UNITED STATES



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 8-K


CURRENT REPORT


Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 17, 2008 (October 15, 2008)


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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


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Delaware

001-13489

52-2057472

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


100 Vine Street

 

 

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

 

37130

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)



Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (615) 890-2020


Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:


[   ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

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

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

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





Item 1.01.

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.


On October 15, 2008, National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”) entered into an amendment of its Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as lender (the “Lender”).  The amendment to the Credit Agreement provides for a 75,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), of which of up to $5,000,000 may be utilized for letters of credit.


The Credit Facility matures 364 days after the effective date, October 28, 2008.  Between 90 and 120 days prior to the maturity date, NHC may request the extension of the maturity date.  If the Lender elects to consent to such extension, subject to certain conditions, the maturity date will be extended to the date which is 364 days after the then maturity date.  The Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.


NHC is permitted to prepay the loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time, without penalty.  Loans bear interest at either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus 0.375% or (ii) the base rate.  Letter of Credit fees are equal to 0.25% times the maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding letters of credit.


NHC’s obligations under the amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain NHC subsidiaries and are secured by pledges by NHC and the guarantors of (i) 100% of the equity interests of domestic subsidiaries and (ii) up to 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of the non-voting equity interests of foreign subsidiaries, in each case, held by NHC or the guarantors.  


The amended Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and covenants that restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acqu9sitions, dividends, restricted payments, debt, liens, investments and affiliate transactions.  The amended Credit Agreement contains customary events of default.  


The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full test of the amended Credit Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.


A copy of the press release dated October 16, 2008 announcing the renewal of the Credit Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated by reference herein.



Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)

Exhibits.

Exhibit No.

10.1

Description of Exhibit

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 28, 2008, between National HealthCare Corporation and Bank of America, N.A.

99.1

Press release dated October 16, 2008.












SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:

October 17, 2008

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Robert G. Adams

Name: Robert G. Adams

Title:   President