Form 10-Q/A
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q/A
(Amendment No. 1)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 27, 2009
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-32514
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
Maryland   20-1180098
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 800, Bethesda, Maryland   20817
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(240) 744-1150
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). o Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes þ No
The registrant had 107,972,100 shares of its $0.01 par value common stock outstanding as of May 5, 2009.
 
 

 

 


 

EXPLANATORY NOTE
We are filing this Amendment No.1 (this “Amendment”) to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 27, 2009 (the “Original Form 10-Q”), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on May 5, 2009:
  to amend the certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to the Original 10-Q, which inadvertently omitted certain introductory language of paragraph 4 of Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, and
 
  to file as exhibit 10.3 to this Amendment, the Agreement of Limited Partnership of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated as of June 4, 2004 (originally filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File no. 333-123065)) and as exhibit 10.4 to this Amendment, the Company’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007 (originally filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 9, 2007), each in its entirety, including all schedules and exhibits thereto.
This Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Original Form 10-Q, which continues to speak as of the date that the Original Form 10-Q was filed. Except as specifically noted above, this Amendment does not modify or update any disclosures in the Original Form 10-Q. Accordingly, this Amendment does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original Form 10-Q or modify or update any disclosures that may have been affected by subsequent events.
INDEX
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
         
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 Exhibit 10.3
 Exhibit 10.4
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 

 


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Item I. Financial Statements
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 27, 2009 and December 31, 2008
(in thousands, except share amounts)
                 
    March 27, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    (Unaudited)        
 
               
ASSETS
               
Property and equipment, at cost
  $ 2,151,416     $ 2,146,616  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (245,145 )     (226,400 )
 
           
 
    1,906,271       1,920,216  
 
               
Deferred financing costs, net
    3,142       3,335  
Restricted cash
    28,534       30,060  
Due from hotel managers
    56,562       61,062  
Favorable lease assets, net
    40,444       40,619  
Prepaid and other assets
    31,756       33,414  
Cash and cash equivalents
    14,283       13,830  
 
           
 
               
Total assets
  $ 2,080,992     $ 2,102,536  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
Liabilities:
               
 
               
Mortgage debt
  $ 820,352     $ 821,353  
Senior unsecured credit facility
    52,000       57,000  
 
           
Total debt
    872,352       878,353  
 
               
Deferred income related to key money, net
    20,197       20,328  
Unfavorable contract liabilities, net
    84,007       84,403  
Due to hotel managers
    34,410       35,196  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    56,720       66,624  
 
           
 
               
Total other liabilities
    195,334       206,551  
 
           
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
 
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 90,147,100 and 90,050,264 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    901       901  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,101,588       1,100,541  
Accumulated deficit
    (89,183 )     (83,810 )
 
           
 
               
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,013,306       1,017,632  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 2,080,992     $ 2,102,536  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Fiscal Quarters Ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter  
    Ended     Ended  
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
Revenues:
               
 
               
Rooms
  $ 75,116     $ 85,927  
Food and beverage
    36,890       40,081  
Other
    6,538       6,855  
 
           
Total revenues
    118,544       132,863  
 
           
 
               
Operating Expenses:
               
 
               
Rooms
    19,982       21,160  
Food and beverage
    26,581       28,928  
Management fees
    3,327       4,965  
Other hotel expenses
    46,024       46,453  
Depreciation and amortization
    18,717       16,687  
Corporate expenses
    3,769       2,959  
 
           
Total operating expenses
    118,400       121,152  
 
           
Operating profit
    144       11,711  
 
           
 
               
Other Expenses (Income):
               
 
Interest income
    (83 )     (438 )
Interest expense
    11,498       10,695  
 
           
Total other expenses
    11,415       10,257  
 
           
 
               
(Loss) Income before income taxes
    (11,271 )     1,454  
 
               
Income tax benefit
    5,978       3,723  
 
           
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,177  
 
           
 
               
(Loss) Earnings per share:
               
 
               
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.05  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Fiscal Quarters Ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008
(in thousands)
                 
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter  
    Ended     Ended  
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,177  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Real estate depreciation
    18,717       16,687  
Corporate asset depreciation as corporate expenses
    34       32  
Non-cash ground rent
    1,787       1,777  
Non-cash financing costs as interest
    193       186  
Amortization of debt premium and unfavorable contract liabilities
    (397 )     (397 )
Amortization of deferred income
    (130 )     (122 )
Stock-based compensation
    1,207       671  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    1,658       (234 )
Restricted cash
    1,383       1,175  
Due to/from hotel managers
    3,570       2,735  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (8,886 )     (8,071 )
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    13,843       19,616  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Hotel capital expenditures
    (7,293 )     (21,542 )
Receipt of deferred key money
          5,000  
Change in restricted cash
    143       (3,930 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (7,150 )     (20,472 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repayments of credit facility
    (5,000 )      
Draws on credit facility
          14,000  
Scheduled mortgage debt principal payments
    (1,002 )     (680 )
Repurchase of shares
    (158 )     (344 )
Payment of dividends
    (80 )     (22,819 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (6,240 )     (9,843 )
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    453       (10,699 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    13,830       29,773  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 14,283     $ 19,074  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 11,987     $ 11,820  
 
           
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 35     $ 93  
 
           
Capitalized interest
  $ 19     $ 183  
 
           
 
               
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
               
Unpaid dividends
  $     $ 23,921  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
1. Organization
DiamondRock Hospitality Company (the “Company”) is a lodging-focused real estate company that owns, as of May 5, 2009, 20 premium hotels and resorts. We are committed to maximizing stockholder value through investing in premium full-service hotels and, to a lesser extent, premium urban limited-service hotels located throughout the United States. Our hotels are concentrated in key gateway cities and in destination resort locations and are all operated under a brand owned by one of the top three national brand companies (Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott”), Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (“Starwood”) or Hilton Hotels Corporation (“Hilton”)).
We are owners, as opposed to operators, of hotels. As an owner, we receive all of the operating profits or losses generated by our hotels, after paying the hotel managers a fee based on the revenues and profitability of the hotels and reimbursing all of their direct and indirect operating costs.
As of March 27, 2009, the Company owned 20 hotels, comprising 9,586 rooms, located in the following markets: Atlanta, Georgia (3); Austin, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois (2); Fort Worth, Texas; Lexington, Kentucky; Los Angeles, California (2); New York, New York (2); Northern California; Oak Brook, Illinois; Orlando, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah; Washington D.C.; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Vail, Colorado.
We conduct our business through a traditional umbrella partnership REIT, or UPREIT, in which our hotel properties are owned by our operating partnership, DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, or subsidiaries of our operating partnership. We are the sole general partner of the operating partnership and currently own, either directly or indirectly, all of the limited partnership units of the operating partnership.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. We believe the disclosures made are adequate to prevent the information presented from being misleading. However, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K dated February 27, 2009.
In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of March 27, 2009, and the results of our operations and cash flows for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full-year performance because of the impact of seasonal and short-term variations.
Our financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reporting Periods
The results we report in our condensed consolidated statements of operations are based on results of our hotels reported to us by our hotel managers. Our hotel managers use different reporting periods. Marriott, the manager of most of our properties, uses a fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to December 31 and reports twelve weeks of operations for each of the first three quarters and sixteen or seventeen weeks for the fourth quarter of the year for its domestic managed hotels. In contrast, Marriott, for its non-domestic hotels (including Frenchman’s Reef), Vail Resorts, manager of the Vail Marriott, Noble Management Group, LLC, manager of the Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter, Hilton Hotels Corporation, manager of the Conrad Chicago, and Westin Hotel Management, L.P, manager of the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel report results on a monthly basis. Additionally, as a REIT, we are required by U.S. federal tax laws to report results on a calendar year basis. As a result, we have adopted the reporting periods used by Marriott for its domestic hotels, except that the fiscal year always ends on December 31 to comply with REIT rules. The first three fiscal quarters end on the same day as Marriott’s fiscal quarters but the fourth quarter ends on December 31 and the full year results, as reported in the statement of operations, always include the same number of days as the calendar year.

 

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Two consequences of the reporting cycle we have adopted are: (1) quarterly start dates will usually differ between years, except for the first quarter which always commences on January 1, and (2) the first and fourth quarters of operations and year-to-date operations may not include the same number of days as reflected in prior years.
While the reporting calendar we adopted is more closely aligned with the reporting calendar used by the manager of most of our properties, one final consequence of the calendar is we are unable to report any results for Frenchman’s Reef, Vail Marriott, Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter, Conrad Chicago, or Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel for the month of operations that ends after its fiscal quarter-end because neither Westin Hotel Management, L.P., Hilton Hotels Corporation, Noble Management Group, LLC, Vail Resorts nor Marriott make mid-month results available to us. As a result, our quarterly results of operations include results from Frenchman’s Reef, the Vail Marriott, the Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter, the Conrad Chicago, and the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel as follows: first quarter (January, February), second quarter (March to May), third quarter (June to August) and fourth quarter (September to December). While this does not affect full-year results, it does affect the reporting of quarterly results.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from operations of the hotels are recognized when the services are provided. Revenues consist of room sales, golf sales, food and beverage sales, and other hotel department revenues, such as telephone and gift shop sales.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income, adjusted for dividends on unvested stock grants, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income, adjusted for dividends on unvested stock grants, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus other potentially dilutive securities such as stock grants or shares issuable in the event of conversion of operating partnership units. No adjustment is made for shares that are anti-dilutive during a period.
We implemented the provisions of FASB Staff Position EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities, which resulted in no significant impact on current or prior period earnings (loss) per share.
Stock-based Compensation
We account for stock-based employee compensation using the fair value based method of accounting under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS 123R”), Share-Based Payment. We record the cost of awards with service conditions based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. No awards with performance-based or market-based conditions have been issued.
Intangible Assets and Liabilities
Intangible assets and liabilities are recorded on non-market contracts assumed as part of the acquisition of certain hotels. We review the terms of agreements assumed in conjunction with the purchase of a hotel to determine if the terms are favorable or unfavorable compared to an estimated market agreement at the acquisition date. Favorable lease assets or unfavorable contract liabilities are recorded at the acquisition date and amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement. We do not amortize intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, but review these assets for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired.
Straight-Line Rent
We record rent expense on leases that provide for minimum rental payments that increase in pre-established amounts over the remaining term of the lease on a straight-line basis as required by U.S. GAAP.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents with various high credit-quality financial institutions. We perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one institution.

 

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Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
The state of the overall economy can significantly impact hotel operational performance and thus, impact our financial position. Should any of our hotels experience a significant decline in operational performance, it may affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and service debt or meet other financial obligations.
3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment as of March 27, 2009 (unaudited) and December 31, 2008 consists of the following (in thousands):
                 
    March 27, 2009     December 31, 2008  
Land
  $ 219,590     $ 219,590  
Land improvements
    7,994       7,994  
Buildings
    1,661,710       1,658,227  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    260,360       259,154  
CIP and corporate office equipment
    1,762       1,651  
 
           
 
    2,151,416       2,146,616  
Less: accumulated depreciation
    (245,145 )     (226,400 )
 
           
 
  $ 1,906,271     $ 1,920,216  
 
           
As of March 27, 2009 we did not have any accrued capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2008, we had accrued capital expenditures of $2.6 million.
4. Capital Stock

Common Shares
We are authorized to issue up to 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available for the payment of dividends when authorized by our board of directors.
On April 17, 2009, we completed a follow-on public offering of our common stock. We sold 17,825,000 shares of common stock, including the underwriters’ overallotment of 2,325,000 shares, at an offering price of $4.85 per share. The net proceeds to us, after deduction of offering costs, were approximately $82.1 million.
Preferred Shares
We are authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share. Our board of directors is required to set for each class or series of preferred stock the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications, and terms or conditions of redemption. As of March 27, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

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Operating Partnership Units
Holders of operating partnership units have certain redemption rights, which enable them to cause our operating partnership to redeem their units in exchange for cash per unit equal to the market price of our common stock, at the time of redemption, or, at our option for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the redemption rights will be adjusted upon the occurrence of stock splits, mergers, consolidations or similar pro-rata share transactions, which otherwise would have the effect of diluting the ownership interests of the limited partners or our stockholders. As of March 27, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there were no operating partnership units held by unaffiliated third parties.
5. Stock Incentive Plans
As of March 27, 2009, we have issued or committed to issue 3,194,151 shares of our common stock under our 2004 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, as amended, including 1,978,595 shares of unvested restricted common stock and a commitment to issue 466,819 units of deferred common stock.
Restricted Stock Awards
As of March 27, 2009, our officers and employees have been awarded 3,066,967 shares of restricted common stock, including those shares which have since vested. Shares issued to our officers and employees vest over a three-year period from the date of the grant based on continued employment. We measure compensation expense for the restricted stock awards based upon the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is included in corporate expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
A summary of our restricted stock awards from January 1, 2009 to March 27, 2009 is as follows:
                 
            Weighted-  
            Average  
    Number of     Grant Date  
    Shares     Fair Value  
Unvested balance at January 1, 2009
    605,809     $ 13.02  
Granted
    1,515,955       2.82  
Vested
    (135,985 )     15.29  
Forfeited
    (7,184 )     14.61  
 
           
Unvested balance at March 27, 2009
    1,978,595     $ 5.04  
 
           
The remaining share awards are expected to vest as follows: 62,748 shares during 2009, 631,082 shares during 2010, 779,448 shares during 2011 and 505,317 during 2012. As of March 27, 2009, the unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards was $8.7 million and the weighted-average period over which the unrecognized compensation expense will be recorded is approximately 28 months. For the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, we recorded $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards.
Deferred Stock Awards
At the time of our initial public offering, we made a commitment to issue 382,500 shares of deferred stock units to our senior executive officers. These deferred stock units are fully vested and represent the promise to issue a number of shares of our common stock to each senior executive officer upon the earlier of (i) a change of control or (ii) five years after the date of grant, which was the initial public offering completion date (the “Deferral Period”). However, if an executive’s service with the Company is terminated for “cause” prior to the expiration of the Deferral Period, all deferred stock unit awards will be forfeited. The executive officers are restricted from transferring these shares until the fifth anniversary of the initial public offering completion date. As of March 27, 2009, we have a commitment to issue 466,819 shares under this plan. The share commitment increased from 382,500 to 466,819 since our initial public offering because current dividends are not paid out but instead are effectively reinvested in additional deferred stock units based on the closing price of our common stock on the dividend payment date.
Stock Appreciation Rights and Dividend Equivalent Rights
In 2008, we awarded our executive officers stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and dividend equivalent rights (“DERs”). The SARs/DERs vest over three years based on continued employment and may be exercised, in whole or in part, at any time after the instrument vests and before the tenth anniversary of issuance. Upon exercise, the holder of a SAR is entitled to receive a number of common shares equal to the positive difference, if any, between the closing price of our common stock on the exercise date and the “strike price.” The strike price is equal to the closing price of our common stock on the SAR grant date. We simultaneously issued one DER for each SAR. The DER entitles the holder to the value of dividends issued on one share of common stock. No dividends are paid on a DER prior to vesting, but upon vesting, the holder of each DER will receive a lump sum equal to the cumulative dividends paid per share of common stock from the grant date through the vesting date. The DER terminates eight years from the grant date. We measure compensation expense of the SAR/DER awards based upon the fair market value of these awards at the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is included in corporate expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

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As of March 27, 2009, we have awarded 300,225 SARs/DERs to our executive officers with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $2.0 million. For the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, we recorded approximately $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to the SARs/DERs. A summary of our SARs/DERs as of March 27, 2009 is as follows:
                 
            Weighted-  
            Average  
    Number of     Grant Date  
    SARs/DERs     Fair Value  
Balance at January 1, 2009
    300,225     $ 6.62  
Granted
           
Exercised
           
 
           
Balance at March 27, 2009
    300,225     $ 6.62  
 
           
One-third of the SAR/DER awards vested in 2009 and the remainder are expected to vest as follows: one-third in 2010 and one-third in 2011. As of March 27, 2009, the unrecognized compensation cost related to the SAR/DER awards was $1.3 million and the weighted-average period over which the unrecognized compensation expense will be recorded is approximately 23 months.
6. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income available to common stockholders, that has been adjusted for dilutive securities, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding including dilutive securities. For the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, no effect is shown for the potentially dilutive effect of our restricted stock and SAR’s, as the impact is anti-dilutive in periods when we incur a net loss.
The following is a reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except share and per share data):
                 
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter  
    Ended     Ended  
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share Calculation:
               
Numerator:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,177  
Less: dividends on unvested restricted common stock
          (119 )
 
           
Net (loss) income after dividends on unvested restricted common stock
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,058  
 
           
 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding—basic
    90,551,505       95,173,458  
 
           
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.05  
 
           
 
               
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share Calculation:
               
Numerator:
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,177  
Less: dividends on unvested restricted common stock
          (90 )
 
           
Net (loss) income after dividends on unvested restricted common stock
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,087  
 
           
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding—basic
    90,551,505       95,173,458  
Unvested restricted common stock
          114,795  
Unvested SARs
           
 
           
 
               
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding—diluted
    90,551,505       95,288,253  
 
           
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.06 )   $ 0.05  
 
           

 

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7. Debt
We have incurred limited recourse, property specific mortgage debt in conjunction with certain of our hotels. In the event of default, the lender may only foreclose on the pledged assets; however, in the event of fraud, misapplication of funds and other customary recourse provisions, the lender may seek payment from us. As of March 27, 2009, 12 of our 20 hotel properties were secured by mortgage debt. Our mortgage debt contains certain property specific covenants and restrictions, including minimum debt service coverage ratios that trigger cash management provisions as well as restrictions on incurring additional debt without lender consent. As of March 27, 2009, we were in compliance with the financial covenants of our mortgage debt.
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s debt as of March 27, 2009 (unaudited), in thousands:
                 
    Principal        
Property   Balance     Interest Rate  
 
Courtyard Manhattan / Midtown East
  $ 40,968       5.195 %
Marriott Salt Lake City Downtown
    34,108       5.50 %
Courtyard Manhattan / Fifth Avenue
    51,000       6.48 %
Marriott Griffin Gate Resort
    28,247       5.11 %
Renaissance Worthington
    57,400       5.40 %
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott
               
Beach Resort
    62,029       5.44 %
Marriott Los Angeles Airport
    82,600       5.30 %
Orlando Airport Marriott
    59,000       5.68 %
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
    220,000       5.975 %
Renaissance Austin
    83,000       5.507 %
Renaissance Waverly
    97,000       5.503 %
Bethesda Marriott Suites
          LIBOR + 0.95 (1.45% as of
 
    5,000     March 27, 2009)
 
Total mortgage debt
    820,352          
Senior unsecured credit facility
          LIBOR + 0.95 (1.46% as of
 
    52,000     March 27, 2009)
Total debt
  $ 872,352          
Weighted-Average Interest Rate
            5.4 %
We are party to a four-year, $200.0 million unsecured credit facility (the “Facility”) expiring in February 2011. We may extend the maturity date of the Facility for an additional year upon the payment of applicable fees and the satisfaction of certain other customary conditions. As of March 27, 2009, we had a $52 million outstanding balance on the Facility. On April 17, 2009, we repaid the $52 million outstanding on the Facility.
Interest is paid on the periodic advances under the Facility at varying rates, based upon either LIBOR or the alternate base rate, plus an agreed upon additional margin amount. The interest rate depends upon our level of outstanding indebtedness in relation to the value of our assets from time to time, as follows:
                                 
    Leverage Ratio  
    60% or Greater     55% to 60%     50% to 55%     Less Than 50%  
Alternate base rate margin
    0.65 %     0.45 %     0.25 %     0.00 %
LIBOR margin
    1.55 %     1.45 %     1.25 %     0.95 %
The Facility contains various corporate financial covenants. A summary of the most restrictive covenants is as follows:
                 
            Actual at  
    Covenant     March 27, 2009  
Maximum leverage ratio(1)
    65 %     42.8 %
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio(2)
    1.6 x     2.7 x
Minimum tangible net worth(3)
  $738.4 million     $1.3 billion  
Unhedged floating rate debt as a percentage of total indebtedness
    35 %     6.5 %
 
     
(1)   “Maximum leverage ratio” is determined by dividing the total debt outstanding by the net asset value of our corporate assets and hotels. Hotel level net asset values are calculated based on the application of a contractual capitalization rate (which range from 7.5% to 8.0%) to the trailing twelve month hotel net operating income.
 
(2)   “Minimum fixed charge ratio” is calculated based on the trailing four quarters.
 
(3)   “Tangible net worth” is defined as the gross book value of our real estate assets and other corporate assets less our total debt and all other corporate liabilities.

 

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The Facility requires that we maintain a specific pool of unencumbered borrowing base properties. The unencumbered borrowing base assets are subject to the following limitations and covenants:
                 
            Actual at  
            March 27,  
    Covenant     2009  
Minimum implied debt service ratio
    1.5 x     13.01 %
Maximum unencumbered leverage ratio
    65 %     7.9 %
Minimum number of unencumbered borrowing base properties
    4       8  
Minimum unencumbered borrowing base value
  $150 million     $658.9 million  
Percentage of total asset value owned by borrowers or guarantors
    90 %     100 %
In addition to the interest payable on amounts outstanding under the Facility, we are required to pay an amount equal to 0.20% of the unused portion of the Facility if the unused portion of the Facility is greater than 50% and 0.125% if the unused portion of the Facility is less than 50%. We incurred interest and unused credit facility fees on the Facility of $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively.
8. Dividends
We have paid quarterly cash dividends to common stockholders at the discretion of our board of directors. We intend to issue our next dividend to stockholders of record as of December 31, 2009. The 2009 dividend is intended to be an amount equal to 100% of our 2009 taxable income. Depending on our 2009 liquidity needs, we may elect to pay a portion of our 2009 dividend in shares of our common stock, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service’s Revenue Procedure 2009-15.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
We are not involved in any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against us. We are involved in routine litigation arising out of the ordinary course of business, all of which is expected to be covered by insurance and none of which is expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Income Taxes
We had no accruals for tax uncertainties as of March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008. As of March 27, 2009, all of our federal income tax returns and state tax returns for the jurisdictions in which our hotels are located remain subject to examination by the respective jurisdiction tax authorities.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the risk factors discussed herein and other factors discussed from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Company’s expectations will be realized. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligations or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this report to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this report.
Overview
We are a lodging-focused real estate company that owns, as of May 5, 2009, 20 premium hotels and resorts that contain approximately 9,600 guestrooms. We are committed to maximizing stockholder value through investing in premium full-service hotels and, to a lesser extent, premium urban limited-service hotels located throughout the United States. Our hotels are concentrated in key gateway cities and in destination resort locations and are all operated under a brand owned by one of the top three national brand companies Marriott, Starwood or Hilton.
We are owners, as opposed to operators, of hotels. As an owner, we receive all of the operating profits or losses generated by our hotels, after we pay the hotel managers a fee based on the revenues and profitability of the hotels and reimburse all of their direct and indirect operating costs.
As an owner, we create value by acquiring the right hotels with the right brands in the right markets, prudently financing our hotels, thoughtfully re-investing capital in our hotels, implementing profitable operating strategies, approving the annual operating and capital budgets for our hotels, closely monitoring the performance of our hotels, and deciding if and when to sell our hotels. In addition, we are committed to enhancing the value of our operating platform by being open and transparent in our communications with investors, monitoring our corporate overhead and following corporate governance best practice.
We differentiate ourselves from our competitors because of our adherence to three basic principles:
    high-quality urban- and resort-focused branded real estate;
    conservative capital structure; and
    thoughtful asset management.
High-Quality Urban- and Resort-Focused Branded Real Estate
We own 20 premium hotels and resorts in North America. These hotels and resorts are primarily categorized as upper upscale as defined by Smith Travel Research and are generally located in high barrier to entry markets with multiple demand generators.
Our properties are concentrated in five key gateway cities (New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Atlanta) and in destination resort locations (such as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Vail, Colorado). We believe that gateway cities and destination resorts will achieve higher long-term growth because they are attractive business and leisure destinations. We also believe that these locations are better insulated from new supply due to relatively high barriers to entry and expensive construction costs.
We believe that the higher quality lodging assets create more dynamic cash flow growth and superior long-term capital appreciation.

 

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In addition, a core tenet of our strategy is to leverage national hotel brands. We strongly believe in the value of powerful national brands because we believe that they are able to produce incremental revenue and profits compared to similar unbranded hotels. In particular, we believe that branded hotels outperform unbranded hotels in an economic downturn. Dominant national hotel brands typically have very strong reservation and reward systems and sales organizations, and all of our hotels are operated under a brand owned by one of the top three national brand companies (Marriott, Starwood or Hilton) and all but two of our hotels are managed by the brand company directly. Generally, we are interested in owning only those hotels that are operated under a nationally recognized brand or acquiring hotels that can be converted into a nationally branded hotel.
Capital Structure
Since our formation in 2004, we have been consistently committed to a flexible capital structure with prudent leverage levels. During 2004 though early 2007, we took advantage of the low interest rate environment by fixing our interest rates for an extended period of time. Moreover, during the recent peak in the commercial real estate market, we maintained low financial leverage by funding the majority of our acquisitions through the issuance of equity. This strategy allowed us to maintain a balance sheet with a moderate amount of debt. During the peak years, we believed, and present events have confirmed, that it would be inappropriate to increase the inherent risk of a highly cyclical business through a highly levered capital structure.
We believe the current economic environment has confirmed the merits of our financing strategy. We believe that we maintain a reasonable amount of fixed interest rate mortgage debt with limited near-term maturities. As of March 27, 2009, we had $872.4 million of debt outstanding, which consisted of $52.0 million outstanding on our senior unsecured credit facility and $820.4 million of mortgage debt. We currently have eight hotels, with an aggregate historic cost of $790 million, which are unencumbered by mortgage debt. As of March 27, 2009, our debt had a weighted-average interest rate of 5.37% and a weighted-average maturity date of 6.1 years. In addition, as of March 27, 2009, 93.5% of our debt was fixed rate.
We prefer a relatively simple but efficient capital structure. We have not invested in joint ventures and have not issued any operating partnership units or preferred stock. We endeavor to structure our hotel acquisitions so that they will not overly complicate our capital structure; however, we will consider a more complex transaction if we believe that the projected returns to our stockholders will significantly exceed the returns that would otherwise be available.
During the current recession, our corporate goals and objectives are focused on preserving and enhancing our liquidity. We have taken a number of steps to achieve these goals, as follows:
    We completed a follow-on public offering of our common stock on April 17, 2009. We sold 17,825,000 shares of common stock, including the underwriters’ overallotment of 2,325,000 shares, at an offering price of $4.85 per share. The net proceeds to us, after deduction of offering costs, were approximately $82.1 million. We continue to evaluate our liquidity needs and financing alternatives, and may choose to sell additional shares of common stock in the future.
    We repaid the $52 million outstanding on our senior unsecured credit facility on April 17, 2009 with a portion of the proceeds from our follow-on offering.
    We chose to not pay a 2008 fourth quarter dividend and we intend to pay our next dividend to our stockholders of record as of December 31, 2009. We expect the 2009 dividend will be in an amount equal to 100% of our 2009 taxable income.
    Depending on our 2009 liquidity needs, we may elect to pay a portion of our 2009 dividend in shares of our common stock, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service’s Revenue Procedure 2009-15.
    We have significantly curtailed capital spending for 2009 and expect to fund approximately $10 million in capital expenditures in 2009, compared to an average of $35 million per year of owner-funded capital expenditures during 2006, 2007 and 2008.
    As previously announced, we continue to evaluate the process regarding the sale of one or more of our hotels. To date we have not received any bids that we consider attractive compared to our internal valuation.
We have only two near-term mortgage debt maturities totaling $68 million. The debt maturities include $40.2 million coming due on the Courtyard Manhattan/Midtown East on December 11, 2009 and $27.7 million coming due on the Griffin Gate Marriott in January 2010. We have agreed on terms with a lender to provide up to $43 million of mortgage debt with a term of five years on the Courtyard Manhattan/Midtown East and have locked our interest rate at 8.81%. The terms of the loan are still subject to approval of the lender’s credit committee. We cannot provide assurance that this lender will fund the mortgage debt or that the terms of the loan will be satisfactory to us, as we have not yet agreed on definitive documentation nor has the lender completed its due diligence. We are currently assessing the best alternatives to refinance the Griffin Gate Marriott mortgage debt. Our most likely alternatives include repaying the mortgage debt with corporate cash or refinancing the mortgage debt with a new mortgage lender.

 

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Thoughtful Asset Management
We believe that we are able to create significant value in our portfolio by utilizing our management’s extensive experience and our innovative asset management strategies. Our senior management team has an established broad network of hotel industry contacts and relationships, including relationships with hotel owners, financiers, operators, project managers and contractors and other key industry participants.
In the current economic environment, we believe that our extensive lodging experience, our network of industry relationships and our asset management strategies uniquely position us to minimize the impact of declining revenues on our hotels. In particular, we are focused on controlling our property-level and corporate expenses, as well as working closely with our managers to optimize the mix of business at our hotels in order to maximize potential revenue. Our property-level cost containment includes the implementation of aggressive contingency plans at each of our hotels. The contingency plans include controlling labor expenses, eliminating hotel staff positions, adjusting food and beverage outlet hours of operation and not filling open positions. In addition, our strategy to significantly renovate nearly all of the hotels in our portfolio from 2006 to 2008 resulted in the flexibility to significantly curtail our planned capital expenditures for 2009 and 2010.
We use our broad network to maximize the value of our hotels. Under the regulations governing REITs, we are required to engage a hotel manager that is an eligible independent contractor through one of our subsidiaries to manage each of our hotels pursuant to a management agreement. Our philosophy is to negotiate management agreements that give us the right to exert significant influence over the management of our properties, annual budgets and all capital expenditures, and then to use those rights to continually monitor and improve the performance of our properties. We cooperatively partner with the managers of our hotels in an attempt to increase operating results and long-term asset values at our hotels. In addition to working directly with the personnel at our hotels, our senior management team also has long-standing professional relationships with our hotel managers’ senior executives, and we work directly with these senior executives to improve the performance of our portfolio.
We believe we can create significant value in our portfolio through innovative asset management strategies such as rebranding, renovating and repositioning. We are committed to regularly evaluating our portfolio to determine if we can employ these value-added strategies at our hotels. From 2006 to 2008 we completed a significant amount of capital reinvestment in our hotels — completing projects that ranged from room renovations, to a total renovation and repositioning of the hotel, to the addition of new meeting space, spa or restaurant repositioning. In connection with our renovations and repositionings, our senior management team and our asset managers are individually committed to completing these renovations on time, on budget and with minimum disruption to our hotels. As we have significantly renovated nearly all of the hotels in our portfolio, we have chosen to substantially reduce capital expenditures beginning in 2009.
Key Indicators of Financial Condition and Operating Performance
We use a variety of operating and other information to evaluate the financial condition and operating performance of our business. These key indicators include financial information that is prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as other financial information that is not prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, we use other information that may not be financial in nature, including statistical information and comparative data. We use this information to measure the performance of individual hotels, groups of hotels and/or our business as a whole. We periodically compare historical information to our internal budgets as well as industry-wide information. These key indicators include:
    Occupancy percentage;
 
    Average Daily Rate (or ADR);
 
    Revenue per Available Room (or RevPAR);
 
    Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (or EBITDA); and
 
    Funds From Operations (or FFO).
Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR are commonly used measures within the hotel industry to evaluate operating performance. RevPAR, which is calculated as the product of ADR and occupancy percentage, is an important statistic for monitoring operating performance at the individual hotel level and across our business as a whole. We evaluate individual hotel RevPAR performance on an absolute basis with comparisons to budget and prior periods, as well as on a company-wide and regional basis. ADR and RevPAR include only room revenue. Room revenue comprised approximately 63% of our total revenues for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, and is dictated by demand, as measured by occupancy percentage, pricing, as measured by ADR, and our available supply of hotel rooms.
Our ADR, occupancy percentage and RevPAR performance may be impacted by macroeconomic factors such as regional and local employment growth, personal income and corporate earnings, office vacancy rates and business relocation decisions, airport and other business and leisure travel, new hotel construction and the pricing strategies of competitors. In addition, our ADR, occupancy percentage and RevPAR performance is dependent on the continued success of Marriott and its brands as well as the Westin and Conrad brands.

 

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We also use EBITDA and FFO as measures of the financial performance of our business. See “Non-GAAP Financial Matters.”
Outlook
The United States is currently in the midst of a recession and the operating environment continues to be very challenging. The decline in GDP, employment, corporate profits, consumer spending and business investment has and will continue to negatively impact overall lodging demand. We believe that consumer and commercial spending and lodging demand will continue to decline in 2009. We do not anticipate an improvement in lodging demand until the current economic trends reverse course, particularly the expected continued weakness in the global economy and the lack of liquidity in the credit markets.
We believe that the economic slowdown will continue to significantly affect both the group and transient elements of our business. Based on reservation activity for 2009, we expect that group demand will continue to decline as companies continue to reduce travel expenditures, which will lead to increased cancellations, diminished booking activity and reduced attendance at group events resulting in lower banquet and food and beverage and other revenues. Similarly, the continued reduction in corporate travel budgets will affect the transient business traveler. The general economic trends discussed above make it difficult to predict our future operating results. However, we expect to experience further declines in hotel revenues and profits at our properties.
Our Hotels
The following table sets forth certain operating information for each of our hotels for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009.
                                             
                                        % Change  
        Number of     Occupancy                     from 2008  
Property   Location   Rooms     (%)     ADR($)     RevPAR($)     RevPAR  
Chicago Marriott
  Chicago, Illinois     1,198       58.1 %   $ 152.01     $ 88.29       6.7 %
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
  Los Angeles, California     1,004       79.7       115.90       92.38       (10.8 )
Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel (1)
  Boston, Massachusetts     793       48.3       160.95       77.70       (17.7 )
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
  Atlanta, Georgia     521       60.6       143.51       86.90       (18.3 )
Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
  Salt Lake City, Utah     510       58.3       138.98       81.04       (21.3 )
Renaissance Worthington
  Fort Worth, Texas     504       72.1       164.57       118.72       (15.5 )
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (1)
  St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands     502       83.0       282.01       234.19       (11.1 )
Renaissance Austin Hotel
  Austin, Texas     492       62.9       156.69       98.51       (16.6 )
Torrance Marriott South Bay
  Los Angeles County, California     487       62.6       119.59       74.88       (27.0 )
Orlando Airport Marriott
  Orlando, Florida     486       81.8       120.58       98.66       (16.3 )
Marriott Griffin Gate Resort
  Lexington, Kentucky     408       49.0       108.41       53.12       (11.1 )
Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort
  Oak Brook, Illinois     386       31.4       118.38       37.17       (18.3 )
Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter (1)
  Atlanta, Georgia     369       66.3       109.94       72.90       (27.0 )
Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa (1)
  Vail, Colorado     346       79.8       287.44       229.51       (26.1 )
Marriott Atlanta Alpharetta
  Atlanta, Georgia     318       57.3       136.01       77.88       (18.5 )
Courtyard Manhattan/Midtown East
  New York, New York     312       79.1       200.59       158.76       (28.9 )
Conrad Chicago (1)
  Chicago, Illinois     311       56.1       156.42       87.77       (7.4 )
Bethesda Marriott Suites
  Bethesda, Maryland     272       56.5       196.94       111.24       (13.8 )
Courtyard Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
  New York, New York     185       87.6       202.23       177.22       (21.1 )
The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance
Resort & Spa
  Sonoma, California     182       40.1       159.39       63.94       (35.8 )
 
                                 
 
                                           
TOTAL/WEIGHTED AVERAGE
        9,586       63.7 %   $ 155.00     $ 98.80       (16.5 )%
 
                                 
 
     
(1)   The Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa, Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter, Conrad Chicago and the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel report operations on a calendar month and year basis. The fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009 includes the operations for the period from January 1, 2009 to February 28, 2009 for these five hotels.

 

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Results of Operations
As of March 27, 2009, we owned 20 hotels. Our total assets were $2.1 billion as of March 27, 2009. Total liabilities were $1.1 billion as of March 27, 2009, including $872.4 million of debt. Stockholders’ equity was approximately $1.0 billion as of March 27, 2009.
Comparison of the Fiscal Quarter Ended March 27, 2009 to the Fiscal Quarter Ended March 21, 2008
Our net loss for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009 was $5.3 million compared to net income of $5.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008.
Revenue. Revenue consists primarily of the room, food and beverage and other operating revenues from our hotels. Revenues for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively, consisted of the following (in thousands):
                         
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter        
    Ended     Ended        
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008     % Change  
Rooms
  $ 75,116     $ 85,927       (12.6 )%
Food and beverage
    36,890       40,081       (8.0 )%
Other
    6,538       6,855       (4.6 )%
 
                 
Total revenues
  $ 118,544     $ 132,863       (10.8 )%
 
                 
Individual hotel revenues for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively, consist of the following (in millions):
                         
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter        
    Ended     Ended        
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008     % Change  
 
       
Chicago Marriott
  $ 14.7     $ 10.9       34.9 %
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
    13.0       14.3       (9.1 )%
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (1)
    10.0       11.2       (10.7 )%
Renaissance Worthington
    8.5       9.5       (10.5 )%
Renaissance Austin Hotel
    7.6       8.2       (7.3 )%
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
    7.2       8.7       (17.2 )%
Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel (1)
    7.0       8.9       (21.3 )%
Orlando Airport Marriott
    6.6       7.5       (12.0 )%
Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa (1)
    6.1       8.4       (27.4 )%
Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
    5.6       6.3       (11.1 )%
Torrance Marriott South Bay
    4.6       5.8       (20.7 )%
Courtyard Manhattan/Midtown East
    4.5       6.0       (25.0 )%
Marriott Griffin Gate Resort
    3.7       4.0       (7.5 )%
Bethesda Marriott Suites
    3.5       3.6       (2.8 )%
Marriott Atlanta Alpharetta
    3.1       3.6       (13.9 )%
Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort
    3.0       3.3       (9.1 )%
Courtyard Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
    2.9       3.4       (14.7 )%
Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter (1)
    2.5       3.7       (32.4 )%
The Lodge at Sonoma, a Renaissance Resort & Spa
    2.2       3.0       (26.7 )%
Conrad Chicago (1)
    2.2       2.6       (15.4 )%
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 118.5     $ 132.9       (10.8 )%
 
                 
     
(1)   The Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa, Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter, Conrad Chicago and the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel report operations on a calendar month and year basis. The fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008 include the operations for the period from January 1, 2009 to February 28, 2009 and January 1, 2008 to February 29, 2008, respectively, for these five hotels.

 

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Our total revenues declined $14.4 million or 10.8%, from $132.9 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 to $118.5 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, reflecting the continued weakness in the lodging fundamentals. The decline reflects a 16.5 percent decline in RevPAR as a result of a 10.4 percent decrease in ADR and a 4.8 percentage point decrease in occupancy. The comparison of the first quarter of 2009 to the first quarter of 2008 is positively impacted by disruption from the renovation of the Chicago Marriott, which was ongoing during the first quarter of 2008. Excluding the Chicago Marriott from our 2009 and 2008 first fiscal quarters would increase our RevPAR contraction by approximately 2.4 percentage points. In addition, the first quarter 2009 results of operations for our Marriott-managed hotels include five additional days as compared to the first quarter of 2008.
The majority of our customers fall into three broad categories: business transient, group and leisure and other business. In the first quarter of 2009, business transient room revenue, which represented approximately 28% of our total room revenue, decreased approximately 28% from the first quarter of 2008 as discretionary business travel has declined in response to the current economic recession. Group revenue, which represented approximately 36% of our total room revenue, decreased approximately 9% from the first quarter of 2008 due to groups increasingly renegotiating rates and an overall decline in demand. Revenue from leisure and other business, which represented 36% of our total room revenue, decreased approximately 11% from the first quarter of 2008 as overall consumer spending has declined in response to the current economic recession.
Food and beverage revenues decreased 8.0% from 2008, reflecting a decline in both banquet and outlet revenues. Other revenues, which primarily represent spa, golf, parking and attrition and cancellation fees, decreased 4.6% from 2008.
The following are the key hotel operating statistics for our hotels for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively.
                         
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter        
    Ended     Ended        
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008     % Change  
Occupancy %
    63.7 %     68.5 %   (4.8) percentage points  
ADR
  $ 155.00     $ 172.91       (10.4 )%
RevPAR
  $ 98.80     $ 118.37       (16.5 )%
Hotel operating expenses. Hotel operating expenses consist primarily of operating expenses of our hotels, including non-cash ground rent expense. The operating expenses for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively, consist of the following (in millions):
                         
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter        
    Ended     Ended        
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008     % Change  
Rooms departmental expenses
  $ 20.0     $ 21.2       (5.7 )%
Food and beverage departmental expenses
    26.6       28.9       (8.0 )%
Other hotel expenses
    37.8       39.0       (3.1 )%
Base management fees
    3.1       3.6       (13.9 )%
Incentive management fees
    0.2       1.4       (85.7 )%
Property taxes
    6.0       5.1       17.6 %
Ground rent—Contractual
    0.4       0.5       (20.0 )%
Ground rent—Non-cash
    1.8       1.8        
 
                 
Total hotel operating expenses
  $ 95.9     $ 101.5       (5.5 )%
 
                 
Our hotel operating expenses decreased $5.6 million or 5.5%, from $101.5 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 to $95.9 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009. Due to the decreased occupancy levels at our hotels, we have worked with our hotel managers to lower operating expenses. As a result of these cost-containment measures, and an overall decline in occupancy, we have reduced the rooms, food and beverage and other hotel departmental expenses. The primary driver for the decrease in these operating expenses is an overall decline in wages and benefits. We expect the decreases in the rooms, food and beverage, and other hotel departmental expenses to continue in 2009.
Management fees are calculated as a percentage of total revenues, as well as the level of operating profit at certain hotels. Therefore, the decline in base management fees is due to the overall decline in revenues at our hotels. We pay incentive management fees only at certain of our hotels based on operating profits. The decrease in incentive management fees of approximately $1.2 million is due to the decline in operating profits at those hotels.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is recorded on our hotel buildings over 40 years for the periods subsequent to acquisition. Depreciable lives of hotel furniture, fixtures and equipment are estimated as the time period between the acquisition date and the date that the hotel furniture, fixtures and equipment will be replaced. Our depreciation and amortization expense increased $2.0 million from $16.7 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 to $18.7 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009. This increase is primarily the result of having additional assets in service as of March 27, 2009, resulting in higher depreciation expense.

 

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Corporate expenses. Our corporate expenses increased from $3.0 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 to $3.8 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, due primarily to an increase in stock-based compensation expense. Corporate expenses principally consist of employee-related costs, including base payroll, bonus and restricted stock. Corporate expenses also include corporate operating costs, professional fees and directors’ fees.
Interest expense. Our interest expense increased $0.8 million from $10.7 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 to $11.5 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to the first fiscal quarter of 2009 having five additional days of interest expense compared to the first fiscal quarter of 2008 as well as higher capitalized interest recorded in the first quarter of 2008. The 2009 interest expense was comprised of mortgage debt ($11.0 million), amortization of deferred financing costs ($0.2 million) and interest and unused facility fees on our credit facility ($0.3 million). The 2008 interest expense is comprised of mortgage debt ($10.3 million), amortization of deferred financing costs ($0.2 million) and interest and unused facility fees on our credit facility ($0.2 million).
As of March 27, 2009, we had property-specific mortgage debt outstanding on twelve of our hotels. On all but one of the hotels, we have fixed-rate secured debt, which bears interest at rates ranging from 5.11% to 6.48% per year. Amounts drawn under the credit facility bear interest at a variable rate that fluctuates based on the level of outstanding indebtedness in relation to the value of our assets from time to time. The weighted-average interest rate as of March 27, 2009 on our draws under the credit facility was 1.46% as compared to 3.99% as of March 21, 2008. The Company had $52.0 million drawn on the credit facility as of March 27, 2009. Our weighted-average interest rate on all debt as of March 27, 2009 was 5.4%.
Interest income. Interest income decreased $0.3 million from $0.4 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 to $0.1 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009 due to lower interest rates in 2009.
Income taxes. We recorded an income tax benefit for income taxes from continuing operations of $6.0 million and $3.7 million for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively. The first quarter 2009 income tax benefit was incurred on the $15.7 million pre-tax loss of our taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, together with foreign income tax expense of $0.2 million related to the taxable REIT subsidiary that owns the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. The first quarter 2008 income tax benefit was incurred on the $10.5 million pre-tax loss of our TRS for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008, together with foreign income tax expense of $0.4 million related to the taxable REIT subsidiary that owns the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The current recession and related financial crisis has resulted in deleveraging attempts throughout the global financial system. As banks and other financial intermediaries reduce their leverage and incur losses on their existing portfolio of loans, the amount of capital that they are able to lend has materially decreased. As a result, it is a very difficult borrowing environment for all borrowers, even those that have strong balance sheets. While we have low leverage and a significant number of high quality unencumbered assets, we are uncertain if we could currently obtain new debt, or refinance existing debt, on reasonable terms in the current market.
Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to fund future distributions to our stockholders to maintain our REIT status as well as to pay for operating expenses and other expenditures directly associated with our hotels, including capital expenditures as well as payments of interest and principal. We currently expect that our operating cash flows will be sufficient to meet our short-term liquidity requirements generally through net cash provided by operations, existing cash balances and, if necessary, short-term borrowings under our credit facility.
Our long-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay for the costs of acquiring additional hotels, renovations, expansions and other capital expenditures that need to be made periodically to our hotels, scheduled debt payments and making distributions to our stockholders. We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements through various sources of capital, cash provided by operations and borrowings, as well as through our issuances of additional equity or debt securities. Our ability to incur additional debt is dependent upon a number of factors, including the current state of the overall credit markets, our degree of leverage, the value of our unencumbered assets and borrowing restrictions imposed by existing lenders.

 

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Our Financing Strategy
Since our formation in 2004, we have been consistently committed to a flexible capital structure with prudent leverage levels. During 2004 though early 2007, we took advantage of the low interest rate environment by fixing our interest rates for an extended period of time. Moreover, during the recent peak in the commercial real estate market, we maintained low financial leverage by funding the majority of our acquisitions through the issuance of equity. This strategy allowed us to maintain a balance sheet with a moderate amount of debt. During the peak years, we believed, and present events have confirmed, that it would be inappropriate to increase the inherent risk of a highly cyclical business through a highly levered capital structure.
We believe the current economic environment has confirmed the merits of our financing strategy. We believe that we maintain a reasonable amount of fixed interest rate mortgage debt with limited near-term maturities. As of March 27, 2009, we had $872.4 million of debt outstanding, which consisted of $52.0 million outstanding on our senior unsecured credit facility and $820.4 million of mortgage debt. We currently have eight hotels, with an aggregate historic cost of $790 million, which are unencumbered by mortgage debt. As of March 27, 2009, our debt had a weighted-average interest rate of 5.37% and a weighted-average maturity date of 6.1 years. In addition, as of March 27, 2009, 93.5% of our debt was fixed rate.
We prefer a relatively simple but efficient capital structure. We have not invested in joint ventures and have not issued any operating partnership units or preferred stock. We endeavor to structure our hotel acquisitions so that they will not overly complicate our capital structure; however, we will consider a more complex transaction if we believe that the projected returns to our stockholders will significantly exceed the returns that would otherwise be available.
During the current recession, our corporate goals and objectives are focused on preserving and enhancing our liquidity. We have taken a number of steps to achieve these goals, as follows:
    We completed a follow-on public offering of our common stock in April 2009. We sold 17,825,000 shares of common stock, including the underwriters’ overallotment of 2,325,000 shares, at an offering price of $4.85 per share. The net proceeds to us, after deduction of offering costs, were approximately $82.1 million. We continue to evaluate our liquidity needs and financing alternatives, and may choose to sell additional shares of common stock in the future.
 
    We repaid the $52 million outstanding on our senior unsecured credit facility on April 17, 2009 with a portion of the proceeds from our follow-on offering.
 
    We chose to not pay a 2008 fourth quarter dividend and we intend to pay our next dividend to our stockholders of record as of December 31, 2009. We expect the 2009 dividend will be in an amount equal to 100% of our 2009 taxable income.
 
    Depending on our 2009 liquidity needs, we may elect to pay a portion of our 2009 dividend in shares of our common stock, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service’s Revenue Procedure 2009-15.
 
    We have significantly curtailed capital spending for 2009 and expect to fund approximately $10 million in capital expenditures in 2009, compared to an average of $35 million per year of owner-funded capital expenditures during 2006, 2007 and 2008.
 
    As previously announced, we continue to evaluate the process regarding the sale of one or more of our hotels. To date we have not received any bids that we consider attractive compared to our internal valuation.
We have only two near-term mortgage debt maturities totaling $68 million. The debt maturities include $40.2 million coming due on the Courtyard Manhattan/Midtown East on December 11, 2009 and $27.7 million coming due on the Griffin Gate Marriott in January 2010. We have agreed on terms with a lender to provide up to $43 million of mortgage debt with a term of five years on the Courtyard Manhattan/Midtown East and have locked our interest rate at 8.81%. The terms of the loan are still subject to the approval of the lender’s credit committee. We cannot provide assurance that this lender will fund the mortgage debt or that the terms of the loan will be satisfactory to us, as we have not yet agreed on definitive documentation nor has the lender completed its due diligence. We are currently assessing the best alternatives to refinance the Griffin Gate Marriott mortgage debt. Our most likely alternatives include repaying the mortgage debt with corporate cash or refinancing the mortgage debt with a new mortgage lender.

 

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Credit Facility
We are party to a four-year, $200.0 million unsecured credit facility (the “Facility”) expiring in February 2011. We may extend the maturity date of the Facility for an additional year upon the payment of applicable fees and the satisfaction of certain other customary conditions. On April 17, 2009, we repaid the outstanding balance of $52.0 million under the Facility with a portion of the proceeds from our follow-on public offering of common stock.
Interest is paid on the periodic advances under the Facility at varying rates, based upon either LIBOR or the alternate base rate, plus an agreed upon additional margin amount. The interest rate depends upon our level of outstanding indebtedness in relation to the value of our assets from time to time, as follows:
                                 
    Leverage Ratio  
    60% or     55% to     50% to     Less Than  
    Greater     60%     55%     50%  
Alternate base rate margin
    0.65 %     0.45 %     0.25 %     0.00 %
LIBOR margin
    1.55 %     1.45 %     1.25 %     0.95 %
Our Facility contains various corporate financial covenants. A summary of the most restrictive covenants is as follows:
                 
            Actual at  
            March 27,  
    Covenant     2009  
Maximum leverage ratio(1)
    65 %     42.8 %
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio(2)
    1.6 x     2.7 x
Minimum tangible net worth(3)
  $738.4 million     $1.3 billion  
Unhedged floating rate debt as a percentage of total indebtedness
    35 %     6.5 %
 
     
(1)   “Maximum leverage ratio” is determined by dividing the total debt outstanding by the net asset value of our corporate assets and hotels. Hotel level net asset values are calculated based on the application of a contractual capitalization rate (which range from 7.5% to 8.0%) to the trailing twelve month hotel net operating income.
 
(2)   “Minimum fixed charge ratio” is calculated based on the trailing four quarters.
 
(3)   “Tangible net worth” is defined as the gross book value of our real estate assets and other corporate assets less our total debt and all other corporate liabilities.

 

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Our Facility requires that we maintain a specific pool of unencumbered borrowing base properties. The unencumbered borrowing base assets are subject to the following limitations and covenants:
                 
            Actual at  
            March 27,  
    Covenant     2009  
Minimum implied debt service ratio
    1.5 x     13.01 x
Maximum unencumbered leverage ratio
    65 %     7.9 %
Minimum number of unencumbered borrowing base properties
    4       8  
Minimum unencumbered borrowing base value
  $150 million     $658.9 million  
Percentage of total asset value owned by borrowers or guarantors
    90 %     100 %
If we were to default under any of the above covenants, we would be obligated to repay all amounts outstanding under our Facility and our Facility would terminate. Our ability to comply with two most restrictive financial covenants, the maximum leverage ratio and the fixed charge coverage ratio, depend primarily on our EBITDA. The following table shows the impact of various hypothetical scenarios on those two covenants.
                                         
            EBITDA Change from 2008  
    Covenant     -10%     -20%     -30%     -40%  
Maximum leverage ratio
    65 %     45 %     51 %     58 %     67 %
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio
    1.6 x     2.6 x     2.3 x     2.0 x     1.7 x
In addition to the interest payable on amounts outstanding under the Facility, we are required to pay an amount equal to 0.20% of the unused portion of the Facility if the unused portion of the Facility is greater than 50% and 0.125% if the unused portion of the Facility is less than 50%. We incurred interest and unused credit facility fees on the Facility of $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the fiscal quarters ended March 27, 2009 and March 21, 2008, respectively. As of March 27, 2009, we had $52.0 million outstanding on the Facility with a capacity to borrow an additional $148.0 million.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Our principal sources of cash are revenues from operations, borrowing under mortgage debt, draws on the Facility and the proceeds from our equity offerings. Our principal uses of cash are debt service, asset acquisitions, capital expenditures, operating costs, corporate expenses and dividends.
Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Our cash provided by operating activities was $13.8 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, which is the result of our $5.3 million net loss adjusted for the impact of several non-cash charges, including $18.7 million of depreciation, $1.8 million of non-cash straight line ground rent, $0.2 million of amortization of deferred financing costs, and $1.2 million of stock compensation, offset by $0.4 million of amortization of unfavorable agreements, $0.1 million of amortization of deferred income and unfavorable working capital changes of $2.3 million.
Our cash provided by operating activities was $19.6 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008, which is the result of our $5.2 million net income adjusted for the impact of several non-cash charges, including $16.7 million of depreciation, $1.8 million of non-cash straight line ground rent, $0.2 million of amortization of deferred financing costs, and $0.7 million of stock compensation, offset by $0.4 million of amortization of unfavorable agreements, $0.1 million of amortization of deferred income and unfavorable working capital changes of $4.4 million.
Cash Used In Investing Activities. Our cash used in investing activities was $7.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009. During the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009, we incurred capital expenditures at our hotels of $7.3 million and an increase in restricted cash of $0.1 million.
Our cash used in investing activities was $20.5 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008. During the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008, we incurred capital expenditures at our hotels of $21.5 million and a decrease in restricted cash of $4.0 million, which was offset by the receipt of $5.0 million of key money related to the Chicago Marriott Downtown.
Cash Provided by Financing Activities. Our cash used in financing activities was $6.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 27, 2009 consisted of $1.0 million of scheduled debt principal payments and $0.2 million of share repurchases and $5.0 million in repayments of our credit facility.

 

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Our cash used in financing activities was $9.8 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 21, 2008 consisted of $0.7 million of scheduled debt principal payments, $0.3 million of share repurchases, and $22.8 million of dividend payments offset by $14.0 million in draws under our credit facility.
Dividend Policy
We intend to distribute to our stockholders dividends equal to our REIT taxable income so as to avoid paying corporate income tax and excise tax on our earnings (other than the earnings of our TRS and TRS lessees, which are all subject to tax at regular corporate rates) and to qualify for the tax benefits afforded to REITs under the Code. In order to qualify as a REIT under the Code, we generally must make distributions to our stockholders each year in an amount equal to at least:
    90% of our REIT taxable income determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction, plus
 
    90% of the excess of our net income from foreclosure property over the tax imposed on such income by the Code, minus
 
    any excess non-cash income.
We have paid quarterly cash dividends to common stockholders at the discretion of our board of directors. We chose not to pay a 2008 fourth quarter dividend and we intend to issue our next dividend to our stockholders of record as of December 31, 2009. We expect the 2009 dividend will be an amount equal to 100% of our 2009 taxable income. Depending on our 2009 liquidity needs, we may elect to pay a portion of our 2009 dividend in shares of our common stock, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service’s Revenue Procedure 2009-15.
Capital Expenditures
The management and franchise agreements for each of our hotels provide for the establishment of separate property improvement funds to cover, among other things, the cost of replacing and repairing furniture and fixtures at our hotels. Contributions to the property improvement fund are calculated as a percentage of hotel revenues. In addition, we may be required to pay for the cost of certain additional improvements that are not permitted to be funded from the property improvement fund under the applicable management or franchise agreement. As of March 27, 2009, we have set aside $27.1 million for capital projects in property improvement funds. Funds held in property improvement funds for one hotel are typically not permitted to be applied to any other property.
DiamondRock has made extensive capital investments in its hotels during 2006 to 2008 and now nearly all of its hotels are fully-renovated. As a result, the Company has significantly curtailed capital spending for 2009. In 2009, the Company plans to commence or complete approximately $35 million of capital improvements at its hotels, approximately $10.0 million of which will be funded from corporate cash. The Company spent approximately $7.3 million on capital improvements at its hotels during the first fiscal quarter, including the completion of a significant guestroom renovation at the Salt Lake City Marriott, almost all of which was funded by the hotel’s escrow funds.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use the following two non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are useful to investors as key measures of our operating performance: (1) EBITDA and (2) FFO. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with GAAP.
EBITDA represents net (loss) income excluding: (1) interest expense; (2) provision for income taxes, including income taxes applicable to sale of assets; and (3) depreciation and amortization. We believe EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because it helps investors evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest expense) and our asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) from our operating results. In addition, covenants included in our indebtedness use EBITDA as a measure of financial compliance. We also use EBITDA as one measure in determining the value of hotel acquisitions and dispositions.

 

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    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter  
    Ended     Ended  
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008  
    (in thousands)  
 
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,177  
Interest expense
    11,498       10,695  
Income tax benefit
    (5,978 )     (3,723 )
Real estate related depreciation and amortization
    18,717       16,687  
 
           
EBITDA
  $ 18,944     $ 28,836  
 
           
We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, which defines FFO as net (loss) income (determined in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (losses) from sales of property, plus depreciation and amortization. We believe that the presentation of FFO provides useful information to investors regarding our operating performance because it is a measure of our operations without regard to specified non-cash items, such as real estate depreciation and amortization and gain or loss on sale of assets. We also use FFO as one measure in assessing our results.
                 
    Fiscal Quarter     Fiscal Quarter  
    Ended     Ended  
    March 27, 2009     March 21, 2008  
    (in thousands)  
 
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (5,293 )   $ 5,177  
Real estate related depreciation and amortization
    18,717       16,687  
 
           
FFO
  $ 13,424     $ 21,864  
 
           
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the DiamondRock Hospitality Company and all consolidated subsidiaries. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While we do not believe the reported amounts would be materially different, application of these policies involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. We evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to the impairment of long-lived assets, on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. All of our significant accounting policies are disclosed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. The following represent certain critical accounting policies that require us to exercise our business judgment or make significant estimates:
Investment in Hotels. Acquired hotels, land improvements, building and furniture, fixtures and equipment and identifiable intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. Additions to property and equipment, including current buildings, improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 15 to 40 years for buildings and land improvements and one to ten years for furniture and equipment. Identifiable intangible assets are typically related to contracts, including ground lease agreements and hotel management agreements, which are recorded at fair value. Above-market and below-market contract values are based on the present value of the difference between contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the contracts acquired and our estimate of the fair market contract rates for corresponding contracts. Contracts acquired that are at market do not have significant value. We typically enter into a new hotel management agreement based on market terms at the time of acquisition. Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining non-cancelable term of the related agreements. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we may utilize a number of sources that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of a property and other market data. Management also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired.

 

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We review our investments in hotels for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the investments in hotels may not be recoverable. Events or circumstances that may cause us to perform a review include, but are not limited to, adverse changes in the demand for lodging at our properties due to declining national or local economic conditions and/or new hotel construction in markets where our hotels are located. When such conditions exist, management performs an analysis to determine if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operations and the proceeds from the ultimate disposition of an investment in a hotel exceed the hotel’s carrying value. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an adjustment to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair market value is recorded and an impairment loss recognized.
Revenue Recognition. Hotel revenues, including room, golf, food and beverage, and other hotel revenues, are recognized as the related services are provided.
Stock-based Compensation. The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation using the fair value based method of accounting described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS 123R”), Share-Based Payment. The Company records the cost of awards with service conditions based on the grant-date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. No compensation cost is recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. No awards with performance-based or market-based conditions have been issued.
Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the new rate is enacted.
We have elected to be treated as a REIT under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and, as such, are not subject to federal income tax, provided we distribute all of our taxable income annually to our stockholders and comply with certain other requirements. In addition to paying federal and state income tax on any retained income, we are subject to taxes on “built-in-gains” on sales of certain assets. Additionally, our taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal, state and foreign income tax.
Inflation
Operators of hotels, in general, possess the ability to adjust room rates daily to reflect the effects of inflation. However, competitive pressures may limit the ability of our management companies to raise room rates.
Seasonality
The operations of hotels historically have been seasonal depending on location, and accordingly, we expect some seasonality in our business. Historically, we have experienced approximately two-thirds of our annual income in the second and fourth fiscal quarters.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Implemented
There are no new unimplemented accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Item 3. Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Market risk includes risks that arise from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market sensitive instruments. In pursuing our business strategies, the primary market risk to which we are currently exposed, and, to which we expect to be exposed in the future, is interest rate risk. The face amount of our outstanding debt at March 27, 2009 was approximately $872.4 million, of which $57.0 million or 6.5% was variable rate debt. As of March 27, 2009, the fair value of the $815.4 million of fixed-rate debt was approximately $703.5 million. If market rates of interest were to increase by 1.0%, or approximately 100 basis points, the decrease in the fair value of our fixed-rate debt would be $33.1 million. On the other hand, if market rates of interest were to decrease by one percentage point, or approximately 100 basis points, the increase in the fair value of our fixed-rate debt would be $35.5 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management has evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, and has concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to give reasonable assurances that information we disclose in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are not involved in any material litigation nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation threatened against us other than routine litigation arising out of the ordinary course of business or which is expected to be covered by insurance and none of which is expected to have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes in the risk factors described in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-Q:
         
Exhibit    
       
 
  3.1.1    
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Articles of Incorporation of DiamondRock Hospitality Company (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File no. 333-123065)).
       
 
  3.1.2    
Amendment to the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Articles of Incorporation of DiamondRock Hospitality Company (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 9, 2007).
       
 
  3.2.1    
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of DiamondRock Hospitality Company (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File no. 333-123065)).
       
 
  3.2.2    
Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of DiamondRock Hospitality Company (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2006).
       
 
  4.1    
Form of Certificate for Common Stock for DiamondRock Hospitality Company (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-11 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File no. 333-123065)).

 

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Table of Contents

         
Exhibit    
       
 
  10.1    
Form of Stock Appreciation Right (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2008).
       
 
  10.2    
Form of Dividend Equivalent Right (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2008).
       
 
  10.3    
Agreement of Limited Partnership of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated as of June 4, 2004.
 
   
  10.4    
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007 by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, DiamondRock Hospitality Company, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and as Book Manager, each of Bank of America, N.A., Calyon New York Branch and The Royal Bank Of Scotland PLC, as a Syndication Agent, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Documentation Agent.
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
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 thereunto duly authorized.
             
December 7, 2009
      DiamondRock Hospitality Company    
 
           
/s/ Sean M. Mahoney
      /s/ Michael D. Schecter    
 
     
 
   
Sean M. Mahoney
      Michael D. Schecter    
Executive Vice President and
      Executive Vice President,    
Chief Financial Officer
      General Counsel and Corporate Secretary    

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit    
       
 
  10.1    
Form of Stock Appreciation Right (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2008).
 
   
  10.2    
Form of Dividend Equivalent Right (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2008).
       
 
  10.3    
Agreement of Limited Partnership of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated as of June 4, 2004.
       
 
  10.4    
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2007 by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, DiamondRock Hospitality Company, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and as Book Manager, each of Bank of America, N.A., Calyon New York Branch and The Royal Bank Of Scotland PLC, as a Syndication Agent, and Citicorp North America, Inc., as Documentation Agent.
 
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

- 28 -

Exhibit 10.3
Exhibit 10.3
AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
 
       
ARTICLE 1 — DEFINED TERMS
    1  
 
       
ARTICLE 2 — ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
    13  
Section 2.1 Formation and Continuation
    13  
Section 2.2 Name
    13  
Section 2.3 Registered Office and Agent; Principal Office
    13  
Section 2.4 Power of Attorney
    13  
Section 2.5 Term
    15  
 
       
ARTICLE 3 — PURPOSE
    15  
Section 3.1 Purpose and Business
    15  
Section 3.2 Powers
    15  
 
       
ARTICLE 4 — CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
    15  
Section 4.1 Capital Contributions of the Partners
    15  
Section 4.2 Future Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests
    16  
Section 4.3 Contribution of Proceeds of Issuance of REIT Shares
    18  
Section 4.4 Other Contribution Provisions
    18  
Section 4.5 No Preemptive Rights
    18  
Section 4.6 No Interest on Capital
    18  
 
       
ARTICLE 5 — DISTRIBUTIONS
    19  
Section 5.1 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions
    19  
Section 5.2 Amounts Withheld
    20  
Section 5.3 Distributions Upon Liquidation
    20  
Section 5.4 Revisions to Reflect Issuance of Additional Partnership Interests
    20  
 
       
ARTICLE 6 — ALLOCATIONS
    20  
Section 6.1 Allocations For Capital Account Purposes
    20  
 
       
ARTICLE 7 — MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF BUSINESS
    21  
Section 7.1 Management
    21  
Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership
    25  
Section 7.3 Restrictions on General Partner Authority
    26  
Section 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner and the Company; DRIPs and Repurchase Programs
    26  
Section 7.5 Outside Activities of the General Partner
    28  
Section 7.6 Contracts with Affiliates
    28  
Section 7.7 Indemnification
    29  
Section 7.8 Liability of the General Partner
    30  
Section 7.9 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner
    31  
Section 7.10 Title to Partnership Assets
    32  
Section 7.11 Reliance by Third Parties
    32  

 

i


 

         
    Page  
 
       
ARTICLE 8 — RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
    33  
Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability
    33  
Section 8.2 Management of Business
    33  
Section 8.3 Outside Activities of Limited Partners
    33  
Section 8.4 Return of Capital
    33  
Section 8.5 Rights of Limited Partners Relating to the Partnership
    34  
Section 8.6 Redemption Right
    34  
 
       
ARTICLE 9 — BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
    36  
Section 9.1 Records and Accounting
    36  
Section 9.2 Taxable Year and Fiscal Year
    37  
Section 9.3 Reports
    37  
 
       
ARTICLE 10 — TAX MATTERS
    37  
Section 10.1 Preparation of Tax Returns
    37  
Section 10.2 Tax Elections
    37  
Section 10.3 Tax Matters Partner
    37  
Section 10.4 Organizational Expenses
    39  
Section 10.5 Withholding
    39  
 
       
ARTICLE 11 — TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS
    40  
Section 11.1 Transfer
    40  
Section 11.2 Transfer of the Company’s General Partner Interest and Limited Partner Interest; Extraordinary Transactions
    40  
Section 11.3 Limited Partners’ Rights to Transfer
    41  
Section 11.4 Substituted Limited Partners
    43  
Section 11.5 Assignees
    43  
Section 11.6 General Provisions
    43  
 
       
ARTICLE 12 — ADMISSION OF PARTNERS
    44  
Section 12.1 Admission of Successor General Partner
    44  
Section 12.2 Admission of Additional Limited Partners
    44  
Section 12.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership
    45  
 
       
ARTICLE 13 — DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
    45  
Section 13.1 Dissolution
    45  
Section 13.2 Winding Up
    46  
Section 13.3 Compliance with Timing Requirements of Regulations
    48  
Section 13.4 Rights of Limited Partners
    48  
Section 13.5 Notice of Dissolution
    48  
Section 13.6 Termination of Partnership and Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership
    49  
Section 13.7 Reasonable Time for Winding-Up
    49  
Section 13.8 Waiver of Partition
    49  
Section 13.9 Liability of Liquidator
    49  

 

ii


 

         
    Page  
 
       
ARTICLE 14 — AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS
    49  
Section 14.1 Amendments
    49  
Section 14.2 Meetings of the Partners
    51  
 
       
ARTICLE 15 — ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES
    51  
 
       
ARTICLE 16 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
    52  
Section 16.1 Addresses and Notice
    52  
Section 16.2 Titles and Captions
    52  
Section 16.3 Pronouns and Plurals
    53  
Section 16.4 Further Action
    53  
Section 16.5 Binding Effect
    53  
Section 16.6 Creditors
    53  
Section 16.7 Waiver
    53  
Section 16.8 Counterparts
    53  
Section 16.9 Applicable Law
    53  
Section 16.10 Invalidity of Provisions
    54  
Section 16.11 No Rights as Shareholders
    54  
Section 16.12 Entire Agreement
    54  

 

iii


 

EXHIBITS
         
Exhibit A
    Partners Contributions and Partnership Interests
Exhibit B
    Capital Account Maintenance
Exhibit C
    Special Allocation Rules
Exhibit D
    Notice of Redemption

 

iv


 

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
THIS AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, dated as of June 4, 2004 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and between DiamondRock Hospitality Company (the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, as the General Partner of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), and DiamondRock Hospitality, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as the initial Limited Partner of the Partnership (the “Initial Limited Partner”), together with any other Persons who become Partners of the Partnership as provided herein.
WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Limited Partnership filed on May 26, 2004;
WHEREAS, effective as of the date of admission of any other Persons who become Partners of the Partnership as provided herein, DiamondRock Hospitality, LLC as the Initial Limited Partner intends to withdraw as a limited partner of the Partnership and the Partnership intends to redeem the Limited Partner Interests held by such Initial Limited Partner for nominal consideration;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 — DEFINED TERMS
The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.
Act” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.
Additional Limited Partner” means a Person admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to Sections 4.2 and 12.2 hereof and who is shown as such on the books and records of the Partnership.
Adjusted Capital Account” means the Capital Account maintained for each Partner as of the end of each Partnership taxable year (i) increased by any amounts which such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) and (ii) decreased by the items described in Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

1


 

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to any Partner, the deficit balance, if any, in such Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account as of the end of the relevant Partnership taxable year.
Adjusted Property” means any property, the Carrying Value of which has been adjusted pursuant to Exhibit B hereof. Once an Adjusted Property is deemed contributed to the Partnership for federal income tax purposes upon a termination thereof pursuant to Section 708 of the Code, such property shall thereafter constitute a Contributed Property until the Carrying Value of such property is further adjusted pursuant to Exhibit B hereof.
Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing. No officer, director or shareholder of the General Partner shall be considered an Affiliate of the General Partner solely as a result of serving in such capacity or being a shareholder of the General Partner.
Agreed Value” means (i) in the case of any Contributed Property as of the time of its contribution to the Partnership, the 704(c) Value of such property, reduced by any liabilities either assumed by the Partnership upon such contribution or to which such property is subject when contributed, and (ii) in the case of any property distributed to a Partner by the Partnership, the Partnership’s Carrying Value of such property at the time such property is distributed, reduced by any indebtedness either assumed by such Partner upon such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time of distribution as determined under Section 752 of the Code and the Regulations thereunder. The aggregate Agreed Value of any Contributed Property contributed or deemed contributed by each Partner is as set forth on Exhibit A.
Agreement” means this Agreement of Limited Partnership, as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, including by way of adoption of a Certificate of Designations, including any exhibits attached hereto.
Arbitrator” has the meaning set forth in Article 15 hereof.
Articles of Incorporation” means the Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, as amended or restated from time to time.
Assignee” means a Person to whom one or more Partnership Units have been transferred in a manner permitted under this Agreement, but who has not become a Substituted Limited Partner, and who has the rights set forth in Section 11.5.

 

2


 

Available Cash” means, with respect to any period for which such calculation is being made, (i) the sum of:
(a) the Partnership’s Net Income or Net Loss, as the case may be, for such period (without regard to adjustments resulting from allocations described in Sections 1.A through 1.E of Exhibit C);
(b) Depreciation and all other noncash charges deducted in determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period;
(c) the amount of any reduction in the reserves of the Partnership referred to in clause (ii)(f) below (including, without limitation, reductions resulting because the General Partner determines such amounts are no longer necessary);
(d) the excess of proceeds from the sale, exchange, disposition, or refinancing of Partnership property for such period over the gain recognized from such sale, exchange, disposition, or refinancing during such period (excluding Terminating Capital Transactions); and
(e) all other cash received by the Partnership for such period that was not included in determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period.
(ii) less the sum of:
(a) all interest, principal and other debt payments made by the Partnership during such period but not included in determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period;
(b) capital expenditures made by the Partnership during such period;
(c) investments made by the Partnership during such period in any entity (including loans made thereto) to the extent that such investments are not otherwise described in clause (ii)(a) or (ii)(b);
(d) all other expenditures and payments not deducted in determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period;
(e) any amount included in determining Net Income or Net Loss for such period that was not received by the Partnership during such period;
(f) the amount of any increase in reserves of the Partnership during such period which the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion; and
(g) the amount of any working capital accounts and other cash or similar balances which the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate, in its sole and absolute discretion.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Available Cash shall not include any cash received or reductions in reserves, or take into account any disbursements made or reserves established, after commencement of the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership.

 

3


 

Book-Tax Disparities” means, with respect to any item of Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the difference between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and the adjusted basis thereof for federal income tax purposes as of such date. A Partner’s share of the Partnership’s Book-Tax Disparities in all of its Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference between such Partner’s Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant to Exhibit B and the hypothetical balance of such Partner’s Capital Account computed as if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with federal income tax accounting principles.
Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Bethesda, Maryland are authorized or required by law to close.
Capital Account” means the Capital Account maintained for a Partner pursuant to Exhibit B hereof.
Capital Contribution” means, with respect to any Partner, any cash, cash equivalents and the Agreed Value of Contributed Property which such Partner contributes or is deemed to contribute to the Partnership pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4 hereof.
Carrying Value” means (i) with respect to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, the 704(c) Value of such property, reduced (but not below zero) by all Depreciation with respect to such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, as the case may be, charged to the Partners’ Capital Accounts following the contribution of or adjustment with respect to such property; and (ii) with respect to any other Partnership property, the adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes, all as of the time of determination. The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Exhibit B hereof, and to reflect changes, additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General Partner.
Cash Amount” means an amount of cash equal to the Value on the Valuation Date of the REIT Shares Amount.
Certificate of Designations” means an amendment to this Agreement that sets forth the designations, rights, powers, duties and preferences of holders of any Partnership Interests issued pursuant to Section 4.2.A, which amendment is in the form of a certificate signed by the General Partner and appended to this Agreement. A Certificate of Designations is not the exclusive manner in which such an amendment may be effected. The General Partner may adopt a Certificate of Designations without the consent of the Limited Partners to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 14.1.B hereof.
Certificate of Limited Partnership” means the Certificate of Limited Partnership relating to the Partnership filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and the Act.
Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time, as interpreted by the applicable regulations thereunder. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of any succeeding law.

 

4


 

Common Unit” means a Partnership Unit which is designated as a Common Unit and which has the rights, preferences and other privileges designated herein in respect of Common Unitholders. The allocation of Common Units among the Partners shall be set forth on Exhibit A, as may be amended from time to time.
Common Unitholder” means a Partner that holds Common Units.
Company” means DiamondRock Hospitality Company, a Maryland corporation, or its successor, as the case may be.
Company Debt Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.C of this Agreement.
Consent” means the consent or approval of a proposed action by a Partner given in accordance with Section 14.2 hereof.
Contributed Property” means each property or other asset, in such form as may be permitted by the Act (but excluding cash), contributed or deemed contributed to the Partnership (including deemed contributions to the Partnership on reconstitution thereof pursuant to Section 708 of the Code). Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted pursuant to Exhibit B hereof, such property shall no longer constitute a Contributed Property for purposes of Exhibit B hereof, but shall be deemed an Adjusted Property for such purposes.
Conversion Factor” means 1.0, provided that in the event that the Company (i) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding REIT Shares in REIT Shares or makes a distribution to all holders of its outstanding REIT Shares in REIT Shares; (ii) subdivides its outstanding REIT Shares or (iii) combines its outstanding REIT Shares into a smaller number of REIT Shares, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted by multiplying the Conversion Factor by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of REIT Shares issued and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination (assuming for such purpose that such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination has occurred as of such time), and the denominator of which shall be the actual number of REIT Shares (determined without the above assumption) issued and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination. Any adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, for such event (provided, however, if a Notice of Redemption is given prior to such a record date and the Specified Redemption Date is after such a record date, then the adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall, with respect to such Redeeming Partner, be retroactive to the date of such Notice of Redemption, provided that such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination occurs as of the effective date of such event). It is intended that adjustments to the Conversion Factor are to be made in order to avoid unintended dilution or anti-dilution as a result of transactions in which REIT Shares are issued, redeemed or exchanged without a corresponding issuance, redemption or exchange of Common Units or of Preferred Units that are convertible into Common Units. If, prior to a Specified Redemption Date, Rights (other than Rights issued pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other compensation arrangement) were issued and have expired, and such Rights were issued with an exercise price that, together with the purchase price for such Rights, was below fair market value in relation to the security or other property to be

 

5


 

acquired upon the exercise of such Rights, and such Rights were issued to all holders of outstanding REIT Shares or the General Partner cannot in good faith represent that the issuance of such Rights benefited the Limited Partners, then the Conversion Factor applicable upon a Notice of Redemption shall be equitably adjusted in a manner consistent with anti-dilution provisions in warrants and other instruments in the case of such a below market issuance or exercise price. A similar equitable adjustment to protect the value of Common Units shall be made in all events if any Rights issued under a “Shareholder Rights Plan” became exercisable and expired prior to a Specified Redemption Date.
Depreciation” means, for each taxable year or other period, an amount equal to the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for such year or other period, except that if the Carrying Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such year or other period, Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Carrying Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for such year or other period bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that if the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for such year is zero, Depreciation shall be determined with reference to such beginning Carrying Value using any reasonable method selected by the General Partner.
Distribution Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.B hereof.
Extraordinary Transaction” means, with respect to the Company, the occurrence of one or more of the following events: (i) a merger (including a triangular merger), consolidation or other combination with or into another Person (other than in connection with a change in the Company’s state of incorporation or organizational form); (ii) the direct or indirect sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of its assets in one transaction or a series of related transactions; (iii) any reclassification, recapitalization or change of its outstanding equity interests (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or as a result of a split, dividend or similar subdivision); or (iv) the adoption of any plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Company (whether or not in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement).
Filing Date” has the meaning set forth in Article 15 hereof.
Full Distribution Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.B hereof.
General Partner” means the Company, in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, or any Person who becomes a successor general partner of the Partnership.
General Partner Interest” means a Partnership Interest held by the General Partner, in its capacity as general partner. A General Partner Interest may be expressed as a number of Partnership Units.
IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service, which administers the internal revenue laws of the United States.

 

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Incapacity” or “Incapacitated” means, (i) as to any natural person which is a Partner, death, total physical disability or entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of an order adjudicating him or her incompetent to manage his or her Person or estate; (ii) as to any corporation which is a Partner, the filing of a certificate of dissolution, or its equivalent, for the corporation or the revocation of its certificate of incorporation; (iii) as to any partnership or limited liability company which is a Partner, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the partnership or the limited liability company; (iv) as to any estate which is a Partner, the distribution by the fiduciary of the estate’s entire interest in the Partnership; (v) as to any trustee of a trust which is a Partner, the termination of the trust (but not the substitution of a new trustee) or (vi) as to any Partner, the bankruptcy of such Partner. For purposes of this definition, bankruptcy of a Partner shall be deemed to have occurred when (a) the Partner commences a voluntary proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect; (b) the Partner is adjudged as bankrupt or insolvent, or a final and nonappealable order for relief under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law now or hereafter in effect has been entered against the Partner; (c) the Partner executes and delivers a general assignment for the benefit of the Partner’s creditors; (d) the Partner files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the Partner in any proceeding of the nature described in clause (b) above; (e) the Partner seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee, receiver or liquidator for the Partner or for all or any substantial part of the Partner’s properties; (f) any proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief of or against such Partner under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect has not been dismissed within one hundred twenty (120) days after the commencement thereof; (g) the appointment without the Partner’s consent or acquiescence of a trustee, receiver or liquidator has not been vacated or stayed within ninety (90) days of such appointment; or (h) an appointment referred to in clause (g) which has been stayed is not vacated within ninety (90) days after the expiration of any such stay.
Indemnitee” means (i) any Person made a party to a proceeding by reason of his, her or its status as (a) the Company (b) the General Partner or (c) a director or officer of the Company, the General Partner or the Partnership and (ii) such other Persons (including Affiliates of the Company, General Partner or the Partnership) as the General Partner may designate from time to time (whether before or after the event giving rise to potential liability), in its sole and absolute discretion.
Independent Director” means a person who is not an officer or employee of the Company or an affiliate or a lessee or manger of any Property.
IPO Event” means an initial public offering of equity interests in the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, involving the sale of an aggregate of [$50,000,000] or more of equity interests in the Company, whether involving a primary offering or a combined primary and secondary offering, pursuant to which such equity interests become listed on a U.S. national securities exchange or any national securities association or any national exchange.
Limited Partner” means any Person (including the Company) named as a Limited Partner on Exhibit A attached hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time, or any Substituted Limited Partner or Additional Limited Partner, in such Person’s capacity as a Limited Partner of the Partnership.

 

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Limited Partner Interest” means a Partnership Interest of a Limited Partner in the Partnership representing a fractional part of the Partnership Interests of all Partners and includes any and all benefits to which the holder of such a Partnership Interest may be entitled, as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. A Limited Partner Interest may be expressed as a number of Partnership Units.
Liquidating Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1.A hereof.
Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.2.A hereof.
Net Income” means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the Partnership’s items of income and gain for such taxable period over the Partnership’s items of loss and deduction for such taxable period. The items included in the calculation of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with federal income tax accounting principles, subject to the specific adjustments provided for on Exhibit B. If an item of income, gain, loss or deduction that has been included in the initial computation of Net Income is subjected to the special allocation rules in Exhibit C, Net Income or the resulting Net Loss, whichever the case may be, shall be recomputed without regard to such item.
Net Loss” means, for any taxable period, the excess, if any, of the Partnership’s items of loss and deduction for such taxable period over the Partnership’s items of income and gain for such taxable period. The items included in the calculation of Net Loss shall be determined in accordance with federal income tax accounting principles, subject to the specific adjustments provided for on Exhibit B. If an item of income, gain, loss or deduction that has been included in the initial computation of Net Loss is subjected to the special allocation rules in Exhibit C, Net Loss or the resulting Net Income, whichever the case may be, shall be recomputed without regard to such item.
Newly Issued Unit” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1 hereof.
New Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.B hereof.
Nonrecourse Built-in Gain” means, with respect to any Contributed Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or negative pledge securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 2.B of Exhibit C if such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other consideration.
Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1), and the amount of Nonrecourse Deductions for a Partnership taxable year shall be determined in accordance with the rules of Regulations Section 1.704-2(c).
Nonrecourse Liability” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2).
Notice of Redemption” means the Notice of Redemption substantially in the form of Exhibit D to this Agreement.

 

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Partner” means a General Partner or a Limited Partner, and “Partners” means the General Partner and the Limited Partners collectively.
Partner Minimum Gain” means an amount, with respect to each Partner Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such Partner Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).
Partner Nonrecourse Debt” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4).
Partner Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2), and the amount of Partner Nonrecourse Deductions with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt for a Partnership taxable year shall be determined in accordance with the rules of Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2).
Partnership Debt Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.C of this Agreement.
Partnership Interest” means an ownership interest in the Partnership representing a Capital Contribution by either a Limited Partner or the General Partner and includes any and all benefits to which the holder of such a Partnership Interest may be entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement. A Partnership Interest may be expressed as a number of Partnership Units.
Partnership Minimum Gain” has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(2), and the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain, as well as any net increase or decrease in a Partnership Minimum Gain, for a Partnership taxable year shall be determined in accordance with the rules of Regulations Section 1.704-2(d).
Partnership Record Date” means the record date established by the General Partner for (i) the distribution of Available Cash with respect to Common Units pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof, which record date shall, unless otherwise determined by the General Partner, be the same as the record date established by the Company for a distribution to its common shareholders of some of all of its portion of such distribution, or (ii) if applicable, determining the Partners entitled to vote on or consent to any proposed action for which the consent or approval of the Partners is sought pursuant to Section 14.2 hereof.
Partnership Unit” or “Unit” means a fractional, undivided share of the Partnership Interests of all Partners issued pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 (and includes any class or series of Preferred Units established after the date hereof). The number of Partnership Units outstanding and (in the case of Common Units) the Percentage Interest in the Partnership represented by such Partnership Units are set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time. The ownership of Partnership Units shall be evidenced by such form of certificate for Units as the General Partner adopts from time to time unless the General Partner determines that the Partnership Units shall be uncertificated securities.

 

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Partnership Year” means the fiscal year of the Partnership, which shall be the calendar year.
Percentage Interest” means, as to a Partner, its percentage interest as a Common Unitholder determined by dividing the Common Units owned by such Partner by the total number of Common Units then outstanding and as specified on Exhibit A attached hereto, as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time.
Person” means a natural person, corporation, partnership (whether general or limited), limited liability company, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, association, custodian, nominee or any other individual or entity in its own or any representative capacity.
Preferred Unit” means a limited partnership interest (of any series), other than a Common Unit, represented by a fractional, undivided share of the Partnership Interests of all Partners issued hereunder and which is designated as a “Preferred Unit” (or as a particular class or series of Preferred Units) herein and which has the rights, preferences and other privileges designated herein (including by way of a Certificate of Designations) in respect of a Preferred Unitholder. The allocation of Preferred Units among the Partners shall be set forth on Exhibit A, as may be amended from time to time.
Preferred Unitholder” means a Limited Partner that holds Preferred Units (of any class or series).
Property” means any property or other investment in which the Partnership holds an ownership interest.
Qualified REIT Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the General Partner that is a “qualified REIT subsidiary” within the meaning of Section 856(i) of the Code.
Redeeming Partner” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.A hereof.
Redemption Amount” means either the Cash Amount or the REIT Shares Amount, as determined by the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion. A Redeeming Partner shall have no right, without the Company’s consent, which consent may be given or withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, to receive the Redemption Amount in the form of the REIT Shares Amount.
Redemption Right” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.6.A hereof.
Regulations” means the Federal Income Tax Regulations promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended from time to time (including any corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).
REIT” means a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.
REIT Share” means (i) a share of common stock of the Company or (ii) a common equity security for which the Common Unitholders have the right to exchange their Common Unit equivalent interests in the Surviving Partnership pursuant to an Extraordinary Transaction permitted by Section 11.2B(2).

 

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REIT Shares Amount” means a number of REIT Shares equal to the product of (x) the number of Common Units offered for redemption by a Redeeming Partner multiplied by (y) the Conversion Factor in effect on the date of receipt by the Partnership of a Notice of Redemption, provided that, in the event the Company has previously issued to all holders of REIT Shares rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities entitling the shareholders to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares, or any other securities or property (collectively, “Rights”), and the Rights have not expired at the Specified Redemption Date, then the REIT Shares Amount shall also include that number of Rights that were issuable to a holder of the REIT Shares Amount or REIT Shares on the applicable record date relating to the issuance of such Rights.
Residual Gain” or “Residual Loss” means any item of gain or loss, as the case may be, of the Partnership recognized for federal income tax purposes resulting from a sale, exchange or other disposition of Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, to the extent such item of gain or loss is not allocated pursuant to Section 2.B(1)(a) or 2.B(2)(a) of Exhibit C to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.
Rights” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “REIT Shares Amount.”
704(c) Value” of any Contributed Property means the fair market value of such property or other consideration at the time of contribution, as determined by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt. Subject to Exhibit B hereof, the General Partner shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, use such method as it deems reasonable and appropriate to allocate the aggregate of the 704(c) Values of Contributed Properties in a single or integrated transaction among the separate properties on a basis proportional to their respective fair market values.
Specified Redemption Date” means the tenth (10th) Business Day after receipt by the Partnership (with a copy to the Company) of a Notice of Redemption; provided that if the Company combines its outstanding REIT Shares, no Specified Redemption Date shall occur after the record date of such combination of REIT Shares and prior to the effective date of such combination.
Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership or other entity of which a majority of (i) the voting power of the voting equity securities or (ii) the outstanding equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.
Substituted Limited Partner” means a Person who is admitted as a Limited Partner to the Partnership pursuant to Section 11.4 hereof.
Terminating Capital Transaction” means any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or a related series of transactions that, taken together, result in the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership.

 

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Unrealized Gain” attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (i) the fair market value of such property (as determined under Exhibit B hereof) as of such date over (ii) the Carrying Value of such property (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Exhibit B hereof) as of such date.
Unrealized Loss” attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (i) the Carrying Value of such property (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Exhibit B hereof) as of such date over (ii) the fair market value of such property (as determined under Exhibit B hereof) as of such date.
Valuation Date” means the date of receipt by the Partnership of a Notice of Redemption or, if such date is not a Business Day, the first Business Day thereafter.
Value” means, with respect to a REIT Share, the average of the daily market price for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the Valuation Date. The market price for each such trading day shall be: (i) if the REIT Shares are listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the closing price on such day as reported by such national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, or if no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day; (ii) if the REIT Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System, the last reported sale price on such day or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner; (iii) if the REIT Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System and no such last reported sale price or closing bid and asked prices are available, the average of the reported high bid and low asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner, or if there shall be no bid and asked prices on such day, the average of the high bid and low asked prices, as so reported, on the most recent day (not more than ten (10) days prior to the date in question) for which prices have been so reported; or (iv) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) is met then, unless the holder of the REIT Shares or Units and the General Partner otherwise agree, with respect to a REIT Share per Common Unit offered for redemption, the amount that a holder of one Common Unit would receive if each of the assets of the Partnership were sold for its fair market value on the Specified Redemption Date, the Partnership were to pay all of its outstanding liabilities, and the remaining proceeds were to be distributed to the Partners in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Such Value shall be determined by the General Partner, acting in good faith and based upon a commercially reasonable estimate of the amount that would be realized by the Partnership if each asset of the Partnership (and each asset of each partnership, limited liability company, trust, joint venture or other entity in which the Partnership owns a direct or indirect interest) were sold to an unrelated purchaser in an arms’ length transaction where neither the purchaser nor the seller were under any economic compulsion to enter into the transaction (without regard to any discount in value as a result of the Partnership’s minority interest in any property or any illiquidity of the Partnership’s interest in any property). In the event the REIT Shares Amount includes Rights, then the Value of such Rights shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate, provided that the Value of any rights issued pursuant to a “Shareholder Rights Plan” shall be deemed to have no value unless a “triggering event” shall have occurred (i.e., if the Rights issued pursuant thereto are no longer “attached” to the REIT Shares and are able to trade independently).

 

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ARTICLE 2 — ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS
Section 2.1 Formation and Continuation
The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership organized pursuant to the provisions of the Act by the filing of the Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 26, 2004. Except as expressly provided herein to the contrary, the rights and obligations of the Partners and the administration and termination of the Partnership shall be governed by the Act. The Partnership Interest of each Partner shall be personal property for all purposes.
Section 2.2 Name
The name of the Partnership is DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership. The Partnership’s business may be conducted under any other name or names deemed advisable by the General Partner, including the name of the General Partner or any Affiliate thereof. The words “Limited Partnership,” “L.P.,” “Ltd.” or similar words or letters shall be included in the Partnership’s name where necessary for the purposes of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion may change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to time and shall notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular communication to the Limited Partners.
Section 2.3 Registered Office and Agent; Principal Office
The address of the registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware and the name and address of the registered agent for service of process on the Partnership in the State of Delaware is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The principal business office of the Partnership shall be 10400 Fernwood Road, Bethesda, Maryland, 20817. The General Partner may from time to time designate in its sole and absolute discretion another registered agent or another location for the registered office or principal place of business, and shall provide the Limited Partners with notice of such change promptly following its effective date. The Partnership may maintain offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner deems advisable.
Section 2.4 Power of Attorney
A. Each Limited Partner and each Assignee hereby constitutes and appoints the General Partner, any Liquidator, and authorized officers and attorneys-in-fact of each, and each of those acting singly, in each case with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in its name, place and stead to:
(1) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (a) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including, without limitation, this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments or restatements thereof) that the General Partner or any Liquidator deems appropriate or necessary to form, qualify or continue the existence or qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Partnership

 

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may or plans to conduct business or own property; (b) all instruments that the General Partner deems appropriate or necessary to reflect any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement in accordance with its terms; (c) all conveyances and other instruments or documents that the General Partner or any Liquidator deems appropriate or necessary to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, a certificate of cancellation; (d) all instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Partner pursuant to, or other events described in, Article 11, 12 or 13 hereof or the Capital Contribution of any Partner and (e) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating to the determination of the rights, preferences and privileges of Partnership Interests; and
(2) execute, swear to, seal, acknowledge and file all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates and other instruments appropriate or necessary, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner or any Liquidator, to make, evidence, give, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action which is made or given by the Partners hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this Agreement or appropriate or necessary, in the sole discretion of the General Partner or any Liquidator, to effectuate the terms or intent of this Agreement.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as authorizing the General Partner or any Liquidator to amend this Agreement except in accordance with Article 14 hereof or as may be otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement.
B. The foregoing power of attorney is hereby declared to be irrevocable and a power coupled with an interest, in recognition of the fact that each of the Partners will be relying upon the power of the General Partner and any Liquidator to act as contemplated by this Agreement in any filing or other action by it on behalf of the Partnership, and it shall survive and not be affected by the subsequent Incapacity of any Limited Partner or Assignee or the transfer of all or any portion of such Limited Partner’s or Assignee’s Partnership Units and shall extend to such Limited Partner’s or Assignee’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives. Each such Limited Partner or Assignee hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the General Partner or any Liquidator, acting in good faith pursuant to such power of attorney, and each such Limited Partner or Assignee hereby waives any and all defenses which may be available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of the General Partner or any Liquidator, taken in good faith under such power of attorney. Each Limited Partner or Assignee shall execute and deliver to the General Partner or any Liquidator, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the General Partner’s or such Liquidator’s request therefor, such further designation, powers of attorney and other instruments as the General Partner or any Liquidator, as the case may be, deems necessary to effectuate this Agreement and the purposes of the Partnership.

 

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Section 2.5 Term
The term of the Partnership commenced on May 26, 2004 and shall continue until December 31, 2104, unless the Partnership is dissolved sooner pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 or as otherwise provided by law.
ARTICLE 3 — PURPOSE
Section 3.1 Purpose and Business
The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is (i) to conduct any business that may be lawfully conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Act; provided, however, that such business shall be limited to and conducted in such a manner as to permit the Company at all times to be qualified as a REIT, unless the Company is not qualified or ceases to qualify as a REIT for any reason or reasons other than the conduct of the business of the Partnership; (ii) to enter into any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other similar arrangement to engage in any of the foregoing or to own interests in any entity engaged, directly or indirectly, in any of the foregoing; and (iii) to do anything necessary or incidental to the foregoing. In connection with the foregoing, and without limiting the Company’s right, in its sole discretion, to cease qualifying as a REIT, the Partners acknowledge that the Company’s status as a REIT inures to the benefit of all of the Partners and not solely the General Partner or its Affiliates.
Section 3.2 Powers
The Partnership is empowered to do any and all acts and things necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business described herein and for the protection and benefit of the Partnership, including, without limitation, full power and authority, directly or through its ownership interest in other entities, to enter into, perform and carry out contracts of any kind, borrow money and issue evidences of indebtedness whether or not secured by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or other lien, acquire, own, manage, improve and develop real property, and lease, sell, transfer and dispose of real property; provided, however, that the Partnership shall not take, or omit to take, any action which, in the judgment of the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, (i) could adversely affect the ability of the Company to achieve or maintain qualification as a REIT; (ii) could subject the Company to any additional taxes under Section 857 or Section 4981 of the Code or (iii) could violate any law or regulation of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company or its securities, unless any such action (or inaction) under the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) shall have been specifically consented to by the Company in writing.
ARTICLE 4 — CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Section 4.1 Capital Contributions of the Partners
A. The Partners shall make Capital Contributions to the Partnership, shall own Partnership Units in the amounts set forth on Exhibit A, and have Percentage Interests as set forth on Exhibit A, which number of Partnership Units and Percentage Interests shall be adjusted from time to time on Exhibit A by the General Partner to the extent necessary to accurately reflect the issuance of additional Partnership Units, the redemption of Partnership Units, additional Capital Contributions and similar events having an effect on a Partner’s Percentage Interest occurring after the date hereof in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

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B. A number of Common Units held by the General Partner equal to one percent (1%) of all outstanding Common Units shall be deemed to be the General Partner Partnership Units and shall be the General Partner Interest. All other Partnership Units held by the General Partner shall be deemed to be Limited Partner Interests and shall be held by the General Partner in its capacity as a Limited Partner in the Partnership.
C. To the extent the Partnership acquires any property (or an indirect interest therein) by the merger of any other Person into the Partnership or with or into a Subsidiary of the Partnership in a triangular merger, Persons who receive Partnership Interests in exchange for their interests in the Person merging into the Partnership or with or into a Subsidiary of the Partnership shall become Partners and shall be deemed to have made Capital Contributions as provided in the applicable merger agreement (or if not so provided, as determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion) and as set forth on Exhibit A, as amended to reflect such deemed Capital Contributions.
D. Except as provided in Sections 4.2, 4.3, 10.5, and 13.3, the Partners shall have no obligation to make any additional Capital Contributions or loans to the Partnership.
Section 4.2 Future Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests
A. The General Partner is hereby authorized, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the approval of the Limited Partners, to cause the Partnership from time to time to issue to the Partners (including the General Partner and its Affiliates) or other Persons (including, without limitation, in connection with the contribution of cash and other property to the Partnership) additional Partnership Units or other Partnership Interests in one or more classes, or in one or more series of any of such classes, with such designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other special rights, powers and duties all as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion subject to Delaware law, including, without limitation, (i) rights, powers, and duties senior to one or more classes or series of Partnership Interests and any other Common Units outstanding or thereafter issued; (ii) the rights to an allocation of items of Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit to each such class or series of Partnership Interests; (iii) the rights of each such class or series of Partnership Interests to share in Partnership distributions; and (iv) the rights of each such class or series of Partnership Interests upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; provided that no such additional Partnership Units or other Partnership Interests shall be issued to the General Partner or the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company, unless either (a)(1) the additional Partnership Interests are issued in connection with the grant, award or issuance of REIT Shares or other equity interests in the Company, which REIT Shares or other equity interests have designations, preferences and other rights such that the economic interests attributable to such REIT Shares or other equity interests are substantially identical to the designations, preferences and other rights of the additional Partnership Interests issued to the General Partner or the Company or any direct or

 

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indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (as appropriate) in accordance with this Section 4.2.A, and (2) the Company shall, directly or indirectly, make a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in an amount equal to any net proceeds raised in connection with such issuance, (b) the additional Partnership Interests are issued in exchange for property owned by the Company (or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company) with a fair market value, as determined by the General Partner, in good faith, equal to the value of the Partnership Interests, or (c) the additional Partnership Interests are issued to all Partners in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests. In addition, the General Partner may acquire Partnership Units from other Partners pursuant to this Agreement.
B. From and after the date hereof, the Company shall not issue any additional REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares issued pursuant to Section 8.6) or rights, options, warrants, or convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares (collectively “New Securities”) other than to all holders of REIT Shares unless (i) the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to issue to the Company (directly or to the Company’s wholly-owned Subsidiaries) Partnership Interests or rights, options, warrants, or convertible or exchangeable securities of the Partnership having designations, preferences, and other rights, all such that the economic interests are substantially identical to those of the New Securities and (ii) the Company directly or indirectly contributes to the Partnership the proceeds from the issuance of such New Securities and from the exercise of rights contained in such New Securities, provided, however, that the Company is allowed to issue New Securities in connection with an acquisition of a property to be held directly by the Company (or through a wholly-owned Subsidiary), but if and only if, such direct acquisition and issuance of New Securities have been approved and determined to be in the best interests of the Company and the Partnership by a majority of Independent Directors. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company is expressly authorized to issue New Securities for no tangible value or for less than fair market value, and the General Partner is expressly authorized to cause the Partnership to issue to the Company corresponding Partnership Interests, so long as (a) the General Partner concludes in good faith that such issuance is in the interests of the Company and the Partnership (for example, and not by way of limitation, the issuance of REIT Shares and corresponding Units pursuant to an employee stock purchase plan providing for employee grants or purchases of REIT Shares or employee stock options that have an exercise price that is less than the fair market value of the REIT Shares, either at the time of issuance or at the time of exercise) and (b) the Company contributes all proceeds, if any, from such issuance and exercise to the Partnership.
C. In the event that the Company issues debt securities (“Company Debt Securities”), the General Partner is hereby authorized (but is not required), in its sole and absolute discretion and without the approval of the Limited Partners, to cause the Partnership to issue either debt securities (“Partnership Debt Securities”) or Preferred Units to the General Partner or the Company (or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company) with substantially similar terms as the Company Debt Securities, provided, however, that in the event that the Partnership issues any such Partnership Debt Securities or Preferred Units, (a) the Company shall directly or indirectly contribute to the Partnership the proceeds from the corresponding Company Debt Securities and (b) any such Partnership Debt Securities shall contain such terms as the General Partner determines are necessary or advisable for such Partnership Debt Securities to be treated as “real estate assets” for purposes of Code Section 856(c)(4)(A).

 

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D. In the event that the Partnership issues Partnership Interests pursuant to Section 4.2.A or Section 4.2.C, the General Partner shall make such revisions to this Agreement (without any requirement of receiving approval of the Limited Partners) including, but not limited to, the revisions described in Section 5.4, Section 6.1 and Section 8.6 hereof, as it deems necessary to reflect the issuance of such additional Partnership Interests and the special rights, powers, and duties associated therewith.
Section 4.3 Contribution of Proceeds of Issuance of REIT Shares
In connection with any issuance of New Securities or Company Debt Securities as described in Section 4.2, if the proceeds actually received by the Company are less than the gross proceeds of such issuance as a result of any underwriter’s discount or other expenses paid or incurred in connection with such issuance, then the Company shall be deemed to have made a Capital Contribution to the Partnership (directly or through wholly-owned Subsidiaries) in the amount equal to the sum of the net proceeds of such issuance plus the amount of such underwriter’s discount and other expenses paid by the Company (which discount and expense shall be treated as an expense for the benefit of the Partnership for purposes of Section 7.4). In the case of employee acquisitions of New Securities at a discount from fair market value or for no value in connection with a grant of New Securities, the amount of such discount representing compensation to the employee, as determined by the General Partner, shall be treated as an expense of the issuance of such New Securities.
Section 4.4 Other Contribution Provisions
If any Partner is admitted to the Partnership and is given a positive Capital Account balance in exchange for services rendered to the Partnership, such transaction shall be treated by the Partnership as if the Partnership had compensated such Partner in cash, and such Partner had contributed such cash to the capital of the Partnership.
Section 4.5 No Preemptive Rights
Except to the extent expressly granted by the Partnership pursuant to another agreement, no Person shall have any preemptive, preferential or other similar right with respect to (i) Capital Contributions or loans to the Partnership or (ii) the issuance or sale of any Partnership Units or other Partnership Interests.
Section 4.6 No Interest on Capital
No Partner shall be entitled to interest on its Capital Contributions or its Capital Account. Except as provided herein or by law, no Partner shall have any right to withdraw any part of its Capital Account or to demand or receive the return of its Capital Contributions.

 

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ARTICLE 5 — DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 5.1 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions
A. Subject to the rights and preferences of any outstanding class or series of Preferred Units expressly provided for in an agreement (including a Certificate of Designations), and except as provided in Section 5.1.B, the General Partner shall distribute at least quarterly an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Available Cash, or such lesser amount as the General Partner may in its sole and absolute discretion determine, generated by the Partnership during such quarter or shorter period to the Common Unitholders who are Partners on the Partnership Record Date with respect to such quarter or shorter period in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests on such Partnership Record Date; provided that in no event may a Partner receive a distribution of Available Cash with respect to a Common Unit if such Partner is entitled to receive a distribution out of such Available Cash with respect to a REIT Share for which such Common Unit has been exchanged or redeemed and such distribution shall instead be made to the Company. The General Partner shall take such reasonable efforts, as determined by it in its sole and absolute discretion and consistent with the Company’s qualification as a REIT, to cause the Partnership to distribute Available Cash (i) to permit the Company to satisfy the requirements for qualifying as a REIT under the Code, including applicable shareholder distribution requirements and (ii) except to the extent otherwise determined by the General Partner, to minimize any federal income or excise tax liability of the Company. Unless otherwise expressly provided for herein or in an agreement (including a Certificate of Designations) at the time a new class of Partnership Interests is created in accordance with Article 4 hereof, no Partnership Interest shall be entitled to a distribution in preference to any other Partnership Interest.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.1.A above or any other provision of this Agreement, if for any quarter or shorter period with respect to which a distribution is to be made (a “Distribution Period”), a “Newly Issued Unit” (as such term is defined below) is outstanding on the Partnership Record Date for such Distribution Period, there shall not be distributed in respect of such Newly Issued Unit the amount (the “Full Distribution Amount”) that would otherwise be distributed in respect of such Newly Issued Unit in accordance with Section 5.1.A. Rather, the General Partner shall cause to be distributed with respect to each such Newly Issued Unit an amount equal to the Full Distribution Amount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which equals the number of days such Newly Issued Unit has been outstanding during the Distribution Period and the denominator of which equals the total number of days in such Distribution Period. Any Available Cash not distributed to the holders of Units by operation of this Section 5.1.B shall be retained by the Partnership and applied as the General Partner shall determine. The General Partner may, in its sole discretion, with respect to any distribution, waive the application of this Section 5.1.B such that a Newly Issued Unit shall receive the Full Distribution Amount (or any greater amount than would otherwise be received under this Section 5.1.B but not in excess of the Full Distribution Amount). For purposes of this Section 5.1.B, the term “Newly Issued Unit” shall mean, with respect to any Distribution Period, a Common Unit issued during such Distribution Period, except that the term “Newly Issued Unit” shall not include (i) a Common Unit issued to the Company as a result of the contribution by it of proceeds from the issuance of New Securities (as contemplated by Sections 4.2 and 4.3) or (ii) (unless otherwise provided by the General Partner) any Common Units issued in connection with a split on or unit dividend of the Common Units.

 

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Section 5.2 Amounts Withheld
A. All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of any state or local tax law and Section 10.5 hereof with respect to any allocation, payment or distribution to the Partners or Assignees shall be treated as amounts distributed to the Partners or Assignees pursuant to Section 5.1 for all purposes under this Agreement.
B. In the event that proceeds to the Partnership are reduced on account of taxes withheld at the source or the Partnership incurs a tax liability and such taxes (or a portion thereof) are imposed on or with respect to one or more, but not all, of the Partners in the Partnership or if the rate of tax varies depending on the attributes of specific Partners or to whom the corresponding income is allocated, the amount of the reduction in the Partnership’s net proceeds shall be borne by and apportioned among the relevant Partners and treated as if it were paid by the Partnership as a withholding obligation with respect to such Partners in accordance with such apportionment.
Section 5.3 Distributions Upon Liquidation
Proceeds from a Terminating Capital Transaction and any other cash received or reductions in reserves made after commencement of the liquidation of the Partnership shall be distributed to the Partners in accordance with Section 13.2.
Section 5.4 Revisions to Reflect Issuance of Additional Partnership Interests
In the event that the Partnership issues additional Partnership Interests to the General Partner or any Additional Limited Partner pursuant to Article 4 hereof, the General Partner shall make such revisions to this Article 5 as it deems necessary to reflect the issuance of such additional Partnership Interests and any special rights, duties or powers with respect thereto. Such revisions shall not require the consent or approval of any other Partner.
ARTICLE 6 — ALLOCATIONS
Section 6.1 Allocations For Capital Account Purposes
For purposes of maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the rights of the Partners among themselves, the Partnership’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction (computed in accordance with Exhibit B hereof) shall be allocated among the Partners in each taxable year (or portion thereof) as provided herein below.
A. After taking into account the provisions of Section 6.1.B below and subject to the special allocations set forth in Section 1 of Exhibit C attached hereto, Net Income shall be allocated:
(1) First, to the Partners in the same ratio and reverse order as Net Loss was allocated to such Partners pursuant to Sections 6.1.B(2) and (3) for all fiscal years until the aggregate amount allocated to such Partners pursuant to such provisions of Section 6.1.B equals the aggregate amount allocated pursuant to this Section 6.1.A(1); and
(2) Thereafter, Net Income shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

 

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B. After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 1 of Exhibit C attached hereto, Net Losses shall be allocated to the Partners in the following order:
(1) First, in the same ratio and reverse order as Net Income was allocated to the Partners pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1.A(2) for all fiscal years until the aggregate amount of Net Income previously allocated to such Partners pursuant to such provisions of Section 6.1.A(2) equals the aggregate amount of Net Loss allocated to such Partners pursuant to this Section 6.1.B(1);
(2) Second, to the Partners, in proportion to their Percentage Interests until each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account balance has been reduced to zero;
(3) Third, 100% to the General Partner.
C. The allocation provisions set forth in this Section 6.1 shall be adjusted as necessary to give effect to the provisions of Section 5.2.B.
D. In the event that the Partnership issues additional Partnership Interests pursuant to Article 4 hereof, the General Partner shall make such revisions to this Section 6.1 as it determines are necessary to reflect the terms of the issuance of such additional Partnership Interests, including making preferential allocations to certain classes of Partnership Interests. Such revisions shall not require the consent or approval of any other Partner.
E. If any amounts are required to be deducted from, or are not included in, the Capital Account of the Company (or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company) pursuant to Section 7.4.E, the General Partner may make such special allocations as it determines are necessary or appropriate so that, to the maximum extent possible, the Capital Account of each Partner equals the Capital Account it would have had if (i) the adjustments pursuant to Section 7.4.E had not been made and (ii) the expenses, fees or other costs giving rise to such adjustments were properly treated for purposes of the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 704(b) as expenses, fees or other costs of the Partnership.
ARTICLE 7 — MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF BUSINESS
Section 7.1 Management
A. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all management powers over the business and affairs of the Partnership are and shall be exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no Limited Partner shall have any right to participate in or exercise control or management power over the business and affairs of the Partnership. The General Partner may not be removed by the Limited Partners with or without cause. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted a general partner of a limited partnership under applicable law or which are granted to the General Partner under any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner, subject to Section 7.3 hereof, shall have full power and authority to do all things deemed necessary or desirable by it to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers set forth in Section 3.2 hereof and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section 3.1 hereof (subject to the provisio in Section 3.2 hereof), including, without limitation:
(1) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money (including, without limitation, making prepayments on loans and borrowing money to permit the Partnership to make distributions to its Partners in such amounts as will permit the Company (so long as the Company qualifies as a REIT) to minimize the payment of any federal income tax (including, for this purpose, any excise tax pursuant to Section 4981 of the Code and to make distributions to its shareholders in amounts sufficient to permit the Company to maintain REIT status), the assumption or guaranty of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidence of indebtedness (including the securing of the same by deed, mortgage, deed of trust or other lien or encumbrance on the Partnership’s assets) and the incurring of any other obligations it deems necessary for the conduct of the activities of the Partnership;

 

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(2) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership, the registration of any class of securities of the Partnership under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the listing of any debt securities of the Partnership on any exchange;
(3) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the assets of the Partnership (including the exercise or grant of any conversion, option, privilege, or subscription right or other right available in connection with any assets at any time held by the Partnership) or the merger or other combination of the Partnership with or into another entity on such terms as the General Partner deems proper (all of the foregoing subject to any prior approval only to the extent required by Section 7.3 hereof);
(4) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including, without limitation, cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement and on any terms the General Partner deems proper, including, without limitation, the financing of the conduct of the operations of the Company, the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Company and/or the Partnership, the lending of funds to other Persons (including, without limitation, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company and/or the Partnership) and the repayment of obligations of the Partnership and its Subsidiaries and any other Person in which it has an equity investment, and the making of capital contributions to any of its Subsidiaries;
(5) the management, operation, leasing, landscaping, repair, alteration, demolition or improvement of any real property or improvements owned by the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Partnership or any Person in which the Partnership has made a direct or indirect equity investment;
(6) the negotiation, execution, and performance of any contracts, conveyances or other instruments that the General Partner considers useful or necessary to the conduct of the Partnership’s operations or the implementation of the General Partner’s powers under this Agreement, including contracting with contractors, developers, consultants, accountants, legal counsel, other professional advisors and other agents and the payment of their expenses and compensation out of the Partnership’s assets;

 

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(7) the distribution of Partnership cash or other Partnership assets in accordance with this Agreement;
(8) the holding, managing, investing and reinvesting of cash and other assets of the Partnership;
(9) the collection and receipt of revenues and income of the Partnership;
(10) the establishment of one or more divisions of the Partnership, the selection and dismissal of employees of the Partnership (including, without limitation, employees having titles such as “president,” “vice president,” “secretary” and “treasurer” of the Partnership), and agents, outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and contractors of the Partnership, and the determination of their compensation and other terms of employment or hiring including waivers of conflicts of interest and the payment of their expenses and compensation out of the Partnership’s assets;
(11) the maintenance of such insurance for the benefit of the Partnership, the Partners and directors and officers thereof as it deems necessary or appropriate;
(12) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the contribution of property to, any other corporations, limited or general partnerships, joint ventures or other entities or relationships that it deems desirable (including, without limitation, the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions of property to, its Subsidiaries and any other Person in which it has an equity investment from time to time), provided that, as long as the Company has determined to continue to qualify as a REIT, the Partnership may not engage in any such formation, acquisition or contribution that would cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT;
(13) the control of any matters affecting the rights and obligations of the Partnership, including the settlement, compromise, submission to arbitration or any other form of dispute resolution, or abandonment of, any claim, cause of action, liability, debt or damages, due or owing to or from the Partnership, the commencement or defense of suits, legal proceedings, administrative proceedings, arbitration or other forms of dispute resolution, and the representation of the Partnership in all suits or legal proceedings, administrative proceedings, arbitrations or other forms of dispute resolution, the incurring of legal expense, and the indemnification of any Person against liabilities and contingencies to the extent permitted by law;
(14) the undertaking of any action in connection with the Partnership’s direct or indirect investment in its Subsidiaries or any other Person (including, without limitation, the contribution or loan of funds by the Partnership to such Persons, incurring indebtedness on behalf of, or guarantying the obligations of, any such Persons);

 

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(15) the determination of the fair market value of any Partnership property distributed in kind using such reasonable method of valuation as the General Partner may adopt;
(16) the exercise, directly or indirectly, through any attorney-in-fact acting under a general or limited power of attorney, of any right, including the right to vote, appurtenant to any asset or investment held by the Partnership;
(17) the exercise of any of the powers of the General Partner enumerated in this Agreement on behalf of or in connection with any Subsidiary of the Partnership or any other Person in which the Partnership has a direct or indirect interest, or jointly with any such Subsidiary or other Person;
(18) the exercise of any of the powers of the General Partner enumerated in this Agreement on behalf of any Person in which the Partnership does not have an interest pursuant to contractual or other arrangements with such Person;
(19) the making, execution and delivery of any and all deeds, leases, notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, conveyances, contracts, guarantees, warranties, indemnities, waivers, releases or legal instruments or agreements in writing necessary or appropriate, in the judgment of the General Partner, for the accomplishment of any of the powers of the General Partner enumerated in this Agreement;
(20) the maintenance of the Partnership’s books and records;
(21) the issuance of additional Partnership Units, as appropriate, in connection with Capital Contributions by Additional Limited Partners and additional Capital Contributions by Partners pursuant to Article 4 hereof;
(22) the distribution of cash to acquire Partnership Units held by a Limited Partner in connection with a Limited Partner’s exercise of its Redemption Right under Section 8.6 hereof;
(23) to do any and all acts and things necessary or prudent to ensure that the Partnership will not be classified as a “publicly traded partnership” for purposes of Section 7704 of the Code, including but not limited to imposing restrictions on transfers and restrictions on redemptions; and
(24) to take such other action, execute, acknowledge, swear to or deliver such other documents and instruments, and perform any and all other acts that the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation and conduct of the business and affairs of the Partnership (including, without limitation, all actions consistent with allowing the Company at all times to qualify as a REIT unless the Company voluntarily terminates its REIT status) and to possess and enjoy all the rights and powers of a general partner as provided by the Act.

 

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B. Each of the Limited Partners agrees that the General Partner is authorized to execute, deliver and perform the above-mentioned agreements and transactions on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote of the Partners, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (except as provided in Section 7.3), the Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation, to the fullest extent permitted under the Act or other applicable law, rule or regulation. The execution, delivery or performance by the General Partner or the Partnership of any agreement authorized or permitted under this Agreement shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other Persons under this Agreement or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity.
C. At all times from and after the date hereof, the General Partner may cause the Partnership to establish and maintain at any and all times working capital accounts and other cash or similar balances in such amounts as the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems appropriate and reasonable from time to time, including upon liquidation of the Partnership under Article 13.
D. At all times from and after the date hereof, the General Partner may cause the Partnership to obtain and maintain (i) casualty, liability and other insurance on the properties of the Partnership, (ii) liability insurance for the Indemnities hereunder and (iii) such other insurance as the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines to be necessary.
E. In exercising its authority under this Agreement, the General Partner may, but shall be under no obligation to, take into account the tax consequences to any Partner of any action taken by it. The General Partner and the Partnership shall not have liability to a Limited Partner under any circumstances, as a result of an income tax liability incurred by such Limited Partner as a result of an action (or inaction) by the General Partner pursuant to its authority under this Agreement.
Section 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership
The General Partner has previously filed the Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as required by the Act. To the extent that such action is determined by the General Partner to be reasonable and necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file amendments to and restatements of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and do all of the things to maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware and each other state, or the District of Columbia, in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. Subject to the terms of Section 8.5.A(4) hereof, the General Partner shall not be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership or any amendment thereto to any Limited Partner. The General Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other certificates or documents as may be reasonable and necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation, qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware and any other state, or the District of Columbia, in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property.

 

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Section 7.3 Restrictions on General Partner Authority
A. The General Partner may not take any action in contravention of an express prohibition or limitation of this Agreement without the written Consent of Limited Partners holding a majority of the Common Units of the Limited Partners (including Limited Partner Units held by the Company or its Affiliates), or such other percentage of the Limited Partners as may be specifically provided for under a provision of this Agreement.
B. Except as provided in Article 13, the General Partner may not directly or indirectly, cause the Partnership to sell, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (including by way of merger (including a triangular merger), consolidation or other combination with any other Persons except (i) if such merger, sale or other transaction is in connection with an Extraordinary Transaction permitted under Section 11.2.B hereof or (ii) with the Consent of the Limited Partners holding a majority of the Common Units of the Limited Partners (excluding Limited Partner Units held by the Company or its Affiliates).
Section 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner and the Company; DRIPs and Repurchase Programs
A. Except as provided in this Section 7.4 and elsewhere in this Agreement (including the provisions of Articles 5 and 6 regarding distributions, payments, and allocations to which it may be entitled), the General Partner shall not be compensated for its services as the General Partner of the Partnership.
B. The Partnership shall be responsible for and shall pay all expenses relating to the Partnership’s organization, the ownership of its assets and its operations. The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such other basis as it may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, for all expenses that it incurs relating to the ownership and operation of, or for the benefit of, the Partnership (including, without limitation, (i) expenses relating to the operation of the Company and to the management and administration of any Subsidiary of the Company, the Partnership or Affiliates of the Partnership, such as auditing expenses and filing fees, (ii) compensation of the Company’s officers and employees including, without limitation, payments under the Company’s employee benefit plans that provide for stock units, or other phantom stock, pursuant to which employees of the General Partner will receive payments based upon dividends on or the value of REIT Shares, (iii) director fees and expenses and (iv) all costs and expenses of being a public company, including costs of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, reports and other distributions to its shareholders); provided that the amount of any such reimbursement shall be reduced by any interest earned by the General Partner with respect to bank accounts or other instruments or accounts held by it on behalf of the Partnership. The Partners acknowledge that all such expenses of the General Partner are deemed to be for the benefit of the Partnership. Such reimbursement shall be in addition to any reimbursement made as a result of indemnification pursuant to Section 7.7 hereof.

 

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C. In the event that the Company shall elect to purchase from its shareholders REIT Shares in connection with a share repurchase or similar program or for the purpose of delivering such REIT Shares to satisfy an obligation under any dividend reinvestment program or equity purchase plan adopted by the Company, any employee stock purchase plan adopted by the Company, or any similar obligation or arrangement undertaken by the Company in the future or for the purpose of retiring such REIT Shares, the purchase price paid by the Company for such REIT Shares and any other expenses incurred by the Company in connection with such purchase shall be considered expenses of the Partnership and shall be advanced to the Company or reimbursed to the Company, subject to the conditions that: (i) if such REIT Shares subsequently are sold by the Company, the Company shall pay to the Partnership any proceeds received by the Company for such REIT Shares (which sales proceeds shall include the amount of dividends reinvested under any dividend reinvestment or similar program, provided that a transfer of REIT Shares for Partnership Units pursuant to Section 8.6 would not be considered a sale for such purposes) and (ii) if such REIT Shares are not retransferred by the Company within thirty (30) days after the purchase thereof, or the Company otherwise determines not to retransfer such REIT Shares, the Company, as General Partner, shall cause the Partnership to redeem a number of Common Units held by the Company, as a Limited Partner, equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the number of such REIT Shares by the Conversion Factor (in which case such advancement or reimbursement of Partnership expenses shall be treated as having been made as a distribution in redemption of such number of Units held by the Company).
D. Subject to Section 7.4.E, if and to the extent any reimbursement made pursuant to this Section 7.4 is determined for federal income tax purposes not to constitute a payment of expenses to the Partnership, the amount so determined shall constitute a guaranteed payment with respect to capital within the meaning of Section 707(c) of the Code, shall be treated consistently therewith by the Partnership and all Partners and shall not be treated as a distribution for purposes of computing the Partners’ Capital Accounts.
E. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Partnership pays or reimburses (directly or indirectly, including by reason of giving the General Partner or the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company Capital Account credit in excess of actual Capital Contributions made by the General Partner or the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company) fees, expenses or other costs pursuant to Section 7.4.B, Section 7.7 and/or Section 4.3, and if failure to treat such payment or reimbursement as a distribution to the General Partner, the Company or any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (as appropriate) would cause the Company to recognize income that is not described in Code Section 856(c)(3) in excess of 5% of the Company’s gross income (excluding net income from prohibited transactions within the meaning of Code Section 857(b)(6)) or would otherwise cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT, then such payment or reimbursement (or portion thereof) shall be treated as a distribution to the General Partner, the Company or direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (as appropriate) for purposes of this Agreement. The Capital Account of the General Partner, the Company or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (as appropriate) shall be reduced by such direct or indirect payment or reimbursement (or a portion thereof) in the same manner as an actual distribution to the General Partner, the Company, or any direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (as appropriate). To the extent treated as distributions, such fees, expenses or other costs shall not be taken into account as Partnership fees, expenses or costs for the purposes of this Agreement. This 7.4.E, in conjunction with Section 6.1.E, is intended to prevent direct or indirect reimbursements or payments under Section 7.4.B and/or Section 4.3 from giving rise to a violation of the Company’s REIT requirements while at the same time preserving to the extent possible the parties’ intended economic arrangement and shall be interpreted and applied consistent with such intent.

 

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Section 7.5 Outside Activities of the General Partner
The General Partner shall not directly or indirectly enter into or conduct any business other than in connection with the ownership, acquisition and disposition of Partnership Interests and the management of the business of the Partnership, and such activities as are incidental thereto. The General Partner and any Affiliates of the General Partner may acquire Limited Partner Interests and shall be entitled to exercise all rights of a Limited Partner relating to such Limited Partner Interests.
Section 7.6 Contracts with Affiliates
A. The Partnership may lend or contribute funds or other assets to any Subsidiary or other Persons in which it has an investment and such Persons may borrow funds from the Partnership, on terms and conditions established in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner. The foregoing authority shall not create any right or benefit in favor of any Subsidiary or any other Person.
B. Except as provided in Section 7.5, the Partnership may transfer assets to joint ventures, other partnerships, corporations or other business entities in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and subject to such conditions consistent with this Agreement and applicable law as the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, believes are advisable.
C. Except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, neither the General Partner nor any of its Affiliates shall sell, transfer or convey any property to, or purchase any property from, the Partnership, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to transactions that are determined by the General Partner in good faith to be fair and reasonable.
D. The General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the approval of the Limited Partners, may propose and adopt, on behalf of the Partnership, employee benefit plans, stock option plans, and similar plans funded by the Partnership for the benefit of employees of the General Partner, the Partnership, any Subsidiary of the Partnership or any Affiliate of any of them in respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of the Partnership, the General Partner, or any Subsidiary of the Partnership.
E. The General Partner is expressly authorized to enter into, in the name and on behalf of the Partnership, a right of first opportunity arrangement and other conflict avoidance agreements with various Affiliates of the Partnership and the General Partner, on such terms as the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, believes are advisable.

 

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Section 7.7 Indemnification
A. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the Partnership shall indemnify each Indemnitee from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys fees and other legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, that relate to the operations of the Partnership or the Company as set forth in this Agreement, in which such Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, unless it is established that: (i) the act or omission of the Indemnitee was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) the Indemnitee actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Without limitation, the foregoing indemnity shall extend to any liability of any Indemnitee, pursuant to a loan guaranty (except a guaranty by a Limited Partner of nonrecourse indebtedness of the Partnership or as otherwise provided in any such loan guaranty) or otherwise for any indebtedness of the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Partnership (including without limitation, any indebtedness which the Partnership or any Subsidiary of the Partnership has assumed or taken subject to), and the General Partner is hereby authorized and empowered, on behalf of the Partnership, to enter into one or more indemnity agreements consistent with the provisions of this Section 7.7 in favor of any Indemnitee having or potentially having liability for any such indebtedness. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or settlement does not create a presumption that the Indemnitee did not meet the requisite standard of conduct set forth in this Section 7.7.A. The termination of any proceeding by conviction of an Indemnitee or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent by an Indemnitee, or an entry of an order of probation against an Indemnitee prior to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that such Indemnitee acted in a manner contrary to that specified in this Section 7.7.A. Any indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, and neither the General Partner nor any Limited Partner shall have any obligation to contribute to the capital of the Partnership, or otherwise provide funds, to enable the Partnership to fund its obligations under this Section 7.7.
B. Reasonable expenses incurred by an Indemnitee or expected to be incurred by an Indemnitee shall be paid or reimbursed by the Partnership in advance of the final disposition of any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative made or threatened against an Indemnitee upon receipt by the Partnership of (i) a written affirmation by the Indemnitee of the Indemnitee’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Partnership as authorized in Section 7.7.A has been met and (ii) a written undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay the amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met.
C. The indemnification provided by this Section 7.7 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee or any other Person may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the Partners, as a matter of law or otherwise, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity unless otherwise provided in a written agreement pursuant to which such Indemnitee is indemnified.
D. The Partnership may, but shall not be obligated to, purchase and maintain insurance, on behalf of the Indemnitees and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expenses that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Partnership’s activities, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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E. For purposes of this Section 7.7, the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines within the meaning of Section 7.7; and actions taken or omitted by the Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership.
F. In no event may an Indemnitee subject any of the Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.
G. An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section 7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
H. The provisions of this Section 7.7 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees, their employees, officers, directors, trustees, heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons. Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.7 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the Partnership’s liability to any Indemnitee under this Section 7.7, as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification, or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
I. Subject to Section 7.4.E, if and to the extent any payments to the General Partner pursuant to this section 7.7 constitute gross income to the General Partner (as opposed to the repayment of advances made on behalf of the Partnership), such amounts shall constitute guaranteed payments within the meaning of Section 707(c) of the Code, shall be treated consistently therewith by the Partnership and all Partners and shall not be treated as distributions for purposes of computing the Partners’ Capital Accounts.
Section 7.8 Liability of the General Partner
A. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, none of the General Partner, the Company, nor any of their directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for monetary damages to the Partnership, any Partners or any Assignees for losses sustained or liabilities incurred or benefits not derived as a result of errors in judgment or mistakes of fact or law or of any act or omission unless the General Partner acted in bad faith and the act or omission was material to the matter giving rise to the loss, liability or benefit not derived.

 

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B. The Limited Partners expressly acknowledge that, the General Partner is acting on behalf of the Partnership and the shareholders of the Company collectively, that the General Partner is under no obligation to consider the separate interests of the Limited Partners in deciding whether to cause the Partnership to take (or decline to take) any actions (including, as stated in Section 7.1.E, the tax consequences to the Limited Partners or Assignees), and that the General Partner shall not be liable for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred, or benefits not derived by Limited Partners in connection with such decisions, provided that the General Partner has acted in good faith.
C. Subject to its obligations and duties as General Partner set forth in Section 7.1.A hereof, the General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents. The General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner in good faith.
D. Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 7.8 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the General Partner’s and its officers’ and directors’ liability to the Partnership and the Limited Partners under this Section 7.8 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Section 7.9 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner
A. The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in acting, or refraining from acting, upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
B. The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers, architects, engineers, environmental consultants and other consultants and advisers selected by it, and any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon the opinion of such Persons as to matters which such General Partner reasonably believes to be within such Person’s professional or expert competence shall be conclusively presumed to have been done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.
C. The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of its powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its duly authorized officers and duly appointed attorneys-in-fact. Each such attorney shall, to the extent provided by the General Partner in the power of attorney, have full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and duty which is permitted or required to be done by the General Partner hereunder.
D. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Act, any action of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or any decision of the General Partner to refrain from acting on behalf of the Partnership, undertaken in the good faith belief that such action or omission is necessary or advisable in order (i) to protect the ability of the Company to continue to qualify as a REIT, or (ii) to minimize taxes incurred by the Company under Section 857 or Section 4981 of the Code, is expressly authorized under this Agreement and is deemed approved by all of the Limited Partners.

 

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Section 7.10 Title to Partnership Assets
Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General Partner or one or more nominees, as the General Partner may determine, including Affiliates of the General Partner. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any Partnership assets for which legal title is held in the name of the General Partner or any nominee or Affiliate of the General Partner shall be held by the General Partner or such nominee or Affiliate for the use and benefit of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that the General Partner shall use its best efforts to cause beneficial and record title to such assets to be vested in the Partnership as soon as reasonably practicable if failure to so vest such title would have a material adverse effect on the Partnership. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such Partnership assets is held.
Section 7.11 Reliance by Third Parties
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Person dealing with the Partnership shall be entitled to assume that the General Partner has full power and authority, without consent or approval of any other Partner or Person, to encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all assets of the Partnership and to enter into any contracts on behalf of the Partnership, and take any and all actions on behalf of the Partnership and such Person shall be entitled to deal with the General Partner as if the General Partner were the Partnership’s sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially. Each Limited Partner hereby waives any and all defenses or other remedies which may be available against such Person to contest, negate or disaffirm any action of the General Partner in connection with any such dealing. In no event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or its representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of this Agreement have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any act or action of the General Partner or its representatives. Each and every certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner or its representatives shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and every Person relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (i) at the time of the execution and delivery of such certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full force and effect; (ii) the Person executing and delivering such certificate, document or instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the Partnership and (iii) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and is binding upon the Partnership.

 

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ARTICLE 8 — RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LIMITED PARTNERS
Section 8.1 Limitation of Liability
The Limited Partners shall have no liability under this Agreement except as expressly provided in this Agreement, including Section 10.5 hereof, or under the Act.
Section 8.2 Management of Business
No Limited Partner or Assignee (other than the General Partner, any of its Affiliates or any officer, director, employee, partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates, in their capacity as such) shall take part in the operation, management or control (within the meaning of the Act) of the Partnership’s business, transact any business in the Partnership’s name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Partnership. The transaction of any such business by the General Partner, any of its Affiliates or any officer, director, employee, partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner, the Partnership or any of their Affiliates, in their capacity as such, shall not affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the liability of the Limited Partners or Assignees under this Agreement.
Section 8.3 Outside Activities of Limited Partners
Subject to any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 7.6.E hereof and any other agreements entered into by a Limited Partner or its Affiliates with the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries, any Limited Partner (other than the Company) and any officer, director, employee, agent, trustee, Affiliate or shareholder of any Limited Partner shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including business interests and activities that are in direct competition with the Partnership or that are enhanced by the activities of the Partnership. Neither the Partnership nor any Partners shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of any Limited Partner or Assignee. None of the Limited Partners (other than the Company) nor any other Person shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement or the Partnership relationship established hereby in any business ventures of any other Person and such Person shall have no obligation pursuant to this Agreement to offer any interest in any such business ventures to the Partnership, any Limited Partner or any such other Person, even if such opportunity is of a character which, if presented to the Partnership, any Limited Partner or such other Person, could be taken by such Person.
Section 8.4 Return of Capital
Except pursuant to the Redemption Right set forth in Section 8.6, no Limited Partner shall be entitled to the withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the extent of distributions made pursuant to this Agreement or upon termination of the Partnership as provided herein. Except to the extent provided by Exhibit C hereof or as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, or any Certificate of Designations, no Limited Partner or Assignee shall have priority over any other Limited Partner or Assignee, either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions.

 

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Section 8.5 Rights of Limited Partners Relating to the Partnership
A. In addition to the other rights provided by this Agreement or by the Act, and except as limited by Section 8.5.C hereof, each Limited Partner shall have the right, for a business purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partner’s interest as a limited partner in the Partnership, upon written demand with a statement of the purpose of such demand and at such Limited Partner’s own expense (including such copying and administrative charges as the General Partner may establish from time to time):
(1) to obtain a copy of the most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
(2) to obtain a copy of the Partnership’s federal, state and local income tax returns for each Partnership Year;
(3) to obtain a current list of the name and last known business, residence or mailing address of each Partner;
(4) to obtain a copy of this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto, together with executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto have been executed; and
(5) to obtain true and full information regarding the amount of cash and a description and statement of any other property or services contributed by each Partner and which each Partner has agreed to contribute in the future, and the date on which each became a Partner.
B. The Partnership shall notify each Limited Partner, upon request, of the then current Conversion Factor and the REIT Shares Amount per Common Unit and, with reasonable detail, how the same was determined.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8.5, the General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners, for such period of time as the General Partner determines in its sole and absolute discretion to be reasonable, any information that (i) the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or other information, the disclosure of which the General Partner in good faith believes is not in the best interests of the Partnership or could damage the Partnership or its business or (ii) the Partnership is required by law or by agreements with an unaffiliated third party to keep confidential.
Section 8.6 Redemption Right
A. Subject to Sections 8.6.B and 8.6.C hereof and the provisions of any agreements between the Partnership and one or more Limited Partners, at any time following an IPO Event and after the first anniversary date of the issuance of a Partnership Unit to a Limited Partner pursuant to Article 4 hereof (or such other date as may be mutually agreed upon by the General Partner and a Limited Partner), each Limited Partner (other than the Company or its wholly-owned Subsidiaries) shall have the right (the “Redemption Right”) to require the Partnership to redeem on a Specified Redemption Date all or a portion of the Common Units held by such Limited Partner at a redemption price per Common Unit equal to and in the form of the Cash Amount to be paid by the Partnership. The Redemption Right shall be exercised pursuant to a Notice of Redemption delivered to the Partnership (with a copy to the Company) by the Limited Partner who is exercising the Redemption Right (the “Redeeming Partner”); provided,

 

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however, that the Partnership shall not be obligated to satisfy such Redemption Right if the Company elects to purchase the Common Units subject to the Notice of Redemption pursuant to Section 8.6.B. A Limited Partner may not exercise the Redemption Right for less than one thousand (1,000) Common Units or, if such Limited Partner holds less than one thousand (1,000) Common Units, all of the Common Units held by such Partner. The Redeeming Partner shall have no right, with respect to any Common Units so redeemed, to receive any distributions paid on or after the Specified Redemption Date. The Assignee of any Limited Partner may exercise the rights of such Limited Partner pursuant to this Section 8.6, and such Limited Partner shall be deemed to have assigned such rights to such Assignee and shall be bound by the exercise of such rights by such Assignee. In connection with any exercise of such rights by an Assignee on behalf of a Limited Partner, the Cash Amount shall be paid by the Partnership directly to such Assignee and not to such Limited Partner.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.6.A, upon an election by a Limited Partner to exercise the Redemption Right, the Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion (subject to the limitations on ownership and transfer of REIT Shares set forth in the Articles of Incorporation of the Company), elect to assume directly and satisfy a Redemption Right by paying to the Redeeming Partner either the Cash Amount or the REIT Shares Amount, as the Company determines in its sole and absolute discretion whereupon the Company shall acquire the Common Units offered for redemption by the Redeeming Partner and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Common Units. If the Company shall elect to exercise its right to purchase Common Units under this Section 8.6.B with respect to a Notice of Redemption, it shall so notify the Redeeming Partner within five (5) Business Days after the receipt by it of such Notice of Redemption. Unless the Company shall exercise its right to purchase Common Units from the Redeeming Partner pursuant to this Section 8.6.B, the Company shall not have any obligation to the Redeeming Partner or the Partnership with respect to the Redeeming Partner’s exercise of the Redemption Right. In the event the Company shall exercise its right to purchase Common Units with respect to the exercise of a Redemption Right in the manner described in the first sentence of this Section 8.6.B, the Partnership shall have no obligation to pay any amount to the Redeeming Partner with respect to such Redeeming Partner’s exercise of such Redemption Right, and each of the Redeeming Partner, the Partnership, and the Company shall treat the transaction between the Company and the Redeeming Partner, for federal income tax purposes, as a sale of the Redeeming Partner’s Common Units to the Company. Each Redeeming Partner agrees to execute such documents as the Company may reasonably require in connection with the issuance of REIT Shares upon exercise of the Redemption Right.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.6.A and Section 8.6.B, a Partner shall not be entitled to exercise the Redemption Right pursuant to Section 8.6.A if the delivery of REIT Shares to such Partner on the Specified Redemption Date by the Company pursuant to Section 8.6.B (regardless of whether or not the Company would in fact exercise its rights under Section 8.6.B) would be prohibited under the Articles of Incorporation of the Company or prohibited under applicable federal or state securities laws or regulations.

 

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D. If, pursuant to Section 8.6.B, the Company elects to pay the Redeeming Partner the Redemption Amount in the form of REIT Shares, the total number of REIT Shares to be paid to the Redeeming Partner in exchange for the Redeeming Partner’s Common Units shall be the applicable REIT Shares Amount. If this amount is not a whole number of REIT Shares, the Redeeming Partner shall be paid (i) that number of REIT Shares which equals the nearest whole number less than such amount plus (ii) an amount of cash which the Company determines, in its reasonable discretion, to represent the fair value of the remaining fractional REIT Share which would otherwise be payable to the Redeeming Partner.
E. All Common Units delivered for redemption shall be delivered to the Partnership or the Company, as the case may be, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, neither the General Partner nor the Partnership shall be under any obligation to acquire Common Units which are or may be subject to liens. If any state or local property transfer tax is payable as a result of the transfer of Common Units to the Partnership or the General Partner pursuant to the Redemption Right, the Redeeming Partner shall assume and pay such transfer tax.
F. In the event that the Partnership issues additional Partnership Interests pursuant to Section 4.2.A hereof, the General Partner shall make such revisions to this Section 8.6 as it determines are necessary to reflect the issuance of such additional Partnership Interests (including setting forth any restrictions on the exercise of the Redemption Right with respect to such Partnership Interests).
ARTICLE 9 — BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
Section 9.1 Records and Accounting
The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Partnership those records and documents required to be maintained by the Act and other books and records deemed by the General Partner to be appropriate with respect to the Partnership’s business, including, without limitation, all books and records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information, lists and copies of documents required to be provided pursuant to Section 9.3 hereof. Any records maintained by or on behalf of the Partnership in the regular course of its business may be kept on, or be in the form of, punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device, provided that the records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the Partnership shall be maintained for financial reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or such other basis as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate. Sufficient records shall be maintained to adjust the financial reporting books to report taxable income to taxing authorities.

 

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Section 9.2 Taxable Year and Fiscal Year
The taxable year of the Partnership shall be the shall be the calendar year unless otherwise required by the Code. The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be the same as its taxable year.
Section 9.3 Reports
A. As soon as practicable, but in no event later than the date on which the Company mails its annual report to its shareholders, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed to each Limited Partner, as of the close of the Partnership Year, an annual report containing financial statements of the Partnership, or of the Company if such statements are prepared solely on a consolidated basis with the Company, for such Partnership Year, presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, such statements to be audited by a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants selected by the General Partner.
B. As soon as practicable, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed to each Limited Partner, a report containing unaudited financial statements of the Partnership, or of the Company, if such statements are prepared solely on a consolidated basis with the Company, and such other information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or as the General Partner determines to be appropriate.
ARTICLE 10 — TAX MATTERS
Section 10.1 Preparation of Tax Returns
The General Partner shall arrange for the preparation and timely filing of all returns of Partnership income, gains, deductions, losses and other items required of the Partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and shall use reasonable efforts to furnish, within ninety (90) days of the close of each Partnership Year, the tax information reasonably required by Limited Partners for federal and state income tax reporting purposes.
Section 10.2 Tax Elections
Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine whether to make any available election pursuant to the Code. The General Partner shall have the right to seek to revoke any tax election it makes upon the General Partner’s determination, in its sole and absolute discretion, that such revocation is in the best interests of the Partners.
Section 10.3 Tax Matters Partner
A. The General Partner shall be the “tax matters partner” of the Partnership for federal income tax purposes. Pursuant to Section 6230(e) of the Code, upon receipt of notice from the IRS of the beginning of an administrative proceeding with respect to the Partnership, the tax matters partner shall furnish the IRS with the name, address, taxpayer identification number, and profit interest of each of the Limited Partners and the Assignees; provided, however, that such information is provided to the Partnership by the Limited Partners and the Assignees.

 

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B. The tax matters partner is authorized, but not required:
(1) to enter into any settlement with the IRS with respect to any administrative or judicial proceedings for the adjustment of Partnership items required to be taken into account by a Partner for income tax purposes (such administrative proceedings being referred to as a “tax audit” and such judicial proceedings being referred to as “judicial review”), and in the settlement agreement the tax matters partner may expressly state that such agreement shall bind all Partners, except that such settlement agreement shall not bind any Partner (a) who (within the time prescribed pursuant to the Code and Regulations) files a statement with the IRS providing that the tax matters partner shall not have the authority to enter into a settlement agreement on behalf of such Partner; or (b) who is a “notice partner” (as defined in Section 6231(a)(8) of the Code) or a member of a “notice group” (as defined in Section 6223(b)(2) of the Code);
(2) in the event that a notice of a final administrative adjustment at the Partnership level of any item required to be taken into account by a Partner for tax purposes (a “final adjustment”) is mailed to the tax matters partner, to seek judicial review of such final adjustment, including the filing of a petition for readjustment with the Tax Court or the filing of a complaint for refund with the United States Claims Court or the District Court of the United States for the district in which the Partnership’s principal place of business is located;
(3) to intervene in any action brought by any other Partner for judicial review of a final adjustment;
(4) to file a request for an administrative adjustment with the IRS and, if any part of such request is not allowed by the IRS, to file an appropriate pleading (petition or complaint) for judicial review with respect to such request;
(5) to enter into an agreement with the IRS to extend the period for assessing any tax which is attributable to any item required to be taken account of by a Partner for tax purposes, or an item affected by such item; and
(6) to take any other action on behalf of the Partners or the Partnership in connection with any tax audit or judicial review proceeding to the extent permitted by applicable law or regulations.
The taking of any action and the incurring of any expense by the tax matters partner in connection with any such proceeding, except to the extent required by law, is a matter in the sole and absolute discretion of the tax matters partner and the provisions relating to indemnification of the General Partner set forth in Section 7.7 of this Agreement shall be fully applicable to the tax matters partner in its capacity as such.

 

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C. The tax matters partner shall receive no compensation for its services. All third-party costs and expenses incurred by the tax matters partner in performing its duties as such (including legal and accounting fees and expenses) shall be borne by the Partnership. Nothing herein shall be construed to restrict the Partnership from engaging an accounting or law firm to assist the tax matters partner in discharging its duties hereunder, so long as the compensation paid by the Partnership for such services is reasonable.
Section 10.4 Organizational Expenses
The Partnership shall elect to deduct expenses, if any, incurred by it in organizing the Partnership ratably over a sixty (60) month period as provided in Section 709 of the Code.
Section 10.5 Withholding
Each Limited Partner hereby authorizes the Partnership to withhold from, or pay on behalf of or with respect to, such Limited Partner any amount of federal, state, local, or foreign taxes that the General Partner determines that the Partnership is required to withhold or pay with respect to any amount distributable or allocable to such Limited Partner pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, any taxes required to be withheld or paid by the Partnership pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445, or 1446 of the Code. Any amount paid on behalf of or with respect to a Limited Partner shall constitute a loan by the Partnership to such Limited Partner, which loan shall be repaid by such Limited Partner within fifteen (15) days after notice from the General Partner that such payment must be made unless (i) the Partnership withholds such payment from a distribution which would otherwise be made to the Limited Partner, (ii) the General Partner determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that such payment may be satisfied out of the available funds of the Partnership which would, but for such payment, be distributed to the Limited Partner or (iii) treatment as a loan would jeopardize the Company’s status as a REIT (in which case the payment shall be satisfied out of future distributions to the Limited Partner). Any amounts withheld pursuant to the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) shall be treated as having been distributed to such Limited Partner. Each Limited Partner hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants to the Partnership a security interest in such Limited Partner’s Partnership Interest to secure such Limited Partner’s obligation to pay to the Partnership any amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section 10.5. In the event that a Limited Partner fails to pay any amounts owed to the Partnership pursuant to this Section 10.5 when due, the General Partner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to make the payment to the Partnership on behalf of such defaulting Limited Partner, and in such event shall be deemed to have loaned such amount to such defaulting Limited Partner and shall succeed to all rights and remedies of the Partnership as against such defaulting Limited Partner. Without limitation, in such event the General Partner shall have the right to receive distributions that would otherwise be distributable to such defaulting Limited Partner until such time as such loan, together with all interest thereon, has been paid in full, and any such distributions so received by the General Partner shall be treated as having been distributed to the defaulting Limited Partner and immediately paid by the defaulting Limited Partner to the General Partner in repayment of such loan. Any amounts payable by a Limited Partner hereunder shall bear interest at the lesser of (A) the base rate on corporate loans at large United States money center commercial banks, as published from time to time in The Wall Street Journal, plus four (4) percentage points, or (B) the maximum lawful rate of interest on such obligation, such interest to accrue from the date such amount is due (i.e., fifteen (15) days after demand) until such amount is paid in full. Each Limited Partner shall take such actions as the Partnership or the General Partner shall request in order to (i) perfect or enforce the security interest created hereunder and (ii) cause any loan arising hereunder to be treated as a real estate asset for purposes of Section 856(c)(4)(A) of the Code.

 

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ARTICLE 11 — TRANSFERS AND WITHDRAWALS
Section 11.1 Transfer
A. The term “transfer,” when used in this Article 11 with respect to a Partnership Unit, shall be deemed to refer to a transaction by which the General Partner purports to assign all or any part of its General Partner Interest to another Person or by which a Limited Partner purports to assign all or any part of its Limited Partner Interest to another Person, and includes a sale, assignment, gift, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange or any other disposition by operation of law or otherwise. The term “transfer” when used in this Article 11 does not include any redemption of Partnership Interests by the Partnership from a Limited Partner or any acquisition of Partnership Units from a Limited Partner by the Company pursuant to Section 8.6. No part of the interest of a Limited Partner shall be subject to the claims of any creditor, any spouse for alimony or support, or to legal process, and may not be voluntarily or involuntarily alienated or encumbered except as may be specifically provided for in this Agreement or consented to in writing by the General Partner.
B. No Partnership Interest may be transferred, in whole or in part, except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Article 11. Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in accordance with this Article 11 shall be null and void.
Section 11.2 Transfer of the Company’s General Partner Interest and Limited Partner Interest; Extraordinary Transactions
A. The General Partner may not transfer any of its General Partner Interest or withdraw as General Partner, and the Company may not, directly or through its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, transfer any of its Limited Partner Interest or engage in an Extraordinary Transaction, except, in any such case, (i) if such Extraordinary Transaction, or such withdrawal or transfer, is pursuant to an Extraordinary Transaction that is permitted under Section 11.2.B, (ii) if Limited Partners holding a majority of the Common Units of the Limited Partners (excluding Limited Partner Units held by the Company or its Affiliates) Consent to such withdrawal or transfer or Extraordinary Transaction or (iii) if such transfer is to an entity that is wholly-owned by the Company (directly or indirectly) and is a Qualified REIT Subsidiary under Section 856(i) of the Code or disregarded as an entity separate from the Company for federal income tax purposes.

 

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B. The General Partner and the Company are permitted to engage (and cause the Partnership to participate) in the following transactions without the approval or vote of the Limited Partners:
(1) an Extraordinary Transaction in connection with which all Limited Partners either will receive, or will have the right to elect to receive, for each Common Unit an amount of cash, securities, or other property at least as equal in value to the product of (x) the REIT Shares Amount multiplied by (y) the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid to a holder of one REIT Share in consideration of one such REIT Share pursuant to the terms of the Extraordinary Transaction during the period from and after the date on which the Extraordinary Transaction is consummated; provided that, if, in connection with the Extraordinary Transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer shall have been made to and accepted by the holders of the outstanding REIT Shares, each holder of Common Units shall receive, or shall have the right to elect to receive, the greatest amount of cash, securities, or other property which such holder would have received had it exercised its Redemption Right (as set forth in Section 8.6) and received REIT Shares in exchange for its Common Units immediately prior to the expiration of such purchase, tender or exchange offer and had thereupon accepted such purchase, tender or exchange offer and then such Extraordinary Transaction shall have been consummated; and
(2) an Extraordinary Transaction if: (a) immediately after such Extraordinary Transaction, substantially all of the assets directly or indirectly owned by the surviving entity, other than Common Units held by the General Partner, are owned directly or indirectly by the Partnership or another limited partnership or limited liability company which is the survivor of a merger, consolidation or combination of assets with the Partnership (in each case, the “Surviving Partnership”); (b) the rights, preferences and privileges of the Common Unitholders in the Surviving Partnership are at least as favorable as those in effect immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction and as those applicable to any other limited partners or non-managing members of the Surviving Partnership (who have, in either case, the rights of a “common” equity holder); and (c) such rights of the Common Unitholders include the right to exchange their Common Unit equivalent interests in the Surviving Partnership for at least one of: (x) the consideration available to such Common Unitholders pursuant to Section 11.2.B(1) or (y) if the ultimate controlling person of the Surviving Partnership has publicly traded common equity securities, such common equity securities, with an exchange ratio based on the relative fair market value of such securities (as determined pursuant to Section 11.2.C) and the REIT Shares.
C. In connection with any transaction permitted by Section 11.2.B, the relative fair market values shall be reasonably determined by the General Partner as of the time of such transaction and, to the extent applicable, shall be no less favorable to the Limited Partners than the relative values reflected in the terms of such transaction.
Section 11.3 Limited Partners’ Rights to Transfer
A. Subject to the provisions of Sections 11.3.B, 11.3.D, 11.3.E, and 11.4 or in connection with the exercise of a Redemption Right pursuant to Section 8.6, a Limited Partner (other than the Company) may not transfer, all or any portion of its Partnership Interest, or any of such Limited Partner’s economic rights as a Limited Partner without the prior written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in the General Partner’s sole and absolute discretion. The General Partner may require, as a condition of any transfer to which it consents, that the transferor assume all costs incurred by the Partnership in connection therewith.

 

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B. If a Limited Partner is subject to Incapacity, the executor, administrator, trustee, committee, guardian, conservator or receiver of such Limited Partner’s estate shall have all of the rights of a Limited Partner, but not more rights than those enjoyed by other Limited Partners, for the purpose of settling or managing the estate and such power as the Incapacitated Limited Partner possessed to transfer all or any part of his or its Partnership Interest. The Incapacity of a Limited Partner, in and of itself, shall not dissolve or terminate the Partnership.
C. Without limiting the foregoing, the General Partner may prohibit any transfer by a Limited Partner of its Partnership Units if, in the opinion of legal counsel to the Partnership, such transfer would require filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or would otherwise violate any federal or state securities laws or regulations applicable to the Partnership or the Partnership Units.
D. No transfer by a Limited Partner of its Partnership Units (including a redemption or exchange pursuant to Section 8.6) may be made to any Person if (i) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, it would result in the Partnership being treated as an association taxable as a corporation; (ii) such transfer is effectuated through an “established securities market” or a “secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof)” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code; (iii) such transfer would cause the Partnership to become, with respect to any employee benefit plan subject to Title I of ERISA, a “party-in-interest” (as defined in Section 3(14) of ERISA) or a “disqualified person” (as defined in Section 4975(c) of the Code); (iv) such transfer would, in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, cause any portion of the assets of the Partnership to constitute assets of any employee benefit plan pursuant to Department of Labor Regulations Section 2510.2-101; (v) such transfer would subject the Partnership to be regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, each as amended; or (vi) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, such transfer likely would jeopardize the Company’s ability to qualify as a REIT currently or in the future or would subject the Company to any additional taxes under Section 857 or Section 4981 of the Code.
E. No transfer of any Partnership Units may be made to a lender to the Partnership or any Person who is related (within the meaning of Section 1.752-4(b) of the Regulations) to any lender to the Partnership whose loan constitutes a Nonrecourse Liability, without the consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion; provided that as a condition to such consent the lender may be required to enter into an arrangement with the Partnership and the General Partner to redeem for the Cash Amount any Partnership Units in which a security interest is held by such lender simultaneously with the time at which such lender would be deemed to be a partner in the Partnership for purposes of allocating liabilities to such lender under Section 752 of the Code.

 

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Section 11.4 Substituted Limited Partners
A. No Limited Partner shall have the right to substitute a transferee as a Limited Partner in his place. The General Partner shall, however, have the right to consent to the admission of a transferee of the interest of a Limited Partner pursuant to this Section 11.4 as a Substituted Limited Partner, which consent may be given or withheld by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion. The General Partner’s failure or refusal to permit a transferee of any such interests to become a Substituted Limited Partner shall not give rise to any cause of action against the Partnership or any Partner.
B. A transferee who has been admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner in accordance with this Article 11 shall have all the rights and powers and be subject to all the restrictions and liabilities of a Limited Partner under this Agreement. The admission of any transferee as a Substituted Limited Partner shall be conducted upon the transferee executing and delivering to the Partnership an acceptance of all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and such other documents or instruments as may be required to effect the admission.
C. Upon the admission of a Substituted Limited Partner, the General Partner shall amend Exhibit A to reflect the name, address, number of Partnership Units and Percentage Interest of such Substituted Limited Partner and to eliminate or adjust, if necessary, the name, address and interest of the predecessor of such Substituted Limited Partner.
Section 11.5 Assignees
If the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, does not consent to the admission of any permitted transferee as a Substituted Limited Partner, as described in Section 11.4, such transferee shall be considered an Assignee for purposes of this Agreement. An Assignee shall be deemed to have had assigned to it, and shall be entitled to receive distributions from the Partnership and the share of Net Income, Net Losses and any other items, gain, loss deduction and credit of the Partnership attributable to the Partnership Units assigned to such transferee, but except as otherwise provided in Section 8.6.A hereof shall not be deemed to be a holder of Partnership Units for any other purpose under this Agreement, and shall not be entitled to vote such Partnership Units in any matter presented to the Limited Partners for a vote (such Partnership Units being deemed to have been voted on such matter in the same proportion as all other Partnership Units held by Limited Partners are voted). In the event any such transferee desires to make a further assignment of any such Partnership Units, such transferee shall be subject to all of the provisions of this Article 11 to the same extent and in the same manner as any Limited Partner desiring to make an assignment of Partnership Units.
Section 11.6 General Provisions
A. No Limited Partner may withdraw from the Partnership other than as a result of a permitted transfer of all of such Limited Partner’s Partnership Units in accordance with this Article 11 or pursuant to redemption of all of its Partnership Units under Section 8.6.
B. Any Limited Partner who shall transfer all of its Partnership Units in a transfer permitted pursuant to this Article 11 shall cease to be a Limited Partner upon the admission of all Assignees of such Partnership Units as Substitute Limited Partners. Similarly, any Limited Partner who shall transfer all of its Partnership Units pursuant to a redemption of all of its Partnership Units under Section 8.6 shall cease to be a Limited Partner.

 

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C. Transfers pursuant to this Article 11 may only be made on the first day of a fiscal quarter of the Partnership, unless the General Partner otherwise agrees.
D. If any Partnership Interest is transferred or assigned during any quarterly segment of the Partnership’s fiscal year in compliance with the provisions of this Article 11 or redeemed or transferred pursuant to Section 8.6 on any day other than the first day of a Partnership Year, then Net Income, Net Losses, each item thereof and all other items attributable to such interest for such Partnership Year shall be divided and allocated between the transferor Partner and the transferee Partner by taking into account their varying interests during the Partnership Year in accordance with Section 706(d) of the Code, using the interim closing of the books method or such other method (or combination of methods) selected by the General Partner. Solely for purposes of making such allocations, each of such items for the calendar month in which the transfer or assignment occurs shall be allocated to the transferee Partner, and none of such items for the calendar month in which a redemption occurs shall be allocated to the Redeeming Partner; provided, however, that the General Partner may adopt such other conventions relating to allocations in connection with transfers, assignments or redemptions as it determines are necessary or appropriate. All distributions of Available Cash attributable to such Partnership Unit with respect to which the Partnership Record Date is before the date of such transfer, assignment, or redemption shall be made to the transferor Partner or the Redeeming Partner, as the case may be, and in the case of a transfer or assignment other than a redemption, all distributions of Available Cash thereafter attributable to such Partnership Unit shall be made to the transferee Partner.
ARTICLE 12 — ADMISSION OF PARTNERS
Section 12.1 Admission of Successor General Partner
A successor to all of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section 11.2 hereof who is proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner, effective upon such transfer. Any such transferee shall carry on the business of the Partnership without dissolution. In each case, the admission shall be subject to the successor General Partner executing and delivering to the Partnership an acceptance of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement and such other documents or instruments as may be required to effect the admission. In the case of such admission on any day other than the first day of a Partnership Year, all items attributable to the General Partner Interest for such Partnership Year shall be allocated between the transferring General Partner and such successor as provided in Section 11.6.D hereof.
Section 12.2 Admission of Additional Limited Partners
A. After the date hereof, a Person who makes a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement shall be admitted to the Partnership as an Additional Limited Partner only upon furnishing to the General Partner (i) evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the General Partner of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the power of attorney granted in Section 2.4 hereof and (ii) such other documents or instruments as may be required in the discretion of the General Partner in order to effect such Person’s admission as an Additional Limited Partner.

 

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B. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 12.2, no Person shall be admitted as an Additional Limited Partner without the written consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in the General Partner’s sole and absolute discretion. The admission of any Person as an Additional Limited Partner shall become effective on the date upon which the name of such Person is recorded on the books and records of the Partnership, following the written consent of the General Partner to such admission.
C. If any Additional Limited Partner is admitted to the Partnership on any day other than the first day of a Partnership Year, then Net Income, Net Losses, each item thereof and all other items allocable among Partners and Assignees for such Partnership Year shall be allocated among such Additional Limited Partner and all other Partners and Assignees by taking into account their varying interests during the Partnership Year in accordance with Section 706(d) of the Code, using any convention permitted by law and selected by the General Partner. Solely for purposes of making such allocations, each such item for the calendar month in which an admission of any Additional Limited Partner occurs shall be allocated among all of the Partners and Assignees, including such Additional Limited Partner; provided, however, that the General Partner may adopt such other conventions relating to allocations to Additional Limited Partners as it determines are necessary or appropriate. All distributions of Available Cash with respect to which the Partnership Record Date is before the date of such admission shall be made solely to Partners and Assignees, other than the Additional Limited Partner, and, subject to Section 5.2.B, all distributions of Available Cash thereafter shall be made to all of the Partners and Assignees pursuant to Section 5.1, including such Additional Limited Partner.
Section 12.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership
For the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the General Partner shall take all steps necessary and appropriate under the Act to amend the records of the Partnership and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practical an amendment of this Agreement (including an amendment of Exhibit A) and, if required by law, shall prepare and file an amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership and may for this purpose exercise the power of attorney granted pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof.
ARTICLE 13 — DISSOLUTION, LIQUIDATION AND TERMINATION
Section 13.1 Dissolution
A. The Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of Substituted Limited Partners or Additional Limited Partners or by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon the withdrawal of the General Partner, any successor General Partner shall continue the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, only upon the first to occur of any of the following (each, a “Liquidating Event”):
(1) the expiration of its term as provided in Section 2.5 hereof;

 

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(2) an event of withdrawal of the General Partner, as defined in the Act (other than an event of bankruptcy), unless, within ninety (90) days after such event of withdrawal a “majority in interest” (as defined below) of the remaining Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of withdrawal, of a successor General Partner;
(3) from and after the date of this Agreement through December 31, 2054, an election to dissolve the Partnership made by the General Partner with the Consent of Partners holding ninety percent (90%) of the outstanding Limited Partner Units (including Limited Partner Units held by the Company);
(4) on or after January 1, 2055, an election to dissolve the Partnership made by the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion;
(5) entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Act;
(6) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets and properties of the Partnership; or
(7) a final and non-appealable judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction ruling that the General Partner is bankrupt or insolvent, or a final and non-appealable order for relief is entered by a court with appropriate jurisdiction against the General Partner, in each case under any federal or state bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect, unless prior to the entry of such order or judgment all of the remaining Partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of a date prior to the date of such order or judgment, of a substitute General Partner.
B. As used in this Article 13, a “majority in interest” shall refer to Partners (excluding the General Partner) who hold more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Percentage Interests not held by the General Partner.
Section 13.2 Winding Up
A. Upon the occurrence of a Liquidating Event, the Partnership shall continue solely for the purposes of winding up its affairs in an orderly manner, liquidating its assets, and satisfying the claims of its creditors and Partners. No Partner shall take any action that is inconsistent with, or not necessary to or appropriate for, the winding up of the Partnership’s business and affairs. The General Partner, or, in the event there is no remaining General Partner, any Person elected by a majority in interest of the Limited Partners (the General Partner or such other Person being referred to herein as the “Liquidator”), shall be responsible for overseeing the winding up and dissolution of the Partnership and shall take full account of the Partnership’s liabilities and property and the Partnership property shall be liquidated as promptly as is consistent with obtaining the fair value thereof, and the proceeds therefrom (which may, to the extent determined by the General Partner, include shares of common stock in the Company) shall be applied and distributed in the following order:
(1) First, to the payment and discharge of all of the Partnership’s debts and liabilities to creditors other than the Partners;

 

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(2) Second, to the payment and discharge of all of the Partnership’s debts and liabilities to the General Partner;
(3) Third, to the payment and discharge of all of the Partnership’s debts and liabilities to the other Partners;
(4) Fourth, to the holders of Partnership Interests that are entitled to any preference in distribution upon liquidation in accordance with the rights of any such class or series of Partnership Interests (and, within each class or series, to each holder thereof pro rata in proportion to its respective Percentage Interests in such class); and
(5) The balance, if any, to the General Partner and Limited Partners in accordance with their Capital Accounts, after giving effect to all contributions, distributions, and allocations for all periods.
The General Partner shall not receive any additional compensation for any services performed pursuant to this Article 13.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 13.2.A hereof which require liquidation of the assets of the Partnership, but subject to the order of priorities set forth therein, if prior to or upon dissolution of the Partnership the Liquidator determines that an immediate sale of part or all of the Partnership’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners, the Liquidator may, in its sole and absolute discretion, defer for a reasonable time the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy liabilities of the Partnership (including to those Partners as creditors) and/or distribute to the Partners, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.2.A hereof, undivided interests in such Partnership assets as the Liquidator deems not suitable for liquidation. Any such distributions in kind shall be made only if, in the good faith judgment of the Liquidator, such distributions in kind are in the best interest of the Partners, and shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such properties as the Liquidator deems reasonable and equitable and to any agreements governing the operation of such properties at such time. The Liquidator shall determine the fair market value of any property distributed in kind using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt.
C. In the discretion of the Liquidator, a pro rata portion of the distributions that would otherwise be made to the General Partner and Limited Partners pursuant to this Article 13 may be:
(1) distributed to a trust established for the benefit of the General Partner and Limited Partners for the purposes of liquidating Partnership assets, collecting amounts owed to the Partnership, and paying any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Partnership or the General Partner arising out of or in connection with the Partnership. The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the General Partner and Limited Partners from time to time, in the reasonable discretion of the Liquidator, in the same proportions as the amount distributed to such trust by the Partnership would otherwise have been distributed to the General Partner and Limited Partners pursuant to this Agreement; or

 

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(2) withheld or escrowed to provide a reasonable reserve for Partnership liabilities (contingent or otherwise) and to reflect the unrealized portion of any installment obligations owed to the Partnership, provided that such withheld or escrowed amounts shall be distributed to the General Partner and Limited Partners in the manner and order of priority set forth in Section 13.2.A as soon as practicable.
Section 13.3 Compliance with Timing Requirements of Regulations
In the event the Partnership is “liquidated” within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), distributions shall be made pursuant to this Article 13 to the General Partner and Limited Partners who have positive Capital Accounts in compliance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2).
If at such time as the Partnership (or the General Partner’s interest therein) is “liquidated” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), the General Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account (after giving effect to all contributions, distributions and allocations for all taxable years or portions thereof, including the year during which such liquidation occurs), the General Partner shall contribute to the capital of the Partnership the amount necessary to restore such deficit balance to zero in compliance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(3). If at such time as the Partnership (or any Limited Partner’s interest therein) is “liquidated” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) any Limited Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account (after giving effect to all contributions, distributions and allocations for all taxable years or portions thereof, including the year during which such liquidation occurs), no such Limited Partner shall have any obligation to make any contribution to the capital of the Partnership with respect to such deficit and such deficit shall not be considered a debt owed to the Partnership or to any other Person for any purposes whatsoever, except to the extent otherwise agreed to by such Partner and the General Partner. Any contribution required of a Partner hereunder shall be made on or before the later of (i) the end of the Partnership Year in which the interest of such Partner is liquidated or (ii) the ninetieth (90th) day following the date of such liquidation.
Section 13.4 Rights of Limited Partners
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Limited Partner shall look solely to the assets of the Partnership for the return of its Capital Contributions and shall have no right or power to demand or receive property other than cash from the Partnership. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, no Limited Partner shall have priority over any other Partner as to the return of its Capital Contributions, distributions, or allocations.
Section 13.5 Notice of Dissolution
In the event a Liquidating Event occurs or an event occurs that would, but for the provisions of an election or objection by one or more Partners pursuant to Section 13.1, result in a dissolution of the Partnership, the General Partner shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, provide written notice thereof to each of the Partners.

 

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Section 13.6 Termination of Partnership and Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership
Upon the completion of the liquidation of the Partnership’s assets, as provided in Section 13.2 hereof, the Partnership shall be terminated, a certificate of cancellation shall be filed, and all qualifications of the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware shall be canceled and such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.
Section 13.7 Reasonable Time for Winding-Up
A reasonable time shall be allowed for the orderly winding-up of the business and affairs of the Partnership and the liquidation of its assets pursuant to Section 13.2 hereof, in order to minimize any losses otherwise attendant upon such winding-up, and the provisions of this Agreement shall remain in effect between the Partners during the period of liquidation.
Section 13.8 Waiver of Partition
Each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership property.
Section 13.9 Liability of Liquidator
Any Liquidator shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership in the same manner and to the same degree as an Indemnitee may be indemnified pursuant to Section 7.7 hereof.
ARTICLE 14 — AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS
Section 14.1 Amendments
A. Amendments to this Agreement may only be proposed by the General Partner. Following such proposal, the General Partner shall submit any proposed amendment to the Limited Partners. The General Partner shall seek the written consent of the Partners on the proposed amendment or shall call a meeting to vote thereon and to transact any other business that it may deem appropriate. For purposes of obtaining a written consent, the General Partner may require a response within a reasonable specified time, but not less than fifteen (15) days, and failure to respond in such time period shall constitute a vote which is consistent with the General Partner’s recommendation with respect to the proposal. Except as provided in Section 13.1.C(3), 14.1.B, 14.1.C or 14.1.D, a proposed amendment shall be adopted and be effective as an amendment hereto if it is approved by the General Partner and it receives the Consent of Limited Partners holding a majority of the Common Units held by Limited Partners (including Limited Partner Units held by the Company or its Affiliates); provided that an action shall become effective at such time as the requisite consents are received by the General Partner even if prior to such specified time.

 

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B. Notwithstanding Section 14.1.A, the General Partner shall have the power, without the consent of the Limited Partners, to amend this Agreement as may be required to facilitate or implement any of the following purposes:
(1) to add to the obligations of the General Partner or surrender any right or power granted to the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner for the benefit of the Limited Partners;
(2) to reflect the admission, substitution, termination, or withdrawal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement (which may be effected through the replacement of Exhibit A with an amended Exhibit A);
(3) to set forth and reflect in the Agreement the designations, rights, powers, duties, and preferences of the holders of any additional Partnership Interests issued pursuant to Section 4.2.A hereof;
(4) to reflect a change that is of an inconsequential nature and does not adversely affect the Limited Partners in any material respect, or to cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision in this Agreement not inconsistent with law or with other provisions, or make other changes with respect to matters arising under this Agreement that will not be inconsistent with law or with the provisions of this Agreement; and
(5) to satisfy any requirements, conditions, or guidelines contained in any order, directive, opinion, ruling or regulation of a federal or state agency or contained in federal or state law.
The General Partner shall provide written notice to the Limited Partners when any action under this Section 14.1.B is taken in the next regular communication to the Limited Partners.
C. Notwithstanding Section 14.1.A and 14.1.B hereof, this Agreement shall not be amended without the Consent of each Partner adversely affected if such amendment would (i) convert a Limited Partner’s interest in the Partnership into a General Partner Interest; (ii) modify the limited liability of a Limited Partner in a manner adverse to such Limited Partner; (iii) alter rights of the Partner (except in connection with the issuance of additional Partnership Interests and the relative rights, powers and duties incident thereto) to receive distributions pursuant to Article 5 or Article 13 or the allocations specified in Article 6 (except as permitted pursuant to Section 4.2 and Section 14.1.B(3) hereof); (iv) alter or modify the Redemption Right and REIT Shares Amount as set forth in Sections 8.6 and 11.2.B, and the related definitions, in a manner adverse to such Partner; (v) cause the termination of the Partnership prior to the time set forth in Sections 2.5 or 13.1 or (vi) amend this Section 14.1.C. Further, no amendment may alter the restrictions on the General Partner’s authority set forth in Section 7.3.B without the Consent specified in that section.
D. Notwithstanding Section 14.1.A or Section 14.1.B hereof, the General Partner shall not (except in connection with amendments made to reflect the issuance of additional Partnership Interests and the relative rights, powers and duties incident thereto) amend Sections 4.2.A, 7.5, 7.6, 11.2 or 14.2 without the Consent of Limited Partners holding a majority of the Common Units held by Limited Partners, excluding Limited Partner Units held by the Company or its Affiliates.

 

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Section 14.2 Meetings of the Partners
A. Meetings of the Partners may only be called by the General Partner. The request shall state the nature of the business to be transacted. Notice of any such meeting shall be given to all Partners not less than seven (7) days nor more than thirty (30) days prior to the date of such meeting. Partners may vote in person or by proxy at such meeting. Whenever the vote or Consent of the Partners is permitted or required under this Agreement, such vote or Consent may be given at a meeting of the Partners or may be given in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 14.1.A hereof. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Consent of holders of a majority of the Common Units held by Limited Partners (including Limited Partnership Common Units held by the Company) shall control.
B. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Partners may be taken without a meeting if a written consent setting forth the action so taken is signed by a majority of the Common Units of the Partners (or such other percentage as is expressly required by this Agreement). Such consent may be in one instrument or in several instruments, and shall have the same force and effect as a vote of a majority of the Common Units of the Partners (or such other percentage as is expressly required by this Agreement). Such consent shall be filed with the General Partner. An action so taken shall be deemed to have been taken at a meeting held on the effective date so certified.
C. Each Limited Partner may authorize any Person or Persons to act for him by proxy on all matters in which a Limited Partner is entitled to participate, including waiving notice of any meeting, or voting or participating at a meeting. Every proxy must be signed by the Limited Partner or his attorney-in-fact. A proxy may be granted in writing, by means of electronic transmission or as otherwise permitted by applicable law. No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date thereof unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Every proxy shall be revocable at the pleasure of the Limited Partner executing it, such revocation to be effective upon the Partnership’s receipt of written notice of such revocation from the Limited Partner executing such proxy.
D. Each meeting of the Partners shall be conducted by the General Partner or such other Person as the General Partner may appoint pursuant to such rules for the conduct of the meeting as the General Partner or such other Person deems appropriate. Without limitation, meetings of Partners may be conducted in the same manner as meetings of the shareholders of the Company and may be held at the same time, and as part of, meetings of the shareholders of the Company.
ARTICLE 15 — ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, all claims, disputes and controversies between the parties hereto (including, without limitation, any claims, disputes and controversies between the Partnership and any one or more of the Partners and any claims, disputes and controversies among any two or more Partners ) arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the Partnership created hereby, relating to the validity, construction, performance, breach, enforcement or termination thereof, or otherwise arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the management of the Partnership, or the acts or omissions of the General Partner that are not resolved by mutual agreement shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration to be conducted before JAMS, Inc. in Bethesda, Maryland before a single arbitrator (the “Arbitrator”).

 

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The parties covenant and agree that the arbitration shall commence within ninety (90) days of the date on which a written demand for arbitration is filed by any party hereto (the “Filing Date”). The Arbitrator’s decision and award shall be made and delivered within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the Filing Date. The Arbitrator’s decision shall be binding and conclusive on all parties. The parties understand and agree that the Arbitrator shall not have power to award damages in excess of actual compensatory damages and the Arbitrator shall not multiply actual damages or award punitive damages or any other damages that are specifically excluded under this Agreement, each party hereby irrevocably waiving any claim to such damages.
Each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of JAMS, Inc. to all matters within the scope of this Article 15 and that they will participate in the arbitration in good faith. The parties hereto further consent to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware for the purposes of enforcing the arbitration provisions of this Article 15. Each party further irrevocably waives any objection to proceeding before JAMS, Inc. based upon lack of personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue and further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to make a claim in any court that arbitration before JAMS, Inc. has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each of the parties hereto hereby consents to service of process by registered mail at the address to which notices are to be given. Each of the parties hereto agrees that its submission to jurisdiction and its consent to service of process by mail is made for the express benefit of the other parties hereto. The provisions of this Article 15 shall survive the dissolution of the Partnership. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to give the Arbitrator any authority, power, or right to alter, change, amend, modify, add to, or subtract from any of the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 16 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 16.1 Addresses and Notice
Any notice, demand, request or report required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner or Assignee under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by certified first class United States mail, return receipt requested, nationally recognized overnight delivery service or facsimile transmission (with receipt confirmed) to the Partner or Assignee at the address set forth on Exhibit A or such other address of which the Partner shall notify the General Partner in writing.
Section 16.2 Titles and Captions
All article or section titles or captions in this Agreement are for convenience only. They shall not be deemed part of this Agreement and in no way define, limit, extend or describe the scope or intent of any provisions hereof. Except as specifically provided otherwise, references to “Articles” and “Sections” are to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.

 

52


 

Section 16.3 Pronouns and Plurals
Whenever the context may require, any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa.
Section 16.4 Further Action
The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.
Section 16.5 Binding Effect
Subject to the terms set forth herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.
Section 16.6 Creditors
Other than as expressly set forth herein with respect to the Indemnitees, none of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the Partnership.
Section 16.7 Waiver
No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach or any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.
Section 16.8 Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute one agreement binding on all of the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto.
Section 16.9 Applicable Law
This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.

 

53


 

Section 16.10 Invalidity of Provisions
If any provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be held void or unenforceable (as to duration, scope, activity, subject or otherwise) by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed to be modified so as to constitute a provision conforming as nearly as possible to the original provision while still remaining valid and enforceable. In such event, the remainder of this Agreement (or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those in respect of which it is deemed to be void or unenforceable) shall not be affected thereby. Each other provision of this Agreement, unless specifically conditioned upon the voided aspect of such provision, shall remain valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; any other provisions of this Agreement that are specifically conditioned on the voided aspect of such invalid provision shall also be deemed to be modified so as to constitute a provision conforming as nearly as possible to the original provision while still remaining valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Section 16.11 No Rights as Shareholders
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as conferring upon the holders of Partnership Units any rights whatsoever as shareholders of the Company, including without limitation, any right to receive dividends or other distributions made to shareholders or to vote or consent or to receive notice as shareholders in respect of any meeting of shareholders for the election of directors of the Company or any other matter.
Section 16.12 Entire Agreement
This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement among the Partners with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes the Prior Agreement, any other prior written or oral understandings or agreements among them with respect thereto.
[Signature Page Follows]

 

54


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement of Limited Partnership as of the date first written above.
             
    GENERAL PARTNER:    
 
           
    DiamondRock Hospitality Company    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ Michael D. Schecter
 
Name: Michael D. Schecter
   
 
      Title:   General Counsel    
 
           
    LIMITED PARTNER:    
 
           
    DiamondRock Hospitality, LLC    
 
  By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
 
      its sole Member    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ Michael D. Schecter    
 
           
 
      Name: Michael D. Schecter    
 
      Title:   General Counsel    

 

 


 

FORM OF LIMITED PARTNER SIGNATURE PAGE
FOR PARTNERS ADMITTED AFTER JUNE ___, 2004
The undersigned, desiring to become one of the within named Limited Partners of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, hereby becomes a party to the Agreement of Limited Partnership of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Company and such Limited Partners, dated as of June  _____, 2004, as amended. The undersigned agrees that this signature page may be attached to any counterpart of said Agreement of Limited Partnership.
             
    Signature Line for Limited Partner:   [Name]
 
           
 
      By:    
 
           
 
          Name:
 
          Title:
 
          Date:
 
           
 
  Address of Limited Partner:        
         
 
           
         

 

 


 

Exhibit A
[Exhibit A, setting forth names of the Partners and interests owned,
is maintained separately with the books and records of the Partnership]
A-1

 

 


 

Exhibit B
Capital Account Maintenance
1. Capital Accounts of the Partners
A. The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner a separate Capital Account in accordance with the rules of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv), subject to any modifications to such rules provided in this Agreement.
B. For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, deduction, or loss to be reflected in the Partners’ Capital Accounts, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition, and classification for federal income tax purposes determined in accordance with Section 703(a) of the Code (for this purpose all items of income, gain, loss, or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Section 703(a)(1) of the Code shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments:
  (1)   Any income, gain, or loss attributable to the taxable disposition of any Partnership property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis of such property as of such date of disposition were equal in amount to the Partnership’s Carrying Value with respect to such property as of such date.
 
  (2)   In lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such fiscal year.
 
  (3)   In the event the Carrying Value of any Partnership Asset is adjusted pursuant to Section 1.D hereof, the amount of any such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain or loss from the disposition of such asset.
C. A transferee (including an Assignee) of a Partnership Unit shall succeed to a pro rata portion of the Capital Account of the transferor.
  D.  (1)   Consistent with the provisions of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), the Carrying Value of all Partnership assets shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as of the times specified in such Regulation; provided, however, that (other than in connection with a liquidation of the Partnership) such adjustments shall be made only if the General Partner determines that they are necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Partners in the Partnership.
 
    (2)   In accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(e), the Carrying Value of Partnership assets distributed in kind shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as of the time any such asset is distributed.

 

B-1


 

    (3)   In determining Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss for purposes of this Exhibit B, the aggregate cash amount and fair market value of all Partnership assets (including cash or cash equivalents) shall be determined by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt, or in the case of a liquidating distribution pursuant to Article 13 of the Agreement, shall be determined and allocated by the Liquidator using such reasonable methods of valuation as it may adopt. The General Partner, or the Liquidator, as the case may be, shall allocate such aggregate value among the assets of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines in its sole and absolute discretion to arrive at a fair market value for individual properties).
E. The provisions of this Agreement (including this Exhibit B and other Exhibits to this Agreement) relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b), and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Regulations. In the event the General Partner shall determine that it is prudent to modify (i) the manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any debits, or credits thereto (including, without limitation, debits or credits relating to liabilities which are secured by contributed or distributed property or which are assumed by the Partnership, the General Partner, or the Limited Partners) are computed; or (ii) the manner in which items are allocated among the Partners for federal income tax purposes in order to comply with such Regulations or to comply with Section 704(c) of the Code, the General Partner may make such modification without regard to Article 14 of the Agreement, provided that it is not likely to have a material effect on the amounts distributable to any Person pursuant to Article 13 of the Agreement upon the dissolution of the Partnership. The General Partner also shall (1) make any adjustments that are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the Capital Accounts of the Partners and the amount of Partnership capital reflected on the Partnership’s balance sheet, as computed for book purposes, in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q); and (2) make any appropriate modifications in the event unanticipated events might otherwise cause this Agreement not to comply with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b). In addition, the General Partner may adopt and employ such methods and procedures for (A) the maintenance of book and tax capital accounts; (B) the determination and allocation of adjustments under Sections 704(c), 734, and 743 of the Code; (C) the determination of Net Income, Net Loss, taxable income and loss and items thereof under this Agreement and pursuant to the Code; (D) the adoption of reasonable conventions and methods for the valuation of assets and the determination of tax basis; (E) the allocation of asset value and tax basis; and (F) conventions for the determination of cost recovery, depreciation and amortization deductions, as it determines in its sole discretion are necessary or appropriate to execute the provisions of this Agreement, to comply with federal and state tax laws, and/or are in the best interest of the Partners.
2. No Interest
No interest shall be paid by the Partnership on Capital Contributions or on balances in Partners’ Capital Accounts.

 

B-2


 

Exhibit C
Special Allocation Rules
1. Special Allocation Rules
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement or this Exhibit C, the following special allocations shall be made in the following order:
A. Minimum Gain Chargeback. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6.1 of the Agreement or any other provisions of this Exhibit C, if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable year, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain, as determined under Regulations Section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 1.A is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirements in Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. Solely for purposes of this Section 1.A, each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account Deficit shall be determined prior to any other allocations pursuant to Section 6.1 of Partner Minimum Gain during such Partnership taxable year.
B. Partner Minimum Gain Chargeback. Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 6.1 of this Agreement or any other provisions of this Exhibit C (except Section 1.A hereof), if there is a net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt during any Partnership taxable year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.702-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, subsequent years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partner Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 1.B is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. Solely for purposes of the Section 1.B, each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account Deficit shall be determined prior to any other allocations pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Agreement or this Exhibit with respect to such Partnership taxable year, other than allocations pursuant to Section 1.A hereof.
C. Qualified Income Offset. In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), and after giving effect to the allocations required under Sections 1.A and 1.B hereof such Partner has an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit, items of Partnership income and gain (consisting of a pro rata portion of each item of Partnership income, including gross income and gain for the Partnership taxable year) shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Regulations, its Adjusted Capital Account Deficit created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible.

 

C-1


 

D. Nonrecourse Deductions. Nonrecourse Deductions for any Partnership taxable year shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests. If the General Partner determines in its good faith discretion that the Partnership’s Nonrecourse Deductions must be allocated in a different ratio to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the General Partner is authorized, upon notice to the Limited Partners, to revise the prescribed ratio to the numerically closest ratio for such Partnership taxable year which would satisfy such requirements.
E. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions. Any Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any Partnership taxable year shall be specially allocated to the Partner who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i).
F. Code Section 754 Adjustments. To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis), and such item of gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted pursuant to such Section of the Regulations.
G. Curative Allocations. The allocations set forth in Section 1.A through 1.F of this Exhibit C (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code. The Regulatory Allocations may not be consistent with the manner in which the Partners intend to divide Partnership distributions. Accordingly, the General Partner is hereby authorized to divide other allocations of income, gain, deduction and loss among the Partners so as to prevent the Regulatory Allocations from distorting the manner in which Partnership distributions will be divided among the Partners. In general, the Partners anticipate that, if necessary, this will be accomplished by specially allocating other items of income, gain, loss and deduction among the Partners so that the net amount of the Regulatory Allocations and such special allocations to each person is zero. However, the General Partner will have discretion to accomplish this result in any reasonable manner; provided, however, that no allocation pursuant to this Section 1.G shall cause the Partnership to fail to comply with the requirements of Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d), -2(e) or -2(i).
2. Allocations for Tax Purposes
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 2, Code Section 704(b), Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder, Regulations Section 1.1245-1(e), Regulations Section 1250-1(f), or any other provision of the Code or Regulations, for federal income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of “book” income, gain, loss or deduction is allocated pursuant to Section 6.1 of the Agreement and Section 1 of this Exhibit C.

 

C-2


 

B. In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities attributable to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, items of income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to such property shall be allocated for federal income tax purposes among the Partners in accordance with Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder (or the principles thereof with respect to Adjusted Property).
C. Consistent with the requirements of Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations thereunder, the General Partner shall have the authority to elect the method or methods to be used by the Partnership to eliminate any disparities between the Carrying Value of any Partnership property and its adjusted basis for any particular period and such election shall be binding on all Partners.
3. No Withdrawal
No Partner shall be entitled to withdraw any part of his Capital Contribution or his Capital Account or to receive any distribution from the Partnership, except as provided in Articles 4, 5, 8 and 13 of the Agreement.

 

C-3


 

Exhibit D
Notice of Redemption
The undersigned Limited Partner hereby irrevocably (i) redeems  _____  Common Units in DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership in accordance with the terms of the Agreement of Limited Partnership of DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership and the Redemption Right referred to therein; (ii) surrenders such Common Units and all right, title and interest therein; and (iii) directs that the Cash Amount or REIT Shares Amount (as determined by the General Partner) deliverable upon exercise of the Redemption Right be delivered to the address specified below, and if REIT Shares are to be delivered, such REIT Shares be registered or placed in the name(s) and at the address(es) specified below. The undersigned hereby, represents, warrants, and certifies that the undersigned (a) has marketable and unencumbered title to such Common Units, free and clear of the rights or interests of any other person or entity; (b) has the full right, power, and authority to redeem and surrender such Common Units as provided herein; and (c) has obtained the consent or approval of all persons or entities, if any, having the right to consent or approve such redemption and surrender.
         
Dated:
   
 
   
         
Name of Limited Partner:
   
 
Please Print
   
         
 
   
 
(Signature of Limited Partner)
   
 
       
 
       
 
  (Street Address)    
 
       
 
       
 
  (City)                         (State)                   (Zip Code)    
 
       
 
  Signature Guaranteed by:    
 
       
 
       
If REIT Shares are to be issued, issue to:
         
Name:
   
 
   
         
Please insert social security or identifying number:
   
 
   

 

D-1

Exhibit 10.4
Exhibit 10.4
EXECUTION COPY
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of February 28, 2007
by and among
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
as Borrower,
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY,
as Parent,
WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC,
as Sole Lead Arranger
and
as Book Manager,
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Administrative Agent,
Each of
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH
and
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC,
as a Syndication Agent,
CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC.,
as Documentation Agent,
and
THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INITIALLY SIGNATORY HERETO
AND THEIR ASSIGNEES PURSUANT TO SECTION 13.5.,
as Lenders
 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
Article I. Definitions 1
    1  
 
       
Section 1.1. Definitions
    1  
Section 1.2. General; References to Times
    24  
Section 1.3. Financial Attributes of Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries
    25  
 
       
Article II. Credit Facility
    25  
 
       
Section 2.1. Revolving Loans
    25  
Section 2.2. Swingline Loans
    26  
Section 2.3. Letters of Credit
    28  
Section 2.4. Rates and Payment of Interest on Loans
    32  
Section 2.5. Number of Interest Periods
    33  
Section 2.6. Repayment of Loans
    33  
Section 2.7. Prepayments
    33  
Section 2.8. Continuation
    34  
Section 2.9. Conversion
    34  
Section 2.10. Notes
    35  
Section 2.11. Voluntary Reductions of the Commitment
    35  
Section 2.12. Extension of Termination Date
    36  
Section 2.13. Expiration or Maturity Date of Letters of Credit Past Termination Date
    36  
Section 2.14. Amount Limitations
    36  
Section 2.15. Increase of Commitments
    36  
 
       
Article III. Payments, Fees and Other General Provisions
    37  
 
       
Section 3.1. Payments
    37  
Section 3.2. Pro Rata Treatment
    38  
Section 3.3. Sharing of Payments, Etc.
    38  
Section 3.4. Several Obligations
    39  
Section 3.5. Minimum Amounts
    39  
Section 3.6. Fees
    39  
Section 3.7. Computations
    40  
Section 3.8. Usury
    41  
Section 3.9. Agreement Regarding Interest and Charges
    41  
Section 3.10. Statements of Account
    41  
Section 3.11. Defaulting Lenders
    41  
Section 3.12. Taxes
    43  
 
       
Article IV. Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties
    44  
 
       
Section 4.1. Eligibility of Properties
    44  
Section 4.2. Reclassification of Properties
    46  
 
       
Article V. Yield Protection, Etc.
    47  
 
       
Section 5.1. Additional Costs; Capital Adequacy
    47  
Section 5.2. Suspension of LIBOR Loans
    48  

 

 


 

         
Section 5.3. Illegality
    49  
Section 5.4. Compensation
    49  
Section 5.5. Treatment of Affected Loans
    49  
Section 5.6. Change of Lending Office
    50  
Section 5.7. Assumptions Concerning Funding of LIBOR Loans
    50  
Section 5.8. Affected Lenders
    50  
 
       
Article VI. Conditions Precedent
    51  
 
       
Section 6.1. Initial Conditions Precedent
    51  
Section 6.2. Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letters of Credit
    53  
Section 6.3. Conditions Subsequent
    54  
 
       
Article VII. Representations and Warranties
    54  
 
       
Section 7.1. Representations and Warranties
    54  
Section 7.2. Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc.
    60  
 
       
Article VIII. Affirmative Covenants
    60  
 
       
Section 8.1. Preservation of Existence and Similar Matters
    60  
Section 8.2. Compliance with Applicable Law and Material Contracts
    61  
Section 8.3. Maintenance of Property
    61  
Section 8.4. Conduct of Business
    61  
Section 8.5. Insurance
    61  
Section 8.6. Payment of Taxes and Claims
    61  
Section 8.7. Visits and Inspections
    62  
Section 8.8. Use of Proceeds; Letters of Credit
    62  
Section 8.9. Environmental Matters
    62  
Section 8.10. Books and Records
    63  
Section 8.11. Further Assurances
    63  
Section 8.12. REIT Status
    63  
Section 8.13. Exchange Listing
    63  
Section 8.14. Additional Guarantors
    63  
Section 8.15. Release of Guarantors
    64  
 
       
Article IX. Information
    64  
 
       
Section 9.1. Quarterly Financial Statements
    65  
Section 9.2. Year-End Statements
    65  
Section 9.3. Compliance Certificate
    65  
Section 9.4. Other Information
    66  
Section 9.5. Electronic Delivery of Certain Information
    68  
Section 9.6. Public/Private Information
    69  
 
       
Article X. Negative Covenants
    70  
 
       
Section 10.1. Financial Covenants
    70  
Section 10.2. Restricted Payments
    71  
Section 10.3. Indebtedness
    71  
Section 10.4. Certain Permitted Investments
    71  
Section 10.5. Investments Generally
    72  

 

- ii -


 

         
Section 10.6. Liens; Negative Pledges; Other Matters
    72  
Section 10.7. Merger, Consolidation, Sales of Assets and Other Arrangements
    73  
Section 10.8. Fiscal Year
    74  
Section 10.9. Modifications to Material Contracts
    74  
Section 10.10. Modifications of Organizational Documents
    74  
Section 10.11. Transactions with Affiliates
    75  
Section 10.12. ERISA Exemptions
    75  
 
       
Article XI. Default
    75  
 
       
Section 11.1. Events of Default
    75  
Section 11.2. Remedies Upon Event of Default
    78  
Section 11.3. Remedies Upon Default
    80  
Section 11.4. Allocation of Proceeds
    80  
Section 11.5. Collateral Account
    81  
Section 11.6. Performance by Agent
    82  
Section 11.7. Rights Cumulative
    82  
 
       
Article XII. The Agent
    82  
 
       
Section 12.1. Authorization and Action
    82  
Section 12.2. Agent’s Reliance, Etc.
    83  
Section 12.3. Notice of Defaults
    83  
Section 12.4. Wachovia as Lender
    84  
Section 12.5. Approvals of Lenders
    84  
Section 12.6. Lender Credit Decision, Etc.
    85  
Section 12.7. Indemnification of Agent
    85  
Section 12.8. Successor Agent
    86  
Section 12.9. Titled Agents
    87  
 
       
Article XIII. Miscellaneous
    87  
 
       
Section 13.1. Notices
    87  
Section 13.2. Expenses
    88  
Section 13.3. Setoff
    89  
Section 13.4. Litigation; Jurisdiction; Other Matters; Waivers
    89  
Section 13.5. Successors and Assigns
    90  
Section 13.6. Amendments
    92  
Section 13.7. Nonliability of Agent and Lenders
    94  
Section 13.8. Confidentiality
    94  
Section 13.9. Indemnification
    95  
Section 13.10. Termination; Survival
    97  
Section 13.11. Severability of Provisions
    97  
Section 13.12. GOVERNING LAW
    97  
Section 13.13. Patriot Act
    97  
Section 13.14. Counterparts
    98  
Section 13.15. Obligations with Respect to Loan Parties
    98  
Section 13.16. Limitation of Liability
    98  
Section 13.17. Entire Agreement
    98  

 

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Section 13.18. Construction
    98  
Section 13.19. No Novation
    99  
     
SCHEDULE 1.1.(A)
  Capitalization Rates
SCHEDULE 1.1.(B)
  List of Loan Parties
SCHEDULE 4.1.
  Initial Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties
SCHEDULE 7.1.(b)
  Ownership Structure
SCHEDULE 7.1.(f)
  Title to Properties; Liens
SCHEDULE 7.1.(g)
  Indebtedness and Guaranties
SCHEDULE 7.1.(h)
  Material Contracts
SCHEDULE 7.1.(i)
  Litigation
 
   
EXHIBIT A
  Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement
EXHIBIT B
  Form of Guaranty
EXHIBIT C
  Form of Notice of Borrowing
EXHIBIT D
  Form of Notice of Continuation
EXHIBIT E
  Form of Notice of Conversion
EXHIBIT F
  Form of Notice of Swingline Borrowing
EXHIBIT G
  Form of Swingline Note
EXHIBIT H
  Form of Revolving Note
EXHIBIT I
  Form of Opinion of Counsel
EXHIBIT J
  Form of Compliance Certificate

 

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THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of February 28, 2007 by and among DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Borrower”), DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY, a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Maryland (the “Parent”), each of the financial institutions initially a signatory hereto together with their assignees pursuant to Section 13.5.(d), WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent, WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger (the “Sole Lead Arranger”) and as Book Manager (the “Book Manager”), each of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH and THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, as a Syndication Agent (each a “Syndication Agent”), and CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., as Documentation Agent (the “Documentation Agent”).
WHEREAS, certain of the Lenders and other financial institutions have made available to Borrower a revolving credit facility in the amount of $75,000,000, including a $25,000,000 letter of credit subfacility and a $20,000,000 swingline subfacility, on the terms and conditions contained in that certain Credit Agreement dated as of July 8, 2005 (as amended and in effect immediately prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”) by and among the Borrower, such Lenders, certain other financial institutions, the Agent and the other parties thereto; and
WHEREAS, the Agent and the Lenders desire to amend and restate the terms of the Existing Credit Agreement to make available to the Borrower a revolving credit facility in the initial amount of $200,000,000, which will include a $50,000,000 letter of credit subfacility and a $25,000,000 swingline subfacility, on the terms and conditions contained herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties hereto agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
Article I. Definitions
Section 1.1. Definitions.
In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings for the purposes of this Agreement:
Accession Agreement” means an Accession Agreement substantially in the form of Annex I to the Guaranty.
Accommodation Subsidiary” has the meaning given that term in Section 4.1.(d).
Additional Costs” has the meaning given that term in Section 5.1.
Adjusted EBITDA” means, for any given period, (a) the EBITDA of the Parent and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period minus (b) FF&E Reserves for such period.

 

 


 

Adjusted LIBOR” means, with respect to each Interest Period for any LIBOR Loan, the rate obtained by dividing (a) LIBOR for such Interest Period by (b) a percentage equal to 1 minus the stated maximum rate (stated as a decimal) of all reserves, if any, required to be maintained with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities”) as specified in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or against any other category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on LIBOR Loans is determined or any applicable category of extensions of credit or other assets which includes loans by an office of any Lender outside of the United States of America to residents of the United States of America). Any change in such maximum rate shall result in a change in Adjusted LIBOR on the date on which such change in such maximum rate becomes effective.
Adjusted Total Asset Value” means Total Asset Value determined exclusive of assets that are owned by Excluded Subsidiaries, Foreign Subsidiaries and Unconsolidated Affiliates.
Administrative Details Form” means an Administrative Details Reply Form in a form supplied by the Agent to the Lenders from time to time.
Affiliate” means any Person (other than the Agent or any Lender): (a) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, the Borrower; (b) directly or indirectly owning or holding ten percent (10.0%) or more of any Equity Interest in the Borrower; or (c) ten percent (10.0%) or more of whose voting stock or other Equity Interest is directly or indirectly owned or held by the Borrower. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession directly or indirectly of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise. The Affiliates of a Person shall include any officer or director of such Person. In no event shall the Agent or any Lender be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Borrower.
Agent” means Wachovia Bank, National Association, as contractual representative for the Lenders under the terms of this Agreement.
Agreement Date” means the date as of which this Agreement is dated.
Applicable Law” means all applicable provisions of constitutions, statutes, rules, regulations and orders of all governmental bodies and all orders and decrees of all courts, tribunals and arbitrators.
Applicable Margin” means the percentage rate set forth below corresponding to the ratio of Total Indebtedness to Total Asset Value as determined in accordance with Section 10.1. in effect at such time:

 

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        Applicable Margin for     Applicable Margin for  
Level   Leverage Ratio   LIBOR Loans     Base Rate Loans  
1
  Less than or equal to 0.50 to 1.00     0.95 %     0.0 %
2
  Greater than 0.50 to 1.00 but less than or equal to 0.55 to 1.00     1.25 %     0.25 %
3
  Greater than 0.55 to 1.00 but less than 0.60 to 1.00     1.45 %     0.45 %
4
  Greater than or equal to 0.60 to 1.00     1.55 %     0.65 %
The Applicable Margin shall be determined by the Agent from time to time, based on the ratio of Total Indebtedness to Total Asset Value as set forth in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 9.3. Any adjustment to the Applicable Margin shall be effective (i) in the case of a Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with quarterly financial statements of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 9.1., as of the date 45 days following the end of the last day of the applicable fiscal period covered by such Compliance Certificate, (ii) in the case of a Compliance Certificate delivered in connection with annual financial statements of the Parent delivered pursuant to Section 9.2., as of the date 120 days following the end of the last day of the applicable fiscal period covered by such Compliance Certificate, and (iii) in the case of any other Compliance Certificate, as of the date 5 Business Days following the Agent’s request for such Compliance Certificate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the period from the Effective Date through but excluding the date on which the Agent first determines the Applicable Margin as set forth above, the Applicable Margin shall be determined based on Level 1. Thereafter, the Applicable Margin shall be adjusted from time to time as set forth above. If the Borrower shall fail to deliver a compliance certificate within the time period required under Section 9.3., the Applicable Margin shall be determined based on Level 4 until the Borrower delivers the required Compliance Certificate, in which case the Applicable Margin shall be determined as provided above effective as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate.
Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person) (a) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and (b) that is administered or managed by a Lender, an affiliate of a Lender or an entity or an affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
Approved Manager” means Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Hotels Corporation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Noble Investment Group, RockResorts International, Hyatt Corporation, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Group and their respective affiliates.
Arranger” means Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.
Assignee” has the meaning given that term in Section 13.5.(d).
Assignment and Acceptance Agreement” means an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement among a Lender, an Assignee and the Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

 

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Base Rate” means the per annum rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus one-half of one percent (0.5%). Any change in the Base Rate resulting from a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall become effective as of 12:01 a.m. on the Business Day on which each such change occurs. The Base Rate is a reference rate used by the Lender acting as the Agent in determining interest rates on certain loans and is not intended to be the lowest rate of interest charged by the Lender acting as the Agent or any other Lender on any extension of credit to any debtor.
Base Rate Loan” means a Revolving Loan bearing interest at a rate based on the Base Rate.
Benefit Arrangement” means at any time an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA which is not a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan and which is maintained or otherwise contributed to by any member of the ERISA Group.
Borrower” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.
Business Day” means (a) any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in Charlotte, North Carolina or New York, New York are authorized or required to close and (b) with reference to a LIBOR Loan, any such day that is also a day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are carried out in the London interbank market.
Capitalization Rate” means 9.00% for assets categorized Upscale or below, 8.00% for assets categorized Upper Upscale and 7.50% for assets categorized Luxury or Resort. Such categorization shall be as determined by Smith Travel Research or as otherwise requested by the Borrower and consented to in writing by the Requisite Lenders. Attached hereto as Schedule 1.1.(A) is the categorization and Capitalization Rates for Properties owned directly or indirectly by the Borrower as of the date hereof.
Capitalized Lease Obligation” means an obligation under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. The amount of a Capitalized Lease Obligation is the capitalized amount of such obligation as would be required to be reflected on a balance sheet of the applicable Person prepared in accordance with GAAP as of the applicable date.
Cash Equivalents” means: (a) securities issued, guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any of its agencies with maturities of not more than one year from the date acquired; (b) certificates of deposit with maturities of not more than one year from the date acquired issued by a United States federal or state chartered commercial bank of recognized standing, or a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or a political subdivision of any such country, acting through a branch or agency, which bank has capital and unimpaired surplus in excess of $500,000,000 and which bank or its holding company has a short-term commercial paper rating of at least A-2 or the equivalent by S&P or at least P-2 or the equivalent by Moody’s; (c) reverse repurchase agreements with terms of not more than seven days from the date acquired, for securities of the type described in clause (a) above and entered

 

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into only with commercial banks having the qualifications described in clause (b) above; (d) commercial paper issued by any Person incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof and rated at least A-2 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or at least P-2 or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s, in each case with maturities of not more than one year from the date acquired; and (e) investments in money market funds registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which have net assets of at least $500,000,000 and at least 85% of whose assets consist of securities and other obligations of the type described in clauses (a) through (d) above.
Collateral Account” means a special deposit account established by the Agent pursuant to Section 11.5. and under its sole dominion and control.
Commitment” means, as to each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender), such Lender’s obligation (a) to make Revolving Loans pursuant to Section 2.1., (b) to issue (in the case of the Lender then acting as Agent) or participate in (in the case of the other Lenders) Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.3.(a) and 2.3.(i), respectively, (but in the case of the Lender acting as the Agent excluding the aggregate amount of participations in the Letters of Credit held by the other Lenders), and (c) to participate in Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.2.(e), in each case, in an amount up to, but not exceeding, the amount set forth for such Lender on its signature page hereto as such Lender’s “Commitment Amount” or as set forth in the applicable Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, as the same may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.11. or as appropriate to reflect any assignments to or by such Lender effected in accordance with Section 13.5.
Commitment Percentage” means, as to each Lender, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of (a) the amount of such Lender’s Commitment to (b) the aggregate amount of the Commitments of all Lenders; provided, however, that if at the time of determination the Commitments have terminated or been reduced to zero, the “Commitment Percentage” of each Lender shall be the Commitment Percentage of such Lender in effect immediately prior to such termination or reduction.
Compliance Certificate” has the meaning given that term in Section 9.3.
Continue”, “Continuation” and “Continued” each refers to the continuation of a LIBOR Loan from one Interest Period to another Interest Period pursuant to Section 2.8.
Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to the conversion of a Revolving Loan of one Type into a Revolving Loan of another Type pursuant to Section 2.9.
Credit Event” means any of the following: (a) the making (or deemed making) of any Loan, (b) the Conversion of a Loan and (c) the issuance of a Letter of Credit.
Default” means any of the events specified in Section 11.1., whether or not there has been satisfied any requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both.
Defaulting Lender” has the meaning given that term in Section 3.11.

 

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Derivatives Contract” means any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the term “Derivatives Contract” includes any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement, including any such obligations or liabilities under any such master agreement.
Derivatives Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Derivatives Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Derivatives Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Derivatives Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a) the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Derivatives Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Derivatives Contracts (which may include the Agent or any Lender).
Development Property” means, as of any date of determination, any Property on which the existing building or other improvements are undergoing renovation and redevelopment that will either (a) disrupt the occupancy of at least 15% of the rentable rooms of such Property or (b) temporarily reduce the Net Operating Income attributable to such Property by more than 15% as compared to the immediately preceding comparable prior period. A Property shall cease to be a Development Property once all improvements related to the renovation or redevelopment of such Property have been substantially completed.
Dollars” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.
Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is incorporated or organized under the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
EBITDA” means, with respect to a Person for any period (without duplication): (a) net income (loss) of such Person for such period determined on a consolidated basis (before minority interests), exclusive of the following (but only to the extent included in determination of such net income (loss)): (i) depreciation and amortization expense; (ii) Interest Expense; (iii) income tax expense; (iv) extraordinary or non-recurring gains and losses; and (v) other non-cash charges (other than non-cash charges that constitute an accrual of a reserve for future cash payments)

 

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plus (b) such Person’s pro rata share of EBITDA of its Unconsolidated Affiliates. EBITDA shall be adjusted to remove any impact from (x) non-cash amortization of stock grants to members of the Parent’s management, (y) straight line rent leveling adjustments required under GAAP and (z) amortization of intangibles pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards number 141.
Effective Date” means the later of: (a) the Agreement Date; and (b) the date on which all of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.1. shall have been fulfilled (subject to the effect of Section 6.3.) or waived in writing by the Requisite Lenders.
Eligible Assignee” means any Person who is: (i) currently a Lender or an affiliate of a Lender; (ii) an Approved Fund; (iii) a commercial bank, trust, trust company, insurance company, investment bank or pension fund organized under the laws of the United States of America, or any state thereof, and having total assets in excess of $5,000,000,000; (iv) a savings and loan association or savings bank organized under the laws of the United States of America, or any state thereof, and having a tangible net worth of at least $500,000,000; or (v) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or a political subdivision of any such country, and having total assets in excess of $10,000,000,000, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States of America. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any period in which an Event of Default exists under subsections (a), (f) or (g) of Section 11.1., the term “Eligible Assignee” shall mean any Person that is not an individual.
Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property” means a Property which satisfies all of the following requirements: (a) such Property (i) is a Development Property or (ii) is a full service, select service or extended stay lodging Property; (b) except in the case of a Development Property, such Property is currently operating and open for business to the public; (c) such Property is branded by a nationally recognized hotel company; (d) such Property is located in a State of the United States of America, in the District of Columbia or in any territories of the United States of America; (e) the Property is owned in fee simple, or, with the consent of the Agent, leased under a Ground Lease entirely by, the Borrower, a Subsidiary or an Unconsolidated Affiliate; (f) neither such Property, nor any interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary therein, is subject to any Lien (other than Permitted Liens (but not Liens of the types described in clauses (f), (g) and (h) of the definition of Permitted Liens)) or a Negative Pledge; (g) if such Property is owned or leased by a Subsidiary or an Unconsolidated Affiliate (i) none of the Borrower’s direct or indirect ownership interest in such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate is subject to any Lien (other than Permitted Liens (but not Liens of the types described in clauses (f), (g) and (h) of the definition of Permitted Liens)) or to a Negative Pledge; and (ii) the Borrower directly, or indirectly through a Subsidiary, has the right to take the following actions without the need to obtain the consent of any Person: (x) to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of such Property and (y) to create a Lien on such Property as security for Indebtedness of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable; (h) such Property is either managed by (i) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) an Approved Manager or (iii) a nationally recognized third-party property management company or any of its affiliates approved by the Agent and Requisite Lenders; and (i) such Property is free of all structural defects or title defects, environmental conditions or other adverse matters except for defects, deficiencies, conditions or

 

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other matters individually or collectively which are not material to the profitable operation of such Property.
Environmental Laws” means any Applicable Law relating to environmental protection or the manufacture, storage, remediation, disposal or clean-up of Hazardous Materials including, without limitation, the following: Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.; Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.; Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.; National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq.; regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency and any applicable rule of common law and any judicial interpretation thereof relating primarily to the environment or Hazardous Materials.
Equity Interest” means, with respect to any Person, any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, any warrant, option or other right for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, any security convertible into or exchangeable for any share of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrant, right or option for the purchase or other acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and any other ownership or profit interest in such Person (including, without limitation, partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such share, warrant, option, right or other interest is authorized or otherwise existing on any date of determination.
Equity Issuance” means any issuance by a Person of any Equity Interest in such Person and shall in any event include the issuance of any Equity Interest upon the conversion or exchange of any security constituting Indebtedness that is convertible or exchangeable, or is being converted or exchanged, for Equity Interests.
ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as in effect from time to time.
ERISA Group” means the Borrower, any Subsidiary and all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower or any Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Event of Default” means any of the events specified in Section 11.1., provided that any requirement for notice or lapse of time or any other condition has been satisfied.
Excluded Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary as to which both of the following apply (a) such Subsidiary holds title to, or beneficially owns, assets which are or are intended to become collateral for any Secured Indebtedness of such Subsidiary, or is a beneficial owner of a Subsidiary holding title to or beneficially owning such assets (but having no material assets other than such beneficial ownership interests); and (b) which (i) is, or is expected to be, prohibited from Guarantying the Indebtedness of any other Person pursuant to any document, instrument or

 

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agreement evidencing such Secured Indebtedness or (ii) is prohibited from Guarantying the Indebtedness of any other Person pursuant a provision of such Subsidiary’s organizational documents which provision was included in such Subsidiary’s organizational documents as a condition to the extension of such Secured Indebtedness.
Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning given such term in the first “WHEREAS” clause of this Agreement.
Fair Market Value” means, with respect to (a) a security listed on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market, the price of such security as reported on such exchange by any widely recognized reporting method customarily relied upon by financial institutions and (b) with respect to any other property, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of which is under pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction.
Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day, provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to the Agent by federal funds dealers selected by the Agent on such day on such transaction as determined by the Agent.
Fees” means the fees and commissions provided for or referred to in Section 3.6. and any other fees payable by the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document.
FF&E Reserves” means, for any period and with respect to a Property, an amount equal to 4.0% of total gross revenues for such Property for such period. If the term FF&E Reserves is used without reference to a specific Property, then the amount shall be determined on an aggregate basis with respect to all Properties of the Parent and its Subsidiaries and a proportionate share of all Properties of all Unconsolidated Affiliates.
Fixed Charges” means, for any period, the sum of (a) Interest Expense of the Parent and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such period, (b) all regularly scheduled principal payments made with respect to Indebtedness of the Parent and its Subsidiaries during such period, other than any balloon, bullet or similar principal payment which repays such Indebtedness in full, and (c) all Preferred Dividends paid during such period on Preferred Equity Interests not owned by the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries. The Parent’s pro rata share of the Fixed Charges of Unconsolidated Affiliates of the Parent shall be included in determinations of Fixed Charges.
Floating Rate Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of a Person which bears interest at a variable rate during the scheduled life of such Indebtedness and for which such Person has not obtained interest rate swap agreements, interest rate “cap” or “collar” agreements or other

 

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similar Derivatives Contracts which effectively cause such variable rates to be equivalent to fixed rates or subject to maximum interest rates which, in each case, are reasonably acceptable to the Agent.
Foreign Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
Funds From Operations” means, with respect to a Person and for a given period, (a) net income (loss) of such Person determined on a consolidated basis for such period minus (or plus) (b) gains (or losses) from debt restructuring and sales of property during such period plus (c) depreciation with respect to such Person’s real estate assets and amortization of such Person for such period, all after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for Unconsolidated Affiliates will be calculated to reflect funds from operations on the same basis.
GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination.
Governmental Approvals” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and reports to, all Governmental Authorities.
Governmental Authority” means any national, state or local government (whether domestic or foreign), any political subdivision thereof or any other governmental, quasi-governmental, judicial, public or statutory instrumentality, authority, body, agency, bureau, commission, board, department or other entity (including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of the Currency or the Federal Reserve Board, any central bank or any comparable authority) or any arbitrator with authority to bind a party at law.
Ground Lease” means a ground lease containing the following terms and conditions: (a) a remaining term (exclusive of any unexercised extension options) of 25 years or more from the Agreement Date; (b) the right of the lessee to mortgage and encumber its interest in the leased property without the consent of the lessor, or, if consent is required, such consent has been obtained; (c) the obligation of the lessor to give the holder of any mortgage Lien on such leased property written notice of any defaults on the part of the lessee and agreement of such lessor that such lease will not be terminated until such holder has had a reasonable opportunity to cure or complete foreclosures, and fails to do so; (d) reasonable transferability of the lessee’s interest under such lease, including ability to sublease; and (e) such other rights customarily required by mortgagees making a loan secured by the interest of the holder of the leasehold estate demised pursuant to a ground lease.
Guarantor” means any Person that is a party to the Guaranty as a “Guarantor” and in any event shall include each Material Subsidiary (other than Excluded Subsidiaries and Foreign Subsidiaries).

 

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Guaranty”, “Guaranteed”, “Guarantying” or to “Guarantee” as applied to any obligation means and includes: (a) a guaranty (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business), directly or indirectly, in any manner, of any part or all of such obligation, or (b) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, and whether or not constituting a guaranty, the practical effect of which is to assure the payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event of nonperformance) of any part or all of such obligation whether by: (i) the purchase of securities or obligations, (ii) the purchase, sale or lease (as lessee or lessor) of property or the purchase or sale of services primarily for the purpose of enabling the obligor with respect to such obligation to make any payment or performance (or payment of damages in the event of nonperformance) of or on account of any part or all of such obligation, or to assure the owner of such obligation against loss, (iii) the supplying of funds to or in any other manner investing in the obligor with respect to such obligation, (iv) repayment of amounts drawn down by beneficiaries of letters of credit (including Letters of Credit), or (v) the supplying of funds to or investing in a Person on account of all or any part of such Person’s obligation under a Guaranty of any obligation or indemnifying or holding harmless, in any way, such Person against any part or all of such obligation. As the context requires, “Guaranty” shall also mean the Guaranty to which the Guarantors are parties substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
Hazardous Materials” means all or any of the following: (a) substances that are defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable Environmental Laws as “hazardous substances”, “hazardous materials”, “hazardous wastes”, “toxic substances” or any other formulation intended to define, list or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, “TCLP” toxicity or “EP toxicity”; (b) oil, petroleum or petroleum derived substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids or synthetic gas and drilling fluids, produced waters and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of crude oil, natural gas or geothermal resources; (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive materials; (d) asbestos in any form; (e) toxic mold; and (f) electrical equipment which contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of fifty parts per million.
Implied Debt Service” means, for any period, an amount equal to the annual principal and interest payment sufficient to amortize in full during a 30-year period the aggregate principal balance of Loans and the amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities outstanding during such period calculated using an interest rate equal to the greater of (i) the yield on a 10 year United States Treasury Note at such time as determined by the Agent plus 1.50% or (ii) 6.50%.
Indebtedness” means, with respect to a Person, at the time of computation thereof, all of the following (without duplication): (a) all obligations of such Person in respect of money borrowed (other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business which is not more than 180 days past due); (b) all obligations of such Person, whether or not for money borrowed (i) represented by notes payable, or drafts accepted, in each case representing extensions of credit, (ii) evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or (iii) constituting purchase money indebtedness, conditional sales contracts, title retention debt instruments or other similar instruments, upon which interest charges are customarily paid or that are issued or

 

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assumed as full or partial payment for property or services rendered; (c) Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person; (d) all reimbursement obligations of such Person under any letters of credit or acceptances (whether or not the same have been presented for payment); (e) all Off-Balance Sheet Obligations of such Person; (f) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock issued by such Person or any other Person, valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; (g) all obligations of such Person in respect of any purchase obligation, repurchase obligation, takeout commitment or forward equity commitment, in each case evidenced by a binding agreement (excluding any such obligation to the extent the obligation can be satisfied by the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock)); (h) net obligations under any Derivatives Contract not entered into as a hedge against existing Indebtedness, in an amount equal to the Derivatives Termination Value thereof; (i) all Indebtedness of other Persons which such Person has Guaranteed or is otherwise recourse to such Person (except for guaranties of customary exceptions for fraud, misapplication of funds, environmental indemnities and other similar exceptions to recourse liability (but not exceptions relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar events)); (j) all Indebtedness of another Person secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property or assets owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness or other payment obligation; and (k) such Person’s pro rata share of the Indebtedness of any Unconsolidated Affiliate of such Person. Indebtedness of any Person shall include Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture in which such Person is a general partner or joint venturer to the extent of such Person’s pro rata share of the ownership of such partnership or joint venture (except if such Indebtedness, or portion thereof, is recourse (other than in respect of exceptions referred to in the definition of Nonrecourse Indebtedness) to such Person, in which case the greater of such Person’s pro rata portion of such Indebtedness or the amount of such recourse portion of the Indebtedness, shall be included as Indebtedness of such Person). All Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities shall constitute Indebtedness of the Borrower.
Intellectual Property” has the meaning given that term in Section 7.1.(t).
Interest Expense” means, for any period, without duplication, (a) total interest expense of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, including capitalized interest not funded under a construction loan interest reserve account, determined on a consolidated basis for such period, plus (b) the Parent’s pro rata share of Interest Expense of Unconsolidated Affiliates for such period. Interest Expense shall exclude any amortization of deferred financing fees.
Interest Period” means with respect to any LIBOR Loan, each period commencing on the date such LIBOR Loan is made or the last day of the next preceding Interest Period for such Loan and ending 1, 2, 3 or 6 months, or if available from all of the Lenders, 9 or 12 months, thereafter, as the Borrower may select in a Notice of Borrowing, Notice of Continuation or Notice of Conversion, as the case may be, except that each Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month shall end on the last Business Day of the appropriate subsequent calendar month. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) if any Interest Period would otherwise end after the Termination Date, such Interest Period shall end on the Termination

 

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Date; and (ii) each Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day shall end on the immediately following Business Day (or, if such immediately following Business Day falls in the next calendar month, on the immediately preceding Business Day).
Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Investment” means, with respect to any Person, any acquisition or investment (whether or not of a controlling interest) by such Person, by means of any of the following: (a) the purchase or other acquisition of any Equity Interest in another Person, (b) a loan, advance or extension of credit to, capital contribution to, Guaranty of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any Indebtedness of, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute the business or a division or operating unit of another Person. Any binding commitment to make an Investment in any other Person, as well as any option of another Person to require an Investment in such Person, shall constitute an Investment. Except as expressly provided otherwise, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant contained in a Loan Document, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
L/C Commitment Amount” equals $50,000,000.
Lender” means each financial institution from time to time party hereto as a “Lender” and as the context requires, includes the Swingline Lender.
Lending Office” means, for each Lender and for each Type of Loan, the office of such Lender specified as such in such Lender’s Administrative Details Form, or such other office of such Lender of which such Lender may notify the Agent in writing.
Letter of Credit” has the meaning given that term in Section 2.3.(a).
Letter of Credit Documents” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, collectively, any application therefor, any certificate or other document presented in connection with a drawing under such Letter of Credit and any other agreement, instrument or other document governing or providing for (a) the rights and obligations of the parties concerned or at risk with respect to such Letter of Credit or (b) any collateral security for any of such obligations.
Letter of Credit Liabilities” means, without duplication, at any time and in respect of any Letter of Credit, the sum of (a) the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit plus (b) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Reimbursement Obligations of the Borrower at such time due and payable in respect of all drawings made under such Letter of Credit. For purposes of this Agreement, a Lender (other than the Lender acting as the Agent) shall be deemed to hold a Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its participation interest in the related Letter of Credit under Section 2.3.(i), and the Lender acting as the Agent shall be deemed to hold a Letter of Credit Liability in an amount equal to its retained interest in the related Letter of Credit after

 

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giving effect to the acquisition by the Lenders other than the Lender acting as the Agent of their participation interests under such Section.
Level” has the meaning given that term in the definition of the term “Applicable Margin.”
LIBOR” means, for any LIBOR Loan for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period. If for any reason such rate is not available, the term “LIBOR” shall mean, for any LIBOR Loan for any Interest Period therefor, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing on the Reuters Screen LIBO Page as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period; provided, however, if more than one rate is specified on the Reuters Screen LIBO Page, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such rates. If for any reason none of the foregoing rates is available, LIBOR shall be, for any Interest Period, the rate per annum reasonably determined by the Agent as the rate of interest at which Dollar deposits in the approximate amount of the LIBOR Loan comprising part of such borrowing would be offered by the Agent to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market at their request at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term comparable to such Interest Period.
LIBOR Index Rate” means at any time the rate (rounded to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of interest for one month U.S. dollar deposits as reported on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m. London time for such day, provided, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day, or if not so reported, then as determined by the Agent from another recognized source or interbank quotation.
LIBOR Loan” means a Revolving Loan bearing interest at a rate based on LIBOR.
Lien” as applied to the property of any Person means: (a) any security interest, encumbrance, mortgage, deed to secure debt, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents, pledge, lien, charge or lease constituting a Capitalized Lease Obligation, conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or other security title or encumbrance of any kind in respect of any property of such Person, or upon the income, rents or profits therefrom; (b) any arrangement, express or implied, under which any property of such Person is transferred, sequestered or otherwise identified for the purpose of subjecting the same to the payment of Indebtedness or performance of any other obligation in priority to the payment of the general, unsecured creditors of such Person; (c) the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or its equivalent in any jurisdiction, other than any precautionary filing not otherwise constituting or giving rise to a Lien, including a financing statement filed (i) in respect of a lease not constituting a Capitalized Lease Obligation pursuant to Section 9-505 (or a successor provision) of the Uniform Commercial Code or its equivalent as in effect in an applicable jurisdiction or (ii) in connection with a sale or other disposition of accounts or other assets not prohibited by this

 

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Agreement in a transaction not otherwise constituting or giving rise to a Lien; and (d) any agreement by such Person to grant, give or otherwise convey any of the foregoing.
Loan” means a Revolving Loan or a Swingline Loan.
Loan Document” means this Agreement, each Note, each Letter of Credit Document, the Guaranty and each other document or instrument now or hereafter executed and delivered by a Loan Party in connection with, pursuant to or relating to this Agreement.
Loan Party” means the Borrower, the Parent and each other Guarantor. Schedule 1.1.(B) sets forth the Loan Parties in addition to the Borrower and the Parent as of the Agreement Date.
Mandatorily Redeemable Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interest of such Person which by the terms of such Equity Interest (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable or exercisable), upon the happening of any event or otherwise (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than an Equity Interest to the extent redeemable in exchange for common stock or other equivalent common Equity Interests), (b) is convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Indebtedness or Mandatorily Redeemable Stock, or (c) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part (other than an Equity Interest which is redeemable solely in exchange for common stock or other equivalent common Equity Interests), in each case on or prior to the date on which all Revolving Loans are scheduled to be due and payable in full.
Marketable Securities” means (a) bank deposits and certificates of deposit from a bank rated Baa1 or BBB+ or better by a Rating Agency; (b) government obligations; and (c) commercial paper rated A1 or P1 by a Rating Agency.
Material Adverse Effect” means a materially adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party, (c) the validity or enforceability of any of the material provisions of the Loan Documents, or (d) the material rights and remedies of the Lenders and the Agent under any of the Loan Documents.
Material Contract” means any contract or other arrangement (other than Loan Documents), whether written or oral, to which the Parent, the Borrower, or any other Subsidiary is a party as to which the breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to renew by any party thereto could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Material Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary (a) that owns in fee simple, or leases pursuant to a ground lease, an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property or (b) to which more than 10% of Total Asset Value is attributable on an individual basis.

 

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Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
Mortgage” means a mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt or similar security instrument made by a Person owning an interest in real property granting a Lien on such interest in real property as security for the payment of Indebtedness of such Person or another Person.
Mortgage Receivable” means a promissory note secured by a Mortgage of which the Parent, the Borrower or another Subsidiary is the holder and retains the rights of collection of all payments thereunder.
Multiemployer Plan” means at any time a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any member of the ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including for these purposes any Person which ceased to be a member of the ERISA Group during such five year period.
Negative Pledge” means, with respect to a given asset, any provision of a document, instrument or agreement (other than any Loan Document) which prohibits or purports to prohibit the creation or assumption of any Lien on such asset as security for Indebtedness of the Person owning such asset or any other Person; provided, however, that an agreement that conditions a Person’s ability to encumber its assets upon the maintenance of one or more specified ratios that limit such Person’s ability to encumber its assets but that do not generally prohibit the encumbrance of its assets, or the encumbrance of specific assets, shall not constitute a Negative Pledge.
Net Operating Income” or “NOI” means, for any Property and for a given period, the sum of the following (without duplication and determined on a consistent basis with prior periods): (a) gross revenues received in the ordinary course from such Property minus (b) all expenses paid (excluding interest but including an appropriate accrual for property taxes and insurance) related to the ownership, operation or maintenance of such Property, including but not limited to property taxes, assessments and the like, insurance, utilities, payroll costs, maintenance, repair and landscaping expenses, marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses (including an appropriate allocation for legal, accounting, advertising, marketing and other expenses incurred in connection with such Property, but specifically excluding general overhead expenses of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any property management fees) minus (c) the FF&E Reserves for such Property as of the end of such period minus (d) the greater of (i) the actual property management fee paid during such period and (ii) an imputed management fee in the amount of three percent (3.0%) of the gross revenues for such Property for such period.
Net Tangible Proceeds” means with respect to any Equity Issuance by a Person, the aggregate amount of all cash and the Fair Market Value of all other property (other than (a) securities of such Person being converted or exchanged in connection with such Equity Issuance and (b) assets separately classified as intangible assets under GAAP) received by such Person in respect of such Equity Issuance net of investment banking fees, legal fees, accountants’

 

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fees, underwriting discounts and commissions and other customary fees and expenses actually incurred by such Person in connection with such Equity Issuance.
Nonrecourse Indebtedness” means, with respect to a Person, (a) Indebtedness for borrowed money in respect of which recourse for payment (except for customary exceptions for fraud, misapplication of funds, environmental indemnities, and other similar exceptions to recourse liability (but not exceptions relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar events)) is contractually limited to specific assets of such Person encumbered by a Lien securing such Indebtedness or (b) if such Person is a Single Asset Entity, any Indebtedness for borrowed money of such Person.
Note” means a Revolving Note or a Swingline Note.
Notice of Borrowing” means a notice in the form of Exhibit C to be delivered to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.1.(b) evidencing the Borrower’s request for a borrowing of Revolving Loans.
Notice of Continuation” means a notice in the form of Exhibit D to be delivered to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.8. evidencing the Borrower’s request for the Continuation of a LIBOR Loan.
Notice of Conversion” means a notice in the form of Exhibit E to be delivered to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.9. evidencing the Borrower’s request for the Conversion of a Loan from one Type to another Type.
Notice of Swingline Borrowing” means a notice in the form of Exhibit F to be delivered to the Agent pursuant to Section 2.2. evidencing the Borrower’s request for a borrowing of Swingline Loans.
Obligations” means, individually and collectively: (a) the aggregate principal balance of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all Loans; (b) all Reimbursement Obligations and all other Letter of Credit Liabilities; and (c) all other indebtedness, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties owing to the Agent or any Lender of every kind, nature and description, under or in respect of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, including, without limitation, the Fees and indemnification obligations, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or not due, contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether or not evidenced by any promissory note.
OFAC” means U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and any successor Governmental Authority.
Off-Balance Sheet Obligations” means liabilities and obligations of the Parent, any Subsidiary or any other Person in respect of “off-balance sheet arrangements” (as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act) which the Parent would be required to disclose in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of the Parent’s report on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K

 

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(or their equivalents) which the Parent is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any Governmental Authority substituted therefor).
“Parent” has the meaning given such term in the introductory paragraph hereof.
Participant” has the meaning given that term in Section 13.5.(c).
PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor agency.
Permitted Liens” means, as to any Person: (a) Liens securing taxes, assessments and other charges or levies imposed by any Governmental Authority (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the provisions of ERISA or pursuant to any Environmental Laws) or the claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen or landlords for labor, materials, supplies or rentals incurred in the ordinary course of business, which are not at the time required to be paid or discharged under Section 8.6.; (b) Liens consisting of deposits or pledges made, in the ordinary course of business, in connection with, or to secure payment of, obligations under workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or similar Applicable Laws; (c) Liens consisting of encumbrances in the nature of zoning restrictions, easements, and rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property, which do not materially detract from the value of such property or impair the intended use thereof in the business of such Person; (d) the rights of tenants under leases or subleases not interfering with the ordinary conduct of business of such Person; (e) Liens in favor of the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders; (f) Liens in favor of the Borrower or a Guarantor securing obligations owing by a Subsidiary to the Borrower or a Guarantor; (g) Liens in existence as of the Agreement Date and set forth in the Part II of Schedule 7.1.(f); (h) Liens arising out of judgments or awards in respect of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries not constituting an Event of Default under Section 11.1.(i); (i) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease of equipment (not constituting a fixture) entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of its business and covering only the assets so leased; and (j) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business by virtue of any contractual, statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies covering deposit or securities accounts (including funds or other assets credited thereto).
Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
Plan” means at any time an employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and either (a) is maintained, or contributed to, by any member of the ERISA Group for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (b) has at any time within the preceding five years been maintained, or contributed to, by any Person which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for employees of any Person which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.
Post-Default Rate” means, in respect of any principal of any Loan or any other Obligation that is not paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, by mandatory

 

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prepayment or otherwise), a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate as in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Loans plus two percent (2.0%).
Preferred Dividends” means, for any period and without duplication, all Restricted Payments paid during such period on Preferred Equity Interests issued by the Parent or a Subsidiary. Preferred Dividends shall not include dividends or distributions (a) paid or payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock) payable to holders of such class of Equity Interests, (b) paid or payable to the Parent or a Subsidiary, or (c) constituting or resulting in the redemption of Preferred Equity Interests, other than scheduled redemptions not constituting balloon, bullet or similar redemptions in full.
Preferred Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, Equity Interests in such Person which are entitled to preference or priority over any other Equity Interest in such Person in respect of the payment of dividends or distribution of assets upon liquidation or both.
Prime Rate” means the rate of interest per annum announced publicly by the Lender then acting as the Agent as its prime rate from time to time. The Prime Rate is not necessarily the best or the lowest rate of interest offered by the Lender acting as the Agent or any other Lender.
Principal Office” means the office of the Agent located at One Wachovia Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, or such other office of the Agent as the Agent may designate from time to time.
Property” means any parcel of real property owned or leased (in whole or in part) or operated by the Parent, the Borrower, any other Subsidiary or any Unconsolidated Affiliate of the Parent and which is located in a state of the United States of America or the District of Columbia.
Qualified REIT Subsidiary” shall have the meaning given to such term in the Internal Revenue Code.
Register” has the meaning given that term in Section 13.5.(e).
Regulatory Change” means, with respect to any Lender, any change effective after the Agreement Date in Applicable Law (including without limitation, Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or the adoption or making after such date of any interpretation, directive or request applying to a class of banks, including such Lender, of or under any Applicable Law (whether or not having the force of law and whether or not failure to comply therewith would be unlawful) by any Governmental Authority or monetary authority charged with the interpretation or administration thereof or compliance by any Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy.
Reimbursement Obligation” means the absolute, unconditional and irrevocable obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Agent for any drawing honored by the Agent under a Letter of Credit.

 

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REIT” means a Person qualifying for treatment as a “real estate investment trust” under the Internal Revenue Code.
Requisite Lenders” means, as of any date, Lenders having greater than 50% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments (not held by Defaulting Lenders who are not entitled to vote), or, if the Commitments have been terminated or reduced to zero, Lenders holding greater than 50% of the principal amount of the aggregate outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Liabilities (not held by Defaulting Lenders who are not entitled to vote).
Responsible Officer” means with respect to the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer or any other senior executive officer of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary.
Restricted Payment” means: (a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any Equity Interest of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding, except a dividend payable solely in Equity Interests; (b) any redemption, conversion, exchange, retirement, sinking fund or similar payment, purchase or other acquisition for value, direct or indirect, of any Equity Interest of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding; and (c) any payment made to retire, or to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options or other rights to acquire any Equity Interests of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary now or hereafter outstanding.
Revolving Loan” means a loan made by a Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1.(a).
Revolving Note” has the meaning given that term in Section 2.10.(a).
Sanctioned Entity” means (a) an agency of the government of, (b) an organization directly or indirectly controlled by, or (c) a Person resident in, in each case, a country that is subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by the OFAC and published from time to time, as such program may be applicable to such agency, organization or Person.
Sanctioned Person” means a Person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by the OFAC as published from time to time.
Secured Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, (a) all Indebtedness of such Person that is secured in any manner by any Lien on any Property plus (b) such Person’s pro rata share of the Secured Indebtedness of any of such Person’s Unconsolidated Affiliates.
Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, together with all rules and regulations issued thereunder.
Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary to which more than $10,000,000 of the unallocated gross book value (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of all real estate assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries is attributable.

 

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Single Asset Entity” means a Person (other than an individual) that (a) only owns a single Property; (b) is engaged only in the business of owning, developing and/or leasing such Property; and (c) receives substantially all of its gross revenues from such Property. In addition, if the assets of a Person consist solely of (i) Equity Interests in one other Single Asset Entity and (ii) cash and other assets of nominal value incidental to such Person’s ownership of the other Single Asset Entity, such Person shall also be deemed to be a Single Asset Entity for purposes of this Agreement.
Solvent” means, when used with respect to any Person, that (a) the fair value and the fair salable value of its assets (excluding any Indebtedness due from any affiliate of such Person) are each in excess of the fair valuation of its total liabilities (including all contingent liabilities computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that could reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability); (b) such Person is able to pay its debts or other obligations in the ordinary course as they mature; and (c) such Person has capital not unreasonably small to carry on its business and all business in which it proposes to be engaged.
S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Stated Amount” means the amount available to be drawn by a beneficiary under a Letter of Credit from time to time, as such amount may be increased or reduced from time to time in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
Subsidiary” means, for any Person, any corporation, partnership or other entity of which at least a majority of the Equity Interests having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other individuals performing similar functions of such corporation, partnership or other entity (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) is at the time owned or controlled by such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, and shall include all Persons the accounts of which are consolidated with those of such Person pursuant to GAAP.
Swingline Commitment” means the Swingline Lender’s obligation to make Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.2. in an amount up to, but not exceeding, $25,000,000, as such amount may be reduced from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
Swingline Lender” means Wachovia Bank, National Association.
Swingline Loan” means a loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2.(a).
Swingline Note” means the promissory note of the Borrower payable to the order of the Swingline Lender in a principal amount equal to the amount of the Swingline Commitment as originally in effect and otherwise duly completed, substantially in the form of Exhibit G.

 

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Tangible Net Worth” means, as of any given time: (a) the unallocated gross book value (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) of all real estate assets of the Parent and its Subsidiaries that constitute Properties at such time; plus (b) the book value of other assets (excluding any real estate assets but including Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates) of the Parent and its Subsidiaries; less (c) all amounts appearing on the assets side of a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent for assets separately classified as intangible assets under GAAP (except for allocations of property purchase prices pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 and the like); less (d) all Total Indebtedness of the Parent and its Subsidiaries (excluding the pro rata share of Indebtedness of any Unconsolidated Affiliate to the extent included in Total Indebtedness) determined on a consolidated basis; less (e) all other liabilities of the Parent and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis (except liabilities resulting from allocations of property purchase prices pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 and the like).
Taxable REIT Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than a REIT) in which the Parent directly or indirectly owns stock and the Parent and such corporation have jointly elected that such corporation be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary of the Parent under and pursuant to Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Taxes” has the meaning given that term in Section 3.12.
Termination Date” means February 28, 2011, or such later date to which the Termination Date may be extended pursuant to Section 2.12.
Titled Agents” means each Sole Lead Arranger, the Book Manager, the Syndication Agent and the Documentation Agent.
Total Asset Value” means the sum of all of the following of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis: (a) cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities, plus (b) with respect to each Property owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than Unimproved Land) for eighteen (18) months or greater, (i) the Adjusted EBITDA of such Property for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ending, divided by (ii) the Capitalization Rate, plus (c) the purchase price paid for any Property owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary for less than eighteen (18) months (other than Unimproved Land)(less amounts paid as a purchase price adjustment, held in escrow, retained as a contingency reserve, or other similar arrangements and prior to allocations of property purchase prices pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 and the like), plus (d) the book value of Unimproved Land, Mortgage Receivables and other promissory notes, plus (e) the Borrower’s pro rata share of the preceding items for its Unconsolidated Affiliates (excluding assets of the type described in the immediately preceding clause (a)). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining Total Asset Value, the amount, if any, by which the value of cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities included under the immediately preceding clause (a) would account for more than 10% of Total Asset Value shall be excluded. Borrower shall have the one time right to have a Property owned for less than eighteen (18) months included in Total Asset Value under (b) above, as though owned for a period of equal to or greater than eighteen (18) months at its

 

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discretion. The percentage of Total Asset Value attributable to a given Subsidiary shall be equal to the ratio expressed as a percentage of (x) an amount equal to Total Asset Value calculated solely with respect to assets owned directly by such Subsidiary to (y) Total Asset Value.
Total Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of the Parent, the Borrower and all other Subsidiaries of the Parent determined on a consolidated basis.
Type” with respect to any Revolving Loan, refers to whether such Loan is a LIBOR Loan or Base Rate Loan.
Unconsolidated Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person in whom such Person holds an Investment, which Investment is accounted for in the financial statements of such Person on an equity basis of accounting and whose financial results would not be consolidated under GAAP with the financial results of such Person on the consolidated financial statements of such Person.
Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property” means a Property which is to be included in calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value pursuant to Section 4.1. A Property shall cease to be an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property if at any time such Property shall cease to be an Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property unless otherwise agreed by the Requisite Lenders. Not more than two Properties that have not been continuously operating for a period of at least twelve consecutive months may be Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties without the consent of the Requisite Lenders.
Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI” means, for any period, NOI from all Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties for such period. For purposes of this definition, to the extent the NOI attributable to (a) any one Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property would exceed 40.0% of Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI, such excess shall be excluded and (b) Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties located in the same metropolitan statistical area would exceed 40.0% of Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI, such excess shall be excluded.
Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value” means the sum of all of the following of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis: (a) with respect to each Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary for 18 months or greater, (i) the NOI of such Property for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ending, divided by (ii) the Capitalization Rate, plus (b) the purchase price paid for any Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary for less than 18 months (less amounts paid as a purchase price adjustment, held in escrow, retained as a contingency reserve, or other similar arrangements and prior to allocations of property purchase prices pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 and the like). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value, the Borrower shall have the one time right, exercisable in its discretion, to have an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property owned for less than 18 months included in Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value under clause (a) above, as though owned for a period of 18 or more months. In addition, with respect

 

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to any Property owned or leased by an Unconsolidated Affiliate, only the Borrower’s pro rata share of the NOI of such Property shall be included under clause (a) above or the Borrower’s pro rata share of the purchase price of such Property shall be included under clause (b) above. For purposes of this definition, to the extent Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value attributable to (x) Development Properties would exceed 20% of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value, such excess shall be excluded and (y) Properties that are not owned by Guarantors would exceed 20% of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value, such excess shall be excluded.
Unfunded Liabilities” means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the amount (if any) by which (a) the value of all benefit liabilities under such Plan, determined on a plan termination basis using the assumptions prescribed by the PBGC for purposes of Section 4044 of ERISA, exceeds (b) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such liabilities under Title IV of ERISA (excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions), all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the ERISA Group to the PBGC or any other Person under Title IV of ERISA.
Unimproved Land” means land on which no development (other than improvements that are not material and are temporary in nature) has occurred and for which no development is scheduled in the following 12 months. Unimproved Land shall not include any undeveloped parcels of a Property that has been developed unless and until the Borrower intends to develop such parcel.
Unsecured Indebtedness” means with respect to a Person as of any given date, (a) the aggregate principal amount of (a) all Indebtedness of such Person outstanding at such date that is not Secured Indebtedness plus (b) all Nonrecourse Indebtedness which such Person has Guaranteed but only to the extent of such Guaranty (excluding obligations in respect of Guaranties of customary exceptions to nonrecourse liability).
Wachovia” means Wachovia Bank, National Association.
Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Person in respect of which all of the equity securities or other ownership interests (other than, in the case of a corporation, directors’ qualifying shares) are at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person.
Section 1.2. General; References to Times.
Unless otherwise indicated, all accounting terms, ratios and measurements shall be interpreted or determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that, if at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and the Borrower shall provide to the Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. References in this

 

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Agreement to “Sections”, “Articles”, “Exhibits” and “Schedules” are to sections, articles, exhibits and schedules herein and hereto unless otherwise indicated. References in this Agreement to any document, instrument or agreement (a) shall include all exhibits, schedules and other attachments thereto, (b) shall include all documents, instruments or agreements issued or executed in replacement thereof, to the extent permitted hereby and (c) shall mean such document, instrument or agreement, or replacement or predecessor thereto, as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified as of the date of this Agreement and from time to time thereafter to the extent not prohibited hereby and in effect at any given time. A reference to a Person shall include its successors and permitted assigns. Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, the feminine and the neuter. Unless explicitly set forth to the contrary, a reference to “Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Parent or a Subsidiary of such Subsidiary and a reference to an “Affiliate” means a reference to an Affiliate of the Parent. Titles and captions of Articles, Sections, subsections and clauses in this Agreement are for convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to time are references to Charlotte, North Carolina time.
Section 1.3. Financial Attributes of Non-Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
When determining compliance by the Borrower or the Parent with any financial covenant contained in any of the Loan Documents, only the pro rata share of the Borrower or the Parent, as applicable, of the financial attributes of a Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary shall be included.
Article II. Credit Facility
Section 2.1. Revolving Loans.
(a) Generally. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, during the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date, each Lender severally and not jointly agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding up to, but not exceeding, the amount of such Lender’s Commitment. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Loans hereunder.
(b) Requesting Revolving Loans. The Borrower shall give the Agent notice pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing or telephonic notice of each borrowing of Revolving Loans. Each Notice of Borrowing shall be delivered to the Agent before 11:00 a.m. (i) in the case of LIBOR Loans, on the date three Business Days prior to the proposed date of such borrowing and (ii) in the case of Base Rate Loans, on the date one Business Day prior to the proposed date of such borrowing. Any such telephonic notice shall include all information to be specified in a written Notice of Borrowing and shall be promptly confirmed in writing by the Borrower pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing sent to the Agent by telecopy on the same day of the giving of such telephonic notice. The Agent will transmit by telecopy the Notice of Borrowing (or the information contained in such Notice of Borrowing) to each Lender promptly upon receipt by the

 

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Agent. Each Notice of Borrowing or telephonic notice of each borrowing shall be irrevocable once given and binding on the Borrower.
(c) Disbursements of Revolving Loan Proceeds. No later than 1:00 p.m. on the date specified in the Notice of Borrowing, each Lender will make available for the account of its applicable Lending Office to the Agent at the Principal Office, in immediately available funds, the proceeds of the Revolving Loan to be made by such Lender. With respect to Revolving Loans to be made after the Effective Date, unless the Agent shall have been notified by any Lender prior to the specified date of borrowing that such Lender does not intend to make available to the Agent the Revolving Loan to be made by such Lender on such date, the Agent may assume that such Lender will make the proceeds of such Revolving Loan available to the Agent on the date of the requested borrowing as set forth in the Notice of Borrowing and the Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower the amount of such Revolving Loan to be provided by such Lender. Subject to satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Article VI. for such borrowing, the Agent will make the proceeds of such borrowing available to the Borrower no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date and at the account specified by the Borrower in such Notice of Borrowing.
(d) Repayment of Loans Outstanding under Existing Credit Agreement. The Borrower and the Lenders agree that on the Effective Date all Loans (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be repaid with the proceeds of the Loans to be made by the Lenders hereunder on the Effective Date.
Section 2.2. Swingline Loans.
(a) Swingline Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, during the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding up to, but not exceeding, the amount of the Swingline Commitment. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of the Swingline Loans outstanding at such time exceeds the Swingline Commitment in effect at such time, the Borrower shall immediately pay the Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender the amount of such excess. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Swingline Loans hereunder.
(b) Procedure for Borrowing Swingline Loans. The Borrower shall give the Agent and the Swingline Lender notice pursuant to a Notice of Swingline Borrowing or telephonic notice of each borrowing of a Swingline Loan. Each Notice of Swingline Borrowing shall be delivered to the Swingline Lender no later than 3:00 p.m. on the proposed date of such borrowing. Any such notice given telephonically shall include all information to be specified in a written Notice of Swingline Borrowing and shall be promptly confirmed in writing by the Borrower pursuant to a Notice of Swingline Borrowing sent to the Swingline Lender by telecopy on the same day of the giving of such telephonic notice. On the date of the requested Swingline Loan and subject to satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Article VI. for such borrowing, the Swingline Lender will make the proceeds of such Swingline Loan available to the Borrower in Dollars, in immediately available funds, at the account specified by the Borrower in the Notice of Swingline Borrowing not later than 4:00 p.m. on such date.

 

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(c) Interest. Swingline Loans shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the LIBOR Index Rate plus the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Loans. Interest payable on Swingline Loans is solely for the account of the Swingline Lender. All accrued and unpaid interest on Swingline Loans shall be payable on the dates and in the manner provided in Section 2.4. with respect to interest on Base Rate Loans (except as the Swingline Lender and the Borrower may otherwise agree in writing in connection with any particular Swingline Loan).
(d) Swingline Loan Amounts, Etc. Each Swingline Loan shall be in the minimum amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 or such other minimum amounts agreed to by the Swingline Lender and the Borrower. Any voluntary prepayment of a Swingline Loan must be in integral multiples of $100,000 or the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans (or such other minimum amounts upon which the Swingline Lender and the Borrower may agree) and in connection with any such prepayment, the Borrower must give the Swingline Lender prior written notice thereof no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of such prepayment. The Swingline Loans shall, in addition to this Agreement, be evidenced by the Swingline Note.
(e) Repayment and Participations of Swingline Loans. The Borrower agrees to repay each Swingline Loan on demand therefor by the Swingline Lender and in any event, within 5 Business Days after the date such Swingline Loan was made; provided, that the proceeds of a Swingline Loan shall not be used to repay any other Swingline Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall repay the entire outstanding principal amount of, and all accrued but unpaid interest on, the Swingline Loans on the Termination Date (or such earlier date as the Swingline Lender and the Borrower may agree in writing). In lieu of demanding repayment of any outstanding Swingline Loan from the Borrower, the Swingline Lender may, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably directs the Swingline Lender to act on its behalf for such purpose), request a borrowing of Base Rate Loans from the Lenders in an amount equal to the principal balance of such Swingline Loan. The amount limitations of Section 3.5.(a) shall not apply to any borrowing of Base Rate Loans made pursuant to this subsection. The Swingline Lender shall give notice to the Agent of any such borrowing of Base Rate Loans not later than 12:00 noon on the proposed date of such borrowing and the Agent shall give prompt notice of such borrowing to the Lenders. No later than 2:00 p.m. on such date, each Lender will make available to the Agent at the Principal Office for the account of Swingline Lender, in immediately available funds, the proceeds of the Base Rate Loan to be made by such Lender. The Agent shall pay the proceeds of such Base Rate Loans to the Swingline Lender, which shall apply such proceeds to repay such Swingline Loan. At the time each Swingline Loan is made, each Lender shall automatically (and without any further notice or action) be deemed to have purchased from the Swingline Lender, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation to the extent of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage in such Swingline Loan. If the Lenders are prohibited from making Loans required to be made under this subsection for any reason, including without limitation, the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default described in Section 11.1.(f) or 11.1.(g), upon notice from the Agent or the Swingline Lender, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender in respect of such participation the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of each outstanding Swingline Loan. If such amount is not in fact made available to the Agent by any Lender, the

 

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Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender, together with accrued interest thereon for each day from the date of demand thereof, at the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender does not pay such amount forthwith upon demand therefor by the Agent or the Swingline Lender, and until such time as such Lender makes the required payment, the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to continue to have outstanding Swingline Loans in the amount of such unpaid participation obligation for all purposes of the Loan Documents (other than those provisions requiring the other Lenders to purchase a participation therein). Further, such Lender shall be deemed to have assigned any and all payments made of principal and interest on its Loans, and any other amounts due to it hereunder, to the Swingline Lender to fund Swingline Loans in the amount of the participation in Swingline Loans that such Lender failed to purchase pursuant to this Section until such amount has been purchased (as a result of such assignment or otherwise). A Lender’s obligation to make payments in respect of a participation in a Swingline Loan shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, (i) any claim of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender or any other Person may have or claim against the Agent, the Swingline Lender or any other Person whatsoever, (ii) the occurrence or continuation of a Default or Event of Default (including, without limitation, any of the Defaults or Events of Default described in Sections 11.1.(f) or 11.1.(g)) or the termination of any Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (iii) the existence (or alleged existence) of an event or condition which has had or could have a Material Adverse Effect, (iv) any breach of any Loan Document by the Agent, any Lender or the Borrower or (v) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.
Section 2.3. Letters of Credit.
(a) Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, agrees to issue for the account of the Borrower during the period from and including the Effective Date to, but excluding, the date 30 days prior to the Termination Date one or more letters of credit (each a “Letter of Credit”) up to a maximum aggregate Stated Amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the L/C Commitment Amount.
(b) Terms of Letters of Credit. At the time of issuance, the amount, form, terms and conditions of each Letter of Credit, and of any drafts or acceptances thereunder, shall be subject to approval by the Agent and the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event may the expiration date of any Letter of Credit extend beyond the earlier of (i) the date one year from its date of issuance or (ii) the Termination Date; provided, however, a Letter of Credit may contain a provision providing for the automatic extension of the expiration date in the absence of a notice of non-renewal from the Agent but in no event shall any such provision permit the extension of the expiration date of such Letter of Credit beyond the Termination Date.
(c) Requests for Issuance of Letters of Credit. The Borrower shall give the Agent written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) at least 5 Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance of a Letter of Credit, such notice to describe in reasonable detail the proposed terms of such Letter of Credit and the nature of the transactions or obligations proposed to be supported by such Letter of Credit, and in any event shall set forth with respect to such Letter of Credit the proposed (i) Stated Amount, (ii) the beneficiary, and (iii) the expiration

 

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date. The Borrower shall also execute and deliver such customary letter of credit application forms as requested from time to time by the Agent. Provided the Borrower has given the notice prescribed by the first sentence of this subsection and subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the satisfaction of any applicable conditions precedent set forth in Article VI., the Agent shall issue the requested Letter of Credit on the requested date of issuance for the benefit of the stipulated beneficiary. Upon the written request of the Borrower, the Agent shall deliver to the Borrower a copy of each issued Letter of Credit within a reasonable time after the date of issuance thereof. To the extent any term of a Letter of Credit Document is inconsistent with a term of any Loan Document, the term of such Loan Document shall control.
(d) Reimbursement Obligations. Upon receipt by the Agent from the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit of any demand for payment under such Letter of Credit, the Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower of the amount to be paid by the Agent as a result of such demand and the date on which payment is to be made by the Agent to such beneficiary in respect of such demand; provided, however, the Agent’s failure to give, or delay in giving, such notice shall not discharge the Borrower in any respect from the applicable Reimbursement Obligation. The Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees to pay and reimburse the Agent for the amount of each demand for payment under such Letter of Credit on or prior to the date on which payment is to be made by the Agent to the beneficiary thereunder, without presentment, demand, protest or other formalities of any kind (other than notice as provided in this subsection). Upon receipt by the Agent of any payment in respect of any Reimbursement Obligation, the Agent shall promptly pay to each Lender that has acquired a participation therein under the second sentence of Section 2.3.(i) such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such payment.
(e) Manner of Reimbursement. Upon its receipt of a notice referred to in the immediately preceding subsection (d), the Borrower shall advise the Agent whether or not the Borrower intends to borrow hereunder to finance its obligation to reimburse the Agent for the amount of the related demand for payment and, if it does, the Borrower shall submit a timely request for such borrowing as provided in the applicable provisions of this Agreement. If the Borrower fails to so advise the Agent, or if the Borrower fails to reimburse the Agent for a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit by the date of such payment, then (i) if the applicable conditions contained in Article VI. would permit the making of Revolving Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a borrowing of Revolving Loans (which shall be Base Rate Loans) in an amount equal to the unpaid Reimbursement Obligation and the Agent shall give each Lender prompt notice of the amount of the Revolving Loan to be made available to the Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. and (ii) if such conditions would not permit the making of Revolving Loans, the provisions of subsection (j) of this Section shall apply. The limitations of Section 3.5.(a) shall not apply to any borrowing of Base Rate Loans under this subsection.
(f) Effect of Letters of Credit on Commitments. Upon the issuance by the Agent of any Letter of Credit and until such Letter of Credit shall have expired or been terminated, the Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be utilized for all purposes of this Agreement in an amount equal to the product of (i) such Lender’s Commitment Percentage and (ii) the sum of (A) the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit plus (B) any related Reimbursement Obligations then outstanding.

 

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(g) Agent’s Duties Regarding Letters of Credit; Unconditional Nature of Reimbursement Obligations. In examining documents presented in connection with drawings under Letters of Credit and making payments under such Letters of Credit against such documents, the Agent shall only be required to use the same standard of care as it uses in connection with examining documents presented in connection with drawings under letters of credit in which it has not sold participations and making payments under such letters of credit. The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, neither the Agent nor any of the Lenders shall be responsible for (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effects of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of or any drawing honored under any Letter of Credit even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any Letter of Credit, or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) failure of the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to comply fully with conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telex, telecopy or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any Letter of Credit, or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit, or the proceeds of any drawing under any Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the Agent or the Lenders. None of the above shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of the Agent’s rights or powers hereunder. Any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Agent under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, if taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment), shall not create against the Agent or any Lender any liability to the Borrower or any Lender. In this regard, the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Agent for any drawing made under any Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and any other applicable Letter of Credit Document under all circumstances whatsoever, including without limitation, the following circumstances: (A) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit Document or any term or provisions therein; (B) any amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from all or any of the Letter of Credit Documents; (C) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against the Agent, any Lender, any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or in the Letter of Credit Documents or any unrelated transaction; (D) any breach of contract or dispute between the Borrower, the Agent, any Lender or any other Person; (E) any demand, statement or any other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein or made in connection therewith being untrue or inaccurate in any respect whatsoever; (F) any non-application or misapplication by the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; (G) payment by the Agent under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate which does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; and (H) any other act, omission to act, delay or circumstance whatsoever that

 

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might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable defense to or discharge of the Borrower’s Reimbursement Obligations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section or Section 13.9., but not in limitation of the Borrower’s unconditional obligation to reimburse the Agent for any drawing made under a Letter of Credit as provided in this Section, the Borrower shall have no obligation to indemnify the Agent or any Lender in respect of any liability incurred by the Agent or a Lender arising solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent or a Lender in respect of a Letter of Credit as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, nothing in this Section shall affect any rights the Borrower may have with respect to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent or any Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit.
(h) Amendments, Etc. The issuance by the Agent of any amendment, supplement or other modification to any Letter of Credit shall be subject to the same conditions applicable under this Agreement to the issuance of new Letters of Credit (including, without limitation, that the request therefor be made through the Agent), and no such amendment, supplement or other modification shall be issued unless either (i) the respective Letter of Credit affected thereby would have complied with such conditions had it originally been issued hereunder in such amended, supplemented or modified form or (ii) the Requisite Lenders shall have consented thereto. In connection with any such amendment, supplement or other modification, the Borrower shall pay the Fees, if any, payable under the last sentence of Section 3.6.(b).
(i) Lenders’ Participation in Letters of Credit. Immediately upon the issuance by the Agent of any Letter of Credit each Lender shall be deemed to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased and received from the Agent, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation to the extent of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the liability of the Agent with respect to such Letter of Credit, and each Lender thereby shall absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably assume, as primary obligor and not as surety, and shall be unconditionally obligated to the Agent to pay and discharge when due, such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Agent’s liability under such Letter of Credit. In addition, upon the making of each payment by a Lender to the Agent in respect of any Letter of Credit pursuant to the immediately following subsection (j), such Lender shall, automatically and without any further action on the part of the Agent or such Lender, acquire (i) a participation in an amount equal to such payment in the Reimbursement Obligation owing to the Agent by the Borrower in respect of such Letter of Credit and (ii) a participation in a percentage equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage in any interest or other amounts payable by the Borrower in respect of such Reimbursement Obligation (other than the Fees payable to the Agent pursuant to the third and last sentences of Section 3.6.(b)).
(j) Payment Obligation of Lenders. Each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Agent on demand in immediately available funds in Dollars the amount of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of each drawing paid by the Agent under each Letter of Credit to the extent such amount is not reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.3.(d); provided, however, that in respect of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, the maximum amount that any Lender shall be required to fund, whether as a Revolving Loan or as a participation, shall not exceed such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of such drawing. If the notice referenced in the second

 

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sentence of Section 2.3.(e) is received by a Lender not later than 11:00 a.m., then such Lender shall make such payment available to the Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of demand therefor; otherwise, such payment shall be made available to the Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the next succeeding Business Day. Each such Lender’s obligation to make such payments to the Agent under this subsection, and the Agent’s right to receive the same, shall be absolute, irrevocable and unconditional and shall not be affected in any way by any circumstance whatsoever, including without limitation, (i) the failure of any other Lender to make its payment under this subsection, (ii) the financial condition of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, (iii) the existence of any Default or Event of Default, including any Event of Default described in Section 11.1.(f) or 11.1.(g) or (iv) the termination of the Commitments. Each such payment to the Agent shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or deduction whatsoever.
(k) Information to Lenders. The Agent shall periodically deliver to the Lenders information setting forth the Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit. In addition, upon the request of any Lender from time to time, the Agent shall deliver to such Lender information reasonably requested by such Lender with respect to each Letter of Credit then outstanding. Other than as set forth in this subsection, the Agent shall have no duty to notify the Lenders regarding the issuance or other matters regarding Letters of Credit issued hereunder. The failure of the Agent to perform its requirements under this subsection shall not relieve any Lender from its obligations under Section 2.3.(j).
Section 2.4. Rates and Payment of Interest on Loans.
(a) Rates. The Borrower promises to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan made by such Lender for the period from and including the date of the making of such Loan to but excluding the date such Loan shall be paid in full, at the following per annum rates:
(i) during such periods as such Loan is a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate (as in effect from time to time) plus the Applicable Margin; and
(ii) during such periods as such Loan is a LIBOR Loan, at Adjusted LIBOR for such Loan for the Interest Period therefor plus the Applicable Margin.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, overdue principal, Reimbursement Obligations and (to the extent permitted by Applicable Law) interest on the Loans and all other overdue amounts payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Post-Default Rate until such amount shall be paid in full.
(b) Payment of Interest. Accrued and unpaid interest on each Loan shall be payable (i) in the case of a Base Rate Loan, monthly in arrears on the first day of each calendar month, (ii) in the case of a LIBOR Loan, in arrears on the last day of each Interest Period therefor, and, if such Interest Period is longer than three months, at three-month intervals following the first day of such Interest Period, and (iii) in the case of any Loan, in arrears upon the payment, prepayment or Continuation thereof or the Conversion of such Loan to a Loan of another Type (but only on the principal amount so paid, prepaid, Continued or Converted). Interest payable at the Post-Default Rate shall be payable from time to time on demand. Promptly after the

 

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determination of any interest rate provided for herein or any change therein, the Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders to which such interest is payable and to the Borrower. All determinations by the Agent of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding on the Lenders and the Borrower for all purposes, absent manifest error.
(c) Inaccurate Financial Statements or Compliance Certificates. If any financial statement or Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 9.3. is shown to be inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Margin for any period (an “Applicable Period”) than the Applicable Margin applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) the Borrower shall immediately deliver to the Agent a correct Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Margin shall be determined on the basis of such corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, and (iii) the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders the accrued additional interest owing as a result of such increased Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period, which payment shall be promptly applied by the Agent in accordance with Section 3.2. This subsection shall not in any way limit the rights of the Agent and Lenders (x) with respect to the last sentence of the immediately preceding subsection (a) or (y) under Article XI.
Section 2.5. Number of Interest Periods.
There may be no more than 5 different Interest Periods for LIBOR Loans outstanding at the same time.
Section 2.6. Repayment of Loans.
The Borrower shall repay the entire outstanding principal amount of, and all accrued but unpaid interest on, the Revolving Loans on the Termination Date.
Section 2.7. Prepayments.
(a) Optional. Subject to Section 5.4., the Borrower may prepay any Loan at any time without premium or penalty. The Borrower shall give the Agent at least one Business Day’s prior written notice of the prepayment of any Revolving Loan.
(b) Mandatory.
(i) Outstandings In Excess of Commitments. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Loans, together with the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities and the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans, exceeds the aggregate amount of the Commitments in effect at such time, the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders the amount of such excess; and
(ii) Outstandings in Excess of Minimum Implied Debt Service Ratio. If at any time the aggregate outstanding principal balance of Loans, together with the aggregate

 

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amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, exceeds the amount which is supported by the Minimum Implied Debt Service Ratio covenant in Section 10.1.(e), then the Borrower shall, within 5 days of the occurrence of such excess, pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders the amount of such excess.
(c) Application of Prepayments. All payments under this Section shall be applied to pay all amounts of principal outstanding on the Loans and any Reimbursement Obligations pro rata in accordance with Section 3.2. and if any Letters of Credit are outstanding at such time the remainder, if any, shall be deposited into the Collateral Account for application to any Reimbursement Obligations. If the Borrower is required to pay any outstanding LIBOR Loans by reason of this Section prior to the end of the applicable Interest Period therefor, the Borrower shall pay all amounts due under Section 5.4.
Section 2.8. Continuation.
So long as no Default or Event of Default shall exist, the Borrower may on any Business Day, with respect to any LIBOR Loan, elect to maintain such LIBOR Loan or any portion thereof as a LIBOR Loan by selecting a new Interest Period for such LIBOR Loan. Each new Interest Period selected under this Section shall commence on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period. Each selection of a new Interest Period shall be made by the Borrower giving to the Agent a Notice of Continuation not later than 11:00 a.m. on the third Business Day prior to the date of any such Continuation. Such notice by the Borrower of a Continuation shall be by telephone or telecopy, confirmed immediately in writing if by telephone, in the form of a Notice of Continuation, specifying (a) the proposed date of such Continuation, (b) the LIBOR Loans and portions thereof subject to such Continuation and (c) the duration of the selected Interest Period, all of which shall be specified in such manner as is necessary to comply with all limitations on Loans outstanding hereunder. Each Notice of Continuation shall be irrevocable by and binding on the Borrower once given. Promptly after receipt of a Notice of Continuation, the Agent shall notify each Lender by telecopy, or other similar form of transmission, of the proposed Continuation. If the Borrower shall fail to select in a timely manner a new Interest Period for any LIBOR Loan in accordance with this Section, or if a Default or Event of Default shall exist, such Loan will automatically, on the last day of the current Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base Rate Loan notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 2.9. or the Borrower’s failure to comply with any of the terms of such Section.
Section 2.9. Conversion.
The Borrower may on any Business Day, upon the Borrower’s giving of a Notice of Conversion to the Agent, Convert all or a portion of a Loan of one Type into a Loan of another Type; provided, however, a Base Rate Loan may not be Converted to a LIBOR Loan if a Default or Event of Default shall exist. Any Conversion of a LIBOR Loan into a Base Rate Loan shall be made on, and only on, the last day of an Interest Period for such LIBOR Loan and, upon Conversion of a Base Rate Loan into a LIBOR Loan, the Borrower shall pay accrued interest to the date of Conversion on the principal amount so Converted. Each such Notice of Conversion shall be given not later than 11:00 a.m. on the Business Day prior to the date of any proposed Conversion into Base Rate Loans and on the third Business Day prior to the date of any proposed Conversion into LIBOR Loans. Promptly after receipt of a Notice of Conversion, the Agent

 

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shall notify each Lender by telecopy, or other similar form of transmission, of the proposed Conversion. Subject to the restrictions specified above, each Notice of Conversion shall be by telephone (confirmed immediately in writing) or telecopy in the form of a Notice of Conversion specifying (a) the requested date of such Conversion, (b) the Type of Loan to be Converted, (c) the portion of such Type of Loan to be Converted, (d) the Type of Loan such Loan is to be Converted into and (e) if such Conversion is into a LIBOR Loan, the requested duration of the Interest Period of such Loan. Each Notice of Conversion shall be irrevocable by and binding on the Borrower once given.
Section 2.10. Notes.
(a) Revolving Note. The Revolving Loans made by each Lender shall, in addition to this Agreement, also be evidenced by a promissory note of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit H (each a “Revolving Note”), payable to the order of such Lender in a principal amount equal to the amount of its Commitment as originally in effect and otherwise duly completed.
(b) Records. The date, amount, interest rate, Type and duration of Interest Periods (if applicable) of each Loan made by each Lender to the Borrower, and each payment made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by such Lender on its books and such entries shall be binding on the Borrower, absent manifest error; provided, however, that the failure of a Lender to make any such record shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under any of the Loan Documents.
(c) Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Mutilated Notes. Upon receipt by the Borrower of (i) written notice from a Lender that a Note of such Lender has been lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated, and (ii) (A) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, an unsecured agreement of indemnity from such Lender in form reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, or (B) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the Borrower shall at its own expense execute and deliver to such Lender a new Note dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note.
Section 2.11. Voluntary Reductions of the Commitment.
The Borrower shall have the right to terminate or reduce the aggregate unused amount of the Commitments (for which purpose use of the Commitments shall be deemed to include the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Liabilities and the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans) at any time and from time to time without penalty or premium upon not less than 5 Business Days prior written notice to the Agent of each such termination or reduction, which notice shall specify the effective date thereof and the amount of any such reduction and shall be irrevocable once given and effective only upon receipt by the Agent; provided, however, if the Borrower seeks to reduce the aggregate amount of the Commitments below $100,000,000, then the Commitments shall all automatically and permanently be reduced to zero. The Agent will promptly transmit such notice to each Lender. The Commitments, once terminated or reduced may not be increased or reinstated.

 

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Section 2.12. Extension of Termination Date.
The Borrower shall have the right, exercisable one time, to extend the Termination Date by one year. The Borrower may exercise such right only by executing and delivering to the Agent at least 45 days but not more than 120 days prior to the current Termination Date, a written request for such extension (an “Extension Request”). The Agent shall forward to each Lender a copy of the Extension Request delivered to the Agent promptly upon receipt thereof. Subject to satisfaction of the following conditions, the Termination Date shall be extended for one year: (a) immediately prior to such extension and immediately after giving effect thereto, (i) no Default or Event of Default shall exist and (ii) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such extension with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents and (b) the Borrower shall have paid the Fees payable under Section 3.6.(c).
Section 2.13. Expiration or Maturity Date of Letters of Credit Past Termination Date.
If on the date the Commitments are terminated or reduced to zero (whether voluntarily, by reason of the occurrence of an Event of Default or otherwise), there are any Letters of Credit outstanding hereunder, the Borrower shall, on such date, pay to the Agent an amount of money equal to the Stated Amount of such Letter(s) of Credit for deposit into the Collateral Account.
Section 2.14. Amount Limitations.
Notwithstanding any other term of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, no Lender shall be required to make a Loan, the Agent shall not be required to issue a Letter of Credit and no reduction of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.11. shall take effect, if immediately after the making of such Loan, the issuance of such Letter of Credit or such reduction in the Commitments, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans, together with the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities, would exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments at such time.
Section 2.15. Increase of Commitments.
With the prior consent of the Agent, the Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time from during the term of this Agreement to request up to 4 increases in the aggregate amount of the Commitments (provided that after giving effect to any increases in the Commitments pursuant to this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitments may not exceed $500,000,000) by providing written notice to the Agent, which notice shall be irrevocable once given. Each such increase in the Commitments must be in an aggregate minimum amount of $25,000,000 and integral multiples of $5,000,000 in excess thereof. No Lender shall be required to increase its Commitment and any new Lender becoming a party to this Agreement in connection with any such requested increase must be an Eligible Assignee. If a new Lender

 

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becomes a party to this Agreement, or if any existing Lender agrees to increase its Commitment, such Lender shall on the date it becomes a Lender hereunder (or increases its Commitment, in the case of an existing Lender) (and as a condition thereto) purchase from the other Lenders its Commitment Percentage (as determined after giving effect to the increase of Commitments) of any outstanding Revolving Loans, by making available to the Agent for the account of such other Lenders at the Principal Office, in same day funds, an amount equal to the sum of (A) the portion of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Loans to be purchased by such Lender plus (B) the aggregate amount of payments previously made by the other Lenders under Section 2.3.(j) which have not been repaid plus (C) interest accrued and unpaid to and as of such date on such portion of the outstanding principal amount of such Revolving Loans. The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders amounts payable, if any, to such Lenders under Section 5.4. as a result of the prepayment of any such Revolving Loans. No increase of the Commitments may be effected under this Section if (x) a Default or Event of Default shall be in existence on the effective date of such increase or (y) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by the Borrower or any other Loan Party in any Loan Document to which any such Loan Party is a party is not (or would not be) true or correct in all material respects on the effective date of such increase (except for representations or warranties which expressly relate solely to an earlier date). In connection with any increase in the aggregate amount of the Commitments pursuant to this subsection, (a) any Lender becoming a party hereto shall execute such documents and agreements as the Agent may reasonably request and (b) the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that each new Lender, and any existing Lender increasing its Commitment, receives a new or replacement Note, as appropriate, in the amount of such Lender’s Commitment within 2 Business Days of the effectiveness of the applicable increase in the aggregate amount of Commitments.
Article III. Payments, Fees and Other General Provisions
Section 3.1. Payments.
Except to the extent otherwise provided herein, all payments of principal, interest and other amounts to be made by the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made in Dollars, in immediately available funds, without deduction, set-off or counterclaim, to the Agent at its Principal Office, not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date on which such payment shall become due (each such payment made after such time on such due date to be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day). Subject to Section 11.4., the Borrower may, at the time of making each payment under this Agreement or any Note, specify to the Agent the amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder to which such payment is to be applied. Each payment received by the Agent for the account of a Lender under this Agreement or any Note shall be paid to such Lender at the applicable Lending Office of such Lender no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date of receipt. If the Agent fails to pay such amount to a Lender as provided in the previous sentence, the Agent shall pay interest on such amount until paid at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. If the due date of any payment under this Agreement or any other Loan Document would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day such date shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and interest shall be payable for the period of such extension.

 

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Section 3.2. Pro Rata Treatment.
Except to the extent otherwise provided herein: (a) each borrowing from the Lenders under Section 2.1.(a), 2.2.(e) and 2.3.(e) shall be made from the Lenders, each payment of the Fees under Section 3.6.(a), the first sentence of Section 3.6.(b) and Section 3.6.(c) shall be made for the account of the Lenders, and each termination or reduction of the amount of the Commitments under Section 2.11. shall be applied to the respective Commitments of the Lenders, pro rata according to the amounts of their respective Commitments; (b) each payment or prepayment of principal of Revolving Loans by the Borrower shall be made for the account of the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the respective unpaid principal amounts of the Revolving Loans held by them, provided that if immediately prior to giving effect to any such payment in respect of any Revolving Loans the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans shall not be held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitments in effect at the time such Loans were made, then such payment shall be applied to the Revolving Loans in such manner as shall result, as nearly as is practicable, in the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans being held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitments; (c) each payment of interest on Revolving Loans by the Borrower shall be made for the account of the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the amounts of interest on such Loans then due and payable to the respective Lenders; (d) the making, Conversion and Continuation of Revolving Loans of a particular Type (other than Conversions provided for by Section 5.5.) shall be made pro rata among the Lenders according to the amounts of their respective Commitments (in the case of making of Loans) or their respective Loans (in the case of Conversions and Continuations of Loans) and the then current Interest Period for each Lender’s portion of each Loan of such Type shall be coterminous; (e) the Lenders’ participation in, and payment obligations in respect of, Letters of Credit under Section 2.3., shall be pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitments; and (f) the Lenders’ participation in, and payment obligations in respect of, Swingline Loans under Section 2.2., shall be pro rata in accordance with their respective Commitments. All payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts in respect of the Swingline Loans shall be for the account of the Swingline Lender only (except to the extent any Lender shall have acquired a participating interest in any such Swingline Loan pursuant to Section 2.2.(e), in which case such payments shall be pro rata in accordance with such participating interests).
Section 3.3. Sharing of Payments, Etc.
If a Lender shall obtain payment of any principal of, or interest on, any Loan made by it to the Borrower under this Agreement, or shall obtain payment on any other Obligation owing by the Borrower or a Loan Party through the exercise of any right of set-off, banker’s lien or counterclaim or similar right or otherwise or through voluntary prepayments directly to a Lender or other payments made by the Borrower to a Lender not in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and such payment should be distributed to the Lenders pro rata in accordance with Section 3.2. or Section 11.4., as applicable, such Lender shall promptly purchase from the other Lenders participations in (or, if and to the extent specified by such Lender, direct interests in) the Loans made by the other Lenders or other Obligations owed to such other Lenders in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time as shall be equitable, to the end that all the Lenders shall share the benefit of such payment (net of any reasonable expenses which may be incurred by such Lender in obtaining or preserving such benefit) pro rata in accordance

 

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with Section 3.2. or Section 11.4., as applicable. To such end, all the Lenders shall make appropriate adjustments among themselves (by the resale of participations sold or otherwise) if such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be restored. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation (or direct interest) in the Loans or other Obligations owed to such other Lenders may exercise all rights of set-off, banker’s lien, counterclaim or similar rights with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct holder of Loans in the amount of such participation. Nothing contained herein shall require any Lender to exercise any such right or shall affect the right of any Lender to exercise, and retain the benefits of exercising, any such right with respect to any other indebtedness or obligation of the Borrower.
Section 3.4. Several Obligations.
No Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make a Loan or to perform any other obligation to be made or performed by such other Lender hereunder, and the failure of any Lender to make a Loan or to perform any other obligation to be made or performed by it hereunder shall not relieve the obligation of any other Lender to make any Loan or to perform any other obligation to be made or performed by such other Lender.
Section 3.5. Minimum Amounts.
(a) Borrowings and Conversions. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 2.2.(e) and 2.3.(e), each borrowing of Base Rate Loans shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each borrowing and each Conversion of LIBOR Loans shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $1,000,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess of that amount.
(b) Prepayments. Each voluntary prepayment of Revolving Loans shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $100,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans then outstanding).
(c) Reductions of Commitments. Each reduction of the Commitments under Section 2.11. shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $10,000,000 and integral multiples of $5,000,000 in excess thereof.
(d) Letters of Credit. The initial Stated Amount of each Letter of Credit shall be at least $100,000.
Section 3.6. Fees.
(a) Unused Fee. During the period from the Effective Date to but excluding the Termination Date, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders an unused facility fee with respect to the average daily difference between the (i) aggregate amount of the Commitments and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Loans plus the aggregate amount of all Letter of Credit Liabilities (the “Unused Amount”). Such fee shall be computed by multiplying the Unused Amount with respect to such quarter by the corresponding per annum rate set forth below:

 

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Unused Amount   Unused Fee  
< 50% of the aggregate amount of Commitments
    0.125 %
> 50% of the aggregate amount of Commitments
    0.20 %
Such fee shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September or December of each calendar year. Any such accrued and unpaid fee shall also be payable on the Termination Date or any earlier date of termination of the Commitments or reduction of the Commitments to zero.
(b) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender a letter of credit fee at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Loans times the daily average Stated Amount of each Letter of Credit for the period from and including the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit (x) through and including the date such Letter of Credit expires or is terminated or (y) to but excluding the date such Letter of Credit is drawn in full. The fees provided for in the immediately preceding sentence shall be nonrefundable and payable in arrears on (i) the last day of March, June, September and December in each year, (ii) the Termination Date, (iii) the date the Commitments are terminated or reduced to zero and (iv) thereafter from time to time on demand of the Agent. In addition, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent for its own account and not the account of any Lender, an issuance fee in respect of each Letter of Credit equal to the greater of (i) $500 or (ii) 0.125% of the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit. The fees provided for in the immediately preceding sentence shall be nonrefundable and payable upon issuance (or in the case of an increase in the Stated Amount of a Letter of Credit, on the effective date of such increase but only with respect to the amount of such increase). The Borrower shall pay directly to the Agent from time to time on demand all commissions, charges, costs and expenses in the amounts customarily charged by the Agent from time to time in like circumstances with respect to the issuance of each Letter of Credit, drawings, amendments and other transactions relating thereto.
(c) Extension Fee. If the Borrower exercises its right to extend the Termination Date in accordance with Section 2.12., the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender a fee equal to two-tenths of one percent (0.20%) of the amount of such Lender’s Commitment (whether or not utilized) at the time of such extension. Such fee shall be due and payable in full on the date the Agent receives the Extension Request pursuant to such Section.
(d) Administrative and Other Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay the administrative and other fees of the Agent as may be agreed to in writing by the Borrower and the Agent from time to time.
Section 3.7. Computations.
Unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, any accrued interest on any Loan, any Fees or any other Obligations due hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and the actual number of days elapsed; provided, however, interest on LIBOR Rate Loans shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and the actual number of day elapsed.

 

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Section 3.8. Usury.
In no event shall the amount of interest due or payable on the Loans or other Obligations exceed the maximum rate of interest allowed by Applicable Law and, if any such payment is paid by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or received by any Lender, then such excess sum shall be credited as a payment of principal, unless the Borrower shall notify the respective Lender in writing that the Borrower elects to have such excess sum returned to it forthwith. It is the express intent of the parties hereto that the Borrower not pay and the Lenders not receive, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may be lawfully paid by the Borrower under Applicable Law.
Section 3.9. Agreement Regarding Interest and Charges.
The parties hereto hereby agree and stipulate that the only charge imposed upon the Borrower for the use of money in connection with this Agreement is and shall be the interest specifically described in Section 2.4.(a)(i) and (ii) and in Section 2.2.(c). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties hereto further agree and stipulate that all agency fees, syndication fees, unused fees, closing fees, letter of credit fees, underwriting fees, default charges, late charges, funding or “breakage” charges, increased cost charges, attorneys’ fees and reimbursement for costs and expenses paid by the Agent or any Lender to third parties or for damages incurred by the Agent or any Lender, in each case in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, are charges made to compensate the Agent or any such Lender for underwriting or administrative services and costs or losses performed or incurred, and to be performed or incurred, by the Agent and the Lenders in connection with this Agreement and shall under no circumstances be deemed to be charges for the use of money. All charges other than charges for the use of money shall be fully earned and nonrefundable when due.
Section 3.10. Statements of Account.
The Agent will account to the Borrower monthly with a statement of Loans, Letters of Credit, accrued interest and Fees, charges and payments made pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and such account rendered by the Agent shall be deemed conclusive upon Borrower absent manifest error. The failure of the Agent to deliver such a statement of accounts shall not relieve or discharge the Borrower from any of its obligations hereunder.
Section 3.11. Defaulting Lenders.
(a) Generally. If for any reason any Lender (a “Defaulting Lender”) shall fail or refuse to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party within the time period specified for performance of such obligation or, if no time period is specified, if such failure or refusal continues for a period of two Business Days after notice from the Agent, then, in addition to the rights and remedies that may be available to the Agent or the Borrower under this Agreement or Applicable Law, such Defaulting Lender’s right to participate in the administration of the Loans, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including without limitation, any right to vote in respect of, to consent to or to direct any action or inaction of the Agent or to be taken into account in the calculation of the Requisite

 

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Lenders, shall be suspended during the pendency of such failure or refusal. If a Lender is a Defaulting Lender because it has failed to make timely payment to the Agent of any amount required to be paid to the Agent hereunder (without giving effect to any notice or cure periods), in addition to other rights and remedies which the Agent or the Borrower may have under the immediately preceding provisions or otherwise, the Agent shall be entitled (i) to collect interest from such Defaulting Lender on such delinquent payment for the period from the date on which the payment was due until the date on which the payment is made at the Federal Funds Rate, (ii) to withhold or setoff and to apply in satisfaction of the defaulted payment and any related interest, any amounts otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (iii) to bring an action or suit against such Defaulting Lender in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover the defaulted amount and any related interest. Any amounts received by the Agent in respect of a Defaulting Lender’s Loans shall not be paid to such Defaulting Lender and shall be held uninvested by the Agent and either applied against the purchase price of such Loans under the following subsection (b) or paid to such Defaulting Lender upon the Defaulting Lender’s curing of its default.
(b) Purchase or Cancellation of Defaulting Lender’s Commitment. Any Lender who is not a Defaulting Lender shall have the right, but not the obligation, in its sole discretion, to acquire all of a Defaulting Lender’s Commitment. Any Lender desiring to exercise such right shall give written notice thereof to the Agent and the Borrower no sooner than 2 Business Days and not later than 5 Business Days after such Defaulting Lender became a Defaulting Lender. If more than one Lender exercises such right, each such Lender shall have the right to acquire an amount of such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment in proportion to the Commitments of the other Lenders exercising such right. If after such 5th Business Day, the Lenders have not elected to purchase all of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, by giving written notice thereof to the Agent, such Defaulting Lender and the other Lenders, either (i) demand that such Defaulting Lender assign its Commitment to an Eligible Assignee subject to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5.(d) for the purchase price provided for below or (ii) terminate the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, whereupon such Defaulting Lender shall no longer be a party hereto or have any rights or obligations hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents. The Agent, the Lenders and the Titled Agents shall have no obligation whatsoever to initiate any such replacement or to assist in finding an Eligible Assignee. Upon any such purchase or assignment, the Defaulting Lender’s interest in the Loans and its rights hereunder (but not its liability in respect thereof or under the Loan Documents or this Agreement to the extent the same relate to the period prior to the effective date of the purchase) shall terminate on the date of purchase, and the Defaulting Lender shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested to surrender and transfer such interest to the purchaser or assignee thereof, including an appropriate Assignment and Acceptance Agreement and, notwithstanding Section 13.5.(d), shall pay to the Agent an assignment fee in the amount of $7,000. The purchase price for the Commitment of a Defaulting Lender shall be equal to the amount of the principal balance of the Loans outstanding and owed by the Borrower to the Defaulting Lender. Prior to payment of such purchase price to a Defaulting Lender, the Agent shall apply against such purchase price any amounts retained by the Agent pursuant to the last sentence of the immediately preceding subsection (a). The Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive amounts owed to it by the Borrower under the Loan Documents which accrued prior to the date of the default by the Defaulting Lender, to the extent the same are received by the Agent

 

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from or on behalf of the Borrower. There shall be no recourse against any Lender or the Agent for the payment of such sums except to the extent of the receipt of payments from any other party or in respect of the Loans.
Section 3.12. Taxes.
(a) Taxes Generally. All payments by the Borrower of principal of, and interest on, the Loans and all other Obligations shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future excise, stamp or other taxes, fees, duties, levies, imposts, charges, deductions, withholdings or other charges of any nature whatsoever imposed by any taxing authority, but excluding (i) franchise taxes, (ii) any taxes imposed on or measured by any Lender’s assets, net income, receipts or branch profits, (iii) any taxes (other than withholding taxes) with respect to the Agent or a Lender that would not be imposed but for a connection between the Agent or such Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such taxes (other than a connection arising solely by virtue of the activities of the Agent or such Lender pursuant to or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document), and (iv) any taxes, fees, duties, levies, imposts, charges, deductions, withholdings or other charges to the extent imposed as a result of the failure of the Agent or a Lender, as applicable, to provide and keep current (to the extent legally able) any certificates, documents or other evidence required to qualify for an exemption from, or reduced rate of, any such taxes fees, duties, levies, imposts, charges, deductions, withholdings or other charges or required by the immediately following subsection (c) to be furnished by the Agent or such Lender, as applicable (such non-excluded items being collectively called “Taxes”). If any withholding or deduction from any payment to be made by the Borrower hereunder is required in respect of any Taxes pursuant to any Applicable Law, then the Borrower will:
(i) pay directly to the relevant Governmental Authority the full amount required to be so withheld or deducted;
(ii) promptly forward to the Agent an official receipt or other documentation satisfactory to the Agent evidencing such payment to such Governmental Authority; and
(iii) pay to the Agent for its account or the account of the applicable Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as is necessary to ensure that the net amount actually received by the Agent or such Lender will equal the full amount that the Agent or such Lender would have received had no such withholding or deduction been required.
(b) Tax Indemnification. If the Borrower fails to pay any Taxes when due to the appropriate Governmental Authority or fails to remit to the Agent, for its account or the account of the respective Lender, as the case may be, the required receipts or other required documentary evidence, the Borrower shall indemnify the Agent and the Lenders for any incremental Taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by the Agent or any Lender as a result of any such failure. For purposes of this Section, a distribution hereunder by the Agent or any Lender to or for the account of any Lender shall be deemed a payment by the Borrower.
(c) Tax Forms. Prior to the date that any Lender or Participant organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States of America becomes a party hereto, such Person

 

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shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent such certificates, documents or other evidence, as required by the Internal Revenue Code or Treasury Regulations issued pursuant thereto (including Internal Revenue Service Forms W-8ECI and W-8BEN, as applicable, or appropriate successor forms), properly completed, currently effective and duly executed by such Lender or Participant establishing that payments to it hereunder and under the Notes are (i) not subject to United States Federal backup withholding tax and (ii) not subject to United States Federal withholding tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Each such Lender or Participant shall, to the extent it may lawfully do so, (x) deliver further copies of such forms or other appropriate certifications on or before the date that any such forms expire or become obsolete and after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form delivered to the Borrower or the Agent and (y) obtain such extensions of the time for filing, and renew such forms and certifications thereof, as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent. The Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount pursuant to the last sentence of subsection (a) above to any Lender or Participant that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America or the Agent, if it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America, if such Lender, Participant or the Agent, as applicable, fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection. If any such Lender or Participant, to the extent it may lawfully do so, fails to deliver the above forms or other documentation, then the Agent may withhold from any payments to be made to such Lender under any of the Loan Documents such amounts as are required by the Internal Revenue Code. If any Governmental Authority asserts that the Agent did not properly withhold or backup withhold, as the case may be, any tax or other amount from payments made to or for the account of any Lender, such Lender shall indemnify the Agent therefor, including all penalties and interest, any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to the Agent under this Section, and costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees and disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel and the allocated cost of internal legal services and all disbursements of internal counsel) of the Agent. The obligation of the Lenders under this Section shall survive the termination of the Commitments, repayment of all Obligations and the resignation or replacement of the Agent.
Article IV. Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties
Section 4.1. Eligibility of Properties.
(a) Initial Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties. As of the date hereof, the parties agree that the Properties identified on Schedule 4.1. shall be Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties, and accordingly, shall be included in calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value initially having the respective Unencumbered Borrowing Base Values set forth on such Schedule.
(b) Additional Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties. If, after the Agreement Date, the Borrower desires that any additional Property become an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property and therefore included in calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value, the Borrower shall so notify the Agent in writing. Except as otherwise provided in the immediately following subsection (c), no Property will become an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property unless it is an Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, and unless and

 

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until the Borrower delivers to the Agent the following, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent:
(i) a description of such Property, such description to include the age, location and size of such Property;
(ii) an operating statement with respect to such Property for each of the two prior fiscal years and for the current fiscal year through the fiscal quarter most recently ending and for the current fiscal quarter, which shall be audited (to the extent available) or certified by a representative of the Borrower to the best of such representative’s knowledge as being true and correct in all material respects; provided, that with respect to any period such Property was not owned by a Loan Party, such information shall only be required to be delivered to the extent reasonably available to the Borrower;
(iii) a pro forma operating statement or an operating budget for such Property with respect to the current and immediately following fiscal years;
(iv) a budget for capital expenditures for the immediately following 12-month period showing funding sources acceptable to the Agent; and
(v) such other information the Agent may reasonably request in order to evaluate such Property.
A notification from the Borrower to the Agent that the Borrower desires that a Property be included in calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value shall constitute a certification by the Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders that such Property satisfies all of the requirements contained in the definition of “Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property” unless such notice states otherwise (in which case the provisions of the immediately following subsection (c) shall apply). Upon the Agent’s receipt of all of the foregoing items with respect to an Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, such Property shall become an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, and accordingly, shall be included in calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value.
(c) Nonconforming Properties. If a Property which the Borrower wants to have included in the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value does not satisfy the requirements of an Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, then the Agent, upon written request of the Borrower shall request that the Lenders determine whether such Property shall be included as an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property. In connection therewith, the Borrower shall deliver the information required by the immediately preceding subsection (b) to each of the Lenders. If such a request is made by the Agent to the Lenders, within 10 Business Days after the date on which a Lender has received such request and all of the items referred to in the immediately preceding subsection (b), such Lender shall notify the Agent in writing whether or not such Lender accepts such Property as an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property. If a Lender fails to give such notice within such time period, such Lender shall be deemed to have approved such Property as an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property. A Property shall become an

 

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Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property under this subsection (c) only upon the approval and/or deemed approval of the Requisite Lenders.
(d) Documents with Respect to Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate. Upon a Property owned by a Subsidiary or an Unconsolidated Affiliate that is not a Guarantor becoming an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, the Borrower shall deliver to the Agent an Accession Agreement executed by such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate together with the items that would have been delivered with respect to such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate under Sections 6.1.(a)(iv) through (viii) and (xii) as if such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate had been a Guarantor on the Effective Date (without taking into account the effect of Section 6.3.). If the improvements on an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property or the furniture, fixtures and equipment utilized in the operation of such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property are owned or leased by a Subsidiary (the “Accommodation Subsidiary”) other than the Subsidiary that owns or leases such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, then the Borrower shall also deliver to the Agent an Accession Agreement executed by such Accommodation Subsidiary. Until such time as the Agent shall have received the items referred to in the immediately preceding two sentences with respect to such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate and any applicable Accommodation Subsidiary, the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value of any Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property owned by such Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate shall be $0 and any NOI attributable to such Property shall not be included in Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI. For the avoidance of doubt, a Property shall not be included in determinations of Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI or Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value if the Subsidiary or Unconsolidated Affiliate that owns or leases such is not a Guarantor.
Section 4.2. Reclassification of Properties.
From time to time the Borrower may request, upon not less than 10 Business Days prior written notice to the Agent, that an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property be no longer classified as an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property and therefore not included in the calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value, which reclassification (a “Reclassification”) shall be effected by the Agent if all the following conditions are satisfied as of the date of such Reclassification:
(a) no Default or Event of Default exists or will exist immediately after giving effect to such Reclassification and the reduction in the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value by reason of the release of such Property as of the date of such Reclassification (any such request from the Borrower shall include a representation regarding no Default or Event of Default to the effect set forth in the preceding sentence); and
(b) the Borrower shall have delivered a Compliance Certificate showing pro forma compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 10.1. after giving effect to such Reclassification.
Upon the Borrower’s request and at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense, the Agent agrees to execute and deliver such instruments, documents, certificates and other agreements as the Borrower may reasonably request to confirm such Reclassification.

 

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Article V. Yield Protection, Etc.
Section 5.1. Additional Costs; Capital Adequacy.
(a) Additional Costs. The Borrower shall promptly pay to the Agent for the account of a Lender from time to time such amounts as such Lender may determine to be necessary to compensate such Lender for any costs incurred by such Lender that it reasonably determines are attributable to its making or maintaining of any LIBOR Loans or its obligation to make any LIBOR Loans hereunder, any reduction in any amount receivable by such Lender under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in respect of any of such Loans or such obligation or the maintenance by such Lender of capital in respect of its Loans or its Commitment (such increases in costs and reductions in amounts receivable being herein called “Additional Costs”), to the extent resulting from any Regulatory Change that: (i) changes the basis of taxation of any amounts payable to such Lender under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in respect of any of such Loans or its Commitment (other than taxes, fees, duties, levies, imposts, charges, deductions, withholdings or other charges which are excluded from the definition of Taxes pursuant to the first sentence of Section 3.12.(a)); or (ii) imposes or modifies any reserve, special deposit or similar requirements (other than Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other reserve requirement to the extent utilized in the determination of Adjusted LIBOR for such Loan) relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities of, such Lender, or any commitment of such Lender (including, without limitation, the Commitment of such Lender hereunder); or (iii) has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on capital of such Lender to a level below that which such Lender could have achieved but for such Regulatory Change (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies with respect to capital adequacy).
(b) Lender’s Suspension of LIBOR Loans. Without limiting the effect of the provisions of the immediately preceding subsection (a), if, by reason of any Regulatory Change, any Lender either (i) incurs Additional Costs based on or measured by the excess above a specified level of the amount of a category of deposits or other liabilities of such Lender that includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on LIBOR Loans is determined as provided in this Agreement or a category of extensions of credit or other assets of such Lender that includes LIBOR Loans or (ii) becomes subject to restrictions on the amount of such a category of liabilities or assets that it may hold, then, if such Lender so elects by notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent), the obligation of such Lender to make or Continue, or to Convert any other Type of Loans into, LIBOR Loans hereunder shall be suspended until such Regulatory Change ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 5.5. shall apply).
(c) Additional Costs in Respect of Letters of Credit. Without limiting the obligations of the Borrower under the preceding subsections of this Section (but without duplication), if as a result of any Regulatory Change or any risk-based capital guideline or other requirement heretofore or hereafter issued by any Governmental Authority there shall be imposed, modified or deemed applicable any tax, reserve, special deposit, capital adequacy or similar requirement against or with respect to or measured by reference to Letters of Credit and the result shall be to increase the cost to the Agent of issuing (or any Lender of purchasing participations in) or

 

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maintaining its obligation hereunder to issue (or purchase participations in) any Letter of Credit or reduce any amount receivable by the Agent or any Lender hereunder in respect of any Letter of Credit, then, upon demand by the Agent or such Lender, the Borrower shall pay promptly, and in any event within 3 Business Days of demand, to the Agent for its account or the account of such Lender, as applicable, from time to time as specified by the Agent or a Lender, such additional amounts as shall be sufficient to compensate the Agent or such Lender for such increased costs or reductions in amount.
(d) Notification and Determination of Additional Costs. Each of the Agent and each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower of any event occurring after the Agreement Date entitling the Agent or such Lender to compensation under any of the preceding subsections of this Section as promptly as practicable; provided, however, the failure of the Agent or any Lender to give such notice shall not release the Borrower from any of its obligations hereunder (and in the case of a Lender, to the Agent); provided further that no Lender shall be entitled to claim any additional cost, reduction in amounts, loss, tax or other additional amount under this Article V if such Lender fails to provide such notice to the Borrower within 180 days of the date such Lender becomes aware of the occurrence of the event giving rise to the additional cost, reduction in amounts, loss, tax or other additional amount. The Agent or such Lender agrees to furnish to the Borrower (and in the case of a Lender, to the Agent) a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and amount of each request by the Agent or such Lender for compensation under this Section. Absent manifest error, determinations by the Agent or any Lender of the effect of any Regulatory Change shall be conclusive, provided that such determinations are made on a reasonable basis and in good faith.
Section 5.2. Suspension of LIBOR Loans.
Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if, on or prior to the determination of Adjusted LIBOR for any Interest Period:
(a) the Agent reasonably determines (which determination shall be conclusive) that by reason of circumstances affecting the relevant market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining Adjusted LIBOR for such Interest Period, or
(b) the Agent reasonably determines (which determination shall be conclusive) that Adjusted LIBOR will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of making or maintaining LIBOR Loans for such Interest Period;
then the Agent shall give the Borrower and each Lender prompt notice thereof and, so long as such condition remains in effect, the Lenders shall be under no obligation to, and shall not, make additional LIBOR Loans, Continue LIBOR Loans or Convert Loans into LIBOR Loans and the Borrower shall, on the last day of each current Interest Period for each outstanding LIBOR Loan, either repay such Loan or Convert such Loan into a Base Rate Loan.

 

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Section 5.3. Illegality.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Lender shall reasonably determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding) that it has become unlawful for such Lender to honor its obligation to make or maintain LIBOR Loans hereunder, then such Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower thereof (with a copy to the Agent) and such Lender’s obligation to make or Continue, or to Convert Loans of any other Type into, LIBOR Loans shall be suspended until such time as such Lender may again make and maintain LIBOR Loans (in which case the provisions of Section 5.5. shall be applicable).
Section 5.4. Compensation.
The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender, upon the request of such Lender through the Agent, such amount or amounts as shall be sufficient (in the reasonable opinion of such Lender) to compensate it for any loss, cost or expense (excluding lost profits) that such Lender reasonably determines is attributable to:
(a) any payment or prepayment (whether mandatory or optional) of a LIBOR Loan, or Conversion of a LIBOR Loan, made by such Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, acceleration) on a date other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan; or
(b) any failure by the Borrower for any reason (including, without limitation, the failure of any of the applicable conditions precedent specified in Article VI. to be satisfied) to borrow a LIBOR Loan from such Lender on the requested date for such borrowing, or to Convert a Base Rate Loan into a LIBOR Loan or Continue a LIBOR Loan on the requested date of such Conversion or Continuation.
Upon the Borrower’s request, any Lender requesting compensation under this Section shall provide the Borrower with a statement setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for requesting such compensation and the method for determining the amount thereof. Absent manifest error, determinations by any Lender in any such statement shall be conclusive, provided that such determinations are made on a reasonable basis and in good faith.
Section 5.5. Treatment of Affected Loans.
If the obligation of any Lender to make LIBOR Loans or to Continue, or to Convert Base Rate Loans into, LIBOR Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 5.1.(b) or 5.3., then such Lender’s LIBOR Loans shall be automatically Converted into Base Rate Loans on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for LIBOR Loans (or, in the case of a Conversion required by Section 5.1.(b) or 5.3., on such earlier date as such Lender may specify to the Borrower with a copy to the Agent) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Section 5.1. or 5.3. that gave rise to such Conversion no longer exist:
(a) to the extent that such Lender’s LIBOR Loans have been so Converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lender’s LIBOR Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and

 

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(b) all Loans that would otherwise be made or Continued by such Lender as LIBOR Loans shall be made or Continued instead as Base Rate Loans, and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be Converted into LIBOR Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.
If such Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Agent) that the circumstances specified in Section 5.1. or 5.3. that gave rise to the Conversion of such Lender’s LIBOR Loans pursuant to this Section no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when LIBOR Loans made by other Lenders are outstanding, then such Lender’s Base Rate Loans shall be automatically Converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding LIBOR Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding LIBOR Loans and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, Types and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments.
Section 5.6. Change of Lending Office.
Each Lender agrees that it will use reasonable efforts to designate an alternate Lending Office with respect to any of its Loans affected by the matters or circumstances described in Sections 3.12., 5.1. or 5.3. to reduce the liability of the Borrower or avoid the results provided thereunder, so long as such designation is not disadvantageous to such Lender as determined by such Lender in its sole discretion, except that such Lender shall have no obligation to designate a Lending Office located in the United States of America.
Section 5.7. Assumptions Concerning Funding of LIBOR Loans.
Calculation of all amounts payable to a Lender under this Article V. shall be made as though such Lender had actually funded LIBOR Loans through the purchase of deposits in the relevant market bearing interest at the rate applicable to such LIBOR Loans in an amount equal to the amount of the LIBOR Loans and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period; provided, however, that each Lender may fund each of its LIBOR Loans in any manner it sees fit and the foregoing assumption shall be used only for calculation of amounts payable under this Article V.
Section 5.8. Affected Lenders.
If (a) a Lender requests compensation pursuant to Section 3.12. or 5.1., and the Requisite Lenders are not also doing the same, or (b) the obligation of any Lender to make LIBOR Loans or to Continue, or to Convert Base Rate Loans into, LIBOR Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 5.1.(b) or 5.3. but the obligation of the Requisite Lenders shall not have been suspended under such Sections, or (c) a Lender does not vote in favor of any amendment, modification or waiver to this Agreement which, pursuant to Section 13.6., requires the vote of all of the Lenders, and the Requisite Lenders shall have voted in favor of such amendment, modification or waiver then, so long as there does not then exist any Default or Event of Default, the Borrower may demand that such Lender (the “Affected Lender”), and upon such demand the Affected Lender shall promptly, assign its Commitment to an Eligible Assignee subject to and in

 

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accordance with the provisions of Section 13.5.(d) for a purchase price equal to the aggregate principal balance of all Loans then owing to the Affected Lender plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon and accrued but unpaid fees owing to the Affected Lender, or any other amount as may be mutually agreed upon by such Affected Lender and Eligible Assignee. Each of the Agent and the Affected Lender shall reasonably cooperate in effectuating the replacement of such Affected Lender under this Section, but at no time shall the Agent, such Affected Lender nor any other Lender nor any Titled Agent be obligated in any way whatsoever to initiate any such replacement or to assist in finding an Eligible Assignee. The exercise by the Borrower of its rights under this Section shall be at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense and at no cost or expense to the Agent, the Affected Lender or any of the other Lenders. The terms of this Section shall not in any way limit the Borrower’s obligation to pay to any Affected Lender compensation owing to such Affected Lender pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 3.12., 5.1. or 5.4.) with respect to the periods up to the date of replacement.
Article VI. Conditions Precedent
Section 6.1. Initial Conditions Precedent.
The obligation of the Lenders to effect or permit the occurrence of the first Credit Event hereunder, whether as the making of a Loan or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a) The Agent shall have received each of the following (subject to Section 6.3. in the case of clauses (iv) and (v)), in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent:
(i) counterparts of this Agreement executed by each of the parties hereto;
(ii) Revolving Notes executed by the Borrower, payable to each Lender and complying with the applicable provisions of Section 2.10., and the Swingline Note executed by the Borrower;
(iii) the Guaranty executed by the Parent and each Material Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary or a Foreign Subsidiary) existing as of the Effective Date;
(iv) a copy of the articles of incorporation, articles of organization, certificate of limited partnership or other comparable organizational instrument (if any) of the Borrower and each other Loan Party certified (x) by the Secretary of State of the state of formation of such Loan Party as of a date not more that 6 months prior to the delivery thereof to the Agent and (y) by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of such Loan Party as being a true, correct and complete copy thereof as of the date of delivery thereof to the Agent;
(v) a copy of a certificate of good standing or certificate of similar meaning with respect to each Loan Party issued by the Secretary of State of the state of formation of each such Loan Party and copies of certificates of qualification to transact business or other comparable certificates issued by each Secretary of State (and any state department of taxation, as applicable) of each state in which such Loan Party is required to be so

 

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qualified and where the failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, in each case, issued as of a date not more than 6 months prior to the date of delivery thereof to the Agent;
(vi) a certificate of incumbency signed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of each Loan Party with respect to each of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party, and in the case of the Borrower, and the officers of the Borrower then authorized to deliver Notices of Borrowing, Notices of Swingline Borrowings, Notices of Continuation and Notices of Conversion and to request the issuance of Letters of Credit;
(vii) copies certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other individual performing similar functions) of each Loan Party of (i) the by-laws of such Loan Party, if a corporation, the operating agreement, if a limited liability company, the partnership agreement, if a limited or general partnership, or other comparable document in the case of any other form of legal entity and (ii) all corporate, partnership, member or other necessary action taken by such Loan Party to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party;
(viii) an opinion of counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender, addressing the matters set forth in Exhibit I;
(ix) the Fees then due and payable under Section 3.6., and any other Fees payable to the Agent, the Titled Agents and the Lenders on or prior to the Effective Date;
(x) a Compliance Certificate calculated as of the Effective Date (giving pro forma effect to the financing evidenced by this Agreement and the use of the proceeds of the Loans to be funded on the Agreement Date);
(xi) evidence that arrangements have been made for the termination and release of the existing Security Documents (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) upon the occurrence of the Effective Date; and
(xii) such other documents, agreements and instruments as the Agent on behalf of the Lenders may reasonably request; and
(b) In the good faith and reasonable judgment of the Agent and the Lenders:
(i) there shall not have occurred or become known to the Agent or any of the Lenders any event, condition, situation or status since the date of the information contained in the financial and business projections, budgets, pro forma data and forecasts concerning the Parent, the Borrower and its other Subsidiaries delivered to the Agent and the Lenders prior to the Agreement Date that has had or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(ii) no litigation, action, suit, investigation or other arbitral, administrative or judicial proceeding shall be pending or threatened in writing which could reasonably be expected to (1) result in a Material Adverse Effect or (2) restrain or enjoin, impose materially burdensome conditions on, or otherwise materially and adversely affect the ability of any Loan Party to fulfill its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party; and
(iii) the Parent, the Borrower and its other Subsidiaries shall have received all approvals, consents and waivers, and shall have made or given all necessary filings and notices as shall be required to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby without the occurrence of any default under, conflict with or violation of (1) any Applicable Law or (2) any agreement, document or instrument to which the Borrower or any other Loan Party is a party or by which any of them or their respective properties is bound, except for such approvals, consents, waivers, filings and notices the receipt, making or giving of which would not reasonably be likely to (A) have a Material Adverse Effect, or (B) restrain or enjoin, impose materially burdensome conditions on, or otherwise materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to fulfill its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party.
The provisions of clauses (iv) through (viii) of the immediately preceding subsection (a) shall not apply to Accommodation Subsidiaries that are not also Material Subsidiaries.
Section 6.2. Conditions Precedent to All Loans and Letters of Credit.
The obligations of the Lenders to make any Loans, of the Agent to issue Letters of Credit, and of the Swingline Lender to make any Swingline Loan are all subject to the further condition precedent that: (a) no Default or Event of Default shall exist as of the date of the making of such Loan or date of issuance of such Letter of Credit or would exist immediately after giving effect thereto; and (b) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by each Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of the making of such Loan or date of issuance of such Letter of Credit with the same force and effect as if made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents. Each Credit Event shall constitute a certification by the Borrower to the effect set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of notice relating to such Credit Event and, unless the Borrower otherwise notifies the Agent prior to the date of such Credit Event, as of the date of the occurrence of such Credit Event). In addition, if such Credit Event is the making of a Loan or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented to the Agent and the Lenders at the time such Loan is made or Letter of Credit issued that all conditions to the occurrence of such Credit Event contained in Article VI. have been satisfied.

 

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Section 6.3. Conditions Subsequent.
Notwithstanding the requirements of clauses (iv) and (v) of Section 6.1.(a), the Borrower may deliver to the Agent each of the following items not later than March 23, 2007:
(a) a copy of the articles of incorporation, articles of organization, certificate of limited partnership or other comparable organizational instrument (if any) of the Borrower and each other Loan Party certified by the Secretary of State of the state of formation of such Loan Party as of a date not more that 6 months prior to the delivery thereof to the Agent; and
(b) a copy of a certificate of good standing or certificate of similar meaning with respect to each Loan Party issued by the Secretary of State of the state of formation of each such Loan Party and copies of certificates of qualification to transact business or other comparable certificates issued by each Secretary of State (and any state department of taxation, as applicable) of each state in which such Loan Party is required to be so qualified and where the failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, in each case, issued as of a date not more than 6 months prior to the date of delivery thereof to the Agent.
Article VII. Representations and Warranties
Section 7.1. Representations and Warranties.
In order to induce the Agent and each Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit, the Parent and the Borrower represent and warrant to the Agent and each Lender as follows:
(a) Organization; Power; Qualification. Each of the Parent, the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and each other Subsidiary is a corporation, partnership or other legal entity, duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, has the power and authority to own or lease its respective properties and to carry on its respective business as now being and hereafter proposed to be conducted and is duly qualified and is in good standing as a foreign corporation, partnership or other legal entity, and authorized to do business, in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification or authorization and where the failure to be so qualified or authorized could reasonably be expected to have, in each instance, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Ownership Structure. As of the Agreement Date, Part I of Schedule 7.1.(b) is a complete and correct list of all Subsidiaries of the Parent setting forth for each such Subsidiary, (i) the jurisdiction of organization of such Subsidiary, (ii) each Person holding any Equity Interests in such Subsidiary, (iii) the nature of the Equity Interests held by each such Person, (iv) the percentage of ownership of such Subsidiary represented by such Equity Interests and (v) whether such Subsidiary is a Material Subsidiary or a Significant Subsidiary. Except as disclosed in such Schedule, as of the Agreement Date (i) each of the Parent and its Subsidiaries owns, free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens), and has the unencumbered right to vote, all outstanding Equity Interests in each Person shown to be held by it on such Schedule, (ii) all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Person organized as a corporation

 

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is validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and (iii) there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, commitments, preemptive rights or agreements of any kind (including, without limitation, any stockholders’ or voting trust agreements) for the issuance, sale, registration or voting of, or outstanding securities convertible into, any additional shares of capital stock of any class, or partnership or other ownership interests of any type in, any such Person. As of the Agreement Date Part II of Schedule 7.1.(b) correctly sets forth all Unconsolidated Affiliates of the Parent, including the correct legal name of such Person, the type of legal entity which each such Person is, and all Equity Interests in such Person held directly or indirectly by the Parent.
(c) Authorization of Agreement, Etc. The Borrower has the right and power, and has taken all necessary action to authorize it, to borrow and obtain other extensions of credit hereunder. Each Loan Party has the right and power, and has taken all necessary action to authorize it, to execute, deliver and perform each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers, agents and/or signatories of such Person and each is a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person enforceable against such Person in accordance with its respective terms except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, and other similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and the availability of equitable remedies for the enforcement of certain obligations (other than the payment of principal) contained herein or therein and as may be limited by equitable principles generally.
(d) Compliance of Loan Documents with Laws, Etc. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is a party in accordance with their respective terms and the borrowings and other extensions of credit hereunder do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both: (i) require any Governmental Approval or violate any Applicable Law (including all Environmental Laws) relating to any Loan Party; (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the organizational documents of any Loan Party, or any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which any Loan Party is a party or by which it or any of its respective properties may be bound; or (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property now owned or hereafter acquired by any Loan Party.
(e) Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals. Each Loan Party is in compliance with each Governmental Approval applicable to it and in compliance with all other Applicable Laws (including without limitation, Environmental Laws) relating to such Loan Party except for noncompliances which, and Governmental Approvals the failure to possess which, could not, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to cause a Default or Event of Default or have a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Title to Properties; Liens. As of the Agreement Date, Part I of Schedule 7.1.(f) is a complete and correct listing of all of the real property owned or leased by the Parent, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary. Each such Person has good, marketable and legal title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, its respective assets (other than Permitted Liens and Liens on assets of an Excluded Subsidiary securing the Indebtedness which causes such Subsidiary to be an Excluded Subsidiary). As of the Agreement Date, there are no Liens against any assets of the

 

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Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary except for Permitted Liens and Liens on assets of an Excluded Subsidiary securing the Indebtedness which causes such Subsidiary to be an Excluded Subsidiary.
(g) Existing Indebtedness. Schedule 7.1.(g) is, as of December 31, 2006, a complete and correct listing of all Indebtedness of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, including without limitation, Guarantees of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, and indicating whether such Indebtedness is Secured Indebtedness or Unsecured Indebtedness. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.1.(g), during the period from such date to the Agreement Date, neither the Parent nor any Subsidiary incurred any material Indebtedness.
(h) Material Contracts. Excluding Material Contracts evidencing Indebtedness listed on Schedule 7.1.(g), if any, Schedule 7.1.(h) is, as of the Agreement Date, a true, correct and complete listing of all Material Contracts. No event or condition which with the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, would permit any party to any such Material Contract to terminate such Material Contract exists.
(i) Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 7.1.(i), there are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings pending (nor, to the knowledge of the Parent, are there any actions, suits or proceedings threatened) against or in any other way relating adversely to or affecting the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective property in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any other Governmental Authority which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(j) Taxes. Subject to applicable extensions, all federal, state and other tax returns of the Parent and its Subsidiaries required by Applicable Law to be filed have been duly filed, and all federal, state and other taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or levies upon the Parent and its Subsidiaries and their respective properties, income, profits and assets which are due and payable have been paid, except any such nonpayment which is at the time permitted under Section 8.6. As of the Agreement Date, none of the United States income tax returns of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is under audit. All charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Parent and each of its Subsidiaries and each other Loan Party in respect of any taxes or other governmental charges are in accordance with GAAP.
(k) Financial Statements. The Parent has furnished to each Lender copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005, and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for the fiscal year ending on such date, with the opinion thereon of KPMG LLP, and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ending September 8, 2006, and the related unaudited consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders’ equity of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the period of three fiscal quarters ending on such date. Such financial statements (including in each case related schedules and notes) present fairly, in all material respects and in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved, the consolidated financial position of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at their respective dates and the results of operations and the cash flow for such

 

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periods (subject, as to interim statements, to changes resulting from normal year-end audit adjustments). Neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has on the Agreement Date any material contingent liabilities, liabilities, liabilities for taxes, unusual or long-term commitments or unrealized or forward anticipated losses from any unfavorable commitments that would be required to be set forth in its financial statements or in the notes thereto, except as referred to or reflected or provided for in said financial statements.
(l) No Material Adverse Change. Since December 31, 2005, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Parent and its Subsidiaries or the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case, taken as a whole. Each of the Loan Parties is Solvent.
(m) ERISA. Each member of the ERISA Group is in compliance with its obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan and is in compliance with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code with respect to each Plan, except in each case for noncompliances which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. As of the Agreement Date, no member of the ERISA Group has (i) sought a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code in respect of any Plan, (ii) failed to make any contribution or payment to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement, or made any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement, which has resulted or could result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or other security under ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code or (iii) incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA other than a liability to the PBGC for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA.
(n) Not Plan Assets; No Prohibited Transaction. None of the assets of the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary constitutes “plan assets” within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the respective regulations promulgated thereunder. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the borrowing and repayment of amounts hereunder, do not and will not constitute “prohibited transactions” under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code.
(o) Absence of Defaults. None of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary is in default under its articles of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement or other similar organizational documents, and no event has occurred, which has not been remedied, cured or waived, which, in any such case: (i) constitutes a Default or an Event of Default; or (ii) constitutes, or which with the passage of time, the giving of notice, or both, would constitute, a default or event of default by the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary under any agreement (other than this Agreement) or judgment, decree or order to which the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary is a party or by which the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or any of their respective properties may be bound where such default or event of default could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(p) Environmental Laws. Each of the Parent, the Borrower and its other Subsidiaries has obtained all Governmental Approvals which are required under Environmental Laws and is

 

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in compliance with all terms and conditions of such Governmental Approvals which the failure to obtain or to comply with could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except for any of the following matters that could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) neither the Parent or the Borrower is aware of, and has received notice of, any past, present, or future events, conditions, circumstances, activities, practices, incidents, actions, or plans which, with respect to the Parent, the Borrower or any of its other Subsidiaries, may interfere with or prevent compliance or continued compliance with Environmental Laws, or may give rise to any common-law or legal liability, or otherwise form the basis of any claim, action, demand, suit, proceeding, hearing, study, or investigation, based on or related to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, or handling or the emission, discharge, release or threatened release into the environment, of any Hazardous Material; and (ii) there is no civil, criminal, or administrative action, suit, demand, claim, hearing, notice, or demand letter, notice of violation, investigation, or proceeding pending or, to the Borrower’s knowledge after due inquiry, threatened, against the Parent, the Borrower or any of its other Subsidiaries relating in any way to Environmental Laws.
(q) Investment Company; Etc. None of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary is (i) an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) subject to any other Applicable Law which purports to regulate or restrict its ability to borrow money or to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party.
(r) Margin Stock. None of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying “margin stock” within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
(s) Affiliate Transactions. Except as permitted by Section 10.11., none of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary is a party to any transaction with an Affiliate.
(t) Intellectual Property. Each of the Parent, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary owns or has the right to use, under valid license agreements or otherwise, all material patents, licenses, franchises, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, trade secrets and copyrights (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) necessary to the conduct of its businesses as now conducted and as contemplated by the Loan Documents, without known conflict with any patent, license, franchise, trademark, trade secret, trade name, copyright, or other proprietary right of any other Person. The Parent, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary have taken all such steps as they deem reasonably necessary to protect their respective rights under and with respect to such Intellectual Property.
(u) Business. As of the Agreement Date, the Parent, the Borrower and the other Subsidiaries are engaged in the business of developing, construction, acquiring, owning and operating hotel properties, together with other business activities incidental thereto.

 

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(v) Broker’s Fees. No broker’s or finder’s fee, commission or similar compensation will be payable with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. No other similar fees or commissions will be payable by any Loan Party for any other services rendered to the Parent, the Borrower or any of its other Subsidiaries ancillary to the transactions contemplated hereby.
(w) Accuracy and Completeness of Information. The written information, reports and other data (excluding financial projections and other forward looking statements) furnished to the Agent or any Lender by, on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary in connection with or relating in any way to this Agreement, taken as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a fact material to the creditworthiness of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary and do not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make such statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. All financial statements (including in each case all related schedules and notes) furnished to the Agent or any Lender by, on behalf of, or at the direction of, the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary in connection with or relating in any way to this Agreement, present fairly, in all material respects and in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved, the financial position of the Persons involved as at the date thereof and the results of operations for such periods (subject, as to interim statements, to changes resulting from normal year-end audit adjustments). All financial projections and other forward looking statements prepared by or on behalf of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary that have been or may hereafter be made available to the Agent or any Lender were or will be prepared in good faith based on reasonable assumptions but with it being understood that such projections and statement are not a guarantee of future performance. As of the Effective Date, no fact is known to the Parent or the Borrower which has had, or may in the future have (so far as the Parent or the Borrower can reasonably foresee), a Material Adverse Effect which has not been set forth in the financial statements referred to in Section 7.1.(k) or in such information, reports or other data or otherwise disclosed in writing to the Agent and the Lenders.
(x) REIT Status. For all dates after January 1, 2005, the Parent is organized and operated in a manner such that upon its election of REIT status, it shall be treated as a REIT for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code (beginning with the effective date of such election) and each of its Subsidiaries that are corporations (if any) are organized and operated in a manner such that upon such election they will qualify as Qualified REIT Subsidiaries or Taxable REIT Subsidiaries (beginning with the effective date of such election), except where a Subsidiary’s failure to so qualify could not reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Parent’s qualification as a REIT. For all dates thereafter, the Parent is qualified as a REIT and each of its Subsidiaries that is a corporation is a Qualified REIT Subsidiary or Taxable REIT Subsidiary (beginning with the effective date of such election), except where a Subsidiary’s failure to so qualify could not reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Parent’s qualification as a REIT.
(y) Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties. Each of the Properties included in calculations of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value satisfies all of the requirements contained in the definition of “Eligible Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property” (except to the extent such requirements were waived by the Requisite Lenders pursuant to Section 4.1.(c) at the time such Property was approved as an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property).

 

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(z) Foreign Assets Control. None of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of the Borrower: (i) is a Sanctioned Person, (ii) has any of its assets in Sanctioned Entities, or (iii) derives any of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Entities.
Section 7.2. Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc.
All statements contained in any certificate, financial statement or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary to the Agent or any Lender pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents (including, but not limited to, any such statement made in or in connection with any amendment thereto or any statement contained in any certificate, financial statement or other instrument delivered by or on behalf of the Parent and the Borrower prior to the Agreement Date and delivered to the Agent or any Lender in connection with the underwriting or closing of the transactions contemplated hereby) shall constitute representations and warranties made by the Parent and or the Borrower in favor of the Agent or any of the Lenders under this Agreement. All representations and warranties made under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to be made at and as of the Agreement Date, the Effective Date, the date on which any extension of the Termination Date is effectuated pursuant to Section 2.12. and the date of the occurrence of any Credit Event, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents. All such representations and warranties shall survive the effectiveness of this Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of the Loans and the issuance of the Letters of Credit.
Article VIII. Affirmative Covenants
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, unless the Requisite Lenders (or, if required pursuant to Section 13.6., all of the Lenders) shall otherwise consent in the manner provided for in Section 13.6., the Parent and the Borrower shall comply with the following covenants:
Section 8.1. Preservation of Existence and Similar Matters.
Except as otherwise permitted under Section 10.7., the Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, preserve and maintain its respective existence, rights, franchises, licenses and privileges in the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation and qualify and remain qualified and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification and authorization and where the failure to be so authorized and qualified could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 8.2. Compliance with Applicable Law and Material Contracts.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, comply with (a) all Applicable Laws, including the obtaining of all Governmental Approvals, the failure with which to comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) all terms and conditions of all Material Contracts to which it is a party, the failure with which to comply could give any other party thereto the right to terminate such Material Contract.
Section 8.3. Maintenance of Property.
In addition to the requirements of any of the other Loan Documents, the Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, (a) protect and preserve all of its respective material properties, including, but not limited to, all Intellectual Property (to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with operations), and maintain in good repair, working order and condition all tangible properties, ordinary wear and tear and insured casualty losses excepted, and (b) make or cause to be made all repairs, renewals, replacements and additions to such properties necessary or appropriate in the Borrower’s good faith and reasonable judgment so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times.
Section 8.4. Conduct of Business.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to, carry on the business as described in Section 7.1.(u).
Section 8.5. Insurance.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain insurance (on a replacement cost basis) with financially sound and reputable insurance companies (with an A.M. Best policyholders rating of at least A-IX (with respect to liability) or A-X (with respect to property damage)) against such risks (including, without limitation, acts of terrorism) and in such amounts as is customarily maintained by prudent Persons engaged in similar businesses and in similar locations or as may be required by Applicable Law, and from time to time deliver to the Agent upon its request a detailed list, together with copies of all policies of the insurance then in effect, stating the names of the insurance companies, the amounts and rates of the insurance, the dates of the expiration thereof and the properties and risks covered thereby; provided, that so long as Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates are property managers of any Property, insurance with respect to such Property may be maintained under the blanket policy provided by Marriott International, Inc.
Section 8.6. Payment of Taxes and Claims.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, pay and discharge before delinquent (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or upon any properties belonging to it, and (b) all lawful claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen and landlords for labor, materials, supplies and rentals which, if unpaid, might become a Lien on any properties of such Person; provided,

 

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however, that this Section shall not require the payment or discharge of any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim (i) which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings which operate to suspend the collection thereof and for which adequate reserves have been established on the books of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, in accordance with GAAP or (ii) to the extent covered by title insurance.
Section 8.7. Visits and Inspections.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, permit representatives or agents of any Lender or the Agent, from time to time after reasonable prior notice and in a manner that does not unreasonably disrupt the normal business operations of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, in each case so long as no Event of Default shall be in existence, as often as may be reasonably requested, but only during normal business hours, as the case may be, to: (a) visit and inspect all properties of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary to the extent any such right to visit or inspect is within the control of such Person; (b) inspect and make extracts from their respective books and records, including but not limited to management letters prepared by independent accountants; and (c) discuss with its officers and employees, and its independent accountants, its business, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations and performance. If requested by the Agent, the Parent and the Borrower shall execute an authorization letter addressed to their accountants authorizing the Agent or any Lender to discuss the financial affairs of the Parent, the Borrower and any other Subsidiary with their accountants. The Parent may designate a representative to accompany any Lender or Agent in connection with such visits, inspections and discussion unless a Default or Event of Default exists. The exercise by a Lender or the Agent of its rights under this Section shall be at the expense of such Lender or the Agent, as applicable, unless an Event of Default shall exist in which case such exercise shall be at the expense of the Borrower.
Section 8.8. Use of Proceeds; Letters of Credit.
The Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit for general corporate purposes only, to include, without limitation, acquisitions, repayment of Indebtedness, capital expenditures, working capital, short-term bridge advances and payment of fees and expenses related to this Agreement and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. No part of the proceeds of any Loan or Letter of Credit will be used (a) for the purpose of buying or carrying “margin stock” within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock or (b) to fund any operations in, to finance any investments or activities in, or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Entity.
Section 8.9. Environmental Matters.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause all of the Subsidiaries to, comply with all Environmental Laws the failure with which to comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. If the Parent, the Borrower, or any other Subsidiary shall (a) receive notice that any violation of any Environmental Law may have been committed or is about to be committed by such Person, (b) receive notice that any administrative or judicial complaint or

 

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order has been filed or is about to be filed against the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary alleging violations of any Environmental Law or requiring any such Person to take any action in connection with the release of Hazardous Materials or (c) receive any notice from a Governmental Authority or private party alleging that any such Person may be liable or responsible for costs associated with a response to or cleanup of a release of Hazardous Materials or any damages caused thereby, and the matters referred to in such notices, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower shall provide the Agent with a copy of such notice promptly, and in any event within 10 Business Days, after the receipt thereof. The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries to, take promptly all actions necessary to prevent the imposition of any material Liens on any of their respective properties arising out of or related to any Environmental Laws (other than a Lien (i) which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings which operate to suspend the enforcement thereof and for which adequate reserves have been established on the books of the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, in accordance with GAAP, (ii) which has been bonded-off in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Agent or (iii) which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect).
Section 8.10. Books and Records.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain books and records pertaining to its respective business operations in such detail, form and scope as is consistent with good business practice and in accordance with GAAP.
Section 8.11. Further Assurances.
The Parent and the Borrower shall, at their cost and expense and upon request of the Agent, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Agent such further instruments, documents and certificates consistent with the existing terms and conditions of the Loan Documents, and do and cause to be done such further acts that may be reasonably necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of the Agent to carry out more effectively the existing provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 8.12. REIT Status.
The Parent shall at all times maintain its status as a REIT.
Section 8.13. Exchange Listing.
The Parent shall maintain at least one class of common Equity Interest of the Parent having trading privileges on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or which is the subject of price quotations in the over-the-counter market as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System.
Section 8.14. Additional Guarantors.
(a) Within 30 days of any Person (other than an Excluded Subsidiary or a Foreign Subsidiary) becoming a Material Subsidiary after the Effective Date, the Borrower shall deliver

 

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to the Agent each of the following items, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent: (i) an Accession Agreement executed by such Material Subsidiary and (ii) the items with respect to such Material Subsidiary that would have been delivered under Sections 6.1.(a)(iv) through (viii) if such Material Subsidiary had been one on the Effective Date (without taking into account the effect of Section 6.3.); provided, however, promptly (and in any event within 30 days) upon any Excluded Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary ceasing to be subject to the restriction which prevented it from delivering an Accession Agreement pursuant to this Section, such Subsidiary shall comply with the provisions of this Section.
(b) The Borrower may, at its option, cause any Subsidiary that is not already a Guarantor to become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Agent the items required to be delivered under Section 4.1.(d) with respect to a Subsidiary that owns or leases an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property.
Section 8.15. Release of Guarantors.
The Borrower may request in writing that the Agent release, and upon receipt of such request the Agent shall release (subject to the terms of the Guaranty), a Guarantor from the Guaranty so long as: (i) such Guarantor meets, or will meet simultaneously with its release from the Guaranty, all of the provisions of the definition of the term “Excluded Subsidiary” or has ceased to be, or simultaneously with its release from the Guaranty will cease to be, a Material Subsidiary or a Subsidiary, or in the case of a Material Subsidiary that does not own or lease an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, such release will not result in a violation of Section 10.1.(h); (ii) such Guarantor is not otherwise required to be a party to the Guaranty under the immediately preceding subsection (a); (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall then be in existence or would occur as a result of such release, including without limitation, a Default or Event of Default resulting from a violation of any of the covenants contained in Section 10.1.; and (iv) the Agent shall have received such written request at least 10 Business Days prior to the requested date of release. Delivery by the Borrower to the Agent of any such request shall constitute a representation by the Borrower that the matters set forth in the preceding sentence (both as of the date of the giving of such request and as of the date of the effectiveness of such request) are true and correct with respect to such request. If such Guarantor owns an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property, then the release of such Guarantor shall also be subject to and in accordance with Section 4.2. The Agent agrees to furnish to the Borrower, at the Borrower’s request and at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense, any release, termination, or other agreement or document evidencing the foregoing release as may be reasonably requested by the Borrower.
Article IX. Information
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, unless the Requisite Lenders (or, if required pursuant to Section 13.6., all of the Lenders) shall otherwise consent in the manner set forth in Section 13.6., the Borrower shall furnish to each Lender (or to the Agent if so provided below) at its Lending Office:

 

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Section 9.1. Quarterly Financial Statements.
As soon as available and in any event within 5 days after the same is required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (but in no event later than 50 days after the end of each of the first, second and third fiscal quarters of the Parent), the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such period and the related unaudited consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures as of the end of and for the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal year, all of which shall be certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Parent, in his or her opinion, to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP and in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the date thereof and the results of operations for such period (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments); provided, however, the Parent shall not be required to deliver an item required under this Section if such item is contained in a Form 10-Q filed by the Parent with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any Governmental Authority substituted therefore) and is publicly available to the Agent and the Lenders.
Section 9.2. Year-End Statements.
As soon as available and in any event within 5 days after the same is required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (but in no event later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent), the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and the related audited consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, setting forth in comparative form the figures as at the end of and for the previous fiscal year, all of which shall be (a) certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Parent, in his or her opinion, to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP, the consolidated financial position of the Parent, the Borrower and its other Subsidiaries as at the date thereof and the results of operations for such period and (b) accompanied by the report thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing acceptable to the Agent, whose certificate shall be unqualified; provided, however, the Parent shall not be required to deliver an item required under this Section if such item is contained in a Form 10-K filed by the Parent with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any Governmental Authority substituted therefore) and is publicly available to the Agent and the Lenders.
Section 9.3. Compliance Certificate.
At the time financial statements are furnished pursuant to Sections 9.1. and 9.2., and if the Requisite Lenders reasonably believe that an Event of Default specified in Sections 11.1.(a), 11.1.(b) and 11.1.(f) or a Default specified in Section 11.1.(g) may occur, then within 10 days of the Agent’s request with respect to any other fiscal period, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit J (a “Compliance Certificate”) executed by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Parent: (a) setting forth in reasonable detail as at the end of such quarterly accounting period, fiscal year, or other fiscal period, as the case may be, the calculations required to establish whether or not the Borrower was in compliance with the

 

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covenants contained in Sections 10.1., 10.2. and 10.4., and (b) stating that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information and belief after due inquiry, no Default or Event of Default exists, or, if such is not the case, specifying such Default or Event of Default and its nature, when it occurred, whether it is continuing and the steps being taken by the Borrower with respect to such event, condition or failure. Together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate, the Borrower shall deliver (A) a report, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, setting forth a statement of Funds From Operations for the fiscal period then ending; and (B) a list of all Persons that have become a Material Subsidiary or a Significant Subsidiary since the date of the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered by the Borrower hereunder.
Section 9.4. Other Information.
(a) Management Reports. Promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all management reports, if any, submitted to the Parent or its Board of Directors by its independent public accountants;
(b) Securities Filings. Within 5 Business Days of the filing thereof, copies of all registration statements (excluding the exhibits thereto (unless reasonably requested by the Agent) and any registration statements on Form S-8 or its equivalent), reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K (or their equivalents) and all other periodic reports which the Parent, the Borrower, or any other Subsidiary shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any Governmental Authority substituted therefor) or any national securities exchange;
(c) Shareholder Information. Promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders of the Parent generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy statements so mailed and promptly upon the issuance thereof copies of all press releases issued by the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary;
(d) Partnership Information. Promptly upon the mailing thereof to the partners of the Borrower generally, copies of all financial statements, reports and proxy statements so mailed;
(e) Quarterly Property Schedules. At the time financial statements are furnished pursuant to Sections 9.1. and 9.2., a schedule of all Properties owned or leased by the Parent, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary of the Parent as of the fiscal quarter most recently ended, and the applicable Net Operating Income of each such Property, such schedule certified by the chief financial officer or chief accounting officer of the Parent as true, correct and complete as of the date such information is delivered;
(f) Development Property Updates. At the time financial statements are furnished pursuant to Sections 9.1. and 9.2., a schedule of all Development Properties of the Parent, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary which are under development as of the fiscal quarter most recently ended, setting forth for each such Property its percentage of completion, the estimated completion date, the total amount of development funded and the status of such development against the development budget;
(g) Litigation. To the extent the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary is aware of the same, prompt notice of the commencement of any proceeding or investigation by or

 

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before any Governmental Authority and any action or proceeding in any court or other tribunal or before any arbitrator against or in any other way relating adversely to, or adversely affecting, the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or any of their respective properties, assets or businesses which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and prompt notice of the receipt of notice that any United States income tax returns of the Parent, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries are being audited;
(h) Change of Management or Financial Condition. Prompt notice of any change in the senior management of the Parent or the Borrower and any change in the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(i) Default. Notice of the occurrence of any of the following promptly upon a Responsible Officer of the Parent obtaining knowledge thereof: (i) any Default or Event of Default or (ii) any event which with the passage of time, the giving of notice, or otherwise, would permit any party to a Material Contract to terminate such Material Contract;
(j) Judgments. Prompt notice of any order, judgment or decree in excess of $5,000,000 having been entered against the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of any of their respective properties or assets;
(k) Notice of Violations of Law. Prompt notice if the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary shall receive any notification from any Governmental Authority alleging a violation of any Applicable Law or any inquiry which, in either case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(l) Material Contracts. Promptly upon entering into any Material Contract after the Agreement Date (other than a Material Contract evidencing Indebtedness), a copy to the Agent of such Material Contract unless such Material Contract is otherwise publicly available to the Agent in a Form 10-K, 10-Q and/or 8-K (or their equivalents) or any other periodic report which the Parent, the Borrower, or any other Subsidiary files with the Securities and Exchange Commission; provided, that the Borrower shall not be required to deliver to the Agent a copy of any Material Contract that contains a confidentiality provision prohibiting such disclosure; provided further that the Borrower shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the other party’s consent to disclose such Material Contract to the Agent and the Lenders;
(m) ERISA. If and when any member of the ERISA Group (i) gives or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any “reportable event” (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan which might constitute grounds for a termination of such Plan under Title IV of ERISA, or knows that the plan administrator of any Plan has given or is required to give notice of any such reportable event, a copy of the notice of such reportable event given or required to be given to the PBGC; (ii) receives notice of complete or partial withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA or notice that any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization, is insolvent or has been terminated, a copy of such notice; (iii) receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an intent to terminate, impose liability (other than for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, a copy of such notice;

 

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(iv) applies for a waiver of the minimum funding standard under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, a copy of such application; (v) gives notice of intent to terminate any Plan under Section 4041(c) of ERISA, a copy of such notice and other information filed with the PBGC; (vi) gives notice of withdrawal from any Plan pursuant to Section 4063 of ERISA, a copy of such notice; or (vii) fails to make any payment or contribution to any Plan or Multiemployer Plan or in respect of any Benefit Arrangement or makes any amendment to any Plan or Benefit Arrangement, and of which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in the imposition of a Lien or the posting of a bond or other security, a certificate of the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of the Parent setting forth details as to such occurrence and the action, if any, which the Parent or applicable member of the ERISA Group is required or proposes to take;
(n) Patriot Act Information. From time to time and promptly upon each request, information identifying the Borrower as a Lender may request in order to comply with the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001);
(o) Material/Significant Subsidiary. Prompt notice of any Person becoming a Material Subsidiary or a Significant Subsidiary;
(p) Material Asset Sales. Prompt notice of the sale, transfer or other disposition of any assets having an undepreciated book value of at least $20,000,000 of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party to any Person other than the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party; and
(q) Other Information. From time to time and promptly upon each request, such data, certificates, reports, statements, opinions of counsel, documents or further information regarding the business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations or business prospects of the Parent, the Borrower or any of its other Subsidiaries as the Agent or any Lender may reasonably request (subject to limitations imposed under confidentiality requirements and agreements to which the Parent, Borrower or a Subsidiary is subject).
Section 9.5. Electronic Delivery of Certain Information.
(a) The Borrower may deliver documents, materials and other information required to be delivered pursuant to Article IX. (collectively, “Information”) in an electronic format acceptable to the Agent by e-mailing any such Information to an e-mail address of the Agent as specified by the Agent from time to time. The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower of a change of any such e-mail address of the Agent. The Agent shall promptly post such Information on the Borrower’s behalf on an internet or intranet website to which each Lender and the Agent has access, whether a commercial, third-party website (such as Intralinks or SyndTrak) or a website sponsored by the Agent (the “Platform”). Such Information shall only be deemed to have been delivered to the Lenders on the date on which such information is so posted.
(b) In addition, the Borrower may deliver Information required to be delivered pursuant to Sections 9.1., 9.2., and 9.4.(b) and (c) by posting any such Information to the Parent’s internet website (as of the Agreement Date, www.diamondrockhospitality.com) or when

 

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such information is available on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any Governmental Authority substituted therefore)(as of the Agreement Date, www.sec.gov). Any such Information provided in such manner shall only be deemed to have been delivered to the Agent or a Lender (i) on the date on which the Agent or such Lender, as applicable, receives notice from the Borrower that such Information has been posted to the Borrower’s internet website and (ii) only if such Information is publicly available without charge on such website. If for any reason, the Agent or a Lender either did not receive such notice or after reasonable efforts was unable to access such website, then the Agent or such Lender, as applicable, shall not be deemed to have received such Information. In addition to any manner permitted by Section 13.1., the Borrower may notify the Agent or a Lender that Information has been posted to such a website by causing an e-mail notification to be sent to an e-mail address specified from time to time by the Agent or such Lender, as applicable.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section to the contrary (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of Information to the Agent or any Lender that requests the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given to the Borrower by the Agent or such Lender and (ii) in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide to the Agent a paper original of the Compliance Certificate required by Section 9.3.
(d) The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Agent may make Information, as well as any other written information, reports, data, certificates, documents, instruments, agreements and other materials relating to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party or any other materials or matters relating to this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, in each case to the extent that the Agent’s communication thereof to the Lenders is otherwise permitted hereunder (collectively, the “Communications”) available to the Lenders by posting the same on the Platform. The Borrower acknowledges that (i) the distribution of material through an electronic medium, such as the Platform, is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution, (ii) the Platform is provided “as is” and “as available” and (iii) neither the Agent nor any of its affiliates warrants the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the Communications or the Platform and each expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in the Communications or the Platform.
(e) The Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of any of the Information or other materials referred to above, and in no event shall have any responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such requests. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such Information or other materials.
Section 9.6. Public/Private Information.
The Borrower will cooperate with the Agent in connection with the publication of certain materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Agent and the Lenders (collectively, “Information Materials”) pursuant to this Article and will designate Information Materials (a) that are either available to the public or not material with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or any of their respective securities for purposes of United States

 

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federal and state securities laws, as “Public Information” and (b) that are not Public Information as “Private Information”.
Article X. Negative Covenants
For so long as this Agreement is in effect, unless the Requisite Lenders (or, if required pursuant to Section 13.6., all of the Lenders) shall otherwise consent in the manner set forth in Section 13.6., the Parent and the Borrower shall comply with the following covenants, as applicable:
Section 10.1. Financial Covenants.
The Parent shall not permit:
(a) Maximum Leverage Ratio. The ratio of (i) Total Indebtedness to (ii) Total Asset Value, to exceed 0.65 to 1.00 at any time.
(b) Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The ratio of (i) Adjusted EBITDA of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter of the Parent most recently ending to (ii) Fixed Charges for such period, to be less than 1.60 to 1.00 at any time.
(c) Floating Rate Indebtedness. The ratio of (i) Floating Rate Indebtedness of the Parent and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis to (ii) Total Indebtedness, to exceed 0.35 to 1.00 at any time.
(d) Minimum Tangible Net Worth. Tangible Net Worth at any time to be less than (i) $500,000,000 plus (ii) 75% of the Net Tangible Proceeds of all Equity Issuances effected by the Parent and its Subsidiaries after September 30, 2006 (other than Equity Issuances to the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary).
(e) Minimum Implied Debt Service Ratio. The ratio of (i) Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI for the period of twelve consecutive months most recently ended to (ii) Implied Debt Service for such period, to be less than 1.50 to 1.00 at any time. If an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property has not continuously operated for at least one period of twelve consecutive months, then the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property NOI of such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property shall be calculated by annualizing the historical Net Operating Income of such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property for the most recently ending period for which it has been in continuous operation, determined on a pro forma basis reasonably acceptable to the Agent.
(f) Maximum Unencumbered Leverage Ratio. The ratio of (i) Unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis to (ii) the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Value, to exceed 0.65 to 1.00 at any time.
(g) Minimum Number and Value of Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties. The number of Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties to be less than 4 or the aggregate

 

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Unencumbered Borrowing Base Values of the Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties to be less than $150,000,000.
(h) Adjusted Total Asset Value. The amount of Adjusted Total Asset Value attributable to assets directly owned by the Borrower and the Guarantors to be less than 90.0% of Adjusted Total Asset Value at any time.
Section 10.2. Restricted Payments.
Subject to the following sentence, if an Event of Default exists, the Parent shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, declare or make any Restricted Payments except that, subject to the following sentence, the Borrower may declare and make cash distributions to the Parent and other holders of partnership interests in the Borrower, and the Parent may declare and make cash distributions to its shareholders, each, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the minimum amount necessary for the Parent to remain in compliance with Section 8.12. If an Event of Default specified in Section 11.1.(a), Section 11.1.(b), Section 11.1.(f) or Section 11.1.(g) shall exist, or if as a result of the occurrence of any other Event of Default any of the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 11.2.(a), the Parent shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, make any Restricted Payments to any Person except that Subsidiaries may pay Restricted Payments to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary.
Section 10.3. Indebtedness.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, incur, assume, or otherwise become obligated in respect of any Indebtedness after the Agreement Date if immediately prior to the assumption, incurring or becoming obligated in respect thereof, or immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, a Default or Event of Default is or would be in existence, including without limitation, a Default or Event of Default resulting from a violation of any of the covenants contained in Section 10.1.
Section 10.4. Certain Permitted Investments.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, make any Investment in or otherwise own the following items which would cause the aggregate value of such holdings of the Parent, the Borrower and such other Subsidiaries to exceed the applicable limits set forth below:
(a) Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates and other Persons that are not Subsidiaries, such that the aggregate value of such Investments (determined in a manner consistent with the definition of Total Asset Value or, if not contemplated under the definition of Total Asset Value, as determined in accordance with GAAP) exceeds 25.0% of Total Asset Value at any time;
(b) Development Properties, such that the aggregate current book value of all such Development Properties exceeds 20.0% of Total Asset Value at any time;

 

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(c) Unimproved Land, such that the current book value of all Unimproved Land exceeds 10.0% of Total Asset Value; and
(d) Mortgage Receivables, such that such that the aggregate value of such Mortgage Receivables exceeds 10.0% of Total Asset Value.
In addition to the foregoing limitations, the aggregate value of all of the items subject to the limitations in the preceding clauses (a) through (d) shall not exceed 30.0% of Total Asset Value at any time.
Section 10.5. Investments Generally.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, acquire, make or purchase any Investment, or permit any Investment of such Person to be outstanding on and after the Agreement Date, other than the following:
(a) Investments in Subsidiaries in existence on the Agreement Date and disclosed on Part I of Schedule 7.1.(b);
(b) Investments to acquire Equity Interests of a Subsidiary or any other Person who after giving effect to such acquisition would be a Subsidiary, so long as in each case immediately prior to such Investment, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default is or would be in existence;
(c) Investments permitted under Section 10.4.;
(d) Investments in Cash Equivalents;
(e) intercompany Indebtedness among (i) the Parent and the Borrower and (ii) the Borrower and its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries provided that such Indebtedness is permitted by the terms of Section 10.3.;
(f) loans and advances to employees for moving, entertainment, travel and other similar expenses in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; and
(g) any other Investment as long as immediately prior to making such Investment, and immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default is or would be in existence.
Section 10.6. Liens; Negative Pledges; Other Matters.
(a) The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, create, assume, or incur any Lien (other than Permitted Liens and Liens on assets of an Excluded Subsidiary securing the Indebtedness which causes such Subsidiary to be an Excluded Subsidiary) upon any of its properties, assets, income or profits of any character whether now owned or hereafter acquired if immediately prior to the creation, assumption or incurring of such Lien, or immediately thereafter, a Default or Event of Default is or would be in existence.

 

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(b) The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into, assume or otherwise be bound by any Negative Pledge except for a Negative Pledge contained in any agreement (i)(x) evidencing Indebtedness which the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary may create, incur, assume, or permit or suffer to exist under Section 10.3., (y) which Indebtedness is secured by a Lien permitted to exist, and (z) which prohibits the creation of any other Lien on only the property securing such Indebtedness as of the date such agreement was entered into; or (ii) relating to the sale of a Subsidiary or assets pending such sale, provided that in any such case the Negative Pledge applies only to the Subsidiary or the assets that are the subject of such sale.
(c) The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to: (i) pay dividends or make any other distribution on any of such Subsidiary’s capital stock or other equity interests owned by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; (iii) make loans or advances to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; or (iv) transfer any of its property or assets to the Parent, the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, except for any such encumbrances or restrictions, (A) contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary or assets pending such sale, or relating to Indebtedness secured by a Lien on assets that the Borrower or such Subsidiary may create, incur, assume, or permit or suffer to exist under Sections 10.3. and 10.6.(a), provided that in any such case the encumbrances and restrictions apply only to the Subsidiary or the assets that are the subject of such sale or Lien, as the case may be, (B) set forth in the organizational documents or other agreements binding on or applicable to any Excluded Subsidiary or any Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (but only to the extent such encumbrance or restriction covers any Equity Interest in such Subsidiary or the property or assets of such Subsidiary) or (C) contained in an agreement that governs an Investment in an Unconsolidated Affiliate (but only to the extent such encumbrance or restriction covers any Equity Interest in such Unconsolidated Affiliate).
Section 10.7. Merger, Consolidation, Sales of Assets and Other Arrangements.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to: (i) enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation; (ii) liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); or (iii) convey, sell, lease, sublease, transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, any of its business or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired; provided, however, that:
(a) any of the actions described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (iii) may be taken with respect to any Subsidiary so long as (x) immediately prior to the taking of such action, and immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default is or would be in existence, (y) if such action includes the sale of all Equity Interests in a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor owned directly or indirectly by the Parent, such Subsidiary can and will be released from the Guaranty in accordance with Section 8.15. and (z) if such action includes the disposition of an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property (regardless of whether such disposition takes the form of a direct sale of such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property,

 

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the sale of the Equity Interests of the Subsidiary that owns such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property or a merger of such Subsidiary), such Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property can and will be released in accordance with Section 4.2.;
(b) the Parent, the Borrower and the other Subsidiaries may lease and sublease their respective assets, as lessor or sublessor (as the case may be), in the ordinary course of their business;
(c) a Person may merge with a Loan Party so long as (i) the survivor of such merger is such Loan Party or becomes a Loan Party at the time of such merger, (ii) immediately prior to such merger, and immediately thereafter and after giving effect thereto, (x) no Default or Event of Default is or would be in existence and (y) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party are and shall be true and correct in all material respects, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents, and (iii) the Borrower shall have given the Agent at least 30-days’ prior written notice of such merger, such notice to include a certification as to the matters described in the immediately preceding clause (ii) (except that such prior notice shall not be required in the case of the merger of a Subsidiary that does not own an Unencumbered Borrowing Base Property with and into a Loan Party but the Borrower shall give the Agent notice of any such merger promptly following the effectiveness of such merger); and
(d) the Parent, the Borrower and each other Subsidiary may sell, transfer or dispose of assets among themselves.
Section 10.8. Fiscal Year.
The Parent shall not change its fiscal year from that in effect as of the Agreement Date; provided, that if Marriot International, Inc. shall change its fiscal year to a calendar fiscal year, the Parent may change its fiscal year to a calendar fiscal year.
Section 10.9. Modifications to Material Contracts.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any amendment or modification to any Material Contract which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Section 10.10. Modifications of Organizational Documents.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, amend, supplement, restate or otherwise modify its articles or certificate of incorporation, by-laws, operating agreement, declaration of trust, partnership agreement or other applicable organizational document if such amendment, supplement, restatement or other modification could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 10.11. Transactions with Affiliates.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit to exist or enter into, any transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate (other than the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary), except transactions in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the business of the Parent, the Borrower or any of the other Subsidiaries and upon fair and reasonable terms which are no less favorable to the Parent, the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate.
Section 10.12. ERISA Exemptions.
The Parent and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit any of its respective assets to become or be deemed to be “plan assets” within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and the respective regulations promulgated thereunder.
Article XI. Default
Section 11.1. Events of Default.
Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default, whatever the reason for such event and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of Applicable Law or pursuant to any judgment or order of any Governmental Authority:
(a) Default in Payment of Principal. The Borrower shall fail to pay when due (whether upon demand, at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise) the principal of any of the Loans, or any Reimbursement Obligation.
(b) Default in Payment of Interest and Other Obligations. The Borrower shall fail to pay when due any interest on any of the Loans or any of the other payment Obligations owing by the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any other Loan Party shall fail to pay when due any payment Obligation owing by such other Loan Party under any Loan Document to which it is a party, and such failure shall continue for a period of 3 Business Days.
(c) Default in Performance. (i) The Borrower or the Parent shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 6.3., Section 9.4.(i) or in Article X. or (ii) any Loan Party shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party and not otherwise mentioned in this Section and in the case of this clause (ii) only such failure shall continue for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (x) the date upon which a Responsible Officer of the Parent or such Loan Party obtains knowledge of such failure or (y) the date upon which the Parent has received written notice of such failure from the Agent.
(d) Misrepresentations. Any written statement, representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document, or any amendment hereto or thereto, or in any other writing or statement at any time

 

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furnished or made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Agent or any Lender, shall at any time prove to have been incorrect or misleading, in light of the circumstances in which made or deemed made, in any material respect when furnished or made or deemed made.
(e) Indebtedness Cross-Default; Derivatives Contracts.
(i) any Loan Party shall fail to pay when due and payable, within any applicable grace or cure period, the principal of, or interest on, any Indebtedness (other than the Loans) having an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $10,000,000 or more (or $20,000,000 or more in the case of Nonrecourse Indebtedness) (all such Indebtedness being “Material Indebtedness”); or
(ii) (x) the maturity of any Material Indebtedness shall have been accelerated in accordance with the provisions of any indenture, contract or instrument evidencing, providing for the creation of or otherwise concerning such Material Indebtedness or (y) any Material Indebtedness shall have been required to be prepaid or repurchased prior to the stated maturity thereof;
(iii) any other event shall have occurred and be continuing which permits any holder or holders of Material Indebtedness, any trustee or agent acting on behalf of such holder or holders or any other Person, to accelerate the maturity of any such Material Indebtedness or require any such Material Indebtedness to be prepaid or repurchased prior to its stated maturity; or
(iv) there occurs under any Derivatives Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Derivatives Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Derivatives Contract as to which any Loan Party is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Derivatives Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Derivatives Contract as to which any Loan Party is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Derivatives Termination Value owed by any Loan Party as a result thereof is $10,000,000 or more.
(f) Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. Any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary shall: (i) commence a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, or other federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect); (ii) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other Applicable Laws, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; (iii) consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under such bankruptcy laws or other Applicable Laws or consent to any proceeding or action described in the immediately following subsection; (iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a substantial part of its property, domestic or foreign; (v) admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; (vi) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (vii) make a conveyance fraudulent as to creditors

 

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under any Applicable Law; or (viii) take any corporate or partnership action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
(g) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. A case or other proceeding shall be commenced against any Loan Party or any other Significant Subsidiary in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking: (i) relief under the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended, or other federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect) or under any other Applicable Laws, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or adjustment of debts; or (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like of such Person, or of all or any substantial part of the assets, domestic or foreign, of such Person, and such case or proceeding shall continue undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive calendar days, or an order granting the remedy or other relief requested in such case or proceeding against such Loan Party or such Significant Subsidiary (including, but not limited to, an order for relief under such Bankruptcy Code or such other federal bankruptcy laws) shall be entered.
(h) Litigation; Enforceability. Any Loan Party shall disavow, revoke or terminate (or attempt to terminate) any Loan Document to which it is a party or shall otherwise challenge or contest in any action, suit or proceeding in any court or before any Governmental Authority the validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any Note or any other Loan Document or this Agreement, any Note, the Guaranty or any other Loan Document shall cease to be in full force and effect (except as a result of the express terms thereof or hereof).
(i) Judgment. A judgment or order for the payment of money or for an injunction shall be entered against any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, by any court or other tribunal and (i) such judgment or order shall continue for a period of 30 days without being paid, stayed or dismissed through appropriate appellate proceedings and (ii) either (A) the amount of such judgment or order for which insurance has not been acknowledged in writing by the applicable insurance carrier (or the amount as to which the insurer has denied liability) exceeds, individually or together with all other such outstanding judgments or orders entered against any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, $10,000,000 or (B) in the case of an injunction or other non-monetary judgment, such judgment could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(j) Attachment. A warrant, writ of attachment, execution or similar process shall be issued against any property of any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary which exceeds, individually or together with all other such warrants, writs, executions and processes, $10,000,000 in amount in the case of a Loan Party, or $20,000,000 in amount in the case of any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and, in each case, such warrant, writ, execution or process shall not be discharged, vacated, stayed or bonded for a period of 30 days; provided, however, that if a bond has been issued in favor of the claimant or other Person obtaining such warrant, writ, execution or process, the issuer of such bond shall execute a waiver or subordination agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent pursuant to which the issuer of such bond subordinates its right of reimbursement, contribution or subrogation to the Obligations and waives or subordinates any Lien it may have on the assets of any Loan Party.

 

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(k) ERISA. Any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to pay when due an amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $10,000,000 which it shall have become liable to pay under Title IV of ERISA; or notice of intent to terminate a Plan or Plans having aggregate Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $10,000,000 shall be filed under Title IV of ERISA by any member of the ERISA Group, any plan administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate, to impose liability (other than for premiums under Section 4007 of ERISA) in respect of, or to cause a trustee to be appointed to administer, any Plan or Plans having aggregate Unfunded Liabilities in excess of $10,000,000; or a condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any such Plan must be terminated; or there shall occur a complete or partial withdrawal from, or a default, within the meaning of Section 4219(c)(5) of ERISA, with respect to, one or more Multiemployer Plans which could cause one or more members of the ERISA Group to incur a current payment obligation in excess of $10,000,000.
(l) Loan Documents. An Event of Default (as defined therein) shall occur under any of the other Loan Documents.
(m) Change of Control/Change in Management.
(i) Any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a Person will be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the total voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the Parent;
(ii) During any period of 12 consecutive months ending after the Agreement Date, individuals who at the beginning of any such 12-month period constituted the Board of Directors of the Parent (together with any new directors whose election by such Board or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Parent was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Parent then in office; or
(iii) The Parent or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Parent shall cease to be the sole general partner of the Borrower or shall cease to have the sole and exclusive power to exercise all management and control over the Borrower.
Section 11.2. Remedies Upon Event of Default.
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default the following provisions shall apply:

 

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(a) Acceleration; Termination of Facilities.
(i) Automatic. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 11.1.(f) or 11.1.(g), (A)(i) the principal of, and all accrued interest on, the Loans and the Notes at the time outstanding, (ii) an amount equal to the Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the date of the occurrence of such Event of Default for deposit into the Collateral Account pursuant to Section 11.5. and (iii) all of the other Obligations of the Borrower, including, but not limited to, the other amounts owed to the Lenders, the Swingline Lender and the Agent under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents shall become immediately and automatically due and payable by the Borrower without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by the Borrower and (B) all of the Commitments, the obligation of the Lenders to make Revolving Loans, the Swingline Commitment, the obligation of the Swingline Lender to make Swingline Loans, and the obligation of the Agent to issue Letters of Credit hereunder, shall all immediately and automatically terminate.
(ii) Optional. If any other Event of Default shall exist, the Agent shall, at the direction of the Requisite Lenders: (A) declare (1) the principal of, and accrued interest on, the Loans and the Notes at the time outstanding, (2) an amount equal to the Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the date of the occurrence of such other Event of Default for deposit into the Collateral Account pursuant to Section 11.5. and (3) all of the other Obligations, including, but not limited to, the other amounts owed to the Lenders and the Agent under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by the Borrower and (B) terminate the Commitments and the obligation of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder and the obligation of the Agent to issue Letters of Credit hereunder. Further, if the Agent has exercised any of the rights provided under the preceding sentence, the Swingline Lender shall: (x) declare the principal of, and accrued interest on, the Swingline Loans and the Swingline Note at the time outstanding, and all of the other Obligations owing to the Swingline Lender, to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived by the Borrower and (y) terminate the Swingline Commitment and the obligation of the Swingline Lender to make Swingline Loans.
(b) Loan Documents. The Requisite Lenders may direct the Agent to, and the Agent if so directed shall, exercise any and all of its rights under any and all of the other Loan Documents.
(c) Applicable Law. The Requisite Lenders may direct the Agent to, and the Agent if so directed shall, exercise all other rights and remedies it may have under any Applicable Law.

 

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(d) Appointment of Receiver. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to the appointment of a receiver for the assets and properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, without notice of any kind whatsoever and without regard to the adequacy of any security for the Obligations or the solvency of any party bound for its payment, to take possession of all or any portion of the business operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and to exercise such power as the court shall confer upon such receiver.
Section 11.3. Remedies Upon Default.
Upon the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 11.1.(g), the Commitments shall immediately and automatically terminate.
Section 11.4. Allocation of Proceeds.
If an Event of Default shall exist and maturity of any of the Obligations has been accelerated, all payments received by the Agent under any of the Loan Documents, in respect of any principal of or interest on the Obligations or any other amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder or thereunder, shall be applied in the following order and priority:
(a) amounts due to the Agent in respect of fees and expenses due under Section 13.2.;
(b) amounts due to the Lenders in respect of fees and expenses due under Section 13.2., pro rata in the amount then due each Lender;
(c) payments of interest on Swingline Loans;
(d) payments of interest on all other Loans and Reimbursement Obligations, to be applied for the ratable benefit of the Lenders;
(e) payments of principal of Swingline Loans;
(f) payments of principal of all other Loans, Reimbursement Obligations and other Letter of Credit Liabilities, to be applied for the ratable benefit of the Lenders; provided, however, to the extent that any amounts available for distribution pursuant to this subsection are attributable to the issued but undrawn amount of an outstanding Letters of Credit, such amounts shall be paid to the Agent for deposit into the Collateral Account);
(g) amounts due the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Sections 12.7. and 13.9.;
(h) payments of all other Obligations and other amounts due and owing by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties under any of the Loan Documents, if any, to be applied for the ratable benefit of the Lenders; and

 

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(i) any amount remaining after application as provided above, shall be paid to the Borrower or whomever else may be legally entitled thereto.
Section 11.5. Collateral Account.
(a) As collateral security for the prompt payment in full when due of all Letter of Credit Liabilities and the other Obligations, the Borrower hereby pledges and grants to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Agent and the Lenders as provided herein, a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in and to the Collateral Account and the balances from time to time in the Collateral Account (including the investments and reinvestments therein provided for below). The balances from time to time in the Collateral Account shall not constitute payment of any Letter of Credit Liabilities until applied by the Agent as provided herein. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, funds held in the Collateral Account shall be subject to withdrawal only as provided in this Section.
(b) Amounts on deposit in the Collateral Account shall be invested and reinvested by the Agent in such Cash Equivalents as the Agent shall determine in its sole discretion. All such investments and reinvestments shall be held in the name of and be under the sole dominion and control of the Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders. The Agent shall exercise reasonable care in the custody and preservation of any funds held in the Collateral Account and shall be deemed to have exercised such care if such funds are accorded treatment substantially equivalent to that which the Agent accords other funds deposited with the Agent, it being understood that the Agent shall not have any responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any funds held in the Collateral Account.
(c) If a drawing pursuant to any Letter of Credit occurs on or prior to the expiration date of such Letter of Credit, the Borrower and the Lenders authorize the Agent to use the monies deposited in the Collateral Account to make payment to the beneficiary with respect to such drawing or the payee with respect to such presentment.
(d) If an Event of Default exists, the Requisite Lenders may, in their discretion, at any time and from time to time, instruct the Agent to liquidate any such investments and reinvestments and apply proceeds thereof to the Obligations in accordance with Section 11.4.
(e) So long as no Default or Event of Default exists, and to the extent amounts on deposit in the Collateral Account exceed the aggregate amount of the Letter of Credit Liabilities then due and owing, the Agent shall, from time to time, at the request of the Borrower, deliver to the Borrower within 10 Business Days after the Agent’s receipt of such request from the Borrower, against receipt but without any recourse, warranty or representation whatsoever, such of the balances in the Collateral Account as exceed the aggregate amount of the Letter of Credit Liabilities at such time.
(f) The Borrower shall pay to the Agent from time to time such fees as the Agent normally charges for similar services in connection with the Agent’s administration of the Collateral Account and investments and reinvestments of funds therein.

 

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Section 11.6. Performance by Agent.
If the Borrower shall fail to perform any covenant, duty or agreement contained in any of the Loan Documents, the Agent may, after notice to the Borrower, perform or attempt to perform such covenant, duty or agreement on behalf of the Borrower after the expiration of any cure or grace periods set forth herein. In such event, the Borrower shall, at the request of the Agent, promptly pay any amount reasonably expended by the Agent in such performance or attempted performance to the Agent, together with interest thereon at the applicable Post-Default Rate from the date of such expenditure until paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability or responsibility whatsoever for the performance of any obligation of the Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Section 11.7. Rights Cumulative.
The rights and remedies of the Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which any of them may otherwise have under Applicable Law. In exercising their respective rights and remedies the Agent and the Lenders may be selective and no failure or delay by the Agent or any of the Lenders in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of it, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any power or right preclude its other or further exercise or the exercise of any other power or right.
Article XII. The Agent
Section 12.1. Authorization and Action.
Each Lender hereby appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as contractual representative on such Lender’s behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Not in limitation of the foregoing, each Lender authorizes and directs the Agent to enter into the Loan Documents for the benefit of the Lenders. Each Lender hereby agrees that, except as otherwise set forth herein, any action taken by the Requisite Lenders in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or the Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Requisite Lenders of the powers set forth herein or therein, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized and binding upon all of the Lenders. Nothing herein shall be construed to deem the Agent a trustee or fiduciary for any Lender nor to impose on the Agent duties or obligations other than those expressly provided for herein. At the request of a Lender, the Agent will forward to such Lender copies or, where appropriate, originals of the documents delivered to the Agent pursuant to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. The Agent will also furnish to any Lender, upon the request of such Lender, a copy of any certificate or notice furnished to the Agent by the Borrower, any Loan Party or any other Affiliate of the Borrower, pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document not already delivered to such Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any such other Loan Document. As to any matters not expressly provided for by the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, enforcement or collection of any of the Obligations), the Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or

 

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refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Requisite Lenders (or all of the Lenders if explicitly required under any other provision of this Agreement), and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of any of the Obligations; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes the Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or Applicable Law. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Agent shall not exercise any right or remedy it or the Lenders may have under any Loan Document upon the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default unless the Requisite Lenders have so directed the Agent to exercise such right or remedy.
Section 12.2. Agent’s Reliance, Etc.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, neither the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or counsel shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent: (a) may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof until the Agent receives written notice of the assignment or transfer thereof signed by such payee and in form satisfactory to the Agent; (b) may consult with legal counsel (including its own counsel or counsel for the Parent, the Borrower or any other Loan Party), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (c) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or any other Person and shall not be responsible to any Lender or any other Person for any statements, warranties or representations made by any Person in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (d) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of any of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent under this Agreement or any Loan Document on the part of the Parent, the Borrower or other Persons or inspect the property, books or records of the Parent, the Borrower or any other Person; (e) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto or any collateral covered thereby or the perfection or priority of any Lien in favor of the Agent on behalf of the Lenders in any such collateral; and (f) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telephone or telecopy) believed by it to be genuine and signed, sent or given by the proper party or parties. Unless set forth in writing to the contrary, the making of its initial Loan by a Lender shall constitute a certification by such Lender to the Agent and the other Lenders that the conditions precedent for initial Loans set forth in Sections 6.1. and 6.2. that have not previously been waived by the Requisite Lenders have been satisfied.
Section 12.3. Notice of Defaults.
The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default unless the Agent has received notice from a Lender or the Borrower

 

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referring to this Agreement, describing with reasonable specificity such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” If any Lender (excluding the Lender which is also serving as the Agent) becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default, it shall promptly send to the Agent such a “notice of default.” Further, if the Agent receives such a “notice of default”, the Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.
Section 12.4. Wachovia as Lender.
Wachovia, as a Lender, shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and any other Loan Document as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent; and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Wachovia in each case in its individual capacity. Wachovia and its affiliates may each accept deposits from, maintain deposits or credit balances for, invest in, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, serve as financial advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other affiliate thereof as if it were any other bank and without any duty to account therefor to the other Lenders. Further, the Agent and any affiliate may accept fees and other consideration from the Loan Parties for services in connection with this Agreement and otherwise without having to account for the same to the other Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Wachovia or its affiliates may receive information regarding the Parent, the Borrower, other Loan Parties, other Subsidiaries and other Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Person) and acknowledge that the Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to them.
Section 12.5. Approvals of Lenders.
All communications from the Agent to any Lender requesting such Lender’s determination, consent, approval or disapproval (a) shall be given in the form of a written notice to such Lender, (b) shall be accompanied by a description of the matter or issue as to which such determination, approval, consent or disapproval is requested, or shall advise such Lender where information, if any, regarding such matter or issue may be inspected, or shall otherwise describe the matter or issue to be resolved, (c) shall include, if reasonably requested by such Lender and to the extent not previously provided to such Lender, written materials and, as appropriate, a brief summary of all oral information provided to the Agent by the Parent or the Borrower in respect of the matter or issue to be resolved, and (d) shall include the Agent’s recommended course of action or determination in respect thereof. Each Lender shall reply promptly, but in any event within 10 Business Days (or such lesser or greater period as may be specifically required under the Loan Documents) of receipt of such communication. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, unless a Lender shall give written notice to the Agent that it specifically objects to the recommendation or determination of the Agent (together with a written explanation of the reasons behind such objection) within the applicable time period for reply, such Lender shall be deemed to have conclusively approved of or consented to such recommendation or determination.

 

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Section 12.6. Lender Credit Decision, Etc.
Each Lender expressly acknowledges and agrees that neither the Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, counsel, attorneys-in-fact or other affiliates has made any representations or warranties as to the financial condition, operations, creditworthiness, solvency or other information concerning the business or affairs of the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any other Person to such Lender and that no act by the Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Subsidiary, shall be deemed to constitute any such representation or warranty by the Agent to any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has made its own credit and legal analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, any other Lender or counsel to the Agent, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, and based on the financial statements of the Parent, the Borrower, the other Subsidiaries or any other Affiliate thereof, and inquiries of such Persons, its independent due diligence of the business and affairs of the Parent, the Borrower, the other Loan Parties, the other Subsidiaries and other Persons, its review of the Loan Documents, the legal opinions required to be delivered to it hereunder, the advice of its own counsel and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, any other Lender or counsel to the Agent or any of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, and based on such review, advice, documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents. Except for notices, reports and other documents and information expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, the Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the Parent, the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Affiliate thereof which may come into possession of the Agent, or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or other affiliates. Each Lender acknowledges that the Agent’s legal counsel in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is only acting as counsel to the Agent and is not acting as counsel to such Lender.
Section 12.7. Indemnification of Agent.
Each Lender agrees to indemnify the Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so) pro rata in accordance with such Lender’s respective Commitment Percentage, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Agent (in its capacity as Agent but not as a Lender) in any way relating to or arising out of the Loan Documents, any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under the Loan Documents (collectively, “Indemnifiable Amounts”); provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such Indemnifiable Amounts to the extent resulting from the Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment or if the Agent fails to follow the written direction of the Requisite Lenders (or all of the Lenders if expressly required hereunder) unless such failure results from the Agent following

 

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the advice of counsel to the Agent of which advice the Lenders have received notice. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing but subject to the preceding proviso, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including counsel fees of the counsel(s) of the Agent’s own choosing) incurred by the Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, or enforcement of, or legal advice with respect to the rights or responsibilities of the parties under, the Loan Documents, any suit or action brought by the Agent to enforce the terms of the Loan Documents and/or collect any Obligations, any “lender liability” suit or claim brought against the Agent and/or the Lenders, and any claim or suit brought against the Agent, and/or the Lenders arising under any Environmental Laws. Such out-of-pocket expenses (including counsel fees) shall be advanced by the Lenders on the request of the Agent notwithstanding any claim or assertion that the Agent is not entitled to indemnification hereunder upon receipt of an undertaking by the Agent that the Agent will reimburse the Lenders if it is actually and finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the Agent is not so entitled to indemnification. The agreements in this Section shall survive the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and the termination of this Agreement. If the Borrower shall reimburse the Agent for any Indemnifiable Amount following payment by any Lender to the Agent in respect of such Indemnifiable Amount pursuant to this Section, the Agent shall share such reimbursement on a ratable basis with each Lender making any such payment.
Section 12.8. Successor Agent.
The Agent may resign at any time as Agent under the Loan Documents by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower. The Agent may be removed as Agent under the Loan Documents for gross negligence or willful misconduct upon 30-day’s prior written notice by all Lenders (other than the Lender then acting as Agent). Upon any such resignation or removal, the Requisite Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent which appointment shall, provided no Default or Event of Default exists, be subject to the Borrower’s approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed (except that the Borrower shall, in all events, be deemed to have approved each Lender and its affiliates as a successor Agent). If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the resigning Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the giving of notice of the removal of the Agent, then the resigning or removed Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a Lender, if any Lender shall be willing to serve, and otherwise shall be a commercial bank having total combined assets of at least $50,000,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. Such successor Agent shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or shall make other arrangements satisfactory to the current Agent, in either case, to assume effectively the obligations of the current Agent with respect to such Letters of Credit. After any Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Article XII. shall continue to inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under the Loan Documents.

 

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Section 12.9. Titled Agents.
Each of the Titled Agents in each such respective capacity, assumes no responsibility or obligation hereunder, including, without limitation, for servicing, enforcement or collection of any of the Loans, nor any duties as an agent hereunder for the Lenders. The titles of “Sole Lead Arranger”, “Book Manager”, “Syndication Agent” and “Documentation Agent” are solely honorific and imply no fiduciary responsibility on the part of the Titled Agents to the Agent, the Borrower or any Lender and the use of such titles does not impose on the Titled Agents any duties or obligations greater than those of any other Lender or entitle the Titled Agents to any rights other than those to which any other Lender is entitled.
Article XIII. Miscellaneous
Section 13.1. Notices.
Unless otherwise provided herein, communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed, telecopied or delivered as follows:
If to the Borrower:
DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership
6903 Rockledge Dr., Suite 800
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Attn: Michael Schecter
Telephone: (240) 744-1170
Telecopy:   (240) 744-1199
With a copy to:
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
787 Seventh Ave.
New York, New York 10019
Attn: Steven D. Klein
Telephone: (212) 728-8221
Telecopy:   (212) 728-8111
If to the Agent:
Wachovia Bank, National Association
301 S. College Street, NC0172
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
Attn: David M. Blackman
Telephone: (704) 374-6272
Telecopy:   (704) 383-6205

 

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If to a Lender:
To such Lender’s address or telecopy number, as applicable, set forth in its Administrative Details Form;
or, as to each party at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties delivered in compliance with this Section. All such notices and other communications shall be effective (i) if mailed, when received; (ii) if telecopied, when transmitted; or (iii) if hand delivered or sent by overnight courier, when delivered. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, all notices or communications to the Agent or any Lender under Article II. shall be effective only when actually received. Neither the Agent nor any Lender shall incur any liability to the Borrower (nor shall the Agent incur any liability to the Lenders) for acting upon any telephonic notice referred to in this Agreement which the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, believes in good faith to have been given by a Person authorized to deliver such notice or for otherwise acting in good faith hereunder. Failure of a Person designated to get a copy of a notice to receive such copy shall not affect the validity of notice properly given to any other Person.
Section 13.2. Expenses.
The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse each of the Agent and the Arranger for all of its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, any of the Loan Documents (including due diligence expenses and travel expenses relating to closing), and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agent and the Arranger and costs and expenses in connection with the use of IntraLinks, Inc., Syndtrak or other similar information transmission systems in connection with the Loan Documents, (b) to pay or reimburse the Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders for all their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement or preservation of any rights under the Loan Documents, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of their respective counsel (including the allocated fees and expenses of in-house counsel) and any payments in indemnification or otherwise payable by the Lenders to the Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents, (c) to pay, and indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders from, any and all recording and filing fees and any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from any failure to pay or delay in paying, documentary, stamp, excise and other similar taxes, if any, which may be payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents, or consummation of any amendment, supplement or modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of, any Loan Document and (d) to the extent not already covered by any of the preceding subsections, to pay or reimburse the Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders for all their costs and expenses incurred in connection with any bankruptcy or other proceeding of the type described in Sections 11.1.(f) or 11.1.(g), including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agent, the Arranger and any Lender, whether such fees and expenses are incurred prior to, during or after the commencement of such proceeding or the confirmation or conclusion of any such proceeding. If the Borrower shall fail to pay any amounts required to be paid by it pursuant to this Section, the Agent, and/or the Lenders may pay such amounts on behalf of the Borrower

 

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and either deem the same to be Loans outstanding hereunder or otherwise Obligations owing hereunder.
Section 13.3. Setoff.
Subject to Section 3.3. and in addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under Applicable Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, the Agent, each Lender and each Participant is hereby authorized by the Borrower, at any time or from time to time during the continuance of an Event of Default, without prior notice to the Borrower or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, but in the case of a Lender or Participant subject to receipt of the prior written consent of the Agent exercised in its sole discretion, to set off and to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special, including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced by certificates of deposit, whether matured or unmatured) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Agent, such Lender or any affiliate of the Agent or such Lender, to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against and on account of any of the Obligations, irrespective of whether or not any or all of the Loans and all other Obligations have been declared to be, or have otherwise become, due and payable as permitted by Section 11.2., and although such obligations shall be contingent or unmatured.
Section 13.4. Litigation; Jurisdiction; Other Matters; Waivers.
(a) EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS WOULD BE BASED ON DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX ISSUES OF LAW AND FACT AND WOULD RESULT IN DELAY AND EXPENSE TO THE PARTIES. ACCORDINGLY, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE LENDERS, THE AGENT, THE PARENT, AND THE BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR NATURE IN ANY COURT OR TRIBUNAL IN WHICH AN ACTION MAY BE COMMENCED BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES, OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR BY REASON OF ANY OTHER SUIT, CAUSE OF ACTION OR DISPUTE WHATSOEVER BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE RELATING TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS.
(b) EACH OF THE PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY AGREES THAT THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, OR, AT THE OPTION OF THE AGENT, ANY STATE COURT LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK, SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN OR AMONG THE PARENT, THE BORROWER, THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS, PERTAINING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT, THE NOTES OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR TO ANY MATTER ARISING HEREFROM OR THEREFROM. THE PARENT, THE BORROWER AND EACH OF THE LENDERS EXPRESSLY SUBMIT AND CONSENT IN ADVANCE TO SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING COMMENCED IN SUCH COURTS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CLAIMS

 

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OR DISPUTES. EACH PARTY FURTHER WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING WAS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM, AND EACH AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM THE SAME. THE CHOICE OF FORUM SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO PRECLUDE THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION BY THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR THE ENFORCEMENT BY THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OF ANY JUDGMENT OBTAINED IN SUCH FORUM IN ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION.
(c) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY EACH PARTY WITH THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL AND WITH A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES THEREOF, AND SHALL SURVIVE THE PAYMENT OF THE LOANS AND ALL OTHER AMOUNTS PAYABLE HEREUNDER OR UNDER THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, THE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF ALL LETTERS OF CREDIT AND THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 13.5. Successors and Assigns.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that neither the Parent or the Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of all Lenders and any such assignment or other transfer to which all of the Lenders have not so consented shall be null and void.
(b) Any Lender may make, carry or transfer Loans at, to or for the account of any of its branch offices or the office of an affiliate of such Lender except to the extent such transfer would result in increased costs to the Borrower.
(c) Any Lender may at any time grant to one or more banks or other financial institutions (each a “Participant”) participating interests in its Commitment or the Obligations owing to such Lender; provided, however, (i) any such participating interest must be for a constant and not a varying percentage interest, and (ii) after giving effect to any such participation by a Lender, the amount of its Commitment, or if the Commitments have been terminated, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of Notes held by it, in which it has not granted any participating interests must be equal to $10,000,000. Except as otherwise provided in Section 13.3., no Participant shall have any rights or benefits under this Agreement or any other Loan Document. In the event of any such grant by a Lender of a participating interest to a Participant, such Lender shall remain responsible for the performance of its obligations hereunder, and the Borrower and the Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement pursuant to which any Lender may grant such a participating interest shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right and responsibility to enforce the obligations of the Borrower hereunder including, without limitation, the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however, such Lender may agree with the Participant that it will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to

 

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(i) increase, or extend the term (to the extent consent is required with respect thereto) or extend the time or waive any requirement for the reduction or termination of, such Lender’s Commitment, (ii) extend the date fixed for the payment of principal of or interest on the Loans or portions thereof owing to such Lender, (iii) reduce the amount of any such payment of principal, (iv) reduce the rate at which interest is payable thereon or (v) release any Guarantor (except as otherwise permitted under Section 4.2.). An assignment or other transfer which is not permitted by subsection (d) or (e) below shall be given effect for purposes of this Agreement only to the extent of a participating interest granted in accordance with this subsection (c). Upon request from the Agent, a Lender shall notify the Agent of the sale of any participation hereunder and, if requested by the Agent, certify to the Agent that such participation is permitted hereunder and that the requirements of Section 3.12. (c) have been satisfied.
(d) Any Lender may with the prior written consent of the Agent and, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, the Borrower (which consent, in each case, shall not be unreasonably withheld (it being agreed that the Borrower’s withholding of consent to an assignment which would result in the Borrower having to pay amounts under Section 3.12. shall be deemed to be reasonable)), assign to one or more Eligible Assignees (each an “Assignee”) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Notes (including all or a portion of its Commitments and the Loans owing to such Lender); provided, however, (i) no such consent by the Borrower shall be required in the case of any assignment to another Lender or any affiliate of such Lender or another Lender and no such consent by the Agent shall be required in the case of any assignment by a Lender to any affiliate of such Lender; (ii) unless the Borrower and the Agent otherwise agree, after giving effect to any partial assignment by a Lender, the Assignee shall hold, and the assigning Lender shall retain, a Commitment, or if the Commitments have been terminated, Loans having an outstanding principal balance, of at least $10,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) each such assignment shall be effected by means of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement. Upon execution and delivery of such instrument and payment by such Assignee to such transferor Lender of an amount equal to the purchase price agreed between such transferor Lender and such Assignee, such Assignee shall be a Lender party to this Agreement with respect to the assigned interest as of the effective date of the Assignment and Acceptance Agreement and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Lender with respect to the assigned interest as set forth in such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, and the transferor Lender shall be released from its obligations hereunder with respect to the assigned interest to a corresponding extent, and no further consent or action by any party shall be required. An Assignee, if not already a Lender, shall deliver to the Agent an Administrative Details Form. Upon the consummation of any assignment pursuant to this subsection, the transferor Lender, the Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that new Notes are issued to the Assignee and such transferor Lender, as appropriate. In connection with any such assignment, the transferor Lender or the Assignee (and not the Borrower) shall pay to the Agent an administrative fee for processing such assignment in the amount of $3,500. Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, no Lender may assign or participate any interest in its Commitment or any Loan held by it hereunder to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Borrower.
(e) The Agent shall maintain at the Principal Office a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance Agreement delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the

 

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names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of each Lender (including the outstanding principal balance, accrued and unpaid interest and other fees due thereunder) from time to time (the “Register”). The Agent shall give each Lender and the Borrower notice of the assignment by any Lender of its rights as contemplated by this Section. The Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register and copies of each Assignment and Acceptance Agreement shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice to the Agent. Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement executed by an assigning Lender, together with each Note subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement has been completed and if the Agent receives the processing and recording fee described in subsection (d) above, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower.
(f) In addition to the assignments and participations permitted under the foregoing provisions of this Section, any Lender may assign and pledge all or any portion of its Loans and its Notes to any Federal Reserve Bank as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A and any Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, and such Loans and Notes shall be fully transferable as provided therein. No such assignment shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.
(g) A Lender may furnish any information concerning the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries in the possession of such Lender from time to time to Assignees and Participants (including prospective Assignees and Participants) subject to compliance with Section 13.8.
(h) Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, no Lender may assign or participate any interest in any Loan held by it hereunder to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates or Subsidiaries.
(i) Each Lender agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Agent, it will not make any assignment hereunder in any manner or under any circumstances that would require registration or qualification of, or filings in respect of, any Loan or Note under the Securities Act or any other securities laws of the United States of America or of any other jurisdiction.
Section 13.6. Amendments.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any consent or approval required or permitted by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to be given by the Lenders may be given, and any term of this Agreement or of any other Loan Document may be amended, and the performance or observance by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any terms of this Agreement or such other Loan Document or the continuance of any Default or Event of Default may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with, but only with, the written consent of the Requisite

 

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Lenders (and, in the case of an amendment to any Loan Document, the written consent of each Loan Party a party thereto).
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the prior written consent of each Lender adversely affected thereby, no amendment, waiver or consent shall do any of the following:
(i) increase the Commitments of the Lenders (except for any increase in the Commitments effectuated pursuant to Section 2.15.) or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations;
(ii) reduce the principal of, or interest rates that have accrued or that will be charged on the outstanding principal amount of, any Loans or other Obligations;
(iii) reduce the amount of any Fees payable hereunder or postpone any date fixed for payment thereof;
(iv) modify the definition of the term “Termination Date” (except as contemplated under Section 2.12.) or otherwise postpone any date fixed for any payment of any principal of, or interest on, any Loans or any other Obligations (including the waiver of any Default or Event of Default as a result of the nonpayment of any such Obligations as and when due), or extend the expiration date of any Letter of Credit beyond the Termination Date;
(v) amend or otherwise modify the provisions of Section 3.2.;
(vi) modify the definition of the term “Requisite Lenders” or otherwise modify in any other manner the number or percentage of the Lenders required to make any determinations or waive any rights hereunder or to modify any provision hereof, including without limitation, any modification of this Section 13.6. if such modification would have such effect;
(vii) release any Guarantor from the Guaranty other than as provided in Section 8.15.;
(viii) amend or otherwise modify the provisions of Section 2.14.; or
(ix) increase the number of Interest Periods permitted with respect to Loans under Section 2.5.
(c) No amendment, waiver or consent, unless in writing and signed by the Agent, in such capacity, in addition to the Lenders required hereinabove to take such action, shall affect the rights or duties of the Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Any amendment, waiver or consent relating to Section 2.2. or the obligations of the Swingline Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall, in addition to the Lenders required hereinabove to take such action, require the written consent of the Swingline Lender.

 

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(d) No waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation not expressly waived or impair any right consequent thereon and any amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose set forth therein. Except as otherwise provided in Section 12.5., no course of dealing or delay or omission on the part of the Agent or any Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver thereof or otherwise be prejudicial thereto. Any Event of Default occurring hereunder shall continue to exist until such time as such Event of Default is waived in writing in accordance with the terms of this Section, notwithstanding any attempted cure or other action by any Loan Party or any other Person subsequent to the occurrence of such Event of Default. Except as otherwise explicitly provided for herein or in any other Loan Document, no notice to or demand upon any Loan Party shall entitle such Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
Section 13.7. Nonliability of Agent and Lenders.
The relationship between the Borrower and the Lenders and the Agent shall be solely that of borrower and lender. Neither the Agent nor any Lender shall have any fiduciary responsibilities to the Borrower or the Parent and no provision in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, and no course of dealing between or among any of the parties hereto, shall be deemed to create any fiduciary duty owing by the Agent or any Lender to any Lender, the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party. Neither the Agent nor any Lender undertakes any responsibility to the Borrower or the Parent to review or inform the Borrower or the Parent of any matter in connection with any phase of the business or operations of the Borrower or the Parent.
Section 13.8. Confidentiality.
The Agent and each Lender shall use reasonable efforts to assure that information about the Parent, Borrower, the other Loan Parties and other Subsidiaries, and the Properties thereof and their operations, affairs and financial condition, not generally disclosed to the public, which is furnished to the Agent or any Lender pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, is used only for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and shall not be divulged to any Person other than the Agent, the Lenders, and their respective agents who are actively and directly participating in the evaluation, administration or enforcement of the Loan Documents and other transactions between the Agent or such Lender, as applicable, and the Borrower, but in any event the Agent and the Lenders may make disclosure: (a) to any of their respective affiliates (provided they shall agree to keep such information confidential in accordance with the terms of this Section 13.8.); (b) as reasonably requested by any bona fide Assignee, Participant or other transferee in connection with the contemplated transfer of any Commitment or participations therein as permitted hereunder (provided they shall agree to keep such information confidential in accordance with the terms of this Section); (c) as required or requested by any Governmental Authority or representative thereof or pursuant to legal process or in connection with any legal proceedings; (d) to the Agent’s or such Lender’s independent auditors and other professional advisors (provided they shall be notified of the confidential nature of the information); (e) after the happening and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to any other Person, in connection with the exercise by the Agent or the Lenders of rights hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents; (f) upon Borrower’s prior consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), to any contractual

 

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counter-parties to any swap or similar hedging agreement or to any rating agency; and (g) to the extent such information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or any Affiliate.
Section 13.9. Indemnification.
(a) The Borrower shall and hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Agent, each of the Lenders, any affiliate of the Agent or any Lender, and their respective directors, officers, shareholders, agents, employees and counsel (each referred to herein as an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all of the following (collectively, the “Indemnified Costs”): losses, costs, claims, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, judgments or reasonable expenses of every kind and nature (including, without limitation, amounts paid in settlement, court costs and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel incurred in connection with any litigation, investigation, claim or proceeding or any advice rendered in connection therewith, but excluding losses, costs, claims, damages, liabilities, deficiencies, judgments or expenses indemnification in respect of which is specifically covered by Section 3.12. or 5.1. or expressly excluded from the coverage of such Sections 3.12. or 5.1.) incurred by an Indemnified Party in connection with, arising out of, or by reason of, any suit, cause of action, claim, arbitration, investigation or settlement, consent decree or other proceeding (the foregoing referred to herein as an “Indemnity Proceeding”) which is in any way related directly or indirectly to: (i) this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated thereby; (ii) the making of any Loans or issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder; (iii) any actual or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of the Loans or Letters of Credit; (iv) the Agent’s or any Lender’s entering into this Agreement; (v) the fact that the Agent and the Lenders have established the credit facility evidenced hereby in favor of the Borrower; (vi) the fact that the Agent and the Lenders are creditors of the Borrower and have or are alleged to have information regarding the financial condition, strategic plans or business operations of the Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries; (vii) the fact that the Agent and the Lenders are material creditors of the Borrower and are alleged to influence directly or indirectly the business decisions or affairs of the Parent, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries or their financial condition; (viii) the exercise of any right or remedy the Agent or the Lenders may have under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; (ix) any civil penalty or fine assessed by the OFAC against, and all reasonable costs and expenses (including counsel fees and disbursements) incurred in connection with defense thereof by, the Agent or any Lender as a result of conduct of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any Subsidiary that violates a sanction enforced by the OFAC; or (x) any violation or non-compliance by the Parent, the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Applicable Law (including any Environmental Law) including, but not limited to, any Indemnity Proceeding commenced by (A) the Internal Revenue Service or state taxing authority or (B) any Governmental Authority or other Person under any Environmental Law, including any Indemnity Proceeding commenced by a Governmental Authority or other Person seeking remedial or other action to cause the Borrower or its Subsidiaries (or its respective properties) (or the Agent and/or the Lenders as successors to the Borrower) to be in compliance with such Environmental Laws; provided, however, that the Borrower shall not be obligated to indemnify any Indemnified Party for (A) any acts or omissions of such Indemnified Party in connection with matters described in this subsection to the extent arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction

 

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in a final, non-appealable judgment or (B) Indemnified Costs to the extent arising directly out of or resulting directly from claims of one or more Indemnified Parties against another Indemnified Party.
(b) The Borrower’s indemnification obligations under this Section 13.9. shall apply to all Indemnity Proceedings arising out of, or related to, the foregoing whether or not an Indemnified Party is a named party in such Indemnity Proceeding. In this regard, this indemnification shall cover all Indemnified Costs of any Indemnified Party in connection with any deposition of any Indemnified Party or compliance with any subpoena (including any subpoena requesting the production of documents). This indemnification shall, among other things, apply to any Indemnity Proceeding commenced by other creditors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any shareholder of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (whether such shareholder(s) are prosecuting such Indemnity Proceeding in their individual capacity or derivatively on behalf of the Borrower), any account debtor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or by any Governmental Authority. If indemnification is to be sought hereunder by an Indemnified Party, then such Indemnified Party shall notify the Borrower of the commencement of any Indemnity Proceeding; provided, however, that the failure to so notify the Borrower shall not relieve the Borrower from any liability that it may have to such Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 13.9. except to the extent such failure to notify materially and adversely affects the Borrower.
(c) This indemnification shall apply to any Indemnity Proceeding arising during the pendency of any bankruptcy proceeding filed by or against the Borrower and/or any Subsidiary.
(d) All out-of-pocket fees and expenses of, and all amounts paid to third-persons by, an Indemnified Party shall be advanced by the Borrower at the request of such Indemnified Party notwithstanding any claim or assertion by the Borrower that such Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification hereunder, upon receipt of an undertaking by such Indemnified Party that such Indemnified Party will reimburse the Borrower if it is actually and finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that such Indemnified Party is not so entitled to indemnification hereunder.
(e) An Indemnified Party may conduct its own investigation and defense of, and may formulate its own strategy with respect to, any Indemnity Proceeding covered by this Section and, as provided above, all Indemnified Costs incurred by such Indemnified Party shall be reimbursed by the Borrower. No action taken by legal counsel chosen by an Indemnified Party in investigating or defending against any such Indemnity Proceeding shall vitiate or in any way impair the obligations and duties of the Borrower hereunder to indemnify and hold harmless each such Indemnified Party; provided, however, that if (i) the Borrower is required to indemnify an Indemnified Party pursuant hereto and (ii) the Borrower has provided evidence reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party that the Borrower has the financial wherewithal to reimburse such Indemnified Party for any amount paid by such Indemnified Party with respect to such Indemnity Proceeding, such Indemnified Party shall not settle or compromise any such Indemnity Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnified Party may settle or compromise any such Indemnity Proceeding without the prior written consent of the Borrower where (x) no monetary relief is sought against such Indemnified Party in such

 

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Indemnity Proceeding or (y) there is an allegation of a violation of law by such Indemnified Party.
(f) If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower hereby agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of such obligations which is permissible under Applicable Law.
(g) The Borrower’s obligations under this Section shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the payment in full in cash of the Obligations, and are in addition to, and not in substitution of, any other of their obligations set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party.
Section 13.10. Termination; Survival.
At such time as (a) all of the Commitments have been terminated, (b) all Letters of Credit have terminated, (c) none of the Lenders nor the Swingline Lender is obligated any longer under this Agreement to make any Loans and (d) all Obligations (other than obligations which survive as provided in the following sentence) have been paid and satisfied in full, this Agreement shall terminate. The indemnities to which the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender are entitled under the provisions of Sections 3.12., 5.1., 5.4., 12.7., 13.2. and 13.9. and any other provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the provisions of Section 13.4., shall continue in full force and effect and shall protect the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender (i) notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, or of the other Loan Documents, against events arising after such termination as well as before and (ii) at all times after any such party ceases to be a party to this Agreement with respect to all matters and events existing on or prior to the date such party ceased to be a party to this Agreement. The Agent agrees to furnish to the Borrower, upon the Borrower’s request and at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense, any release, termination, or other agreement or document evidencing the foregoing termination.
Section 13.11. Severability of Provisions.
Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 13.12. GOVERNING LAW.
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.
Section 13.13. Patriot Act.
The Lenders and the Agent each hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which

 

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information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with such Act.
Section 13.14. Counterparts.
This Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all of which counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 13.15. Obligations with Respect to Loan Parties.
The obligations of the Parent or the Borrower to direct or prohibit the taking of certain actions by the other Loan Parties as specified herein shall be absolute and not subject to any defense the Parent or the Borrower may have that the Parent or the Borrower does not control such Loan Parties.
Section 13.16. Limitation of Liability.
Neither the Agent nor any Lender, nor any affiliate, officer, director, employee, attorney, or agent of the Agent or any Lender shall have any liability with respect to, and each of the Parent and the Borrower hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue any of them upon, any claim for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages suffered or incurred by the Parent or the Borrower in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Each of the Parent and the Borrower hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue the Agent or any Lender or any of the Agent’s or any Lender’s affiliates, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, or agents for punitive damages in respect of any claim in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or financed hereby.
Section 13.17. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement, the Notes, and the other Loan Documents referred to herein embody the final, entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersede any and all prior commitments, agreements, representations, and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof and may not be contradicted or varied by evidence of prior, contemporaneous, or subsequent oral agreements or discussions of the parties hereto. There are no oral agreements among the parties hereto.
Section 13.18. Construction.
The Parent, the Borrower, the Agent and each Lender acknowledge that each of them has had the benefit of legal counsel of its own choice and has been afforded an opportunity to review this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with its legal counsel and that this Agreement and

 

- 98 -


 

the other Loan Documents shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Parent, the Borrower, the Agent and each Lender.
Section 13.19. No Novation.
THE PARTIES HERETO HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT SOLELY TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE TERMS OF THE EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT. THE PARTIES DO NOT INTEND THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY TO BE, AND THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE, A NOVATION OF ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS OWING BY BORROWER UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (AS DEFINED IN THE EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT).
[Signatures on Following Pages]

 

- 99 -


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to be executed by their authorized officers all as of the day and year first above written.
                     
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
                   
    By:    DiamondRock Hospitality Company, its sole General Partner    
 
                   
        By:  /s/ Sean M. Mahoney    
               
 
        Name:   Sean M. Mahoney    
 
        Title:   Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting    
 
              Officer and Controller    
 
                   
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY COMPANY    
 
                   
    By:   /s/ Mark W. Brugger    
             
        Name:  Mark W. Brugger    
        Title:  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer    
            and Treasurer    
[Signatures Continued on Next Page]

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as    
    Agent, as a Lender and as Swingline Lender    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Dean R. Whitehill    
             
 
      Name:   Dean R. Whitehill    
 
      Title:   Vice President    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $35,000,000    
[Signatures Continued on Next Page]

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Steven P. Renwick    
             
 
      Name:   Steven P. Renwick    
 
      Title:   Senior Vice President    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $30,000,000    

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Joseph A. Asciolla    
             
 
      Name:   Joseph A. Asciolla    
 
      Title:   Managing Director    
 
               
    By:   /s/ David Bowers    
             
 
      Name:   David Bowers    
 
      Title:   Managing Director    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $30,000,000    

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC.    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Ricardo James    
             
 
      Name:   Ricardo James    
 
      Title:   Director    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $30,000,000    

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Timothy J. McNaught    
             
 
      Name:   Timothy J. McNaught    
 
      Title:   Managing Director    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $30,000,000    

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Mark F. Monahan    
             
 
      Name:   Mark F. Monahan    
 
      Title:   Vice President    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $30,000,000    

 

 


 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
with DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership]
                 
    MERRILL LYNCH BANK USA    
 
               
    By:   /s/ Louis Alder    
             
 
      Name:   Louis Alder    
 
      Title:   Director    
 
               
    Commitment Amount:    
 
               
    $15,000,000    

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 1.1(A)
Capitalization Rates
             
Property   Cap Rate     Chain Scale
 
           
Atlanta Alpharetta Marriott
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Westin Atlanta North Perimeter
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Atlanta Waverly Renaissance
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Austin Renaissance
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Bethesda Marriott Suites
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Buckhead SpringHill Suites
    9.00 %   Upscale
Chicago Marriott
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Chicago Conrad
    7.50 %   Luxury
Courtyard Fifth Avenue
    8.00 %   Upscale
Courtyard Midtown East
    8.00 %   Upscale
Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort
    7.50 %   Luxury
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort
    7.50 %   Luxury
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort
    7.50 %   Luxury
Orlando Airport Marriott
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Salt Lake City Marriott
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
    7.50 %   Luxury
Torrance Marriott
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Vail Marriott Resort
    7.50 %   Luxury
Renaissance Worthington
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale
Westin Boston
    8.00 %   Upper Upscale

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 1.1(B)
List of Loan Parties
     
DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership
  Borrower
DiamondRock Hospitality Company
  Parent
Bloodstone TRS, Inc.
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Alpharetta Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Alpharetta Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Boston Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Boston Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Buckhead Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Buckhead Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Chicago Conrad Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Chicago Conrad Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Oak Brook Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Oak Brook Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Sonoma Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Sonoma Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Torrance Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Torrance Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Vail Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
DiamondRock Vail Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Owner, LLC
  Guarantor
Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Tenant, LLC
  Guarantor
Accommodation Subsidiaries are noted in italics.

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 4.1
Initial Unencumbered Borrowing Base Properties
         
    Unencumbered  
Property   Borrowing Base Value  
Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta
  $ 57,229,867  
Conrad Chicago
  $ 119,000,000  
Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort
  $ 80,423,920  
SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buckhead
  $ 25,654,161  
The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
  $ 45,699,327  
Torrance Marriott
  $ 55,264,335  
Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa
  $ 81,118,635  
Westin Atlanta Perimeter North
  $ 65,646,343  
Westin Boston Waterfront
  $ 297,300,000  
 
     
 
       
Total
  $ 827,036,588  
 
     

 

 


 

1SCHEDULE 7.1(b)
Ownership Structure
PART I
                         
    Juris-                    
    diction of               Material/ Significant/   State
    Organi-   Equity Interest   % of   and/or Excluded   Qualifi-
Company   zation   Holders   Ownership   Subsidiary   cation
DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Company
DiamondRock Hospitality, LLC
  1%
(GP interest)
99%
(LP interest)
  Material and Significant   MA
DiamondRock Hospitality, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Company     100 %       N/A
Bloodstone TRS, Inc.
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   MA
DiamondRock Alpharetta Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   GA
DiamondRock Alpharetta Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material (Accommodation Subsidiary)   GA
DiamondRock Bethesda General, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Excluded   MD
DiamondRock Bethesda Limited, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Excluded   MD
DiamondRock Bethesda Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Significant and Excluded   MD
DiamondRock Boston Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Palomar Holding Inc.     100 %   Material and Significant   MA
DiamondRock Boston Expansion
Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Significant   MA
DiamondRock Boston Retail Owner,
LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Significant   MA
DiamondRock Boston Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material and Significant (Accommodation Subsidiary)   MA
 
     
1   Accommodation Subsidiaries are noted in italics.

 

 


 

                         
    Juris-                    
    diction of               Material/ Significant/   State
    Organi-   Equity Interest   % of   and/or Excluded   Qualifi-
Company   zation   Holders   Ownership   Subsidiary   cation
DiamondRock Buckhead Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Material and Significant   GA
DiamondRock Buckhead Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material (Accommodation Subsidiary)   GA
DiamondRock Cayman Islands, Inc.
  Cayman Islands   DiamondRock Frenchman’s Holdings, LLC     100 %   Excluded   N/A
DiamondRock Chicago Conrad Owner,
LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   IL
DiamondRock Chicago Conrad
Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material and Significant (Accommodation Subsidiary)   IL
DiamondRock Chicago Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material, Significant and Excluded   IL
DiamondRock Chicago Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Significant and Excluded   IL
DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC
Owner Holdings, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Excluded   NY
DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC
Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC Owner Holdings, LLC     100 %   Significant and Excluded   NY
DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC
Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   NY
DiamondRock Frenchman’s Holdings, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Excluded   N/A
DiamondRock Frenchman’s Owner, Inc.
  U.S. Virgin Islands   DiamondRock Cayman Islands, Inc.     100 %   Significant and Excluded   N/A
DiamondRock Griffin Gate Owner,
LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Significant and Excluded   KY
DiamondRock Griffin Gate Tenant,
LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Significant and Excluded   KY
DiamondRock LAX Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Significant and Excluded   CA
DiamondRock LAX Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Significant and Excluded   CA

 

 


 

                         
    Juris-                    
    diction of               Material/ Significant/   State
    Organi-   Equity Interest   % of   and/or Excluded   Qualifi-
Company   zation   Holders   Ownership   Subsidiary   cation
DiamondRock Manhattan/Midtown East Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Significant and Excluded   NY
DiamondRock Manhattan/Midtown East Tenant Holdings, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   NY
DiamondRock Manhattan/Midtown East Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Manhattan/Midtown
East Tenant
Holdings, LLC
    100 %   Significant and Excluded   NY
DiamondRock Oak Brook Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   IL
DiamondRock Oak Brook Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material and Significant
(Accommodation
Subsidiary)
  IL
DiamondRock Orlando Airport Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Significant and Excluded   FL
DiamondRock Orlando Airport Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   FL
DiamondRock Salt Lake Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Significant and Excluded   UT
DiamondRock Salt Lake Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Significant and Excluded   UT
DiamondRock Sonoma Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   CA
DiamondRock Sonoma Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material
(Accommodation
Subsidiary)
  CA
DiamondRock Torrance Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   CA
DiamondRock Torrance Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material and Significant
(Accommodation
Subsidiary)
  CA
DiamondRock Vail Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock
Hospitality Limited
Partnership
    100 %   Material and Significant   CA

 

 


 

                         
    Juris-                    
    diction of               Material/ Significant/   State
    Organi-   Equity Interest   % of   and/or Excluded   Qualifi-
Company   zation   Holders   Ownership   Subsidiary   cation
DiamondRock Vail Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Material (Accommodation Subsidiary)   CA
DiamondRock Waverly Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Significant and Excluded   CA
DiamondRock Waverly Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   CA
DRH Austin Owner General, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Excluded   CA
DRH Austin Owner Limited, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Excluded   N/A
DRH Austin Owner Limited Partnership
  Delaware   DRH Austin Owner General, LLC
DRH Austin Owner Limited, LLC
  1%
(GP interest)
99%
(LP interest)
  Significant and Excluded   TX
DRH Austin Tenant General, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   TX
DRH Austin Tenant Limited, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   N/A
DRH Austin Tenant Limited Partnership
  Delaware   DRH Austin Tenant General, LLC
DRH Austin Tenant Limited, LLC
  1%
(GP interest)
99%
(LP interest)
  Excluded   TX
DRH Worthington Owner General, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Excluded   TX
DRH Worthington Owner Limited, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership     100 %   Excluded   N/A
DRH Worthington Owner Limited Partnership
  Delaware   DRH Worthington Owner General, LLC
DRH Worthington Owner Limited, LLC
  1%
(GP interest)
99%
(LP interest)
  Significant and Excluded   TX
DRH Worthington Tenant General, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.     100 %   Excluded   TX

 

 


 

                     
    Juris-                
    diction of           Material/ Significant/   State
    Organi-   Equity Interest   % of   and/or Excluded   Qualifi-
Company   zation   Holders   Ownership   Subsidiary   cation
DRH Worthington Tenant Limited, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.   100%   Excluded   N/A
DRH Worthington Tenant Limited Partnership
  Delaware   DRH Worthington Tenant General, LLC
DRH Worthington Tenant Limited, LLC
  1%
(GP interest)
99%
(LP interest)
  Excluded   TX
Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Owner, LLC
  Delaware   DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership   100%   Material and Significant   GA
Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Tenant, LLC
  Delaware   Bloodstone TRS, Inc.   100%   Material (Accommodation Subsidiary)   GA
Rock Spring Park Hotel Limited Partnership
  Maryland   DiamondRock Bethesda
General, LLC
DiamondRock Bethesda
Limited, LLC
  1%
(GP interest)
99%
(LP interest)
  Significant and Excluded   N/A

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 7.1(b)
Unconsolidated Affiliates
PART II
None

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 7.1(f)
Title to Properties; Liens
PART I
Bethesda Marriott Suites
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
Orlando Airport Marriott
Renaissance Austin Hotel
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Renaissance Worthington Hotel Fort Worth
Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
PART II
There are liens on the following hotels in favor of the secured lender for such hotel in an amount as of December 31, 2006, equal to the amounts listed below.
         
Property   Amount  
Bethesda Marriott Suites
  $ 18,741,625  
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
  $ 220,000,000  
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
  $ 51,000,000  
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
  $ 43,214,894  
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
  $ 62,500,000  
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort
  $ 29,805,833  
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
  $ 82,600,000  
Orlando Airport Marriott
  $ 59,000,000  
Renaissance Austin Hotel
  $ 83,000,000  
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
  $ 97,000,000  
Renaissance Worthington Hotel Fort Worth
  $ 57,400,000  
Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
  $ 36,888,160  

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 7.1(g)
Indebtedness and Guaranties
             
    Amount of Debt as of     Secured
Property   December 31, 2006     or Unsecured
Bethesda Marriott Suites
  $ 18,741,625     Secured
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
  $ 220,000,000     Secured
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
  $ 51,000,000     Secured
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
  $ 43,214,894     Secured
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
  $ 62,500,000     Secured
Griffin Gate Marriott Resort
  $ 29,805,833     Secured
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
  $ 82,600,000     Secured
Orlando Airport Marriott
  $ 59,000,000     Secured
Renaissance Austin Hotel
  $ 83,000,000     Secured
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
  $ 97,000,000     Secured
Renaissance Worthington Hotel Fort Worth
  $ 57,400,000     Secured
Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
  $ 36,888,160     Secured

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 7.1(h)
Material Contracts
1.   Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta
 
    Management Agreement by and between Marriott Hotel Services, Inc. and BCM/CHI Alpharetta Tenant, Inc., dated September 28, 2008, as assigned to DiamondRock Alpharetta Tenant, LLC by that certain Assignment and Assumption of Management Agreement dated June 23, 2005 as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Alpharetta Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Alpharetta Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated June 23, 2005
 
2.   Bethesda Marriott Suites
 
    Management Agreement by and between Marriott Hotel Services, Inc. and Rock Spring Park Hotel Limited Partnership, dated December 15, 2004, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Assignment, Assumption and Owner Agreement by and among Rock Spring Park Limited Partnership, DiamondRock Bethesda Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated December 15, 2004
 
3.   Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
 
    Management Agreement by and between DiamondRock Chicago Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated March 24, 2006 as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Chicago Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Chicago Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated March 24, 2006
 
4.   Conrad Chicago
 
    Amended and Restated Management Agreement by and between LCP-WB Chicago Operator, LLC and Conrad Hotels USA, Inc. as assigned to DiamondRock Chicago Conrad Tenant, LLC by that certain Hotel Management Agreement Assignment and Assumption, dated November 8, 2006 as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
5.   Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
 
    Management Agreement by and between Courtyard Management Corporation and DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC Tenant, LLC, dated December 20, 2004, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC Owner, LLC, DiamondRock East 40th Street NYC Tenant, LLC and Courtyard Management Corporation, dated December 20, 2004

 

 


 

6.   Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
 
    Management Agreement by and between Courtyard Management Corporation and DiamondRock Manhattan/Midtown East Owner, LLC, dated November 19, 2004, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Assignment, Assumption and Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Manhattan CY Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Manhattan CY Tenant, LLC and Courtyard Management Corporation, dated November 19, 2004
 
7.   Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort
 
    Management Agreement by and between Marriott Hotel Management Company (Virgin Islands), Inc. and BCM/CHI Frenchman’s Reef, Inc., dated September 28, 2000
 
    International Services Agreement between Marriott International, Inc. and BCM/CHI Frenchman’s Reef, Inc., dated September 15, 2000
 
8.   Griffin Gate Marriott Resort
 
    Management Agreement between DiamondRock Griffin Gate Owner, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated as of December 22, 2004, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Assignment, Assumption and Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Griffin Gate Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Griffin Gate Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated December 22, 2004
 
9.   Los Angeles Airport Marriott
 
    Management Agreement by and between BCM/CHI LAX Tenant, Inc. and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc. as assigned to DiamondRock LAX Tenant, LLC by that certain Assignment of Management Agreement, dated June 23, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock LAX Owner, LLC, DiamondRock LAX Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated June 23, 2005
 
10.   Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort
 
    Management Agreement between DiamondRock Oak Brook Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc, dated July 29, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Oak Brook Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Oak Brook Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated July 29, 2005

 

 


 

11.   Orlando Airport Marriott
 
    Management Agreement between DiamondRock Orlando Airport Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc, dated November 23, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Orlando Airport Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Orlando Airport Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated November 23, 2005
 
12.   Renaissance Austin Hotel
 
    Management Agreement between WSRH Austin, L.P. and Renaissance Hotel Operating Company, dated as of June 23, 2005, as assigned to DRH Austin Tenant Owner Limited Partnership by that certain Assignment and Assumption of Management Agreement, dated December 8, 2006, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DRH Austin Owner Limited Partnership, DRH Austin Tenant Limited Partnership and Renaissance Hotel Operating Company, dated December 8, 2006
 
13.   Renaissance Waverly Hotel
 
    Management Agreement between WSRH Atlanta Waverly, L.L.C. and Renaissance Hotel Operating Company, dated as of June 23, 2005, as assigned to DiamondRock Waverly Owner, LLC by that certain Assignment and Assumption Agreement of Management Agreement dated December 8, 2006, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Waverly Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Waverly Tenant, LLC and Renaissance Hotel Operating Company, dated December 8, 2006
 
14.   Renaissance Worthington Hotel Fort Worth
 
    Management Agreement by and between Renaissance Hotel Management Company, LLC and BCM/CHI Worthington Tenant, Inc., dated September 28, 2000, as assigned to DRH Worthington Tenant Limited Partnership by that certain Assignment and Assumption of Management Agreement, dated June 23, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DRH Worthington Owner Limited Partnership, DRH Worthington Tenant Limited Partnership and Renaissance Hotel Management Company, LLC, dated June 23, 2005
 
15.   Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown
 
    Amended and Restated Management Agreement by Host Marriott, L.P. and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated December 29, 2001, as assigned to DiamondRock Salt Lake Owner, LLC by that certain Assignment and Assumption of Management Agreement, dated December 15, 2004, as such agreement may be amended from time to time

 

 


 

    Assignment, Assumption and Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Salt Lake Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Salt Lake Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated December 15, 2004
 
16.   SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buckhead
 
    Management Agreement between DiamondRock Buckhead Tenant, LLC and SpringHill SMC Corporation, dated July 23, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement between DiamondRock Buckhead Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Buckhead Tenant, LLC and SpringHill SMC Corporation, dated July 23, 2005
 
17.   The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa
 
    Management Agreement between DiamondRock Sonoma Owner, LLC and Renaissance Hotel Management Company, LLC, dated October 27, 2004, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Assignment, Assumption and Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Sonoma Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Sonoma Tenant, LLC and Renaissance Hotel Management Company, LLC dated October 27, 2004
 
18.   Torrance Marriott
 
    Second Amended and Restated Management Agreement between DiamondRock Torrance Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated January 5, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among DiamondRock Torrance Owner, LLC, DiamondRock Torrance Tenant, LLC and Marriott Hotel Services, Inc., dated January 5, 2005
 
19.   Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa
 
    Hotel Management Agreement between DiamondRock Vail Tenant, LLC and Vail Management Company, LLC, dated June 24, 2005, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    Owner Agreement by and among Marriott International, Inc., DiamondRock Vail Tenant, LLC and DiamondRock Vail Owner, LLC, dated June 24, 2005
 
    Relicensing Franchise Agreement by Marriott International, Inc. and DiamondRock Vail Tenant, LLC, dated June 24, 2005
 
20.   Westin Atlanta Perimeter North
 
    Hotel Management Agreement by and between Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Tenant, LLC and Noble Management Group, dated May 2, 2006, as such agreement may be amended from time to time
 
    (Change of Ownership) License Agreement between Westin Hotel Management, L.P. and Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Tenant, LLC, dated May 2, 2006

 

 


 

21.   Westin Boston Waterfront
 
    Management Contract by and between Westin Management Company East and Boston Convention Center Hotel LLC dated May 27, 2004 as assigned to DiamondRock Boston Tenant, LLC by that certain Management Agreement Assignment and Assumption, dated January 31, 2007, as such contract may be amended from time to time
 
    Tri-Party Agreement among Westin Hotel Management, L.P. (successor-in—interest to Westin Management Company East), DiamondRock Boston Owner, LLC and DiamondRock Tenant, LLC, dated January 31, 2007

 

 


 

SCHEDULE 7.1(i)
Litigation
None

 

 


 

EXHIBIT A
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT
THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT dated as of                     , 200_____  (the “Agreement”) by and among                                          (the “Assignor”),                                           (the “Assignee”), and WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent (the “Agent”) [Include this language only if Borrower’s consent is required under Section 13.5.(d)] [and agreed and consented to by DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership].
WHEREAS, the Assignor is a Lender under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), the Agent, and the other parties thereto;
WHEREAS, the Assignor desires to assign to the Assignee, among other things, all or a portion of the Assignor’s Commitment under the Credit Agreement, all on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Agent consents to such assignment on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which hereby are acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Assignment.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in consideration of the payment to be made by the Assignee to the Assignor pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement, effective as of                     , 200_____  (the “Assignment Date”), the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells, transfers and assigns to the Assignee, without recourse, a $                     interest (such interest being the “Assigned Commitment”) in and to the Assignor’s Commitment and all of the other rights and obligations of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement, such Assignor’s Revolving Note and the other Loan Documents (representing _____% in respect of the aggregate amount of all Lenders’ Commitments), including without limitation, a principal amount of outstanding Revolving Loans equal to $_____  and all voting rights of the Assignor associated with the Assigned Commitment, all rights to receive interest on such amount of Revolving Loans and all commitment and other Fees with respect to the Assigned Commitment and other rights of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents with respect to the Assigned Commitment, all as if the Assignee were an original Lender under and signatory to the Credit Agreement having a Commitment equal to the amount of the Assigned Commitment. The Assignee, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, hereby assumes all obligations of the Assignor with respect to the Assigned Commitment as if the Assignee were an original Lender under and signatory to the Credit Agreement having a

 

A-1


 

Commitment equal to the Assigned Commitment, which obligations shall include, but shall not be limited to, the obligation of the Assignor to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower with respect to the Assigned Commitment, the obligation to pay the Agent amounts due in respect of draws under Letters of Credit as required under Section 2.3.(i) of the Credit Agreement and the obligation to indemnify the Agent as provided therein (the foregoing enumerated obligations, together with all other similar obligations more particularly set forth in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, collectively, the “Assigned Obligations”). The Assignor shall have no further duties or obligations with respect to, and shall have no further interest in, the Assigned Obligations or the Assigned Commitment from and after the Assignment Date.
(b) The assignment by the Assignor to the Assignee hereunder is without recourse to the Assignor. The Assignee makes and confirms to the Agent, the Assignor, and the other Lenders all of the representations, warranties and covenants of a Lender under Article XII. of the Credit Agreement. Not in limitation of the foregoing, the Assignee acknowledges and agrees that, except as set forth in Section 4 below, the Assignor is making no representations or warranties with respect to, and the Assignee hereby releases and discharges the Assignor for any responsibility or liability for: (i) the present or future solvency or financial condition of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party, (ii) any representations, warranties, statements or information made or furnished by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Loan Party in connection with the Credit Agreement or otherwise, (iii) the validity, efficacy, sufficiency, or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other document or instrument executed in connection therewith, or the collectibility of the Assigned Obligations, (iv) the perfection, priority or validity of any Lien with respect to any collateral at any time securing the Obligations or the Assigned Obligations under the Notes or the Credit Agreement and (v) the performance or failure to perform by the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party. Further, the Assignee acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, or on any affiliate or subsidiary thereof, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on the financial statements supplied by the Borrower and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement. The Assignee also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Documents or pursuant to any other obligation. Except as expressly provided in the Credit Agreement, the Agent shall have no duty or responsibility whatsoever, either initially or on a continuing basis, to provide the Assignee with any credit or other information with respect to the Borrower or any other Loan Party or to notify the Assignee of any Default or Event of Default. The Assignee has not relied on the Agent as to any legal or factual matter in connection therewith or in connection with the transactions contemplated thereunder.
Section 2. Payment by Assignee. In consideration of the assignment made pursuant to Section 1 of this Agreement, the Assignee agrees to pay to the Assignor on the Assignment Date, such amount as they may agree.

 

A-2


 

Section 3. Payments by Assignor. The Assignor agrees to pay to the Agent on the Assignment Date the administration fee, if any, payable under the applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement.
Section 4. Representations and Warranties of Assignor. The Assignor hereby represents and warrants to the Assignee that (a) as of the Assignment Date (i) the Assignor is a Lender under the Credit Agreement having a Commitment under the Credit Agreement (without reduction by any assignments thereof which have not yet become effective), equal to $                    , and that the Assignor is not in default of its obligations under the Credit Agreement; and (ii) the outstanding balance of Revolving Loans owing to the Assignor (without reduction by any assignments thereof which have not yet become effective) is $                    ; and (b) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Commitment which is free and clear of any adverse claim created by the Assignor.
Section 5. Representations, Warranties and Agreements of Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that it is (i) legally authorized to enter into this Agreement, (ii) an “accredited investor” (as such term is used in Regulation D of the Securities Act) and (iii) an Eligible Assignee; (b) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant thereto and such other documents and information (including without limitation the Loan Documents) as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement; (c) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as contractual representative on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (d) agrees that it will become a party to and shall be bound by the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the other Lenders are a party on the Assignment Date and will perform in accordance therewith all of the obligations which are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
Section 6. Recording and Acknowledgment by the Agent. Following the execution of this Agreement, the Assignor will deliver to the Agent (a) a duly executed copy of this Agreement for acknowledgment and recording by the Agent and (b) the Assignor’s Revolving Note. Upon such acknowledgment and recording, from and after the Assignment Date, the Agent shall make all payments in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including payments of principal, interest, Fees and other amounts) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement for periods prior to the Assignment Date directly between themselves.
Section 7. Addresses. The Assignee specifies as its address for notices and its Lending Office for all Loans, the offices set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto.
Section 8. Payment Instructions. All payments to be made to the Assignee under this Agreement by the Assignor, and all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement, shall be made as provided in the Credit Agreement in accordance with the instructions set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto or as the Assignee may otherwise notify the Agent.

 

A-3


 

Section 9. Effectiveness of Assignment. This Agreement, and the assignment and assumption contemplated herein, shall not be effective until (a) this Agreement is executed and delivered by each of the Assignor, the Assignee, the Agent, and if required under Section 13.5.(d) of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower, and (b) the payment to the Assignor of the amounts, if any, owing by the Assignee pursuant to Section 2 hereof and (c) the payment to the Agent of the amounts, if any, owing by the Assignor pursuant to Section 3 hereof. Upon recording and acknowledgment of this Agreement by the Agent, from and after the Assignment Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Agreement, relinquish its rights (except as otherwise provided in Section 13.10. of the Credit Agreement) and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement; provided, however, that if the Assignor does not assign its entire interest under the Loan Documents, it shall remain a Lender entitled to all of the benefits and subject to all of the obligations thereunder with respect to its Commitment.
Section 10. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.
Section 11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts each of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 12. Headings. Section headings have been inserted herein for convenience only and shall not be construed to be a part hereof.
Section 13. Amendments; Waivers. This Agreement may not be amended, changed, waived or modified except by a writing executed by the Assignee and the Assignor; provided, however, any amendment, waiver or consent which shall affect the rights or duties of the Agent under this Agreement shall not be effective unless signed by the Agent.
Section 14. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement between the Assignor and the Assignee with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all other prior arrangements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof.
Section 15. Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
Section 16. Definitions. Terms not otherwise defined herein are used herein with the respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
[Include this Section only if Borrower’s consent is required under Section 13.5.(d) Section 17. Agreements of the Borrower. The Borrower hereby agrees that the Assignee shall be a Lender under the Credit Agreement having a Commitment equal to the Assigned Commitment. The Borrower agrees that the Assignee shall have all of the rights and remedies of a Lender under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as if the Assignee were an

 

A-4


 

original Lender under and signatory to the Credit Agreement, including, but not limited to, the right of a Lender to receive payments of principal and interest with respect to the Assigned Obligations, and to the Revolving Loans made by the Lenders after the date hereof and to receive the commitment and other Fees payable to the Lenders as provided in the Credit Agreement. Further, the Assignee shall be entitled to the indemnification provisions from the Borrower in favor of the Lenders as provided in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Borrower further agrees, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, to execute in favor of the Assignee Notes as required by Section 13.5.(d) of the Credit Agreement. Upon receipt by the Assignor of the amounts due the Assignor under Section 2, the Assignor agrees to surrender to the Borrower such Assignor’s Notes.]
[Signatures on Following Pages]

 

A-5


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Assignment and Acceptance Agreement as of the date and year first written above.
                 
    ASSIGNOR:    
 
               
    [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   
    ASSIGNEE:    
 
               
    [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   
             
Accepted as of the date first written above.
 
           
AGENT:
 
           
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as Agent
 
           
By:
           
         
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   
[Signatures Continued on Following Page]

 

A-6


 

[Include signature of the Borrower only if required
     under Section 13.5.(d) of the Credit Agreement]
Agreed and consented to as of the
     date first written above.
             
BORROWER:    
 
           
DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
           
By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
    Its sole General Partner    
 
           
By:
           
         
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   

 

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SCHEDULE 1
Information Concerning the Assignee
             
Notice Address:
           
         
 
           
         
 
           
         
 
  Telephone No.:        
 
           
 
  Telecopy No.:        
 
           
 
           
Lending Office:
           
         
 
           
         
 
           
         
 
  Telephone No.:        
 
           
 
  Telecopy No.:        
 
           
 
           
Payment Instructions:
           
         
 
           
         

 

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EXHIBIT B
FORM OF GUARANTY
THIS GUARANTY dated as of February 28, 2007, executed and delivered by each of the undersigned and the other Persons from time to time party hereto pursuant to the execution and delivery of an Accession Agreement in the form of Annex I hereto (all of the undersigned, together with such other Persons each a “Guarantor” and collectively, the “Guarantors”) in favor of (a) WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, in its capacity as Agent (the “Agent”) for the Lenders under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), the Agent, and the other parties thereto, and (b) the Lenders and the Swingline Lender.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender have agreed to make available to the Borrower certain financial accommodations on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Borrower and each of the Guarantors, though separate legal entities, are mutually dependent on each other in the conduct of their respective businesses as an integrated operation and have determined it to be in their mutual best interests to obtain financing from the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender through their collective efforts;
WHEREAS, each Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender making such financial accommodations available to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and, accordingly, each Guarantor is willing to guarantee the Borrower’s obligations to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender on the terms and conditions contained herein; and
WHEREAS, each Guarantor’s execution and delivery of this Guaranty is a condition to the Agent and the Lenders making, and continuing to make, such financial accommodations to the Borrower.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each Guarantor, each Guarantor agrees as follows:
Section 1. Guaranty. Each Guarantor hereby absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranties the due and punctual payment and performance when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all of the following (collectively referred to as the “Guarantied Obligations”): (a) all indebtedness and obligations owing by the Borrower to any Lender, the Swingline Lender or the Agent under or in connection with the Credit Agreement and any other Loan Document, including without limitation, the repayment of all principal of the Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and the Reimbursement Obligations, and the payment of all interest,

 

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Fees, charges, attorneys’ fees and other amounts payable to any Lender or the Agent thereunder or in connection therewith; (b) any and all extensions, renewals, modifications, amendments or substitutions of the foregoing; (c) all reasonable expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, that are incurred by the Lenders and the Agent in the enforcement of any of the foregoing or any obligation of such Guarantor hereunder; and (d) all other Obligations.
Section 2. Guaranty of Payment and Not of Collection. This Guaranty is a guaranty of payment, and not of collection, and a debt of each Guarantor for its own account. Accordingly, none of the Lenders, the Swingline Lender or the Agent shall be obligated or required before enforcing this Guaranty against any Guarantor: (a) to pursue any right or remedy any of them may have against the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person or commence any suit or other proceeding against the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person in any court or other tribunal; (b) to make any claim in a liquidation or bankruptcy of the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person; or (c) to make demand of the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person or to enforce or seek to enforce or realize upon any collateral security held by the Lenders, the Swingline Lender or the Agent which may secure any of the Guarantied Obligations.
Section 3. Guaranty Absolute. Each Guarantor guarantees that the Guarantied Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the documents evidencing the same, regardless of any Applicable Law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Agent, the Lenders or the Swingline Lender with respect thereto. The liability of each Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be absolute, irrevocable and unconditional in accordance with its terms and shall remain in full force and effect without regard to, and shall not be released, suspended, discharged, terminated or otherwise affected by, any circumstance or occurrence whatsoever, including without limitation, the following (whether or not such Guarantor consents thereto or has notice thereof):
(a) (i) any change in the amount, interest rate or due date or other term of any of the Guarantied Obligations, (ii) any change in the time, place or manner of payment of all or any portion of the Guarantied Obligations, (iii) any amendment or waiver of, or consent to the departure from or other indulgence with respect to, the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any other document or instrument evidencing or relating to any Guarantied Obligations, or (iv) any waiver, renewal, extension, addition, or supplement to, or deletion from, or any other action or inaction under or in respect of, the Credit Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, or any other documents, instruments or agreements relating to the Guarantied Obligations or any other instrument or agreement referred to therein or evidencing any Guarantied Obligations or any assignment or transfer of any of the foregoing;
(b) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, or any other document, instrument or agreement referred to therein or evidencing any Guarantied Obligations or any assignment or transfer of any of the foregoing;

 

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(c) any furnishing to the Agent, the Lenders or the Swingline Lender of any security for the Guarantied Obligations, or any sale, exchange, release or surrender of, or realization on, any collateral securing any of the Obligations;
(d) any settlement or compromise of any of the Guarantied Obligations, any security therefor, or any liability of any other party with respect to the Guarantied Obligations, or any subordination of the payment of the Guarantied Obligations to the payment of any other liability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party;
(e) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, composition, adjustment, dissolution, liquidation or other like proceeding relating to such Guarantor, the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person, or any action taken with respect to this Guaranty by any trustee or receiver, or by any court, in any such proceeding;
(f) any act or failure to act by the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person which may adversely affect such Guarantor’s subrogation rights, if any, against the Borrower to recover payments made under this Guaranty;
(g) any nonperfection or impairment of any security interest or other Lien on any collateral, if any, securing in any way any of the Obligations;
(h) any application of sums paid by the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person with respect to the liabilities of the Borrower to the Agent, the Lenders or the Swingline Lender, regardless of what liabilities of the Borrower remain unpaid;
(i) any defect, limitation or insufficiency in the borrowing powers of the Borrower or in the exercise thereof;
(j) any defense, set-off, claim or counterclaim (other than indefeasible payment and performance in full) which may at any time be available to or be asserted by the Borrower or any other Person against the Agent or any Lender;
(k) any change in the corporate existence or structure of the Borrower; or
(l) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, a Guarantor hereunder (other than indefeasible payment and performance in full).
Section 4. Action with Respect to Guarantied Obligations. The Lenders and the Agent may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of, or notice to, any Guarantor, and without discharging any Guarantor from its obligations hereunder, take any and all actions described in Section 3 and may otherwise: (a) amend, modify, alter or supplement the terms of any of the Guarantied Obligations, including, but not limited to, extending or shortening the time of payment of any of the Guarantied Obligations or changing the interest rate that may accrue on any of the Guarantied Obligations; (b) amend, modify, alter or supplement the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; (c) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with all, or any part, of

 

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any collateral securing any of the Obligations; (d) release any other Loan Party or other Person liable in any manner for the payment or collection of the Guarantied Obligations; (e) exercise, or refrain from exercising, any rights against the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person; and (f) apply any sum, by whomsoever paid or however realized, to the Guarantied Obligations in such order as the Lenders shall elect.
Section 5. Representations and Warranties. Each Guarantor hereby makes to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender all of the representations and warranties made by the Borrower with respect to or in any way relating to such Guarantor in the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, as if the same were set forth herein in full.
Section 6. Covenants. Each Guarantor will comply with all covenants which the Borrower is to cause such Guarantor to comply with under the terms of the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.
Section 7. Waiver. Each Guarantor, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, hereby waives notice of acceptance hereof or any presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, and any other act or thing, or omission or delay to do any other act or thing, which in any manner or to any extent might vary the risk of such Guarantor or which otherwise might operate to discharge such Guarantor from its obligations hereunder.
Section 8. Inability to Accelerate Loan. If the Agent, the Swingline Lender and/or the Lenders are prevented under Applicable Law or otherwise from demanding or accelerating payment of any of the Guarantied Obligations by reason of any automatic stay or otherwise, the Agent, the Swingline Lender and/or the Lenders shall be entitled to receive from each Guarantor, upon demand therefor, the sums which otherwise would have been due had such demand or acceleration occurred.
Section 9. Reinstatement of Guarantied Obligations. If claim is ever made on the Agent, any Lender or the Swingline Lender for repayment or recovery of any amount or amounts received in payment or on account of any of the Guarantied Obligations, and the Agent, such Lender or the Swingline Lender repays all or part of said amount by reason of (a) any judgment, decree or order of any court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction, or (b) any settlement or compromise of any such claim effected by the Agent, such Lender or the Swingline Lender with any such claimant (including the Borrower or a trustee in bankruptcy for the Borrower), then and in such event each Guarantor agrees that any such judgment, decree, order, settlement or compromise shall be binding on it, notwithstanding any revocation hereof or the cancellation of the Credit Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, or any other instrument evidencing any liability of the Borrower, and such Guarantor shall be and remain liable to the Agent, such Lender or the Swingline Lender for the amounts so repaid or recovered to the same extent as if such amount had never originally been paid to the Agent, such Lender or the Swingline Lender.
Section 10. Subrogation. Upon the making by any Guarantor of any payment hereunder for the account of the Borrower, such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the payee against the Borrower; provided, however, that such Guarantor shall not enforce any right or

 

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receive any payment by way of subrogation or otherwise take any action in respect of any other claim or cause of action such Guarantor may have against the Borrower arising by reason of any payment or performance by such Guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty, unless and until all of the Guarantied Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full. Once the Guarantied Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full, the Agent agrees to furnish to such Guarantor, at such Guarantor’s request and at such Guarantor’s sole cost and expense, any agreement evidencing the foregoing subrogation as may be reasonably requested by such Guarantor and reasonably satisfactory to the Agent. If any amount shall be paid to such Guarantor on account of or in respect of such subrogation rights or other claims or causes of action, such Guarantor shall hold such amount in trust for the benefit of the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender and shall forthwith pay such amount to the Agent to be credited and applied against the Guarantied Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement or to be held by the Agent as collateral security for any Guarantied Obligations existing.
Section 11. Right of Contribution. The Guarantors hereby agree as among themselves that, if any Guarantor shall make an Excess Payment (as defined below), such Guarantor shall have a right of contribution from each other Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Guarantor’s Contribution Share (as defined below) of such Excess Payment. The payment obligations of any Guarantor under this Section shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the Obligations until such time as the Obligations have been paid in full and the Commitments have expired or terminated, and none of the Guarantors shall exercise any right or remedy under this Section against any other Guarantor until such Obligations have been paid in full and the Commitments have expired or terminated. This Section shall not be deemed to affect any right of subrogation, indemnity, reimbursement or contribution that any Guarantor may have under Applicable Law against the Borrower in respect of any payment of Guarantied Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all rights of contribution against any Guarantor shall terminate from and after such time, if ever, that such Guarantor shall cease to be a Guarantor in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Loan Documents. For purposes of this Section, the following terms have the indicated meanings:
(a) “Excess Payment” means the amount paid by any Guarantor in excess of its Ratable Share of any Guarantied Obligations.
(b) “Ratable Share” means, for any Guarantor in respect of any payment of Obligations, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) as of the date of such payment of Guarantied Obligations of (i) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all of its assets and properties exceeds the amount of all debts and liabilities of such Guarantor (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder) to (ii) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all assets and other properties of all of the Loan Parties exceeds the amount of all of the debts and liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of the Loan Parties hereunder) of the Loan Parties; provided, however, that, for purposes of calculating the Ratable Shares of the Guarantors in respect of any payment of Obligations, any Guarantor that became a Guarantor subsequent to the date of any such payment shall be deemed to have been a Guarantor on the date of such payment and the financial information

 

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for such Guarantor as of the date such Guarantor became a Guarantor shall be utilized for such Guarantor in connection with such payment.
(c) “Contribution Share” means, for any Guarantor in respect of any Excess Payment made by any other Guarantor, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) as of the date of such Excess Payment of (i) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all of its assets and properties exceeds the amount of all debts and liabilities of such Guarantor (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder) to (ii) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all assets and other properties of the Loan Parties other than the maker of such Excess Payment exceeds the amount of all of the debts and liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of the Loan Parties) of the Loan Parties other than the maker of such Excess Payment; provided, however, that, for purposes of calculating the Contribution Shares of the Guarantors in respect of any Excess Payment, any Guarantor that became a Guarantor subsequent to the date of any such Excess Payment shall be deemed to have been a Guarantor on the date of such Excess Payment and the financial information for such Guarantor as of the date such Guarantor became a Guarantor shall be utilized for such Guarantor in connection with such Excess Payment.
Section 12. Payments Free and Clear. All sums payable by each Guarantor hereunder, whether of principal, interest, Fees, expenses, premiums or otherwise, shall be paid in full, without set-off or counterclaim or any deduction or withholding whatsoever (including any Taxes), and if any Guarantor is required by Applicable Law or by a Governmental Authority to make any such deduction or withholding, such Guarantor shall pay to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender such additional amount as will result in the receipt by the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender of the full amount payable hereunder had such deduction or withholding not occurred or been required.
Section 13. Set-off. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under any of the other Loan Documents or Applicable Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, each Guarantor hereby authorizes the Agent and each Lender, at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, without any prior notice to such Guarantor or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, but in the case of a Lender or Participant subject to receipt of the prior written consent of the Agent exercised in its sole discretion, to set off and to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special, including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced by certificates of deposit, whether matured or unmatured) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Agent, such Lender, or any affiliate of the Agent or such Lender, to or for the credit or the account of such Guarantor against and on account of any of the Guarantied Obligations, although such obligations shall be contingent or unmatured. Each Guarantor agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, that any Participant may exercise rights of setoff or counterclaim and other rights with respect to its participation as fully as if such Participant were a direct creditor of such Guarantor in the amount of such participation. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower and such Guarantor after any such set off made by such Lender; provided, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set off.

 

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Section 14. Subordination. Each Guarantor hereby expressly covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender that all obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to such Guarantor of whatever description, including without limitation, all intercompany receivables of such Guarantor from the Borrower (collectively, the “Junior Claims”) shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Guarantied Obligations. If an Event of Default shall exist, then no Guarantor shall accept any direct or indirect payment (in cash, property or securities, by setoff or otherwise) from the Borrower on account of or in any manner in respect of any Junior Claim until all of the Guarantied Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full.
Section 15. Avoidance Provisions. It is the intent of each Guarantor, the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender that in any Proceeding, such Guarantor’s maximum obligation hereunder shall equal, but not exceed, the maximum amount which would not otherwise cause the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder (or any other obligations of such Guarantor to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender) to be avoidable or unenforceable against such Guarantor in such Proceeding as a result of Applicable Law, including without limitation, (a) Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended (the “Bankruptcy Code”) and (b) any state fraudulent transfer or fraudulent conveyance act or statute applied in such Proceeding, whether by virtue of Section 544 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise. The Applicable Laws under which the possible avoidance or unenforceability of the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder (or any other obligations of such Guarantor to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender) shall be determined in any such Proceeding are referred to as the “Avoidance Provisions”. Accordingly, to the extent that the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder would otherwise be subject to avoidance under the Avoidance Provisions, the maximum Guarantied Obligations for which such Guarantor shall be liable hereunder shall be reduced to that amount which, as of the time any of the Guarantied Obligations are deemed to have been incurred under the Avoidance Provisions, would not cause the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder (or any other obligations of such Guarantor to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender), to be subject to avoidance under the Avoidance Provisions. This Section is intended solely to preserve the rights of the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender hereunder to the maximum extent that would not cause the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder to be subject to avoidance under the Avoidance Provisions, and no Guarantor or any other Person shall have any right or claim under this Section as against the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender that would not otherwise be available to such Person under the Avoidance Provisions.
Section 16. Information. Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the financial condition of the Borrower and the other Guarantors, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of any of the Guarantied Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and agrees that none of the Agent, the Lenders or the Swingline Lender shall have any duty whatsoever to advise any Guarantor of information regarding such circumstances or risks.
Section 17. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

 

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APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.
SECTION 18. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
(a) EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY DISPUTE OR CONTROVERSY BETWEEN OR AMONG ANY GUARANTOR, THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS WOULD BE BASED ON DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX ISSUES OF LAW AND FACT AND WOULD RESULT IN DELAY AND EXPENSE TO THE PARTIES. ACCORDINGLY, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE LENDERS, THE AGENT AND EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR NATURE IN ANY COURT OR TRIBUNAL IN WHICH AN ACTION MAY BE COMMENCED BY OR AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO ARISING OUT OF THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR BY REASON OF ANY OTHER SUIT, CAUSE OF ACTION OR DISPUTE WHATSOEVER BETWEEN OR AMONG ANY GUARANTOR, THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS OF ANY KIND OR NATURE RELATING TO ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS.
(b) EACH OF THE GUARANTORS, THE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY AGREES THAT THE FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK OR, AT THE OPTION OF THE AGENT, ANY STATE COURT LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN OF NEW YORK, SHALL HAVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE ANY CLAIMS OR DISPUTES BETWEEN OR AMONG ANY GUARANTOR, THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS, PERTAINING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR TO ANY MATTER ARISING HEREFROM OR THEREFROM. EACH GUARANTOR AND EACH OF THE LENDERS EXPRESSLY SUBMITS AND CONSENTS IN ADVANCE TO SUCH JURISDICTION IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING COMMENCED IN SUCH COURTS WITH RESPECT TO SUCH CLAIMS OR DISPUTES. EACH PARTY FURTHER WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT OR THAT SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING WAS BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM AND EACH AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM THE SAME. THE CHOICE OF FORUM SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO PRECLUDE THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION BY THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR THE ENFORCEMENT BY THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OF ANY JUDGMENT OBTAINED IN SUCH FORUM IN ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE JURISDICTION.
(c) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY EACH PARTY WITH THE ADVICE OF COUNSEL AND WITH A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES THEREOF, AND SHALL SURVIVE THE PAYMENT OF THE LOANS AND ALL OTHER AMOUNTS PAYABLE HEREUNDER OR UNDER THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, THE TERMINATION OR

 

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EXPIRATION OF ALL LETTERS OF CREDIT AND THE TERMINATION OF THIS GUARANTY.
Section 19. Loan Accounts. The Agent, each Lender and the Swingline Lender may maintain books and accounts setting forth the amounts of principal, interest and other sums paid and payable with respect to the Guarantied Obligations, and in the case of any dispute relating to any of the outstanding amount, payment or receipt of any of the Guarantied Obligations or otherwise, the entries in such books and accounts shall be deemed conclusive evidence of the amounts and other matters set forth herein, absent manifest error. The failure of the Agent, any Lender or the Swingline Lender to maintain such books and accounts shall not in any way relieve or discharge any Guarantor of any of its obligations hereunder.
Section 20. Waiver of Remedies. No delay or failure on the part of the Agent, any Lender or the Swingline Lender in the exercise of any right or remedy it may have against any Guarantor hereunder or otherwise shall operate as a waiver thereof, and no single or partial exercise by the Agent, any Lender or the Swingline Lender of any such right or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right or remedy.
Section 21. Termination. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect until indefeasible payment in full of the Guarantied Obligations and the other Obligations and the termination or cancellation of the Credit Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Section 22. Successors and Assigns. Each reference herein to the Agent or the Lenders shall be deemed to include such Person’s respective successors and assigns (including, but not limited to, any holder of the Guarantied Obligations) in whose favor the provisions of this Guaranty also shall inure, and each reference herein to each Guarantor shall be deemed to include such Guarantor’s successors and assigns, upon whom this Guaranty also shall be binding. The Lenders and the Swingline Lender may, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement, assign, transfer or sell any Guarantied Obligation, or grant or sell participations in any Guarantied Obligations, to any Person without the consent of, or notice to, any Guarantor and without releasing, discharging or modifying any Guarantor’s obligations hereunder. Subject to Section 13.8. of the Credit Agreement, each Guarantor hereby consents to the delivery by the Agent or any Lender to any Assignee or Participant (or any prospective Assignee or Participant) of any financial or other information regarding the Borrower or any Guarantor. No Guarantor may assign or transfer its obligations hereunder to any Person without the prior written consent of all Lenders and any such assignment or other transfer to which all of the Lenders have not so consented shall be null and void.
Section 23. JOINT AND SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS. THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE GUARANTORS HEREUNDER SHALL BE JOINT AND SEVERAL, AND ACCORDINGLY, EACH GUARANTOR CONFIRMS THAT IT IS LIABLE FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE “GUARANTIED OBLIGATIONS” AND ALL OF THE OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES OF EACH OF THE OTHER GUARANTORS HEREUNDER.

 

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Section 24. Amendments. This Guaranty may not be amended except in writing signed by the Requisite Lenders (or all of the Lenders if required under the terms of the Credit Agreement), the Agent and each Guarantor.
Section 25. Payments. All payments to be made by any Guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty shall be made in Dollars, in immediately available funds to the Agent at the Principal Office, not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date of demand therefor.
Section 26. Notices. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder shall be in writing (including facsimile transmission or similar writing) and shall be given (a) to each Guarantor at its address set forth below its signature hereto, (b) to the Agent, any Lender or the Swingline Lender at its respective address for notices provided for in the Credit Agreement, or (c) as to each such party at such other address as such party shall designate in a written notice to the other parties. Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if mailed, when received; (ii) if telecopied, when transmitted; or (iii) if hand delivered, when delivered; provided, however, that any notice of a change of address for notices shall not be effective until received.
Section 27. Severability. In case any provision of this Guaranty shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 28. Headings. Section headings used in this Guaranty are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Guaranty.
Section 29. Limitation of Liability. Neither the Agent nor any Lender, nor any affiliate, officer, director, employee, attorney, or agent of the Agent or any Lender, shall have any liability with respect to, and each Guarantor hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue any of them upon, any claim for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages suffered or incurred by a Guarantor in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to, this Guaranty or any of the other Loan Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated by this Guaranty, the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. Each Guarantor hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue the Agent or any Lender or any of the Agent’s or any Lender’s affiliates, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, or agents for punitive damages in respect of any claim in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to, this Guaranty, the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated by Credit Agreement or financed thereby.
Section 30. Release of Guarantor. If expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement, a Guarantor may be released from this Guaranty in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.
Section 31. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this Guaranty:
Proceeding” means any of the following: (i) a voluntary or involuntary case concerning any Guarantor shall be commenced under the Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended; (ii) a

 

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custodian (as defined in such Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable bankruptcy laws) is appointed for, or takes charge of, all or any substantial part of the property of any Guarantor; (iii) any other proceeding under any Applicable Law, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up or composition for adjustment of debts, whether now or hereafter in effect, is commenced relating to any Guarantor; (iv) any Guarantor is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; (v) any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction; (vi) any Guarantor makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (vii) any Guarantor shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (viii) any Guarantor shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition or adjustment of its debts; (ix) any Guarantor shall by any act or failure to act indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (x) any corporate action shall be taken by any Guarantor for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.
(b) Terms not otherwise defined herein are used herein with the respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
[Signature on Next Page]

 

B-11


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has duly executed and delivered this Guaranty as of the date and year first written above.
                 
    [GUARANTORS]
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   
    Address for Notices:
    c/o DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership
    6903 Rockledge Dr., Suite 800
    Bethesda, Maryland 20817
    Attention: Michael Schecter
    Telephone:    (240) 744-1170
    Telecopy:      (240) 744-1199

 

B-12


 

ANNEX I
FORM OF ACCESSION AGREEMENT
THIS ACCESSION AGREEMENT dated as of                     , 200_____, executed and delivered by                                         , a                      (the “New Guarantor”), in favor of (a) WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, in its capacity as Agent (the “Agent”) for the Lenders under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), the Agent, and the other parties thereto, and (b) the Lenders and the Swingline Lender.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender have agreed to make available to the Borrower certain financial accommodations on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Borrower, the New Guarantor, and the existing Guarantors, though separate legal entities, are mutually dependent on each other in the conduct of their respective businesses as an integrated operation and have determined it to be in their mutual best interests to obtain financing from the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender through their collective efforts;
WHEREAS, the New Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender making such financial accommodations available to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and, accordingly, the New Guarantor is willing to guarantee the Borrower’s obligations to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender on the terms and conditions contained herein; and
WHEREAS, the New Guarantor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender continuing to make such financial accommodations to the Borrower.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the New Guarantor, the New Guarantor agrees as follows:
Section 1. Accession to Guaranty. The New Guarantor hereby agrees that it is a “Guarantor” under that certain Guaranty dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Guaranty”), made by each Subsidiary of the Borrower a party thereto in favor of the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender and assumes all obligations of a “Guarantor” thereunder, all as if the New Guarantor had been an original signatory to the Guaranty. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the New Guarantor hereby:

 

B-13


 

(a) irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees the due and punctual payment and performance when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all Guarantied Obligations (as defined in the Guaranty);
(b) makes to the Agent, the Lenders and the Swingline Lender as of the date hereof each of the representations and warranties contained in Section 5 of the Guaranty and agrees to be bound by each of the covenants contained in Section 6 of the Guaranty; and
(c) consents and agrees to each provision set forth in the Guaranty.
SECTION 2. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.
Section 3. Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have their respective defined meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
[Signatures on Next Page]

 

B-14


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Guarantor has caused this Accession Agreement to be duly executed and delivered under seal by its duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.
                 
    [NEW GUARANTOR]    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   
    Address for Notices:    
    c/o DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership    
 
               
         
 
               
         
    Attention:        
    Telecopy Number:     (               )                                      
    Telephone Number:   (               )                                      
             
Accepted:    
 
           
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as Agent
   
 
           
By:
           
         
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   

 

B-15


 

EXHIBIT C
FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING
____________, 200_
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
One Wachovia Center
301 South College Street
Mail Code: NC0166
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0166
Attention: ___________
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”), and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, have their respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
  1.  
Pursuant to Section 2.1.(b) of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby requests that the Lenders make Revolving Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount equal to $_____.
  2.  
The Borrower requests that such Revolving Loans be made available to the Borrower on  _____, 200_.
  3.  
The Borrower hereby requests that the requested Revolving Loans all be of the following Type:
[Check one box only]
o Base Rate Loans
o LIBOR Loans, each with an initial Interest Period for a duration of:
         
[Check one box only]
  o   1 month
 
  o   2 months
 
  o   3 months
 
  o   6 months
 
  o   9 months1
 
  o   12 months2
 
     
1  
If available from all Lenders.
 
2  
If available from all Lenders.

 

C-1


 

  4.  
The proceeds of this borrowing of Revolving Loans will be used for the following purpose:                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .
  5.  
The Borrower requests that the proceeds of this borrowing of Revolving Loans be made available to the Borrower by wire transfer in immediately available funds to: [insert wire instructions for Borrower’s account].
The Borrower hereby certifies to the Agent and the Lenders that as of the date hereof and as of the date of the making of the requested Revolving Loans and after giving effect thereto, (a) no Default or Event of Default exists or shall exist, and (b) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party are and shall be true and correct in all material respects, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents. In addition, the Borrower certifies to the Agent and the Lenders that all conditions to the making of the requested Revolving Loans contained in Article VI. of the Credit Agreement will have been satisfied (or waived in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Loan Documents) at the time such Revolving Loans are made.
If notice of the requested borrowing of Revolving Loans was previously given by telephone, this notice is to be considered the written confirmation of such telephone notice required by Section 2.1.(b) of the Credit Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Notice of Borrowing as of the date first written above.
                 
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
               
    By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
        its sole General Partner    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   

 

C-2


 

EXHIBIT D
FORM OF NOTICE OF CONTINUATION
____________, 200_
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
One Wachovia Center
301 South College Street
Mail Code: NC0166
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0166
Attention:  __________
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”), and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, have their respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.8. of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby requests a Continuation of a borrowing of Loans under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Continuation as required by such Section of the Credit Agreement:
  1.  
The proposed date of such Continuation is  _________, 200_.
  2.  
The aggregate principal amount of Loans subject to the requested Continuation is $________________  and was originally borrowed by the Borrower on  __________, 200_.
  3.  
The portion of such principal amount subject to such Continuation is $__________.
  4.  
The current Interest Period for each of the Loans subject to such Continuation ends on  _________, 200_.
  5.  
The duration of the new Interest Period for each of such Loans or portion thereof subject to such Continuation is:

 

D-1


 

         
[Check one box only]
  o   1 month
 
  o   2 months
 
  o   3 months
 
  o   6 months
 
  o   9 months1
 
  o   12 months2
The Borrower hereby certifies to the Agent and the Lenders that as of the date hereof, as of the proposed date of the requested Continuation, and after giving effect to such Continuation, no Default or Event of Default exists or will exist.
If notice of the requested Continuation was given previously by telephone, this notice is to be considered the written confirmation of such telephone notice required by Section 2.8. of the Credit Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Notice of Continuation as of the date first written above.
                 
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
               
    By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
        its sole General Partner    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   
 
     
1  
If available from all Lenders.
 
2  
If available from all Lenders.

 

D-2


 

EXHIBIT E
FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION
____________, 200_
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
One Wachovia Center
301 South College Street
Mail Code: NC0166
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0166
Attention: _________
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”), and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, have their respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.9. of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby requests a Conversion of a borrowing of Loans of one Type into Loans of another Type under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Conversion as required by such Section of the Credit Agreement:
  1.  
The proposed date of such Conversion is  _________, 200__.
  2.  
The Loans to be Converted pursuant hereto are currently:
         
[Check one box only]
  o   Base Rate Loans
 
  o   LIBOR Loans
  3.  
The aggregate principal amount of Loans subject to the requested Conversion is $_____ and was originally borrowed by the Borrower on  ________, 200__.
  4.  
The portion of such principal amount subject to such Conversion is $_________.

 

E-1


 

  5.  
The amount of such Loans to be so Converted is to be converted into Loans of the following Type:
[Check one box only]
o Base Rate Loans
o LIBOR Loans, each with an initial Interest Period for a duration of:
         
[Check one box only]
  o   1 month
 
  o   2 months
 
  o   3 months
 
  o   6 months
 
  o   9 months1
 
  o   12 months2
The Borrower hereby certifies to the Agent and the Lenders that as of the date hereof and as of the date of the requested Conversion and after giving effect thereto, (a) no Default or Event of Default exists or will exist (provided the certification under this clause (a) shall not be made in connection with the Conversion of a Loan into a Base Rate Loan), and (b) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party are and shall be true and correct in all material respects, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents.
If notice of the requested Conversion was given previously by telephone, this notice is to be considered the written confirmation of such telephone notice required by Section 2.9. of the Credit Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Notice of Conversion as of the date first written above.
                 
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
               
    By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
        its sole General Partner    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   
 
     
1  
If available from all Lenders.
 
2  
If available from all Lenders.

 

E-2


 

EXHIBIT F
FORM OF NOTICE OF SWINGLINE BORROWING
____________, 200__
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
One Wachovia Center
301 South College Street
Mail Code: NC0166
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0166
Attention:  ___________ 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”), and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, have their respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
  1.  
Pursuant to Section 2.2.(b) of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby requests that the Swingline Lender make a Swingline Loan to the Borrower in an amount equal to $__________.
  2.  
The Borrower requests that such Swingline Loan be made available to the Borrower on  _________, 200__.
  3.  
The proceeds of this Swingline Loan will be used for the following purpose:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .
  4.  
The Borrower requests that the proceeds of such Swingline Loan be made available to the Borrower by wire transfer in immediately available funds to: [insert wire instructions for Borrower’s account].
The Borrower hereby certifies to the Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Lenders that as of the date hereof, as of the date of the making of the requested Swingline Loan, and after making such Swingline Loan, (a) no Default or Event of Default exists or will exist, and (b) the representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and each other Loan Party in the Loan Documents to which any of them is a party are and shall be true and correct in all material respects, except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in

 

F-1


 

factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents. In addition, the Borrower certifies to the Agent and the Lenders that all conditions to the making of the requested Swingline Loan contained in Article VI. of the Credit Agreement will have been satisfied at the time such Swingline Loan is made.
If notice of the requested borrowing of this Swingline Loan was previously given by telephone, this notice is to be considered the written confirmation of such telephone notice required by Section 2.2.(b) of the Credit Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Notice of Swingline Borrowing as of the date first written above.
                 
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
               
    By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
        its sole General Partner    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   

 

F-2


 

EXHIBIT G
FORM OF SWINGLINE NOTE
     
$25,000,000   February 28, 2007
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to the order of WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “Swingline Lender”) to its address at One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288, or at such other address as may be specified in writing by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower, the principal sum of TWENTY FIVE MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($25,000,000) (or such lesser amount as shall equal the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement), on the dates and in the principal amounts provided in the Credit Agreement, and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount owing hereunder, at the rates and on the dates provided in the Credit Agreement.
The date, amount of each Swingline Loan, and each payment made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Swingline Lender on its books and, prior to any transfer of this Note, endorsed by the Swingline Lender on the schedule attached hereto or any continuation thereof, provided that the failure of the Swingline Lender to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower to make a payment when due of any amount owing under the Credit Agreement or hereunder in respect of the Swingline Loans.
This Note is the Swingline Note referred to in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrower, the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, and the other parties thereto, and evidences Swingline Loans made to the Borrower thereunder. Terms used but not otherwise defined in this Note have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement provides for the acceleration of the maturity of this Note upon the occurrence of certain events and for prepayments of Swingline Loans upon the terms and conditions specified therein.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.
The Borrower hereby waives presentment for payment, demand, notice of demand, notice of non-payment, protest, notice of protest and all other similar notices.

 

G-1


 

Time is of the essence for this Note.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Swingline Note under seal as of the date first written above.
                 
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
               
    By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,    
        its sole General Partner    
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   

 

G-2


 

SCHEDULE OF SWINGLINE LOANS
This Note evidences Swingline Loans made under the within-described Credit Agreement to the Borrower, on the dates and in the principal amounts set forth below, subject to the payments and prepayments of principal set forth below:
                                 
    Principal Amount     Amount Paid or     Unpaid Principal        
Date of Loan   of Loan     Prepaid     Amount     Notation Made By  
 
                               

 

G-3


 

EXHIBIT H
FORM OF REVOLVING NOTE
     
$                                           , 200_
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to the order of  _____  (the “Lender”), in care of Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”) at Wachovia Bank, National Association, One Wachovia Center, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288, or at such other address as may be specified in writing by the Agent to the Borrower, the principal sum of  _____  AND  _____/100 DOLLARS ($_____) (or such lesser amount as shall equal the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Revolving Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement (as herein defined)), on the dates and in the principal amounts provided in the Credit Agreement, and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount owing hereunder, at the rates and on the dates provided in the Credit Agreement.
The date, amount of each Revolving Loan made by the Lender to the Borrower, and each payment made on account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Lender on its books and, prior to any transfer of this Note, endorsed by the Lender on the schedule attached hereto or any continuation thereof, provided that the failure of the Lender to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower to make a payment when due of any amount owing under the Credit Agreement or hereunder in respect of the Revolving Loans made by the Lender.
This Note is one of the Revolving Notes referred to in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrower, the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), the Agent, and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, have their respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement provides for the acceleration of the maturity of this Note upon the occurrence of certain events and for prepayments of Loans upon the terms and conditions specified therein.
Except as permitted by Section 13.5.(d) of the Credit Agreement, this Note may not be assigned by the Lender to any other Person.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED, AND TO BE FULLY PERFORMED, IN SUCH STATE.

 

H-1


 

The Borrower hereby waives presentment for payment, demand, notice of demand, notice of non-payment, protest, notice of protest and all other similar notices.
Time is of the essence for this Note.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Revolving Note under seal as of the date first written above.
                 
    DIAMONDROCK HOSPITALITY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP    
 
               
    By:   DiamondRock Hospitality Company,
        its sole General Partner
 
               
 
  By:            
             
 
      Name:        
 
      Title:  
 
   
 
         
 
   

 

H-2


 

SCHEDULE OF REVOLVING LOANS
This Note evidences Revolving Loans made under the within-described Credit Agreement to the Borrower, on the dates, in the principal amounts, bearing interest at the rates and maturing on the dates set forth below, subject to the payments and prepayments of principal set forth below:
                                 
    Principal Amount     Amount Paid or     Unpaid Principal        
Date of Loan   of Loan     Prepaid     Amount     Notation Made By  
 
                               

 

H-3


 

EXHIBIT I
FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL
[See attached]

 

 


 

(WILLKIE FARR & GALLAGHER LLP LOGO)
787 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10019-6099
Tel: 212 728 8000
Fax: 212 728 8111
February __, 2007
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
301 S. College Street, NC0172
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0166
The Lenders party to the Credit Agreement
referred to below
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, a limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Borrower”), and DiamondRock Hospitality Company, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland (the “Parent”), in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February ___, 2007 (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrower, the Parent, the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5(d). thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”), and the other agents and parties thereto (collectively, the “Other Agents”) and the other Loan Documents identified below. We have also acted as counsel to each of (i) the subsidiary guarantors listed on Schedule I attached hereto (the “Non-Tenant Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Borrower, the “Delaware Opinion Parties”) and (ii) the subsidiary guarantors listed on Schedule II attached hereto (the “Tenant Subsidiary Guarantors”), in connection with the Guaranty. This opinion is being delivered to you pursuant to Section 6.1(a)(viii) of the Credit Agreement.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this opinion are used as defined in the Credit Agreement. As used herein, “Opinion Parties” refers to the Delaware Opinion Parties and the Parent, and “Loan Parties” refers to the Opinion Parties and the Tenant Subsidiary Guarantors.
In connection with this opinion, we have examined copies of:
1.   the Credit Agreement,
 
2.   the Swingline Note executed by Borrower (the “Swingline Note”),
 
3.   each Revolving Note executed by Borrower (the “Revolving Note” and, together with the Swingline Note, the “Notes”),

 

I-1


 

Wachovia Bank, National Association
The Lenders referred to herein
February ___, 2007
Page 2
4.   the Guaranty, dated as of February ___, 2007 (the “Guaranty”), by the Guarantors (as defined therein) in favor of the Agent for the Lenders,
 
5.   the respective certificates of limited partnership, formation and incorporation, as applicable (the “Charters”), of the Delaware Opinion Parties, each certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, the by-laws, limited partnership agreement and limited liability company agreements, as applicable (the “Operating Documents”), of the Delaware Opinion Parties, and certain resolutions of the respective boards of directors or general partner of the Delaware Opinion Parties (the “Resolutions” and, together with the Charters and the Operating Documents, the “Organizational Documents”), and
 
6.   the respective certificates of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the Secretaries of State of the relevant foreign jurisdictions as to the existence and good standing of the Delaware Opinion Parties (the “Good Standing Certificates”).
We have also examined originals or copies (certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction) of such corporate records, agreements, documents and other instruments, and such certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Borrower, and have made such inquiries of such officers and representatives, as we have deemed relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinions and views hereinafter set forth.
The agreements referred to in the foregoing clauses (1) through (4) above are hereinafter referred to as the “Loan Documents.”
In our examination, we have assumed:
(i)   the genuineness of all signatures of all parties other than the signatures of the Delaware Opinion Parties,
(ii)   the authenticity of all company and corporate records, agreements, documents, instruments and certificates submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents and agreements of all documents and agreements submitted to us as conformed, certified or photostatic copies thereof and the authenticity of the originals of such conformed, certified or photostatic copies,
(iii)   the due authorization of all documents and agreements by all parties thereto other than the Delaware Opinion Parties and the execution and delivery of all documents and agreements by all parties other than the Delaware Opinion Parties,the legal right and power of all such parties other than the Delaware Opinion Parties under all applicable laws and regulations to enter into, execute and deliver such agreements and documents,
(iv)   the Parent is duly incorporated, validly existing, and in good standing, under the laws of the State of Maryland and has the corporate power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted,
Wachovia Bank, National Association

 

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The Lenders referred to herein
February ___, 2007
Page 3
(v)   each of the Tenant Subsidiary Guarantors is duly incorporated or formed, validly existing, and in good standing, under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the corporate or limited
(vi)   liability company power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted,
(vii)   the Parent, the Tenant Subsidiary Guarantors, the Lenders, the Agent and the Other Agents have the requisite power and authority to enter into the Loan Documents to which they are a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby, and each such Person has duly authorized, executed and delivered each Loan Document to which it is a party,
(vii)   the absence of any requirement of consent, approval or authorization by any Person or by any Governmental Authority with respect to the Tenant Subsidiary Guarantors, the Lenders, the Agent and the Other Agents, and
(viii)   that the Loan Documents are legal, valid and binding obligations of the Lenders, the Agent and the Other Agents parties thereto, enforceable against such Persons in accordance with their respective terms.
As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have, when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon representations of the Loan Parties and their respective officers made in or pursuant to the Loan Documents and of public officials and, to our knowledge, there are no contradictory facts as to any such matters on which we have so relied.
As used herein, the term “Applicable Laws” means the Federal laws and the laws of the State of New York which, in our experience, are normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Loan Documents, the Delaware General Corporation Law, and the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act. The term “Governmental Approval” means any consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, any Governmental Authority pursuant to the Applicable Laws.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the assumptions, limitations, qualifications and exceptions set forth below, we are of the opinion that:
1.   Each Delaware Opinion Party (a) is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, as applicable, duly incorporated or formed, as applicable, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware based on our review of the Charters and the Good Standing Certificates and (b) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its property and to conduct its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted in connection with and following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Loan Documents to which it is a party. Based solely on a review of the Good Standing Certificates of the Secretary of State of each of the relevant jurisdictions, each Non-Tenant Subsidiary Guarantor is qualified to transact business as a foreign corporation or limited liability company, as applicable, in the indicated jurisdictions set forth on Schedule I attached hereto.

 

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Wachovia Bank, National Association
The Lenders referred to herein
February ___, 2007
Page 4
2.   Each Delaware Opinion Party has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to perform its respective obligations under each such Loan Document and, in the case of the Borrower, to borrow under the Credit Agreement. The execution and delivery by each Delaware Opinion Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the performance by each such Person of its respective obligations under each Loan Document have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company or limited partnership action of such Delaware Opinion Party.
3.   Each of the Loan Documents to which each Delaware Opinion Party is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Delaware Opinion Party. Each of the Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is a party constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms.
4.   The execution, delivery and performance by each Opinion Party of the Loan Documents to which such Person is a party do not and will not (i) violate, in the case of the Delaware Opinion Parties only, the Delaware Opinion Parties’ Organizational Documents, (ii) violate any provision of the Applicable Laws binding on such Person or, to our knowledge, any order or decree thereunder of any court or government agency or instrumentality binding upon such Person, (iii) result in a breach of, or give rise to a default under or to any right to require prepayment, repurchase or redemption of any obligation under any contractual obligation under any agreement, instrument, indenture or other document evidencing any indebtedness for money borrowed or any other material agreement, in each case, in respect of which we have advised the Opinion Parties, to which, to our knowledge, such Opinion Party is a party or by which any of them or any of their property is or may be bound or (iv) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of such Opinion Party other than the Liens contemplated by the Loan Documents.
5.   The execution, delivery and performance by each Opinion Party of the Loan Documents to which such Person is a party do not and will not require any Governmental Approval, except (i) corporate filings required to be made after the date hereof to maintain good standing and to maintain or renew licenses and permits required for the Opinion Parties to operate their respective businesses in the ordinary course of business, (ii) Governmental Approvals required for the exercise by the Agent, the Lenders and the Other Agents of their rights and remedies under the Loan Documents and (iii) Governmental Approvals which have been obtained, given or made.
6.   No Opinion Party is (i) an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended or (ii) a “holding company”, or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company”, or an “affiliate” of a “holding company”, within the meaning of, or is otherwise subject to regulation under, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
Wachovia Bank, National Association

 

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The Lenders referred to herein
February ___, 2007
Page 5
7.   To our knowledge, except as disclosed in the Loan Documents, there are no actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority now pending or threatened against or affecting the Opinion Parties (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following assumptions, qualifications and exceptions:
A.   The opinions expressed in opinion paragraph 3 above are qualified (i) by the effects of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) insofar as the remedies of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to equitable defenses and the discretion of the court before which any enforcement thereof may be brought and (iii) insofar as proceedings therefore may be limited by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity), including principles of commercial reasonableness and an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Such principles of equity are of general application, and in applying such principles, a court, among other things, might not allow a creditor to accelerate the maturity of a debt, to realize upon any security for the payment of such debt upon the occurrence of a default deemed immaterial, or to exercise any right of set-off with respect to debt which is neither matured nor accelerated, or might decline to order the applicable Loan Party to specifically perform covenants. Insofar as provisions provide for indemnification, the enforcement thereof may be limited by public policy considerations. Such opinions are further subject to the qualification that certain remedial provisions of the Loan Documents are or may be unenforceable in whole or in part under the laws of the State of New York, but the inclusion of such provisions does not affect the validity of any Loan Document in which any such provision is included, and such Loan Documents contain adequate provisions for enforcing payment of the obligations thereunder and for the practical realization of the rights and benefits afforded thereby.  
B.   When used in this opinion, the phrase “to our knowledge” means the current actual knowledge of attorneys within our firm who are actively involved in representing the Loan Parties in connection with the matters referred to herein.  
C.   We express no opinion as to (i) any provisions of the Loan Documents insofar as they relate to (1) the subject matter jurisdiction of the federal courts to adjudicate any controversy relating to the Loan Documents, (2) the waiver of defenses and the waiver of inconvenient forum, (3) the waiver of the right to a jury trial or (4) rights of set-off or (ii) any provisions of any Loan Document which purport to provide for a rate of interest after judgment.  

 

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Wachovia Bank, National Association
The Lenders referred to herein
February ___, 2007
Page 6
This opinion letter is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. This opinion letter may not be quoted, distributed or disclosed, except to your counsel, to participants or assignees or, to the extent necessary, to an applicable regulatory authority or pursuant to legal process, without our prior written consent.
This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof and is limited to present statutes, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations. We undertake no responsibility to update or supplement this opinion letter after the date hereof, including without limitation with respect to any action which may be required in the future to create a valid lien on after acquired property or to perfect or continue the perfection of any security interest, including after a change in the name, identity, corporate structure or location of any Loan Party.
No person or entity may rely or claim reliance upon this opinion letter other than you and your permitted successors and assigns and the Lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement.
Very truly yours,

 

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SCHEDULE I
NON-TENANT SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
         
    JURISDICTION   JURISDICTIONS
    OF   OF FOREIGN
NAME   FORMATION   QUALIFICATION
Bloodstone TRS, Inc.
  Delaware   N/A
DiamondRock Alpharetta Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Georgia
DiamondRock Boston Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Massachusetts
DiamondRock Buckhead Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Georgia
DiamondRock Chicago Conrad Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Illinois
DiamondRock Oak Brook Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Illinois
DiamondRock Sonoma Owner, LLC
  Delaware   California
DiamondRock Torrance Owner, LLC
  Delaware   California
DiamondRock Vail Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Colorado
Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Owner, LLC
  Delaware   Georgia

 

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SCHEDULE II
TENANT SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
NAME
DiamondRock Alpharetta Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Boston Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Buckhead Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Chicago Conrad Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Oak Brook Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Sonoma Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Torrance Tenant, LLC
DiamondRock Vail Tenant, LLC
Noble-DiamondRock Perimeter Center Tenant, LLC

 

I-8


 

EXHIBIT J
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
                    , 200_
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent
One Wachovia Center
301 South College Street
Mail Code: NC0166
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0166
Each of the Lenders Party to the Credit
      Agreement referred to below
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 28, 2007 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership (the “Borrower”), the financial institutions party thereto and their assignees under Section 13.5. thereof (the “Lenders”), Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent (the “Agent”) and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, have their respective meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 9.3. of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies, in such person’s corporate and not individual capacity, to the Agent and the Lenders as follows:
(1) The undersigned is the                                          of the Parent.
(2) The undersigned has examined the books and records of the Parent and the Borrower and has conducted such other examinations and investigations as are reasonably necessary to provide this Compliance Certificate.
(3) To the best of my knowledge, information and belief after due inquiry, no Default or Event of Default exists as of the date of this Compliance Certificate [if such is not the case, specify such Default or Event of Default and its nature, when it occurred and whether it is continuing and the steps being taken by the Borrower with respect to such event, condition or failure].
(4) The representations and warranties made or deemed made by the Borrower and the other Loan Parties in the Loan Documents to which any is a party, are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof except to the extent that such representations and warranties expressly relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and

 

J-1


 

warranties shall have been true and correct in all material respects on and as of such earlier date) and except for changes in factual circumstances not prohibited under the Loan Documents.
(5) Attached hereto as Schedule 1 are reasonably detailed calculations establishing whether or not the Borrower and its Subsidiaries were in compliance with the covenants contained in Sections 10.1., 10.2. and 10.4. of the Credit Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate as of the date first above written.
             
         
 
  Name:        
 
  Title:  
 
   
 
     
 
   

 

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Schedule 1
[Calculations to be Attached]

 

J-3

Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
I, Mark W. Brugger, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of DiamondRock Hospitality Company;
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 7, 2009
     
/s/ Mark W. Brugger
 
   
Mark W. Brugger
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
   

 

 

Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
I, Sean M. Mahoney, certify that:
  1.   I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of DiamondRock Hospitality Company;
  2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
  3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
  4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  (a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
  (b)   Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
  (c)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
  (d)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  (a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
  (b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 7, 2009
     
/s/ Sean M. Mahoney
 
   
Sean M. Mahoney    
Executive Vice President and    
Chief Financial Officer    
(Principal Financial Officer)    

 

 

Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.1
Certification
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. Section 1350(a) and (b))
The undersigned officers, who are the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of DiamondRock Hospitality Company (the “Company”), each hereby certifies to the best of his knowledge, that the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A (the “Report”) to which this certification is attached, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
             
/s/ Mark W. Brugger
 
      /s/ Sean M. Mahoney
 
   
Mark W. Brugger
      Sean M. Mahoney    
Chief Executive Officer
      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    
December 7, 2009
      December 7, 2009