outstanding Notes of each Defeased Series on the dates scheduled for such payments in this Indenture and the applicable Indenture Supplements and all amounts owing to the Series Enhancers with respect to each Defeased Series and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the applicable Indenture Supplements;
 
(ii) a statement from a firm of nationally recognized independent public accountants (who may also render other services to the Issuer) to the effect that such deposit is sufficient to pay the amounts specified in clause (i) above;
 
(iii) prior to its first exercise of its right pursuant to this Section 11.04 with respect to a Defeased Series to substitute money or Eligible Investments for Receivables, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee a Tax Opinion (the preparation and delivery of which shall not be at the expense of the Indenture Trustee) with respect to such deposit and termination of obligations, and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such deposit and termination of obligations will not result in the Trust being required to register as an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act;
 
 
 
 
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(iv) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate of the Transferor stating that the Transferor reasonably believes that such deposit and termination of obligations will not, based on the facts known to such officer at the time of such certification, then cause a Pay Out Event with respect to any Series or any event that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, would result in the occurrence of a Pay Out Event with respect to any Series; and
 
(v) the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied and the Issuer shall have delivered copies of such written notice to the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee.
 
ARTICLE XII
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Section 12.01. Compliance Certificates and Opinions etc.
 
(a) Upon any application or request by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Indenture Trustee (i) an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with, (ii) an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with and (iii) (if this Indenture is then required to be qualified under the TIA) an Independent Certificate from a firm of certified public accountants meeting the applicable requirements of this Section 12.01, except that, in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
 
Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:
 
(i) a statement that each signatory of such certificate or opinion has read or has caused to be read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;
 
(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
 
(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of each such signatory, such signatory has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable such signatory to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
 
(iv) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such signatory, such condition or covenant has been complied with.
 
(b) If this Indenture is then required to be qualified under the TIA,
 
 
 
 
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(i) prior to the deposit of any Collateral or other property or securities with the Indenture Trustee that is to be made the basis for the release of any property or securities subject to the lien of this Indenture, the Issuer shall, in addition to any obligation imposed in subsection 12.01(a) or elsewhere in this Indenture, furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of each person signing such certificate as to the fair value (within ninety (90) days of such deposit) to the Issuer of the Collateral or other property or securities to be so deposited;
 
(ii) whenever the Issuer is required to furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of any signer thereof as to the matters described in clause (i) above, the Issuer shall also deliver to the Indenture Trustee (if this Indenture is then required to be qualified under the TIA) an Independent Certificate as to the same matters, if the fair value to the Issuer of the securities to be so deposited and of all other such securities made the basis of any such withdrawal or release since the commencement of the then-current fiscal year of the Issuer, as set forth in the certificates delivered pursuant to clause (i) above and this clause (ii), is 10% or more of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes, but such a certificate need not be furnished with respect to any securities so deposited if the fair value thereof to the Issuer as set forth in the related Officer’s Certificate is less than $25,000 or less than one percent of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes;
 
(iii) other than with respect to the release of any Defaulted Receivables and Receivables in Removed Accounts or Participation Interests, whenever any property or securities is to be released from the lien of this Indenture, the Issuer shall also furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of each person signing such certificate as to the fair value (within ninety (90) days of such release) of the property or securities proposed to be released and stating that in the opinion of such person the proposed release will not impair the security under this Indenture in contravention of the provisions hereof;
 
(iv) whenever the Issuer is required to furnish to the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying or stating the opinion of any signer thereof as to the matters described in clause (iii) above, the Issuer shall also furnish to the Indenture Trustee (if this Indenture is then required to be qualified under the TIA) an Independent Certificate as to the same matters if the fair value of the property or securities and of all other property, other than Defaulted Receivables and Receivables in Removed Accounts, or securities released from the lien of this Indenture since the commencement of the then current calendar year, as set forth in the certificates required by clause (iii) above and this clause (iv), equals 10% or more of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes, but such certificate need not be furnished in the case of any release of property or securities if the fair value thereof as set forth in the related Officer’s Certificate is less than $25,000 or less than one percent of the then Outstanding Amount of the Notes; and
 
(v) notwithstanding Section 2.11 or any other provision of this Section 12.01, the Issuer may (A) collect, release, liquidate, sell or otherwise dispose of Receivables or Participation Interests as and to the extent permitted or required by the Transaction
 
 
 
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Documents and (B) make cash payments out of the Series Accounts as and to the extent permitted or required by the Transaction Documents.
 
Section 12.02. Form of Documents Delivered to Indenture Trustee.
 
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
 
Any certificate or opinion of an Authorized Officer of the Issuer may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which such officer’s certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate of an Authorized Officer or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Servicer, a Seller, the Issuer or the Administrator, stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Servicer, a Seller, the Issuer or the Administrator, unless such an Authorized Officer or Counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
 
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two (2) or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
 
Whenever in this Indenture, in connection with any application or certificate or report to the Indenture Trustee, it is provided that the Issuer shall deliver any document as a condition of the granting of such application, or as evidence of the Issuer’s compliance with any term hereof, it is intended that the truth and accuracy, at the time of the granting of such application or at the effective date of such certificate or report (as the case may be), of the facts and opinions stated in such document shall in such case be conditions precedent to the right of the Issuer to have such application granted or to the sufficiency of such certificate or report. The foregoing shall not, however, be construed to affect the Indenture Trustee’s right to rely conclusively upon the truth and accuracy of any statement or opinion contained in any such document as provided in Article VI.
 
Section 12.03. Acts of Noteholders.
 
(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Noteholders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Noteholders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing and satisfying any requisite percentages as to minimum number or dollar value of outstanding principal amount represented by such Noteholders; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall
 
 
 
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become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Indenture Trustee, and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Noteholders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Indenture Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Section 12.03.
 
(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any manner which the Indenture Trustee deems sufficient.
 
(c) The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register.
 
(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Notes shall bind the Holder (and any transferee thereof) of every Note issued upon the registration thereof in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Indenture Trustee or the Issuer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.
 
Section 12.04. Notices. Etc. to Indenture Trustee and Issuer.
 
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Noteholders or other documents provided or permitted by the Agreement to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:
 
(a) the Indenture Trustee by any Noteholder or by the Issuer shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to a Responsible Officer, by facsimile transmission or by other means acceptable to the Indenture Trustee to or with the Indenture Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office; or
 
(b) the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee or by any Noteholder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Issuer addressed to it at Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Indenture Trustee by the Issuer. A copy of each notice to the Issuer shall be sent in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Administrator at 375 Ghent Road, Akron, Ohio 44333.
 
Section 12.05. Notices to Noteholders; Waiver.
 
Where the Indenture provides for notice to Noteholders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed by registered or certified mail or first class postage prepaid or national overnight courier service to each Noteholder affected by such event, at its address as it appears on the Note Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case where notice to Noteholders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Noteholder shall affect the
 
 
 
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sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Noteholders, and any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall conclusively be presumed to have been duly given.
 
Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by any Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Noteholders shall be filed with the Indenture Trustee but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
 
In the event that, by reason of the suspension of regular mail service as a result of a strike, work stoppage or similar activity, it shall be impractical to mail notice of any event to Noteholders when such notice is required to be given pursuant to any provision of this Indenture, then any manner of giving such notice as shall be satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to be a sufficient giving of such notice.
 
Where this Indenture provides for notice to any Rating Agency, failure to give such notice shall not affect any other rights or obligations created hereunder and shall not under any circumstance constitute a Default or Event of Default.
 
Section 12.06. Alternate Payment and Notice Provisions.
 
Notwithstanding any provision of this Indenture or any of the Notes to the contrary, the Issuer, with the consent of the Indenture Trustee, may enter into any agreement with any Holder of a Note providing for a method of payment, or notice by the Indenture Trustee or any Paying Agent to such Holder, that is different from the methods provided for in this Indenture for such payments or notices. The Issuer will furnish to the Indenture Trustee a copy of each such agreement and the Indenture Trustee will cause payments to be made and notices to be given in accordance with such agreements.
 
Section 12.07. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.
 
If and for so long as this Indenture is required to be qualified under the TIA, any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision hereof that is required to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of the TIA, such required provision shall control.
 
If and for so long as this Indenture is required to be qualified under the TIA, the provisions of TIA §§310 through 317 that impose duties on any person (including the provisions automatically deemed included herein unless expressly excluded by this Indenture) are a part of and govern this Indenture, whether or not physically contained herein.
 
Section 12.08. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.
 
The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
 
 
 
 
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Section 12.09. Successors and Assigns.
 
All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Issuer shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
 
Section 12.10. Separability.
 
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
 
Section 12.11. Benefits of Indenture.
 
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder, the Noteholders, the Servicer and the Transferor, any benefit.
 
Section 12.12. Legal Holidays.
 
In any case where the date on which any payment is due shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of the Notes or this Indenture) payment need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the date on which nominally due, and no interest shall accrue for the period from and after any such nominal date.
 
Section 12.13. GOVERNING LAW.
 
THE INDENTURE AND EACH NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED THEREIN.
 
Section 12.14. Counterparts.
 
This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
Section 12.15. Trust Obligation.
 
No recourse may be taken, directly or indirectly, with respect to the obligations of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee on the Notes or under this Indenture or any certificate or other writing delivered in connection herewith or therewith, against (i) the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee in its individual capacity, (ii) any owner of a beneficial interest in the Issuer or (iii) any partner, owner, beneficiary, agent, officer, director, employee or agent of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee in its individual capacity, any holder of a beneficial interest in the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee or of any successor or assign of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee in its individual capacity, except as any
 
 
 
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such Person may have expressly agreed (it being understood that the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee have no such obligations in their individual capacity) and except that any such partner, owner or beneficiary shall be fully liable, to the extent provided by applicable law, for any unpaid consideration for stock, unpaid capital contribution or failure to pay any installment or call owing to such entity. For all purposes of this Indenture, in the performance of any duties or obligations hereunder, the Owner Trustee (as such or in its individual capacity) shall be subject to, and entitled to the benefits of, the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement.
 
Section 12.16. No Petition.
 
The Indenture Trustee, by entering into this Indenture, and each Noteholder, by accepting a Note, hereby covenant and agree that they will not at any time institute against the Issuer or the Transferor, or join in instituting against the Issuer or the Transferor, any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings, or other proceedings under any United States federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee have caused this Indenture to be duly executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
as Issuer
   
 
By: Wilmington Trust Company,
not in its individual capacity
but solely as Owner Trustee
       
 
By:
  /s/  Anita Dallage
   
Name:
Anita Dallage
   
Title:
Financial Services Officer
   
   
 
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY,
as Indenture Trustee
       
 
By:
  /s/  Eileen M. Hughes
   
Name:
Eileen M. Hughes
   
Title:
Vice President
   
   
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
as Servicer
       
 
By:
  /s/ Richard W. Miller
   
Name:
Richard W. Miller
   
Title:
Executive Vice President and CFO
 
 

 
[Signature Page to Master Indenture]
EX-4.2 3 mm05-2114_8ke422.htm EX.4.2 - 2014-A INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT mm05-2114_8ke422.htm
 
EXHIBIT 4.2
 
 

EXECUTION VERSION
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE
TRUST
 

STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST,

as Issuer

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,

as Indenture Trustee

and

STERLING JEWELERS INC.,

as Servicer

SERIES 2014-A INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT

Dated as of May 15, 2014
 

 
 
 

 
 
Table of Contents
 
   
Page
     
ARTICLE I
   
       
 
CREATION OF THE SERIES 2014-A NOTES
1
     
 
Section 1.01.
Designation.
1
     
ARTICLE II
   
       
 
DEFINITIONS
2
     
 
Section 2.01.
Definitions.
2
       
ARTICLE III
   
       
 
SERVICING FEE
12
     
 
Section 3.01.
Servicing Compensation.
12
       
ARTICLE IV
   
       
 
RIGHTS OF SERIES 2014-A NOTEHOLDERS AND ALLOCATION AND APPLICATION OF COLLECTIONS
13
     
 
Section 4.01.
Collections and Allocations.
13
 
Section 4.02.
Determination of Class A Monthly Interest.
15
 
Section 4.03.
Determination of Monthly Principal.  .
15
 
Section 4.04.
Application of Available Finance Charge Collections and Available Principal Collections.
16
 
Section 4.05.
Investor Charge-Offs.
18
 
Section 4.06.
Reallocated Principal Collections.
18
 
Section 4.07.
Excess Finance Charge Collections.
18
 
Section 4.08.
Shared Principal Collections.
19
 
Section 4.09.
Suspension of the Revolving Period; Limited Amortization Period and Optional Amortization.
19
 
Section 4.10.
Investment Instructions.
20
 
Section 4.11.
Note Principal Balance Increases; Reduction of Facility Limit.
20
       
ARTICLE V
   
       
 
DELIVERY OF SERIES 2014-A NOTES; DISTRIBUTIONS; REPORTS TO SERIES 2014-A NOTEHOLDERS
22
     
 
Section 5.01.
Delivery and Payment for the Series 2014-A Notes.
22
 
Section 5.02.
Distributions.
22
 
Section 5.03.
Reports and Statements to Series 2014-A Noteholders.
22
       
ARTICLE VI
   
       
 
SERIES 2014-A PAY OUT EVENTS; ADDITIONAL SERVICER DEFAULTS
24
     
 
Section 6.01.
Series 2014-A. Pay Out Events.
24

 
i

 

Table of Contents
(continued)

     
Page
       
 
Section 6.02.
Additional Servicer Defaults.
25
       
ARTICLE VII
   
       
 
REDEMPTION OF SERIES 2014-A NOTES; FINAL DISTRIBUTIONS; SERIES TERMINATION
27
     
 
Section 7.01.
Optional Redemption of Series 2014-A Notes; Final Distributions.
27
 
Section 7.02.
Series Termination.
28
       
ARTICLE VIII
   
       
 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
29
     
 
Section 8.01.
Ratification of Indenture.
29
 
Section 8.02.
Private Placement of Series 2014-A Notes; Form of Delivery of Series 2014-A Notes.
29
 
Section 8.03.
Tax and Other Matters.
29
 
Section 8.04.
Counterparts..
32
 
Section 8.05.
GOVERNING LAW.
32
 
Section 8.06.
Additional Notice.
33
 
Section 8.07.
WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL..
33
 
Section 8.08.
No Proceeding.
33
 
Section 8.09.
Limitation of Liability..
33
 
Section 8.10.
Rights of the Indenture Trustee.
33
 
Section 8.11.
USA Patriot Act.
34
 
 
ii

 
 
EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A-1
FORM OF CLASS A NOTE
EXHIBIT A-2
FORM OF CLASS B NOTE
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF MONTHLY STATEMENT
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF MONTHLY SERVICER’S CERTIFICATE
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF NOTICE OF LIMITED AMORTIZATION
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF NOTICE OF OPTIONAL AMORTIZATION
EXHIBIT F
FORM OF CLASS B NOTE PRINCIPAL BALANCE INCREASE REQUEST
EXHIBIT G
FORM OF INVESTMENT LETTER

 
iii

 

SERIES 2014-A INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT, dated as of May 15, 2014 (this “Indenture Supplement”), among STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST, a statutory trust organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein, the “Issuer” or the “Trust”), STERLING JEWELERS INC., a Delaware corporation, as Servicer (the “Servicer”), DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, not in its individual capacity, but solely as indenture trustee (herein, together with its successors in the trusts thereunder as provided in the Master Indenture referred to below, the “Indenture Trustee”) under  the Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Indenture”) among the Issuer, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee (the Indenture, together with this Indenture Supplement, the “Agreement”).
 
Pursuant to Section 2.12 of the Indenture, the Transferor may direct the Issuer to issue one or more Series of Notes.  The Principal Terms of this Series are set forth in this Indenture Supplement to the Indenture.
 
ARTICLE I
 
Creation of the Series 2014-A Notes
 
Section 1.01.     Designation.
 
(a)           There is hereby created and designated a Series of Notes to be issued pursuant to the Indenture and this Indenture Supplement to be known as “Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A Notes” or the “Series 2014-A Notes.”  The Series 2014-A Notes shall be issued in two Classes, the first of which shall be known as the “Class A Series 2014-A Asset Backed Variable Funding Notes” and the second of which shall be known as the “Class B Series 2014-A Asset Backed Variable Funding Notes.”  The Series 2014-A Notes shall be due and payable on the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date.
 
(b)           Series 2014-A shall be included in Group One and shall be a Principal Sharing Series with respect to Group One only.  Series 2014-A shall be an Excess Allocation Series with respect to Group One only. Series 2014-A shall not be subordinated to any other Series.
 
[END OF ARTICLE I]
 
 
 

 
 
ARTICLE II
 
Definitions
 
Section 2.01.     Definitions.
 
(a)           Whenever used in this Indenture Supplement, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, and the definitions of such terms are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and the masculine as well as the feminine and neuter genders of such terms.
 
Account Addition Test” for the purposes of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, shall have the meaning specified in the side letter among the Transferor, the Servicer and the Issuer dated as of the date hereof.
 
Administrative Agent” shall mean the “Agent” as such term is defined in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Amortization Date” shall mean the earliest to occur of (i) the date after May 14, 2015 designated by the Trust as the Amortization Date at any time upon seven (7) Business Days’ written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer, (ii) the Pay Out Commencement Date and (iii) the Scheduled Expiration Date.
 
Applicable Law” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.11.
 
Available Finance Charge Collections” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the Finance Charge Collections allocated to Series 2014-A pursuant to subsection 4.01(c)(i) for such Monthly Period, (b) the Excess Finance Charge Collections allocated to Series 2014-A for such Monthly Period, and (c) investment earnings on funds in the Special Funding Account (net of investment expenses and losses) allocable to Series 2014-A for the period from and including the immediately preceding Distribution Date to but excluding the related Distribution Date.
 
Available Principal Collections” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, an amount equal to (a) the Investor Principal Collections for such Monthly Period, minus (b) the amount of Reallocated Principal Collections with respect to such Monthly Period which pursuant to Section 4.06 are required to be applied on the related Distribution Date, plus (c) any Shared Principal Collections with respect to other Principal Sharing Series in Group One (including any amounts on deposit in the Special Funding Account that are allocated to Series 2014-A pursuant to the Indenture for application as Shared Principal Collections), plus (d) the aggregate amount to be treated as Available Principal Collections pursuant to subsections 4.04(a)(iii), (iv) and (v) for the related Distribution Date, minus (e) any Principal Collections that have been used to effect an Optional Amortization during such Monthly Period.
 
Base Invested Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, (a) the Initial Invested Amount, plus (b) the aggregate amount of any Note Principal Balance Increases occurring on or prior to the first day of such Monthly Period minus (c) the aggregate decreases in the Note Principal Balance for any Limited Amortization Period and/or Optional Amortization preceding such Monthly Period.
 
 
2

 
 
Base Rate” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, the annualized percentage equivalent of a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the sum of the Class A Monthly Interest and the Monthly Servicing Fee, each with respect to the related Distribution Date, and the denominator of which is the Note Principal Balance as of the first day of such Monthly Period.
 
Business Day” shall have the meaning specified in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Class A Facility Limit” shall mean the “Facility Limit” as that term is defined in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Class A Monthly Interest” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.02(a).
 
Class A Note Initial Principal Balance” shall mean $0.00.
 
Class A Note Interest Rate” shall mean the “Class A Note Rate” as that term is defined in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Class A Note Principal Balance” shall mean, on any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) the Class A Note Initial Principal Balance, plus (b) the aggregate amount of Class A Note Principal Balance Increases made on or prior to such date, minus (c) the aggregate amount of principal payments made to the Class A Noteholders on or prior to such date.
 
Class A Note Principal Balance Increase” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.11(a).
 
Class A Noteholder” shall mean the Person and any successors or assigns permitted hereunder in whose name a Class A Note is registered in the Note Register.  The initial Class A Noteholder is J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Purchasers.
 
Class A Notes” shall mean any one of the Class A Series 2014-A Asset Backed Variable Funding Notes executed by the Issuer and authenticated by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1.
 
Class A Required Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, an amount equal to the excess of the amounts described in subsections 4.04(a)(i) and 4.04(a)(ii) over the Available Finance Charge Collections applied to pay such amount pursuant to subsection 4.04(a).
 
Class B Note Initial Principal Balance” shall mean $0.00.
 
 
3

 
 
Class B Note Principal Balance” shall mean, on any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) the Class B Note Initial Principal Balance, plus (b) the aggregate amount of Class B Note Principal Balance Increases made on or prior to such date, minus (c) the aggregate amount of principal payments made to the Class B Noteholders prior to such date.
 
Class B Note Principal Balance Increase” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.11(b).
 
Class B Noteholder” shall mean the Person and any successors or assigns permitted hereunder in whose name a Class B Note is registered in the Note Register.
 
Class B Notes” shall mean any one of the Class B Series 2014-A Asset Backed Variable Funding Notes executed by the Issuer and authenticated by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2.
 
Closing Date” shall mean May 15, 2014.
 
Consignment Reserve Amount” shall mean, on any date of determination, an amount equal to the inventory value (as determined by the Servicer as of the last Business Day of the prior calendar week) of all consigned merchandise of all Consignment Vendors which merchandise is on consignment with the Seller.
 
Consignment Vendor” shall mean, on any date of determination, a vendor who has on file an effective UCC-1 financing statement naming the Seller as debtor (or consignee) and describing collateral consisting of consigned merchandise, which financing statement, as amended, does not (i) exclude or disclaim a security interest in proceeds of such consigned merchandise or (ii) relate to a consignment agreement or other security agreement that expressly excludes or disclaims a security interest in proceeds of such consigned merchandise.
 
Controlled Amortization Amount” shall mean, for any Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, one-tenth of the Note Principal Balance as of the end of the Revolving Period (rounded upward to the nearest dollar).
 
Controlled Amortization Period” shall mean, unless a Pay Out Event shall have occurred prior thereto, the period commencing at the close of business on the Termination Date (as such term is defined in the Note Purchase Agreement excluding clause (b) thereof), and ending on the first to occur of (a) the commencement of the Early Amortization Period and (b) the Series 2014-A Termination Date.
 
Controlled Distribution Amount” shall mean, for any Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, an amount equal to the sum of the Controlled Amortization Amount for such Distribution Date and any Deficit Controlled Amortization Amount for the immediately preceding Distribution Date.
 
Credit Agreement” shall mean, the Credit Agreement dated as of May 24, 2011, among Signet Group Limited, Signet Group Treasury Services, Inc., Signet Jewelers Limited, the additional borrower party thereto, the lenders party thereto, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Barclays Capital, Fifth Third Bank, PNC Bank, National Association, RBS Citizens, N.A., and Standard Chartered Bank, as the same may be amended and restated, amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
 
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Deficit Controlled Amortization Amount” shall mean (a) on the first Distribution Date of the Controlled Amortization Period, the excess, if any, of the Controlled Amortization Amount for such Distribution Date over the aggregate amount distributed to the Class A Noteholders and Class B Noteholders as principal on such Distribution Date and (b) on each subsequent Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, the excess, if any, of the Controlled Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date over the aggregate amount distributed to Class A Noteholders and Class B Noteholders on such Distribution Date.
 
Distribution Date” shall mean, initially, July 21, 2014, and thereafter, the 20th calendar day of each calendar month; provided, that if such date is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day.
 
Early Amortization Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Business Day immediately preceding the day on which a Pay Out Event is deemed to have occurred, and ending on the Series 2014-A Termination Date.
 
Event of Default” shall mean an “Event of Default” specified in Section 5.02 of the Indenture or an “Event of Default” specified in Section 5.01 of the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Finance Charge Collections” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.01(c)(i).
 
Finance Charge Shortfall” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.07.
 
Fixed Investor Percentage” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, the percentage equivalent (which percentage shall never exceed 100%) of a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the Invested Amount as of the close of business on the last day of the Revolving Period or the last day prior to the suspension thereof, as the case may be, and (b) the denominator of which is the greater of (i) the sum of (A) the total amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the close of business on the last day of the immediately preceding Monthly Period (or with respect to the first Monthly Period, the total amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the Closing Date) and (B) the principal amount on deposit in the Special Funding Account as of the close of business on such day (or with respect to the first Monthly Period, the Closing Date) and (ii) the sum of the numerators used to calculate the investor percentages for allocations with respect to Principal Receivables or Finance Charge Receivables, as applicable, for all Series outstanding as of the date as to which such determination is being made provided, however, that with respect to any Monthly Period in which a Removal Date occurs, the amount in clause (b)(i)(A) above shall be (1) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the close of business on the last day of the prior Monthly Period, for the period from and including the first day of such Monthly Period to but excluding the related Removal Date, and (2) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the close of business on the related Removal Date, after adjusting for the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables removed from the Trust on the related Removal Date, for the period from and including the related Removal Date to and including the last day of such Monthly Period.
 
 
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Floating Investor Percentage” shall mean, with respect to any day during a Monthly Period, the percentage equivalent (which percentage shall never exceed 100%) of a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the Invested Amount as of the close of business on the previous day and (b) the denominator of which is the greater of (i) the sum of (A) the total amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the close of business on such last day (or with respect to the first Monthly Period, the total amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust on the Closing Date) and (B) the principal amount on deposit in the Special Funding Account as of the close of business on such last day (or with respect to the first Monthly Period, as of the Closing Date) and (ii) the sum of the numerators used to calculate the investor percentages for allocations with respect to Finance Charge Receivables, Defaulted Amounts or Principal Receivables, as applicable, for all Series outstanding as of the date as to which such determination is being made; provided, however, that with respect to any Monthly Period in which a Removal Date occurs, the amount in clause (b)(i)(A) above shall be (1) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the close of business on the last day of the prior Monthly Period, for the period from and including the first day of such Monthly Period to but excluding the related Removal Date and (2) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the close of business on the related Removal Date, after adjusting for the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables removed from the Trust on the related Removal Date for the period from and including the related Removal Date to and including the last day of such Monthly Period.
 
Group One” shall mean Series 2014-A and each other Series hereafter specified in the related Indenture Supplement to be included in Group One.
 
Indebtedness” shall have the meaning given to it in the Credit Agreement.
 
Initial Invested Amount” shall mean $0.00.
 
Interest Period” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, the period from and including the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date (or, in the case of the first Distribution Date, from and including the Closing Date) to and including the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date.
 
Invested Amount” shall mean, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the Initial Invested Amount, plus the aggregate amount of Note Principal Balance Increases made on or prior to such date, minus the amount of principal previously paid to the Series 2014-A Noteholders, minus the excess, if any, of the aggregate amount of Investor Charge-Offs and Reallocated Principal Collections over the reimbursements of such amounts pursuant to subsection 4.04(a)(v) prior to such date.
 
Investment Letter” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.03(c).
 
Investor Charge-Offs” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.05.
 
 
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Investor Default Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, an amount equal to the product of (a) the Defaulted Amount for the related Monthly Period and (b) the Floating Investor Percentage as of the first day of the related Monthly Period.
 
Investor Finance Charge Collections” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, an amount equal to the Investor Percentage on the first day of such Monthly Period of Collections of Finance Charge Receivables (including Recoveries treated as Collections of Finance Charge Receivables) deposited in the Collection Account for such Monthly Period.
 
Investor Percentage” shall mean (a) for any day during a Monthly Period, with respect to Defaulted Amounts at all times and Finance Charge Receivables and Principal Receivables during the Revolving Period, the Floating Investor Percentage and (b) for any day during a Monthly Period, with respect to Finance Charge Receivables and Principal Receivables during the Controlled Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period or any Limited Amortization Period, the Fixed Investor Percentage.
 
Investor Principal Collections” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, the aggregate amount retained in the Collection Account pursuant to subsection 4.01(c)(ii) for such Monthly Period.
 
Limited Amortization” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.09(a).
 
Limited Amortization Amount” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.09(a).
 
Limited Amortization Period” shall mean, with respect to any Limited Amortization, the period beginning on the first day of the first Monthly Period for which any effective notice of Limited Amortization was delivered pursuant to subsection 4.09(a) and ending on the earlier of (i) the date on which Principal Collections equal to the Limited Amortization Amount have been deposited into the Collection Account and (ii) the commencement of the Controlled Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period.
 
Loan Party” shall have the meaning given to it in the Credit Agreement.
 
Material Indebtedness” shall have the meaning given to it in the Credit Agreement.
 
Material Subsidiary” shall have the meaning given to it in the Credit Agreement.
 
Minimum Class B Note Payment Amount” shall mean, on any date, an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the amount by which the Class B Note Principal Balance exceeds the Required Class B Note Principal Balance and (ii) the amount by which the Consignment Reserve Amount on the date that a payment of principal was made with respect to the Class B Notes prior to such date exceeds the Consignment Reserve Amount on such date.
 
Monthly Delinquent Receivables Ratio” shall mean with respect to the last day of any prior Monthly Period, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate amount of all Principal Receivables which are more than 90 days past due per the contractual method and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables as of the last day of the immediately preceding Monthly Period.
 
 
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Monthly Period” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, the period from and including the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date (or, in the case of the first Distribution Date, from and including the Closing Date) to and including the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date.
 
Monthly Principal” shall mean the monthly principal distributable in respect of the Notes as calculated in accordance with Section 4.03.
 
Monthly Principal Reallocation Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, an amount equal to the lower of (i) the Class A Required Amount and (ii) the greater of (a)(x) the product of (I) 32.5% and (II) the Base Invested Amount for such Monthly Period minus (y) the amount of unreimbursed Investor Charge-Offs (after giving effect to Investor Charge-Offs for the related Monthly Period) and unreimbursed Reallocated Principal Collections (as of the previous Distribution Date) and (b) zero.
 
Monthly Servicing Fee” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.01.
 
Monthly Statement” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 5.03(a).
 
Note Assignment” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 8.03(e).
 
Note Principal Balance” shall mean, on any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of the Class A Note Principal Balance and the Class B Note Principal Balance.
 
Note Principal Balance Increase” shall mean a Class A Note Principal Balance Increase and a Class B Note Principal Balance Increase.
 
Note Purchase Agreement” shall mean the note purchase agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014, among the Trust, the Transferor, the Servicer, each conduit purchaser party thereto from time to time, each committed purchaser party thereto from time to time, and the Administrative Agent, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time.
 
Optional Amortization” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.09(b).
 
Optional Amortization Amount” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.09(b).
 
Optional Amortization Date” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.09(b).
 
Participant” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 8.03(f).
 
Pay Out Commencement Date” shall mean the date on which a Trust Pay Out Event occurs pursuant to Section 5.01 of the Indenture or a Series 2014-A Pay Out Event occurs pursuant to Section 6.01.
 
 
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Pay Out Event” shall mean a Trust Pay Out Event or a Series 2014-A Pay Out Event.
 
Percentage Allocation” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.01(c)(ii)(y).
 
Performance Guarantor” means Signet Jewelers Ltd.
 
Permitted Note Participant” shall mean (i) the institution which is the Administrative Agent, (ii) each bank or financial institution specified as a Permitted Note Participant in a letter, dated as of the date hereof, and available to Series 2014-A Noteholders at the Corporate Trust Office of the Indenture Trustee from the Transferor, as such letter may be modified from time to time by the Transferor; provided that such modifications do not result in fewer than twenty-five (25) banks or financial institutions being specified in such letter and (iii) any other Person to which the Transferor may consent, which consent shall be withheld only on the basis that, following such Person’s becoming a Class B Noteholder or the holder of a participation interest in the rights of a Class B Noteholder, the number of Private Holders would exceed eighty (80) (assuming that each bank or financial institution specified as a Permitted Note Participant in the letter described in clause (ii) hereof is a Private Holder) or otherwise cause the Trust to be in jeopardy of being taxable as a publicly traded partnership pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code).
 
Portfolio Yield” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period on the first day of which a Class A Note Principal Balance is outstanding, the annualized percentage equivalent of a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is equal to the sum of (i) Investor Finance Charge Collections with respect to such Monthly Period, plus (ii) the Series 2014-A Investor Percentage of investment earnings on funds in the Special Funding Account (net of investment expenses and losses) for the period from and including the immediately preceding Distribution Date to but excluding such Distribution Date, in each case, deposited into the Collection Account on the Distribution Date relating to such Monthly Period, such sum to be calculated on a cash basis after subtracting the Investor Default Amount for such Monthly Period and the Series 2014-A Investor Percentage of any Adjustment Payments which the Transferor is required but fails to make for such Monthly Period, and (b) the denominator of which is the Note Principal Balance as of the first day of such Monthly Period; provided, however, that Excess Finance Charge Collections that are allocated to Series 2014-A with respect to such Monthly Period may be added to the numerator if the Transferor shall have provided ten (10) Business Days prior written notice of such action to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall have consented in writing to such action.
 
 
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Private Holder” shall mean each holder of a right to receive interest or principal in respect of any direct or indirect interest in the Trust, including any financial instrument or contract the value of which is determined in whole or in part by reference to the Trust (including the assets of the Trust, income of the Trust or distributions made by the Trust), but excluding any interest in the Trust represented by any Series or Class of Notes or any other interest as to which the Transferor has provided to the Indenture Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such Series, Class or other interest will be treated as debt or otherwise not as an equity interest in either the Trust or the Receivables for federal income tax purposes, in each case, provided such interest is not convertible or exchangeable into an interest in the Trust or the Trust’s income or equivalent value.  Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, “Private Holder” shall also include any other Person that the Transferor determines is, may be or may become, a “partner” within the meaning of Section 1.7704-1(h)(1)(ii) (including by reason of Section 1.7704-1(h)(3)) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  “Private Holders” shall include the Holders of the Transferor Certificates or Trust Certificate or any interest in either, the Servicer and the Class B Noteholders (but not the Class A Noteholders).  Any Person holding more than one interest in the Trust each of which separately would cause such Person to be a Private Holder shall be treated as a single Private Holder.  Each holder of an interest in a Private Holder which is a partnership, a corporation or a grantor trust under the Code shall be treated as a Private Holder unless excepted with the consent of the Transferor (which consent shall be based on an Opinion of Counsel generally to the effect that following the related transfer, the number of Private Holders would not exceed eighty (80)).
 
Purchaser” shall have the meaning specified in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Reallocated Principal Collections” shall, with respect to any Distribution Date, have the meaning specified in Section 4.06.
 
Reassignment Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Date, after giving effect to any deposits and distributions otherwise to be made on such Distribution Date, the sum of (i) the outstanding principal balance of the Series 2014-A Notes on such Distribution Date and (ii) the Class A Monthly Interest for such Distribution Date plus any Class A Monthly Interest previously due but not distributed to the Class A Noteholders on a prior Distribution Date.
 
Required Class B Note Principal Balance” shall mean on any date of determination, the sum of 32.5% of the Invested Amount on such date after taking into account any adjustments to be made on such date and (ii) the Consignment Reserve Amount on such date.
 
Required Transferor Percentage” shall mean 10% of the principal balance of Eligible Receivables in the Trust. The Required Transferor Percentage shall increase to 15% in the event the Performance Guarantor’s public debt rating falls below “BB+” from Standard and Poor’s or “Ba2” from Moody’s
 
Revolving Period” shall mean the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the earlier of the close of business on the day immediately preceding (i) the day the Controlled Amortization Period commences and (ii) the Early Amortization Period commences; provided, however, that the Revolving Period will be temporarily suspended for the duration of any Limited Amortization Period.
 
Scheduled Expiration Date” shall have the meaning specified in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
Series 2014-A” shall mean the Series of Notes the terms of which are specified in this Indenture Supplement.
 
 
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Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date” shall mean the last day of the forty-eighth calendar month commencing after the Amortization Date.
 
Series 2014-A Noteholder” shall mean a Class A Noteholder and/or a Class B Noteholder, as the context may require.
 
Series 2014-A Notes” shall mean the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes.
 
Series 2014-A Pay Out Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
 
Series 2014-A Investor Percentage” shall mean, on any date of determination, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, the numerator of which is the Invested Amount and the denominator of which is the sum of the Invested Amounts relating to all other Series then outstanding.
 
Series 2014-A Principal Shortfall” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.08(a).
 
Series 2014-A Termination Date” shall mean the earliest to occur of (i) the day after the Distribution Date on which the Series 2014-A Notes are paid in full, (ii) the Distribution Date on which the proceeds of Receivables sold pursuant to Section 7.02 are distributed to the Series 2014-A Noteholders pursuant to Section 5.02 and (iii) the termination of the Trust pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
 
Servicing Fee Rate” shall mean 2.00% per annum.
 
Weighted Average Invested Amount” shall mean, for any period, the sum of the Invested Amounts for each day in such period divided by the number of days in such period.
 
(b)           Each capitalized term defined herein shall relate to the Series 2014-A Notes and no other Series of Notes issued by the Trust, unless the context otherwise requires.  All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or the Trust Agreement.  In the event that any term or provision contained herein shall conflict with or be inconsistent with any term or provision contained in the Indenture, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or the Trust Agreement, the terms and provisions of this Indenture Supplement shall govern.
 
(c)           The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Indenture Supplement shall refer to this Indenture Supplement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Indenture Supplement; references to any Article, subsection, Section or Exhibit are references to Articles, subsections, Sections and Exhibits in or to this Indenture Supplement unless otherwise specified; and the term “including” means “including without limitation.”
 
[END OF ARTICLE II]
 
 
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ARTICLE III
 
Servicing Fee
 
Section 3.01.     Servicing Compensation.  The share of the Servicing Fee allocable to the Series 2014-A Noteholders with respect to any Distribution Date (the “Monthly Servicing Fee”) shall be equal to one-twelfth of the product of (a) the Servicing Fee Rate and (b) (i) the Weighted Average Invested Amount for the Monthly Period preceding such Distribution Date, minus (ii) the product of the amount, if any, on deposit in the Special Funding Account as of the last day of the Monthly Period preceding such Distribution Date and the Floating Investor Percentage as of the last day of such Monthly Period; provided, however, that with respect to the first Distribution Date, the Monthly Servicing Fee shall be equal to the product of (a) the Servicing Fee Rate and (b) (i) the Weighted Average Invested Amount for the first Monthly Period, minus (ii) the product of the amount, if any, on deposit in the Special Funding Account as of the last day of the Monthly Period preceding such Distribution Date and the Floating Investor Percentage as of the last day of such Monthly Period and (c) a fraction, the numerator of which is equal to the number of days beginning on and including the date of the first Note Principal Balance Increase to but not including the first Distribution Date and the denominator of which is equal to 360.  The remainder of the Servicing Fee shall be paid by the Holders of the Transferor Certificates or the noteholders of other Series (as provided in the related Indenture Supplements) and in no event shall the Trust, the Indenture Trustee or the Series 2014-A Noteholders be liable for the share of the Servicing Fee to be paid by the Holders of the Transferor Certificates or the noteholders of any other Series.  To the extent that the Monthly Servicing Fee is not paid in full pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section 3.01 and Section 4.04, it shall be paid by the Holders of the Transferor Certificates.  In no event shall the Indenture Trustee be responsible for the Servicing Fee.
 
[END OF ARTICLE III]
 
 
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ARTICLE IV
 
Rights of Series 2014-A Noteholders
and Allocation and Application of Collections
 
Section 4.01.     Collections and Allocations.
 
(a)           Allocations.  Collections of Finance Charge Receivables and Principal Receivables and Defaulted Receivables allocated pursuant to Article VIII of the Indenture shall be allocated and distributed as set forth in this Article.
 
(b)           Payments to the Transferor.  On each Deposit Date, the Servicer shall withdraw from the Collection Account and pay to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates the following amounts:
 
(i)            an amount equal to the Transferor Percentage for the related Monthly Period of Collections of Finance Charge Receivables deposited in the Collection Account on such Deposit Date; and
 
(ii)           an amount equal to the Transferor Percentage for the related Monthly Period of Collections of Principal Receivables deposited in the Collection Account on such Deposit Date, if the Transferor Interest (determined after giving effect to any Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such Deposit Date) exceeds zero.
 
The withdrawals to be made from the Collection Account pursuant to this subsection 4.01(b) shall not apply to deposits into the Collection Account that do not represent Collections, including payment of (i) the purchase price for the Receivables pursuant to Sections 2.06 or 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, (ii) the purchase price for the Notes pursuant to Section 11.04 of the Indenture and (iii) the redemption price for the Series 2014-A Notes pursuant to Section 7.01.
 
(c)           Allocations to the Series 2014-A Noteholders.  The Servicer shall, prior to the close of business on any Deposit Date, allocate to the Series 2014-A Noteholders the following amounts as set forth below:
 
(i)             Allocations of Finance Charge Collections.  The Servicer shall allocate to the Series 2014-A Noteholders and retain in the Collection Account for application as provided herein an amount equal to the product of (A) the Investor Percentage and (B) the aggregate amount of Collections of Finance Charge Receivables deposited in the Collection Account on such Deposit Date (such amount, the “Finance Charge Collections”).
 
(ii)           Allocations of Principal Collections.  The Servicer shall allocate to the Series 2014-A Noteholders the following amounts as set forth below:
 
 
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(x)           Allocations During the Revolving Period.  During the Revolving Period an amount equal to the product of (I) the Investor Percentage and (II) the aggregate amount of Collections of Principal Receivables deposited in the Collection Account on such Deposit Date, shall be allocated to the Series 2014-A Noteholders sequentially (i) first, if any other Principal Sharing Series in Group One is outstanding and in its amortization period or accumulation period, retained in the Collection Account for application, to the extent necessary, as Shared Principal Collections to other Series in Group One on the related Distribution Date, and (ii) second, at the request of the Class B Noteholders and only if the Transferor Interest on such Deposit Date is greater than the Required Transferor Interest (after giving effect to all Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such day), paid to the Class B Noteholders as principal up to the Minimum Class B Note Payment Amount and (iii) third, paid to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates only if the Transferor Interest on such Deposit Date is greater than the Required Transferor Interest (after giving effect to all Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such day) and otherwise shall be deposited in the Special Funding Account.
 
(y)           Allocations During any Limited Amortization Period.  During any Limited Amortization Period an amount equal to the product of (I) the Investor Percentage and (II) the aggregate amount of Collections of Principal Receivables deposited in the Collection Account on such Deposit Date (the product for any such date is hereinafter referred to as a “Percentage Allocation”) shall be allocated to the Series 2014-A Noteholders and retained in the Collection Account until applied as provided herein; provided, however, that if the sum of such Percentage Allocation and all preceding Percentage Allocations with respect to the same Monthly Period exceeds the Limited Amortization Amount, then such excess shall not be treated as a Percentage Allocation and shall be (i) first, if any other Principal Sharing Series in Group One is outstanding and in its amortization period or accumulation period, retained in the Collection Account for application, to the extent necessary, as Shared Principal Collections to other Series in Group One on the related Distribution Date, (ii) second, at the request of the Class B Noteholders and only if the Transferor Interest on such Deposit Date is greater than the Required Transferor Interest (after giving effect to all Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such day), paid to the Class B Noteholders as principal up to the Minimum Class B Note Payment Amount and (iii) third, paid to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates only if the Transferor Interest on such Deposit Date is greater than the Required Transferor Interest (after giving effect to all Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such day) and otherwise shall be deposited in the Special Funding Account.
 
 
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(z)           Allocations During the Controlled Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period.  During the Controlled Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period, an amount equal to the product of (I) the Investor Percentage and (II) the aggregate amount of Collections of Principal Receivables deposited in the Collection Account on such Deposit Date, shall be allocated to the Series 2014-A Noteholders and retained in the Collection Account until applied as provided herein; provided, however, that after the date on which the amount of such Collections equal to (x) the Controlled Distribution Amount, during the Controlled Amortization Period, or (y) the Invested Amount, during the Early Amortization Period, has been deposited into the Collection Account and allocated to the Series 2014-A Noteholders, any excess over such amount shall (i) first, if any other Principal Sharing Series in Group One is outstanding and in its amortization period or accumulation period, retained in the Collection Account for application, to the extent necessary, as Shared Principal Collections to other Series in Group One on the related Distribution Date, (ii) second, at the request of the Class B Noteholders and only if the Transferor Interest on such Deposit Date is greater than the Required Transferor Interest (after giving effect to all Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such day), paid to the Class B Noteholders as principal up to the Minimum Class B Note Payment Amount and (iii) third, paid to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates only if the Transferor Interest on such date is greater than the Required Transferor Interest (after giving effect to all Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust on such day) and otherwise shall be deposited in the Special Funding Account.
 
(d)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.01, (i) if on any date the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables is less than the Required Minimum Principal Balance, the Investor Percentage of all Collections of Principal Receivables on such date shall, unless such Collections are to be retained in the Collection Account, be deposited in the Special Funding Account and (ii) Collections of Principal Receivables that are otherwise payable to the Holders of the Transferor Certificate may, at the option of such Holders, remain in the Collection Account for possible application to a Limited Amortization or Optional Amortization.  Such Holders shall give prompt notice to the Administrative Agent of the retention of such Collections in the Collection Account.
 
Section 4.02.     Determination of Class A Monthly Interest.
 
(a)           The amount of monthly interest (“Class A Monthly Interest”) payable from the Collection Account with respect to the Class A Notes on any Distribution Date shall be an amount determined as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
(b)           The Class B Notes shall not accrue interest.
 
Section 4.03.     Determination of Monthly Principal.  The amount of monthly principal payable from the Collection Account with respect to the Series 2014-A Notes on each Distribution Date (the “Monthly Principal”), beginning with the Distribution Date in the month following the month in which the Controlled Amortization Period or, if earlier, a Limited Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period, begins, shall be equal to the least of (i) the Available Principal Collections on deposit in the Collection Account with respect to such Distribution Date, (ii) for each Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, the Controlled Distribution Amount for such Distribution Date, (iii) for each Distribution Date with respect to a Limited Amortization Period, the aggregate Limited Amortization Amount remaining outstanding on such Distribution Date and (iv) the Invested Amount (after taking into account any adjustments to be made on such Distribution Date pursuant to Sections 4.05 and 4.06).
 
 
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Section 4.04.     Application of Available Finance Charge Collections and Available Principal Collections.  The Servicer shall apply, or shall cause the Indenture Trustee to apply by written instruction to the Indenture Trustee, on each Distribution Date, Available Finance Charge Collections and Available Principal Collections on deposit in the Collection Account with respect to such Distribution Date to make the following distributions:
 
(a)           an amount equal to the Available Finance Charge Collections with respect to such Distribution Date will be distributed or deposited in the following priority:
 
(i)             first, an amount equal to Class A Monthly Interest for such Distribution Date to the Class A Noteholders;
 
(ii)           second, an amount equal to the Monthly Servicing Fee for such Distribution Date, plus the amount of any Monthly Servicing Fee previously due but not distributed to the Servicer on a prior Distribution Date, shall be distributed to the Servicer (unless such amount has been netted against deposits to the Collection Account in accordance with Section 8.04 of the Indenture);
 
(iii)           third, an amount equal to the Investor Default Amount, if any, for such Distribution Date shall be treated as a portion of Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date;
 
(iv)           fourth, an amount equal to the Series 2014-A Investor Percentage of Adjustment Payments which the Transferor is required but fails to make pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement shall be treated as Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date;
 
(v)            fifth, an amount equal to the sum of the aggregate amount of Investor Charge-Offs and the amount of Reallocated Principal Collections which have not been previously reimbursed pursuant to this subparagraph (v) shall be treated as a portion of Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date;
 
(vi)          sixth, any other amounts that the Trust or the Transferor may from time to time be liable for hereunder or in the Note Purchase Agreement with respect to such Distribution Date and that are not otherwise provided for in subsections 4.04(a)(i) through (v) above will be paid to the Class A Noteholders;
 
(vii)         seventh, if an Event of Default and acceleration of the Series 2014-A Notes has occurred, an amount up to the outstanding principal balance of the Series 2014-A Notes will be treated as Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date; and
 
 
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(viii)        eighth, the balance, if any, will constitute a portion of Excess Finance Charge Collections for such Distribution Date and will be available for allocation to other Series in Group One or to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates as described in Section 8.08 of the Indenture and Section 4.01;
 
(b)           (i) if such Distribution Date is with respect to the Revolving Period (and is not an Optional Amortization Date), an amount equal to the Available Principal Collections deposited in the Collection Account for the related Monthly Period shall be treated as Shared Principal Collections and applied in accordance with Section 8.05 of the Indenture; and
 
(ii)            if such Distribution Date is an Optional Amortization Date with respect to the Revolving Period, an amount equal to the Optional Amortization Amount designated by the Issuer pursuant to subsection 4.09(b) as being payable to the Class A Noteholders on such Optional Amortization Date shall be distributed to the Class A Noteholders;
 
(c)            if such Distribution Date is with respect to a Limited Amortization Period, an amount equal to the Available Principal Collections deposited in the Collection Account for the related Monthly Period shall be distributed or deposited in the following order of priority:
 
(i)             first, an amount up to the portion of the applicable Limited Amortization Amount designated by the Issuer pursuant to subsection 4.09(a) as being payable to the Class A Noteholders which has not been previously distributed with respect to such Limited Amortization Period shall be distributed to the Class A Noteholders;
 
(ii)           second, an amount up to the portion of the applicable Limited Amortization Amount designated by the Issuer pursuant to subsection 4.09(a) as being payable to the Class B Noteholders which has not been previously distributed with respect to such Limited Amortization Period shall be distributed to the Class B Noteholders; and
 
(iii)           third, the balance of such Available Principal Collections shall be treated as Shared Principal Collections and applied in accordance with Section 8.05 of the Indenture.
 
(d)           On each Distribution Date if such Distribution Date is with respect to a Controlled Amortization Period or an Early Amortization Period, an amount equal to the Available Principal Collections deposited in the Collection Account for the related Monthly Period shall be distributed or deposited in the following order of priority:
 
(i)            first, an amount, to the extent available as allocated pursuant to subsection 4.01(c)(ii)(z), up to the Class A Note Principal Balance shall be paid to the Class A Noteholders;
 
(ii)           second, for each Distribution Date beginning on the Distribution Date on which the Class A Note Principal Balance has been paid in full, an amount, to the extent available, up to the Class B Note Principal Balance shall be paid to the Class B Noteholders;
 
 
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(iii)           third, the balance of such Available Principal Collections shall be treated as Shared Principal Collections and applied in accordance with Section 8.05 of the Indenture.
 
Section 4.05.     Investor Charge-Offs.  On each Determination Date, the Servicer shall calculate the Investor Default Amount, if any, and the Series 2014-A Investor Percentage of unpaid Adjustment Payments, if any, for such Distribution Date.  If, on any Distribution Date, the Investor Default Amount and the Series 2014-A Investor Percentage of unpaid Adjustment Payments, if any, for such Distribution Date exceeds the amount of Available Finance Charge Collections allocated with respect thereto pursuant to subsection 4.04(a)(iii) and (iv) with respect to such Distribution Date, the Invested Amount (after giving effect to any reductions for any Reallocated Principal Collections on such Distribution Date) shall be reduced by the amount of such excess, but not by more than the lesser of (x) the sum of the Investor Default Amount and the Series 2014-A Investor Percentage of unpaid Adjustment Payments and (y) the Invested Amount (after giving effect to any reductions for any Reallocated Principal Collections on such Distribution Date) for such Distribution Date (such reduction, an “Investor Charge-Off’).
 
Section 4.06.     Reallocated Principal Collections.  On each Distribution Date, the Servicer shall apply, or shall cause the Indenture Trustee to apply, Investor Principal Collections with respect to such Distribution Date to fund any deficiency under subsections 4.04(a)(i) and (ii), in that order of priority in an amount not to exceed the Monthly Principal Reallocation Amount for the related Monthly Period (the amount of Investor Principal Collections so applied, “Reallocated Principal Collections”).  On each Distribution Date, the Invested Amount shall be reduced by the amount of Reallocated Principal Collections for such Distribution Date.
 
Section 4.07.     Excess Finance Charge Collections.  Series 2014-A shall be an Excess Allocation Series with respect to Group One only.  Subject to Section 8.08 of the Indenture, Excess Finance Charge Collections with respect to the Excess Allocation Series in Group One for any Distribution Date will be allocated to Series 2014-A in an amount equal to the product of (x) the aggregate amount of Excess Finance Charge Collections with respect to all the Excess Allocation Series in Group One for such Distribution Date and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Finance Charge Shortfall for Series 2014-A for such Distribution Date and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of Finance Charge Shortfalls for all the Excess Allocation Series in Group One for such Distribution Date.  The “Finance Charge Shortfall” for Series 2014-A for any Distribution Date will be equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the full amount required to be paid, without duplication, pursuant to subsections 4.04(a)(i) through (vii) on such Distribution Date over (b) the Finance Charge Collections allocated to Series 2014-A pursuant to subsection 4.01(c)(i) for the related Monthly Period.
 
 
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Section 4.08.     Shared Principal Collections.  Subject to Section 8.05 of the Indenture, Shared Principal Collections with respect to the Series in Group One for any Distribution Date will be allocated to Series 2014-A in an amount equal to the product of (x) the aggregate amount of Shared Principal Collections with respect to all Principal Sharing Series in Group One for such Distribution Date and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Series 2014-A Principal Shortfall for such Distribution Date and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of Principal Shortfalls for all the Series which are Principal Sharing Series in Group One for such Distribution Date.  The “Series 2014-A Principal Shortfall” will be equal to (a) for any Distribution Date with respect to the Revolving Period, zero, (b) for any Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, the excess, if any, of the Controlled Distribution Amount with respect to such Distribution Date over the amount of Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date (excluding any portion thereof attributable to Shared Principal Collections), (c) for any Distribution Date with respect to any Limited Amortization Period, the excess, if any, of the outstanding Limited Amortization Amount for such Distribution Date over the amount of Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date (excluding any portion thereof attributable to Shared Principal Collections), and (d) for any Distribution Date with respect to the Early Amortization Period, the excess, if any, of the Invested Amount over the amount of Available Principal Collections for such Distribution Date (excluding any portion thereof attributable to Shared Principal Collections).
 
Section 4.09.     Suspension of the Revolving Period; Limited Amortization Period and Optional Amortization.
 
(a)            Limited Amortization.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture, this Indenture Supplement, the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes, the Issuer may elect at any time during the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the earlier to occur of (i) the commencement of the Early Amortization Period and (ii) the Controlled Amortization Period unless a Pay Out Event shall have occurred prior thereto, to temporarily suspend the Revolving Period and cause a Limited Amortization Period to commence for one or more Monthly Periods (a “Limited Amortization”) by giving to each of the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and the Administrative Agent a written notice of Limited Amortization substantially in the form of Exhibit D at least two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of the Monthly Period in which such Limited Amortization Period is scheduled to commence, which notice shall specify an amount (a “Limited Amortization Amount”) for such Limited Amortization Period; provided, however, that any Limited Amortization Amount shall be in an amount of $1,000,000 or any higher multiple of $100,000; provided, further, that the Issuer may not cause a Limited Amortization Period to commence unless, in the reasonable belief of the Issuer and the Transferor, such Limited Amortization Period would not result in the occurrence of a Pay Out Event.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuer may elect to cause or cancel a Limited Amortization or to increase or decrease the Limited Amortization Amount by giving written notice of each such Limited Amortization or cancellation thereof, and each such increase or decrease to each of the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and the Administrative Agent no later than two (2) Business Days following each Monthly Period in such Limited Amortization Period.
 
 
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(b)           Optional Amortization.  On any Business Day during the Revolving Period, the Issuer may cause the Servicer to provide written notice to the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee, the Administrative Agent and the Class A Noteholders (an “Optional Amortization Notice”) in the form of Exhibit E at least three (3) Business Days prior to the day such optional amortization is to occur (an “Optional Amortization Date”) stating its intention to cause a full or partial payment of principal of the Series 2014-A Notes in order to reduce the Invested Amount of such Series 2014-A Notes (an “Optional Amortization”) on such Optional Amortization Date, which notice shall specify the amount (an “Optional Amortization Amount”) for such Optional Amortization Date; provided, however, that any Optional Amortization Amount shall be in an amount of $1,000,000 or any higher multiple of $100,000; provided, further, that the Issuer may not cause any Optional Amortization to occur unless, in the reasonable belief of the Issuer and the Transferor, such Optional Amortization would not result in the occurrence of a Pay Out Event.  An Optional Amortization Notice shall state an Optional Amortization Date and an Optional Amortization Amount.  Such Optional Amortization Amount shall be paid from (i) any Available Principal Collections on deposit in the Collection Account, (ii) from funds on deposit in the Special Funding Account (but only to the extent withdrawals from the Special Funding Account will not cause the Transferor Interest to be less than the Required Transferor Interest after giving effect to such withdrawal and to such Optional Amortization), (iii) from the proceeds of the issuance of one or more new Series of Notes issued substantially contemporaneously with such Optional Amortization, (iv) from other funds paid to the Issuer by the Transferor for the express purpose of paying such Optional Amortization Amount and which are not otherwise allocable pursuant to the Transaction Documents, or (v) from any combination of items (i) through (iv) above.  On an Optional Amortization Date the Servicer shall pay the Optional Amortization Amount to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Class A Noteholders without penalty, premium or breakage.  After such payment has been made, the Invested Amount shall be reduced by such Optional Amortization Amount.
 
Section 4.10.     Investment Instructions.  Any investment instructions required to be given to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the terms hereof must be given to the Indenture Trustee no later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date such investment is to be made. In the event the Indenture Trustee receives such investment instruction later than such time, the Indenture Trustee may, but shall have no obligation to, make such investment.  In the event the Indenture Trustee is unable to make an investment required in an investment instruction received by the Indenture Trustee after 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such day, such investment shall be made by the Indenture Trustee on the next succeeding Business Day.  In no event shall the Indenture Trustee be liable for any investment not made pursuant to investment instructions received after 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the day such investment is requested to be made.
 
Section 4.11.     Note Principal Balance Increases; Reduction of Facility Limit.
 
(a)           The Class A Noteholders agree, by acceptance of the Class A Notes, that the Issuer may from time to time in accordance with Section 2.02 of the Note Purchase Agreement, prior to the commencement of the Controlled Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period, request that the Purchasers fund an increase in the outstanding principal balance of the Class A Notes in the specified amounts (each such amount, a “Class A Note Principal Balance Increase”).
 
 
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(b)           The Class B Noteholders agree, by acceptance of the Class B Notes, that the Issuer may from time to time during the Revolving Period or, if the Consignor Reserve Amount is greater than $0 at such time, during the Controlled Amortization Period or the Early Amortization Period, request upon five (5) Business Day prior written notice to each of the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and the Class B Noteholders substantially in the form of Exhibit F, that the Class B Noteholders fund increases in the outstanding principal balance of the Class B Notes in the specified amounts (each such amount, a “Class B Note Principal Balance Increase”).  The Class B Noteholders shall fund a Class B Note Principal Balance Increase by payment, in same day funds, to the Issuer of the amount of such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase in accordance with the payment instructions specified in the notice delivered with respect to such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase; provided, however, that so long as each Class B Noteholder is also a Transferor, each Class B Note Principal Balance Increase shall be funded through a reduction of the Transferor Interest in the amount of such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase so long as after giving effect to such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase, the Transferor Interest shall not be less than the Required Transferor Interest.
 
(c)           The Issuer may reduce the Class A Facility Limit as provided in Section 2.03(a) of the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
[END OF ARTICLE IV]
 
 
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ARTICLE V
 
Delivery of Series 2014-A Notes;
Distributions; Reports to Series 2014-A Noteholders
 
Section 5.01.     Delivery and Payment for the Series 2014-A Notes.
 
The Issuer shall execute and issue, and the Indenture Trustee shall authenticate, the Series 2014-A Notes in accordance with Section 2.03 of the Indenture.  The Indenture Trustee shall deliver the Series 2014-A Notes to or upon the order of the Issuer when so authenticated.
 
Section 5.02.     Distributions.
 
(a)            On each Distribution Date, the Paying Agent shall distribute to each Class A Noteholder of record on the related Record Date (other than as provided in Section 11.02 of the Indenture) such Class A Noteholder’s pro rata share of the amounts held by the Paying Agent that are allocated and available on such Distribution Date to pay interest on the Class A Notes pursuant to this Indenture Supplement.
 
(b)            On each Distribution Date, the Paying Agent shall distribute to each Class A Noteholder of record on the related Record Date such Class A Noteholder’s pro rata share of the amounts held by the Paying Agent that are allocated and available on such Distribution Date to pay principal of the Class A Notes pursuant to this Indenture Supplement.
 
(c)            On each Distribution Date, the Paying Agent shall distribute to each Class B Noteholder of record on the related Record Date such Class B Noteholder’s pro rata share of the amounts held by the Paying Agent that are allocated and available on such Distribution Date to pay principal of the Class B Notes pursuant to this Indenture Supplement.
 
(d)            The distributions to be made pursuant to this Section 5.02 are subject to the provisions of Sections 2.06, 6.01 and 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, Section 11.02 of the Indenture and Section 7.01.
 
(e)            Except as provided in Section 11.02 of the Indenture with respect to a final distribution, distributions to Series 2014-A Noteholders hereunder shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of the Administrative Agent that has been designated by the Administrative Agent (which account shall be designated not later than five (5) Business Days prior to the applicable Distribution Date) without presentation or surrender of any Series 2014-A Note or the making of any notation thereon.
 
Section 5.03.     Reports and Statements to Series 2014-A Noteholders.
 
(a)            Not later than the second Business Day preceding each Distribution Date, the Servicer shall deliver to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Administrative Agent (i) a statement substantially in the form of Exhibit B, or such other form as agreed between the Servicer and the Administrative Agent from time to time, prepared by the Servicer (the “Monthly Statement”) and (ii) a certificate of an Authorized Officer substantially in the form of Exhibit C; provided that the Servicer may amend the form of Exhibit C, from time to time, with the consent of the Indenture Trustee and the Administrative Agent.
 
 
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(b)            On each Distribution Date, the Paying Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall forward to each Series 2014-A Noteholder each Monthly Statement it receives from the Servicer.
 
(c)            A copy of each statement or certificate provided pursuant to paragraph (a) may be obtained by any Series 2014-A Noteholder by a request in writing to the Servicer.
 
(d)            (i)  On or before January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 of each calendar year, beginning on October 31, 2014, the Paying Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time during the preceding calendar quarter was a Series 2014-A Noteholder, a statement prepared by the Servicer containing the information which is required to be contained in the statement to Series 2014-A Noteholders, as set forth in paragraph (a) above, aggregated for such calendar quarter or the applicable portion thereof during which such Person was a Series 2014-A Noteholder, together with other information as is required to be provided by an issuer of indebtedness under the Code.  Such obligation of the Paying Agent shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the Paying Agent pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to time in effect.
 
(ii)            On or before January 31 of each calendar year, beginning on January 31, 2015, the Paying Agent, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall furnish or cause to be furnished to each Person who at any time during the preceding calendar year was a Series 2014-A Noteholder, a statement prepared by the Servicer containing the information which is required to be contained in the statement to Series 2014-A Noteholders, as set forth in paragraph (a) above, aggregated for such calendar year or the applicable portion thereof during which such Person was a Series 2014-A Noteholder, together with other information as is required to be provided by an issuer of indebtedness under the Code.  Such obligation of the Paying Agent shall be deemed to have been satisfied to the extent that substantially comparable information shall be provided by the Paying Agent pursuant to any requirements of the Code as from time to time in effect.
 
[END OF ARTICLE V]
 
 
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ARTICLE VI
 
Series 2014-A Pay Out Events; Additional Servicer Defaults
 
Section 6.01.     Series 2014-A. Pay Out Events.  If any one of the following events (each, a “Series 2014-A Pay Out Event”) shall occur with respect to the Series 2014-A Notes:
 
(a)            failure on the part of the Transferor or the Issuer (i) to make any payment or deposit required to be made by the Transferor by the terms of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture or this Indenture Supplement on or before the date occurring two (2) Business Days after the date such payment or deposit is required to be made therein or herein or (ii) failure by the Transferor duly to observe or perform any other covenants or agreements of the Transferor set forth in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, or failure by the Issuer to observe or perform any other covenants or agreements of the Issuer set forth in the Indenture or this Indenture Supplement, which failure has a material adverse effect on the Series 2014-A Noteholders and continues unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (x) the date on which the Transferor obtains actual knowledge of such failure and (y) the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Transferor and the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee, or to the Transferor, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee by any Holder of the Series 2014-A Notes;
 
(b)           any representation or warranty made by the Transferor in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or by the Issuer in the Indenture or this Indenture Supplement, or any information contained in a computer file or microfiche list required to be delivered by the Transferor pursuant to Section 2.01 or subsection 2.09(e) of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or when delivered and continues to be incorrect in any material respect for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (x) the date on which the Transferor obtains actual knowledge of such failure and (y) the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Transferor and the Issuer by the Indenture Trustee, or to the Transferor, the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee by any Holder of the Series 2014-A Notes and as a result of which the interests of the Series 2014-A Noteholders are materially and adversely affected for such period; provided, however, that a Series 2014-A Pay Out Event pursuant to this subsection 6.01(b) shall not be deemed to have occurred hereunder if the Transferor has accepted reassignment of the Receivables relating to such potential Series 2014-A Pay Out Event, if applicable, during such period in accordance with the provisions of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement;
 
(c)            failure on the part of the Issuer or the Transferor to pay any indebtedness of at least $100,000 when due, which failure to pay continues beyond the applicable grace period or the Issuer or the Transferor shall otherwise default under any agreement or instrument and such default shall continue beyond the applicable grace period;
 
(d)           the entry of any final judgment or decree against the Issuer or the Transferor for which insurance or uncontested indemnification is not available, the collection of which has not been stayed;
 
 
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(e)            (i)  the Transferor Interest for any two (2) consecutive Business Days is less than the Required Transferor Interest for such two (2) consecutive Business Days or (ii) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables for any two (2) consecutive Business Days is less than the Required Minimum Principal Balance for such two (2) consecutive Business Days;
 
(f)            any Servicer Default shall occur;
 
(g)            the average of the Portfolio Yield for any three (3) consecutive Monthly Periods is less than the average for such three Monthly Periods of the sum of (y) the Base Rate for each such Monthly Period and (z) 1.5%;
 
(h)            the Class B Note Principal Balance for any five (5) consecutive Business Days is less than the Required Class B Note Principal Balance for such five (5) consecutive Business Days;
 
(i)             the average Monthly Payment Rates for any three (3) consecutive Monthly Periods is less than 8.0%;
 
(j)             the average Monthly Delinquent Receivables Ratio for any three (3) consecutive Monthly Periods is more than 12.0%; or
 
(k)            any Event of Default shall occur;
 
then, in the case of any event described in subparagraph (a), (b), or (f) after the applicable grace period, if any, set forth in such subparagraphs, either the Indenture Trustee or the Holders of Series 2014-A Notes evidencing more than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Series 2014-A Notes may declare that a Series 2014-A Pay Out Event has occurred by delivering written notice to the Transferor and the Servicer (and to the Indenture Trustee if given by the Series 2014-A Noteholders), which Series 2014-A Pay Out Event shall occur on the date of such written notice, and, in the case of any event described in subparagraph (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k), a Series 2014-A Pay Out Event shall occur without any notice or other action on the part of the Indenture Trustee or the Series 2014-A Noteholders immediately upon the occurrence of such event.
 
Section 6.02.     Additional Servicer Defaults.  In addition to the events identified as Servicer Defaults in Section 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the following events will be “Servicer Defaults” with respect to the Series 2014-A Notes:
 
(a)           one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Servicer or against the Servicer, Signet Group Limited, any Material Subsidiary and any other Loan Party in aggregate and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Servicer, Signet Group Limited, any Material Subsidiary or any other Loan Party to enforce any such judgment;
 
 
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(b)           the Servicer shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue after any applicable grace period; provided, however, that such default shall not constitute an Servicer Default unless the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such item of Indebtedness and all other items of Indebtedness of the Servicer and the other Loan Parties as to which such defaults exist and have continued without being duly cured, waived or consented to beyond the respective grace periods, if any, therein specified exceeds $50,000,000; or
 
(c)           an Insolvency Event shall occur in respect of the Performance Guarantor.
 
[END OF ARTICLE VI]
 
 
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ARTICLE VII
 
Redemption of Series 2014-A Notes; Final Distributions; Series Termination
 
Section 7.01.     Optional Redemption of Series 2014-A Notes; Final Distributions.
 
(a)            On any day occurring on or after the date on which the Class A Note Principal Balance is reduced to 10% or less of the largest Class A Note Principal Balance at any time after the Closing Date, the Servicer shall have the option to redeem, or cause to be redeemed, the Series 2014-A Notes at a purchase price equal to (i) if such day is a Distribution Date, the Reassignment Amount for such Distribution Date or (ii) if such day is not a Distribution Date, the Reassignment Amount for the Distribution Date following such day.
 
(b)            The Servicer shall give the Indenture Trustee at least thirty (30) calendar days prior written notice of the date on which the Servicer intends to exercise, or cause to be exercised, such optional redemption.  Not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on such day the Servicer shall deposit into the Collection Account in immediately available funds the excess of the Reassignment Amount over the amount, if any, on deposit in the Principal Funding Account.  Such optional redemption shall be subject to payment in full of the Reassignment Amount.  Following such deposit into the Collection Account in accordance with the foregoing, the Invested Amount for Series 2014-A shall be reduced to zero and the Series 2014-A Noteholders shall have no further security interest in the Receivables.  The Reassignment Amount shall be distributed as set forth in subsection 7.01(d).
 
(c)            (i)  The amount to be paid by the Transferor with respect to Series 2014-A in connection with a reassignment of Receivables to the Transferor pursuant to Section 2.06 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement shall equal the Reassignment Amount for the first Distribution Date following the Monthly Period in which the reassignment obligation arises under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
(ii)            The amount to be paid by the Transferor with respect to Series 2014-A in connection with a repurchase of the Notes pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement shall equal the Reassignment Amount for the Distribution Date of such repurchase.
 
(d)            With respect to the Reassignment Amount deposited into the Collection Account pursuant to this Section 7.01, the Indenture Trustee shall, in accordance with the written direction of the Servicer, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the related Distribution Date, make deposits or distributions of the following amounts (in the priority set forth below and, in each case, after giving effect to any deposits and distributions otherwise to be made on such date) in immediately available funds: (i) (x) the Class A Note Principal Balance on such Distribution Date will be distributed to the Paying Agent for payment to the Class A Noteholders and (y) an amount equal to the sum of (A) Class A Monthly Interest for such Distribution Date and (B) any Class A Monthly Interest previously due but not distributed to the Class A Noteholders on a prior Distribution Date will be distributed to the Paying Agent for payment to the Class A Noteholders; and (ii) the Class B Note Principal Balance on such Distribution Date will be distributed to the Paying Agent for payment to the Class B Noteholders.
 
 
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(e)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture Supplement, the Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, all amounts distributed to the Paying Agent pursuant to subsection 7.01(d) for payment to the Series 2014-A Noteholders shall be deemed distributed in full to the Series 2014-A Noteholders on the date on which such funds are distributed to the Paying Agent pursuant to this Section 7.01 and shall be deemed to be a final distribution pursuant to Section 11.02 of the Indenture.
 
Section 7.02.     Series Termination.
 
(a)            If, on the forty-sixth Distribution Date following the Amortization Date, the Invested Amount (after giving effect to all changes therein on such date) is greater than zero, the Servicer, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall, within the forty-day period which begins on such Distribution Date, solicit bids for the sale of Principal Receivables (or interests therein) in an amount at least equal to the Invested Amount and the related Finance Charge Receivables at the close of business on the last day of the Monthly Period preceding the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date (after giving effect to all distributions required to be made on the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date, except pursuant to this Section 7.02).  Such bids shall require that such sale (subject to subsection 7.02(b)) occur on the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date.  The Transferor shall be entitled to participate in, and to receive from the Servicer a copy of each other bid submitted in connection with, such bidding process.
 
(b)           The Servicer, on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, shall sell such Receivables (or interests therein) on the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date to the bidder who made the highest cash purchase offer.  The proceeds of any such sale shall be treated as Collections on the Receivables allocated to the Series 2014-A Noteholders pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture and this Indenture Supplement; provided, however, that the Servicer shall determine conclusively the amount of such proceeds which are allocable to Finance Charge Receivables and the amount of such proceeds which are allocable to Principal Receivables.  During the period from the forty-sixth Distribution Date following the Amortization Date to the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date, the Servicer shall continue to collect payments on the Receivables and allocate and deposit such Collections in accordance with the provisions of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture and this Indenture Supplement.
 
[END OF ARTICLE VII]
 
 
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ARTICLE VIII
 
Miscellaneous Provisions
 
Section 8.01.     Ratification of Indenture.  As supplemented by this Indenture Supplement, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Indenture as so supplemented by this Indenture Supplement shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.
 
Section 8.02.     Private Placement of Series 2014-A Notes; Form of Delivery of Series 2014-A Notes.
 
(a)           The Series 2014-A Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities law.  No transfer of any Series 2014-A Note shall be made except to a Series 2014-A Noteholder or in accordance with the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement and this Section 8.02 and only to (i) Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. or any Affiliate thereof, (ii) a person who the Series 2014-A Noteholder reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in compliance with Rule 144A, or (iii) an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) that, prior to such transfer, shall have executed and delivered to the Indenture Trustee a letter in the form of Exhibit G.  The Series 2014-A Notes shall bear a legend to the effect set forth in Exhibit A.  None of the Transferor, the Transfer Agent and Registrar, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee is obligated to register the Series 2014-A Notes under the Securities Act or any other securities or “Blue Sky” laws or to take any other action not otherwise required under this Indenture Supplement, the Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement to permit the transfer of Series 2014-A Notes without the registration of such Notes.
 
(b)           The Series 2014-A Notes shall be Definitive Notes and shall be delivered as Registered Notes as provided in Section 2.01 of the Indenture.
 
Section 8.03.     Tax and Other Matters.
 
(a)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, each of the Paying Agent, Servicer or Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to withhold any amount that it reasonably determines in its sole discretion is required to be withheld pursuant to Section 1446 of the Code with respect to the Class B Notes and such amount shall be deemed to have been paid for all purposes of the Indenture or the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
(b)            This Indenture Supplement may be amended by the Transferor without the consent of the Servicer or the Indenture Trustee if the Transferor provides the Indenture Trustee with (i) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment or modification would reduce the risk the Trust would be treated as a publicly traded partnership pursuant to Code Section 7704, (ii) a certificate that such amendment or modification would not materially and adversely affect any Class A Noteholder and (iii) evidence that the Administrative Agent has consented to such amendment; provided that no such amendment shall be deemed effective without the consent of the Indenture Trustee, if the Indenture Trustee’s rights, duties and obligations hereunder are thereby modified.
 
 
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(c)            Each Purchaser agrees with the Transferor that: (a) such Purchaser will deliver to the Transferor on or before the Closing Date or the effective date of any participation or Note Assignment a letter in the form of Exhibit G (an “Investment Letter”), executed by such assignee Purchaser, in the case of a Note Assignment (as defined below), or by the Participant (as defined below), in the case of a participation, with respect to the purchase by such Purchaser or Participant of a portion of an interest relating to the Class A Notes and (b) all of the statements made by such Purchaser in its Investment Letter shall be true and correct as of the date made.
 
(d)            Each Class B Noteholder, by its holding of an interest in the Class B Notes, hereby severally represents, warrants and covenants, and each Class B Noteholder that acquires an interest in the Class B Notes by Note Assignment shall be deemed to have severally represented, warranted and covenanted upon such Note Assignment that: (i) such Class B Noteholder has not acquired and shall not sell, trade or transfer any interest in the Class B Notes, nor cause any interest in the Class B Notes to be marketed, on or through either (A) an “established securities market” within the meaning of Section 7704(b)(1) of the Code (including an interdealer quotation system that regularly disseminates firm buy or sell quotations by identified brokers or dealers by electronic means or otherwise) or (B) a “secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof)” within the meaning of Section 7704(b)(2) of the Code (including a market wherein interests in the Class B Notes are regularly quoted by any person making a market in such interests and a market wherein any person regularly makes available bid or offer quotes with respect to interests in the Class B Notes and stands ready to effect buy or sell transactions at the quoted prices for itself or on behalf of others), and (ii) unless the Transferor consents otherwise (which consent shall be based on an Opinion of Counsel generally to the effect that following the related transfer the number of Private Holders would not exceed eighty (80)), such Class B Noteholder (A) is properly classified as, and shall remain classified as, a “corporation” as described in Section 7701(a)(3) of the Code (including, without limitation, a corporation described in Section 1381 of the Code, subject to clause (g) of this Section 8.03) and (B) is not, and shall not become, an “S corporation” as described in Section 1361 of the Code.  Each Class B Noteholder represents, warrants and covenants that it shall (A) cause each of its Participants otherwise permitted hereunder to make representations, warranties and covenants similar to the foregoing for the benefit of the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee and the Trust at the time such Participant becomes a Participant and (B) forward a copy of such representations, warranties and covenants to the Indenture Trustee.  In the event of any breach of the representation, warranty and covenant of a Class B Noteholder or its Participant that such Class B Noteholder or Participant shall remain classified as a corporation other than an S corporation, such Class B Noteholder shall notify the Transferor promptly upon such Class B Noteholder’s becoming aware of such breach, and thereupon the Class B Noteholder hereby agrees to use reasonable efforts to procure a replacement investor which is a Permitted Note Participant or is otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Transferor not so affected to replace such affected Class B Noteholder.  In any such event, the Transferor shall also have the right to procure a replacement investor.  Each affected Class B Noteholder hereby agrees to take all actions necessary to permit a replacement investor to succeed to its rights and obligations hereunder.  Each Class B Noteholder which has a Participant which has breached its representation, warranty and covenant that it shall remain classified as a corporation other than an S corporation hereby agrees (without limiting the right of the Transferor to procure a replacement investor for such Class B Noteholder as provided above in this paragraph) to notify the Transferor of such breach promptly upon such Class B Noteholder’s becoming aware thereof and to use reasonable efforts to procure a replacement Participant, as applicable, not so affected which is a Permitted Note Participant or is otherwise acceptable to the Transferor to replace any such Participant.
 
 
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(e)            Subject to Section 8.02, each Class A Noteholder (and each Person on behalf of which any Class A Noteholder may be holding a Class A Note) may at any time sell, assign or otherwise transfer, to the extent of such Class A Noteholder’s interest in the Class A Notes (each, a “Note Assignment”) as provided in Section 8.01 of the Note Purchase Agreement.
 
(f)             Subject to Section 8.02, any Class A Noteholder may at any time grant a participation in all or part of its interest in Class A Notes to any Person (each such Person, a “Participant”); provided, however, that such participation shall be void, unless such Participant complies with the applicable provisions of this Section 8.03 and such Class A Noteholder delivers to the Indenture Trustee, prior to the effectiveness of its participation, a copy of an agreement under which such Participant has made the representations, warranties and covenants required to be made pursuant to this Section 8.03.  Each Class A Noteholder hereby acknowledges and agrees that any such participation will not alter or affect in any way whatsoever such Class A Noteholder’s direct obligations hereunder and that the Transferor shall have no obligation to have any communication or relationship whatsoever with any Participant of such Class A Noteholder in order to enforce the obligations of such Class A Noteholder hereunder.  Each Class A Noteholder shall promptly notify the Indenture Trustee (who shall promptly notify the Transferor) in writing of the identity and interest of each Participant upon any such disposition. In granting any participation, such Class A Noteholder will provide to the Servicer and Indenture Trustee, the forms described in (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection 8.03(i) as though the Participant were a Class A Noteholder, and such Class A Noteholder similarly will provide subsequent forms as described in subsection 8.03(i) with respect to such Participant as though it were a Class A Noteholder.
 
(g)            To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Class B Notes (or any interest therein) may not be sold, transferred, assigned, participated, pledged or otherwise disposed of to any Person; provided, however, that any Class B Note (or any interest therein) may be sold, transferred, assigned, participated, pledged or otherwise disposed of if the transferor thereof has provided the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee with a Tax Opinion relating to such sale, transfer, assignment, participation, pledge or other disposition.
 
(h)            It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Class A Notes be characterized as debt for federal income tax purposes and the provisions of this Indenture Supplement, the Indenture and the Transfer and Servicing Agreement shall be interpreted accordingly.  The Transferor and, by acceptance of its Class A Notes, each holder agrees to treat its interest in the Trust for all tax reporting consistent with such intention of the parties.
 
 
31

 
 
(i)             Each of the Class A Noteholders agrees that prior to the date on which the first interest payment hereunder is due thereto, it will provide to the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee (i) if such Class A Noteholder is created or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, two duly completed copies of the United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, Form W-8BEN, as applicable, or in either case successor applicable or required forms, and if claiming benefits of the portfolio interest exemption, a certificate to the effect that the Class A Noteholder is not a “bank” or  a “10 percent shareholder” of the Transferor, in each case as described in Section 881(c)(3) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, (ii) a duly completed copy of United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or successor applicable or required forms, and (iii) such other forms and information as may be required to confirm the availability of any applicable exemption from United States federal, state or local withholding taxes.  Each Class A Noteholder agrees to provide to the Servicer and Indenture Trustee, like additional subsequent duly completed forms (subject to like consent) satisfactory to the Servicer and Indenture Trustee on or before the date that any such form expires or becomes obsolete, or upon the occurrence of any event requiring an amendment, resubmission or change in the most recent form previously delivered by it, and to provide such extensions or renewals as may be reasonably requested by the Servicer or Indenture Trustee.

Section 8.04.     Counterparts.  This Indenture Supplement may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Indenture Supplement in Portable Document Format (PDF) or by facsimile transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed original counterpart of this Indenture Supplement.
 
Section 8.05.     Covenants of the Indenture Trustee.
 
(a)           The Indenture Trustee hereby agrees not to disclose to any Person any of the account numbers or other information contained in the computer files or microfiche lists marked as Schedule 1 to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement and delivered to the Indenture Trustee, from time to time, except (i) to a Successor Servicer or as required by a Requirement of Law applicable to the Indenture Trustee, (ii) in connection with the performance of the Indenture Trustee’s or the Trust’s duties hereunder, or (iii) to bona fide creditors or potential creditors of the Trust, the Owner Trustee, any Account Owner, a Seller, SJRC or any Transferor for the limited purpose of enabling any such creditor to identify applicable Receivables or Accounts subject to this Agreement or the Receivables Purchase Agreements.  The Indenture Trustee agrees to take such measures as shall be reasonably requested by any Transferor to protect and maintain the security and confidentiality of such information and, in connection therewith, shall allow each Transferor or its duly authorized representatives to inspect the Indenture Trustee’s security and confidentiality arrangements as they specifically relate to the administration of the Trust from time to time during normal business hours upon prior written notice.  The Indenture Trustee shall provide the applicable Transferor with notice five (5) Business Days prior to disclosure of any information of the type described in this subsection 8.05(a).
 
(b)           The Indenture Trustee hereby agrees not to use any information it obtains pursuant to this Agreement, including any of the account numbers or other information contained in the computer files, microfiche lists or printed lists marked as Schedule 1 to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement or otherwise delivered by the Transferor to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.09 or 2.10 of the Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement, to compete or assist any person in competing with any Account Owner or any Transferor in its credit card business.
 
 
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Section 8.06.     GOVERNING LAW.  THIS INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
 
Section 8.07.     Additional Notice.  The Transferor shall notify the Administrative Agent promptly after becoming aware of any Lien on any Receivable other than the conveyances under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and the Indenture and of any merger, consolidation, assumption or transfer referred to in Section 4.02 of the Transfer and Service Agreement.
 
Section 8.08.     WAIVERS OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE TRANSFEROR, THE SERVICER AND THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THE TRANSFER AND SERVICING AGREEMENT, THE INDENTURE AND THIS INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN OR HEREIN.
 
Section 8.09.     No Proceeding.  The Indenture Trustee, the Transferor and the Servicer each hereby agrees that it will not at any time prior to the date which is one year and one day after the later of (i) the termination of the Note Purchase Agreement with respect to the Purchasers or (ii) payment in full of all outstanding Commercial Paper Notes (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) of the related Purchaser, institute against any Purchaser in connection with the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture, this Indenture Supplement or the Series 2014-A Notes any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceeding or other proceeding under any federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.
 
Section 8.10.     Limitation of Liability.  It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company ("WTC"), not individually or personally but solely as Owner Trustee of the Trust, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Trust is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by WTC but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Trust, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on WTC, individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein of the Owner Trustee or the Trust, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) WTC has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made by the Trust in this Agreement and (e) under no circumstances shall WTC be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Trust or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Trust under this Agreement or any other related documents.
 
 
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Section 8.11.     Rights of the Indenture Trustee.  The Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to the same rights, protections, immunities and indemnities set forth in the Master Indenture as if specifically set forth herein.
 
Section 8.12.     USA Patriot Act.  The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA Patriot Act, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.  The parties to this Agreement agree that they will provide Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas with such information as it may request in order for Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas to satisfy the requirements of the USA Patriot Act.
 
Section 8.13.     Collections and Allocations.  For the purposes of Section 8.04(a)(ii) of the Indenture, during the Revolving Period the Performance Guarantor having a public debt rating greater than or equal to “BB+” from Standard & Poor’s or “Ba2” from Moody’s shall satisfy the Rating Agency Condition.
 
Section 8.14.     Rating Agency Condition.  For the purposes of the definition of Rating Agency Condition in the Indenture and Series 2014-A, “Rating Agency Condition” shall mean the written consent of the Administrative Agent.  Whenever a Transaction Document requires the consent of or notice to a Rating Agency, the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to be the Rating Agency with  respect to the Class A Notes.
 
Section 8.15.     Series Account.  Each of the Collection Account and the Special Funding Account shall constitute a Series Account for Series 2014-A.
 
Section 8.16.     Account Addition Test.  For the purposes of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement the Account Addition Test shall have the meaning given to it in the side letter among the Transferor, the Servicer and the Issuer dated as of the date hereof.
 
[END OF ARTICLE VIII]
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
 
 
34

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Indenture Supplement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized officers on the day and year first above written.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER
 
NOTE TRUST,
 
as Issuer
       
 
By:
Wilmington Trust Company,
   
not in its individual capacity,
   
but solely as Owner Trustee
   
 
By:
/s/ Jeanne M. Oller
   
Name:
Jeanne M. Oller
   
Title:
Vice President
       
 
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY for
 
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
 
as Indenture Trustee
       
 
By:
/s/ Michele H. Y. Voon
   
Name:
Michele H.Y. Voon
   
Title:
Vice President
   
 
By:
/s/ Mark DiGiacomo
   
Name:
Mark DiGiacomo
   
Title:
Vice President
       
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
as Servicer
       
 
By:
/s/ Simon Cashman
   
Name:
Simon Cashman
   
Title:
SVP
 
[Indenture Supplement]
 
 
 

 
 
Acknowledged and Accepted:
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP.,
 
as Transferor
 
       
By:
/s/ Simon Cashman
 
 
Name:
Simon Cashman
 
 
Title:
VP
 
 
[Indenture Supplement]
 
 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT A-1
 
FORM OF CLASS A NOTE
 
THIS CLASS A NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A OR (2) TO AN ENTITY QUALIFYING AS AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF PARAGRAPH (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501(a) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN ENTITY OWNED ENTIRELY BY OTHER ENTITIES THAT FALL WITHIN SUCH PARAGRAPHS, IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN EACH CASE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CERTIFICATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SERIES 2014-A INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.  NONE OF THE TRANSFEROR, THE TRANSFER AGENT, TRANSFER AGENT REGISTRAR OR THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE IS OBLIGATED TO REGISTER THE CLASS A NOTES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY OTHER SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAW.
 
EACH PURCHASER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS, FOR THE BENEFIT OF STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST AND STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., THAT (1) IT IS NOT A RETIREMENT PLAN OR OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR OTHER RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 406 OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR TO SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR ANY PROVISION OF ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. LAW OR REGULATION WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THE PROHIBITED TRANSACTION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”) (EACH, A “PLAN”), OR ANY PERSON WHO IS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PURCHASING OR HOLDING THE CLASS A NOTES OR INTEREST THEREIN ON BEHALF OF, AS FIDUCIARY OF, AS TRUSTEE OF, OR WITH ASSETS OF, ANY PLAN OR (II) IS PURCHASING OR HOLDING THE CLASS A NOTES WITH THE ASSETS OF A PLAN AND ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF SUCH CLASS A NOTES WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE AND WILL NOT VIOLATE ANY APPLICABLE PROVISION OF ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.
 
ANY TRANSFER OF A DIRECT OR INDIRECT INTEREST IN THIS CLASS A NOTE IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS THEREIN SET FORTH, INCLUDING SECTIONS 8.02 AND 8.03 OF THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT.
 
 
A-1-1

 
 
THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE WILL BE REDUCED FROM TIME TO TIME BY DISTRIBUTIONS ON THIS CLASS A NOTE ALLOCABLE TO PRINCIPAL.  IN ADDITION, THE PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE MAY BE INCREASED AT THE REQUEST OF THE TRANSFEROR SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.  ACCORDINGLY, FOLLOWING THE INITIAL ISSUANCE OF THE CLASS A NOTES, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE INITIAL OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE SHOWN BELOW.  ANYONE ACQUIRING THIS CLASS A NOTE MAY ASCERTAIN THE CURRENT OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE BY INQUIRY OF THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE.  ON THE DATE OF THE INITIAL ISSUANCE OF THE CLASS A NOTES, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE IS DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS.
 
 
A-1-2

 

INITIAL OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE
 
REGISTERED
$____1
 
No. ____
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
SERIES 2014-A
 
CLASS A ASSET BACKED VARIABLE FUNDING NOTE
 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust (herein referred to as the “Issuer” or the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust governed by a Trust Agreement dated as of October 18, 2001, for value received, hereby promises to pay to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A., on behalf of _____, or registered assigns, subject to the following provisions, the principal sum of ________________ DOLLARS ($__________ ), or such greater or lesser amount as determined in accordance with the Indenture, on the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date, except as otherwise provided below or in the Indenture Supplement.  The Issuer will pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note at the Class A Note Interest Rate on each Distribution Date until the principal amount of this Note is paid in full.  Interest on this Note will accrue for each Distribution Date from and including the first day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date to and including the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding such Distribution Date, or, for the initial Distribution Date, from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the last day of the calendar month preceding such Distribution Date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. Principal of this Note shall be paid in the manner specified on the reverse hereof.
 
The principal of and interest on this Note are payable in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
 
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which shall have the same effect as though fully set forth on the face of this Note.
 
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Master Indenture or the Indenture Supplement referred to on the reverse hereof, or be valid for any purpose.
 

1 Denominations of $100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
 
A-1-3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Class A Note to be duly executed.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST,
 
as Issuer
   
 
By:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee under the Trust Agreement
     
 
By:
 
   
Name:
   
Title:
 
Dated: _________ ____, 2014
 
 
A-1-4

 

INDENTURE TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
 
This is one of the Class A Notes described in the within-mentioned Master Indenture.
 
 
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
 
as Indenture Trustee,
     
 
By:
   
   
Authorized Signatory
 
       
 
By:
   
   
Authorized Signatory
 
 
 
A-1-5

 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
SERIES 2014-A
 
CLASS A ASSET BACKED VARIABLE FUNDING NOTE
 
Summary of Terms and Conditions
 
This Class A Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Notes of the Issuer, designated as Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A (the “Series 2014-A Notes”), issued under a Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Master Indenture”), among the Issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as Servicer (the “Servicer”) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), as supplemented by the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Indenture Supplement”), among the Issuer, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee and representing the right to receive certain payments from the Issuer.  The term “Indenture,” unless the context otherwise requires, refers to the Master Indenture as supplemented by the Indenture Supplement.  The Series 2014-A Notes are subject to all of the terms of the Indenture.  All terms used in this Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in or pursuant to the Indenture.  In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the Indenture and this Note, the Indenture shall control.
 
The Class B Notes will also be issued under the Indenture.
 
The Noteholder, by its acceptance of this Note, agrees that it will look solely to the property of the Issuer allocated to the payment of this Note for payment hereunder and that the Indenture Trustee is not liable to the Noteholders for any amount payable under the Note or the Indenture or, except as expressly provided in the Indenture, subject to any liability under the Indenture.
 
This Note does not purport to summarize the Indenture and reference is made to the Indenture for the interests, rights and limitations of rights, benefits, obligations and duties evidenced thereby, and the rights, duties and immunities of the Indenture Trustee.
 
The Class A Note Initial Principal Balance is $0.00.  The Class A Note Principal Balance on any date will be an amount equal to (a) the Class A Note Initial Principal Balance, plus (b) the aggregate amount of Class A Note Principal Balance Increases made on or prior to such date, minus (c) the aggregate amount of principal payments made to the Class A Noteholders on or prior to such date.
 
The “Scheduled Series 2014-A Termination Date” is the tenth (10th) Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, but principal with respect to the Class A Notes may be paid earlier or later under certain circumstances described in the Indenture.  If for one or more months during the Controlled Amortization Period there are not sufficient funds to pay the Controlled Distribution Amount, then to the extent that excess funds are not available on subsequent Distribution Dates with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period to make up for such shortfalls, the final payment of principal of the Notes will occur later than the Scheduled Series 2014-A Termination Date.  Payments of principal of the Notes shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.
 
 
A-1-6

 
 
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, the Transferor may, from time to time, direct the Owner Trustee, on behalf of the Issuer, to issue one or more new Series of Notes.
 
On each Distribution Date, the Paying Agent shall distribute to the Administrative Agent on behalf of each Class A Noteholder of record on the related Record Date (except for the final distribution in respect of this Class A Note) such Class A Noteholder’s pro rata share of the amounts held by the Paying Agent that are allocated and available on such Distribution Date to pay interest and principal on the Class A Notes pursuant to the Indenture Supplement.  Except as provided in the Indenture with respect to a final distribution, distributions to Series 2014-A Noteholders shall be made by (i) wire transfer to the Administrative Agent on behalf of each Series 2014-A Noteholder at the account specified by the Administrative Agent to the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer and (ii) without presentation or surrender of any Series 2014-A Note or the making of any notation thereon.  Final payment of this Class A Note will be made only upon presentation and surrender of this Class A Note at the office or agency specified in the notice of final distribution delivered by the Indenture Trustee to the Series 2014-A Noteholders in accordance with the Indenture.
 
On any day occurring on or after the date on which the outstanding principal balance of the Class A Notes is reduced to 10% or less of the largest outstanding principal balance of the Class A Notes at any time after the Closing Date, the Issuer shall have the option to redeem the Series 2014-A Notes, at a purchase price equal to (i) if such day is a Distribution Date, the Reassignment Amount for such Distribution Date or (ii) if such day is not a Distribution Date, the Reassignment Amount for the Distribution Date following such day.
 
This Class A Note does not represent an obligation of, or an interest in or the assets of, the Transferor, the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof.
 
Each Noteholder, by accepting a Note, hereby covenants and agrees that it will not at any time institute against the Issuer or the Transferor, or join in instituting against the Issuer or the Transferor, any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings, or other proceedings under any United States federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.
 
Except as otherwise provided in the Indenture Supplement, the Class A Notes are issuable only in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.  The transfer of this Class A Note shall be registered in the Note Register upon surrender of this Class A Note for registration of transfer at any office or agency maintained by the Transfer Agent and Registrar accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, in a form satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee or the Transfer Agent and Registrar, duly executed by the Class A Noteholder or such Class A Noteholder’s attorney, and duly authorized in writing with such signature guaranteed, and thereupon one or more new Class A Notes in any authorized denominations of like aggregate principal amount will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
 
 
A-1-7

 
 
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Class A Notes are exchangeable for new Class A Notes in any authorized denominations and of like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of such Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Transfer Agent and Registrar.  No service charge may be imposed for any such exchange but the Issuer or Transfer Agent and Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.
 
The Issuer, the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, Transferor or the Indenture Trustee shall treat the person in whose name this Class A Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither the Issuer, the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer, Transferor or the Indenture Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
THIS CLASS A NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
 
It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that (a) this Note is executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company ("WTC"), not individually or personally but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by WTC but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on WTC, individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein of the Owner Trustee or the Issuer, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) WTC has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made by the Issuer in this Note and (e) under no circumstances shall WTC be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Note or any other related documents.
 
 
A-1-8

 
 
ASSIGNMENT
 
Social Security or other identifying number of assignee __________________________
 
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto _________________________________ (name and address of assignee)
 
the within certificate and all rights thereunder, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints , ___________________, attorney, to transfer said certificate on the books kept for registration thereof, with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
Dated:
     
2
         
     
Signature Guaranteed:
 
         
         
 

2 NOTE:  The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name of the registered owner as it appears on the face of the within Note in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
 
 
A-1-9

 
 
EXHIBIT A-2
 
FORM OF CLASS B ASSET BACKED VARIABLE FUNDING NOTE
 
THIS CLASS B NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A OR (2) TO AN ENTITY QUALIFYING AS AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF PARAGRAPH (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501(a) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN ENTITY OWNED ENTIRELY BY OTHER ENTITIES THAT FALL WITHIN SUCH PARAGRAPHS, IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN EACH CASE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CERTIFICATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SERIES 2014-A INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.  NONE OF THE TRANSFEROR, THE TRANSFER AGENT, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR OR THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE IS OBLIGATED TO REGISTER THE CLASS B NOTES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY OTHER SECURITIES OR “BLUE SKY” LAW.
 
EACH PURCHASER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS, FOR THE BENEFIT OF STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST AND STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., THAT (1) IT IS NOT A RETIREMENT PLAN OR OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR OTHER RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 406 OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR TO SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR ANY PROVISION OF ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. LAW OR REGULATION WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THE PROHIBITED TRANSACTION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”) (EACH, A “PLAN”), OR ANY PERSON WHO IS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PURCHASING OR HOLDING THE CLASS B NOTES OR INTEREST THEREIN ON BEHALF OF, AS FIDUCIARY OF, AS TRUSTEE OF, OR WITH ASSETS OF, ANY PLAN OR (II) IS PURCHASING OR HOLDING THE CLASS B NOTES WITH THE ASSETS OF A PLAN AND ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF SUCH CLASS B NOTES WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE AND WILL NOT VIOLATE ANY APPLICABLE PROVISION OF ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.
 
ANY TRANSFER OF A DIRECT OR INDIRECT INTEREST IN THIS CLASS B NOTE IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS THEREIN SET FORTH, INCLUDING SECTIONS 8.02 AND 8.03 OF THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT.
 
 
A-2-1

 

THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS B NOTE WILL BE REDUCED FROM TIME TO TIME BY DISTRIBUTIONS ON THIS CLASS B NOTE ALLOCABLE TO PRINCIPAL.  IN ADDITION, THE PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS B NOTE MAY BE INCREASED AT THE REQUEST OF THE TRANSFEROR SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.  ACCORDINGLY, FOLLOWING THE INITIAL ISSUANCE OF THE CLASS B NOTES, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS B NOTE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE INITIAL OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE SHOWN BELOW.  ANYONE ACQUIRING THIS CLASS B NOTE MAY ASCERTAIN THE CURRENT OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS B NOTE BY INQUIRY OF THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE.  ON THE DATE OF THE INITIAL ISSUANCE OF THE CLASS B NOTES, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE IS DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS.
 
 
A-2-2

 

INITIAL OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE
 
REGISTERED
$ ___3
 
No. _____
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
SERIES 2014-A
 
CLASS B ASSET BACKED VARIABLE FUNDING NOTE
 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust (herein referred to as the “Issuer” or the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust governed by a Trust Agreement dated as of October 18, 2001, for value received, hereby promises to pay to Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., or registered assigns, subject to the following provisions, the principal sum of ________ DOLLARS ($ _________), or such greater or lesser amount as determined in accordance with the Indenture, on the Series 2014-A Final Maturity Date, except as otherwise provided below or in the Indenture Supplement.  This Note shall not accrue interest.  Principal of this Note shall be paid in the manner specified on the reverse hereof.
 
The principal of this Note is payable in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
 
Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which shall have the same effect as though fully set forth on the face of this Note.
 
Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by or on behalf of the Indenture Trustee, by manual signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Master Indenture or the Indenture Supplement referred to on the reverse hereof, or be valid for any purpose.
 
THIS CLASS B NOTE IS SUBORDINATED TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO FUND PAYMENTS ON THE CLASS A NOTES AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT.
 

3 Denominations of $100,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
 
 
A-2-3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this Class B Note to be duly executed.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST,
 
as Issuer
   
 
By:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee under the Trust Agreement
     
 
By:
 
   
Name:
   
Title:
 
Dated: ______, 2014
 
 
A-2-4

 

INDENTURE TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
 
This is one of the Class B Notes described in the within-mentioned Master Indenture.
 
 
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
 
as Indenture Trustee,
   
 
By:
   
   
Authorized Signatory
 
       
 
By:
   
   
Authorized Signatory
 
 
 
A-2-5

 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
SERIES 2014-A
 
CLASS B ASSET BACKED VARIABLE FUNDING NOTE
 
Summary of Terms and Conditions
 
This Class B Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Notes of the Issuer, designated as Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A (the “Series 2014-A Notes”), issued under a Master Indenture dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Master Indenture”), among the Issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., as Servicer (the “Servicer”) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), as supplemented by the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Indenture Supplement”), among the Issuer, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee and representing the right to receive certain payments from the Issuer.  The term “Indenture,” unless the context otherwise requires, refers to the Master Indenture as supplemented by the Indenture Supplement.  The Series 2014-A Notes are subject to all of the terms of the Indenture.  All terms used in this Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in or pursuant to the Indenture.  In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the Indenture and this Note, the Indenture shall control.
 
The Class A Notes will also be issued under the Indenture.
 
The Noteholder, by its acceptance of this Note, agrees that it will look solely to the property of the Issuer allocated to the payment of this Note for payment hereunder and that the Indenture Trustee is not liable to the Noteholders for any amount payable under the Note or the Indenture or, except as expressly provided in the Indenture, subject to any liability under the Indenture.
 
This Note does not purport to summarize the Indenture and reference is made to the Indenture for the interests, rights and limitations of rights, benefits, obligations and duties evidenced thereby, and the rights, duties and immunities of the Indenture Trustee.
 
The Class B Initial Note Principal Balance is $0.00.  The Class B Note Principal Balance on any date will be an amount equal to (a) the Class B Initial Note Principal Balance, plus (b) the aggregate amount of Class B Note Principal Balance Increases made on or prior to such date, minus (c) the aggregate amount of principal payments made to the Class B Noteholders on or prior to such date.
 
The Scheduled Series 2014-A Termination Date is the tenth (10th) Distribution Date with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period, but principal with respect to the Class B Notes may be paid earlier or later under certain circumstances described in the Indenture.  If for one or more months during the Controlled Amortization Period there are not sufficient funds to pay the Controlled Distribution Amount, then to the extent that excess funds are not available on subsequent Distribution Dates with respect to the Controlled Amortization Period to make up for such shortfalls, the final payment of principal of the Notes will occur later than the Scheduled Series 2014-A Termination Date.  Payments of principal of the Notes shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.
 
 
A-2-6

 
 
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, the Transferor may, from time to time, direct the Owner Trustee, on behalf of the Issuer, to issue one or more new Series of Notes.
 
On each Deposit Date, at the request of the Class B Noteholders, the Servicer shall cause the Paying Agent to make a principal payment to the extent provided in Section 4.01(c) of the Indenture Supplement.
 
On each Distribution Date, the Paying Agent shall distribute to each Class B Noteholder of record on the related Record Date (except for the final distribution in respect of this Class B Note) such Class B Noteholder’s pro rata share of the amounts held by the Paying Agent that are allocated and available on such Distribution Date to pay principal on the Class B Notes pursuant to the Indenture Supplement.  Except as provided in the Indenture with respect to a final distribution, distributions to Series 2014-A Noteholders shall be made by (i) wire transfer to each Series 2014-A Noteholder at the account specified by the Deal Agent to the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer and (ii) without presentation or surrender of any Series 2014-A Note or the making of any notation thereon.  Final payment of this Class B Note will be made only upon presentation and surrender of this Class B Note at the office or agency specified in the notice of final distribution delivered by the Indenture Trustee to the Series 2014-A Noteholders in accordance with the Indenture.
 
On any day occurring on or after the date on which the outstanding principal balance of the Class A Notes is reduced to 10% or less of the largest outstanding principal balance of the Class A Notes at any time after the Closing Date, the Issuer shall have the option to redeem the Series 2014-A Notes, at a purchase price equal to (i) if such day is a Distribution Date, the Reassignment Amount for such Distribution Date or (ii) if such day is not a Distribution Date, the Reassignment Amount for the Distribution Date following such day.
 
This Class B Note does not represent an obligation of, or an interest in, the Transferor, the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof.
 
Each Noteholder, by accepting a Note, hereby covenants and agrees that it will not at any time institute against the Issuer or the Transferor, or join in instituting against the Issuer or the Transferor, any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings, or other proceedings under any United States federal or state bankruptcy or similar law.
 
Except as otherwise provided in the Indenture Supplement, the Class B Notes are issuable only in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.  The transfer of this Class B Note shall be registered in the Note Register upon surrender of this Class B Note for registration of transfer at any office or agency maintained by the Transfer Agent and Registrar accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, in a form satisfactory to the Indenture Trustee or the Transfer Agent and Registrar, duly executed by the Class B Noteholder or such Class B Noteholder’s attorney, and duly authorized in writing with such signature guaranteed, and thereupon one or more new Class B Notes in any authorized denominations of like aggregate principal amount will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.
 
 
A-2-7

 

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Class B Notes are exchangeable for new Class B Notes in any authorized denominations and of like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of such Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Transfer Agent and Registrar.  No service charge may be imposed for any such exchange but the Issuer or Transfer Agent and Registrar may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.
 
The Issuer, the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee and any agent of the Issuer, the Transferor or the Indenture Trustee shall treat the person in whose name this Class B Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, and neither the Issuer, the Transferor, the Indenture Trustee nor any agent of the Issuer, the Transferor or the Indenture Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
THIS CLASS B NOTE SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
 
It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that (a) this Note is executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company ("WTC"), not individually or personally but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by WTC but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on WTC, individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein of the Owner Trustee or the Issuer, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) WTC has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made by the Issuer in this Note and (e) under no circumstances shall WTC be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Note or any other related documents.
 
 
A-2-8

 

ASSIGNMENT
 
Social Security or other identifying number of assignee _______________
 
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto ______________________________________________________ (name and address of assignee)
 
the within certificate and all rights thereunder, and hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints __________________, attorney, to transfer said certificate on the books kept for registration thereof, with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
Dated:
 
__________________4
     
   
Signature Guaranteed:
 
   
 

4 NOTE: The signature to this Assignment must correspond with the name of the registered owner as it appears on the face of the within Note in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
 
 
A-2-9

 
 
EXHIBIT B
 
FORM OF MONTHLY STATEMENT
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
SERIES 2014-A
 
Pursuant to the Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001 (as amended and supplemented, the “Master Indenture”), as supplemented by the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014 (the “Indenture Supplement “), each among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust (the “Trust”), Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee, and Sterling Jewelers Inc., as servicer (the “Servicer”), under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Transfer and Servicing Agreement”) among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as Transferor, the Servicer and the Trust, is required to prepare certain information each month regarding current distributions to the Series 2014-A Noteholders and the performance of the Trust during the previous month.  The information which is required to be prepared with respect to the Distribution Date of _______, and with respect to the performance of the Trust during the Monthly Period ended ________ is set forth on the attached schedule.  Capitalized terms used in this Monthly Statement have their respective meanings set forth in the Master Indenture and the Indenture Supplement.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
 
as Servicer
 
     
 
By:
   
   
Name:   [Simon Cashman] [Robert D Trabucco]
 
   
Title:
 
 
 
B-1

 
 
ATTACHMENT TO MONTHLY STATEMENT
 
A)
Information regarding distributions in respect of the Class A Notes
 
 
(1) The total amount of the distribution in respect of Class A Notes
$_________
 
(2) The amount of the distribution set forth in paragraph 1 above in respect of interest on the Class A Notes
$_________
 
(3) The amount of the distribution set forth in paragraph 1 above in respect of principal of the Class A Notes
$_________
B)
Information regarding distributions in respect of the Class B Notes
 
 
(1) The total amount of the distribution in respect of Class B Notes
$_________
 
(2) Payout Events Test (Indenture Supplement Section 6.01)
Pass / Fail
 
Required Transferor Interest met (Section 6.01(e)(i))
Pass / Fail
 
Required Minimum Principal Balance met (Section 6.01(e)(ii))
Pass / Fail
 
Portfolio Yield requirements met (Section 6.01(g)(i)
Pass / Fail
 
Required Class B Note Principal Balance met (Section 6.01 (h))
Pass / Fail
 
Monthly Payment Rate requirements met (Section 6.01(i)(i))
Pass / Fail
 
Monthly Delinquent Receivables Ratio (Section 6.01(i)(j))
Pass / Fail
 
No Payout Event has occurred with respect to any other Series (Section 6.01(k))
Pass / Fail
     
RECEIVABLES --
 
   
Total Collections of Finance Charge Receivables
$_________
Total Collections of Principal Receivables
$_________
Total Receivables as of the last day of the preceding Monthly Period
$_________
 
Number of Additional Accounts designated during the preceding Monthly Period
$_________
 
Number of Additional Accounts constituting Excluded Accounts
$_________
 
Total amount of Principal Receivables in Additional Accounts designated during the preceding Monthly Period
$_________
 
 
B-2

 
 
DELINQUENCIES AND LOSSES --
 
   
Aggregate amount of Adjusted Invested Amounts that were delinquent as of the last day of the preceding Monthly Period
 
 
31-60 Days Delinquent
$_________
 
61-90 Days Delinquent
$_________
 
90-120 Days Delinquent
$_________
 
121 or More Days Delinquent
$_________
 
Total 31+ Days Delinquent
$_________
 
Defaulted Receivables during preceding Monthly Period
$_________
     
NOTE PRINCIPAL BALANCES --
 
   
 
Class A Note Principal Balance
$_________
 
Class B Note Principal Balance
 
Initial Invested Amount
 
   
SERIES 2014-A INFORMATION
 
   
 
Floating Investor Percentage
_________%
 
Fixed Investor Percentage
_________%
 
Series 2014-A percentage
_________%
 
Special Funding Amount as of the last day of the preceding Monthly Period
$_________
 
Available Finance Charge Collections
$_________
 
Monthly Servicing Fees
$_________
 
Available Principal Collections
$_________
 
Excess Finance Charge Collections
$_________
 
Shared Principal Collections
$_________
 
Consignment Reserve Amount
$_________
     
Total Investor Default Amount for such Monthly Period
$_________
Transferor Interest as of the end of the day on the last day for the proceeding Monthly Period
$_________
Transferor Percentage as of the end of the day on the last day of the proceeding Monthly Period
_________%
 
 
B-3

 
 
APPLICATION OF COLLECTIONS --
 
   
Class A Monthly Interest
$_________
Monthly Servicing Fee
$_________
Investor Default Amount
$_________
Series 2014-A unpaid Adjustment Payments
$_________
Investor Charge Offs and Reallocated Principal Collections not previously reimbursed
$_________
If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, amounts to be treated as Available Principal Collections
$_________
Other amounts owing by the Trust
$_________
Amounts to be treated as Excess Finance Charge Collections
$_________
   
PORTFOLIO YIELD, BASE RATE AND PAYMENT RATE --
 
   
 
Base Rate for preceding Monthly Period
_________%
 
Base Rate (second preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Base Rate (third preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Portfolio Yield for preceding Monthly Period
_________%
 
Portfolio Yield (second preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Portfolio Yield (third preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Base Rate for preceding Monthly Period + 1.5% %
_________%
 
Base Rate (second preceding Monthly Period) + 1.5%
_________%
 
Base Rate (third preceding Monthly Period) + 1.5% %
_________%
 
(Portfolio Yield (preceding Monthly Period)) — (Base Rate for preceding Monthly Period + 1.5%)
_________%
 
(Portfolio Yield (second preceding Monthly Period)) — (Base Rate (second preceding Monthly Period) + 1.5%)
_________%
 
(Portfolio Yield (third preceding Monthly Period)) — (Base Rate (third preceding Monthly Period) + 1.5%)
_________%
 
Portfolio Yield — Base Rate (preceding monthly period)
_________%
 
Payment Rate (preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Payment Rate (second preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Payment Rate (third preceding Monthly Period)
_________%
 
Average Payment Rate for three month period
_________%
 
 
B-4

 
 
PRINCIPAL COLLECTIONS --
 
   
 
Series 2014-A Principal Shortfall
_________%
 
Shared Principal Collections allocable from other Principal Sharing Series
_________%
     
INVESTOR CHARGE-OFFS AND REDUCTIONS
 
   
Total Investor Charge-Offs
$_________
Reductions in Invested Amount (other than by Principal Payments)
$_________
Previous reductions in Invested Amount reimbursed
$_________

 
B-5

 
 
EXHIBIT C
 
FORM OF MONTHLY SERVICER’S CERTIFICATE
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
SERIES 2014-A
 
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Sterling Jewelers Inc. (“SJI”), as Servicer pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 (as amended and supplemented, the “Transfer and Servicing Agreement”), among SJI, Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. (the “Company”), as Transferor and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as Issuer (the “Trust”), does hereby certify as follows:
 
1.        Capitalized terms used in this Certificate have their respective meanings set forth in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or the Master Indenture, each dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Master Indenture”), among the Trust, SJI and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”), as supplemented by the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014, among the Trust, SJI and the Indenture Trustee (as amended and supplemented, the “Indenture Supplement” and together with the Master Indenture, the “Indenture “), as applicable.
 
2.        SJI is, as of the date hereof, the Servicer under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
3.        The undersigned is an Authorized Officer of the Servicer.
 
4.        This Certificate relates to the Distribution Date occurring on _______ ___, 20__.
 
5.        As of the date hereof, to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the Servicer has performed in all material respects all its obligations under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and the Indenture through the Monthly Period preceding such Distribution Date [or, if there has been a default in the performance of any such obligation, set forth in detail the (i) nature of such default, (ii) the action taken by the Servicer, if any, to remedy such default and (iii) the current status of each such default]; if applicable, insert “None.”
 
6.        As of the date hereof, to the best knowledge of the undersigned, no Pay Out Event occurred on or prior to such Distribution Date.
 
 
C-1

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Certificate this ____ day of ___ __, 20__.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
 
Servicer
 
     
 
By:
   
   
Name:   [Simon Cashman] [Robert D Trabucco]
 
   
Title:
 
 
 
C-2

 

EXHIBIT D
 
FORM OF NOTICE OF LIMITED AMORTIZATION
 
[Date]
 
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas,
[Address]
 
Sterling Jewelers Inc.
[Address]
 
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
[Address]
 
 
Re:
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A Notes
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Pursuant to subsection 4.09(a) of the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014, to the Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001, each among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, as Issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., a Delaware corporation, as Servicer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a New York banking corporation, as Indenture Trustee (terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), this notice represents the Issuer’s request to reduce the Class A Note Principal Balance and the Class B Note Principal Balance, beginning on the Distribution Date falling in the __________, 20__ Monthly Period, by an aggregate amount equal to $ ________________.5
 
It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that (a) Notice is executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company ("WTC"), not individually or personally but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by WTC but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on WTC, individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein of the Owner Trustee or the Issuer, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) WTC has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made by the Issuer in this Notice and (e) under no circumstances shall WTC be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this Notice or any other related documents.
 

5 Each such decrease shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 plus integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof.
 
 
D-1

 
 
 
Very truly yours,
   
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES
 
MASTER NOTE TRUST,
 
Issuer
   
 
By:
Wilmington Trust Company,
   
not in its individual capacity
   
but solely as Owner Trustee
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
 
Title:
 
 
D-2

 
 
EXHIBIT E
 
FORM OF NOTICE OF OPTIONAL AMORTIZATION
 
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
[Address]
 
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
[Address]
 
Pursuant to subsection 4.09(b) of the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement, dated as of May 15, 2014, to the Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001, each among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, as Issuer, Sterling Jewelers Inc., a Delaware corporation, as Servicer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a New York banking corporation, as Indenture Trustee (terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), the Servicer hereby provides notice of an optional amortization in the amount and on the date set forth below:
 
Optional Amortization Date: _________________
 
Optional Amortization Amount:     $ _______________
 
Class A Investor Amount on Optional Amortization Date:    $ ______________
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have duly executed and delivered this Optional Amortization Notice on this ____ day of _______, 20___.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
 
as Servicer
 
     
 
By:
   
   
Name:
 
   
Title:
 
 
 
E-1

 
 
EXHIBIT F
 
[Date]
 
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas
[Address]
 
Sterling Jewelers Inc.
[Address]
 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp.
[Address]
 
Re: 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A Notes
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
Pursuant to subsection 4.11(b) of the Series 2014-A Indenture Supplement dated as of May 15, 2014, to the Master Indenture dated as of November 2, 2001, each among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, Sterling Jewelers Inc., a Delaware corporation, as servicer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a New York banking corporation, as Indenture Trustee (terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), the Issuer hereby irrevocably requests a Note Principal Balance Increase as follows:
 
 
1.
The requested aggregate amount of such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase is $_________.
 
 
2.
Such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase is requested to be made on _________, the Increase Date.
 
 
3.
Proceeds of such Class B Note Principal Balance Increase shall be remitted on the applicable Increase Date in immediately available funds to [specify payment instructions].
 
It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that (a) this request is executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company ("WTC"), not individually or personally but solely as Owner Trustee of the Issuer, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Issuer is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by WTC but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Issuer, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on WTC, individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein of the Owner Trustee or the Issuer, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) WTC has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made by the Issuer in this request and (e) under no circumstances shall WTC be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Issuer or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Issuer under this request or any other related documents.
 
 
F-1

 
 
 
Very truly yours,
 
     
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES
 
 
MASTER NOTE TRUST, as Issuer
 
     
 
By:
Wilmington Trust Company,
 
   
not in its individual capacity
 
   
but solely as Owner Trustee
 
       
 
By:
   
   
Name:
 
   
Title:
 
 
 
F-2

 

EXHIBIT G
 
FORM OF INVESTMENT LETTER
 
May 15, 2014
 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp.
375 Ghent Road
Akron, Ohio 44333
Attn.: ____________________
 
 
Re:
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust;
 
Purchase of Series 2014-A Class A Notes
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
This letter (the “Investment Letter”) is delivered by the undersigned (the “Purchaser”) pursuant to Section 8.03(c) of the Series 2014-A Supplement (the “Indenture Supplement”), dated as of May 15, 2014 among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, as Issuer (the “Issuer”), Sterling Jewelers Inc., as Servicer (the “Servicer”) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Indenture Trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”) to the Master Indenture (as amended, the “Indenture”), dated as of November 2, 2001 among the Issuer, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee and pursuant to that certain Note Purchase Agreement (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”) dated as of May 15, 2014, among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. (the “Transferor”), the Issuer, the Servicer, each conduit purchaser party thereto from time to time, each committed purchaser party thereto from time to time, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A., as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings set forth in the Note Purchase Agreement or the Indenture Supplement.  The Purchaser represents to and agrees with the Transferor as follows:
 
(a)            It is authorized to enter into the Note Purchase Agreement and to perform its obligations thereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.
 
(b)           It has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of its investment in the Class A Notes and is able to bear the economic risk of such investment.
 
(c)            It is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).  The Purchaser understands that the offering and sale of the Class A Notes has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws or securities laws of any other jurisdiction and is being offered only in a transaction not involving any public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act and may not be resold or otherwise transferred unless so registered or qualified or unless an exemption from registration or qualification is available, and that the offering and sale of the Class A Notes has not been reviewed by, passed on or submitted to any federal or state agency or commission, securities exchange or other regulatory body.
 
 
G-1

 
 
(d)           It will not resell or otherwise transfer the Class A Notes except in accordance with the Note Purchase Agreement and the Indenture Supplement and (i) to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) or (ii) to a person who the Purchaser reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” (within the meaning thereof in Rule 144A under the Securities Act) in compliance with Rule 144A.  In connection therewith, the Purchaser hereby agrees that it will not resell or otherwise transfer the Class A Notes or any interest therein unless the purchaser thereof provides to the addressee hereof a letter from such Purchaser substantially in the form hereof.
 
(e)            It understands that each of the Class A Notes will bear a legend to substantially the following effect:
 
THIS CLASS A NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT (A)(1) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A OR (2) TO AN ENTITY QUALIFYING AS AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF PARAGRAPH (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF RULE 501(a) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR AN ENTITY OWNED ENTIRELY BY OTHER ENTITIES THAT FALL WITHIN SUCH PARAGRAPHS, IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, AND (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF THE STATES OF THE UNITED STATES.
 
EACH PURCHASER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS, FOR THE BENEFIT OF STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST AND STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., THAT (1) IT IS NOT A RETIREMENT PLAN OR OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN OR OTHER RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENT SUBJECT TO SECTION 406 OF THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OR TO SECTION 4975 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR ANY PROVISION OF ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. LAW OR REGULATION WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THE PROHIBITED TRANSACTION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”) (EACH, A “PLAN”), OR ANY PERSON WHO IS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PURCHASING OR HOLDING THE CLASS A NOTES OR INTEREST THEREIN ON BEHALF OF, AS FIDUCIARY OF, AS TRUSTEE OF, OR WITH ASSETS OF, ANY PLAN OR (II) IS PURCHASING OR HOLDING THE CLASS A NOTES WITH THE ASSETS OF A PLAN AND ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF SUCH CLASS A NOTES WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE AND WILL NOT VIOLATE ANY APPLICABLE PROVISION OF ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.
 
 
G-2

 
 
ANY TRANSFER OF A DIRECT OR INDIRECT INTEREST IN THIS CLASS A NOTE IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE INDENTURE AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS THEREIN SET FORTH, INCLUDING SECTIONS 8.02 AND 8.03 OF THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT.
 
THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE WILL BE REDUCED FROM TIME TO TIME BY DISTRIBUTIONS ON THIS CLASS A NOTE ALLOCABLE TO PRINCIPAL.  IN ADDITION, THE PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE MAY BE INCREASED AT THE REQUEST OF THE TRANSFEROR SUBJECT TO CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE SUPPLEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.  ACCORDINGLY, FOLLOWING THE INITIAL ISSUANCE OF THE CLASS A NOTES, THE OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE INITIAL OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE SHOWN BELOW.  ANYONE ACQUIRING THIS CLASS A NOTE MAY ASCERTAIN THE CURRENT OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS CLASS A NOTE BY INQUIRY OF THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE.  ON THE DATE OF THE INITIAL ISSUANCE OF THE CLASS A NOTES, THE INDENTURE TRUSTEE IS BANKERS TRUST COMPANY.
 
(f)             It represents and warrants that (i) it is not a retirement plan or other employee benefit plan or other retirement arrangement subject to Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or any provision of any other federal, state, local or non-U.S. law or regulation which is similar to the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (collectively, “Similar Laws”) (each, a “Plan”), or any person who is directly or indirectly purchasing or holding the Class A Notes or interest therein on behalf of, as fiduciary of, as trustee of, or with assets of, any Plan or (ii) is purchasing or holding the Class A Notes with the assets of a Plan and its purchase and holding of such Class A Notes will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and will not violate any applicable provision of any applicable Similar Laws.
 
 
G-3

 
 
(g)           This Investment Letter has been duly executed and delivered and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser, enforceable against the Purchaser in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity.
 
 
G-4

 
 
 
Very truly yours,
 
     
 
[__________________]
 
     
 
By:
   
 
Name:
   
 
Title:
   
 
 
G-5

EX-4.3 4 mm05-2114_8ke43.htm EX.4.3 - AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AND SERVICING AGREEMENT mm05-2114_8ke43.htm
 
EXHIBIT 4.3
 

EXECUTION VERSION
 


STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES
MASTER NOTE TRUST
 

 
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AND SERVICING AGREEMENT
 
among
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP.,
 
as Transferor
 
and
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
as Servicer
 
and
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST,
 
as Issuer
 
Dated as of May 15, 2014

 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page
     
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1
Section 1.01.
Definitions
1
Section 1.02.
Other Definitional Provisions
14
ARTICLE II
CONVEYANCE OF RECEIVABLES
15
Section 2.01.
Conveyance of Receivables
15
Section 2.02.
Acceptance by Trust
17
Section 2.03.
Representations and Warranties of Each Transferor Relating to  Such Transferor
17
Section 2.04.
Representations and Warranties of each Transferor Relating to the Agreement and Any Participation Interest Supplement and the Receivables
 
   
19
Section 2.05.
Reassignment of Ineligible Receivables
21
Section 2.06.
Reassignment of Trust Portfolio
22
Section 2.07.
Covenants of each Transferor
23
Section 2.08.
Covenants of each Transferor with Respect to the Applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement
26
Section 2.09.
Addition of Accounts
27
Section 2.10.
Removal of Accounts and Participation Interests
29
Section 2.11.
Account Allocations
31
Section 2.12.
Discount Option
32
ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING OF RECEIVABLES
33
Section 3.01.
Acceptance of Appointment and Other Matters Relating to the Servicer
33
Section 3.02.
Servicing Compensation
34
Section 3.03.
Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Servicer
34
Section 3.04.
Reports and Records for the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee
37
Section 3.05.
Annual Certificate of the Servicer
38
Section 3.06.
Annual Servicing Report of Independent Public Accountants; Copies of Reports Available
38
Section 3.07.
Tax Treatment
39
Section 3.08.
Notices to the Servicer
39
Section 3.09.
Adjustments
39
 
 
i

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
 
   
Page
     
ARTICLE IV
OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO EACH TRANSFEROR
41
Section 4.01.
Liability of each Transferor
41
Section 4.02.
Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of a Transferor
41
Section 4.03.
Limitations on Liability of Each Transferor
42
ARTICLE V
OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE SERVICER
43
Section 5.01.
Liability of the Servicer
43
Section 5.02.
Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of, the Servicer
43
Section 5.03.
Limitation on Liability of the Servicer and Others
43
Section 5.04.
Servicer Indemnification of the Trust, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee
44
Section 5.05.
Resignation of the Servicer
44
Section 5.06.
Access to Certain Documentation and Information Regarding the Receivables
45
Section 5.07.
Delegation of Duties
45
Section 5.08.
Examination of Records
45
Section 5.09.
Designation of a Co-Servicer
 
ARTICLE VI
INSOLVENCY EVENTS
46
Section 6.01.
Rights upon the Occurrence of an Insolvency Event
46
ARTICLE VII
SERVICER DEFAULTS
47
Section 7.01.
Servicer Defaults
47
Section 7.02.
Indenture Trustee To Act; Appointment of Successor
49
Section 7.03.
Notification to Noteholders
51
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
52
Section 8.01.
Termination of Agreement
52
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
53
Section 9.01.
Amendment; Waiver of Past Defaults
53
Section 9.02.
Protection of Right, Title and Interest to Trust
55
Section 9.03.
GOVERNING LAW
56
Section 9.04.
Notices; Payments
56
Section 9.05.
Severability of Provisions
56
Section 9.06.
Further Assurances
56
Section 9.07.
No Waiver: Cumulative Remedies
57

 
ii

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
 
   
Page
     
Section 9.08.
Counterparts
57
Section 9.09.
Third-Party Beneficiaries
57
Section 9.10.
Actions by Noteholders
57
Section 9.11.
Rule 144A Information
57
Section 9.12.
Merger and Integration
57
Section 9.13.
Headings
58
Section 9.14.
Limitation of Liability
58
Section 9.15.
Rights of the Indenture Trustee
58
 
 
iii

 
 
EXHIBITS
 
EXHIBIT A
Reserved
A-1
EXHIBIT B
Form of Reassignment of Receivables in Removed Accounts
B-1
EXHIBIT C
Form of Annual Servicer’s Certificate
C-1
EXHIBIT D-1
Form of Opinion of Counsel with Respect to Amendments
D-1-1
EXHIBIT D-2
Form of Opinion of Counsel with Respect to Accounts
D-2-1
EXHIBIT D-3
Provisions to be Included in Annual Opinion of Counsel
D-3-1
     
SCHEDULE 1
List of Accounts
14

 
iv

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED TRANSFER AND SERVICING AGREEMENT, dated as of May 15, 2014 among STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., a Delaware corporation, as Transferor, STERLING JEWELERS INC., as Servicer, and STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST, a Delaware business trust, as Issuer.
 
WITNESSETH
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Transferor and the Servicer have heretofore entered into that certain Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Original Transfer and Servicing Agreement”);
 
WHEREAS, Section 9.01 of the Original Transfer and Servicing Agreement provides for amendments to be made thereto in writing with (i) the delivery by the Transferor of an Officer’s Certificate to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee, dated the date of such action, stating that the Transferor reasonably believes that such action will not have an Adverse Effect and (ii) the satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition with respect to such amendment;
 
WHEREAS, no Notes are outstanding at the time of entry into this Agreement; and
 
WHEREAS, the Transferor, the Servicer and the Issuer propose to amend and restate the Original Transfer and Servicing Agreement as set forth herein and all conditions precedent for such amendment and restatement have been satisfied.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained, each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties, the Noteholders and any Series Enhancer (as defined below) to the extent provided herein, in the Indenture and in any Indenture Supplement:
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
Section 1.01.  Definitions.  Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings, and the definitions of such terms are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such terms.
 
Account” shall mean (a) each consumer revolving credit card account of Account Owner in existence on the Cut-Off Date that was an Eligible Account on the Cut-Off Date, (b) each consumer revolving credit card account established by an Obligor with an Account Owner from and after the Cut-Off Date that, as of the date of its origination, is an Eligible Account and that is covered by the Receivables Purchase Agreement, (c) each Related Account and (d) each Transferred Account, but shall exclude any Account all the Receivables in which are either reassigned or assigned to the Transferor or its designee or the Servicer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  The definition of Account shall include each Transferred Account.  The term “Account” shall be deemed to refer to an Additional Account only from and after the Addition Date with respect thereto, and the term “Account” shall be deemed to refer to any Removed Account only prior to the Removal Date with respect thereto.

 
 

 
 
Account Addition Test” shall have the meaning set forth (if any) in any Indenture Supplement.
 
Account Owner” shall mean the Seller.
 
Addition Date” shall mean (i) with respect to Additional Accounts, the date from and after which such Additional Accounts are to be included as Accounts pursuant to subsection 2.09(a)(i) and (ii) with respect to Participation Interests, the date from and after which such Participation Interests are to be included as assets of the Trust pursuant to subsection 2.09(a)(ii).
 
Additional Account” shall mean each Eligible Account designated pursuant to subsection 2.09(a) to be included as an Account and identified in the computer file or microfiche list delivered to the Indenture Trustee by the Transferor pursuant to Section 2.01 and subsection 2.09(a).
 
Additional Cut-Off Date” shall mean the date specified as such in the notice delivered with respect thereto pursuant to subsection 2.09(b).
 
Additional Transferors” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.09(d).
 
Adjustment Payment” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.09.
 
Adverse Effect” shall mean, with respect to any action, that such action will (a) result in the occurrence of a Pay Out Event or an Event of Default or (b) materially and adversely affect the amount or timing of distributions to be made to the Noteholders of any Series or Class pursuant to this Agreement, the Indenture or the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person controlling or controlled by or under common control with such specified Person.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” shall mean the power to direct the management and policies of a Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
 
Aggregate Addition” shall mean the designation of additional Eligible Accounts to be included as.  Accounts or of Participation Interests to be included as Trust Assets pursuant to subsection 2.09(a).
 
Agreement” shall mean this Transfer and Servicing Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Appointment Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
 
Assignment” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.09(e).

 
2

 

Authorized Newspaper” shall mean any newspaper or newspapers of general circulation in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, printed in the English language (and, with respect to any Series or Class, if and so long as the Notes of such Series are Bearer Notes, in such place as may be specified in the applicable Indenture Supplement) and customarily published on each business day at such place, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.
 
Bearer Notes” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Business Day” shall mean any day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday or (b) any other day on which national banking associations or state banking institutions in New York, New York, Ohio, Delaware or any other state in which the principal executive offices of Sterling, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or other Account Owner, as the case may be, are located, are authorized or obligated by law, executive order or governmental decree to be closed or (c) for purposes of any particular Series, any other day specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Class” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Closing Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the closing date specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Collections” shall mean all payments (including Insurance Proceeds) by or on behalf of Obligors received in respect of the Receivables, in the form of cash, checks, wire transfers, electronic transfers, ATM transfers or any other form of payment in accordance with a Credit Card Agreement in effect from time to time and all other amounts specified by this Agreement, the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement as constituting Collections.  As specified in any Participation Interest Supplement or Indenture Supplement, Collections shall include amounts received with respect to Participation Interests.  All Recoveries with respect to Receivables previously charged off as uncollectible will be treated as Collections of Finance Charge Receivables.
 
Contractual Method” shall mean the method of aging receivables in a consumer revolving credit card account with respect to which less than the full agreed upon minimum monthly payment for any month has been received by the Credit Card Originator pursuant to the terms of the related Credit Card Agreement, which method shall treat the entire unpaid principal balance of any such receivable as being outstanding.
 
Corporate Trust Office” shall have the meaning (a) when used in respect of the Owner Trustee, specified in the Trust Agreement and (b) when used in respect of the Indenture Trustee, specified in the Indenture.
 
Co-Servicer” shall have the meaning specified in Section 5.09.
 
Coupon” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Credit Card Agreement” shall mean, with respect to a revolving credit card account, the agreements between an Account Owner and the Obligor governing the terms and conditions of such account, as such agreements may be amended, modified or otherwise changed from time to time and as distributed (including any amendments and revisions thereto) to holders of such account.

 
3

 
 
Credit Card Guidelines” shall mean the respective policies and procedures of the Account Owner, as such policies and procedures may be amended from time to time, (a) relating to the operation of its credit card business, which generally are applicable to its portfolio of revolving credit card accounts or, if the Account Owner has only a portion of its portfolio subject to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, applicable to such portion of its portfolio, and in each case which are consistent with prudent practice, including the policies and procedures for determining the creditworthiness of credit card customers and the extension of credit to credit card customers, and (b) relating to the maintenance of credit card accounts and collection of credit card receivables.
 
Credit Card Originator” shall mean Sterling Jewelers Inc.
 
Cut-Off Date” shall mean May 21, 2014.
 
Date of Processing” shall mean, with respect to any transaction or receipt of Collections, the date on which such transaction is first recorded on the Servicer’s computer file of revolving credit card accounts (without regard to the effective date of such recordation).
 
Defaulted Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, an amount (which shall not be less than zero) equal to (a) the amount of Principal Receivables which became Defaulted Receivables in such Monthly Period, minus (b) the amount of any Defaulted Receivables of which the Transferor or the Servicer became obligated to accept reassignment or assignment in accordance with the terms of this Agreement during such Monthly Period; provided, however, that, if an Insolvency Event occurs with respect to the Transferor, the amount of such Defaulted Receivables which are subject to reassignment to the Transferor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall not be added to the sum so subtracted and, if any of the events described in subsection 7.01(d) occur with respect to the Servicer, the amount of such Defaulted Receivables which are subject to reassignment or assignment to the Servicer in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall not be added to the sum so subtracted.
 
Defaulted Receivables” shall mean, with respect to any Monthly Period, all Principal Receivables in any Account which are written off as uncollectible in such Monthly Period in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines and the Servicer’s customary and usual servicing procedures for servicing consumer revolving credit card receivables comparable to the Receivables.  A Receivable in any Account shall become a Defaulted Receivable on the day on which such Receivable is recorded as written off on the Servicer’s computer master file of consumer revolving credit card accounts, but in any event, shall be deemed a Defaulted Receivable no later than the last day of the seventh consecutive billing cycle in which such Receivable is delinquent (i.e., 211 days or more past due) as determined under the Contractual Method.
 
Discount Option Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.12
 
Discount Option Receivables” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.12.  The aggregate amount of Discount Option Receivables on any Date of Processing shall equal the product of (a) the amount of Principal Receivables as of such Date of Processing and (b) the Discount Percentage, if any, in effect on such Date of Processing.

 
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Discount Option Receivables Collections” means on any Date of Processing, the product of (i) a fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate amount of Discount Option Receivables and the denominator of which is the sum of the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables and the aggregate amount of Discount Option Receivables, in each case at the end of the prior Date of Processing and (ii) Collections of Principal Receivables on such Date of Processing prior to any reduction for Finance Charge Receivables which are Discount Option Receivables received on such Date of Processing.
 
Discount Percentage” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.12.
 
Distribution Date” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the date specified in the applicable Indenture Supplement.
 
Document Delivery Date” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.09(a)(i)(A).
 
Dollars,” “$” or “U.S. $” shall mean United States dollars.
 
Early Accumulation Period” shall have the meaning, with respect to any Series, if any, specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Eligible  Account” shall mean a consumer revolving credit card account owned by the Seller in the case of the Initial Accounts on the Cut-Off Date, or the Seller or other Account Owner, in the case of Additional Accounts after the Cut-Off Date which, as of the Cut-Off Date with respect to an Initial Account or as of the Addition Date with respect to an Additional Account meets the following requirements:
 
(a)          is a revolving credit card account in existence and maintained by the Account Owner;
 
(b)          is established pursuant to a Credit Card Agreement, only one original of which exists, which original is in the possession of the Seller;
 
(c)          is payable in Dollars;
 
(d)          has a cardholder who has provided, as his or her most recent billing address, an address located in the United States or its territories or possessions or a military address;
 
(e)          except as provided below, has a cardholder who has not been identified by the Servicer in its computer files as being currently involved in a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceeding;
 
(f)           has not been identified as an account with respect to which the related card has been lost or stolen;
 
 
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(g)          has not been sold or pledged to any other party;
 
(h)          does not have receivables which have been sold or pledged by the Account Owner to any other party other than SJRC pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement or the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture or a Consignment Vendor;
 
(i)           with respect to the Initial Accounts, is an account in existence and  maintained by the Account Owner as of the Cut-Off Date or maintained by the Account Owner as of the Addition Date with respect to Additional Accounts;
 
(j)           except as provided below, does not have any Receivables that are Defaulted Receivables;
 
(k)          does not have any Receivables that have been identified by the Servicer or the relevant Obligor as having been incurred as a result of fraudulent use of any related credit card; and
 
(l)           except as provided below, does not have any Receivables that are more than 211 days past due from the date of the initial billing statement.
 
Eligible Accounts may include Accounts, the Receivables of which have been charged off, or with respect to which the Servicer believes the related Obligor is bankrupt, in each case as of the Cut-Off Date, with respect to the Initial Accounts, and as of the related Addition Date, with respect to Additional Accounts; provided that (a) the balance of all Receivables included in such Accounts is reflected on the books and records of such Transferor (and is treated for purposes of this Agreement) as “zero” and (b) charging privileges with respect to all such Accounts have been canceled in accordance with the relevant Credit Card Guidelines.
 
Eligible Receivable” shall mean each Receivable:
 
(a)          which has arisen in an Eligible Account;
 
(b)          which was created in compliance in all material respects with all Requirements of Law applicable to the institution which owned such Receivable at the time of its creation and pursuant to a Credit Card Agreement which complies in all material respects with all Requirements of Law applicable to the Account Owner;
 
(c)          with respect to which all consents, licenses, approvals or authorizations of, or registrations or declarations with, any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given in connection with the creation of such Receivable or the execution, delivery and performance by the Account Owner of the Credit Card Agreement pursuant to which such Receivable was created, have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect;
 
(d)          as to which at the time of the transfer of such Receivable to the Trust, the Transferor or the Trust will have good and marketable title thereto and which itself is, and the underlying receivables are, free and clear of all Liens (other than any Lien for municipal or other local taxes if such taxes are not then due and payable or if the Transferor is then contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto);
 
 
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(e)          which has been the subject of either a valid transfer and assignment from the Transferor to the Trust of all the Transferor’s right, title and interest therein (including any proceeds thereof), or the grant of a first priority perfected security interest therein (and in the proceeds thereof), effective until the termination of the Trust;
 
(f)           which at all times will be the legal, valid and binding payment obligation of the Obligor thereon enforceable against such Obligor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws, now or hereafter in effect, affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general and except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity (whether considered in a suit at law or in equity);
 
(g)          which, at the time of transfer to the Trust, has not been waived or modified except as permitted in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines and which waiver or modification is reflected in the Servicer’s computer file of revolving credit card accounts;
 
(h)          which, at the time of transfer to the Trust, is not subject to any right of rescission, setoff, counterclaim or any other defense (including defenses arising out of violations of usury laws) of the Obligor, other than defenses arising out of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general;
 
(i)           as to which, at the time of transfer to the Trust, the Account Owner, as the case may be, has satisfied all of its obligations required to be satisfied by such time;
 
(j)           as to which, at the time of transfer to the Trust, none of the Transferor, Sterling or the Account Owner has taken any action which would impair, or omitted to take any action the omission of which would impair, the rights of the Trust or the Noteholders therein; and
 
(k)          which constitutes an “account,” a “payment intangible” or “tangible chattel paper” under and as defined in Article 9 of the UCC as then in effect in the State of New York, the State of Delaware and any other state where the filing of a financing statement is required to perfect the Trust’s interest in the Receivables and the proceeds thereof.
 
Eligible Servicer” shall mean the Indenture Trustee or, if the Indenture Trustee is not acting as Servicer, an entity which, at the time of its appointment as Servicer, (a) is servicing a portfolio of revolving credit card accounts, (b) is legally qualified and has the capacity to service the Accounts, (c) except for the purposes of Section 5.02, in the sole determination of the Indenture Trustee, which determination shall be conclusive and binding, has demonstrated the ability to service professionally and competently a portfolio of similar accounts in accordance with high standards of skill and care, (d) is qualified to use the software that is then being used to service the Accounts or obtains the right to use or has its own software which is adequate to perform its duties under this Agreement and (e) has a net worth of at least $50,000,000 as of the end of its most recent fiscal quarter.
 
 
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Event of Default” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Excluded Account” shall mean any Account designated by the Transferor to be excluded from the calculation of the Account Addition Test.
 
Finance Charge Receivables” shall mean all amounts billed to the Obligors on any Account in respect of (i) Periodic Rate Finance Charges, (ii) Late Fees, (iii) Returned Payment Check Fees, (iv) the amount of any insurance premiums billed to the Obligor; provided, however, that after the occurrence of an Insolvency Event relating to Sterling Jewelers Inc., such amount shall be net of amounts payable by the Account Owner to insurance providers or reinsurers, (v) Discount Option Receivables, and (vi) all other fees and charges with respect to the Accounts designated by the Transferor to be included as Finance Charge Receivables.  All Collections in relation to Recoveries with respect to a Monthly Period will be treated as Collections of Finance Charge Receivables with respect to such Monthly Period.  A Finance Charge Receivable shall be deemed to have been created at the end of the day on the Date of Processing of such Receivable.
 
Fitch” shall mean Fitch, Inc. or its successors.
 
Governmental Authority” shall mean the United States of America, any state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.
 
Indenture” shall mean the Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001, among the Issuer, the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Indenture Collateral” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
 
Indenture Supplement” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Indenture Trustee” shall mean Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), in its capacity as trustee under the Indenture, its successors in interest and any successor indenture trustee under the Indenture.
 
Independent Director”  shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.07(h)(vii).
 
Ineligible Receivables” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.05(a).
 
Initial Account” shall mean each consumer revolving credit card account established pursuant to a Credit Card Agreement between the Seller and any Person, which account is identified in the computer file or microfiche list delivered to the Indenture Trustee by the Transferor pursuant to Section 2.01 on the Initial Funding Date.
 
Initial Funding Date” shall mean May 27, 2014 or such other date as the Servicer and Transferor shall agree in writing.
 
 
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Initial Issuance Date” shall mean November 2, 2001, the date the Transferor’s Certificate is delivered by the Trust to the Transferor pursuant to the Trust Agreement.
 
Insolvency Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
 
Insurance Proceeds” shall mean any amounts received pursuant to the payment of benefits under any credit life insurance policies, credit disability or unemployment insurance policies covering any Obligor with respect to Receivables under such Obligor’s Account.
 
Invested Amount” shall mean, with respect to any Series and for any date, an amount equal to the invested amount or adjusted invested amount, as applicable, specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Issuer” shall mean the Trust.
 
Late Fees” shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Card Agreement applicable to each Account for late fees or similar terms.
 
Lien” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, equity interest, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), preference, participation interest, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing and the filing of any financing statement under the UCC or comparable law of any jurisdiction to evidence any of the foregoing; provided, however, that any assignment permitted by subsection 3.06(b) of the Trust Agreement or Section 4.02 of, and the lien created by, this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a Lien.
 
Monthly Payment Rate” shall mean with respect to the last day of any prior Monthly Period, the percentage equivalent of a fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate amount of Collections of Principal Receivables with respect to such Monthly Period and the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables as of the last day of the immediately preceding Monthly Period.
 
Monthly Period” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Monthly Servicing Fee” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.02.
 
Note Interest Rate” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Note Owner” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Note Register” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Noteholder” or “Holder” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Notices” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 9.04(a).
 
 
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Obligor” shall mean, with respect to any Account, the Person or Persons obligated to make payments with respect to such Account, including any guarantor thereof, but excluding any merchant.
 
Officer’s Certificate” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Opinion of Counsel” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Owner Trustee” shall mean Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity, but solely as owner trustee under the Trust Agreement, its successors in interest and any successor owner trustee under the Trust Agreement.
 
Participation Interest Supplement” shall mean a supplement to this Agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 2.09(a)(ii) in connection with the conveyance of Participation Interests to the Trust.
 
Participation Interests” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.09(a)(ii).
 
Pay Out Event” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Paying Agent” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Periodic Rate Finance Charges” shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Card Agreement applicable to each Account for finance charges (due to periodic rate) or any similar term.
 
Person” shall mean any legal person, including any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, governmental entity or other entity of any nature.
 
Portfolio Yield” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture Supplement.
 
Principal Funding Account” shall have the meaning, with respect to any Series, specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Principal Funding Account Balance” shall have the meaning, with respect to any Series, specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Principal Receivables” shall mean all Receivables other than Finance Charge Receivables, Defaulted Receivables and Receivables arising in Excluded Accounts; provided, however, that after the Discount Option Date, Principal Receivables on any Date of Processing thereafter means Principal Receivables as otherwise determined pursuant to this definition minus the amount of any Discount Option Receivables.  Principal Receivables shall also include the principal portion of Participation Interests as shall be determined pursuant to, and only if so provided in, the applicable Participation Interest Supplement or Indenture Supplement for any Series.  In calculating the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables on any day, the amount of Principal Receivables shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of credit balances in the Accounts on such day.  Any Principal Receivables which the Transferor is unable to transfer as provided in Section 2.11 shall not be included in calculating the amount of Principal Receivables.

 
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Rating Agency” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Rating Agency Condition” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Reassignment” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.10.
 
Receivables” shall mean all amounts shown on the Servicer’s records as amounts payable by Obligors on any Account from time to time, including amounts payable for Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables.  Receivables which become Defaulted Receivables will cease to be included as Receivables as of the day on which they become Defaulted Receivables.  Unless the context otherwise requires (whether or not there is a specific reference to the underlying receivable), any reference in this Agreement, the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement to a Receivable (including any Principal Receivable, Finance Charge Receivable or Defaulted Receivable) and any Collections thereon or other amounts recoverable with respect thereto (including any Insurance Proceeds or Recoveries with respect thereto) shall refer to only the fractional undivided interest in the amounts paid or payable by Obligors on the Accounts that are transferred by Seller to SJRC pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement.
 
Receivables Purchase Agreement” shall mean, the Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014, between the Seller and the Transferor.
 
 “Recoveries” shall mean all amounts received (net of out-of-pocket costs of collection) including Insurance Proceeds, which is reasonably estimated by the Servicer to be attributable to Defaulted Receivables, including the net proceeds of any sale of such Defaulted Receivables by the Transferor.
 
Registered Notes” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Related Account” shall mean an Account with respect to which a new credit account number has been issued by the Account Owner or Servicer or the applicable Transferor under circumstances resulting from a lost or stolen credit card and not requiring standard application and credit evaluation procedures under the Credit Card Guidelines.
 
Removal Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.10.
 
Removed Accounts” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.10.
 
Removed Participation Interests” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.10.
 
 
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Required Minimum Principal Balance” shall mean, unless otherwise provided in an Indenture Supplement relating to any Series, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of the numerators used in the calculation of the Investor Percentages with respect to Principal Receivables for all outstanding Series on such date; provided that with respect to any Series in its Early Accumulation Period or such other period as designated in the related Indenture Supplement with an Invested Amount as of such date of determination equal to the Principal Funding Account Balance relating to such Series taking into account any deposit to be made to the Principal Funding Account on the Distribution Date following such date of determination, the numerator used in the calculation of the Investor Percentage with respect to Principal Receivables relating to such Series shall, solely for the purpose of the definition of Required Minimum Principal Balance, be deemed to equal zero.
 
Required Transferor Interest” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Requirements of Law” shall mean any law, treaty, rule or regulation, or determination of an arbitrator or Governmental Authority, whether Federal, state or local (including usury laws, the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation B and Regulation Z of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), and, when used with respect to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person.
 
Returned Payment Check Fee” shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Card Agreement applicable to each Account for returned payment check fees or similar items.
 
Seller” shall mean Sterling.
 
Series” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Series Account” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Series Enhancement” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Series Enhancer” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Service Transfer” shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.01.
 
Servicer” shall mean Sterling, in its capacity as Servicer under this Agreement, and, after any Service Transfer, the Successor Servicer.
 
Servicer Default” shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.01.
 
Servicing Fee” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.02.
 
Servicing Fee Rate” shall mean, with respect to any Series, the servicing fee rate specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
SJRC” shall mean Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and permitted assigns, in its capacity as Transferor under this Agreement and the Trust Agreement.

 
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Special Funding Account” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Special Funding Amount” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Standard & Poor’s” shall mean Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, or its successor.
 
Sterling” shall mean Sterling Jewelers Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and permitted assigns, in its capacity as Servicer under this Agreement, or as a Seller under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, as the context requires.
 
Successor Servicer” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 7.02(a).
 
Supplemental Certificate” shall have the meaning specified in the Trust Agreement.
 
Tax Opinion” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Termination Notice” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 7.01(e).
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Transfer Restriction Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.11.
 
Transferor” shall mean (a) SJRC, a wholly owned special purpose subsidiary of Sterling and incorporated in the State of Delaware, or its successor under this Agreement, and (b) any Additional Transferor or Transferors.  References to “each Transferor” shall refer to each entity mentioned in the preceding sentence and references to “the Transferor” shall refer to all of such entities.
 
Transferor Certificates” shall have the meaning specified in the Trust Agreement.
 
Transferor Interest” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.
 
Transferred Account” shall mean each account into which an Account shall be transferred; provided that (i) such transfer was made in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines and (ii) such account can be traced or identified as an account into which an Account has been transferred.
 
Trust” shall mean the Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, a Delaware business trust.
 
Trust Agreement” shall mean the Trust Agreement relating to the Trust, dated as of October 18, 2001, between SJRC and the Owner Trustee, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Trust Assets” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
 
 
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UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code, as amended from time to time, as in effect in any specified jurisdiction.
 
Section 1.02.   Other Definitional Provisions.
 
(a)          With respect to any Series, all terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have meanings ascribed to them in the Trust Agreement, the Indenture or the related Indenture Supplement, as applicable.
 
(b)          All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein.
 
(c)          As used in this Agreement and in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, accounting terms not defined in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document, and accounting terms partly defined in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP.  To the extent that the definitions of accounting tents in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document are inconsistent with the meanings of such terms under GAAP, the definitions contained in this Agreement or in any such certificate or other document shall control.
 
(d)          The agreements, representations and warranties of SJRC and Sterling in this Agreement in each of their respective capacities as Transferor and Servicer shall be deemed to be the agreements, representations and warranties of SJRC and Sterling solely in each such capacity for so long as SJRC and Sterling act in each such capacity under this Agreement.
 
(e)          Any reference to each Rating Agency shall only apply to any specific rating agency if such rating agency is then rating any outstanding Series.
 
(f)           Unless otherwise specified, references to any amount as on deposit or outstanding on any particular date shall mean such amount at the close of business on such day.
 
(g)          The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; references to any subsection, Section, Schedule or Exhibit are references to subsections, Sections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; and the term “including” means “including without limitation.
 
[END OF ARTICLE I]

 
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ARTICLE II
 
CONVEYANCE OF RECEIVABLES
 
Section 2.01.  Conveyance of Receivables.  By execution of this Agreement, SJRC and, in the case of Additional Accounts, SJRC or, if applicable, any Additional Transferor does hereby as of the Initial Funding Date transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to the Trust, without recourse except as provided herein, all its right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables existing at the close of business on the Cut-Off Date, in the case of Receivables arising in the Initial Accounts, and on each Addition Date, in the case of Receivables arising in the Additional Accounts, and in each case thereafter created from time to time until the termination of the Trust, any Participation Interests and any property conveyed to the Trust pursuant to any Participation Interest Supplement, all Recoveries allocable to the Trust as provided herein, all monies due or to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto and all proceeds (including “proceeds” as defined in the UCC) thereof.  The Transferor does hereby further transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to the Trust all of its right, title and interest in and under the Receivables Purchase Agreement.  The property described in the two preceding sentences, together with all monies and other property credited to the Collection Account, the Series Accounts and the Special Funding Account (including any sub-accounts of such account), the rights of the Trust under this Agreement and the Trust Agreement, the property conveyed to the Trust under any Participation Interest Supplement and the right to receive Recoveries attributed to cardholder charges for merchandise and services in the Accounts shall constitute the assets of the Trust (the “Trust Assets”).  The foregoing does not constitute and is not intended to result in the creation or assumption by the Trust, the Owner Trustee (as such or in its individual capacity), the Indenture Trustee or any Noteholder of any obligation of the Account Owner or the Transferor, any Additional Transferor, the Servicer or any other Person in connection with the Accounts or the Receivables or under any agreement or instrument relating thereto, including any obligation to Obligors, merchant banks, merchants clearance systems or insurers.  The Obligors shall not be notified in connection with the creation of the Trust of the transfer, assignment, set-over and conveyance of the Receivables to the Trust.
 
Each Transferor agrees to record and file, at its own expense, financing statements (and continuation statements when applicable) with respect to the Receivables and other Trust Assets conveyed by such Transferor now existing and hereafter created meeting the requirements of applicable state law in such manner and in such jurisdictions as are necessary to perfect, and maintain the perfection of, the transfer and assignment of its interest in such Receivables to the Trust, and to deliver a file stamped copy of each such financing statement or other evidence of such filing to the Owner Trustee as soon as practicable after the Initial Funding Date, in the case of Receivables arising in the Initial Accounts, and (if any additional filing is so necessary) as soon as practicable after the applicable Addition Date, in the case of Receivables arising in Additional Accounts.  The Owner Trustee shall be under no obligation whatsoever to file such financing or continuation statements or to make any other filing under the UCC in connection with such transfer and assignment.
 
 
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Each Transferor further agrees, at its own expense, on or prior to (x) the Initial Funding Date, in the case of the Initial Accounts, (y) the applicable Addition Date, in the case of Additional Accounts with respect to such Transferor, if any, and (z) the applicable Removal Date, in the case of Removed Accounts with respect to such Transferor, (a) to indicate in the appropriate computer files that Receivables created (or reassigned, in the case of Removed Accounts) in connection with the Accounts have been conveyed to the Trust pursuant to this Agreement (or conveyed to each such Transferor or its designee in accordance with Section 2.10, in the case of Removed Accounts) and (b) to deliver to the Indenture Trustee a computer file or microfiche list containing a true and complete list of all such Accounts specifying for each such Account, as of April 30, 2014, in the case of the Initial Accounts, the applicable Addition Date in the case of Additional Accounts, and the applicable Removal Date in the case of Removed Accounts, its account number and the aggregate amount outstanding in such Account and the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables outstanding in such Account.  Each such file or list, as supplemented, from time to time, to reflect Additional Accounts and Removed Accounts, shall be marked as Schedule 1 to this Agreement and is hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.  Each Transferor further agrees not to alter the code referenced in this paragraph with respect to any Account during the term of this Agreement unless and until such Account becomes a Removed Account.
 
If the arrangements with respect to the Receivables hereunder shall constitute a loan and not a purchase and sale of such Receivables, it is the intention of the parties hereto that this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement under applicable law, and that each Transferor shall be deemed to have granted to the Trust a first priority perfected security interest in all of such Transferor’s right, title and interest, whether owned on the Initial Funding Date or thereafter acquired, in, to and under the Receivables and the other Trust Assets conveyed by such Transferor, and all money, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, documents, goods, investment property, deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, and advices of credit consisting of, arising from or related to the Trust Assets, and all proceeds thereof, to secure its obligations hereunder; and in such circumstances only, each of the Transferor and the Trust represents and warrants as to itself that each remittance of Collections by the Transferor to the Trust under this Agreement will have been: (i) in payment of a debt incurred by the Transferor in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Transferor and the Trust; and (ii) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Transferor and the Trust.
 
To the extent that any Transferor retains any interest in the Trust Assets, such Transferor hereby grants to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders a security interest in all of such Transferor’s right, title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in, to and under the Receivables, and the other Trust Assets, and all money, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, documents, goods, investment property, deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, advices of credit, and letter-of-credit rights consisting of, arising from or related to the Trust Assets, and all proceeds thereof (collectively, the “Indenture Collateral”), to secure the performance of all of its obligations hereunder, under the Indenture and under the Transaction Documents.  With respect to the Indenture Collateral, the Indenture Trustee shall have all of the rights that it has under the Indenture and the Transaction Documents.  The Indenture Trustee shall have all of the rights of a secured creditor under the UCC.
 
 
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Section 2.02.   Acceptance by Trust.
 
(a)          The Trust hereby acknowledges its acceptance of all right, title and interest to the property, now existing and hereafter created, conveyed to the Trust pursuant to Section 2.01.  The Indenture Trustee acknowledges that, prior to or on the Initial Funding Date, the Transferor will deliver to the Indenture Trustee the computer file or microfiche list relating to the Initial Accounts described in the third paragraph of Section 2.01.  The Indenture Trustee shall maintain a copy of Schedule 1, as delivered from time to time, at its Corporate Trust Office.
 
(b)          The Indenture Trustee, by its signature hereto, hereby agrees not to disclose to any Person any of the account numbers or other information contained in the computer files or microfiche lists marked as Schedule 1 and delivered to the Indenture Trustee, from time to time, except (i) to a Successor Servicer or as required by a Requirement of Law applicable to the Indenture Trustee, (ii) in connection with the performance of the Indenture Trustee’s or the Trust’s duties hereunder, or (iii) to bona fide creditors or potential creditors of the Trust, the Owner Trustee, the Seller, SJRC or any Transferor for the limited purpose of enabling any such creditor to identify applicable Receivables or Accounts subject to this Agreement or the Receivables Purchase Agreements.  The Indenture Trustee agrees to take such measures as shall be reasonably requested by any Transferor to protect and maintain the security and confidentiality of such information and, in connection therewith, shall allow each Transferor or its duly authorized representatives to inspect the Indenture Trustee’s security and confidentiality arrangements as they specifically relate to the administration of the Trust from time to time during normal business hours upon prior written notice.  The Indenture Trustee shall provide the applicable Transferor with notice five (5) Business Days prior to disclosure of any information of the type described in this subsection 2.02(b).
 
(c)          The Indenture Trustee, by its signature hereto, hereby agrees not to use any information it obtains pursuant to this Agreement, including any of the account numbers or other information contained in the computer files, microfiche lists or printed lists marked as Schedule 1 or otherwise delivered by the Transferor to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.09 or 2.10, to compete or assist any person in competing with the Account Owner or any Transferor in its credit card business.
 
Section 2.03.  Representations and Warranties of Each Transferor Relating to  Such Transferor.  Each Transferor hereby severally represents and warrants to the Trust (and agrees that the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely on each such representation and warranty in accepting the Receivables in trust and in authenticating the Notes, respectively) as of each Closing Date (but only if it was a Transferor on such date) that:
 
(a)          Organization and Good Standing.  Such Transferor is a corporation or limited liability company validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as presently owned or conducted, and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement, the applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement.

 
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(b)          Due Qualification.  Such Transferor is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals, in each jurisdiction in which failure to so qualify or to obtain such licenses and approvals would (i) render any Credit Card Agreement relating to any Receivable conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor unenforceable by such Transferor, the Servicer or the Trust or (ii) have a material adverse effect on the Noteholders.
 
(c)          Due Authorization.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement by such Transferor and the order to the Owner Trustee to have the Notes authenticated and delivered and the consummation by such Transferor of the transactions provided for in this Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement have been duly authorized by such Transferor by all necessary corporate or limited liability company action on the part of such Transferor.
 
(d)          No Conflict.  The execution and delivery by such Transferor of this Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof applicable to such Transferor, will not conflict with or violate any Requirements of Law applicable to such Transferor or conflict with, result in any breach of any of the material terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a material default under, any indenture, contract, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument to which such Transferor is a party or by which it or its properties are bound.
 
(e)          No Proceedings.  There are no proceedings or investigations, pending or, to the best knowledge of such Transferor, threatened against such Transferor before any Governmental Authority (i) asserting the invalidity of this Agreement or each applicable Participation Interest Supplement, (ii) seeking to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or each applicable Participation Interest Supplement, (iii) seeking any determination or ruling that, in the reasonable judgment of such Transferor, would materially and adversely affect the performance by such Transferor of its obligations under this Agreement or each applicable Participation Interest Supplement, (iv) seeking any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or each applicable Participation Interest Supplement or (v) seeking to affect adversely the income or franchise tax attributes of the Trust under the United States Federal or any State income or franchise tax systems.
 
(f)           All Consents.  All authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of or registrations or declarations with any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given by such Transferor in connection with the execution and delivery by such Transferor of this Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each applicable Participation Interest Supplement by such Transferor have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect.

 
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Section 2.04.  Representations and Warranties of each Transferor Relating to the Agreement and Any Participation Interest Supplement and the Receivables.
 
(a)          Representations and Warranties.  Each Transferor hereby severally represents and warrants to the Trust and the Indenture Trustee as of the Initial Issuance Date, each Closing Date and, with respect to Additional Accounts, as of the related Addition Date (but only if in either case, it was a Transferor on such date and only with respect to Accounts it has designated on such date and Receivables arising therein) that:
 
(i)           this Agreement and the applicable Participation Interest Supplement each constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Transferor enforceable against such Transferor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ lights generally from time to time in effect or general principles of equity;
 
(ii)          as of the Cut-Off Date with respect to the Initial Accounts (and the Receivables arising therein), and as of the related Document Delivery Date with respect to Additional Accounts (and the Receivables arising therein), the portion of Schedule 1 to this Agreement under such Transferor’s name, as supplemented to such date, is an accurate and complete listing in all material respects of all the Accounts the Receivables in which were transferred by such Transferor as of the Cut-Off Date or such Addition Date, as the case may be, and the information contained therein with respect to the identity of such Accounts and the Receivables existing thereunder is true and correct in all material respects as of the Cut-Off Date or such Document Delivery Date, as the case may be;
 
(iii)         on the date each Receivable is conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor, such Receivable has been conveyed to the Trust free and clear of any Lien, claim or encumbrance of any Person;
 
(iv)         all authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of or registrations or declarations with any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given by such Transferor in connection with the conveyance by such Transferor of Receivables to the Trust have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect;
 
(v)          either this Agreement or, in the case of Additional Accounts, the related Assignment constitutes a valid sale, transfer and assignment to the Trust of all right, title and interest of such Transferor in the Receivables conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor and the proceeds thereof and Recoveries identified as relating to the Receivables conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor which have become Defaulted Receivables or, if this Agreement or, in the case of Additional Accounts, the related Assignment does not constitute a sale of such property, it constitutes a grant of a perfected “security interest” (as defined in the UCC) in such property to the Trust, and which security interest is prior to all other Liens (other than any Lien for municipal or other local taxes if such taxes are not then due and payable or if such Transferor is then contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto), which, in the case of existing Receivables and the proceeds thereof and said Recoveries, is enforceable upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, or, with respect to then existing Receivables in Additional Accounts, as of the applicable Addition Date, and which will be enforceable with respect to such Receivables hereafter and thereafter created and the proceeds thereof upon such creation.  Upon the filing of the financing statements and, in the case of Receivables hereafter created and the proceeds thereof, upon the creation thereof, the Trust shall have a first priority perfected security or ownership interest in such property and proceeds prior to all other Liens, which is enforceable against creditors of and purchasers from such Transferor;
 
 
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(vi)         such Transferor has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements against such Transferor that include a description of collateral covering the Receivables other than any financing statement (i) relating to the security interest granted to the Issuer hereunder or (ii) that has been terminated.
 
(vii)       on the Cut-Off Date, each Initial Account specified in Schedule 1 with respect to such Transferor is an Eligible Account and, on the applicable Addition Date, each related Additional Account with respect to such Transferor is an Eligible Account;
 
(viii)      on the Cut-Off Date, each Receivable then existing and conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor is an Eligible Receivable and, on the applicable Addition Date, each Receivable contained in the related Additional Accounts and conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor is an Eligible Receivable;
 
(ix)         as of the date of the creation of any new Receivable transferred to the Trust by such Transferor, such Receivable is an Eligible Receivable;
 
(x)          other than the procedures specified herein, no selection procedures believed by such Transferor to be materially adverse to the interests of the Noteholders have been used in selecting such Accounts;
 
(xi)         this Agreement creates a valid and continuing security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Receivables described in Section 2.01 in favor of the Trust, which security interest is prior to all other Liens (other than any Lien for municipal or other local taxes if such taxes are not then due and payable or if such Transferor is then contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto), and is enforceable as such against creditors of and purchasers from such Transferor;
 
(xii)        such Receivables constitute “accounts,” “payment intangibles” or “tangible chattel paper” within the meaning of the applicable UCC;
 
(xiii)       such Transferor owns and has good and marketable title to such Receivables free and clear of any Lien, claim or encumbrance (other than any Lien for municipal or other local taxes if such taxes are not then due and payable or if such Transferor is then contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto) of any Person;
 
(xiv)       such Transferor has caused or will have caused, within ten days of this Agreement or the applicable Assignment, the filing of all appropriate financing statements in the proper filing office in the appropriate jurisdictions under applicable law in order to perfect the security interest in such Receivables granted to the Issuer hereunder;

 
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(xv)        other than the security interest granted to the Trust pursuant to this Agreement, such Transferor has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of such Receivables.  Such Transferor has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements against such Transferor that include a description of collateral covering such Receivables other than any financing statement (i) relating to the security interest granted to the Trust hereunder, or (ii) that has been terminated;
 
(xvi)       only one original Credit Card Agreement exists with respect to each Account, and each such original is in the possession of the related Seller; and
 
(xvii)      no Credit Card Agreement has any marks or notations indicating that it has been pledged, assigned, or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Indenture Trustee.
 
(b)          Notice of Breach.  The representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.03, this Section 2.04 and subsection 2.09(c) shall survive the transfers and assignments of the Receivables to the Trust, the pledge of the Receivables to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture, and the issuance of the Notes.  Upon discovery by any Transferor, the Servicer or the Owner Trustee of a breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.03, this Section 2.04 or subsection 2.09(c), the party discovering such breach shall give written notice to the other parties and to the Indenture Trustee within three (3) Business Days following such discovery; provided that the failure to give notice within three (3) Business Days does not preclude subsequent notice.
 
(c)          The representations and warranties in Section 2.04(a)(xi)-(xvii) shall survive termination of this Agreement and, if Standard & Poor’s is then a Rating Agency, shall not be waived without the written consent of Standard and Poor’s.
 
Section 2.05.   Reassignment of Ineligible Receivables.
 
(a)          Reassignment of Receivables.  In the event (i) any representation or warranty contained in subsection 2.04(a)(ii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii),(ix), (x), (xvi) or (xvii) is not true and correct in any material respect as of the date specified therein with respect to any Receivable or the related Account and such breach has a material adverse effect on any Receivable (which determination shall be made without regard to whether funds are then available pursuant to any Series Enhancement) unless cured within sixty (60) days (or such longer period, not in excess of 120 days, as may be agreed to by the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer in writing) after the earlier to occur of the discovery thereof by the Transferor which conveyed such Receivables to the Trust or receipt by such Transferor of written notice thereof given by the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Servicer, (ii) any representation or warranty contained in subsection 2.04(a)(iii) is not true and correct in any material respect as of the date specified therein with respect to any Receivable and such breach has a material adverse effect on any Receivable (which determination shall be made without regard to whether funds are then available pursuant to any Series Enhancement) or (iii) it is so provided in subsection 2.07(a) with respect to any Receivables conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor, then such Transferor shall accept reassignment of all Receivables in the related Account (“Ineligible Receivables”) on the terms and conditions set forth in paragraph (b) below.

 
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(b)           Price of Reassignment.  The Servicer shall deduct the portion of such Ineligible Receivables required to be reassigned to each Transferor which are Principal Receivables from the aggregate amount of the Principal Receivables used to calculate the Transferor Interest and (unless otherwise specified) any other amount required herein or in the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement to be calculated by reference to the amount of Principal Receivables.  In the event that, following the exclusion of such Principal Receivables from the calculation of the Transferor Interest, the Transferor Interest would be less than the Required Transferor Interest, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the first Distribution Date following the Monthly Period in which such reassignment obligation arises, the applicable Transferor shall make a deposit into the Special Funding Account in immediately available funds in an amount equal to the amount by which the Transferor Interest would be below the Required Transferor Interest (up to the amount of such Principal Receivables).
 
Upon reassignment of any Ineligible Receivable, the Trust shall automatically and without further action be deemed to transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to the applicable Transferor or its designee, without recourse, representation or warranty, all the right, title and interest of the Trust in and to such Ineligible Receivable, all Recoveries related thereto, all monies and amounts due or to become due and all proceeds thereof and such reassigned Ineligible Receivable shall be treated by the Trust as collected in full as of the date on which it was transferred.  The obligation of each Transferor to accept reassignment of any Ineligible Receivables conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor, and to make the deposits, if any, required to be made to the Special Funding Account as provided in this Section, shall constitute the sole remedy respecting the event giving rise to such obligation available to the Trust, the Noteholders (or the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders) or any Series Enhancer.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection 2.05(b), a reassignment of an Ineligible Receivable in excess of the amount that would cause the Transferor Interest to be less than the Required Transferor Interest shall not occur if the applicable Transferor fails to make any deposit required by this subsection 2.05(b) with respect to such Ineligible Receivable.  The Trust shall execute such documents and instruments of transfer or assignment and take such other actions as shall reasonably be requested and provided by the applicable Transferor to effect the conveyance of such Ineligible Receivables pursuant to this subsection 2.05(b), but only upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate from such Transferor that states that all conditions set forth in this Section 2.05 have been satisfied.
 
Section 2.06.  Reassignment of Trust Portfolio.  In the event any representation or warranty of a Transferor set forth in subsection 2.03(a), (c), (d), (e) or (f) or subsection 2.04(a)(i) or (v) is not true and correct in any material respect and such breach has a material adverse effect on the Receivables or Participation Interests conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor or the availability of the proceeds thereof to the Trust (which determination shall be made without regard to whether funds are then available pursuant to any Series Enhancement), then the Indenture Trustee, upon the written direction of the Holders of Notes evidencing more than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Notes, by notice then given to such Transferor, may direct such Transferor to accept a reassignment of the Receivables and any Participation Interests conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor if such breach and any material adverse effect caused by such breach is not cured within sixty (60) days of such notice (or within such longer period, not in excess of 120 days, as may be specified in such notice), and upon those conditions such Transferor shall be obligated to accept such reassignment on the terms set forth below; provided, however, that such Receivables and Participation Interests will not be reassigned to such Transferor if, on any day prior to the end of such 60-day or longer period (i) the relevant representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as if made on such day and (ii) such Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee a certificate of an authorized officer describing the nature of such breach and the manner in which the relevant representation and warranty has become true and correct.
 
 
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The applicable Transferor shall deposit in the Collection Account in immediately available funds not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the first Distribution Date following the Monthly Period in which such reassignment obligation arises, in payment for such reassignment, an amount equal to the sum of the amounts specified therefor with respect to each outstanding Series in the related Indenture Supplement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such amounts shall be distributed to the Noteholders on such Distribution Date in accordance with the terms of each Indenture Supplement.  If the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders give notice directing the applicable Transferor to accept a reassignment of the Receivables and Participation Interests as provided above, the obligation of such Transferor to accept such reassignment pursuant to this Section 2.06 and to make the deposit required to be made to the Collection Account as provided in this paragraph shall constitute the sole remedy respecting an event of the type specified in the first sentence of this Section 2.06 available to the Noteholders (or the Indenture Trustee on behalf of the Noteholders) or any Series Enhancer.  Upon reassignment of the Receivables and the Participation Interests on such Distribution Date, the Trust shall automatically and without further action be deemed to transfer, assign, set-over and otherwise convey to the applicable Transferor, without recourse, representation or warranty, all the right, title and interest of the Trust in and to the Receivables and the Participation Interests, all Recoveries allocable to the Trust, and all monies and amounts due or to become due with respect thereto and all proceeds thereof.  The Trust shall execute such documents and instruments of transfer or assignment and take such other actions as shall reasonably be requested by the applicable Transferor to effect the conveyance of such property pursuant to this subsection.
 
Section 2.07.   Covenants of each Transferor.  Each Transferor hereby severally covenants that:
 
(a)          Receivables Not To Be Evidenced by Promissory Notes.  Except in connection with its enforcement or collection of an Account, such Transferor will take no action to cause any Receivable conveyed by it to the Trust to be evidenced by any instrument (as defined in the UCC) and if any such Receivable (or any underlying receivable) is so evidenced it shall be deemed to be an Ineligible Receivable in accordance with subsection 2.05(a) and shall be reassigned to such Transferor in accordance with subsection 2.05(b).
 
(b)          Security Interests.  Except for the conveyances hereunder, such Transferor will not sell, pledge, assign or transfer to any other Person, or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on, any Receivable (or any underlying receivable) or Participation Interest conveyed by it to the Trust, whether now existing or hereafter created, or any interest therein, and such Transferor shall defend the right, title and interest of the Trust and the Indenture Trustee in, to and under the Receivables and any Participation Interest, whether now existing or hereafter created, against all claims of third parties claiming through or under such Transferor.
 
 
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(c)          Transferor Interest.  Except for (i) the conveyances hereunder, in connection with any transaction permitted by subsection 4.02(a)(i) and as provided in subsection 2.09(d) of this Agreement or Section 2.12 of the Indenture or (ii) conveyances with respect to which the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied and a Tax Opinion shall have been delivered, such Transferor agrees not to transfer, sell, assign, exchange or otherwise convey or pledge, hypothecate or otherwise grant a security interest in the Transferor Interest, the Transferor Certificate or any Supplemental Certificate and any such attempted transfer, assignment, exchange, conveyance, pledge, hypothecation, grant or sale shall be void; provided, however, that nothing in this subsection 2.07(c) shall prevent the owner of an interest in the Transferor Interest from granting to an Affiliate a participation interest or other beneficial interest in the rights to receive cash flows related to the Transferor Interest, if (i) such interest does not grant such Affiliate any rights hereunder or delegate to such Affiliate any obligations or duties hereunder, (ii) the transferor of such interest obtains the prior written consent of such Transferor and (iii) after giving effect to such transfer, the interest in the Transferor’s Interest owned directly by such Transferor represents an undivided ownership interest in two percent (2.0%) or more of the Trust Assets.
 
(d)          Delivery of Collections or Recoveries.  In the event that such Transferor receives Collections or Recoveries, such Transferor agrees to pay the Servicer all such Collections and Recoveries as soon as practicable after receipt thereof.
 
(e)          Notice of Liens.  Such Transferor shall notify the Trust, the Indenture Trustee and each Series Enhancer in writing promptly after becoming aware of any Lien on any Receivable (or on the underlying receivable) or Participation Interest conveyed by it to the Trust other than the conveyances hereunder and under the applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement and the Indenture.
 
(f)           Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation.  Such Transferor will not amend in any material respect its certificate of incorporation without providing the Rating Agency with notice no later than the fifth Business Day prior to such amendment (unless the right to such notice is waived by the Rating Agency) and satisfying the Rating Agency Condition.
 
(g)          Other Indebtedness.  Such Transferor shall not incur any additional debt, unless (i) such debt is contemplated by the Transaction Documents or (ii) the Rating Agency is provided with notice no later than the fifth Business Day prior to the incurrence of such additional debt (unless the right to such notice is waived by the Rating Agency) and the Rating Agency Condition is satisfied with respect to the incurrence of such debt.
 
(h)          Separate Corporate Existence.  Such Transferor shall:

 
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(i)           Maintain in full effect its existence, rights and franchises as a corporation or limited liability company under the laws of the state of its incorporation and will obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Agreement and each other instrument or agreement necessary or appropriate to proper administration hereof and permit and effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
(ii)          Except as provided herein, maintain its own deposit, securities and other account or accounts, separate from those of any Affiliate of such Transferor, with financial institutions.  The funds of such Transferor will not be diverted to any other Person or for other than the corporate use of such Transferor, and, except as may be expressly permitted by this Agreement or the applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement, the funds of such Transferor shall not be commingled with those of any other person or entity.
 
(iii)         Ensure that, to the extent that it shares the same officers or other employees as any of its stockholders or Affiliates, the salaries of and the expenses related to providing benefits to such officers and other employees shall be fairly allocated among such entities, and each such entity shall bear its fair share of the salary and benefit costs associated with all such common officers and employees.
 
(iv)        Ensure that, to the extent that it jointly contracts with any of its stockholders or Affiliates to do business with vendors or service providers or to share overhead expenses, the costs incurred in so doing shall be allocated fairly among such entities, and each such entity shall bear its fair share of such costs.  To the extent that such Transferor contracts or does business with vendors or service providers where the goods and services provided are partially for the benefit of any other Person, the costs incurred in so doing shall be fairly allocated to or among such entities for whose benefit the goods and services are provided, and each such entity shall bear its fair share of such costs.  All material transactions between such Transferor and any of its Affiliates shall be only on an arm’s-length basis and shall receive the approval of such Transferor’s Board of Directors including at least one Independent Director (defined below).
 
(v)          Maintain a principal executive and administrative office through which its business is conducted and a telephone number separate from those of its stockholders and Affiliates.  To the extent that such Transferor and any of its stockholders or Affiliates have offices in contiguous space, there shall be fair and appropriate allocation of overhead costs (including rent) among them, and each such entity shall bear its fair share of such expenses.
 
(vi)         Conduct its affairs strictly in accordance with its certificate of incorporation and observe all necessary, appropriate and customary corporate formalities, including, but not limited to, holding all regular and special stockholders’ and directors’ meetings appropriate to authorize all corporate action, keeping separate and accurate minutes of such meetings, passing all resolutions or consents necessary to authorize actions taken or to be taken, and maintaining accurate and separate books, records and accounts, including, but not limited to, intercompany transaction accounts.  Regular stockholders’ and directors’ meetings shall be held at least annually.
 
 
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(vii)        Ensure that its board of directors shall at all times include at least one Independent Director (for purposes hereof, “Independent Director” shall mean any member of the board of directors of such Transferor that is not and has not at any time been (x) an officer, agent, advisor, consultant, attorney, accountant, employee or shareholder of any Affiliate which is not a special purpose entity of such Transferor, (y) a director of any Affiliate of such Transferor other than an independent director of any Affiliate which is a special purpose entity or (z) a member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing).
 
(viii)       Ensure that decisions with respect to its business and daily operations shall be independently made by such Transferor (although the officer making any particular decision may also be an officer or director of an Affiliate of such Transferor) and shall not be dictated by an Affiliate of such Transferor.
 
(ix)         Act solely in its own corporate name and through its own authorized officers and agents, and no Affiliate of such Transferor shall be appointed to act as agent of such Transferor.  Such Transferor shall at all times use its own stationery and business forms and describe itself as a separate legal entity.
 
(x)          Ensure that no Affiliate of such Transferor shall advance funds to such Transferor, and no Affiliate of such Transferor will otherwise guaranty debts of, such Transferor.
 
(xi)         Other than organizational expenses and as expressly provided herein, pay all expenses, indebtedness and other obligations incurred by it using its own funds.
 
(xii)        Not enter into any guaranty, or otherwise become liable, with respect to or hold its assets or creditworthiness out as being available for the payment of any obligation of any Affiliate of such Transferor nor shall such Transferor make any loans to any Person.
 
(xiii)       Ensure that any financial reports required of such Transferor shall comply with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be issued separately from, but may be consolidated with, any reports prepared for any of its Affiliates so long as such consolidated reports contain footnotes describing the effect of the transactions between the Transferor and such Affiliate and also state that the assets of the Transferor are not available to pay creditors of the Affiliate.
 
(xiv)       Ensure that at all times it is adequately capitalized to engage in the transactions contemplated in its Certificate of Incorporation.
 
Section 2.08.  Covenants of each Transferor with Respect to the Applicable Receivables Purchase Agreement.  Each Transferor, in its capacity as purchaser of Receivables from the Seller pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, hereby covenants that such Transferor will at all times enforce the covenants and agreements of the Seller in the Receivables Purchase Agreement including covenants substantially to the effect set forth below:
 
 
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(a)          Periodic Rate Finance Charges.  (i) Except (x) as otherwise required by any Requirements of Law or (y) as is deemed by the Seller to be necessary in order for it to maintain its credit card business or a program operated by such credit card business on a competitive basis based on a good faith assessment by it of the nature of the competition with respect to the credit card business or such program, it shall not at any time take any action which would have the effect of reducing the Portfolio Yield to a level that could be reasonably expected to cause any Series to experience any Pay Out Event or Event of Default based on the insufficiency of the Portfolio Yield or any similar test and (ii) it shall not take any action unless such action is also applied to all comparable segments of consumer revolving credit card accounts owned by the Credit Card Originator which have characteristics the same as, or substantially similar to, such Accounts.
 
(b)          Credit Card Agreements and Guidelines.  Subject to compliance with all Requirements of Law and paragraph (a) above, the Seller may change the terms and provisions of the applicable Credit Card Agreements or the applicable Credit Card Guidelines in any respect (including the calculation of the amount or the timing of charge-offs and the Periodic Rate Finance Charges to be assessed thereon) if such change would not materially and adversely affect the rights of the Trust or the Noteholders.  Notwithstanding the above, unless required by Requirements of Law or as permitted by paragraph (a) above, the Seller will not take such action unless (i) at the time of such action, the Seller reasonably believes that such action will not cause a Pay Out Event or Event of Default to occur, and (ii) such action is made applicable to the comparable segment of the revolving credit card accounts owned by the Seller which have characteristics the same as, or substantially similar to, the Accounts that are the subject of such change, except as otherwise restricted by an endorsement, sponsorship, or other agreement between the Seller and an unrelated third party or by the terms of the Credit Card Agreements.
 
Section 2.09.   Addition of Accounts.
 
(a)
 
(i)           The Transferor shall on each Business Day designate as Accounts hereunder all newly created consumer revolving credit card accounts of the Seller that have been transferred to the Transferor that are Eligible Accounts (the “Additional Accounts”).  The Transferor agrees that it shall meet the following requirement in connection with the designation of such Additional Accounts:
 
 
(A)
On the Determination Date immediately following the Monthly Period during which an Addition Date shall have occurred (the “Document Delivery Date”), the Transferor shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee a computer file, magnetic tape or microfiche list containing a true and complete list of all Accounts, including Additional Accounts, identified by account number and the aggregate amount of the Principal Receivables and aggregate amount of Finance Charge Receivables in such Accounts and Additional Accounts as of the close of the preceding Monthly Period, which computer file, magnetic tape or microfiche lists shall be as of the date of such delivery incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement as Schedule 1; and
 
 
(B)
On or before the Document Delivery Date, the Servicer shall determine whether the Account Addition Test is satisfied and shall designate the Excluded Accounts, if any, necessary to cause the Account Addition Test to be satisfied.  Each Excluded Account (and all Receivables thereunder) shall automatically and without further action be re-conveyed by the Issuer to the Transferor upon such designation (and such re-conveyance shall be effective as of the Addition Date for such Account.
 
 
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(ii)          In addition to causing the designation of Additional Accounts pursuant to  clause (i) above, the Transferor may (but shall not be required), subject to the conditions specified in paragraph (b) below, convey to the Trust participations (including 100% participations) representing undivided interests in a pool of assets primarily consisting of revolving credit card receivables and any interests in any of the foregoing, including securities representing or backed by such receivables and collections, together with all earnings, revenue, dividends, distributions, income, issues and profits thereon (“Participation Interests”).  Receivables shall not be treated as a Participation Interest for purposes of this Agreement.  The addition of Participation Interests in the Trust pursuant to this paragraph (a) shall be effected by a Participation Interest Supplement, dated the applicable Addition Date and entered into pursuant to subsection 9.01(a).
 
(iii)         Any Participation Interests designated to be included as Trust Assets  pursuant to clause (ii) above may only be so included if the applicable conditions specified in paragraph (b) below have been satisfied.
 
(b)          Conditions to Additions of Participation Interests.  On the Addition Date with respect to any Participation Interests, the Trust shall acquire such Participation Interests existing as of the close of business on the applicable Additional Cut-Off Date, subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
 
(i)           on or before the eighth Business Day immediately preceding the Addition Date, the applicable Transferor shall have given the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and each Rating Agency written notice (unless such notice requirement is otherwise waived) that the Participation Interests will be included and specifying the applicable Additional Cut-Off Date and Addition Date;
 
(ii)          such Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and Indenture Trustee copies of UCC-1 financing statements covering such Participation Interests, if necessary to perfect the Trust’s interest in the Receivables arising therein;
 
(iii)         to the extent required by Section 8.04 of the Indenture, such Transferor shall have deposited in the Collection Account all Collections with respect to such Participation Interests since the Addition Date;
 
(iv)        as of each of the Additional Cut-Off Date and the Addition Date, no Insolvency Event with respect to the Seller, SJRC or other Transferor shall have occurred nor shall the transfer to the Trust of the Participation Interests have been made in contemplation of the occurrence thereof;
 
(v)          the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied;
 
 
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(vi)         such Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the Addition Date, confirming, to the extent applicable, the items set forth in clauses (ii) through (v) above and clause (vii) below;
 
(vii)        the acquisition by the Trust of the Participation Interests will not result in an Adverse Effect and such Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the Addition Date, stating that such Transferor reasonably believes that the acquisition by the Trust of the Participation Interests will not have an Adverse Effect; and
 
(viii)       such Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency an Opinion of Counsel, dated the Addition Date, in accordance with subsection 9.02(d)(ii) or (iv), as applicable.
 
(c)          Representations and Warranties.  Each Transferor conveying Participation Interests hereby represents and warrants to the Trust as of the related Addition Date as to the matters set forth in clauses (iv) and (vii) of subsection 2.09(b) above.
 
(d)          Additional Transferors.  The Transferor may designate Affiliates of the Transferor to be included as Transferors (“Additional Transferors”) under this Agreement in an amendment hereto pursuant to subsection 9.01(a) and, in connection with such designation, the Transferor shall surrender the Transferor Certificate to the Owner Trustee in exchange for a newly issued Transferor Certificate modified to reflect such Additional Transferor’s interest in the Transferor Interest; provided, however, that prior to any such designation and exchange the conditions set forth in clauses (iii) and (v) of subsection 3.06(b) of the Trust Agreement shall have been satisfied with respect thereto.
 
Section 2.10.   Removal of Accounts and Participation Interests.  (a) On any day of any Monthly Period each Transferor shall have the right to require the reassignment to it or its designee of all the Trust’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables then existing and thereafter created, all Recoveries related thereto after the Removal Date, all monies due or to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto, and all proceeds thereof in or with respect to the Accounts (the “Removed Accounts) or Participation Interests conveyed to the Trust by such Transferor (the “Removed Participation Interests”) (unless otherwise set forth in the applicable Participation Interest Supplement or Indenture Supplement) and designated for removal by the Transferor, upon satisfaction of the conditions in clauses (i) through (vi) below:
 
(i)           on or before the eighth Business Day immediately preceding the Removal Date, such Transferor shall have given written notice to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer, the Rating Agency and each Series Enhancer (unless such notice requirement is otherwise waived) of such removal and specifying the date for removal of the Removed Accounts and removed Participation Interests (the “Removal Date”);
 
(ii)           on or prior to the date that is five (5) Business Days on or before the Removal Date, such Transferor shall amend Schedule 1 by delivering to the Indenture Trustee a computer file or microfiche list containing a true and complete list of the Removed Accounts specifying for each such Account, as of the date notice of the Removal Date is given, its account number, the aggregate amount outstanding in such Account and the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables outstanding in such Account;

 
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(iii)         such Transferor shall have represented and warranted as of the Removal Date that the list of Removed Accounts delivered pursuant to paragraph (ii) above, as of the Removal Date, is true and complete in all material respects;
 
(iv)         the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to the removal of the Removed Accounts and removed Participation Interests;
 
(v)          such Transferor shall have delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the Removal Date, to the effect that such Transferor reasonably believes that (A) such removal will not have a material adverse effect on the Noteholders, (B) such removal will not result in the occurrence of a Pay Out Event or Event of Default, and (C) no selection procedures believed by such Transferor to be materially adverse to the interests of the Noteholders have been used in selecting the Removed Accounts; and
 
(vi)         any other conditions specified in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
(b)          Upon satisfaction of the above conditions, the Trust shall execute and deliver to such Transferor a written reassignment in substantially the form of Exhibit B (the “Reassignment) and shall, without further action, be deemed to transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to such Transferor or its designee, effective as of the Removal Date, without recourse, representation or warranty, all the right, title and interest of the Trust in and to the Receivables arising in the Removed Accounts and Removed Participation Interests, all Recoveries related thereto, all monies due and to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto after the Removal Date and all proceeds thereof and any Insurance Proceeds relating thereto.  The Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may conclusively rely on the Officer’s Certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 2.10 and shall have no duty to make inquiries with regard to the matters set forth therein and shall incur no personal liability in so relying.
 
In addition to the foregoing, on the date when any Receivable in an Account becomes a Defaulted Receivable, the Trust shall automatically and without further action or consideration be deemed to transfer, set over and otherwise convey to the Transferor with respect to such Account, without recourse, representation or warranty, all right, title and interest of the Trust in and to the Defaulted Receivables in such Account, all monies and amounts due or to become due with respect thereto and all proceeds thereof; provided that Recoveries of such Account shall be applied as provided herein.
 
In addition to the foregoing, each Transferor may designate Removed Accounts as provided in and subject to the terms and conditions contained in this Section 2.10 if the Removed Accounts are designated in response to a third-party action or decision not to act and not the unilateral action of any Transferor.
 
 
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(c)          With respect to Removed Accounts described in subsection 2.11(a), in addition to the foregoing requirements (i) there shall be no more than one Removal Date per Transferor in any Monthly Period, (ii) for each Removal Date, the Accounts to be designated as Removed Accounts shall be selected at random by the applicable Transferor and (iii) the Removed Accounts shall not, as of the Removal Notice Date, contain Principal Receivables which in the aggregate exceed an amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between the Transferor Interest and the Required Transferor Interest.
 
Section 2.11.   Account Allocations.  In the event that any Transferor is unable for any reason to transfer Receivables to the Trust in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including by reason of the application of the provisions of Section 6.01 or any order of any Governmental Authority (a “Transfer Restriction Event”), then, (a) such Transferor and the Servicer agree (except as prohibited by any such order) to allocate and pay to the Trust, after the date of such inability, all Collections, including Collections of Receivables transferred to the Trust prior to the occurrence of such event, and all amounts which would have constituted Collections but for such Transferor’s inability to transfer Receivables (up to an aggregate amount equal to the amount of Receivables transferred to the Trust by such Transferor in the Trust on such date), (b) such Transferor and the Servicer agree that such amounts will be applied as Collections in accordance with Article VIII of the Indenture and the terms of each Indenture Supplement and (c) for so long as the allocation and application of all Collections and all amounts that would have constituted Collections are made in accordance with clauses (a) and (b) above, Principal Receivables and all amounts which would have constituted Principal Receivables but for such Transferor’s inability to transfer Receivables to the Trust which are charged off as uncollectible in accordance with this Agreement shall continue to be allocated in accordance with Article VIII of the Indenture and the terms of each Indenture Supplement.  For the purpose of the immediately preceding sentence, such Transferor and the Servicer shall treat the first received Collections with respect to the Accounts as allocable to the Trust until the Trust shall have been allocated and paid Collections in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in the Trust as of the date of the occurrence of such event.  If such Transferor and the Servicer are unable pursuant to any Requirements of Law to allocate Collections as described above, such Transferor and the Servicer agree that, after the occurrence of such event, payments on each Account with respect to the principal balance of such Account shall be allocated first to the oldest principal balance of such Account and shall have such payments applied as Collections in accordance with Article VIII of the Indenture and the terms of each Indenture Supplement.  The parties hereto agree that Finance Charge Receivables, whenever created, accrued in respect of Principal Receivables which have been conveyed to the Trust shall continue to be a part of the Trust notwithstanding any cessation of the transfer of additional Principal Receivables to the Trust and Collections with respect thereto shall continue to be allocated and paid in accordance with Article VIII of the Indenture and the terms of each Indenture Supplement.
 
 
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Section 2.12.   Discount Option.
 
(a)          The Transferor shall have the option to designate at any time and from time to time a percentage or percentages, which may be a fixed percentage or a variable percentage based on a formula (the “Discount Percentage”), of all or any specified portion of Principal Receivables existing on or after the Discount Option Date to be treated as Finance Charge Receivables (“Discount Option Receivables”).  As of the Initial Issuance Date, the Transferor hereby exercises such option and designates a Discount Percentage of 5.0% to be effective as of the Initial Issuance Date and to be applied to all Principal Receivables.  Subject to the conditions specified below, the Transferor may, without notice to or the consent of any Noteholder, from time to time, increase, reduce or eliminate the Discount Percentage for all or any specified portion of Principal Receivables and if the Discount Percentage has been withdrawn to again designate a Discount Percentage on or after a specified date (each, a “Discount Option Date”) at any time and from time to time.  The Transferor shall provide thirty (30) days prior written notice of any such change in the Discount Percentage and the related Discount Option Date to the Servicer, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and any Rating Agency and such change in the Discount Percentage shall become effective on such Discount Option Date (i) unless such designation in the reasonable belief of the Transferor would cause a Pay Out Event or Event of Default with respect to any Series to occur, or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a Pay Out Event or Event of Default with respect to any Series and (ii) only if the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to such designation.
 
(b)          On each Date of Processing, Collections of Discount Option Receivables, if any, shall be treated as Collections of Finance Charge Receivables.
 
[END OF ARTICLE

 
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ARTICLE III
 
ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICING
OF RECEIVABLES
 
Section 3.01.   Acceptance of Appointment and Other Matters Relating to the Servicer.
 
(a)          Sterling agrees to act as the Servicer under this Agreement and the Noteholders by their acceptance of Notes consent to Sterling acting as Servicer.
 
(b)          As agent for each Transferor and the Trust, the Servicer shall service and administer the Receivables (including the underlying receivables) and any Participation Interests, shall collect and deposit into the Collection Account amounts received under the Receivables (including the underlying receivables) and any Participation Interests and shall charge off as uncollectible Receivables, all in accordance with to customary and usual servicing procedures for servicing credit card receivables comparable to the Receivables and in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines.  As agent for each Transferor and the Trust, the Servicer shall have full power and authority, acting alone or through any party properly designated by it hereunder, to do any and all things in connection with such servicing and administration which it may deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that subject to the rights of the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Noteholders hereunder, SJRC shall have the absolute right to direct the Servicer with respect to any power conferred on the Servicer hereunder in accordance with any such direction.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and subject to Section 7.01, the Servicer or its designee is hereby authorized and empowered, unless such power is revoked by the Indenture Trustee on account of the occurrence of a Servicer Default pursuant to Section 7.01, (i) to instruct the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee in writing to make withdrawals and payments from the Collection Account, the Special Funding Account and any Series Account, as set forth in this Agreement, the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement, (ii) to take any action required or permitted under any Series Enhancement, as set forth in this Agreement, the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement, (iii) to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Trust, any and all instruments of satisfaction or cancellation, or of partial or full release or discharge, and all other comparable instruments, with respect to the Receivables and, after the delinquency of any Receivable and to the extent permitted under and in compliance with applicable Requirements of Law, to commence collection proceedings with respect to such Receivable and in its discretion, to sell Defaulted Receivables, and (iv) to make any filings, reports, notices, applications and registrations with, and to seek any consents or authorizations from, the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state securities authority on behalf of the Trust as may be necessary or advisable to comply with any Federal or state securities or reporting requirements or other laws. or regulations.  The Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee upon written request therefor shall furnish the Servicer with any documents necessary or appropriate to enable the Servicer to carry out its servicing and administrative duties hereunder.
 
(c)          The Servicer shall not, and no Successor Servicer shall, be obligated to use separate servicing procedures, offices, employees or accounts for servicing the Receivables from the procedures, offices, employees and accounts used by the Servicer or such Successor Servicer, as the case may be, in connection with servicing other credit card receivables.

 
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(d)          The Servicer shall comply with and perform its servicing obligations with respect to the Accounts and Receivables in accordance with the Credit Card Agreements relating to the Accounts and the Credit Card Guidelines, except insofar as any failure to so comply or perform would not materially and adversely affect the Trust or the Noteholders.
 
(e)          The Servicer shall pay out of its own funds, without reimbursement, all expenses incurred in connection with the Trust and the servicing activities hereunder including expenses related to enforcement of the Receivables, fees and disbursements of the Owner Trustee (as such and in its individual capacity), the Administrator and the Indenture Trustee in accordance with Section 6.07 of the Indenture (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its outside counsel) and independent accountants and all other fees and expenses, including the costs of filing UCC continuation statements, the costs and expenses relating to obtaining and maintaining the listing of any Notes on any stock exchange and any stamp, documentary, excise, property (whether on real, personal or intangible property) or any similar tax levied on the Trust or the Trust’s assets that are not expressly stated in this Agreement to be payable by the Trust or the Transferor (other than federal, state, local and foreign income and franchise taxes, if any, or any interest or penalties with respect thereto, assessed on the Trust).
 
Section 3.02.   Servicing Compensation.  As full compensation for its servicing activities hereunder and as reimbursement for any expense incurred by it in connection therewith, the Servicer shall be entitled to receive a servicing fee (the “Servicing Fee”) with respect to each Monthly Period, payable monthly on the related Distribution Date, in an amount equal to one-twelfth of the product of (a) the weighted average of the Servicing Fee Rates with respect to each outstanding Series (based upon the Servicing Fee Rate for each Series and the Invested Amount (or such other amount as specified in the related Indenture Supplement) of such Series, in each case as of the last day of the prior Monthly Period) and (b) the amount of Principal Receivables on the last day of the prior Monthly Period prior to the termination of the Trust pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Trust Agreement.  The share of the Servicing Fee allocable to a Series of Notes with respect to any Monthly Period (the “Monthly Servicing Fee”) shall be determined in accordance with the relevant Indenture Supplement.  The portion of the Servicing Fee with respect to any Monthly Period not paid pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid by the Holders of the Transferor Certificates on the related Distribution Date and in no event shall the Trust, the Owner Trustee (as such or in its individual capacity), the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders of any Series or any Series Enhancer be liable for the share of the Servicing Fee with respect to any Monthly Period to be paid by the Holders of the Transferor Certificates.
 
Section 3.03.  Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Servicer.  Sterling, as initial Servicer, hereby makes, and any Successor Servicer by its appointment hereunder shall make, with respect to itself, on each Closing Date (and on the date of any such appointment), the following representations, warranties and covenants on which the Trust and the Indenture Trustee shall be deemed to have relied in accepting the Receivables in trust and in entering into the Indenture:
 
(a)          Organization and Good Standing.  The Servicer is a Delaware corporation duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its properties and conduct its credit card servicing business as presently owned or conducted, and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
 
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(b)          Due Qualification.  The Servicer is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other foreign entity (or is exempt from such requirements) and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction in which the servicing of the Receivables (including the underlying receivables) and any Participation Interests as required by this Agreement requires such qualification except where the failure to so qualify or obtain licenses or approvals would not have a material adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations as Servicer under this Agreement.
 
(c)          Due Authorization.  The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the other agreements and instruments executed or to be executed by the Servicer as contemplated hereby, have been duly authorized by the Servicer by all necessary action on the part of the Servicer.
 
(d)          Binding Obligation.  This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Servicer, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect or by general principles of equity.
 
(e)          No Conflict.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Servicer, and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof applicable to the Servicer, will not conflict with, violate or result in any breach of any of the material terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a material default under, any indenture, contract, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument to which the Servicer is a party or by which it or its properties are bound.
 
(f)           No Violation.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Servicer, the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof applicable to the Servicer will not conflict with or violate any Requirements of Law applicable to the Servicer.
 
(g)          No Proceedings.  There are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to the best knowledge of the Servicer, threatened against the Servicer before any Governmental Authority seeking to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or seeking any determination or ruling that, in the reasonable judgment of the Servicer, would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Servicer of its obligations under this Agreement.
 
(h)          Compliance with Requirements of Law.  The Servicer shall duly satisfy all obligations on its part to be fulfilled under or in connection with each Receivable (and the underlying receivable) and the related Account, if any, will maintain in effect all qualifications required under Requirements of Law in order to service properly each Receivable and the related Account, if any, and will comply in all material respects with all other Requirements of Law in connection with servicing each Receivable and the related Account the failure to comply with which would have an Adverse Effect.

 
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(i)           No Rescission or Cancellation.  The Servicer shall not permit any rescission or cancellation of any Receivable (or the underlying receivable) except in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or other Governmental Authority.
 
(j)           Protection of Rights.  The Servicer shall take no action which, nor omit to take any action the omission of which, would impair the rights of the Trust, the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders in any Receivable (or the underlying receivable) or the related Account, if any, nor shall it reschedule, revise or defer payments due on any Receivable, except in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines.
 
(k)          Receivables Not To Be Evidenced by Promissory Notes.  Except in connection with its enforcement or collection of an Account, the Servicer will take no action to cause any Receivable to be evidenced by any instrument (as defined in the UCC) and if any Receivable is so evidenced it shall be reassigned or assigned to the Servicer as provided in this Section.
 
(l)           All Consents.  All authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of or registrations or declarations with any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given by the Servicer in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Servicer and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by the Servicer, have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect.
 
In the event (x) any of the representations, warranties or covenants of the Servicer contained in subsection 3.03(h), (i) or (j) with respect to any Receivable or the related Account is breached, and such breach has a material adverse effect on such Receivable (which determination shall be made without regard to whether funds are then available to any Noteholders pursuant to any Series Enhancement) and is not cured within sixty (60) days (or such longer period, not in excess of 150 days, as may be agreed to by the Indenture Trustee and the Transferor in writing) of the earlier to occur of the discovery of such event by the Servicer, or receipt by the Servicer of notice of such event given by the Indenture Trustee or the Transferor, or (y) as provided in subsection 3.03(k) with respect to any Receivable, all Receivables in the Account or Accounts to which such event relates shall be assigned and transferred to the Servicer on the terms and conditions set forth below.
 
The Servicer shall effect such assignment by making a deposit into the Collection Account in immediately available funds on the Distribution Date following the Monthly Period in which such assignment obligation arises in an amount equal to the amount of such Receivables.
 
 
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Upon each such reassignment or assignment to the Servicer, the Trust shall automatically and without further action be deemed to sell, transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to the Servicer, without recourse, representation or warranty, all right, title and interest of the Trust in and to such Receivables, all Recoveries related thereto, all monies due or to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto and all proceeds thereof.  The Trust shall execute such documents and instruments of transfer or assignment and take such other actions as shall be reasonably requested by the Servicer to effect the conveyance of any such Receivables pursuant to this Section but only upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate of the Servicer that states that all conditions set forth in this section have been satisfied.  The obligation of the Servicer to accept reassignment or assignment of such Receivables, and to make the deposits, if any, required to be made to the Collection Account as provided in the preceding paragraph, shall constitute the sole remedy respecting the event giving rise to such obligation available to Noteholders (or the Indenture Trustee on behalf of Noteholders) or any Series Enhancer, except as provided in Section 5.04.
 
Section 3.04.   Reports and Records for the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee.
 
(a)          Daily Records.  On each Business Day, the Servicer shall make or cause to be made available at the office of the Servicer for inspection by the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Co-Servicer upon reasonable request a record that shall:
 
(i)           set forth (x) the aggregate amount of Collections processed by the Servicer on the second preceding Business Day, (y) the amount on deposit in the Special Funding Account on the preceding Business Day and (z) a calculation of the Transferor Interest and the Required Transferor Interest on the second preceding Business Day based on the estimates described below and a determination of whether the Transferor Interest on the second preceding Business Day was greater than the Required Transferor Interest on such second preceding Business Day and such other information as may be specified in any applicable Indenture Supplement; and
 
(ii)          allocate for such second preceding Business Day in the manner specified below, (x) the aggregate amount of Collections processed by the Servicer with respect to Principal Receivables and (y) the aggregate amount of Collections processed by the Servicer with respect to Finance Charge Receivables.
 
The estimate of the aggregate amount of Collections processed by the Servicer with respect to Principal Receivables required by paragraph (ii) above shall equal the product of (a) the aggregate amount of the Collections and (b) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the aggregate amount of Collections of Principal Receivables during the preceding Monthly Period and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate amount of Collections during such Monthly Period.  The estimate of the aggregate amount of Collections processed by the Servicer with respect to Finance Charge Receivables required by paragraph (ii) above shall equal the product of (a) the aggregate amount of Collections and (b) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the aggregate amount of Collections of Finance Charge Receivables during the preceding Monthly Period and the denominator of which shall be the aggregate amount of Collections during such Monthly Period.  On the Determination Date following each Monthly Period during which the foregoing methods of estimation shall have been used by the Servicer, the Servicer shall make an appropriate “true-up” adjustment of the aggregate amounts allocated as Collections of Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables in the Collection Account for such Monthly Period pursuant to paragraph (ii) above to the actual amount of Collections of Principal Receivables included in the Trust Assets and the actual amount of Collections of Finance Charge Receivables included in the Trust Assets, in each case, to reflect the difference between (x) the amounts that should have been recorded as Collections in respect of Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables if actual Collections of Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables had been known and (y) the amount allocated thereto pursuant to the preceding sentence.
 
 
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(b)          Monthly Servicer’s Certificate.  Not later than the second Business Day preceding each Distribution Date, the Servicer shall, with respect to each outstanding Series, deliver to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency a certificate of an Authorized Officer in substantially the form set forth in the related Indenture Supplement.
 
Section 3.05.  Annual Certificate of the Servicer.  The Servicer shall deliver to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency on or before April 30 of each calendar year, beginning with April 30, 2015, an Officer’s Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
 
Section 3.06.   Annual Servicing Report of Independent Public Accountants; Copies of Reports Available.
 
(a)          On or before April 30, of each calendar year, beginning with April 30, 2015, the Servicer shall cause a firm of nationally recognized independent public accountants (who may also render other services to the Servicer or the Transferor or any Account Owner) to furnish a report (addressed to the Indenture Trustee) to the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and each Rating Agency to the effect that they have applied certain procedures agreed upon with the Servicer and examined certain documents and records relating to the servicing of the Receivables under this Agreement, the Indenture and each Indenture Supplement for the prior calendar year and that, on the basis of such agreed-upon procedures, nothing has come to the attention of such accountants that caused them to believe that the servicing (including the allocation of Collections set forth in Article VIII of the Indenture and in each Indenture Supplement) has not been conducted in compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in Article III and Section 5.08 of this Agreement, Article VIII of the Indenture and the applicable provisions of each Indenture Supplement, except for such exceptions as they believe to be immaterial and such other exceptions as shall be set forth in such statement.  Such report shall set forth the agreed-upon procedures performed.
 
(b)          On or before April 30 of each calendar year, beginning with April 30, 2015, the Servicer shall cause a firm of nationally recognized independent public accountants (who may also render other services to the Servicer or Transferor) to furnish a report to the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and each Rating Agency to the effect that they have applied certain procedures agreed upon with the Servicer to compare the mathematical calculations of certain amounts set forth in the Servicer’s certificates delivered pursuant to subsection 3.04(b) during the period covered by such report with the Servicer’s computer reports that were the source of such amounts and that on the basis of such agreed-upon procedures and comparison, such accountants are of the opinion that such amounts are in agreement, except for such exceptions as they believe to be immaterial and such other exceptions as shall be set forth in such statement.  Such report shall set forth the agreed-upon procedures performed.

 
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(c)           A copy of each certificate and report provided pursuant to subsection 3.04(b), or Section 3.05 or 3.06, may be obtained by any Noteholder or Note Owner by a request in writing to the Indenture Trustee addressed to the Corporate Trust Office.
 
Section 3.07.   Tax Treatment.  Unless otherwise specified in the Indenture or an Indenture Supplement with respect to a particular Series, the Transferor has entered into this Agreement, and the Notes will be issued, with the intention that, for federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes, (i) the Notes of each Series which are characterized as indebtedness at the time of their issuance will qualify as indebtedness secured by the Receivables and (ii) the Trust shall not be treated as an association or publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation.  The Transferor, by entering into this Agreement, and each Noteholder, by the acceptance of any such Note (and each Note Owner, by its acceptance of an interest in the applicable Note), agree to treat such Notes for federal, state and local income and franchise tax purposes as indebtedness of the Transferor.  Each Holder of such Note agrees that it will cause any Note Owner acquiring an interest in a Note through it to comply with this Agreement as to treatment as indebtedness under applicable tax law, as described in this Section 3.07.  The parties hereto agree that they shall not cause or permit the making, as applicable, of any election under Treasury Regulation Section 301.7701-3 whereby the Trust or any portion thereof would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes and, except as required by Section 6.13 of the Indenture, shall not file tax returns or obtain any federal employer identification number for the Trust but shall treat the Trust as a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in furtherance of the foregoing intended tax treatment.
 
Section 3.08.   Notices to the Servicer.  In the event that Sterling is no longer acting as Servicer, any Successor Servicer shall deliver or make available to Sterling each certificate and report required to be provided thereafter pursuant to subsection 3.04(b) and Sections 3.05 and 3.06.
 
Section 3.09.   Adjustments.
 
(a)          If the Servicer adjusts downward the amount of any Receivable because of a rebate, refund, unauthorized charge or billing error to a cardholder, or because such Receivable was created in respect of merchandise which was refused or returned by a cardholder, then, in any such case, the amount of Principal Receivables used to calculate the Transferor Interest, and (unless otherwise specified) any other amount required herein or in the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement to be calculated by reference to the amount of Principal Receivables, will be reduced by the amount of the adjustment.  Similarly, the amount of Principal Receivables used to calculate the Transferor Interest and (unless otherwise specified) any other amount required herein or in any Indenture Supplement to be calculated by reference to the amount of Principal Receivables will be reduced by the principal amount of any Receivable which was discovered as having been created through a fraudulent or counterfeit charge or with respect to which the covenant contained in subsection 2.07(b) was breached or which arises in an Excluded Account first designated as such on the related Determination Date.  Any adjustment required pursuant to either of the two preceding sentences shall be made on or prior to the end of the Monthly Period in which such adjustment obligation arises or, with respect to Excluded Accounts, the Determination Date following such Monthly Period.  In the event that, following the exclusion of such Principal Receivables from the calculation of the Transferor Interest, the Transferor Interest would be less than the Required Transferor Interest, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date following the Monthly Period (or, in the case of Excluded Account, the related Determination Date) in which such adjustment obligation arises, the Transferor shall make a deposit into the Special Funding Account in immediately available funds in an amount equal to the amount by which the Transferor Interest would be less than the Required Transferor Interest, due to adjustments with respect to Receivables conveyed by such Transferor (up to the amount of such Principal Receivables).  Any amount deposited into the Special Funding Account in connection with the adjustment of a Receivable (an “Adjustment Payment”) shall be applied in accordance with the terms of Section 8.03 of the Indenture and, if applicable, the Indenture Supplement relating to any Series of Notes.

 
 
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(b)          If (i) the Servicer makes a deposit into the Collection Account in respect of a Collection of a Receivable and such Collection was received by the Servicer in the form of a check which is not honored for any reason or (ii) the Servicer makes a mistake with respect to the amount of any Collection and deposits an amount that is less than or more than the actual amount of such Collection or (iii) the Servicer deposits into the Collection Account fund representing collections of any Excluded Account, then the Servicer shall appropriately adjust the amount subsequently deposited into the Collection Account to reflect such dishonored check or mistake.  Any Receivable in respect of which a dishonored check is received shall be deemed not to have been paid.  Notwithstanding the first two sentences of this paragraph, adjustments made pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall not require any change in any report previously delivered pursuant to subsection 3.04(a).
 
[END OF ARTICLE III]
 
 
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ARTICLE IV
 
OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO EACH TRANSFEROR
 
Section 4.01.  Liability of each Transferor.  Each Transferor shall be severally, and not jointly, liable for all obligations, covenants, representations and warranties of such Transferor arising under or related to this Agreement.  Except as provided in the preceding sentence, each Transferor shall be liable only to the extent of the obligations specifically undertaken by it in its capacity as a Transferor.
 
Section 4.02.   Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of a Transferor.
 
(a)          No Transferor shall dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey, transfer or sell its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person unless:
 
(i)           (x) the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which such Transferor is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance, transfer or sale the properties and assets of the Transferor substantially as an entirety shall be, if such Transferor is not the surviving entity, organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state or the District of Columbia, and shall be a savings association, a national banking association, a bank or other entity which is not eligible to be a debtor in a case under Title 11 of the United States Code or is a special purpose corporation whose powers and activities are limited to substantially the same degree as provided in the certificate of incorporation of SJRC and, if such Transferor is not the surviving entity, shall expressly assume, by an agreement supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, the performance of every covenant and obligation of such Transferor hereunder; and (y) such Transferor or the surviving entity, as the case may be, has delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee (with a copy to each Rating Agency) an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or sale and such supplemental agreement comply with this Section, that such supplemental agreement is a valid and binding obligation of such surviving entity enforceable against such surviving entity in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect or general principles of equity, and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with; and
 
(ii)          the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer.
 
 
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(b)          Except as permitted by subsection 2.07(c), the obligations, rights or any part thereof of each Transferor hereunder shall not be assignable nor shall any Person succeed to such obligations or rights of any Transferor hereunder except (i) for conveyances, mergers, consolidations, assumptions, sales or transfers in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing paragraph and (ii) for conveyances, mergers, consolidations, assumptions, sales or transfers to other entities (1) which such Transferor and the Servicer determine will not result in an Adverse Effect, (2) which meet the requirements of clause (ii) of the preceding paragraph and (3) for which such purchaser, transferee, pledgee or entity shall expressly assume, in an agreement supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee in writing in form satisfactory to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, the performance of every covenant and obligation of such Transferor thereby conveyed.
 
Section 4.03.  Limitations on Liability of Each Transferor.  Subject to Section 4.01, no Transferor nor any of the directors, officers, employees, incorporators or agents of any Transferor acting in such capacities shall be under any liability to the Trust, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders, any Series Enhancer or any other Person for any action taken, or for refraining from the taking of any action, in good faith in such capacities pursuant to this Agreement, it being expressly understood that such liability is expressly waived and released as a condition of, and consideration for, the execution of this Agreement, the Indenture and any Indenture Supplement and the issuance of the Notes; provided, however, that this provision shall not protect any Transferor or any such person against any liability which would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of duties or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties hereunder.  Each Transferor and any director, officer, employee or agent of such Transferor may rely in good faith on any document of any kind prima facie properly executed and submitted by any Person (other than such Transferor) respecting any matters arising hereunder.
 
[END OF ARTICLE IV]

 
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ARTICLE V
 
OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE SERVICER
 
Section 5.01.  Liability of the Servicer.  The Servicer shall be liable under this Article V only to the extent of the obligations specifically undertaken by the Servicer in its capacity as Servicer.
 
Section 5.02.  Merger or Consolidation of, or Assumption of the Obligations of, the Servicer.  The Servicer shall not consolidate with or merge into any other corporation or convey, transfer or sell its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:
 
(a)          (i)  the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Servicer is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance, transfer or sale the properties and assets of the Servicer substantially as an entirety shall be, if the Servicer is not the surviving entity, a Person or a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state or the District of Columbia, and, if the Servicer is not the surviving entity, such entity shall expressly assume, by an agreement supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, the performance of every covenant and obligation of the Servicer hereunder;
 
(ii)          the Servicer has delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or sale comply with this Section 5.02 and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with;
 
(iii)         the Servicer shall have given the Rating Agencies notice of such consolidation, merger or transfer or assets; and
 
(b)          the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Servicer is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Servicer substantially as an entirety shall be an Eligible Servicer.
 
Section 5.03.  Limitation on Liability of the Servicer and Others.  Except as provided in Section 5.04, neither the Servicer nor any of the directors, officers, employees or agents of the Servicer in its capacity as Servicer shall be under any liability to the Trust, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders, any Series Enhancer or any other Person for any action taken, or for refraining from the taking of any action, in good faith in its capacity as Servicer pursuant to this Agreement; provided, however, that this provision shall not protect the Servicer or any such Person against any liability which would otherwise be imposed by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of duties or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties hereunder.  The Servicer and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Servicer may rely in good faith on any document of any kind prima facie properly executed and submitted by any Person (other than the Servicer) respecting any matters arising hereunder.  The Servicer shall not be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any legal action which is not incidental to its duties as Servicer in accordance with this Agreement and which in its reasonable judgment may involve it in any expense or liability.  The Servicer may, in its sole discretion, undertake any such legal action which it may deem necessary or desirable for the benefit of the Noteholders with respect to this Agreement and the rights and duties of the parties hereto and the interests of the Noteholders hereunder.
 
 
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Section 5.04.  Servicer Indemnification of the Trust, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee.  The Servicer shall indemnify and hold harmless each of the Trust, the Owner Trustee (as such and in its individual capacity), the Indenture Trustee and any trustees predecessor thereto (including the Indenture Trustee in its capacity as Transfer Agent and Registrar or as Paying Agent) and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, expense, damage or injury suffered or sustained by reason of (a) any acts or omissions of the Servicer with respect to the Trust pursuant to this Agreement or (b) the administration by the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee of the Trust (in the case of clause (a) or (b), other than such as may arise from the fraud, negligence or willful misconduct of the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, as applicable), including any judgment, award, settlement, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs or expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any action, proceeding or claim provided, however, that the Servicer shall not indemnify the Trust or the Noteholders as to any losses, claims or damages incurred by any of them in their capacities as investors, including without limitation losses incurred as a result of Defaulted Receivables (except as provided in Section 5.03); and provided further, that the Servicer shall not indemnify the Trust or the Noteholders for any liabilities, costs or expenses of the Trust or the Noteholders arising under any tax law, including without limitation, any Federal, state, local or foreign income or franchise taxes or any other tax imposed on or measured by income (or any interest or penalties with respect thereto or arising from a failure to comply therewith) required to be paid by the Trust or the Noteholders in connection herewith to any taxing authority.  Indemnification pursuant to this Section 5.04 shall not be payable from the Trust Assets.  The Servicer’s obligations under this Section 5.04 shall survive the termination of this Agreement or the Trust or the earlier removal or resignation of the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, as applicable.
 
Section 5.05.   Resignation of the Servicer.  The Servicer shall not resign from the obligations and duties hereby imposed on it except (a) upon determination that (i) the performance of its duties hereunder is no longer permissible under applicable law and (ii) there is no reasonable action which the Servicer could take to make the performance of its duties hereunder permissible under applicable law or (b) upon the assumption, by an agreement supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee, of the obligations and duties of the Servicer hereunder by any of its Affiliates that is a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sterling or by any entity the appointment of which shall have satisfied the Rating Agency Condition and, in either case, qualifies as an Eligible Servicer.  Any determination permitting the resignation of the Servicer shall be evidenced as to clause (a) above by an Opinion of Counsel to such effect delivered to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee.  No resignation shall become effective until the Indenture Trustee or a Successor Servicer shall have assumed the responsibilities and obligations of the Servicer in accordance with Section 7.02 hereof.  If within 120 days of the date of the determination that the Servicer may no longer act as Servicer under clause (a) above the Indenture Trustee is unable to appoint a Successor Servicer, the Indenture Trustee shall serve as Successor Servicer; provided that if the Indenture Trustee is the Successor Servicer, (i) any failure of the Indenture Trustee to perform such responsibilities or duties that are caused by the Servicer’s failure to provide information or monies required hereunder shall not be considered a default by the Indenture Trustee and (ii) the Indenture Trustee shall have no liability for actions or inactions of the predecessor Servicer.  As compensation therefor, the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive any and all compensation which the Servicer would have been entitled to if the Servicer had continued to act hereunder and all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such successor in connection with the assuming the duties and obligations of the Servicer.  In no event shall the Indenture Trustee be liable for the Servicing Fee or for the costs and expenses incurred in connection with its assumption of the duties and obligations of the Servicer.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee shall, if it is legally unable so to act, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint any established institution qualifying as an Eligible Servicer as the Successor Servicer hereunder.  The Trust shall give prompt notice to each Rating Agency and each Series Enhancer upon the appointment of a Successor Servicer.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Sterling may assign part or all of its obligations and duties as Servicer under this Agreement to an Affiliate of Sterling so long as Sterling shall remain liable for the performance of such obligations and duties under this Agreement.

 
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Section 5.06.  Access to Certain Documentation and Information Regarding the Receivables.  The Servicer shall provide to the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, as applicable, access to the documentation regarding the Accounts and the Receivables in such cases where the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, as applicable, is required in connection with the enforcement of the rights of Noteholders or by applicable statutes or regulations to review such documentation, such access being afforded without charge but only (a) upon reasonable request, (b) during normal business hours, (c) subject to the Servicer’s normal security and confidentiality procedures and (d) at reasonably accessible offices in the continental United States designated by the Servicer.  Nothing in this Section shall derogate from the obligation of the Transferor, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Servicer to observe any applicable law prohibiting disclosure of information regarding the Obligors and the failure of the Servicer to provide access as provided in this Section as a result of such obligation shall not constitute a breach of this Section.
 
Section 5.07.  Delegation of Duties.  In the ordinary course of business, the Servicer may at any time delegate its duties hereunder with respect to the Accounts and the Receivables to any Person that agrees to conduct such duties in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines and this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, such delegation shall not relieve the Servicer of its liability and responsibility with respect to such duties, and shall not constitute a resignation within the meaning of Section 5.05.  The Servicer shall give prompt notice of such delegation of duties to the Indenture Trustee and each Rating Agency.
 
Section 5.08.  Examination of Records.  Each Transferor and the Servicer shall indicate generally in their computer files or other records that the Receivables arising in the Accounts have been conveyed to the Trust, pursuant to this Agreement.  Each Transferor and the Servicer shall, prior to the sale or transfer to a third party of any receivable held in its custody, examine its computer records and other records to determine that such receivable is not, and does not include, a Receivable.
 
 [END OF ARTICLE V]

 
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ARTICLE VI
 
INSOLVENCY EVENTS
 
Section 6.01.   Rights upon the Occurrence of an Insolvency Event.  If any Transferor shall consent or fail to object to the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee or conservator, receiver or liquidator in any bankruptcy proceeding or other insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings of or relating to any Transferor or relating to all or substantially all of such Transferor’s property, or the commencement of an action seeking a decree or order of a court or agency or supervisory authority having jurisdiction in the premises for the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee or conservator, receiver or liquidator in any insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings, or for the winding-up, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, conservatorship, receivership or liquidation of such entity’s affairs, or notwithstanding an objection by such Transferor any such action shall have remained undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days or upon entry of any order or decree providing for such relief; or such Transferor shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, file, or consent or fail to object (or object without dismissal of any such filing within sixty (60) days of such filing) to the filing of, a petition to take advantage of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, receivership or conservatorship statute, make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors or voluntarily suspend payment of its obligations (any such act or occurrence with respect to any Person being an “Insolvency Event”), such Transferor shall on the day any such Insolvency Event occurs (the “Appointment Date”), immediately cease to transfer Principal Receivables to the Trust and shall promptly give written notice thereof to the Indenture Trustee, the Owner Trustee and each Rating Agency.  Notwithstanding any cessation of the transfer to the Trust of additional Principal Receivables, Principal Receivables transferred to the Trust prior to the occurrence of such Insolvency Event, Collections in respect of such Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables (whenever created) accrued in respect of such Principal Receivables shall continue to be a part of the Trust Assets and shall be allocated and distributed to Noteholders in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and each Indenture Supplement.
 
[END OF ARTICLE VII
 
 
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ARTICLE VII
 
SERVICER DEFAULTS
 
Section 7.01.   Servicer Defaults.  If any one of the following events (a “Servicer Default”) shall occur and be continuing:
 
(a)          any failure by the Servicer to make any payment, transfer or deposit or to give instructions or to give notice to the Indenture Trustee to make such payment, transfer or deposit on or before the date occurring five (5) Business Days after the date such payment, transfer or deposit or such instruction or notice is required to be made or given, as the case may be, under the terms of this Agreement, the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement;
 
(b)          failure on the part of the Servicer duly to observe or perform in any material respect any other covenants or agreements of the Servicer set forth in this Agreement which has an Adverse Effect and which continues unremedied for a period of sixty (60) days after the date on which written notice of such failure, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Servicer by the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, or to the Servicer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee by Holders of Notes evidencing not less than 10% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Notes (or, with respect to any such failure that does not relate to all Series, 10% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Series to which such failure relates); or the Servicer shall assign or delegate its duties under this Agreement, except as permitted by Sections 5.02 and 5.07;
 
(c)          any representation, warranty or certification made by the Servicer in this Agreement or in any certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to have been incorrect when made, which has an Adverse Effect on the rights of the Noteholders of any Series (which determination shall be made without regard to whether funds are then available pursuant to any Series Enhancement) and which Adverse Effect continues for a period of sixty (60) days after the date on which written notice thereof, requiring the same to be remedied, shall have been given to the Servicer by the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, or to the Servicer, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee by the Holders of Notes evidencing not less than 10% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Notes (or, with respect to any such representation, warranty or certification that does not relate to all Series, 10% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Series to which such representation, warranty or certification relates);
 
(d)          the Servicer shall consent to the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee or conservator or receiver or liquidator in any bankruptcy proceeding or other insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings of or relating to the Servicer or of or relating to all or substantially all its property, or a decree or order of a court or agency or supervisory authority having jurisdiction in the premises for the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee or a conservator or receiver or liquidator in any bankruptcy, insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings, or the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, shall have been entered against the Servicer and such decree or order shall have remained in force undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or the Servicer shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, file a petition to take advantage of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization statute, make any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or voluntarily suspend payment of its obligations; or
 
 
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(e)          any other Servicer Default described in the related Indenture Supplement;
 
then, in the event of any Servicer Default, so long as the Servicer Default shall not have been remedied, either the Indenture Trustee or the Holders of Notes evidencing more than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Notes, by notice then given to the Servicer and the Owner Trustee (and to the Indenture Trustee if given by the Noteholders) (a Termination Notice”), may terminate all but not less than all the rights and obligations of the Servicer as Servicer under this Agreement; provided, however, if within sixty (60) days of receipt of a Termination Notice the Indenture Trustee does not receive any bids from Eligible Servicers in accordance with subsection 7.02(c) to act as a Successor Servicer and receives an Officer’s Certificate of the Servicer to the effect that the Servicer cannot in good faith cure the Servicer Default which gave rise to the Termination Notice, the Indenture Trustee shall grant a purchase option and right of first refusal to the Transferor which would permit the Transferor at its option to redeem or acquire the Notes on the Distribution Date in the next calendar month; provided further, however, the foregoing purchase option or right of first refusal shall not apply in the case of a Servicer Default set forth in subsection 7.01(d).
 
The price to redeem or acquire the Notes shall be equal to the sum of the amounts specified therefor with respect to each outstanding Series in the related Indenture Supplement.  The Transferor shall notify the Indenture Trustee in writing prior to the Record Date for the Distribution Date of the acquisition if it is exercising such purchase option and right of first refusal.  If the Transferor exercises such purchase option or right of first refusal, the Transferor shall deposit the price into the Collection Account not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Distribution Date in immediately available funds.  The price shall be allocated and distributed to Noteholders in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and each Indenture Supplement.
 
After receipt by the Servicer of a Termination Notice, and on the date that a Successor Servicer is appointed by the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 7.02, all authority and power of the Servicer under this Agreement shall pass to and be vested in the Successor Servicer (a “Service Transfer”); and, without limitation, the Indenture Trustee is hereby authorized and empowered (upon the failure of the Servicer to cooperate) to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Servicer, as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, all documents and other instruments upon the failure of the Servicer to execute or deliver such documents or instruments, and to do and accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such Service Transfer.  The Servicer agrees to cooperate with the Indenture Trustee and such Successor Servicer in effecting the termination of the responsibilities and rights of the Servicer to conduct servicing hereunder, including the transfer to such Successor Servicer of all authority of the Servicer to service the Receivables provided for under this Agreement, including all authority over all Collections which shall on the date of transfer be held by the Servicer for deposit, or which have been deposited by the Servicer, in the Collection Account, or which shall thereafter be received with respect to the Receivables, and in assisting the Successor Servicer.  The Servicer shall within twenty (20) Business Days transfer its electronic records relating to the Receivables to the Successor Servicer in such electronic form as the Successor Servicer may reasonably request and shall promptly transfer to the Successor Servicer all other records, correspondence and documents necessary for the continued servicing of the Receivables in the manner and at such times as the Successor Servicer shall reasonably request.  To the extent that compliance with this Section shall require the Servicer to disclose to the Successor Servicer information of any kind which the Servicer deems to be confidential, the Successor Servicer shall be required to enter into such customary licensing and confidentiality agreements as the Servicer shall deem reasonably necessary to protect its interests.

 
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, a delay in or failure of performance referred to in paragraph (a) above for a period of ten (10) Business Days after the applicable grace period or under paragraph (b) or (c) above for a period of sixty (60) Business Days after the applicable grace period, shall not constitute a Servicer Default if such delay or failure could not be prevented by the exercise of reasonable diligence by the Servicer and such delay or failure was caused by an act of God or the public enemy, acts of declared or undeclared war, public disorder, rebellion or sabotage, epidemics, landslides, lightning, fire, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or similar causes.  The preceding sentence shall not relieve the Servicer from using all commercially reasonable efforts to perform its obligations in a timely manner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Servicer shall provide the Indenture Trustee, Owner Trustee, each Transferor and any Series Enhancer with an Officer’s Certificate giving prompt notice of such failure or delay by it, together with a description of its efforts so to perform its obligations.
 
Section 7.02.   Indenture Trustee To Act; Appointment of Successor.
 
(a)          On and after the receipt by the Servicer of a Termination Notice pursuant to Section 7.01, the Servicer shall continue to perform all servicing functions under this Agreement until the date specified in the Termination Notice or otherwise specified by the Indenture Trustee or until a date mutually agreed upon by the Servicer and the Indenture Trustee.  The Indenture Trustee shall as promptly as possible after the giving of a Termination Notice appoint an Eligible Servicer as a successor servicer (the “Successor Servicer”), and such Successor Servicer shall accept its appointment by a written assumption in a form acceptable to the Indenture Trustee.  In the event that a Successor Servicer has not been appointed or has not accepted its appointment at the time when the Servicer ceases to act as Servicer, the Indenture Trustee without further action shall automatically be appointed the Successor Servicer.  The Indenture Trustee may delegate any of its servicing obligations to an Affiliate or agent in accordance with subsection 3.01(b) and Section 5.07.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indenture Trustee shall, if it is legally unable so to act, petition at the expense of the Servicer a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint any established institution qualifying as an Eligible Servicer as the Successor Servicer hereunder.  The Indenture Trustee shall give prompt notice to each Rating Agency and each Series Enhancer upon the appointment of a Successor Servicer.
 
(b)          Upon its appointment, the Successor Servicer shall be the successor in all respects to the Servicer with respect to servicing functions under this Agreement and shall be subject to all the responsibilities, duties and liabilities relating thereto placed on the Servicer by the terms and provisions hereof, and all references in this Agreement to the Servicer shall be deemed to refer to the Successor Servicer.

 
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(c)          In connection with any Termination Notice, the Indenture Trustee will review any bids which it obtains from Eligible Servicers and shall be permitted to appoint any Eligible Servicer submitting such a bid as a Successor Servicer for servicing compensation not in excess of the aggregate Servicing Fees for all Series plus the sum of the amounts with respect to each Series and with respect to each Distribution Date equal to any Collections of Finance Charge Receivables allocable to Noteholders of such Series which are payable to the Holders of the Transferor Certificates after payment of all amounts owing to the Noteholders of such Series with respect to such Distribution Date or required to be deposited in the applicable Series Accounts with respect to such Distribution Date and any amounts required to be paid to any Series Enhancer for such Series with respect to such Distribution Date pursuant to the terms of any Enhancement Agreement; provided, however, that the Holders of the Transferor Certificates shall be responsible for payment of the Transferor’s portion of such aggregate Servicing Fees and all other such amounts in excess of such aggregate Servicing Fees.  Each Holder of the Transferor’s Certificates agrees that, (i) if Sterling (or any Successor Servicer) is terminated as Servicer hereunder, the portion of the Collections in respect of Finance Charge Receivables that the Transferor is entitled to receive pursuant to this Agreement, the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement shall be reduced by an amount sufficient to pay the Transferor’s share of the compensation of the Successor Servicer and (ii) if a Servicer Default has occurred and is continuing, the remaining Collections that the Transferor is entitled to receive pursuant thereto shall be reduced, if necessary, by an amount sufficient to pay any amounts due and unpaid to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to Section 6.07 of the Indenture.
 
(d)          All authority and power granted to the Servicer under this Agreement shall automatically cease and terminate upon termination of the Trust pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Trust Agreement, and shall pass to and be vested in the Transferor and, without limitation, the Transferor is hereby authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on behalf of the Servicer, as attorney-in-fact or otherwise, all documents and other instruments, and to do and accomplish all other acts or things necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of such transfer of servicing rights.  The Servicer agrees to cooperate with the Transferor in effecting the termination of the responsibilities and rights of the Servicer to conduct servicing of the Receivables.  The Servicer shall transfer its electronic records relating to the Receivables to the Transferor or its designee in such electronic form as it may reasonably request and shall transfer all other records, correspondence and documents to it in the manner and at such times as it shall reasonably request.  To the extent that compliance with this Section shall require the Servicer to disclose to the Transferor information of any kind which the Servicer deems to be confidential, the Transferor shall be required to enter into such customary licensing and confidentiality agreements as the Servicer shall deem necessary to protect its interests.
 
 
50

 
 
Section 7.03.  Notification to Noteholders.  Within five (5) Business Days after the Servicer becomes aware of any continuing Servicer Default, the Servicer shall give written notice thereof to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, each Rating Agency and each Series Enhancer and the Indenture Trustee shall give notice to the Noteholders.  Upon any termination or appointment of a Successor Servicer pursuant to this Article, the Indenture Trustee shall give prompt notice thereof to the Noteholders.
 
[END OF ARTICLE VII]

 
51

 

ARTICLE VIII
 
TERMINATION
 
Section 8.01.   Termination of Agreement.  This Agreement and the respective obligations and responsibilities of the Trust, the Transferor and the Servicer under this Agreement shall terminate, except with respect to the duties described in Section 5.04, on the Trust Termination Date.
 
[END OF ARTICLE VIII]

 
52

 

ARTICLE IX
 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
Section 9.01.   Amendment; Waiver of Past Defaults.
 
(a)          This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto from time to time prior to, or in connection with, the issuance of the first Series of Notes hereunder without the requirement of any consents or the satisfaction of any conditions set forth below.  This Agreement may be amended from time to time by the Servicer, the Transferor and the Trust, by a written instrument signed by each of them, without the consent of the Indenture Trustee or any of the Noteholders; provided that (i) the Transferor shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee an Officer’s Certificate, dated the date of any such Amendment, stating that the Transferor reasonably believes that such amendment will not have an Adverse Effect and (ii) the Rating Agency Condition shall have been satisfied with respect to any such amendment.  Additionally, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, this Agreement will be amended by the Servicer and the Trust at the direction of the Transferor without the consent of the Indenture Trustee or any of the Noteholders or Series Enhancers to add, modify or eliminate such provisions as may be necessary or advisable in order to enable all or a portion of the Trust (i) to qualify as, and to permit an election to be made to cause the Trust to be treated as, a “financial asset securitization investment trust” as described in the provisions of Section 860L of the Code, and (ii) to avoid the imposition of state or local income or franchise taxes imposed on the Trust’s property or its income; provided, however, that (i) the Transferor delivers to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that the proposed amendments meet the requirements set forth in this subsection, (ii) each Rating Agency will have notified the Transferor, the Servicer, the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee in writing that the amendment will not result in a reduction or withdrawal of the rating of any outstanding Series or Class as to which it is a Rating Agency and (iii) such amendment does not affect the rights, duties, benefits, protections, privileges or immunities of the Indenture Trustee or the Owner Trustee (as such or in its individual capacity) hereunder.
 
(b)          This Agreement may be amended from time to time to add a new Seller and a new Receivables Purchase Agreement and to delete a Seller or a Receivables Purchase Agreement without the consent of Noteholders or any other Persons if (x) the new Seller is an Affiliate of Sterling and (y) the new Seller acquires from Sterling Jewelers Inc. the Receivables that would have been otherwise directly transferred to the Transferor pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement and sells them to the Transferor pursuant to such new Receivables Purchase Agreement; provided, however, that the Transferor delivers (i) an Officer’s Certificate to the Indenture Trustee and the Owner Trustee stating that there is no Adverse Effect; (ii) a Tax Opinion; (iii) an Opinion of Counsel relating to security interest matters relating to the Receivables; and (iv) prior written notice to the Rating Agencies then rating any outstanding Series or Class of Notes.
 
 
53

 
 
(c)          This Agreement may also be amended from time to time by the Servicer, the Transferor and the Trust, with the consent of the Holders of Notes evidencing not less than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes of all affected Series for which the Transferor has not delivered an Officer’s Certificate stating that there is no Adverse Effect, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders; provided, however, that no such amendment shall (i) reduce in any manner the amount of or delay the timing of any distributions (changes in Pay Out Events or Events of Default that decrease the likelihood of the occurrence thereof shall not be considered delays in the timing of distributions for purposes of this clause) to be made to Noteholders or deposits of amounts to be so distributed or the amount available under any Series Enhancement without the consent of each affected Noteholder, (ii) change the definition of or the manner of calculating the interest payable to any Noteholder without the consent of each affected Noteholder, (iii) reduce the aforesaid percentage required to consent to any such amendment without the consent of each Noteholder or (iv) adversely affect the rating of any Series or Class by each Rating Agency without the consent of the Holders of Notes of such Series or Class evidencing not less than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes of such Series or Class.
 
(d)          Promptly after the execution of any such amendment or consent (other than an amendment pursuant to paragraph (a)), the Trust shall furnish written notification of the substance of such amendment to the Indenture Trustee and each Noteholder, and the Servicer shall furnish notification of the substance of such amendment to each Rating Agency and each Series Enhancer.
 
(e)          It shall not be necessary for the consent of Noteholders under this Section 9.01 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.  The manner of obtaining such consents and of evidencing the authorization of the execution thereof by Noteholders shall be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Indenture Trustee may prescribe.
 
(f)           Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9.01 to the contrary, no amendment may be made to this Agreement or any Participation Interest Supplement which would adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any Series Enhancer or the Indenture Trustee without the prior written consent of such Series Enhancer or the Indenture Trustee, respectively.
 
(g)          Any Indenture Supplement executed in accordance with the provisions of Article X of the Indenture shall not be considered an amendment of this Agreement for the purposes of this Section 9.01.
 
(h)          The Holders of Notes evidencing more than 66-2/3% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes of each Series or, with respect to any Series with two (2) or more Classes, of each Class (or, with respect to any default that does not relate to all Series, 66-2/3% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes of each Series to which such default relates or, with respect to any such Series with two or more Classes, of each Class) may, on behalf of all Noteholders, waive any default by the Transferor or the Servicer in the performance of their obligations hereunder and its consequences, except the failure to make any distributions required to be made to Noteholders or to make any required deposits of any amounts to be so distributed.  Upon any such waiver of a past default, such default shall cease to exist, and any default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been remedied for every purpose of this Agreement.  No such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon except to the extent expressly so waived.

 
54

 
 
(i)           The Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee, may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such amendment which affects the Owner Trustee’s or Indenture Trustee’s, as applicable, rights, duties, benefits, protections, privileges or immunities under this Agreement or otherwise.  In connection with the execution of any amendment hereunder, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to receive the Opinion of Counsel described in subsection 9.02(d).
 
Section 9.02.   Protection of Right, Title and Interest to Trust.
 
(a)          The Transferor shall cause this Agreement, all amendments and supplements hereto and all financing statements and continuation statements and any other necessary documents covering the Indenture Trustee’s and the Trust’s right, title and interest to the Trust to be promptly recorded, registered and filed, and at all times to be kept recorded, registered and filed, all in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to preserve and protect the right, title and interest of the Indenture Trustee, Noteholders and the Trust hereunder to all property comprising the Trust.  The Transferor shall deliver to the Owner Trustee and Indenture Trustee file-stamped copies of, or filing receipts for, any document recorded, registered or filed as provided above, as soon as available following such recording, registration or filing.  The Transferor shall cooperate fully with the Servicer in connection with the obligations set forth above and will execute any and all documents reasonably required to fulfill the intent of this paragraph.
 
(b)          Within thirty (30) days after any Transferor makes any change in its name, identity or corporate structure which would make any financing statement or continuation statement filed in accordance with paragraph (a) seriously misleading within the meaning of Section 9-402(7) (or any comparable provision) of the UCC, such Transferor shall give the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee written notice of any such change and shall file such financing statements or amendments as may be necessary to continue the perfection of the Trust’s security interest or ownership interest in the Receivables and the proceeds thereof.
 
(c)          Each Transferor shall give the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee prompt notice of any relocation of its chief executive office or any change in the jurisdiction under whose laws it is organized and whether, as a result of such relocation or change, the applicable provisions of the UCC would require the filing of any amendment of any previously filed financing or continuation statement or of any new financing statement and shall file such financing statements or amendments as may be necessary to perfect or to continue the perfection of the Trust’s security interest in the Receivables and the proceeds thereof.  Each Transferor shall at all times maintain its chief executive offices within the United States and shall at all times be organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located within the United States.
 
(d)          The Transferor shall deliver to the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee (i) upon the execution and delivery of each amendment of this Agreement, an Opinion of Counsel to the effect specified in Exhibit D-1; (ii) quarterly, with respect to Additional Accounts, and on each Addition Date on which any Participation Interests are to be included in the Trust pursuant to subsection 2.09(a), an Opinion of Counsel covering the same substantive legal issues addressed by Exhibits D-1 and D-2 but conformed to the extent appropriate to relate to Additional Accounts and Participation Interests; and (iii) on or before April 30 of each year, beginning with April 30, 2015, an Opinion of Counsel substantially in the form of Exhibit D-3.

 
55

 
 
Section 9.03.  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
 
Section 9.04.   Notices; Payments.
 
(a)          All demands, notices, instructions, directions and communications (collectively, “Notices”) under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered at, mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, or sent by facsimile transmission (i) in the case of the Transferor, to SJRC, at 375 Ghent Road, Akron, Ohio 44333, Attention: Corporate Treasury Department (facsimile no. (330) 668-5191), (ii) in the case of the Servicer, to Sterling Jewelers Inc., at 375 Ghent Road, Akron, Ohio 44333, Attention: Corporate Treasury Department (facsimile no. (330) 668-5191), (iii) in the case of the Trust or the Owner Trustee, to Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration (facsimile no. (302) 651-1576), (iv) in the case of the Rating Agency for a particular Series, the address, if any, specified in the Indenture Supplement relating to such Series, and (v) to any other Person as specified in the Indenture or any Indenture Supplement; or, as to each party, at such other address or facsimile number as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to each other party.
 
(b)          Any Notice required or permitted to be given to a Holder of Registered Notes shall be given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, by hand or by overnight courier, at the address of such Holder as shown in the Note Register.  No Notice shall be required to be mailed to a Holder of Bearer Notes or Coupons but shall be given as provided below.  Any Notice so mailed within the time prescribed in this Agreement shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Noteholder receives such Notice.  In addition, in the case of any Series or Class with respect to which any Bearer Notes are outstanding, any Notice required or permitted to be given to Noteholders of such Series or Class shall be published in an Authorized Newspaper within the time period prescribed in this Agreement.
 
Section 9.05.   Severability of Provisions.  If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement shall for any reason whatsoever be held invalid, then such provisions shall be deemed severable from the remaining provisions of this Agreement and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions or of the Notes or the rights of the Noteholders.
 
Section 9.06.  Further Assurances.  The Transferor and the Servicer agree to do and perform, from time to time, any and all acts and to execute any and all further instruments required or reasonably requested by the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee more fully to effect the purposes of this Agreement, including the execution of any financing statements or continuation statements relating to the Receivables for filing under the provisions of the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction.

 
56

 
 
Section 9.07.  No Waiver: Cumulative Remedies.  No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of the Trust, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee or the Noteholders, any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided under this Agreement are cumulative and not exhaustive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
 
Section 9.08.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (and by different parties on separate counterparts), each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
Section 9.09.   Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, the Indenture Trustee, the Noteholders, any holder of a Supplemental Certificate, any Series Enhancer and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no other Person will have any right or obligation hereunder.
 
Section 9.10.   Actions by Noteholders.
 
(a)          Wherever in this Agreement a provision is made that an action may be taken or a Notice given by Noteholders, such action or Notice may be taken or given by any Noteholder, unless such provision requires a specific percentage of Noteholders.
 
(b)          Any Notice, request, authorization, direction, consent, waiver or other act by the Holder of a Note shall bind such Holder and every subsequent Holder of such Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by the Owner Trustee, the Transferor or the Servicer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.
 
Section 9.11.   Rule 144A Information.  For so long as any of the Notes of any Series or Class are “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, each of the Transferor, the Owner Trustee, the Issuer, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and any Series Enhancer agree to cooperate with each other to provide to any Noteholders of such Series or Class and to any prospective purchaser of Notes designated by such Noteholder, upon the request of such Noteholder or prospective purchaser, any information required to be provided to such holder or prospective purchaser to satisfy the condition set forth in Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
 
Section 9.12.   Merger and Integration.  Except as specifically stated otherwise herein, this Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, written or oral, are superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified, amended, waived or supplemented except as provided herein.

 
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Section 9.13.   Headings.  The headings herein are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.
 
Section 9.14.  Limitation of Liability.  It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties hereto that (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company ("WTC"), not individually or personally but solely as Owner Trustee of the Trust, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred and vested in it, (b) each of the representations, undertakings and agreements herein made on the part of the Trust is made and intended not as personal representations, undertakings and agreements by WTC but is made and intended for the purpose of binding only the Trust, (c) nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating any liability on WTC, individually or personally, to perform any covenant either expressed or implied contained herein of the Trust, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by the parties hereto and by any Person claiming by, through or under the parties hereto, (d) WTC has made no investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of any representations and warranties made the Trust in this Agreement and (e) under no circumstances shall WTC be personally liable for the payment of any indebtedness or expenses of the Owner Trustee or the Trust or be liable for the breach or failure of any obligation, representation, warranty or covenant made or undertaken by the Trust under this Agreement or any other related documents.
 
Section 9.15.  Rights of the Indenture Trustee.  The Indenture Trustee shall be entitled to the same rights, protections, immunities and indemnities set forth in the Indenture as if specifically set forth herein.
 
[END OF ARTICLE IX)
 
 
58

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Transferor, the Servicer and the Trust have caused this Transfer and Servicing Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers as of the day and year first above written.
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., as Transferor
 
By:
/s/ Simon Cashman
 
Name: 
Simon Cashman
 
Title:
VP
 

STERLING JEWELERS INC., as Servicer
 
By:
/s/ Simon Cashman
 
Name:
Simon Cashman
 
Title: 
SVP
 

STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST,
 
By:
Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee on behalf of the Trust,
   
By:
/s/ Jeanne M. Oller
 
Name:
Jeanne M. Oller
 
Title:
Vice President
 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRANSFER AND SERVICING AGREEMENT]

 
 

 
 
Acknowledged and Accepted:
 
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
not in its individual capacity but
solely as Indenture Trustee
 
By:
/s/ Michele H.Y. Voon
   
 
Name:  Michele H.Y. Voon
   
 
Title:  Vice President
   
       
       
By:
/s/ Mark DiGiacomo
   
 
Name:  Mark DiGiacomo
   
 
Title:  Vice President
   
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO TRANSFER AND SERVICING AGREEMENT]
 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT A
 
Reserved

 
A-1

 
 
EXHIBIT B
 
FORM OF REASSIGNMENT OF RECEIVABLES IN REMOVED ACCOUNTS
(As required by Section 2.10 of
the Transfer and Servicing Agreement)
 
REASSIGNMENT No. _______ OF RECEIVABLES dated as of _______,1 by and among SJRC, a Delaware corporation, as Transferor (the “Transferor”), STERLING JEWELERS INC., an Ohio corporation, as Servicer (the “Servicer”) and STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST, (the “Trust”), pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement referred to below.
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS the Transferor, the Servicer and the Trust are parties to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 (as amended and supplemented, the “Agreement”);
 
WHEREAS pursuant to the Agreement, the Transferor wishes to remove from the Trust all Receivables owned by the Trust in certain designated Accounts (the “Removed Accounts”) and to cause the Trust to reconvey the Receivables of such Removed Accounts, whether now existing or hereafter created, from the Trust to the Transferor; and
 
WHEREAS the Trust is willing to accept such designation and to reconvey the Receivables in the Removed Accounts subject to the terms and conditions hereof;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, the Transferor and the Trust hereby agree as follows:
 
1.           Defined Terms.  All terms defined in the Agreement and used herein shall have such defined meanings when used herein, unless otherwise defined herein.
 
Removal Date” shall mean, with respect to the Removed Accounts designated hereby,
 
Removal Notice Date” shall mean, with respect to the Removed Accounts ____________, _____
 
2.           Designation of Removed Accounts.  On or before the Removal Date, the  Transferor will deliver to the Indenture Trustee a computer file or microfiche list containing a true and complete schedule identifying all Accounts the Receivables of which are being removed from the Trust, specifying for each such Account, as of the Removal Notice Date, its account number, the aggregate amount outstanding in such Account and the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in such Account, which computer file or microfiche list shall supplement Schedule 1 to the Agreement.
 

1 To be dated as of the Removal Date.

 
B-1

 

3.           Conveyance of Receivables.  a)  The Trust does hereby transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to the Transferor, without recourse, on and after the Removal Date, all right, title and interest of the Trust in, to and under the Receivables existing at the close of business on the Removal Notice Date and thereafter created from time to time in the Removed Accounts designated hereby, all Recoveries related thereto, all monies due or to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto and all proceeds thereof.
 
(b)           In connection with such transfer, the Trust agrees to execute and deliver to the Transferor on or prior to the date this Reassignment is delivered, applicable termination statements prepared by the Transferor with respect to the Receivables existing at the close of business on the Removal Date and thereafter created from time to time in the Removed Accounts reassigned hereby and the proceeds thereof evidencing the release by the Trust of its interest in the Receivables in the Removed Accounts, and meeting the requirements of applicable state law, in such manner and such jurisdictions as are necessary to terminate such interest.
 
4.           Representations and Warranties of the Transferor.  The Transferor hereby represents and warrants to the Trust as of the Removal Date:
 
(a)          Legal Valid and Binding Obligation.  This Reassignment constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Transferor enforceable against the Transferor, in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general and except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity (whether considered in a suit at law or in equity); and
 
(b)          Pay Out Event; Event of Default.  The Transferor reasonably believes that (A) the removal of the Receivables existing in the Removed Accounts will not, based on the facts known to the Transferor, then or thereafter cause a Pay Out Event or Event of Default to occur with respect to any Series and (B) no selection procedure was utilized by the Transferor which would result in a selection of Removed Accounts that would be materially adverse to the interests of the Noteholders of any Series as of the Removal Date.
 
(c)          List of Removed Accounts.  The list of Removed Accounts delivered pursuant to subsection 2.09(c) of the Agreement, as of the Removal Date, is true and complete in all material respects.
 
5.           Ratification of Agreement.  As supplemented by this Reassignment, the Agreement is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Agreement as so supplemented by this Reassignment shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.
 
6.           Counterparts.  This Reassignment may be executed in two or more counterparts, and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
7.           GOVERNING LAW.  THIS REASSIGNMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.

 
B-2

 
 
8.           Limitation of Liability.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein or elsewhere, this Reassignment has been executed and delivered by Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity, but solely in its capacity as Owner Trustee of the Trust, in no event shall Wilmington Trust Company in its individual capacity have any liability in respect of the representations, warranties, or obligations of the Trust hereunder or under any other document, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Trust, and for all purposes of this Reassignment and each other document, the Owner Trustee (as such or in its individual capacity) shall be subject to, and entitled to the benefits of, the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement.

 
B-3

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Transferor, the Servicer and the Trust have caused this Reassignment to be duly executed by their respective officers as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., as Transferor
 
By:    
  Name:   
  Title:  

STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
as Servicer
 
     
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:   

STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST,
 
By:
Wilmington Trust Company, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee on behalf of the Trust,
   
By:
   
  Name:  
  Title:  

 
B-4

 

EXHIBIT C
 
FORM OF ANNUAL SERVICER’S CERTIFICATE
 
(To be delivered on or before April 30 of
each calendar year beginning with April 30, 2015,
pursuant to Section 3.05 of the Transfer and
Servicing Agreement referred to below)
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Sterling Jewelers Inc., as Servicer (“Sterling”), pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 (as amended and supplemented, the “Agreement”), among SJRC, as transferor, Sterling, and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, does hereby certify that:
 
1.           Sterling is, as of the date hereof, the Servicer under the Agreement.  Capitalized terms used in this Certificate have their respective meanings as set forth in the Agreement.
 
2.           The undersigned is an Authorized Officer who is duly authorized pursuant to the Agreement to execute and deliver this Certificate to the Trust.
 
3.           A review of the activities of the Servicer during the year ended December 31, ____, and of its performance under the Agreement was conducted under my supervision.
 
4.           Based on such review, the Servicer has, to the best of my knowledge, performed in all material respects its obligations under the Agreement throughout such year and no default in the performance of such obligations has occurred or is continuing except as set forth in paragraph 5 below.
 
5.           The following is a description of each default in the performance of the Servicer’s obligations under the provisions of the Agreement known to me to have been made by the Servicer during the year ended December 31, _____ which sets forth in detail (i) the nature of each such default, (ii) the action taken by the Servicer, if any, to remedy each such default and (iii) the current status of each such default: [If applicable, insert “None.”]
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this Certificate this ____ day of ______________, 20__.
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
 
as Servicer
 
     
By:
   
 
Name:
 
 
Title:
 

 
C-1

 

EXHIBIT D-1
 
FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL
WITH RESPECT TO AMENDMENTS
 
Provisions to be included in
Opinion of Counsel to be delivered pursuant
to subsection 9.02(d)(i)
 
The opinions set forth below may be subject to all the qualifications, assumptions, limitations and exceptions taken or made in the Opinions Of Counsel delivered on any applicable Closing Date.
 
(i)           The amendment to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, attached hereto as Schedule 1 (the “Amendment”), has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Transferor and constitutes the legal, valid and binding agreement of the Transferor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws from time to time in effect affecting creditors’ rights generally. The enforceability of the Transferor’s obligations is also subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)
 
(ii)          The Amendment has been entered into in accordance with the terms and provisions of Section 9.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.

 
D-1-1

 
 
EXHIBIT D-2
 
FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL
WITH RESPECT TO ACCOUNTS
 
Provisions to be included in
Opinion of Counsel to be
delivered pursuant to
subsection 9.02(d)(ii) or (iii)
 
The opinions set forth below may be subject to all the qualifications, assumptions, limitations and exceptions taken or made in the Opinions of Counsel delivered on any applicable Closing Date.
 
 
1.
To the extent that Article 9 of the New York UCC applies to the transfer of Receivables in certain identified Additional Accounts from a Seller to SJRC pursuant to a Supplemental Conveyance or a Receivables Purchase Agreement, respectively, such Supplemental Conveyance or such Receivables Purchase Agreement creates in favor of SJRC a security interest in the rights of the Seller in such Receivables.
 
 
2.
To the extent that the transfer of Receivables in certain identified Additional Accounts by SJRC to the Issuer pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement does not constitute an absolute assignment by SJRC to the Issuer of such Receivables, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement creates in favor of the Issuer a security interest in the rights of SJRC in such Receivables.
 
 
3.
The security interests described in paragraphs 1 and 2 above are perfected.

 
D-2-1

 

EXHIBIT D-3
 
PROVISIONS TO BE INCLUDED IN
ANNUAL OPINION OF COUNSEL
 
The opinions set forth below may be subject to all the qualifications, assumptions, limitations and exceptions taken or made in the Opinions of Counsel delivered on any applicable Closing Date with respect to similar matters. Unless otherwise indicated, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
1.           No filing or other action, other than such filing or other action described in  such opinion, is necessary from the date of such opinion through April 30 of the following year to continue the perfected status of the security interest of the Trust in the Receivables described in the financing statements referenced in such opinion.
 
2.           No filing or other action, other than such filing or other action described in such opinion, is necessary from the date of such opinion through April 30 of the following year to continue the perfected status of the security interest of the relevant Transferor in the Receivables described in the financing statements referenced in such opinion.
 
3.           No filing or other action, other than such filing or other action described in such opinion, is necessary from the date of such opinion through April 30 of the following year to continue the perfected status of the security interest of SJRC in the Receivables described in the financing statements referenced in such opinion.

 
D-3-1

 

SCHEDULE I
 
List of Accounts
 
[Original list delivered to Indenture Trustee]
 
 
S-1

EX-4.4 5 mm05-2114_8k44.htm EX.4.4 - THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT mm05-2114_8k44.htm
EXHIBIT 4.4
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES
 
MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
 

 
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
 
RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
between
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
as Seller
 
 
and
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP.,
as Purchaser
 
 
Dated as of May 15, 2014
 

 

 


 
 

 

 
Table of Contents
 
Page
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
 
Section 1.01.
Definitions 
2
 
 
Section 1.02.
Other Definitional Provisions 
4
 
ARTICLE II
 
PURCHASE AND CONVEYANCE OF RECEIVABLES
 
 
Section 2.01.
Purchase 
5
 
ARTICLE III
 
CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT
 
 
Section 3.01.
Purchase Price 
7
 
 
Section 3.02.
Adjustments to Purchase Price 
7
 
ARTICLE IV
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
 
Section 4.01.
Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Seller 
8
 
 
Section 4.02.
Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Agreement and the Receivables 
9
 
 
Section 4.03.
Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser 
10
 
ARTICLE V
 
COVENANTS
 
 
Section 5.01.
Covenants of the Seller 
12
 
ARTICLE VI
 
REPURCHASE OBLIGATION
 
 
Section 6.01.
Reassignment of Ineligible Receivables 
13
 
 
Section 6.02.
Reassignment 
14
 
ARTICLE VII
 
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
 
Section 7.01.
Conditions to the Purchaser’s Obligations Regarding Initial Receivables 
14
 
 
Section 7.02.
Conditions Precedent to the Seller’s Obligations 
15
 
 
 
 
 
i

 
 
 
 
Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
ARTICLE VIII
 
TERM AND PURCHASE TERMINATION
 
 
Section 8.01.
Term 
16
 
 
Section 8.02.
Purchase Termination 
16
 
ARTICLE IX
 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
 
Section 9.01.
Amendment 
16
 
 
Section 9.02.
Governing Law 
17
 
 
Section 9.03.
Notices 
17
 
 
Section 9.04.
Severability of Provisions 
17
 
 
Section 9.05.
Assignment 
17
 
 
Section 9.06.
Acknowledgement and Agreement of the Seller 
18
 
 
Section 9.07.
Further Assurances 
18
 
 
Section 9.08.
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies 
18
 
 
Section 9.09.
Counterparts 
18
 
 
Section 9.10.
Binding; Third-Party Beneficiaries 
18
 
 
Section 9.11.
Merger and Integration 
19
 
 
Section 9.12.
Headings 
19
 
 
Section 9.13.
Schedules and Exhibits 
19
 
 
Section 9.14.
Survival of Representations and Warranties 
19
 
 
Section 9.15.
Nonpetition Covenant 
19
 
 
Schedule 1 
   
LIST OF ACCOUNTS   1
 
 

 
ii

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of May 15, 2014, by and between STERLING JEWELERS INC., a Delaware corporation, as Seller (the “Seller”), and STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP., a Delaware corporation, as Purchaser (the “Purchaser”).
 
W I T N E S S E T H:
 
WHEREAS, the Purchaser desires to purchase, from time to time, certain Receivables (hereinafter defined) arising under certain credit card accounts of the Seller;
 
WHEREAS, the Seller desires to sell and assign, from time to time, certain Receivables to the Purchaser upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
 
WHEREAS, it is contemplated that the Receivables purchased hereunder will be transferred by the Purchaser to the Trust (hereinafter defined) in connection with the issuance of certain Securities (hereinafter defined);
 
WHEREAS, the Seller and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. (“SJRC”), have heretofore entered into that certain Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 2002, the “Original Purchase Agreement”);
 
WHEREAS, Section 9.01 of the Original Purchase Agreement provides for amendments to be made thereto in writing with (i) the delivery by the Seller of an Officer’s Certificate to the Purchaser, dated the date of such action, stating that the Seller reasonably believes that such action will not have an Adverse Effect unless the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall consent thereto and (ii) if any Notes are then outstanding, written notification to the Seller and the Purchaser that the Rating Agency Condition has been satisfied;
 
WHEREAS, no Notes are outstanding at the time of entry into this Agreement;
 
WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser propose to amend and restate the Original Purchase Agreement as set forth herein and all conditions precedent for such amendment and restatement have been satisfied;
 
WHEREAS, the Seller agrees that all representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made by the Seller herein with respect to the Accounts (hereinafter defined) and Receivables shall also be for the benefit of the Trust (hereinafter defined), the Indenture Trustee (hereinafter defined), the holders of the Securities and any Affiliate of Sterling that purchases any of the Receivables; and
 
WHEREAS, the Seller and the Purchaser desire to set forth the terms and conditions under which the Seller agrees to sell and assign, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase, from time to time, certain Receivables.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby agreed by and between the Purchaser and the Seller as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
ARTICLE I
 
DEFINITIONS
 
Section 1.01. Definitions.  All capitalized terms used herein or in any certificate, document, or Conveyance Paper made or delivered pursuant hereto, and not defined herein or therein, shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Indenture, the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or the Trust Agreement; in addition, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
 
Account” shall mean (a) each consumer revolving credit card account of the Seller in existence on the Cut-Off Date that is an Eligible Account on the Cut-Off Date, (b) each Additional Account (but only from and after the Addition Date with respect thereto), (c) each Related Account, and (d) each account into which an Account shall be transferred (a “Transferred Account”); provided that (i) such transfer was made in accordance with the Credit Card Guidelines and (ii) such account can be traced or identified as an account into which an Account has been transferred, but shall exclude any Account that (x) after the Removal Date, the newly generated Receivables in which shall not be assigned to the Purchaser hereunder, (y) the right, title and interest of the Purchaser in the Receivables in which are reassigned to the Seller pursuant to Section 6.01 or (z) the right, title and interest of the Trust in the Receivables in which are assigned and transferred to the Servicer pursuant to Section 3.03 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Additional Account” shall mean each consumer revolving credit card account established by an Obligor with the Seller from and after the Cut-Off Date that, as of the date of its origination, is an Eligible Account and is identified in the computer file or microfiche list delivered to the Purchaser by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.01.
 
Addition Date” with respect to any Additional Account, shall mean the date from and after which such Additional Account is to be included as an Account pursuant to Section 2.01.
 
Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Agreement” shall mean this Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Cash Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in subsection 3.01(c).
 
Closing Date” shall mean May 15, 2014.
 
Conveyance” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.01(a).
 
Conveyance Papers” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4.01(c).
 
Credit Adjustment” shall have the meaning specified in Section 3.02.
 
 
 
 
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Credit Card Agreement” shall mean, with respect to a revolving credit card account, the agreements between the Seller and the Obligor governing the terms and conditions of such account, as such agreements may be amended, modified or otherwise changed from time to time and as distributed (including any amendments and revisions thereto) to holders of such account.
 
Cut-Off Date” shall mean May 21, 2014.
 
Debtor Relief Laws” shall mean (i) the Bankruptcy Code of the United States of America and (ii) all other applicable liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, suspension of payments, readjustment of debt, marshalling of assets or similar debtor relief laws of the United States, any state or any foreign country from time to time in effect affecting the rights of creditors generally.
 
Eligible Account” shall have the meaning set forth in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Eligible Receivable” shall have the meaning set forth in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Finance Charge Receivables” shall mean all Receivables in the Accounts which would be treated as “Finance Charge Receivables” in accordance with the definition for such term in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Indenture” shall mean the Master Indenture among the Trust, Sterling, as Servicer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as Indenture Trustee, dated as of November 2, 2001 as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including as supplemented by Indenture Supplements applicable to any Series that may be issued from time to time.
 
Indenture Collateral” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 2.01(e).
 
Indenture Supplement” shall mean the indenture supplement pursuant to which a Series is issued.
 
Indenture Trustee” shall mean Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), in its capacity as indenture trustee, or any successor indenture trustee.
 
Initial Account” shall mean any Account designated as an “Account” hereunder on the Closing Date.
 
Insolvency Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.02.
 
New Principal Receivables” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01.
 
 
 
 
3

 
 
 
 
Obligor” shall mean, with respect to each Account, each Person that would be treated as an “Obligor” in accordance with the definition for such term in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Owner Trustee” shall mean Wilmington Trust Company, a Delaware trust company, the institution executing the Trust Agreement as and acting in the capacity of Owner Trustee thereunder, or its successor in interest, or any successor trustee appointed as provided in the Trust Agreement.
 
Principal Receivables” shall mean all Receivables in the Accounts that would be treated as “Principal Receivables” in accordance with the definition for such term in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Purchase Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01.
 
Purchased Assets” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.
 
Receivables” shall mean all amounts shown on the Servicer’s records as amounts payable by Obligors on any Account from time to time, including amounts payable for Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables.  Receivables that become Defaulted Receivables will cease to be included as Receivables as of the day on which they become Defaulted Receivables.  Any reference in this Agreement to the “underlying receivable” with respect to a Receivable shall refer to the receivable in which such Receivable represents an undivided interest.
 
Removed Account” shall mean an Account hereunder that is a “Removed Account” (as such term is defined in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement) that is designated for removal pursuant to Section 2.10 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
Securities” shall mean any one of the Notes (as such term is defined in the Indenture), the Transferor Certificates, the Supplemental Certificates or the Trust Certificate (as such term is defined in the Trust Agreement).
 
Sterling” shall mean Sterling Jewelers Inc., a Delaware corporation.
 
Transfer and Servicing Agreement” shall mean the Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014, among Sterling, as Servicer, Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as Transferor, and the Trust, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Trust” shall mean the trust created by the Trust Agreement.
 
Trust Agreement” shall mean the Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust Trust Agreement, dated as of October 18, 2001, between the Purchaser, as Transferor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Owner Trustee, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Section 1.02. Other Definitional Provisions.
 
 
 
 
4

 
 
 
 
(a) All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate, other document, or Conveyance Paper made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein.
 
(b) The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement or any Conveyance Paper shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; and Section, subsection, Schedule and Exhibit references contained in this Agreement are references to Sections, subsections, Schedules and Exhibits in or to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
 
(c) All determinations of the principal or finance charge balance of Receivables, and of any collections thereof, shall be made in accordance with the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and the Indenture.
 
ARTICLE II
 
PURCHASE AND CONVEYANCE OF RECEIVABLES
 
Section 2.01. Purchase.
 
(a) By execution of this Agreement, the Seller does hereby sell, transfer, assign, set over and otherwise convey to the Purchaser (collectively, the “Conveyance”), as of the Initial Funding Date, without recourse except as provided herein, all its right, title and interest in, to and under the Receivables existing on the Cut-Off Date or thereafter created from time to time arising in the Initial Accounts and the Additional Accounts, until the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VIII hereof, Recoveries with respect to such Receivables, all monies due or to become due and all amounts received or receivable with respect thereto, and all proceeds (including, without limitation, “proceeds” as defined in the UCC) thereof (collectively, the “Purchased Assets”).
 
(b) In connection with such Conveyance, the Seller agrees (i) to record and file, at its own expense, any financing statements (and continuation statements with respect to such financing statements when applicable) with respect to the Purchased Assets now existing and hereafter created, meeting the requirements of applicable state law in such manner and in such jurisdictions as are necessary to perfect, and maintain perfection of, the Conveyance of such Purchased Assets from the Seller to the Purchaser, (ii) that such financing statements shall name the Seller, as seller, and the Purchaser, as purchaser, of the Receivables and (iii) to deliver a file-stamped copy of such financing statements or other evidence of such filings to the Purchaser as soon as is practicable after filing.
 
(c) In connection with such Conveyance, the Seller further agrees that it will, at its own expense, (i) on or prior to (x) the Initial Funding Date, in the case of Initial Accounts, and as supplemented monthly in the case of Additional Accounts, and (y) the applicable Removal Date, in the case of Removed Accounts, indicate in its computer files that, in the case of the Initial Accounts or the Additional Accounts, Receivables created in connection with such Accounts have been conveyed to the Purchaser in accordance with this Agreement and have been conveyed by the Purchaser to the Trust pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and
 
 
 
5

 
 
 
have been pledged by the Trust to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture for the benefit of the Noteholders and (ii) on or prior to (x) the Initial Funding Date, in the case of the Initial Accounts, and as supplemented monthly in the case of designation of Additional Accounts, and (y) the applicable Removal Date, in the case of Removed Accounts, to deliver to the Purchaser a computer file or microfiche list containing a true and complete list of all such Accounts specifying for each such Account, as of the Cut-Off Date, in the case of the Initial Accounts, the applicable Addition Date, in the case of Additional Accounts, and the applicable Removal Date, in the case of Removed Accounts, (A) its account number, (B) the aggregate amount outstanding in such Account and (C) the aggregate amount of Principal Receivables in such Account.  Each such computer file or microfiche list, as supplemented from time to time to reflect Additional Accounts or Removed Accounts, shall be marked as Schedule 1 to this Agreement, shall be delivered to the Purchaser, and is hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement.
 
(d) The parties hereto intend that the conveyance of the Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Purchased Assets shall constitute an absolute sale, conveying good title free and clear of any liens, claims, encumbrances or rights of others from the Seller to the Purchaser.  It is the intention of the parties hereto that the arrangements with respect to the Purchased Assets shall constitute a purchase and sale of such Purchased Assets and not a loan.  In the event, however, that it were to be determined that the transactions evidenced hereby constitute a loan and not a purchase and sale, it is the intention of the parties hereto that this Agreement shall constitute a security agreement under applicable law, and that the Seller shall be deemed to have granted and does hereby grant to the Purchaser a first priority perfected security interest, in all of the Seller’s right, title and interest, whether owned on the Cut-Off Date or thereafter acquired, in, to and under the Purchased Assets and all money, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, documents, goods, investment property, deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, letters of credit, and advices of credit consisting of, arising from or related to the Purchased Assets, and all proceeds (including, without limitation, “proceeds” as defined in the UCC) thereof to secure the obligations of the Seller hereunder; and in such circumstances only, each of the Seller and the Purchaser represents and warrants as to itself that each remittance of Collections by the Seller to the Purchaser under this Agreement will have been: (i) in payment of a debt incurred by the Seller in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Seller and the Purchaser; and (ii) made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the Seller and the Purchaser.
 
(e) To the extent that the Seller retains any interest in the Purchased Assets, the Seller hereby grants to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the Noteholders a security interest in all of the Seller’s right, title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in, to and under the Purchased Assets, and all money, accounts, general intangibles, chattel paper, instruments, documents, goods, investment property, deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, letters of credit and advices of credit consisting of, arising from or related to the Purchased Assets and all proceeds thereof (collectively, the “Indenture Collateral”), to secure the performance of all of the obligations of the Seller hereunder, under the Indenture and under the Transaction Documents. With respect to the Indenture Collateral, the Indenture Trustee shall have all of the rights that it has under the Indenture and the Transaction Documents. The Indenture Trustee shall have all of the rights of a secured creditor under the UCC in New York and the UCC in Delaware.
 
 
 
 
6

 
 
 
 
(f) The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that in connection with the conveyance pursuant to Section 2.01(a) of the Original Purchase Agreement, the Seller had no obligation to deliver Purchased Assets pursuant to the Original Purchase Agreement and the Purchaser had no obligation to purchase any Purchased Assets during the period beginning on April 9, 2009 and ending on the Closing Date.
 
ARTICLE III
 
CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT
 
Section 3.01. Purchase Price.
 
(a) The “Purchase Price” for the Receivables which came into existence on or prior to the Closing Date conveyed to the Purchaser under this Agreement shall be payable on the Closing Date and shall be an amount equal to 100% of Principal Receivables so conveyed, adjusted to reflect such factors as the Seller and the Purchaser mutually agree will result in a Purchase Price determined to approximate the fair market value of such Receivables.  Such computation of initial Purchase Price shall assume no reinvestment in new Receivables.  The Purchase Price for the Receivables (including Receivables in Additional Accounts) to be conveyed to the Purchaser under this Agreement that come into existence after the Closing Date shall be payable on the Distribution Date following the Monthly Period during which such Receivables are conveyed by the Seller to the Purchaser in an amount equal to 100% of the Principal Receivables so conveyed (the “New Principal Receivables”), adjusted to reflect such factors as the Seller and the Purchaser mutually agree will result in a Purchase Price determined to approximate the fair market value of such New Principal Receivables.
 
(b) The Purchase Price to be paid by the Purchaser on the Closing Date and in respect of each Addition Date shall be paid (i) in cash, (ii) by means of capital contributed by the Seller to the Purchaser in the form of a contribution of the Receivables in the related Additional Accounts, or (iii) any combination of the foregoing.
 
Section 3.02. Adjustments to Purchase Price.  The Purchase Price for Receivables shall be adjusted on each Distribution Date (a “Credit Adjustment”) with respect to any Receivable previously conveyed to the Purchaser by the Seller which has since been reduced by the Seller or the Servicer because of a rebate, refund, unauthorized charge or billing error to a cardholder because such Receivable was created in respect of merchandise that was refused or returned by a cardholder.  The amount of such adjustment shall equal the reduction in the principal balance of such Receivable resulting from the occurrence of such event.  If the Purchaser is required to deposit funds into the Special Funding Account pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, then the Seller shall pay the Purchaser an amount equal to such required deposit in immediately available funds on or before the date the Purchaser is required to make such deposit to the Special Funding Account.  Each Excluded Account (and all Receivables thereunder) shall automatically and without further action be re-conveyed by the Purchaser to the Seller at the time that such Accounts are re-conveyed by the Trust to the Purchaser (and such re-conveyance shall be effective as of the Addition Date for such Account).
 
 
 
 
7

 
 
 
 
ARTICLE IV
 
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
 
Section 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Seller.  The Seller hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Purchaser as of the Closing Date and on each Addition Date, that:
 
(a) Organization and Good Standing.  The Seller is a corporation duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as such properties are presently owned and such business is presently conducted, and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
(b) Due Qualification.  The Seller is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation (or is exempt from such requirements) and has obtained all necessary licenses and approvals in each jurisdiction in which failure to so qualify or to obtain such licenses and approvals would (i) render any Credit Card Agreement relating to an Account or any Receivable unenforceable by the Seller, the Purchaser or the Trust and (ii) have a material adverse effect on the Noteholders.
 
(c) Due Authorization.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto to which the Seller is a party (such other documents or instruments, collectively, the “Conveyance Papers”), and the consummation of the transactions provided for in this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers have been duly authorized by the Seller by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Seller.
 
(d) No Conflict.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers by the Seller, the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers, and the fulfillment of the terms of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers applicable to the Seller will not conflict with, violate or result in any breach of any of the material terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a material default under, any indenture, contract, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, or other instrument to which the Seller is a party or by which it or any of its properties are bound which conflict would have a material adverse effect on Noteholders.
 
(e) No Violation.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers by the Seller and the fulfillment of the terms contemplated herein and therein applicable to the Seller will not conflict with or violate any Requirements of Law applicable to the Seller which conflict would have a material adverse effect on Noteholders.
 
(f) No Proceedings.  There are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to the best knowledge of the Seller, threatened, against the Seller before any Governmental Authority (i) asserting the invalidity of this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers, (ii) seeking to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers, (iii) seeking any determination or ruling that, in the reasonable judgment of
 
 
 
8

 
 
 
the Seller, would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Seller of its obligations under this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers, (iv) seeking any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers or (v) seeking to affect adversely the income tax attributes of the Trust under the United States Federal or Delaware income tax systems.
 
(g) All Consents.  All authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of or registrations or declarations with any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given by the Seller in connection with the execution and delivery by the Seller of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers by the Seller have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect.
 
The representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4.01 shall survive the transfer and assignment of the Receivables to the Purchaser.  Upon discovery by the Seller or the Purchaser of a breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties, the party discovering such breach shall give written notice to the other party, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee within three (3) Business Days following such discovery.
 
Section 4.02. Representations and Warranties of the Seller Relating to the Agreement and the Receivables.
 
(a) Representations and Warranties.  The Seller hereby represents and warrants to the Purchaser as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date with respect to the Initial Accounts (and the Receivables arising therein), and, with respect to Additional Accounts (and the Receivables arising therein), as of the related Addition Date that:
 
(i) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Seller enforceable against the Seller in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws or general principles of equity;
 
(ii) as of the Cut-Off Date, with respect to the Initial Accounts and as of each Document Delivery Date with respect to Additional Accounts, Schedule 1 to this Agreement, as supplemented to such date, is an accurate and complete listing in all material respects of all the Accounts as of the Cut-Off Date or such Document Delivery Date, as the case may be, and the information contained therein with respect to the identity of such Accounts and the Receivables existing thereunder is true and correct in all material respects as of the Cut-Off Date or such applicable Document Delivery Date, as the case may be;
 
(iii) each Receivable has been conveyed to the Purchaser free and clear of any Lien and each underlying receivable is free and clear of all Liens;
 
(iv) all authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of or registrations or declarations with any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given by the Seller in connection with the conveyance of Receivables to the Purchaser have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect;
 
 
 
 
9

 
 
 
 
(v) this Agreement constitutes a valid sale, transfer and assignment to the Purchaser of all right, title and interest of the Seller in the Receivables and the proceeds thereof and the Recoveries payable pursuant to this Agreement;
 
(vi) on the Cut-Off Date, each Initial Account is an Eligible Account and, on the Addition Date, each related Additional Account is an Eligible Account;
 
(vii) on the Cut-Off Date, each Receivable then existing is an Eligible Receivable and, on the applicable Addition Date, each Receivable contained in the related Additional Account is an Eligible Receivable;
 
(viii) [Reserved];
 
(ix) other than the procedures specified in the Transaction Documents, no selection procedures believed by the Seller to be materially adverse to the interests of the Purchaser or the Noteholders have been used in selecting such Accounts;
 
(x) only one original Credit Card Agreement exists with respect to each Account, and each such original is in the possession of the Seller; and
 
(xi) no Credit Card Agreement has any marks or notations indicating that it has been pledged, assigned, or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Indenture Trustee.
 
(b) Notice of Breach.  The representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4.02 shall survive the transfer and assignment of the Receivables to the Purchaser.  Upon discovery by either the Seller or the Purchaser of a breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4.02, the party discovering such breach shall give written notice to the other party, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee within three (3) Business Days following such discovery; provided that the failure to give notice within three (3) Business Days does not preclude subsequent notice.  The Seller hereby acknowledges that the Purchaser intends to rely on the representations hereunder in connection with representations made by the Purchaser to secured parties, assignees or subsequent transferees including but not limited to transfers made by the Purchaser to the Trust pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and by the Trust to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture and that the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee may enforce such representations directly against the Seller.
 
Section 4.03. Representations and Warranties of the Purchaser.  As of the Closing Date and each Addition Date, the Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Seller that:
 
(a) Organization and Good Standing.  The Purchaser is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has, in all material respects, full power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as such properties are presently owned and such business is presently conducted and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
 
 
 
 
10

 
 
 
 
(b) Due Authorization.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers and the consummation of the transactions provided for in this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers have been duly authorized by the Purchaser by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser.
 
(c) No Conflict.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers by the Purchaser, the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers, and the fulfillment of the terms of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers applicable to the Purchaser, will not conflict with, result in any breach of any of the material terms and provisions of, or constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a material default under, any indenture, contract, agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument to which the Purchaser is a party or by which it or any of its properties are bound, which conflict would have a material adverse effect on the rights of the Noteholders.
 
(d) No Violation.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers by the Purchaser and the fulfillment of the terms contemplated herein and therein applicable to the Purchaser will not conflict with or violate any Requirements of Law applicable to the Purchaser, which conflict would have a material adverse effect on the rights of the Noteholders.
 
(e) No Proceedings.  There are no proceedings or investigations pending or, to the best knowledge of the Purchaser, threatened, against the Purchaser, before any Governmental Authority (i) asserting the invalidity of this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers, (ii) seeking to prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers, (iii) seeking any determination or ruling that, in the reasonable judgment of the Purchaser, would materially and adversely affect the performance by the Purchaser of its obligations under this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers or (iv) seeking any determination or ruling that would materially and adversely affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Conveyance Papers.
 
(f) All Consents.  All authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of or registrations or declarations with any Governmental Authority required to be obtained, effected or given by the Purchaser in connection with the execution and delivery by the Purchaser of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers and the performance of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect.
 
The representations and warranties set forth in this Section 4.03 shall survive the Conveyance of the Receivables to the Purchaser.  Upon discovery by the Purchaser or the Seller of a breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties, the party discovering such breach shall give prompt written notice to the other party, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee.
 
 
 
 
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ARTICLE V
 
COVENANTS
 
Section 5.01. Covenants of the Seller.  The Seller hereby covenants and agrees with the Purchaser as follows:
 
(a) Receivables Not To Be Evidenced by Promissory Notes.  Except in connection with its enforcement or collection of an Account, the Seller will take no action to cause any Receivable (or underlying receivable) to be evidenced by any instrument (as defined in the UCC) and if any Receivable (or underlying receivable) is so evidenced as a result of any action by the Seller it shall be deemed to be an Ineligible Receivable in accordance with Section 6.01 and shall be reassigned to the Seller in accordance with Section 6.01.
 
(b) Security Interests.  Except for the conveyances hereunder, the Seller will not sell, pledge, assign or transfer to any other Person, or take any other action inconsistent with the Purchaser’s ownership of the Receivables or grant, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (arising through or under the Seller) on any Receivable (or the underlying receivable), whether now existing or hereafter created, or any interest therein, and the Seller shall not claim any ownership interest in the Receivables and shall defend the right, title and interest of the Purchaser in, to and under the Receivables, whether now existing or hereafter created, against all claims of third parties claiming through or under the Seller; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 5.01(b) shall prevent or be deemed to prohibit the Seller from suffering to exist upon any of the Receivables (i) any Lien for taxes if such taxes shall not at the time be due and payable or if the Seller shall currently be contesting the validity thereof in good faith by appropriate proceedings and shall have set aside on its books with respect thereto adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or (ii) nonconsensual Liens that are junior in right of priority and payment to the interest of the Purchaser in the Receivables and that do not individually or in the aggregate materially adversely affect the aggregate value of the Receivables and the Seller shall concurrently be contesting in good faith and seeking to remove such Liens.
 
(c) Account Allocations.  In the event that the Seller is unable for any reason to transfer Receivables to the Purchaser in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, by reason of the application of the provisions of Section 8.02 or any order of any Governmental Authority), then the Seller agrees (except as prohibited by any such order) to allocate and (i) pay to the Purchaser, after the date of such inability, all amounts in the manner by which the Purchaser will allocate and (ii) pay such amounts to the Trust after such inability by the Purchaser pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
(d) Delivery of Collections or Recoveries.  In the event that the Seller is not the Servicer and receives Collections or Recoveries, the Seller agrees to pay to the Purchaser (or to the Servicer if the Purchaser so directs) all such Collections and Recoveries as soon as practicable after receipt thereof.
 
(e) Notice of Liens.  The Seller shall notify the Purchaser promptly after becoming aware of any Lien on any Receivable (or on the underlying receivable) other than the conveyances hereunder, under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement or under the Indenture.
 
 
 
 
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(f) Documentation of Transfer.  The Seller shall undertake to file the documents which would be necessary to perfect and maintain the transfer of the Purchased Assets to the Purchaser.
 
(g) Periodic Rate Finance Charges.  (i) Except (x) as otherwise required by any Requirements of Law or (y) as is deemed by the Seller to be necessary in order for it to maintain its credit card business or a program operated by such credit card business on a competitive basis based on a good faith assessment by it of the nature of the competition with respect to the credit card business or such program, it shall not at any time take any action which would have the effect of reducing the Portfolio Yield to a level that could be reasonably expected to cause any Series to experience any Pay Out Event or Event of Default based on the insufficiency of the Portfolio Yield or any similar test and (ii) except as otherwise required by any Requirements of Law, it shall not take any action which would have the effect of reducing the Portfolio Yield to be less than the highest Average Rate for any Group.
 
(h) Credit Card Agreements and Guidelines.  Subject to compliance with all Requirements of Law and paragraph (g) above, the Seller, may change the terms and provisions of the applicable Credit Card Agreements or the applicable Credit Card Guidelines in any respect (including the calculation of the amount or the timing of charge-offs and the Periodic Rate Finance Charges to be assessed thereon). Notwithstanding the above, unless required by Requirements of Law or as permitted by paragraph (g) above, the Seller will not take any such action unless (i) at the time of such action, the Seller reasonably believes that such action will not cause a Pay Out Event or Event of Default to occur, and (ii) such change is made applicable to the comparable segment of the revolving credit card accounts owned by the Seller which have characteristics the same as, or substantially similar to, the Accounts that are the subject of such change, except as otherwise restricted by an endorsement, sponsorship, or other agreement between the Seller, and an unrelated third party or by the terms of the Credit Card Agreements.
 
(i) Possession of Credit Card Agreements.  The Seller shall, and the Seller hereby agrees and acknowledges that it does, hold each Credit Card Agreement as custodian and agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Indenture Trustee.  Such possession shall constitute possession by the Indenture Trustee as secured party for purposes of the UCC.  The Seller shall not permit any Credit Card Agreement to have any marks or notations indicating that it has been pledged, assigned, or otherwise conveyed to any Person other than the Indenture Trustee.
 
ARTICLE VI
 
REPURCHASE OBLIGATION
 
Section 6.01. Reassignment of Ineligible Receivables.
 
In the event any representation or warranty under subsections 4.02(a)(ii), (iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (ix), (x) or (xi) is not true and correct in any material respect as of the date specified therein with respect to any Receivable or the related Account and as a result of such breach the Purchaser is required to accept reassignment of Ineligible Receivables previously sold by the Seller to the
 
 
 
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Purchaser pursuant to the provisions of the Transaction Documents, the Seller shall accept reassignment of such Ineligible Receivables previously sold by the Seller to the Purchaser from the Purchaser on the fourth business day immediately succeeding the day on which such reassignment obligation arises, and shall pay for such reassigned Ineligible Receivables by treating such Ineligible Receivables as if they were subject to a reversal of the entire unpaid principal balance thereof plus accrued and unpaid finance charges at the annual percentage rate applicable to such Receivables from the last date billed through the end of such Monthly Period and by adjusting the purchase price of future Receivables purchased as provided in Section 3.02.  Upon reassignment of such Ineligible Receivables, the Purchaser shall automatically and without further action be deemed to sell, transfer, assign, set-over and otherwise convey to the Seller, without recourse, representation or warranty, all the right, title and interest of the Purchaser in and to such Ineligible Receivables, all Recoveries related thereto, all monies and amounts due or to become due with respect thereto and all proceeds thereof; and such reassigned Ineligible Receivables shall be treated by the Purchaser as collected in full as of the date on which they were transferred.  The Purchaser shall execute such documents and instruments of transfer or assignment and take such other actions as shall reasonably be requested by the Seller to effect the conveyance of such Ineligible Receivables and other property pursuant to this subsection.
 
Section 6.02. Reassignment.  In the event any representation or warranty set forth in subsections 4.01(a), (c), (d), (f) or (g) or subsections 4.02(a)(i) or (a)(v) is not true and correct in any material respect and as a result of such breach the Purchaser is required to accept a reassignment of the Receivables previously sold by the Seller to the Purchaser pursuant to the provisions of the Transaction Documents, the Seller shall be obligated to accept a reassignment of such Receivables on the terms set forth below.
 
The Seller shall pay to the Purchaser by depositing in the Collection Account in immediately available funds, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on the first Transfer Date following the Monthly Period in which such reassignment obligation arises, in payment for such reassignment, an amount equal to the amount specified in Section 2.06 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.  Upon reassignment of the Receivables on such Transfer Date, the Purchaser shall automatically and without further action be deemed to sell, transfer, assign, set-over and otherwise convey to the Seller, without recourse, representation or warranty, all the right, title and interest of the Purchaser in and to the Receivables, all Recoveries related thereto, and all monies and amounts due or to become due with respect thereto and all proceeds thereof.  The Purchaser shall execute such documents and instruments of transfer or assignment and take such other actions as shall reasonably be requested by the Seller to effect the conveyance of such property pursuant to this subsection.
 
ARTICLE VII
 
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
 
Section 7.01. Conditions to the Purchaser’s Obligations Regarding Initial Receivables.  The obligations of the Purchaser to purchase the Receivables in the Initial Accounts on the Closing Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
 
 
 
 
14

 
 
 
 
(a) All representations and warranties of the Seller contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects on the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on such date;
 
(b) All information concerning the Initial Accounts provided to the Purchaser shall be true and correct as of the Cut-Off Date in all material respects;
 
(c) The Seller shall have (i) delivered to the Purchaser a computer file or microfiche list containing a true and complete list of all Initial Accounts identified by account number and by the Receivables balance as of the Cut-Off Date and (ii) substantially performed all other obligations required to be performed by the provisions of this Agreement;
 
(d) The Seller shall have recorded and filed, at its expense, any financing statement with respect to the Receivables (other than Receivables in Additional Accounts) now existing and hereafter created for the transfer of accounts, payment intangibles and tangible chattel paper (each as defined in the applicable UCC) meeting the requirements of applicable law in such manner and in such jurisdictions as would be necessary to perfect the sale of and security interest in the Receivables from the Seller to the Purchaser, and shall deliver a file-stamped copy of such financing statements or other evidence of such filings to the Purchaser;
 
(e) On or before the Closing Date, (i) the Purchaser and the Owner Trustee shall have entered into the Trust Agreement (ii) the Purchaser, the Seller, as servicer, and the Trust shall have entered into the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, (iii) the Trust and the Indenture Trustee shall have entered into the Indenture and (iv) the closing under all such agreements shall take place simultaneously with the initial closing hereunder; and
 
(f) All corporate and legal proceedings and all instruments in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser shall have received from the Seller copies of all documents (including, without limitation, records of corporate proceedings) relevant to the transactions herein contemplated as the Purchaser may reasonably have requested.
 
Section 7.02. Conditions Precedent to the Seller’s Obligations.  The obligations of the Seller to sell Receivables in the Initial Accounts on the Closing Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
 
(a) All representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on such date;
 
(b) Payment or provision for payment of the Purchase Price in accordance with the provision of Section 3.01 hereof shall have been made; and
 
(c) All corporate and legal proceedings and all instruments in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Seller, and the Seller shall have received from the Purchaser copies of all documents (including, without limitation, records of corporate proceedings) relevant to the transactions herein contemplated as the Seller may reasonably have requested.
 
 
 
 
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ARTICLE VIII
 
TERM AND PURCHASE TERMINATION
 
Section 8.01. Term.  This Agreement shall commence as of the date of execution and delivery hereof and shall continue until at least the termination of the Trust as provided in Article VIII of the Trust Agreement.  Thereafter this Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the parties hereto.
 
Section 8.02. Purchase Termination.  If the Seller shall fail generally to, or admit in writing its inability to, pay its debts as they become due; or if a proceeding shall have been instituted in a court having jurisdiction in the premises seeking a decree or order for relief in respect of the Seller in an involuntary case under any Debtor Relief Law, or for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or other similar official of the Seller or for any substantial part of the Seller’s property, or for the winding-up or liquidation of the Seller’s affairs and, if instituted against the Seller, any such proceeding shall continue undismissed or unstayed and in effect, for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding shall occur; or if the Seller shall commence a voluntary case under any Debtor Relief Law, or if the Seller shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any Debtor Relief Law, or consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or other similar official of, or for, any substantial part of its property, or any general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or the Seller shall have taken any corporate action in furtherance of any of the foregoing actions (each, an “Insolvency Event”); then the Seller shall immediately cease to transfer Principal Receivables to the Purchaser and shall promptly give notice to the Purchaser, each Rating Agency, the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee of such Insolvency Event.  Notwithstanding any cessation of the transfer to the Purchaser of additional Principal Receivables, Principal Receivables transferred to the Purchaser prior to the occurrence of such Insolvency Event and Collections in respect of such Principal Receivables and Finance Charge Receivables whenever created, then accrued in respect of such Principal Receivables, shall continue to be property of the Purchaser available for transfer by the Purchaser to the Trust pursuant to the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.
 
ARTICLE IX
 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
 
Section 9.01. Amendment.  This Agreement and any Conveyance Papers and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder and thereunder may not be changed orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the Purchaser and the Seller in accordance with this Section 9.01.  This Agreement and any Conveyance Papers may be amended from time to time by the Purchaser and the Seller (i) to cure any ambiguity, (ii) to correct or supplement any provisions herein which may be inconsistent with any other provisions herein or in any such other Conveyance Papers, (iii) to add any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Agreement or any Conveyance Papers which shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement or any Conveyance Papers, (iv) to change or modify the Purchase Price, (v) to change, modify, delete or add any other obligation of the Seller or the Purchaser and
 
 
 
16

 
 
 
(vi) to cause the Receivables to be transferred to an Affiliate of Sterling and from such Affiliate ultimately to the Purchaser; provided, however, that no amendment pursuant to clause (iv) or (v) of this Section 9.01 shall be effective unless the Seller and the Purchaser have been notified in writing that the Rating Agency Condition has been satisfied; provided further that the Seller shall have delivered to the Purchaser an Officer’s Certificate, dated the date of such action, stating that the Seller reasonably believes that such action will not have an Adverse Effect unless the Owner Trustee and the Indenture Trustee shall consent thereto.  Any reconveyance executed in accordance with the provisions hereof shall not be considered to be an amendment to this Agreement.  A copy of any amendment to this Agreement shall be sent to the Rating Agency.  Any amendment pursuant to clause (vi) of this Section 9.01 shall only be effective upon delivery by the Seller of (i) an Officer’s Certificate addressed to the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee and the Purchaser stating that there is no Adverse Effect; (ii) a Tax Opinion; (iii) an Opinion of Counsel relating to security interest matters relating to the Receivables; and (iv) prior written notice to the Rating Agencies then rating any outstanding Series or Class of Notes.
 
Section 9.02. Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS, AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
 
Section 9.03. Notices.  All demands, notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered at or mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, to (a) in the case of the Seller, 375 Ghent Road, Akron, Ohio 44333-4600, Attention:  Corporate Treasury Department (facsimile no. (330) 668-5191), (b) in the case of the Purchaser, 375 Ghent Road, Akron, Ohio 44333-4600, Attention:  Corporate Treasury Department (facsimile no. (330) 668-5191), (c) in the case of the Owner Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, Rodney Square North, 1100 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19890-00001, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration (facsimile no. (302) 636-4140), or (d) in the case of the Indenture Trustee, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005 cc: Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas c/o DB Services New Jersey Inc., 100 Plaza One, M/S JCY03-0606, Jersey City, NJ 07311, Attention: Structured Finance Services (facsimile no. (201) 593-6449); or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to each other party.
 
Section 9.04. Severability of Provisions.  If any one or more of the covenants, agreements, provisions or terms of this Agreement or any Conveyance Paper shall for any reason whatsoever be held invalid, then such covenants, agreements, provisions, or terms shall be deemed severable from the remaining covenants, agreements, provisions, and terms of this Agreement or any Conveyance Paper and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement or of any Conveyance Paper.
 
Section 9.05. Assignment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, other than the Purchaser’s conveyance of its right, title, and interest in, to, and under this Agreement to the Trust and the Trust’s assignment of its right, title and interest in, to and under this Agreement to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the Trust, including
 
 
 
17

 
 
 
the Noteholders as contemplated by the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Indenture and Section 9.06 hereof, this Agreement and all other Conveyance Papers may not be assigned by the parties hereto; provided, however, that the Seller shall have the right to assign its right, title and interest in, to and under this Agreement to (i) any successor by merger assuming this Agreement or (ii) to any affiliate owned directly or indirectly by Sterling which assumes the obligations of this Agreement; provided that each Rating Agency has been notified of such assignment.
 
Section 9.06. Acknowledgement and Agreement of the Seller.  By execution below, the Seller expressly acknowledges and agrees that all of the Purchaser’s right, title, and interest in, to, and under this Agreement, including, without limitation, all of the Purchaser’s right, title, and interest in and to the Receivables purchased pursuant to this Agreement, may be assigned by the Purchaser to the Trust, and may be assigned by the Trust to the Indenture Trustee for the benefit of the beneficiaries of the Trust, including the Noteholders, and the Seller consents to such assignments.  The Seller further agrees that notwithstanding any claim, counterclaim, right of setoff or defense which it may have against the Purchaser, due to a breach by the Purchaser of this Agreement or for any other reason, and notwithstanding the bankruptcy of the Purchaser or any other event whatsoever, the Seller’s sole remedy shall be a claim against the Purchaser for money damages, and then only to the extent of funds available to the Purchaser, and in no event shall the Seller assert any claim on or any interest in the Receivables or any proceeds thereof or take any action which would reduce or delay receipt by the Trust of collections with respect to the Receivables.  Additionally, the Seller agrees that any amounts payable by the Seller to the Purchaser hereunder which are to be paid by the Purchaser to the Trust shall be paid by the Seller, on behalf of the Purchaser, directly to the Trust.
 
Section 9.07. Further Assurances.  The Purchaser and the Seller agree to do and perform, from time to time, any and all acts and to execute any and all further instruments required or reasonably requested by the other party, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee more fully to effect the purposes of this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers, including, without limitation, the execution of any financing statements or continuation statements or equivalent documents relating to the Receivables for filing under the provisions of the UCC or other law of any applicable jurisdiction.
 
Section 9.08. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.  No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of the Purchaser or the Seller, 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 exhaustive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
 
Section 9.09. Counterparts.  This Agreement and all Conveyance Papers may be executed in two or more counterparts (and by different parties on separate counterparts), each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
Section 9.10. Binding; Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement and the Conveyance Papers will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
 
 
 
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respective successors and permitted assigns.  The Trust and the Indenture Trustee shall be considered third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.
 
Section 9.11. Merger and Integration.  Except as specifically stated otherwise herein, this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers set forth the entire understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and all prior understandings, written or oral, are superseded by this Agreement and the Conveyance Papers.  This Agreement and the Conveyance Papers may not be modified, amended, waived or supplemented except as provided herein.
 
Section 9.12. Headings.  The headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof.
 
Section 9.13. Schedules and Exhibits.  The schedules and exhibits attached hereto and referred to herein shall constitute a part of this Agreement and are incorporated into this Agreement for all purposes.
 
Section 9.14. Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect and shall survive conveyance of the Receivables (a) by the Purchaser to the Trust and (b) by the Trust to the Indenture Trustee pursuant to the Indenture.
 
Section 9.15. Nonpetition Covenant.  Notwithstanding any prior termination of this Agreement, the Seller shall not, prior to the date which is one year and one day after the termination of this Agreement, acquiesce, petition or otherwise invoke or cause the Purchaser or the Trust to invoke the process of any Governmental Authority for the purpose of commencing or sustaining a case against the Purchaser or the Trust under any Debtor Relief Law or appointing a receiver, conservator, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of the Purchaser, the Trust, or any substantial part of its property or ordering the winding-up or liquidation or the affairs of the Purchaser or the Trust.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Seller and the Purchaser have caused this Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement to be duly executed by their respective officers as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC., as Seller
 
       
 
By:
/s/ Simon Cashman  
    Name:
Simon Cashman
 
    Title:
SVP
 
 
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP.,
 
       
By:
/s/ Simon Cashman  
    Name:
Simon Cashman
 
    Title:
VP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO SJI RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT]
 
 
 

 

Schedule 1
 
LIST OF ACCOUNTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I-1
EX-4.5 6 mm05-2114_8k45.htm EX.4.5 - ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT mm05-2114_8k45.htm
 
EXHIBIT 4.5
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES
MASTER NOTE TRUST
 

 
 
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 

 
Issuer
 
and
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.
 
Administrator
 

 

 

 

 
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
 
Dated as of November 2, 2001
 

 

 


 
 

 

   
Page
1.
DUTIES OF ADMINISTRATOR.
2
     
2.
RECORDS
6
     
3.
COMPENSATION
6
     
4.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED TO ISSUER
6
     
5.
INDEPENDENCE OF ADMINISTRATOR
6
     
6.
NO JOINT VENTURE
6
     
7.
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF ADMINISTRATOR
6
     
8.
TERM OF AGREEMENT; RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL OF ADMINISTRATOR
6
     
9.
ACTION UPON TERMINATION RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL
7
     
10.
NOTICES
8
     
11.
AMENDMENTS
8
     
12.
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
10
     
13.
GOVERNING LAW
10
     
14.
HEADINGS
10
     
15.
COUNTERPARTS
10
     
16.
SEVERABILITY
10
     
17.
NOT APPLICABLE TO STERLING IN OTHER CAPACITIES
10
     
18.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF OWNER TRUSTEE
10
     
19.
THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY
11
     
20.
NONPETITION COVENANTS
11
     
21.
SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATOR
11
     
     
EXHIBIT A — Form of Power of Attorney
 

 
 
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ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT, dated as of November 2, 2001 (the “Administration Agreement”), between STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST, a business trust organized arid existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein, the “Issuer”), and STERLING JEWELERS INC. (“Sterling”), as administrator (herein, the “Administrator”).
 
W I T N E S S E T H:
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer has entered into a Master Indenture, dated as of November 2, 2001 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the provisions thereof, the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, Sterling, as servicer, and Bankers Trust Company, a New York banking corporation, as indenture trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”) to provide for the issuance of its asset backed notes (the “Notes”) from time to time pursuant to one or more indenture supplements;
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer has entered into certain agreements in connection with the issuance of the Notes, the issuance of the beneficial ownership interest of the Issuer and transactions related thereto, including (i) a Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2001 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the provisions thereof the “Transfer and Servicing Agreement”), among Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp., as Transferor (the “Transferor”), Sterling, as Servicer (in such capacity, the “Servicer”), the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee, (ii) a Trust Agreement, dated November 2, 2001 (the “Trust Agreement”), between the Transferor, as transferor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as owner trustee, and (iii) the Indenture (the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the Trust Agreement, the Indenture and any related Indenture Supplement being hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Related Agreements”) (capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, or if not defined therein, in the Indenture);
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Related Agreements, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee are required to perform certain duties in connection with (a) the Notes and the collateral therefor pledged pursuant to the Indenture (the “Collateral”) and (b) the beneficial ownership interest in the Issuer (the holder of such interest being referred to herein as the “Owner”);
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer and the Owner Trustee desire to have the Administrator perform certain of the duties of the Issuer and the Owner Trustee referred to in the preceding clause, and to provide such additional services consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Related Agreements as the Issuer and the Owner Trustee may from time to time request; and
 
WHEREAS, the Administrator has the capacity to provide the services required hereby and is willing to perform such services for the Issuer and the Owner Trustee on the terms set forth herein;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
1. Duties of Administrator.
 
(a) Duties with Respect to the Related Agreements.
 
The Administrator shall consult with the Owner Trustee regarding the duties of the Issuer and the Owner Trustee under the Related Agreements. The Administrator shall monitor the performance of the Issuer arid, in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby, the Owner Trustee and shall advise the Owner Trustee when action is necessary to comply with the Issuer’s or the Owner Trustee’s duties under the Related Agreements. The Administrator shall prepare for execution by the Issuer or the Owner Trustee or shall cause the preparation by other appropriate persons of all such documents, reports, filings, instruments, orders, certificates and opinions as it shall be the duty of the Issuer or the Owner Trustee to prepare, file or deliver pursuant to any Related Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Administrator shall take all appropriate action that it is the duty of the Issuer or the Owner Trustee to take pursuant to the Indenture including, without limitation, such of the foregoing as are required with respect to the following matters under the Indenture (references are to sections of the Indenture):
 
(A) the preparation of or obtaining of the documents and instruments required for execution, authentication and delivery of the Notes (whether upon initial issuance, transfer or exchange, or otherwise), if any, and delivery of the same to the Indenture Trustee (if applicable) (Sections 2.03, 2.05, 2.06, 2.12(c) or 2.15);
 
(B) the duty to cause the Note Register to be kept, to appoint a successor Transfer Agent and Registrar, if necessary, and to give the Indenture Trustee notice of any appointment of a new Transfer Agent and Registrar and the location, or change in location, of the Note Register (Section 2.05);
 
(C) the furnishing of the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer, any Noteholder or the Paying Agent with the names and addresses of Noteholders after receipt of a written request therefor from the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer, any Noteholder or the Paying Agent, respectively, or as otherwise specified in the Indenture (Sections 2.09(a) and 7.01);
 
(D) the preparation, obtaining or filing of the instruments, opinions and certificates and other documents required for the release of collateral (Section 2.11);
 
(E) the duty to direct the Indenture Trustee to deposit with any Paying Agent the sums specified in the Indenture and the preparation of an Issuer Order directing the investment of such funds in Eligible Investments (Section 3.03);
 
(F) the duty to cause newly appointed Paying Agents, if any, to deliver to the Indenture Trustee the instrument specified in the Indenture regarding funds held in trust (Section 3.03);
 
(G) the direction to Paying Agents to pay to the Indenture Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agents (Section 3.03);
 
 
 
 
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(H) the duty to cause the Issuer to keep in full force its existence, rights and franchises as a Delaware business trust and the obtaining and preservation of the Issuer’s qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of the Indenture, the Notes, the Collateral and each other related instrument and agreement (Section 3.04);
 
(I) the preparation of all supplements, amendments, financing statements, continuation statements, if any, instruments of further assurance and other instruments necessary to protect, maintain and enforce the Collateral (Section 3.05);
 
(J) the obtaining of the Opinion of Counsel on the Series Issuance Date and the annual delivery of Opinions of Counsel as to the Collateral, and the annual delivery of the Officer’s Certificate (Section 3.06);
 
(K) the identification to the Indenture Trustee in an Officer’s Certificate of a Person with whom the Issuer has contracted to assist it in performing its duties under the Indenture (Section 3.07(b));
 
(L) causing the delivery of notice by the Indenture Trustee to the Rating Agencies of the occurrence of any Servicer Default of which the Issuer has knowledge and the action, if any, being taken in connection with such default (Section 3.07(d));
 
(M) the delivery to the Indenture Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer of an Officer’s Certificate with respect to various matters relating to compliance with the Indenture (Section 3.09);
 
(N) the preparation and obtaining of documents, certificates, opinions and instruments required in connection with the consolidation or merger by the Issuer with or into any other Person or the sale of the Issuer’s assets substantially as an entirety to any Person (Section 3.10);
 
(O) the delivery of notice to the Indenture Trustee and the Rating Agencies of (1) each Event of Default, (2) each default by the Servicer or the Transferor under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and (3) each default by a Seller under a Receivables Purchase Agreement or the Transferor Purchase Agreement, as applicable (Section 3.19);
 
(P) the monitoring of the Issuer’s obligations as to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture and the preparation of an Officer’s Certificate and the obtaining of the Opinion of Counsel and the Independent Certificate relating thereto (Section 4.01);
 
(Q) the compliance with any directive of the Indenture Trustee with respect to the sale of the Collateral if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Notes have been accelerated (Section 5.05);
 
(R) the preparation of an Officer’s Certificate to be delivered to the Indenture Trustee (Section 6.03(b));
 
 
 
 
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(S) the removal of the Indenture Trustee, if necessary and in compliance with the Indenture, and the appointment of a successor (Section 6.08);
 
(T) the preparation of various reports to be filed with the Indenture Trustee and the Commission, as applicable (Section 7.03);
 
(U) the preparation of an Issuer Order and Officer’s Certificate and the obtaining of an Opinion of Counsel and Independent Certificates, if necessary, for the release of the Collateral (Sections 8.09 and 8.10);
 
(V) the preparation of Issuer Orders, agreements, certificates, instruments, consents and other documents and the obtaining of Opinions of Counsel with respect to the execution of supplemental indentures (Sections 3.07(f), 10.01, 10.02 and 10.03);
 
(W) the execution of new Notes conforming to any supplemental indenture (Section 10.06);
 
(X) in connection with a Defeasance, compliance with the provisions of Section 11.04 of the Indenture (Section 11.04);
 
(Y) the preparation of all Officers’ Certificates, Opinions of Counsel and, if necessary, Independent Certificates with respect to any requests by the Issuer to the Indenture Trustee to take any action under the Indenture (Section 12.01(a));
 
(Z) the preparation and delivery of Officers’ Certificates and the obtaining of Independent Certificates, if necessary, in connection with the deposit of any Collateral or other property or securities with the Indenture Trustee that is to be made the basis for the release of property from the lien of the Indenture (Section 12.01(b));
 
(AA) the preparation and delivery to Noteholders and the Indenture Trustee of any agreements with respect to alternate payment and notice provisions (Section 12.06); and
 
(BB) compliance with the provisions of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, Indenture Supplement and Trust Agreement applicable to the Issuer.
 
(b) Additional Duties.
 
(i) In addition to the duties of the Administrator set forth above, but subject to Sections 1(c)(ii) and 5, the Administrator shall perform all duties and obligations of the Issuer under the Related Agreements and shall perform such calculations and shall prepare for execution by the Issuer and shall cause the preparation by other appropriate persons of all such documents, reports, filings, instruments, certificates and opinions as it shall be the duty of the Issuer to prepare, file or deliver pursuant to the Related Agreements and shall administer the Trust in the interest of the holders of the Transferor Certificates, and at the request of the Issuer shall take all appropriate action that it is the duty of the Issuer to take pursuant to the Related Agreements. Subject to Sections 1(c)(ii) and 5 of this Agreement, and in accordance with the directions of the Issuer, the Administrator shall administer, perform or supervise the performance
 
 
 
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of such other activities in connection with the Collateral (including the Related Agreements) as are not covered by any of the foregoing provisions and as are expressly requested by the Owner Trustee and are reasonably within the capability of the Administrator.
 
(ii) The Administrator shall perform arty duties expressly required to be performed by the Administrator under the Trust Agreement.
 
(iii) In carrying out the foregoing duties or any of its other obligations under this Agreement, the Administrator may enter into transactions with or otherwise deal with any of its Affiliates; provided, however, that the terms of any such transactions or dealings shall be in accordance with any directions received from the Issuer and shall be, in the Administrator’s opinion, no less favorable to the Issuer than would be available from unaffiliated parties.
 
(iv) It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Administrator shall, and the Administrator hereby agrees to, prepare, file and deliver on behalf of the Issuer all such documents, reports, filings, instruments, certificates and opinions as it shall be the duty of the Issuer to prepare, file or deliver pursuant to the Related Agreements. In furtherance thereof, the Owner Trustee shall, on behalf of the Issuer, execute and deliver to the Administrator and its agents, and to each successor Administrator appointed pursuant to the terms hereof, one or more powers of attorney substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, appointing the Administrator the attorney-in-fact of the Issuer for the purpose of executing on behalf of the Issuer all such documents, reports, filings, instruments, certificates and opinions.
 
(c) Non-Ministerial Matters.
 
(i) With respect to matters that in the reasonable judgment of the Administrator are non-ministerial, the Administrator shall not take any action unless within a reasonable time before the taking of such action, the Administrator shall have notified the Transferor of the proposed action and the Transferor shall not have withheld consent or provided an alternative direction. For the purpose of the preceding sentence, “non-ministerial matters” shall include, without limitation:
 
(A) the amendment of or any supplement to the Indenture;
 
(B) the initiation of any claim or lawsuit by the Issuer and the compromise of any action, claim or lawsuit brought by or against the Issuer (other than in connection with the collection or enforcement of the Collateral);
 
(C) the amendment, change or modification of the Related Agreements;
 
(D) the appointment of successor Transfer Agent and Registrars, successor Paying Agents and successor Indenture Trustees pursuant to the Indenture or the appointment of successor Administrators, or the consent to the assignment by the Transfer Agent and Registrar, Paying Agent or Indenture Trustee of its obligations under the Indenture; and
 
(E) the removal of the Indenture Trustee.
 
 
 
 
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(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Administrator shall not be obligated to, and shall not, (x) make any payments f-rom its own funds to the Noteholders, the Owner or any other Person under the Related Agreements, (y) sell the Collateral pursuant to Section 5.05 of the Indenture other than pursuant to a written directive of the Indenture Trustee or (z) take any other action that the Issuer directs the Administrator not to take on its behalf.
 
2. Records.  The Administrator shall maintain appropriate books of account and records relating to services performed hereunder, which books of account and records shall be accessible for inspection by the Issuer, the Owner Trustee, the Indenture Trustee, the Servicer and the Transferor at any time during normal business hours.
 
3. Compensation.  As compensation for the performance of the Administrator’s obligations under this Agreement, the Administrator shall be entitled to $100 per month which shall be payable in accordance with subsection 3.01(e) of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement. The Transferor shall be responsible for payment of the Administrator’s fees (to the extent not paid pursuant to Section 3.01 of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement).
 
4. Additional Information to be Furnished to Issuer.  The Administrator shall furnish to the Issuer from time to time such additional information regarding the Collateral as the Issuer shall reasonably request.
 
5. Independence of Administrator.  For all purposes of this Agreement, the Administrator shall be an independent contractor and shall not be subject to the supervision of the Issuer or the Owner ‘Trustee with respect to the manner in which it accomplishes the performance of its obligations hereunder. Unless expressly authorized by the Issuer, the Administrator shall have no authority to act for or represent the Issuer or the Owner Trustee in any way and shall not otherwise be deemed an agent of the Issuer or the Owner Trustee.
 
6. No Joint Venture.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall (i) constitute the Administrator and either of the Issuer or the Owner Trustee as members of any partnership, joint venture, association, syndicate, unincorporated business or other separate entity, (ii) be construed to impose any liability as such on any of them or (iii) be deemed to confer on any of them any express, implied or apparent authority to incur any obligation or liability on behalf of the others.
 
7. Other Activities of Administrator.  Nothing herein shall prevent the Administrator or its affiliates from engaging in other businesses or, in its sole discretion, from acting in a similar capacity as an administrator for any other Person or entity even though such Person or entity may engage in business activities similar to those of the Issuer, the Owner Trustee or the Indenture Trustee.
 
8. Term of Agreement; Resignation and Removal of Administrator.
 
(a) This Agreement shall continue in force until the termination of the Issuer, upon which event this Agreement shall automatically terminate.
 
 
 
 
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(b) Subject to Sections 8(e) and (0, the Administrator may resign its duties hereunder by providing the Issuer with at least sixty (60) days prior written notice.
 
(c) Subject to Sections 8(e) and (f), the Issuer may remove the Administrator without cause by providing the Administrator with at least sixty (60) days prior written notice.
 
(d) Subject to Sections 8(e) and (f), at the sole option of the Issuer, the Administrator may be removed immediately upon written notice of termination from the Issuer to the Administrator if any of the following events shall occur:
 
(i) the Administrator shall default in the performance of any of its duties under this Agreement and, after notice of such default, shall not cure such default within thirty (30) days (or, if such default cannot be cured in such time, shall not give within thirty (30) days such assurance of cure as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer);
 
(ii) a court having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree or order for relief, and such decree or order shall not have been vacated within sixty (60) days, in respect of the Administrator in any involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or appoint a receiver, conservator, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official for the Administrator or any substantial part of its property or order the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs; or
 
(iii) the Administrator shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or similar official for the Administrator or any substantial part of its property, shall consent to the taking of possession by any such official of any substantial part of its property, shall make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due.
 
The Administrator agrees that if any of the events specified in clause (ii) or (iii) of this Section 8(d) shall occur, it shall give written notice thereof to the Issuer and the Indenture Trustee within seven (7) days after the happening of such event.
 
(e) No resignation or removal of the Administrator pursuant to this Section 8 shall be effective until (i) a successor Administrator shall have been appointed by the Issuer and (ii) such successor Administrator shall have agreed in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement in the same manner as the Administrator is bound hereunder.
 
(f) The appointment of any successor Administrator shall be effective only after satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition with respect to the proposed appointment.
 
9. Action Upon Termination Resignation or Removal.  Promptly upon the effective date of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8(a) or the resignation or removal of the Administrator pursuant to Sections 8(b), (c) or (d), respectively, the Administrator shall be entitled to be paid all fees and reimbursable expenses accruing to it to the date of such termination, resignation or removal. The Administrator shall forthwith upon such termination
 
 
 
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pursuant to Section 8(a) deliver to the Transferor all property and documents of or relating to the Collateral then in the custody of the Administrator. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Administrator pursuant to Sections 8(b), (c) or (d), respectively, the Administrator shall cooperate with the Issuer and take all reasonable steps requested to assist the Issuer in making an orderly transfer of the duties of the Administrator.
 
10. Notices.  Any notice, report or other communication given hereunder shall be in writing and addressed as follows:
 
(a)           if to the Issuer or the Owner Trustee, to
 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust
c/o Wilmington Trust Company
Rodney Square North
1100 North Market Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19890-0001
Attention:  Corporate Trust Administration
 
(b)           if to the Administrator, to
 
Sterling Jewelers Inc.
375 Ghent Road
Akron, Ohio 44333
Attention:  Corporate Treasury Department
 
(c)           if to the Indenture Trustee, to
 
Bankers Trust Company
Four Albany Street
New York, New York 10006
 
(d)           if to the Transferor, to
 
Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp.
375 Ghent Road
Akron, Ohio 44333
Attention:  Corporate Treasury Department
 
or to such other address as any party shall have provided to the other parties in writing. Any notice required to be in writing hereunder shall be deemed given if such notice is mailed by certified mail, postage prepaid, or hand-delivered to the address of such party as provided above, except that notices to the Indenture Trustee, the Transferor, the Administrator or the Issuer are effective only upon receipt.
 
11. Amendments.  This Agreement may be amended from time to time, by a written amendment duly executed and delivered by the Issuer, the Administrator and the Transferor, with the written consent of the Owner Trustee (as such and in its individual capacity), without the consent of any of the Noteholders, the Transferor or the Owner, to cure
 
 
 
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any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provisions in this Agreement or for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or modifying in any manner the rights of the Noteholders or Owner; provided, however, that (i) such amendment will not, as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate of the Administrator addressed and delivered to the Owner Trustee, materially and adversely affect the interests of any Noteholder or the Owner and (ii) the Rating Agency Condition will have been satisfied with respect to such amendment.
 
This Agreement may also be amended from time to time, by a written amendment duly executed and delivered by the Issuer and the Administrator and the Transferor, with the written consent of the Owner Trustee (as such and in its individual capacity), the holders of Notes evidencing not less than a majority in the Outstanding Amount of the Notes, the Transferor and the Owner, for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Agreement or modifying in any manner the rights of Noteholders or the Owner; provided, however, that, without the consent of the Holders of all of the Notes then outstanding, no such amendment shall (a) increase or reduce in any manner the amount of, or accelerate or delay the timing of, collections of payments on the Receivables or distributions that are required to be made for the benefit of the Noteholders or (b) reduce the aforesaid portion of the Outstanding Amount of the Notes, the Holders of which are required to consent to any such amendment.
 
Prior to the execution of any such amendment or consent, the Administrator shall furnish written notification of the substance of such amendment or consent to each Rating Agency. Promptly after the execution of any such amendment or consent, the Administrator shall furnish written notification of the substance of such amendment or consent to the Indenture Trustee.
 
It shall not be necessary for the consent of Noteholders pursuant to this Section 11 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or consent, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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12. Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement may not be assigned by the Administrator unless such assignment is previously consented to in writing by the Issuer, the Transferor and the Owner Trustee (as such and in its individual capacity) and subject to the satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition in respect thereof. An assignment with such consent and satisfaction, if accepted by the assignee, shall bind the assignee hereunder in the same manner as the Administrator is bound hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be assigned by the Administrator without the consent of the Issuer, the Transferor, the Owner Trustee or the Rating Agencies to a corporation or other organization that is a successor (by merger, consolidation or purchase of assets) to the Administrator, provided that such successor organization executes and delivers to the Issuer, the Transferor and the Owner Trustee an agreement in which such corporation or other organization agrees to be bound hereunder by the terms of said assignment in the same manner as the Administrator is bound hereunder. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall bind any successors or assigns of the parties hereto.
 
13. GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS AND THE OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
 
14. Headings.  The section headings hereof have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Agreement.
 
15. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall together constitute but one and the same agreement.
 
16. Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
 
17. Not Applicable to Sterling in Other Capacities.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any obligation Sterling may have in any other capacity, other than as Administrator.
 
18. Limitation of Liability of Owner Trustee.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, this instrument has been signed by Wilmington Trust Company not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as Owner Trustee of the Issuer and in no event shall Wilmington Trust Company in its individual capacity or any beneficial owner of the Issuer have any liability for the representations, warranties, covenants, agreements or other obligations of the Issuer hereunder, as to all of which recourse shall be had solely to the assets of the Issuer. For all purposes of this Agreement, in the performance of any duties or obligations hereunder, the Owner Trustee (as such or in its individual capacity) shall be subject to, and entitled to the benefits of, the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement.
 
 
 
 
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19. Third-Party Beneficiary.  ‘The Owner Trustee is a third-party beneficiary to this Agreement and is entitled to the rights and benefits hereunder and may enforce the provisions hereof as if it were a party hereto.
 
20. Nonpetition Covenants.  Notwithstanding any prior termination of this Agreement, the Administrator shall not at any time with respect to the Issuer or the Transferor acquiesce, petition or otherwise invoke or cause the Issuer or the Transferor to invoke the process of any court or government authority for the purpose of commencing or sustaining a case against the Issuer or the Transferor under any Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law or appointing a receiver, conservator, liquidator, assignee, trustee, custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer or the Transferor or any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of the affairs of the Issuer or the Transferor; provided, however, that this Section 20 shall not operate to preclude any remedy described in Article V of the Indenture.
 
21. Successor Administrator.  In the event of a servicing transfer pursuant to Article VII of the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the successor servicer under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement shall, upon the date of such servicing transfer, become the successor Administrator hereunder. “Administrator” shall mean initially Sterling and thereafter its permitted successor and assigns as provided in Section 12 or any successor Administrator as provided in this Section 21.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES MASTER NOTE TRUST
 
       
       
  By: 
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY,
not in its individual capacity
but solely as Owner Trustee
 
       
       
 
By:
/s/ W. Chris Sponenberg  
    Name:
W. Chris Sponenberg
 
    Title:
Vice President
 
 
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS INC.,
as Administrator
 
       
       
 
By:
/s/ Richard W. Miller  
    Name:
Richard W. Miller
 
    Title:
Executive Vice President and CFO
 
 
Acknowledged and Accepted:
 
 
STERLING JEWELERS RECEIVABLES CORP.,
as Transferor
 
     
     
By:
/s/ Richard W. Miller  
  Name:
Richard W. Miller
 
  Title:
President
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[Signature Page to Administration Agreement]

EX-4.6 7 mm05-2114_8k46.htm EX.4.6 - PERFORMANCE UNDERTAKING mm05-2114_8k46.htm
 
EXHIBIT 4.6
PERFORMANCE UNDERTAKING
 
THIS PERFORMANCE UNDERTAKING (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Undertaking”), dated as of May 15, 2014, is executed by Signet Jewelers Limited, a limited company organized under the laws of Bermuda (together with its successors and assigns, the “Performance Guarantor”), in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association (together with its successors and assigns, “Recipient”).
 
R E C I T A L S
 
WHEREAS, Sterling Jewelers Inc. (“Sterling Jewelers” or the “Seller”) and the Transferor have entered into a Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014, (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Receivables Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which Sterling Jewelers, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein, sells its right, title and interest in certain receivables to Sterling Jewelers Receivables Corp. (the “Transferor”);
 
WHEREAS, Transferor, Sterling Jewelers, as servicer, and Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust (the “Issuer”) have entered into an Amended and Restated Transfer and Servicing Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014 (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Transfer and Servicing Agreement”), pursuant to which Transferor, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein, sells its right, title and interest in certain receivables to the Issuer;
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer and Sterling Jewelers, as administrator, have entered into an Administration Agreement, dated as of November 2, 2000 (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Administration Agreement” and, together with each Receivables Purchase Agreement and the Transfer and Servicing Agreement, the “Agreements”);
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Transferor, Sterling Jewelers, each of the Conduit Lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Conduit Lenders”), each of the Committed Lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Committed Lenders” and together with the Conduit Lenders, the “Lenders”) and the Recipient, as administrative agent, (the “Agent”) have entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014, (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Lenders, subject to the terms and conditions contained therein, make advances to the Issuer secured by certain accounts receivable (each, an “Advance”);
 
WHEREAS, Performance Guarantor owns directly or indirectly one hundred percent (100%) of the equity interests in Transferor and one hundred percent (100%) of the equity interests in the Issuer, and accordingly, Performance Guarantor, is expected to receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from (i) the sale of the receivables by the Seller to the Transferor and by Transferor to the Issuer and (ii) the Advances secured by the receivables and paid by the Lenders to the Issuer;
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
WHEREAS, as an inducement for Recipient to act as Administrative Agent pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement and for Lenders to make the Advances, Performance Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the due and punctual performance by (i) the Seller of its obligations under the Receivables Purchase Agreement, (ii) Sterling Jewelers of its obligations under the Note Purchase Agreement, (iii) Sterling Jewelers, as Servicer under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and (iv) Sterling Jewelers, as Administrator under the Administration Agreement;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, based upon the foregoing Recitals, the mutual premises and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
 
AGREEMENT
 
Section 1.Definitions.  Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Note Purchase Agreement, Transfer and Servicing Agreement or Receivables Purchase Agreement, as applicable.  Unless the context requires otherwise, each reference herein to “Sterling” in its capacity as Servicer shall include its Affiliates from time to time acting as Servicer under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement.  In addition, as used in this Undertaking:
 
GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States.
 
Guaranteed Obligations”:  means, collectively: (i) with respect to the Seller, all covenants, agreements, terms, conditions, repurchase obligations and indemnities to be performed and observed by the Seller under and pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, and each other document executed and delivered by the Seller pursuant to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the due and punctual payment of all sums which are or may become due and owing by the Seller under either such agreement, whether for fees, expenses (including counsel fees), indemnified amounts or otherwise, whether upon any termination or for any other reason, (ii) with respect to Sterling Jewelers, all covenants, agreements, terms, conditions, repurchase obligations and indemnities to be performed and observed by Sterling Jewelers under and pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, and each other document executed and delivered by Sterling Jewelers pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, including, without limitation, the due and punctual payment of all sums which are or may become due and owing by Sterling Jewelers under such agreement, whether for fees, expenses (including counsel fees), indemnified amounts or otherwise, whether upon any termination or for any other reason, and (iii) with respect to Sterling Jewelers, all obligations of Sterling Jewelers as Servicer under the Transfer and Servicing Agreement and as Administrator under the Administration Agreement.
 
Guaranteed Party”:  Sterling Jewelers.
 
Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Performance Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken as a
 
 
 
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whole, (b) the ability of the Performance Guarantor and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to perform any of its material obligations under this Undertaking or (c) the validity or enforceability of this Undertaking, the Note Purchase Agreement, and the Agreements, or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Conduit Lenders and Committed Lenders thereunder.
 
Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Performance Guarantor, at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the Performance Guarantor in the Performance Guarantor’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held.
 
Taxes” means any 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, but excluding UK Tax.
 
UK Tax” means any tax, levy, impost, duty or other charge or withholding of a similar nature (including any penalty or interest payable in connection with any failure to pay or any delay in paying any of the same) imposed by the government of the United Kingdom or any political subdivision thereof 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 of the United Kingdom.
 
Section 2.Guaranty of Performance of Guaranteed Obligations.  Performance Guarantor hereby guarantees to Recipient the full and punctual payment and performance by the Guaranteed Party of its Guaranteed Obligations.  This Undertaking is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual performance of all Guaranteed Obligations of the Guaranteed Party under the Agreements and each other document executed and delivered by the Guaranteed Party pursuant to the Agreements and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that Recipient first attempt to collect any amounts owing by the Guaranteed Party to Recipient or any Lender or from any other Person or resort to any collateral security, any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of Recipient or any Lender in favor of the Guaranteed Party or any other Person or other means of obtaining payment.  Should the Guaranteed Party default (after the expiration of all applicable grace and cure periods and subject to all applicable materiality qualifiers) in the payment or performance of any of its Guaranteed Obligations, Recipient (or its assigns) may cause the immediate performance by Performance Guarantor of such defaulted Guaranteed Obligations and cause such defaulted Guaranteed Obligations to become forthwith due and payable to Recipient (or its assigns), without demand or notice of any nature (other than as expressly provided herein), all of which are hereby expressly waived by Performance Guarantor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary set forth herein, this Undertaking is not a guarantee of the collection or collectability of any of the Receivables and Performance Guarantor shall not be responsible for any
 
 
 
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Guaranteed Obligations to the extent the failure to perform such Guaranteed Obligations by the Guaranteed Party results from or is attributable to Receivables being uncollectible on account of the insolvency, bankruptcy or lack of creditworthiness of the related Obligor; provided that nothing herein shall relieve the Guaranteed Party from performing in full its respective Guaranteed Obligations under the Agreements or Performance Guarantor of its undertaking hereunder with respect to the full performance of such duties.
 
Section 3.Performance Guarantor’s Further Agreements to Pay.  Performance Guarantor further agrees, as the principal obligor and not as a guarantor only, to pay to Recipient (and its assigns), forthwith upon demand in funds immediately available to Recipient, all reasonable costs and expenses (including court costs and reasonable legal expenses) incurred or expended by Recipient in connection with the Guaranteed Obligations, this Undertaking and the enforcement thereof, together with interest on amounts recoverable under this Undertaking from the time when such amounts become due until payment, at a rate of interest (computed for the actual number of days elapsed based on a 360 day year) equal to the Prime Rate plus 2.00% per annum, such rate of interest changing when and as the Prime Rate changes.
 
Section 4.Waivers by Performance Guarantor.  Performance Guarantor waives notice of acceptance of this Undertaking, notice of any action taken or omitted by Recipient (or its assigns) in reliance on this Undertaking, and any requirement that Recipient (or its assigns) be diligent or prompt in making demands under this Undertaking, giving notice of any Pay Out Event, Default, Event of Default, Servicer Default or other default or omission by the Guaranteed Party or asserting any other rights of Recipient under this Undertaking.  Performance Guarantor warrants that it has adequate means to obtain from the Guaranteed Party, on a continuing basis, information concerning the financial condition of the Guaranteed Party, and that it is not relying on Recipient to provide such information, now or in the future.  Performance Guarantor also irrevocably waives, to the extent it may lawfully do so, all defenses (i) that at any time may be available in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations by virtue of any statute of limitations, valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) that arise under the law of suretyship, including impairment of collateral.  Recipient (and its assigns) shall be at liberty, without giving notice to or obtaining the assent of Performance Guarantor and without relieving Performance Guarantor of any liability under this Undertaking, to deal with the Guaranteed Party and with each other party who now is or after the date hereof becomes liable in any manner for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, in such manner as Recipient in its sole discretion deems fit, and to this end Performance Guarantor agrees that the validity and enforceability of this Undertaking, including without limitation, the provisions of Section 8 hereof, shall not be impaired or affected by any of the following:  (A) any extension, modification or renewal of, or indulgence with respect to, or substitutions for, the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or any agreement relating thereto at any time; (B) any failure or omission to enforce any right, power or remedy with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or any agreement relating thereto, or any collateral securing the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (C) any waiver of any right, power or remedy or of any Pay Out Event, Default, Event of Default, Servicer Default or default with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or any agreement relating thereto; (D) any release, surrender, compromise, settlement, waiver, subordination or modification, with or without consideration, of any other obligation of any person or entity with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any
 
 
 
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part thereof; (E) the enforceability or validity of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or the genuineness, enforceability or validity of any agreement relating thereto or with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (F) the application of payments received from any source to the payment of any payment obligations of the Guaranteed Party or, in either case, any part thereof or amounts which are not covered by this Undertaking even though Recipient (or its assigns) might lawfully have elected to apply such payments to any part or all of the payment obligations of the Guaranteed Party or to amounts which are not covered by this Undertaking; (G) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which Performance Guarantor may have at any time against the Guaranteed Party in connection herewith or any unrelated transaction; (H) any assignment or transfer of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; or (I) any failure on the part of the Guaranteed Party to perform or comply with any term of the Agreements or any other document executed in connection therewith or delivered thereunder, all whether or not Performance Guarantor shall have had notice or knowledge of any act or omission referred to in the foregoing clauses (A) through (I) of this Section 4.
 
Section 5.Unenforceability of Guaranteed Obligations Against the Guaranteed Party.  Notwithstanding (a) any change of ownership of the Guaranteed Party or the insolvency, bankruptcy or any other change in the legal status of the Guaranteed Party; (b) the change in or the imposition of any law, decree, regulation or other governmental act which does or might impair, delay or in any way affect the validity, enforceability or the payment when due of the Guaranteed Obligations; (c) the failure of the Guaranteed Party or Performance Guarantor to maintain in full force, validity or effect or to obtain or renew when required all governmental and other approvals, licenses or consents required in connection with the Guaranteed Obligations or this Undertaking, or to take any other action required in connection with the performance of all obligations pursuant to the Guaranteed Obligations or this Undertaking; or (d) if any of the moneys included in the Guaranteed Obligations have become unrecoverable from the Guaranteed Party or for any other reason other than final payment in full of the payment obligations in accordance with their terms, this Undertaking shall nevertheless be binding on Performance Guarantor.  This Undertaking shall be in addition to any other guaranty or other security for the Guaranteed Obligations, and it shall not be rendered unenforceable by the invalidity of any such other guaranty or security.  In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Guaranteed Party for any other reason with respect to the Guaranteed Party, all such amounts then due and owing with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations under the terms of the Agreements, or any other agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with the Guaranteed Obligations, shall be immediately due and payable by Performance Guarantor.
 
Section 6.Representations and Warranties.  Performance Guarantor hereby represents and warrants to Recipient that:
 
(a)Existence and Standing.  Performance Guarantor is a limited company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Bermuda.  Performance Guarantor is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign limited company, and has and holds all requisite power and all governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted
 
 
 
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except where the failure to so qualify or so hold would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(b)Authorization, Execution and Delivery; Binding Effect.  The execution and delivery by Performance Guarantor of this Undertaking, and the performance of its obligations hereunder, are within its powers and authority and have been duly authorized by all necessary action on its part and on the part of its shareholders.  This Undertaking has been duly executed and delivered by Performance Guarantor.  This Undertaking constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Performance Guarantor enforceable against Performance Guarantor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law).
 
(c)No Conflict; Government Consent.  The execution and delivery by Performance Guarantor of this Undertaking, and the performance of its obligations hereunder do not contravene or violate (i) its organizational documents, (ii) any law, rule or regulation applicable to it, (iii) any restrictions under any agreement, contract or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound, or (iv) any order, writ, judgment, award, injunction or decree binding on or affecting it or its property, and do not result in the creation or imposition of any adverse claim on assets of Performance Guarantor (except as created hereunder) except, in any case, where such contravention or violation would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(d)Financial Statements.  The quarterly financial statements of Performance Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries delivered to Recipient pursuant to Section 7(a) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (subject to audit and normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Performance Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and for the period ended on such date.  The annual financial statements of Performance Guarantor and its consolidated Subsidiaries delivered to Recipient pursuant to Section 7(b) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Performance Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as of such date and for the period ended on such date.  Since the last time this representation was made or deemed made, no event has occurred which would or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
(e)Taxes.  Performance Guarantor has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax and UK Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes and UK Tax required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes or UK Tax or the filing of Tax or UK Tax returns or reports that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Performance Guarantor, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 
 
 
 
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(f)Litigation and Contingent Obligations.  There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best of Performance Guarantor’s knowledge threatened, against or affecting Performance Guarantor or any of its properties, in or before any court, arbitrator or other body, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
Section 7.Covenants of Performance Guarantor.  Performance Guarantor agrees, for the benefit of Recipient, that until the Guaranteed Obligations have been satisfied and paid in full:
 
(a)Quarterly Financial Statements.  As soon as available and in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Performance Guarantor, it will furnish copies of the consolidated unaudited balance sheet of Performance Guarantor and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, together with unaudited consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such fiscal quarter, prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (subject to audit and normal year-end adjustments and the absence of footnotes) and certified by the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or chief accounting officer (such officer being herein called the “Financial Officer”) of Performance Guarantor.
 
(b)Annual Financial Statements.  As soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of Performance Guarantor, it will furnish a copy of the annual consolidated audit report for such fiscal year of Performance Guarantor and its Subsidiaries including a copy of the consolidated balance sheet of Performance Guarantor as at the end of such fiscal year, together with the related consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for such fiscal year, in each case prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and certified by KPMG LLP or other independent public accountants reasonably acceptable to Recipient and by the Financial Officer of Performance Guarantor.  Within 30 days after the sending or filing thereof, it will furnish copies of all reports and registration statements that it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange.
 
(c)Other.  It will promptly, from time to time, furnish such other information, documents, records or reports relating to the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of Performance Guarantor as Recipient may from time to time reasonably request.
 
(d)Financial Statements.  The Performance Guarantor shall include or cause to be included in all financial statements of the Performance Guarantor or Sterling language to the effect that the assets of the Issuer (including the Receivables) are not available to creditors of the Performance Guarantor or Sterling, the Receivables are not legally an asset of the Performance Guarantor or Sterling, and the Issuer is a separate legal entity from the Performance Guarantor and Sterling.
 
Section 8.Subrogation; Subordination.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, until the Guaranteed Obligations are paid in full, the Performance Guarantor:  (a) will not enforce or otherwise exercise any right of subrogation to any of the rights of Recipient or the Lenders against the Guaranteed Party, (b) to the extent permitted by law, hereby
 
 
 
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waives all rights of subrogation (whether contractual, under Section 509 of the Bankruptcy Code, at law or in equity or otherwise) to the claims of Recipient and the Lenders against the Guaranteed Party and all contractual, statutory or legal or equitable rights of contribution, reimbursement, indemnification and similar rights and “claims” (as that term is defined in the Bankruptcy Code) which Performance Guarantor might now have or hereafter acquire against the Guaranteed Party that arise from the existence or performance of Performance Guarantor’s obligations hereunder, (c) will not claim any setoff, recoupment or counterclaim against the Guaranteed Party in respect of any liability of Performance Guarantor to the Guaranteed Party and (d) waives any benefit of and any right to participate in any collateral security which may be held by Recipient or Lenders.  The payment of any amounts due with respect to any indebtedness of the Guaranteed Party now or hereafter owed to Performance Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of the Guaranteed Obligations.  Performance Guarantor agrees that, after the occurrence and during the continuance of any default in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, Performance Guarantor will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Guaranteed Party to Performance Guarantor until all of the Guaranteed Obligations shall have been paid and performed in full.  If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Performance Guarantor shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in respect of such indebtedness while any obligations are still unperformed or outstanding during a default in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, such amounts shall be collected, enforced and received by Performance Guarantor as trustee for Recipient (and its assigns) and be paid over to Recipient (or its assigns) on account of the Guaranteed Obligations without affecting in any manner the liability of Performance Guarantor under the other provisions of this Undertaking.  The provisions of this Section 8 shall be supplemental to and not in derogation of any rights and remedies of Recipient under any separate subordination agreement which Recipient may at any time and from time to time enter into with Performance Guarantor.
 
Section 9.Termination of this Undertaking.  Performance Guarantor’s obligations hereunder shall continue in full force and effect until all Advances are finally paid and satisfied in full and the Note Purchase Agreement is terminated (excluding those provisions that survive termination), provided that this Undertaking shall continue to be effective or shall be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment or other satisfaction of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of the Guaranteed Party or otherwise, as though such payment had not been made or other satisfaction occurred, whether or not Recipient (or its assigns) is in possession of this Undertaking.  No invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability by reason of the Bankruptcy Code or any insolvency or other similar law, or any law or order of any government or agency thereof purporting to reduce, amend or otherwise affect the Guaranteed Obligations shall impair, affect, be a defense to or claim against the obligations of Performance Guarantor under this Undertaking.
 
Section 10.Effect of Bankruptcy.  This Undertaking shall survive the insolvency of any Guaranteed Party and the commencement of any case or proceeding by or against the Guaranteed Party under the Bankruptcy Code or other federal, state or other
 
 
 
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applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization statutes.  To the extent permitted by law, no automatic stay under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to the Guaranteed Party or other federal, state or other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization statutes to which the Guaranteed Party is subject shall postpone the obligations of Performance Guarantor under this Undertaking.
 
Section 11.Setoff.  Regardless of the other means of obtaining payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, Recipient (and its assigns) is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time that Performance Guarantor is obligated to make any payment of the Guaranteed Obligation hereunder, without notice to Performance Guarantor (any such notice being expressly waived by Performance Guarantor) and to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any deposits and other sums against the obligations of Performance Guarantor under this Undertaking, whether or not Recipient (or any such assign) shall have made any demand under this Undertaking and although such obligations may be contingent or unmatured.  Recipient shall promptly notify Performance Guarantor of any such setoff, provided that the failure to provide such notice shall not invalidate any such setoff.
 
Section 12.Taxes.  All payments to be made by Performance Guarantor hereunder shall be made free and clear of any tax deduction or withholding.  If Performance Guarantor is required by law to make any deduction or withholding on account of tax or similar charge from any such payment, the sum due from it in respect of such payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such deduction or withholding, Recipient receives a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no deduction or withholding been made.
 
Section 13.Further Assurances.  Performance Guarantor also agrees to do all such things and execute all such documents as Recipient (or its assigns) may reasonably consider necessary or desirable to give full effect to this Undertaking and to perfect and preserve the rights and powers of Recipient hereunder.
 
Section 14.Successors and Assigns.  This Undertaking shall be binding upon Performance Guarantor, its successors and permitted assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Recipient and its successors and assigns.  The Lenders are hereby made express third party beneficiaries of this Undertaking.  Performance Guarantor may not assign or transfer any of its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Recipient.
 
Section 15.Amendments and Waivers.  No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Undertaking nor consent to any departure by Performance Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by Recipient and Performance Guarantor.  No failure on the part of Recipient 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.
 
Section 16.Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be made in writing and shall be addressed as follows:  if to Performance Guarantor, at the address set forth beneath its signature hereto, and if to Recipient, at the addresses set forth beneath its signature hereto, or at such other addresses as each of Performance Guarantor or the Recipient may designate in writing to the other.  Each such notice or other communication shall be effective (1) if given by fax, upon the receipt thereof, (2) if given by mail, five Business Days
 
 
 
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after the time such communication is deposited in the mail with first class postage prepaid or (3) if given by any other means, when received at the address referenced in this Section 16.
 
Section 17.GOVERNING LAW.  THIS UNDERTAKING SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
Section 18.CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.  EACH OF PERFORMANCE GUARANTOR AND RECIPIENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS UNDERTAKING, THE AGREEMENTS OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT EXECUTED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH OR DELIVERED THEREUNDER AND EACH OF THE PERFORMANCE GUARANTOR AND RECIPIENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
 
Section 19.Bankruptcy Petition.
 
(a)Performance Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding Commercial Paper or other Indebtedness of any Conduit Lender, it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, any Conduit Lender any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings or other similar proceeding under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States.
 
(b)Performance Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees that, prior to the date which is one year and one day (or such longer preference period as shall then be in effect) after the payment in full of all outstanding Advances or other indebtedness of the Issuer under the Note Purchase Agreement to the secured parties thereunder (other than any amounts payable which expressly survive termination of the Note Purchase Agreement), it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Issuer any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings or other similar proceeding under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States.
 
Section 20.Miscellaneous.  This Undertaking constitutes the entire agreement of Performance Guarantor with respect to the matters set forth herein.  The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or any other agreement, and this Undertaking shall be in addition to any other guaranty of or collateral security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations.  The provisions of this Undertaking are severable, and 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 the obligations of Performance Guarantor hereunder would otherwise be held or
 
 
 
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determined to be avoidable, invalid or unenforceable on account of the amount of Performance Guarantor’s liability under this Undertaking, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Undertaking to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by Performance Guarantor or Recipient, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount that is valid and enforceable as determined in such action or proceeding.  Any provisions of this Undertaking which are prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  Unless otherwise specified, references herein to “Section” shall mean a reference to sections of this Undertaking.
 
[Signature on Following Page]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Performance Guarantor has caused this Undertaking to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 
PERFORMANCE GUARANTOR:

 
SIGNET JEWELERS LIMITED


 
By:   /s/ Ronald W. Ristau     
 
Name:   Ronald W. Ristau    
 
Title:   CFO                          

 
Address for Notices:
 
Signet UK Finance PLC
 
110 Cannon St
 
London EC4N 6EU
 
United Kingdom
 
Attention: Mark Jenkins
 
 
 
 
[Additional Signature to Follow]


[Signature Page to Performance Undertaking
(Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A)]
 
 
 

 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Performance Guarantor has caused this Undertaking to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

 
RECIPIENT:

 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.


 
By:   /s/ Scott Cornelis             
 
Name:   Scott Cornelis            
 
Title:   Executive Director        

 
Address for Notices:

 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
 
Chase Tower
 
10 South Dearborn
 
Chicago, Illinois 60670
 
Attention: Asset Backed Securities Conduit Group
Telephone No.: (312) 336-2690
Facsimile No.: (212) 732-4487
E-mail: scott.t.cornelis@jpmorgan.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Signature Page to Performance Undertaking
(Sterling Jewelers Receivables Master Note Trust, Series 2014-A)]