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Exhibit 10.33
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CREDIT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PIANO & ORGAN COMPANY,
BORROWER,
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK,
AGENT,
AND
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK AND
NBD BANK, N.A.,
LENDERS
OCTOBER 16, 1997
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE 1. RECITALS........................................................................................1
ARTICLE 2. INTERPRETATION..................................................................................1
Section 2.1 Provisions Pertaining to Definitions...................................................1
Section 2.2 Definitions............................................................................2
ARTICLE 3. CREDIT FACILITY................................................................................12
Section 3.1 Total Credit Facility.................................................................12
Section 3.2 Loans.................................................................................12
Section 3.3 The Notes.............................................................................13
Section 3.4 Mandatory Prepayment..................................................................13
Section 3.5 Interest; Calculation of Charges; Fees................................................13
Section 3.6 Billing Statement.....................................................................14
Section 3.7 Loan Proceeds.........................................................................15
Section 3.8 Default Interest Rate.................................................................15
Section 3.9 Interest Rate After Certain Events....................................................15
Section 3.10 Verification Rights of the Lenders....................................................15
Section 3.11 Reports...............................................................................15
Section 3.12 Establishment of Reserves.............................................................16
Section 3.13 Increased Cost........................................................................16
Section 3.14 Collections...........................................................................18
Section 3.15 Advancements..........................................................................18
Section 3.16 Continuing Requirements - Accounts....................................................19
ARTICLE 4. LETTERS OF CREDIT.....................................................................19
Section 4.1 Obligation to Issue Letters of Credit.................................................20
Section 4.2 Expiration Date of Letters of Credit..................................................20
Section 4.3 Letters of Credit Deemed to be Loans..................................................20
Section 4.4 Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit...........................................20
Section 4.5 Reimbursement Obligations.............................................................20
Section 4.7 Amount of Letters of Credit...........................................................21
Section 4.8 Letter of Credit Participations.......................................................21
ARTICLE 5. TERM OF AGREEMENT..............................................................................21
Section 5.1 Termination...........................................................................21
Section 5.2 Effect of Termination.................................................................22
ARTICLE 6. BORROWING AND REPAYMENT PROCEDURES.............................................................22
Section 6.1 Borrowing Procedures..................................................................22
Section 6.2 Excess Advances.......................................................................23
Section 6.3 All Loans One Obligation..............................................................24
Section 6.4 Payments of Principal and Interest....................................................24
Section 6.5 Collection Days.......................................................................24
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ARTICLE 7. SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS...................................................................24
Section 7.1 Grant of Security Interest............................................................24
Section 7.2 Future Advances.......................................................................25
Section 7.3 Financing Statements..................................................................25
Section 7.4 Guaranties............................................................................25
Section 7.5 Further Assurances....................................................................25
ARTICLE 8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT...........................................................................25
Section 8.1 Conditions Precedent..................................................................25
ARTICLE 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.................................................................27
Section 9.1 Financial Statements..................................................................28
Section 9.2 Non-Existence of Defaults.............................................................28
Section 9.3 Litigation............................................................................28
Section 9.4 Material Adverse Changes..............................................................28
Section 9.5 Title to Collateral...................................................................28
Section 9.6 Corporate Status......................................................................28
Section 9.7 Subsidiaries..........................................................................29
Section 9.8 Power and Authority...................................................................29
Section 9.9 Place of Business.....................................................................29
Section 9.10 Enforceability of the Loan Documents..................................................29
Section 9.11 Taxes.................................................................................29
Section 9.12 Compliance with Laws..................................................................29
Section 9.13 Consents..............................................................................29
Section 9.14 Purpose...............................................................................30
Section 9.15 Condition of the Business.............................................................30
Section 9.16 Capital...............................................................................30
Section 9.17 Location of Collateral................................................................30
Section 9.18 Accounts..............................................................................30
Section 9.19 Environmental, Health and Safety Matters..............................................31
Section 9.20 Intellectual Property: Patents. Copyrights. Trademarks. Etc.........................31
Section 9.21 Employee Benefit Plans................................................................31
Section 9.22 Solvency..............................................................................31
Section 9.23 Leases................................................................................32
Section 9.24 Labor Relations.......................................................................32
Section 9.25 Business Locations; Agent for Process.................................................32
Section 9.26 Inventory.............................................................................32
Section 9.27 Reaffirmation.........................................................................32
Section 9.28 Survival of Representations and Warranties...........................................33
ARTICLE 10. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ COVENANTS............................................................................33
Section 10.1 Affirmative Covenants.................................................................33
(a) Payment and Performance...............................................................33
(b) Insurance.............................................................................33
(c) Collection of Receivables; Sale of Inventory..........................................34
(d) Notice of Litigation and Proceedings..................................................34
(e) Payment of Indebtedness to Third Persons..............................................34
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(f) Notice of Change of Business Location.................................................34
(g) Payment of Taxes......................................................................35
(h) Employee Benefit Plans and Guaranteed Pension Plans...................................35
(i) Further Assurances....................................................................35
(j) Maintenance of Status.................................................................35
(k) Financial Statements; Reporting Requirements; Certification as to Defaults............36
(l) Notice of Existence of Default........................................................37
(m) Compliance with Laws..................................................................37
(n) Maintenance of Collateral.............................................................37
(o) Collateral Records and Statements.....................................................37
(p) Inspection of Collateral..............................................................38
(q) Reimbursement for Bank Charges........................................................38
Section 10.2 Negative Covenants....................................................................38
(a) Change of Name. Etc...................................................................38
(b) Sale or Transfer of Assets............................................................38
(c) Encumbrance of Assets.................................................................39
(d) Acquisition of Stock or Assets; New Subsidiaries......................................39
(e) False Certificates or Documents.......................................................39
(f) Assignment............................................................................39
(g) Transactions with Affiliates..........................................................39
(h) Capital Expenditures..................................................................39
(i) Loans by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇......................................................................39
(j) Fiscal Year...........................................................................39
(k) Total Indebtedness....................................................................40
(l) Adverse Transactions..................................................................40
(m) Guaranties............................................................................41
(n) Margin Securities.....................................................................41
(o) Leases................................................................................41
(p) Tax Consolidation.....................................................................41
(q) Stock Redemption......................................................................41
Section 10.3 Financial Covenants...................................................................41
(a) Amounts...............................................................................41
(b) Covenant Compliance Certificate.......................................................42
ARTICLE 11. DEFAULT/REMEDIES...............................................................................42
ARTICLE 12. SALE OF COLLATERAL.............................................................................45
ARTICLE 13. INDEMNIFICATIONS...............................................................................46
Section 13.1 General Indemnity.....................................................................46
Section 13.2 Environmental and Safety and Health Indemnity.........................................46
ARTICLE 14. CONCERNING THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS...........................................................47
Section 14.1 Appointment of the Agent..............................................................47
Section 14.2 Authority.............................................................................47
Section 14.3 Acceptance of Appointment.............................................................47
Section 14.4 Collateral Matters....................................................................48
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Section 14.5 Agency for Perfection.................................................................49
Section 14.6 Application of Moneys.................................................................49
Section 14.7 Reliance by the Agent.................................................................49
Section 14.8 Exculpatory Provisions................................................................49
Section 14.9 Action by the Agent...................................................................50
Section 14.10 Amendments, Waivers and Consents......................................................51
Section 14.11 Indemnification.......................................................................51
Section 14.12 Reimbursement of the Agent............................................................51
Section 14.13 Sharing of Funds Received.............................................................52
Section 14.14 Dealing with Lenders..................................................................52
Section 14.15 Agent as Lender.......................................................................52
Section 14.16 Duties Not to be Increased............................................................52
Section 14.17 Lender Credit Decisions...............................................................52
Section 14.18 Resignation of Agent..................................................................53
Section 14.19 Assignment of Notes; Participation....................................................53
ARTICLE 15. OTHER TERMS....................................................................................54
Section 15.1 Amendment Changes and Modification....................................................54
Section 15.2 Binding Effect........................................................................54
Section 15.3 Broker Fee............................................................................54
Section 15.4 Entire Agreement......................................................................54
Section 15.5 Headings..............................................................................54
Section 15.6 Incorporation by Reference............................................................55
Section 15.7 Interpretation........................................................................55
Section 15.8 Governing Law; Jurisdiction and Venue................................................55
Section 15.9 Waiver of Jury Trial..................................................................55
Section 15.10 Notices...............................................................................55
Section 15.11 No Third Party Beneficiary Rights and Reliance........................................56
Section 15.12 Protection or Preservation of Collateral..............................................56
Section 15.13 Relationship of the Parties...........................................................57
Section 15.14 Reversal of Payments..................................................................57
Section 15.15 Severability..........................................................................57
Section 15.16 Maximum Interest......................................................................57
Section 15.17 Waivers by the Lenders................................................................58
Section 15.18 Survival..............................................................................58
Section 15.19 Participations; Assignments...........................................................58
Section 15.20 Counterparts..........................................................................58
Section 15.21 Information...........................................................................58
Section 15.22 Release...............................................................................58
Section 15.23 Miscellaneous.........................................................................58
Section 15.24 Waivers by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇....................................................................59
Section 15.25 No Oral Agreements....................................................................59
Section 15.26 Supplement............................................................................59
Section 15.27 Use of Counsel and Receipt of Credit Agreement........................................59
Section 15.28 Facsimiles, Etc.......................................................................59
Section 15.29 Power of Attorney.....................................................................59
Section 15.30 Expenses..............................................................................60
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CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Credit Agreement" or this "Agreement")
dated as of October 16, 1997 is by and among ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PIANO & ORGAN COMPANY, a
Delaware corporation, (hereinafter, together with its successors in title and
assigns called "Borrower" or "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇"), THE FIFTH THIRD BANK, an Ohio banking
corporation, as Agent (in such capacity, the "Agent"), THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
("Fifth Third"), as a Lender, and NBD BANK, N.A., a national banking
association, ("NBD") as a Lender, (Fifth Third and NBD are hereinafter
collectively the "Lenders" and each individually a "Lender").
ARTICLE 1.
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RECITALS
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has requested that the Lenders provide ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ with a
credit facility for general corporate and working capital purposes.
ARTICLE 2.
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INTERPRETATION
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Section 2.1 PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS. For all purposes of
this Credit Agreement (except where such interpretations would be inconsistent
with the context or the subject matter):
(a) The expression "this Credit Agreement" shall mean this
Credit Agreement (including all of the Schedules and Exhibits annexed
hereto) as originally executed, or, if supplemented, amended or
restated from time to time, as so supplemented, amended or restated.
All references to Schedules and Exhibits refer to the Schedules and
Exhibits attached hereto, unless otherwise indicated;
(b) Where appropriate, words importing the singular only shall
include the plural and vice versa, and all references to dollars shall
be United States Dollars; and
(c) Accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall have
the meanings customarily given in accordance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (as hereinafter defined) and all financial
computations or determinations to be made under this Credit Agreement
shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, be made in
accordance with the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section
9.1 and shall be made on a Consolidated basis.
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Section 2.2 DEFINITIONS.
"ACCOUNT DEBTOR" shall mean any Person who is or who may
become obligated to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ under, with respect to, or on account of an
Account, general intangible or other Collateral.
"ACCOUNTS" shall have the meaning given to that term in the
UCC and, to the extent not included therein, shall also mean all
accounts, leases, contract rights, chattel paper, general intangibles,
chooses in action and instruments, including any Lien or other security
interest that secures or may secure any of the foregoing, plus all
books, invoices, documents and other records in any form evidencing or
relating to any of the foregoing, now owned or hereafter acquired by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; provided, however, that KAC Accounts shall not constitute
"Accounts" under this Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents.
"AFFILIATES" shall mean: (i) any individual who is an officer
or director of a Person; and (ii) any Person who directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control or ownership
with, a Person. For the purposes of this definition, the term "control"
shall mean the ownership of or the ability to direct or control 10% or
more of the beneficial interest in the applicable entity.
"▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/KAC PURCHASE AGREEMENT" means the Retail Accounts
Receivable Purchase Agreement dated as of October 1, 1990 among
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, The Wurlitzer Company and KAC, as amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time with the written consent of Agent.
"BORROWING BASE" shall mean as of any date of determination,
an amount equal to: the sum of (i) the Eligible Account Availability
plus (ii) the Eligible Inventory Availability; plus (iii) the Eligible
Raw Materials Availability, less (iv) so long as GECC has a first
priority lien on the Collateral, Two Million and 00/100 Dollars
($2,000,000.00).
"BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.2(a).
"BUSINESS" shall mean the manufacture and distribution of
keyboard musical instruments, contract furniture, contract music,
contract electronics and other similar business in which Borrower may
engage from time to time.
"BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day on which banks are open for
business in Cincinnati, Ohio.
"CAPITAL EXPENDITURE" shall mean any amount debited to the
fixed asset account on the consolidated balance sheet of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and
the Subsidiaries in respect of: (a) the acquisition (including. without
limitation, acquisition by entry into a capitalized lease),
construction, improvement, replacement or betterment of land,
buildings, machinery,
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equipment or of any other fixed assets or leaseholds, and (b) to the
extent related to and not included in clause (a), materials, contract
labor and direct labor (excluding expenditures properly chargeable to
repairs or maintenance in accordance with GAAP).
"CLOSING DATE" means the day on which the initial Loans are
made pursuant to this Agreement.
"COLLATERAL" shall mean all items described in Section 7.1.
"CREDIT FACILITY" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.1.
"DAILY CONTRACT BALANCE" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.5(a)(ii)(3).
"DAILY RATE" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.5(a)(ii)(3).
"DEBT" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(a).
"DEFAULT" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.
"DEFAULT INTEREST RATE" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.8.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" shall mean the date set forth in the heading
on page 1 of this Credit Agreement
"ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS" shall mean all Accounts that are not
Ineligible Accounts.
"ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT AVAILABILITY" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.2(a).
"ELIGIBLE INVENTORY" shall mean Inventory of musical
instruments which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has purchased or has manufactured and that
(a) are owned by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ free and clear of all Liens, security
interests and encumbrances of any third parties, except for the
Permitted Liens and any interest of a Person as a consignee of
Inventory; (b) are not obsolete or unmerchantable in the reasonable
opinion of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Agent; (c) are in good and salable
condition; (d) conforms to the representations and warranties of
Section 9.27 of this Credit Agreement; (e) if the Inventory is held by
a consignee: (i) the Agent shall have received a copy of a consignment
agreement executed by the consignee in the form as attached to this
Credit Agreement as Exhibit A; (ii) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall have filed all
necessary or appropriate UCC consignment financing statements in form
and substance satisfactory to Agent; (iii) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall have sent to
the consignee's prior filed secured parties a consignment notification
letter in the form as attached to this Credit Agreement as Exhibit B
and (iv) Agent shall have filed UCC financing statements against
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in the jurisdiction where such consigned Inventory is located;
(f) if on order, such order is backed by a Letter of Credit; and (g)
Agent deems, in its sole discretion, to be acceptable for financing. No
work in process, spare parts, packaging and shipping materials,
supplies, returned or repossessed Inventory (unless and until the
related
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Account shall have been reduced with respect to such returned
Inventory), defective Inventory or Inventory located outside of the
United States or Canada, shall constitute Eligible Inventory.
"ELIGIBLE INVENTORY AVAILABILITY" shall have the meaning set
forth in SECTION 3.2(a).
"ELIGIBLE RAW MATERIALS" shall mean materials used by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
in the production of Inventory, including, but not limited to, lumber,
paint, varnish, piano keys, plates, piano wire, wood, frames and
electronic components, and that: (i) have not been processed or become
work-in-process which contribute to the finished products for sale by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; (ii) were acquired by or manufactured by or for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; (iii)
are owned by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ free and clear of all liens, security interests
and encumbrances of any third parties, except for the Permitted Liens;
and (iv) Agent deems, in its sole discretion, to be acceptable for
financing.
"ELIGIBLE RAW MATERIALS AVAILABILITY" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.2(a).
"EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN" means an "employee benefit plan" as
defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA.
"ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" shall mean the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended,
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986, as amended, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended, the Water
Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the
Clean Water Act, as amended, and any successor or comparable federal or
state statutes, or any regulation promulgated under any of such federal
or state statutes relating to the protection of the environment
"ENVIRONMENTAL LIEN" shall mean a Lien in favor of any
governmental entity for: (a) any liability under any Environmental Law,
or (b) damages arising from or costs incurred by such governmental
entity in response to a spillage, disposal, or release into the
environment of any Hazardous Material or other hazardous, toxic or
dangerous waste, substance or constituent, or other substance.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 and regulations issued thereunder, as amended from time to time
and any successor statute.
"ERISA AFFILIATE" means, in relation to any Person, any trade
or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group
of which that Person is a member and which is under common control
within the meaning of the regulations promulgated under Section 414 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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"ERISA LIABILITIES" means the aggregate of all unfunded vested
benefits under any employee pension benefit plan, within the meaning of
Section 3(2) of ERISA, of Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Borrower
under any Plan covered by ERISA that is not a Multiemployer Plan and
all potential withdrawal liabilities of any thereof under all
Multiemployer Plans.
"EUROCURRENCY LIABILITIES" has the meaning specified in
Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
as in effect from time to time.
"EUROCURRENCY RESERVE PERCENTAGE" means the daily average
reserve percentage applicable during each day of such Loans under
regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum
reserve requirement (including without limitation any emergency,
supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement for a member bank of
the Federal Reserve System in New York City) with respect to
liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency
Liabilities (or with respect to any other category of liabilities that
includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on Loans is
determined).
"EXCESS ADVANCES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.2.
"FUNDING DATE" shall mean the date designated by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for
the making of a Loan hereunder.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied.
"GECC" means General Electric Capital Corporation, a New York
corporation.
"GUARANTOR" shall mean a guarantor of any of the Obligations.
"GUARANTEED PENSION PLAN" means any pension plan maintained by
Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of Borrower, or to which Borrower or an
ERISA Affiliate contributes, some or all of the benefits under which
are guaranteed by the United States Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation ("PBGC").
"HAZARDOUS MATERIAL" shall mean any and all hazardous or toxic
substances, materials or wastes as defined or listed under the
Environmental Laws.
"HEAD OFFICE" means The Fifth Third Bank, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇.
"INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean any sum for borrowed money owed by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Subsidiary (other than by KAC and other than any
guaranty of indebtedness of KAC) to a Person and shall include any debt
guaranteed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Subsidiary (other than KAC), any debt as
to which the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has granted or permitted to exist a Lien on any
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asset even if non-recourse, letter of credit reimbursement obligations,
and capitalized lease obligations.
"INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.1.
"INDEMNITEES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.1.
"INELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS" shall mean, without duplication: (a)
Accounts created from the sale of goods and services that by their
terms for payment to be made more than sixty (60) days from date of
sale; (b) Accounts relating to contract electronics unpaid more than
ninety (90) days from the date of invoice or for all other inventory
unpaid for more than one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of
invoice; (c) all Accounts of any Account Debtor if fifty percent (50%)
or more of the outstanding balance of such Accounts are unpaid more
than ninety (90) days from the date of invoice; (d) Accounts for which
the Account Debtor is an officer, director, partner, member, owner,
employee, agent, parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate of, or is related to,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or has officers, directors, owners, partners or members with
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; (e) consignment receivables unpaid for more than one hundred
twenty (120) days from the date of invoice; (f) Accounts for which the
payment is or may be conditional; (g) Accounts for which the Account
Debtor is not a commercial or institutional entity of, or is not a
resident of, the United States or Canada; (h) Accounts with respect to
which any warranty or representation provided in Section 9.18 is not
true and correct; (i) Accounts which represent goods used for
demonstration purposes or loaned by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to another party; (j)
Accounts which are progress payment, barter, or contra accounts; (k)
Accounts which represent goods or services purchased for a personal,
family or household purpose; (l) KAC Accounts or any Accounts sold or
otherwise subject to the Securitization; and (m) any and all other
Accounts which Agent deems to be ineligible.
"INTANGIBLES" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.3(a).
"INVENTORY" means all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ now owned and hereafter
acquired inventory, goods, merchandise, and other personal property,
wherever located, to be furnished under any contract or service or held
for sale or lease, including, without limitation, all returned goods,
finished goods and other materials and supplies of any kind, nature or
description which are or might be consumed in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Business or
used in connection with the packing, shipping, advertising, selling or
furnishing of such goods, merchandise and such other personal property,
and all documents of title or other documents representing them;
provided, however, that returned and repossessed goods relating to any
Sold Accounts shall not constitute "Inventory" under this Credit
Agreement or the other Loan Documents unless and until such returned or
repossessed goods have been resold by GECC to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ pursuant to the
Purchase and Sales Agreement and GECC or its assignee has received the
purchase price therefor provided under such agreement.
"ISSUING BANK" means Agent or any Lender as shall issue any
Letter of Credit hereunder.
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"KAC" means Keyboard Acceptance Corporation, a Delaware
corporation and a Subsidiary of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (formerly known as BPO Finance
Corporation).
"KAC ACCOUNTS" shall mean retail installment contracts which
result from the sale of inventory to consumers and which are sold or
otherwise transferred to KAC pursuant to the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/KAC Purchase
Agreement, and contributed, sold or otherwise transferred by KAC under
the Purchase and Sale Agreement or which are acquired by KAC in the
normal course of its business, including accounts which result from the
sale of products to consumers which products are manufactured or
distributed by parties other than ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or its Subsidiaries.
"LETTER OF CREDIT" AND "LETTERS OF CREDIT" mean the letter of
credit issued by the Issuing Bank upon the request of Borrower pursuant
to Section 4.1.
"LETTER OF CREDIT FEE" means the fee charged to the Borrower
by this Issuing Bank pursuant to Article 4.
"LIBOR RATE" means, for each calendar month, the London
Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for three-month deposits in U.S. dollars
that appears on Page 3750 of the Dow ▇▇▇▇▇ Telerate Service (or any
other page that may replace any such page on such service in the
judgment of Agent) as of the last Business Day of the prior calendar
month
"LIBOR RATE (RESERVE ADJUSTED)" shall mean, the rate per annum
obtained by dividing the LIBOR Rate by a percentage equal to one
hundred percent (100%) minus the Eurocurrency Reserve percentage for
such interest period.
"LIEN" shall mean any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
lien, hypothecation, judgment lien or similar legal process, charge,
encumbrance, title retention agreement or analogous instrument or
device (including, without limitation, the interest of lessors under
capitalized leases and the interest of a vendor under any conditional
sale or other title retention agreement), reservations, exceptions,
encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions,
restrictions, leases and other title exceptions and encumbrances
affecting any of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ property.
"LIQUIDITY AGREEMENT" means the Liquidity Agreement dated as
of October 1, 1990 between Retail Funding Corporation and GECC, as
amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
"LOAN" shall mean any advance made to or for the benefit of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ pursuant to this Credit Agreement.
"LOAN DOCUMENTS" shall mean all documents executed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
pursuant to any financial accommodation between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Lenders
(other than pursuant or with respect to the Previous Fifth Third
Transaction) and all documents entered into in connection with the
transaction with the Lenders herein contemplated. The term "Loan
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Documents" includes, but is not limited to, this Credit Agreement, all
financing statements, all letters of credit, all pledges, security
agreements, guaranties, assignments, subordination agreements, and any
future or additional documents or writings executed under the terms of
this Credit Agreement or any amendments or modifications hereto.
"LOAN YEAR" means each period of twelve (12) consecutive
calendar months, commencing on the Closing Date and on each anniversary
thereof.
"MONTHLY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 10.3(b).
"MONTHLY REPORTS" shall have the meaning given in Section
3.11(a).
"MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" means a "multiemployer plan" as defined
in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA which is maintained for employees of
Borrower, or any ERISA Affiliate of Borrower.
"NOTE" and "NOTES" shall have the meaning given in Section
3.3.
"OBLIGATIONS" shall mean all liabilities and Indebtedness of
any kind and nature whatsoever now or hereafter arising, owing, due or
payable from ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (and/or any of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates) to
any Lender arising under the Loan Documents, whether primary or
secondary, joint or several, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise,
secured or unsecured or whether arising under this Credit Agreement,
any other Loan Document or any other agreement now or hereafter
executed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) and
delivered to the Lenders in connection with the Loan or this Agreement.
Obligations will include, without limitation, any third party claims
against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) satisfied or
acquired by the Lenders. Obligations will also include all obligations
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to pay to the Lenders: (a) any and all sums reasonably
advanced by the Lenders to preserve or protect the Collateral or the
value of the Collateral or to preserve, protect or perfect the Lenders'
security interests in the Collateral; (b) in the event of any
proceeding to enforce the collection of the Obligations after a
Default, the reasonable expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for
sale, selling or otherwise disposing of or realizing on the Collateral,
or expenses of any exercise by any Lender of its rights, together with
reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses of collection and court costs, as
provided in the Loan Documents; and (c) any other indebtedness or
liability of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to the Lenders, whether direct or indirect,
absolute or contingent now or hereafter arising; provided, however,
that any liabilities and Indebtedness resulting from the Securitization
and from the Previous Fifth Third transaction are specifically excluded
from the definition of Obligations.
"OSHA LAW" shall mean the Occupational Safety and Health Act
of 1970, any successor thereto, and any other federal, state or local
statute, law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order or decree
regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct
concerning employee health and/or safety.
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"OTHER REPORTS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.11(a)(i).
"PARTICIPATION PERCENTAGE" for each Lender means the
percentage set forth below opposite such Lender.
======================================== ====================================
LENDER PARTICIPATION PERCENTAGE
---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Fifth Third 50%
---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
NBD 50%
======================================== ====================================
"PATENTS" shall mean all of the following in which Borrower
now holds or hereafter acquires any interest: (i) all letters patent of
the United States or any country, all registrations and recordings
thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States
or any other country, including registrations, recordings and
applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any
similar office or agency of the United States, any state or territory
thereof or any other country, and (ii) all reissues, continuations,
continuations-in-part or extensions thereof.
"PERMITTED LIENS" shall mean: (a) Liens for taxes, assessments
or other governmental charges or levies not yet delinquent or which are
being contested in good faith by appropriate action and as to which
adequate reserves shall have been set aside in conformity with GAAP;
(b) Liens of mechanics, materialmen, landlords, warehousemen, carriers
and similar Liens arising in the future in the ordinary course of
business for sums not yet delinquent, or being contested in good faith
if a reserve or other appropriate provision in accordance with GAAP
shall have been made therefor and which are, in addition, satisfactory
to Agent in its reasonable discretion; (c) statutory Liens incurred in
the ordinary course of business in connection with workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance, social security, and similar
items for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, if
a reserve or other appropriate provision in accordance with GAAP shall
have been made therefor and which are, in addition, satisfactory to
Agent in its reasonable discretion; (d) lessor's Liens arising from
operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business; (e)
Liens arising from legal proceedings, so long as such proceedings are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, appropriate
reserves have been established therefor in accordance with GAAP and
which are, in addition, satisfactory to Agent in its reasonable
discretion, and so long as execution is stayed and bonded on appeal on
all judgments resulting from any such proceedings; (f) Liens in favor
of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders granted hereunder; and (g)
Liens arising pursuant to the Permitted Securitization Documents.
"PERMITTED SECURITIZATION DOCUMENTS" shall mean: (i) the
Purchase and Sale Agreement, (ii) Liquidity Agreement, as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified
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from time to time with the prior written consent of Agent and (iii) the
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇/KAC Purchase Agreement.
"PERSON" shall mean an individual, a partnership, a joint
venture, a corporation, a trust, a limited liability company, an
unincorporated organization, and a government or any department or
agency thereof.
"PREVIOUS FIFTH THIRD TRANSACTION" shall mean that certain
General Loan and Security Agreement by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and Fifth
Third dated as of June 15, 1989, as amended by an Amended and Restated
General Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 24, 1994.
"PRIME RATE" shall mean a fluctuating interest rate per annum
equal to the prime, base or reference rates of interest announced
publicly from time to time (whether or not charged in each instance) by
Agent (or any successor thereof) as such bank's prime, base, or
reference rate. Each change in the Prime Rate shall become effective on
the day the applicable reference bank announces a change in its prime
or reference rate. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that Agent may extend credit at
rates of interest less than its announced prime, base or reference
rate.
"PRIME RATE LOANS" shall mean Loans bearing interest at a rate
determined by reference to the Prime Rate.
"PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT" shall mean the Purchase and
Administration Agreement dated as of October 1, 1990 among Retailer
Funding Corporation, KAC, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and GECC, as amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time.
"REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS" means any amounts owing by
Borrower to the Lender on account of draws or disbursements under or
with respect to the Letters of Credit.
"RENTALS" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.2(o).
"REQUISITE LENDERS" means the Lenders whose aggregate
Participation Percentages are greater than or equal to sixty-six and
two-thirds percent (66 2/3%).
"SECURITIZATION" shall mean the transaction whereby ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
sells retail installment contracts to KAC who thereupon sells such
retail installment contracts to Retail Funding Corporation which sells
an undivided pool interest in such contracts.
"SUBORDINATED DEBT" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 10.3.
"SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean any corporation in which a Person
owns or controls greater than fifty percent (50%) of the voting
securities, or any partnership or joint
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venture in which a Person owns or controls greater than fifty percent
(50%) of the aggregate equitable interest. The term "Subsidiary" means
any one of the Subsidiaries.
"TANGIBLE NET WORTH" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 10.3.
"TERMINATION EVENT" means (i) a "Reportable Event" described
in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder, but not
including any such event for which the thirty (30) day notice
requirement has been waived by applicable PBGC regulation; or (ii) the
withdrawal of Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of Borrower from a
Guaranteed Pension Plan during a plan year in which it was a
"substantial employer" as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA; or
(iii) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Guaranteed
Pension Plan or the treatment of a Guaranteed Pension Plan amendment as
a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA; or (iv) the institution of
proceedings to terminate a Guaranteed Pension Plan by the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation; or (v) the withdrawal or partial
withdrawal of Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate of Borrower from a
Multiemployer Plan; or (vi) any other event or condition which might
reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under ERISA for the
termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any
Guaranteed Pension Plan.
"TOTAL CREDIT" shall mean Forty Million and 00/100 Dollars
($40,000,000.00).
"TRADEMARKS" shall mean all of the following in which Borrower
now holds or hereafter acquires any interest: (i) all trademarks, trade
names, corporate names, business names, trade styles, service marks,
logos, other source or business identifiers, prints and labels on which
any of the foregoing have appeared or appear, designs and general
intangibles of like nature, all registrations and recordings thereof,
and all applications in connection therewith, including registrations,
recordings and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark
Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any
state or territory thereof or any other country, and (ii) all reissues,
extensions or renewals thereof.
"TOTAL CREDIT LIMIT" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.2.
"UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in
the State of Ohio and any successor statute, together with any
regulations thereunder, in each case as in effect from time to time.
References to sections of the UCC shall be construed to also refer to
any successor sections.
"UCC FINANCING STATEMENTS" mean the UCC financing statements
naming the Borrower, as debtor, and Agent, for the ratable benefit of
Lenders, as creditor, which UCC financing statements describe all or
some portion of the Collateral and which together perfect Agent's
security interest in the Collateral.
"UNMATURED DEFAULT" shall mean any event which, but for the
passage of time or notice, or both, would be a Default.
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"VALUE" means the wholesale dealer cost of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Eligible
Inventory, and the cost or Eligible Raw Materials, (exclusive of
discounts, rebates, credits, including, without limitation price
protection credits, incentive payments and all other general
intangibles relating to such Eligible Inventory), as determined in
accordance with GAAP.
ARTICLE 3.
----------
CREDIT FACILITY
---------------
Section 3.1 TOTAL CREDIT FACILITY. In consideration of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
payment and performance of its Obligations and subject to the terms and
conditions contained in this Credit Agreement, the Lenders agree to provide, and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to accept, an aggregate credit facility of up to Forty Million
and 00/100 Dollars ($40,000,000.00) (the "TOTAL CREDIT"), subject to the terms
and conditions hereof (the "CREDIT FACILITY"). No Loans need be made by the
Lenders if ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is in Default or if there exists any Unmatured Default. This
is an agreement regarding the extension of credit, and not the provision of
goods or services.
Section 3.2 LOANS. Subject to the terms of this Credit Agreement, each
Lender severally and not jointly agrees, for so long as no Default or Unmatured
Default exists and upon the terms of and subject to the conditions contained in
this agreement, to provide to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to accept, working
capital and general corporate financing on Eligible Accounts, Eligible Raw
Materials and Eligible Inventory, up to each Lender's Participation Percentage
of the Total Credit Limit, in the maximum aggregate unpaid principal amount at
any time equal to the lesser of: (i) the Borrowing Base; and (ii) the Total
Credit ("TOTAL CREDIT LIMIT"). A request for a Loan shall be made, or shall he
deemed to be made, as provided in Section 6.1 hereof.
(a) ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS/ELIGIBLE INVENTORY/ELIGIBLE RAW
MATERIALS.
(i) ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS. On receipt of each Borrowing
Base Certificate, in the form of Exhibit C, together with such
supporting information as Agent may require from time to time
(the "BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE"), Agent will credit ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
with the lesser of: (i) eighty percent (80%) of the net amount
of the Eligible Accounts which are, absent error or other
discrepancy, listed in such Borrowing Base Certificate
("ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT AVAILABILITY"); and (ii) Ten Million and
00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) plus the amount of any unused
portion of the Eligible Inventory Availability not to exceed
an additional sum of Ten Million and 00/100 Dollars
($10,000,000.00). For purposes hereof, the net amount of
Eligible Accounts at any time shall be the face amount of such
Eligible Accounts LESS any and all returns, discounts (which
may, at Agent's option, be calculated on shortest terms),
credits, rebates, allowances, or excise taxes of any nature at
any time issued, owing, claimed by Account Debtors, granted,
outstanding, or payable in connection with such Accounts at
such time.
(ii) ELIGIBLE INVENTORY. On receipt of each Borrowing
Base Certificate, Agent will credit ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ with the lesser
of: (i) sixty five percent (65%) of the
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Value of Eligible Inventory which is, absent error or other
discrepancy, listed in such Borrowing Base Certificate, and
(ii) Twenty-Five Million Dollars and 00/100 Dollars
($25,000,000.00) plus the amount of any unused portion of the
Eligible Account Availability not to exceed an additional sum
of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) LESS the face amount of
any outstanding Letters of Credit (such lesser amount being
called the "ELIGIBLE INVENTORY AVAILABILITY").
(iii) ELIGIBLE RAW MATERIALS AVAILABILITY. On receipt
of each Borrowing Base Certificate, Agent will credit ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
with the lesser of: (1) the sum of ten percent (10%) of the
Value of Raw Materials consisting of electronic components,
plus fifty percent (50%) of the Value of all other Raw
Materials; and (2) Five Million and 00/100 Dollars
($5,000,000.00) (such lesser amount being called the "ELIGIBLE
RAW MATERIALS AVAILABILITY").
Section 3.3 THE NOTES. The absolute and unconditional obligation of
Borrower to repay to each Lender its respective Participation Percentage of the
principal of the Loan and the interest thereon shall be evidenced by separate
notes (the "Notes" and each individually, a "Note"), for each Lender in the
amount of its respective Participation Percentage of the Total Credit dated as
of the Closing Date substantially in the form of Exhibit D. All payments under
the Notes shall be made to Agent at its Head Office, for the account of Lenders,
and Agent shall allocate all payments on the Loan received from Borrower among
all Lenders in accordance with each Lender's Participation Percentage of such
Loan.
Section 3.4 MANDATORY PREPAYMENT. If at any time and for any reason the
aggregate amount of outstanding Loans exceeds the Borrowing Base, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will,
immediately upon demand, repay an amount of the Loans made to it by the Lenders
hereunder equal to such excess. In addition, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall immediately pay Agent
whatever sums may be necessary from time to time to remain in compliance with
the Total Credit Limit, as such limit may change from time to time, including,
without limitation, as a result of any Collateral no longer being deemed an
Eligible Account, Eligible Inventory, or Eligible Raw Materials or as a result
of any change in the Value of any Eligible Inventory, Eligible Raw Materials or
in the amount of any Eligible Account.
Section 3.5 INTEREST; CALCULATION OF CHARGES; FEES.
(a) LOANS.
(i) INTEREST. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereby agrees to pay interest
to Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, on the average daily
loan balance owed under ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Loans at the following
rate(s): (A) for so long as the Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, does not have a first priority security interest
(subject to Permitted Liens), at a rate equal to one-half of
one percentage point (0.5%) per annum above the Prime Rate and
(B) upon release of the first priority security interest in
Borrower's assets in favor of GECC, and confirmation of the
first priority nature of Agent's lien through standard lien
searches, for the benefit of the Lenders, at a
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rate of one and one-half percentage points (1.5%) per annum
above the LIBOR Rate. Interest on Loans prior to maturity
shall be payable monthly and at maturity.
(ii) CALCULATION OF CHARGES. Such interest rate will:
(1) be computed based on a three hundred sixty (360) day year;
(2) be calculated with respect to each day by multiplying the
Daily Rate (as defined below) by the average daily loan
balance; and (3) accrue from the date of a Loan advanced to or
for the benefit of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, until the Agent, on behalf of the
Lenders receives full payment of the principal debt ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
owes the Lenders in good funds in accordance with Section 6.4
and the Lenders apply such payment to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ principal debt
in accordance with the terms of this Credit Agreement.
(iii) DEFINITIONS. The "DAILY RATE" is the quotient
of the applicable annual rate provided herein divided by three
hundred sixty (360). The average daily loan balance is the
average of all days in the month being billed of the amount of
outstanding principal debt which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ owes the Lenders on
the Loans at the end of each day after the Lenders has
credited payments which it has received on the Loan.
(b) Borrower shall pay to Agent the following fees, to be
distributed pro-rata among the Lenders in accordance with their
respective Participation Percentages:
(i) a non-refundable execution fee of Sixty-Two
Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($62,500.00) to be
paid upon execution of this Credit Agreement by the Lenders;
(ii) a commitment fee of One Hundred Thirty-Seven
Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($137,500.00) to be
paid on the Closing Date; provided, however, that the fee
under this clause (ii) shall be zero if, on the Closing Date,
the Lien in favor of GECC is not prior and senior to the Lien
in favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders;
(iii) an annual facility fee of Fifty Thousand and
00/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) to be paid at the end of the first
Loan Year; and
(iv) an annual facility fee of Fifty Thousand and
00/100 Dollars ($50,000.00) to be paid at the end of the
second Loan Year.
Section 3.6 BILLING STATEMENT Agent will send ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ a monthly billing
statement identifying all charges due on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ account with the Lenders. The
charges specified on each billing statement will be: (a) due and payable in full
immediately on receipt; and (b) for an amount stated, absent manifest error.
Agent may adjust the billing statement at any time to conform to applicable law
and this Credit Agreement.
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Section 3.7 LOAN PROCEEDS. The parties intend that all indebtedness
incurred hereunder shall be governed exclusively by the terms of this Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall not, unless requested by the
Lenders, be evidenced by notes or other evidences of indebtedness. Upon any such
request, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will immediately execute and deliver any such note or other
evidence reasonably requested by the Lenders. Any fees, charges or expenses
charged to the Lenders by any bank for payments made by the Lenders at ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
request shall be immediately payable by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. All advances and other
obligations of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ made hereunder will constitute a single obligation.
Section 3.8 DEFAULT INTEREST RATE. If a Default occurs, and unless and
until cured or waived, Agent or any Lenders may without prior demand, raise the
rate of interest accruing on the disbursed unpaid principal balance of any Loan
by three percentage points (3%) above the rate of interest otherwise applicable
(the "DEFAULT INTEREST RATE"), whether or not the Lenders elect to accelerate
the unpaid principal balances as a result of a Default. Agent will use
reasonable efforts to attempt to notify ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ before imposing the Default
Interest Rate permitted by this Section.
Section 3.9 INTEREST RATE AFTER CERTAIN EVENTS. If a judgment is
entered against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for sums due under any of the Obligations, as
applicable, the amount of the judgment entered (which may include principal,
interest, reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) shall bear interest at the
Default Interest Rate as of the date of entry of the judgment. All Obligations
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ described in clauses (a) and (b) of the definition thereof shall bear
interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 3.10 VERIFICATION RIGHTS OF THE LENDERS. Lenders may at any
time or times hereafter, with notice to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (but without disclosing the
names of the Account Debtors), verify the validity, amount or any other matter
relating to any Account by mail, telephone or other means, in the name of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Lender.
Section 3.11 REPORTS.
(a) MONTHLY REPORTS. In addition to the Monthly Compliance
Certificate, as provided in Section 10.3(b), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will to provide to
the Lenders by the fifteenth (15th) day of each month, or more
frequently if requested by Agent, in each case as of the last day of
the immediately prior month, each of the following: (i) Inventory aging
report; (ii) aging of Accounts; and (iii) aging of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ accounts
payable (the "MONTHLY REPORTS").
(i) OTHER REPORTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to provide the
Lenders within five (5) Business Days after each request by
Agent any other report or information reasonably obtainable by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (the "Other Reports").
(ii) ACCURACY OF REPORTS. The Monthly Reports and the
Other Reports will be true and correct in all material
respects. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges the
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Lenders' reliance on the truthfulness and accuracy of each
Monthly Report and the Other Reports.
Section 3.12 ESTABLISHMENT OF RESERVES. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of Section 3.2, Lenders shall have the right to establish reserves in
such amounts, and with respect to such matters, as Lenders shall deem necessary
or appropriate, against the amount of Loans which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may otherwise request
under Section 3.2, including, without limitation, with respect to (a) price
adjustments, damages, unearned discounts, returned products or other matters for
which credit memoranda are issued in the ordinary course of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ business;
(b) shrinkage, spoilage and obsolescence of Inventory; (c) slow moving
Inventory; (d) other sums chargeable against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ as Loans under any Section
of this Credit Agreement; and (e) such other matters, events, conditions or
contingencies as to which a Lender in its sole credit judgment determines
reserves should be established from time to time hereunder.
Section 3.13 INCREASED COST.
(a) INCREASED COSTS. If, as a result of any law, regulation,
treaty or directive, or any change therein, or in the interpretation or
application thereof or compliance by the Lenders with any request or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any court or
governmental authority, agency or instrumentality:
(i) the basis of taxation of payments to the Lenders
(for purposes of this Section 3.13(a), a Lender shall also
refer to any affiliates of such Lender engaged in the funding
of the lending obligations hereunder) of the principal of or
interest on any Loan (other than taxes imposed on the overall
net income of such Lender by the jurisdiction in which such
Lender has its principal office) is changed;
(ii) any reserve, special deposit or similar
requirements against assets of, deposits with or for the
account of, or credit extended by, a Lender are imposed,
modified or deemed applicable; or
(iii) any other condition affecting this Credit
Agreement or the Loans is imposed on a Lender or the interbank
Eurodollar market;
and a Lender determines that, by reason thereof, the cost to such
Lender of making or maintaining any of the Loans is increased, or the
amount of any sum receivable by such Lender hereunder in respect of any
of the Loans is reduced;
THEN, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall pay such Lender upon thirty (30) days written
notice from such Lender (which notice shall be accompanied by a
statement setting forth the basis for the calculation thereof but only
to the extent not theretofore provided to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇) such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional
cost or reduction (provided such amount has not been compensated for in
the calculation of the currency Reserve Percentage). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no Lender will be entitled
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to the amount of such additional cost or reduction for any period which
is more than six (6) months prior to the date of notice by such Lender
to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereunder. Determinations by a Lender for purposes of this
Section of the additional amounts required to compensate such Lender in
respect of the foregoing shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(b) DOLLAR DEPOSITS UNAVAILABLE OR INTEREST RATE
UNASCERTAINABLE. If ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has any Loan outstanding, or has notified
Agent of the intention to obtain a Loan as provided herein, then if
prior to the date that the LIBOR Rate is determined, Agent determines
(which determination shall be conclusive and binding on the parties
hereto) that three-month deposits of the necessary amount are not
available to the Lenders in the interbank dollar market or that by
reason of circumstances affecting such market, adequate and reasonable
means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR Rate applicable to such
period or term, as the case may be, Agent shall promptly give notice of
such determination to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and any notice of new Loans previously
given by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and not yet borrowed shall be deemed a notice to make
a Prime Rate Loan to the extent of the Lenders' proposed Loan.
(c) CHANGES IN LAW RENDERING LIBOR LOANS UNLAWFUL. If at any
time due to any new law, treaty or regulation, or any change of any
existing law, treaty or regulation, or any interpretation thereof by
any governmental or other regulatory authority charged with the
administration thereof, or for any other reason arising subsequent to
the date hereof, it shall become unlawful for the Lenders to fund any
Loan which it is committed to make hereunder, the obligation of the
Lenders to provide Loans based on LIBOR shall, upon the happening of
such event forthwith be suspended for the duration of such illegality.
If any such change shall make it unlawful to continue Loans previously
made by it hereunder, Agent shall, upon the happening of such event
notify ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ thereof in writing stating the reasons therefor, and
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall, if required by such law, regulation or interpretation,
on such date as shall be specified in such notice, or prepay all such
Loans, without any penalty or premium whatsoever (except as provided in
Section 3.13(e)), to the Lenders in full. Any prepayment made pursuant
to this Section 3.13(c) shall be deemed to reduce the aggregate Credit
available hereunder by the principal amount so prepaid. Any such
prepayment shall be subject to the provisions of Section 3.13(e).
(d) CAPITAL ADEQUACY. If a Lender shall determine at any time
after the Effective Date that the adoption of any law, rule, guideline
or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or compliance with any law,
rule, guideline or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change
therein or in the interpretation or administration thereof by any
governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with
the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by such
Lender with any request or directive or compliance with any law, rule,
guideline or regulation regarding capital adequacy (whether or not
having the force of law) from any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of
return on a Lender's capital as a consequence of its obligations
hereunder to a level below that which
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such Lender could have achieved but for such adoption, change or
compliance (taking into consideration such Lender's policies with
respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Lender to be
material, then ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall pay to such Lender upon demand such amount
or amounts, in addition to the amounts payable under the other
provisions of this Credit Agreement, as will compensate such Lender for
such reduction. Any such demand by such Lender hereunder shall be in
writing, and shall set forth the reasons for such demand and copies of
all documentation reasonably relevant in support thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender will be entitled to receive
such additional amount for any period which is more than six (6) months
prior to the date of such Lender's written demand to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ as
provided hereunder. Determinations by a Lender for purposes of this
Section 3.13(d) of the additional amount or amounts required to
compensate such Lender in respect of the foregoing shall be conclusive
in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount or
amounts, a Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution
methods.
(e) DISCRETION AS TO MANNER OF FUNDING. Notwithstanding any
provision of this Credit Agreement to the contrary, a Lender may fund
and maintain its funding of all or any part of its Loans in any manner
it elects, it being understood, however, that for the purposes of this
Credit Agreement all determinations hereunder shall be made as if such
Lender had actually funded and maintained each Loan through the
purchase of deposits having a maturity corresponding to the maturity of
each Loan and bearing an interest rate equal to the LIBOR Rate. A
Lender may, if it so elects fulfill any commitment to make Loans by
causing an affiliate to make or continue such Loans, provided, however,
that in such event such loans shall be deemed for the purposes of this
Credit Agreement to have been made by such Lender, and the obligation
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to repay such Loans shall nevertheless be to the Lenders and
shall be deemed held by such Lender on behalf of the Lenders, to the
extent of such Loans, for the account of such branch or affiliate.
Section 3.14 COLLECTIONS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will direct all Account Debtors to
make all remittances to, and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will deposit all collections on Accounts
received directly by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ into, a lockbox account or accounts reasonably
designated by Agent. All Funds in such accounts immediately shall become the
property of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall obtain the
agreement of such banks to waive any offset rights against the funds so
deposited. Until delivery to such account(s), ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will keep such remittances
separate and apart from ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ own funds so that they are capable of
identification as the property of Agent and will be held in trust for the
Lenders. Agent may upon the occurrence and continuation of a Default notify any
Account Debtor of the assignment of Accounts and collect the same. All proceeds
received or collected by Agent with respect to Accounts, and reserves and other
property of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in possession of Agent at any time or times hereafter, may
be held by Agent without interest to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ until all Obligations are paid in
full or applied by Agent on account of the Obligations. Agent may release to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ such portions of such reserves and proceeds as Agent may determine.
Section 3.15 ADVANCEMENTS. If ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ fails to: (a) perform any of the
affirmative covenants contained herein, (b) protect or preserve the Collateral;
or (c) protect or preserve the
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status and priority of the Liens and security interest of Agent for the benefit
in the Collateral, the Lenders may make advances to perform those obligations.
Agent will use reasonable efforts to attempt to give ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ notice prior to
making such advancement. All sums so advanced will be due and payable upon
demand and will immediately upon advancement become secured by the security
interests created by this Credit Agreement and will be subject to the terms and
provisions of this Credit Agreement and all of the Loan Documents. Agent may add
all sums so advanced, plus any expenses or costs incurred by Agent or any
Lender, including reasonable attorneys' fees, as outstanding Loans as Agent may
designate in its sole discretion. The provisions of this Section will not be
construed to prevent the institution of rights and remedies of Agent or any
Lender upon the occurrence of a Default. Any provisions in this Credit Agreement
to the contrary notwithstanding, the authorizations contained in this Section
will impose no duty or obligation on any Lender to perform any action or make
any advancement on behalf of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and are for the sole benefit and protection
of the Lenders.
Section 3.16 CONTINUING REQUIREMENTS - ACCOUNTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will: (a) not
permit or agree to any extension, compromise or settlement or make any change to
any Account outside the ordinary course of business; (b) affix appropriate
endorsements or assignments upon all such items of payment and proceeds so that
the same may be properly deposited by Agent to Agent's account; (c) monthly
notify Agent in writing which Accounts may be deemed Ineligible Accounts; and
(d) ▇▇▇▇ all chattel paper and instruments, now owned or hereafter acquired by
it but excluding the chattel paper which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ sells to KAC in conjunction
with the Securitization, to show that the same are subject to the Lenders'
security interest and immediately thereafter deliver such chattel paper and
instruments to the Lenders with appropriate endorsements and assignments to the
Lenders.
ARTICLE 4.
----------
LETTERS OF CREDIT
-----------------
Section 4.1 OBLIGATION TO ISSUE LETTERS OF CREDIT. Subject to the terms
and conditions of this Credit Agreement, prior to the maturity of the Loans
(whether by acceleration or otherwise) and so long as no Default has occurred
and is continuing, Issuing Bank agrees to issue, in accordance with Issuing
Bank's usual and customary business practices, one or more Letters of Credit at
the request of Borrower, provided that Issuing Bank shall not issue any Letter
of Credit if: (a) any order, judgment or decree of any governmental authority or
arbitrator shall purport by its terms to enjoin or restrain Issuing Bank from
issuing such Letter of Credit or any rule, regulation or law applicable to
Issuing Bank or any request or directive from any governmental authority with
jurisdiction over Issuing Bank shall prohibit or request that Issuing Bank
refrain from the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letters of
Credit in particular or shall impose upon Issuing Bank with respect to such
Letters of Credit any restriction or reserve or capital requirement (for which
Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated) not in effect on the date hereof, or
any un-reimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable, in effect or
known to Issuing Bank as of the date hereof in which Issuing Bank in good ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ material to it; or (b) any of the conditions precedent for the issuance of
such Letter of Credit or other terms and provisions of this Loan or any
subsequent loans hereof are not satisfied.
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Section 4.2 EXPIRATION DATE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT. The expiration date
of any Letter of Credit shall not be later than the earlier of (a) twelve (12)
months after the date of the issuance thereof, or (b) the third (3rd)
anniversary of the Closing Date.
Section 4.3 LETTERS OF CREDIT DEEMED TO BE LOANS. All Letters of Credit
issued by Issuing Bank shall be issued in connection with this Credit Agreement
and Borrower's obligation to pay any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit
shall constitute an Obligation hereunder and shall be bound by and shall benefit
from all the terms, provisions and conditions hereunder, including without
limitation, Issuing Bank's rights to recover costs and expenses relating thereto
as provided in this Credit Agreement and Issuing Bank's remedies upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default. Each Letter of Credit issued hereunder shall
reduce the amount of Loan proceeds available for disbursement under the Credit
Commitment in an amount equal to the face amount of each such Letter of Credit.
No interest shall accrue on the amount of undisbursed Loan proceeds representing
the aggregate amount of the Letters of Credit until such time as such Letters of
Credit are drawn upon.
Section 4.4 PROCEDURE FOR ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF CREDIT. Borrower shall
give Issuing Bank two (2) Business Days prior written notice, or telephonic or
electronically transmitted notice confirmed promptly thereafter in writing, of
any requested issuance of a Letter of Credit under this Credit Agreement. Such
notice shall specify the stated amount of the Letter of Credit requested, the
effective date (which day shall be a Business Day) of issuance of such requested
Letter of Credit, the date on which such requested Letter of Credit is to expire
(which date shall be a business day and shall in no event be later than the
third anniversary of the Closing Date), the proposed beneficiaries of such
Letter of Credit, the conditions for draws under such Letter of Credit, and any
other information relevant thereto as Issuing Bank may request. Unless there is
a Default or Event of Default hereunder, or unless the amount of the Letter of
Credit exceeds the limitations set forth by Section 4.7 hereof, then, subject to
the terms and conditions of this Credit Agreement, Issuing Bank shall issue, on
the requested date, a Letter of Credit for the account of Borrower in accordance
with Issuing Bank's usual and customary business practices.
Section 4.5 REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS. Borrower agrees that all
Reimbursement Obligations owing to Issuing Bank under or with respect to each
such Letter of Credit issued by Issuing Bank shall be deemed to be a request for
a draw or advance hereunder and shall be deemed to have been disbursed to
Borrower as a Loan hereunder. Borrower hereby promises to pay to Agent any and
all Reimbursement Obligations hereunder. Interest shall begin to accrue on the
Reimbursement Obligations on the day such Reimbursement Obligations are incurred
by Borrower as a result of disbursement under the Letter of Credit.
Section 4.6 LETTER OF CREDIT FEES.
(a) With respect to each stand-by Letter of Credit issued by
the Issuing Bank, Borrower shall pay to the Agent a fee in the amount
of one percent (1.0%) per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day
year for the days elapsed) of the daily average undrawn face amount of
each of the stand-by Letters of Credit ("Stand-by Letter of Credit
Fee"). The Stand-by Letter of Credit Fee shall be paid to the Agent in
advance on the
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date of issuance thereof . The Agent agrees to disburse from such
Stand-by Letter of Credit Fee, promptly upon receipt, to each Lender in
proportion to its Participation Percentage.
(b) With respect to commercial Letters of Credit issued by the
Issuing Bank, Borrower shall pay to the Issuing Bank fees in accordance
with the fee schedule set forth in Schedule 4.7 hereto ("Commercial
Letter of Credit Fees"). The Commercial Letter of Credit Fees shall be
paid to the Issuing Bank on the date on which the service for which
such fee applies is performed by the Issuing Bank or if such day is not
a Business Day on the next succeeding Business Day commencing on the
first such date following the issuance of any commercial Letter of
Credit.
Section 4.7 AMOUNT OF LETTERS OF CREDIT. At no time shall the aggregate
amount of all of the issued and outstanding Letters of Credit exceed Ten Million
and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00), nor shall the sum of all Letters of Credit
outstanding and all Loans outstanding exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment.
Section 4.8 LETTER OF CREDIT PARTICIPATIONS. By issuance of a Letter of
Credit and without any further action on the part of Issuing Bank or Lenders in
respect thereof, Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender
hereby agrees to acquire from Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of
Credit equal to such Lender's Participation Percentage of the face amount of
such Letter of Credit, effective upon the issuance of such Letter of Credit. In
consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely
and unconditionally agrees to pay to Agent on behalf of Issuing Bank, such
Lender's Participation Percentage of any Reimbursement Obligation. Each Lender
acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant
to this Section 4.8 in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and
unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever,
including without limitation the occurrence and continuance of a default or an
event of default hereunder, and that each such payment shall be made without any
offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.
ARTICLE 5.
----------
TERM OF AGREEMENT
-----------------
Section 5.1 TERMINATION. This Credit Agreement will continue in full
force and effect until October 1, 2000; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if Agent's lien
for the benefit of the Lenders, in the Collateral, is not a first priority
security interest (subject to Permitted Liens other than those described in
clause (g) of the definition of Permitted Liens) on or prior to December 31,
1997, this Credit Agreement shall terminate on April 1, 1999. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may terminate this Credit Agreement at any time with
sixty (60) days prior written notice to Agent, and with less than sixty (60)
days prior written notice to Agent upon the payment to Agent of an early
termination fee equal to the sum of Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($50,000.00). This sum will also be paid by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ if this Credit Agreement is
terminated on account of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Default. The early termination fee represents
liquidated damages and is not
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a penalty. Any termination of this Credit Agreement by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will have the
effect of accelerating the maturity of all Obligations not then otherwise due.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may only elect to terminate this Credit Agreement in its entirety only,
no Section or lending facility may be terminated singly.
Section 5.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not be relieved from
any Obligations to the Lenders arising out of the Lender's advances or
commitments made before the effective termination date of this Credit Agreement.
The Lenders will retain all of their rights, interests and remedies hereunder
until ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has paid all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Obligations to the Lenders. All waivers
set forth within this Credit Agreement will survive any termination of this
Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE 6.
----------
BORROWING AND REPAYMENT PROCEDURES
----------------------------------
Section 6.1 BORROWING PROCEDURES.
(a) GENERALLY. A request for a Loan shall be made, or shall be
deemed to be made, in the following manner: (i) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may give the
Agent written notice of its intention to borrow during a calendar month
as of the last Business Day of the preceding calendar month by
providing a Borrowing Base Certificate to Agent as of the last Business
Day of such preceding month (ii) the becoming due of any amount
required to be paid under this Credit Agreement as interest shall be
deemed irrevocably to be a request for a Loan on the due date in the
amount required to pay such interest; and (iii)) the becoming due of
any other Obligations shall be deemed irrevocably to be a request for a
Loan on the due date in the amount then so due.
For purposes of Subpart (i) above, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that the Lenders may
rely and act upon any request for a Loan from any individual who Agent,
absent gross negligence or willful misconduct, believes to be a
representative of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
(b) CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH LOAN. Without limiting the
applicability of the conditions precedent set forth in ARTICLE 8 below
to the Lenders' obligations to make any Loan, the obligation of the
Lenders to make any Loan shall be subject to the further conditions
precedent that, on the date of each such Loan:
(i) The following statements shall be true: (A) the
representations and warranties contained in ARTICLE 9 hereof
are correct on and as of the date of such Loan as though made
on and as of such date, and (B) there exists no Default or
Unmatured Default, nor would any Default or Unmatured Default
result from the making of the Loan requested by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
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(ii) Agent shall have received a completed Borrowing
Base Certificate, signed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and dated as of the last
Business Day of the immediately preceding month in which the
Loan is requested; and
(iii) Agent shall have received such other approvals,
opinions or documents as it may reasonably request.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that the making of a request by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for a Loan, shall
constitute a certification by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the person(s) executing or giving the
same that all representations and warranties of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ herein are true as of
the date thereof and that all required conditions to the making of the Loan have
been met.
(c) AGENT MAY MAKE ADVANCES. In order to administer the making
of draws and advancements on Revolving Credit Loans under this Section
6.1, Agent may advance to Borrower, for and on behalf of each Lender,
each Lender's Participation Percentage of each Loan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that Agent may collect from each Lender its Participation Percentage in
the Loans advanced by Agent if the balance of all prior advances since
the immediately preceding Settlement Date (as defined in paragraph
6.1(d) below), after applying all payments on the Loans since such
date, exceeds One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00); PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that Agent shall not be deemed to have assumed any liability
as a Lender hereunder as a consequence of any advance which Agent may
make on behalf of the Lenders under this Section 6.1(c)and no such
advance by Agent shall in any way relieve any Lender of its obligations
to pay its Participation Percentage and make Revolving Credit Loans.
(d) SETTLEMENT OF ADVANCES. At such intervals or times as are
determined by Agent, but no less frequently than weekly (each such date
being a "Settlement Date"), Agent will report to each Lender the status
of Borrower's account with Agent on the preceding Settlement Date and
the collections from and advances made to Borrower during the period
since the next preceding Settlement Date ("Advance Period"). In each
report, Agent will compute the difference between the sun of advances
made during the Advance Period and the sum of payments made on the
Revolving Credit Loans during the Advance Period. If the collections
from Borrower exceed the advances made to borrower during the Advance
Period, Agent will distribute to each Lender on the next Business Day
following the Settlement Date, an amount equal to its Participation
Percentage of such collections. If the advances to Borrower exceed the
collections from Borrower during the Advance Period, each Lender shall
pay to Agent its Participation Percentage of such advances prior to
11:00 a.m. (EST) on the Business Day following the Settlement Date. The
payment by each such Lender of such aggregate amount shall be made to
the Agent at Agent's Head Office in immediately available and freely
transferrable funds.
Section 6.2 EXCESS ADVANCES. Agent, in its sole and absolute
discretion, may elect to permit the total unpaid balance of Loans to exceed the
Total Credit Limit ("EXCESS ADVANCES"), and no such event or occurrence shall
cause or constitute a waiver by the Lenders of their right to demand payment of
all or any part of the Loans at any time within the terms of this Credit
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Agreement or to refuse, in their sole and absolute discretion, to make such
other Loans. Any such Excess Advances shall be payable immediately upon demand
therefor, unless otherwise specifically agreed to by the Lenders, and shall bear
interest at the Default Interest Rate.
Section 6.3 ALL LOANS ONE OBLIGATION. All Obligations of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to the
Lenders under the Loan Documents shall constitute one obligation to the Lenders
secured by the security interest granted in this Credit Agreement, and by all
other Liens heretofore, now, or at any time or times hereafter granted by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. All of the rights of the Lenders set forth in this Credit Agreement
shall apply to any modification of or supplement to this Credit Agreement, or
Exhibits hereto, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Section 6.4 PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST. All payments and
amounts due hereunder by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be made or be payable without set-off or
counterclaim and shall be made to Agent on the date due at its Head Office or at
such other place which Agent may designate to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in writing. Any payments
received after 1:00 p.m. (EST) shall be deemed received on the next Business
Day. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a
date other than a Business Day, such payment may be made on the next succeeding
Business Day, and such extension of time shall be included in the computation of
payment of interest or any fees. In order to cause timely payment to be made to
Agent of all Obligations as and when due, Borrower hereby authorizes and directs
Agent, at Agent's option to debit the account of Borrower maintained with Agent
or by increasing the principal balance of the Loan when such Obligations become
due.
Section 6.5 COLLECTION DAYS. All payments and all amounts received
hereunder will be credited by Agent to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ account one (1) day after good
funds have been deposited into Agent's general operating account.
ARTICLE 7.
----------
SECURITY FOR THE OBLIGATIONS
----------------------------
Section 7.1 GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
(a) To secure payment of all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ current and future
Obligations and to secure ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ performance of all of the
provisions under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ grants Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a continuing
security interest in all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ inventory, Accounts, contract
rights, chattel paper, security agreements, instruments, deposit
accounts, reserves and documents; and all judgments, claims, insurance
policies, and payments owed or made to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ thereon; all whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, all attachments, accessories, accessions.
returns, repossessions, exchanges, substitutions and replacements
thereto, and all proceeds thereof, excluding, however KAC Accounts, but
not the Lenders' interest in the proceeds arising from the sale of such
KAC Accounts, and such returned or repossessed inventory" which is
specifically excluded from the definition of "Inventory" as provided in
this Credit Agreement.
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(b) All such assets in Subsection (a) above are collectively
referred to herein as the "COLLATERAL." All such terms for which
meanings are provided in the UCC are used herein with such meanings.
All Collateral financed by the Lenders, and all proceeds thereof, will
be held in trust by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ for the Lenders, with such proceeds being
payable in accordance with this Credit Agreement. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ covenants
with the Lenders that the Lenders may realize upon all or part of any
Collateral in any order it desires and any realization by any means
upon any Collateral will not bar realization upon any other collateral.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ liability under this Credit Agreement is direct and
unconditional and will not be affected by the release or non-perfection
of any security interest granted hereunder.
Section 7.2 FUTURE ADVANCES. The Lenders' security interests shall
secure all current and all future advances to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ made by the Lenders under
the Loan Documents.
Section 7.3 FINANCING STATEMENTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall execute and deliver to
Agent for the benefit of the Lenders such financing statements and original
documents as may be required by the Lenders with respect to the Lenders'
security interests.
Section 7.4 GUARANTIES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall cause any and all Subsidiaries
(other than KAC and any other Subsidiary of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or KAC formed in connection
with the Securitization) whether now existing or hereafter acquired, to execute
and deliver guaranties of the Obligations which guaranties shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit E and shall be secured by a perfected
security interest in all Accounts and Inventory of such Subsidiaries pursuant to
a Subsidiary Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
Section 7.5 FURTHER ASSURANCES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will execute and deliver to
Agent, at such time or times as the Lenders may request, all financing
statements, security agreements, assignments, certificates, affidavits, reports,
schedules, and other documents and instruments that the Lenders may deem
necessary to perfect and maintain perfected the Lenders' security interests in
the Collateral and to fully consummate the transactions contemplated under all
Loan Documents. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will pay all filing, recording or registration fees.
ARTICLE 8.
----------
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
--------------------
All duties and obligations of the Lenders under the Loan Documents on
the Effective Date, and at all times during the term of this Credit Agreement,
are specifically subject to the full and continued satisfaction by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ of
the conditions precedent set forth below.
Section 8.1 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. The following conditions must be
satisfied as of the Closing Date:
(a) AGENT'S COUNSEL. Agent's counsel must approve of all
matters pertaining to (i) title to the Collateral; (ii) the form,
substance and due execution of all Loan
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Documents; (iii) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ organizational documents; and (iv) all other
legal matters, including the application of any laws relating to usury.
(b) MATERIAL CHANGE. There must not have been any material
adverse change, between June 30, 1997, and the Closing Date, in the
condition of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, the condition of the Business, the value and
condition of the Collateral, the structure of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ other than as
contemplated herein, or in the financial information, audits and the
like obtained by Fifth Third.
(c) PERFECTED LIENS. Agent, for the benefit of The Lenders,
shall have a perfected Lien and security interest in the Collateral,
subject only to the Permitted Liens; and shall have received evidence
in form and substance satisfactory to Agent that all filings,
recordings, registrations and other actions, including without
limitation, the filing of duly executed UCC Financing Statements on
Form UCC-1, necessary or, in the opinion of Agent, desirable to perfect
the Liens created by the Loan Documents, shall have been completed.
(d) INSURANCE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall provide Agent with certificates
of insurance evidencing that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has obtained the insurance as
required in Section 10.1(b).
(e) LAWS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its Subsidiaries shall be in compliance
with all applicable laws and governmental regulations, including, but
not limited to, all Environmental Laws, the failure to comply with
which would have a material adverse effect on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, its Subsidiaries
or the Business.
(f) CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING. A certificate of good
standing for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ (or other similar certificate) must be delivered
to Agent, from the appropriate governmental authority of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
state of incorporation and other jurisdictions in which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
maintains an office or factory, dated not earlier than thirty (30) days
prior to the Effective Date.
(g) OPINION OF ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ COUNSEL. Agent must receive a written
opinion from counsel for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, dated the Effective Date, and
addressed to and for the benefit of the Lenders, in form and substance
of Exhibit G and reasonably satisfactory to Agent.
(h) LIEN SEARCHES. Agent shall have received the results of a
recent search by a Person satisfactory to Agent, of the UCC, judgment
and tax lien filings which may have been filed with respect to personal
property of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the jurisdictions
listed on Schedule 8.1(h), not more than five (5) days before the
Closing Date, that pertain to the Collateral, and the results of such
search shall be satisfactory to Agent.
(i) OTHER DOCUMENTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall provide Agent with such
other documents, certificates, submissions, insurance policies and
other matters as reasonably requested by Agent relating to the
transaction herein contemplated.
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(j) OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE. Agent and each Lender shall have
received from Borrower a certificate dated as of the Closing Date,
signed by a duly authorized officer and certifying that each of the
representations and warranties made by and on behalf of Borrower to
Agent and each Lender in this Credit Agreement and in the other Loan
Documents was true and correct when made, and is true and correct on
and as of the Closing Date.
(k) SECRETARY'S CERTIFICATE OF RESOLUTION AND INCUMBENCY.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall provide Agent with a copy of all actions taken by
Borrower to authorize the execution by Borrower of the Credit
Agreement, the Loan Documents and all other documents required under
the provisions of the Credit Agreement, along with a certificates of
the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Borrower, dated as of the
Closing Date, certifying:
(i) that the copies of such actions are true,
complete, are in full force and effect and have not been
amended, modified, or rescinded;
(ii) the name and bearing a specimen signature of
each individual who shall be authorized: i) to sign, in the
name and on behalf of Borrower, each of the Loan Documents to
which Borrower is or is to become a party on the Closing Date;
and ii) to give notices and to take other action on behalf of
Borrower under the Loan Documents; and
(iii) the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
(l) GUARANTIES. The Lenders shall have received a duly
executed Guaranty from ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Piano Company (Canada) Limited, The
Wurlitzer Company, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Trading Company and Signature Leasing
Company and shall have perfected a first priority Lien and security
interest in the collateral described in such Guaranty, subject to
Permitted Liens.
(m) PRE-CLOSING REVIEWS. The Lenders must complete reviews
with satisfactory results of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Inventory and Accounts.
(n) PAYOFF. A lien release and payoff letter executed by any
and all lienholders on any of the Collateral, other than with respect
to the Permitted Liens.
ARTICLE 9.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
------------------------------
To induce the Lenders to enter into this Credit Agreement, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
makes the representations and warranties set forth below, all of which will
remain true in all material respects during the term of this Credit Agreement.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges the Lenders' justifiable right to rely upon the
representations and warranties set forth below.
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Section 9.1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ audited consolidated
financial statements as of December 31,1996 and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ unaudited consolidated
financial statement as of June 30, 1997, copies of which have been previously
submitted to Agent, have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and present
fairly the financial condition of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
at such dates and the results of their operations for the periods then ended.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ warrants and represents to the Lenders that all financial statements and
information relating to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor which have been or may
hereafter be delivered by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor are true and correct and have
been and will be prepared in accordance with GAAP and, with respect to such
previously delivered statements or information, there has been no material
adverse change in the financial or business condition of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any
Guarantor since the submission to the Agent, either as of the date of delivery,
or, if different, the date specified therein, and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges the
Lenders' reliance thereon.
Section 9.2 NON-EXISTENCE OF DEFAULTS. Neither ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in default with respect to any material amount of its existing
Indebtedness. The making and performance of this Credit Agreement and all other
Loan Documents, will not immediately, or with the passage of time, the giving of
notice, or both: (a) violate the provisions of the bylaws or any other corporate
document of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; (b) violate any laws to the best of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ knowledge
after diligent inquiry; (c) result in a material default under any contract,
agreement, or instrument to which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is a party or by which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or its
properties are bound; or (d) result in the creation or imposition of any
security interest in, or Lien or encumbrance upon, any of the Collateral except
the Permitted Liens.
Section 9.3 LITIGATION. Set forth on SCHEDULE 9.3 is a list of all
actions, suits, investigations or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, threatened against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any of its Subsidiaries, as of the date
hereof in which there is a reasonable probability of an adverse decision which
would materially and adversely affect ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, the Business, or the Value of the
Collateral in the aggregate.
Section 9.4 MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ does not know of or
expect any material adverse change in the Business, or in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ or any of
the Subsidiaries' assets, liabilities, properties, or condition, financial or
otherwise, including changes in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ financial condition from June 30, 1997
through the Effective Date.
Section 9.5 TITLE TO COLLATERAL. Except for the Permitted Liens,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has good and marketable title to all of the Collateral, free and clear
of any and all Liens, claims and encumbrances.
Section 9.6 CORPORATE STATUS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and each of the Subsidiaries is a
corporation duly organized and validly existing, in good standing, with
perpetual corporate existence, under the laws of their respective jurisdictions
of formation. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its Subsidiaries have the corporate power and
authority to own their properties and to transact the business in which they are
engaged and presently propose to engage. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and each Subsidiary is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation and in good standing in all states where the
nature of their business or the
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ownership or use of their property requires such qualification, and where
failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business,
operations or financial condition.
Section 9.7 SUBSIDIARIES. All of the Subsidiaries of Borrower, as of
the Effective Date., are set forth on Schedule 9.7.
Section 9.8 POWER AND AUTHORITY. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has the corporate power to
borrow and to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of the
Loan Documents. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has taken or caused to be taken all necessary corporate
action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Credit
Agreement and all other Loan Documents and the borrowing thereunder.
Section 9.9 PLACE OF BUSINESS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ chief executive office and the
principal place of business is located at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ records concerning the Collateral are kept at such chief
executive office, or will be kept at such other place that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ informs Agent
of not less than 30 days in advance of relocation
Section 9.10 ENFORCEABILITY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS. The Loan Documents
executed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ are the valid and binding obligations of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and are
enforceable against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in accordance with their terms, except as limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, or other laws of general application relating to the
enforcement of creditors' rights.
Section 9.11 TAXES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ federal tax identification number is
▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has (a) filed all federal, state and local tax returns and
other reports that it is required by law to file, (b) paid or caused to be paid
all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges that are due and payable,
the failure of which to pay would have a material adverse effect on the
Business, except those contested in good faith and in accordance with accepted
procedures, and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance
with GAAP, and (c) made adequate provision for the payment of such taxes,
assessments or other charges accruing but not yet payable. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has no
knowledge of any deficiency or additional assessment in a material amount in
connection with any taxes, assessments or charges.
Section 9.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, to the best of its
knowledge, has complied, and shall cause each Subsidiary to comply, in all
material respects with all applicable laws, the failure to comply with which
would have a material adverse effect on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ individually, or ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Section 9.13 CONSENTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Subsidiaries have obtained all
material consents, permits, licenses, approvals or authorization of, or effected
the filing, registration or qualification with, any governmental entity which is
required to be obtained or effected by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Subsidiaries in
connection with the Business or the execution and delivery of this Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents the failure of which to obtain or effect
would have a material adverse effect on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ individually, or on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and
its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
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Section 9.14 PURPOSE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will use the advances which the Lenders
make under the Credit Facility solely for lawful purposes and as described in
Section 3.2 hereof.
Section 9.15 CONDITION OF THE BUSINESS. All material assets used in the
conduct of the Business are in good operating condition and repair and are fully
usable in the ordinary course thereof, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
Section 9.16 CAPITAL. All issued shares and all outstanding shares in
the Subsidiaries as reflected in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ financial statements are validly
issued pursuant to proper authorization of the board of directors of such
Subsidiary, and are fully paid, and non-assessable. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Subsidiaries
shall give Agent fifteen days (15) prior written notice before entering any
agreement to register its equity or debt securities under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or any state securities law. All ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ and Subsidiary's
issued shares and outstanding capital stock are fully paid and non-assessable,
and each such Person's capital structure is as set forth on SCHEDULE 9.16.
Section 9.17 LOCATION OF COLLATERAL. SCHEDULE 9.17 describes the
locations where any of the Collateral is located or stored as of the date
hereof.
Section 9.18 ACCOUNTS. For each Account listed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ on any
Borrowing Base Certificate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ warrants and represents to the Lenders that
at all times: (a) such Account is genuine; (b) such Account is not evidenced by
a judgment or promissory note or similar instrument or agreement; (c) it
represents an undisputed bona fide transaction completed in accordance with the
terms of the invoices and purchase orders relating thereto; (d) the goods sold
or services rendered which resulted in the creation of such Account have been
delivered or rendered to and accepted by the Account Debtor; (e) the amounts
shown on the Borrowing Base Certificate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ books and records and all
invoices and statements delivered to Agent with respect thereto are owing to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and are not contingent; (f) no payments have been or will be made
thereon except payments turned over to Agent for the benefit of the Lenders; (g)
there are no offsets, counterclaims or disputes existing or asserted with
respect thereto and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has not made any agreement with the Account Debtor
for any deduction or discount of the sum payable thereunder except regular
discounts allowed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ in the ordinary course of its business for prompt
payment; (h) there are no facts or events which in any way impair the validity
or enforceability thereof or reduce the amount payable thereunder from the
amount shown on the Borrowing Base Certificate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ books and records and
the invoices and statements delivered to Agent with respect thereto; (i) all
persons acting on behalf of the Account Debtor thereon have the authority to
bind the Account Debtor; (j) the goods sold or transferred giving rise thereto
are not subject to any Lien, claim, encumbrance or security interest which is
superior to that of the Lenders; (k) such Account is subject to the Lenders'
perfected, first priority security interest and no other Lien other than a
Permitted Lien; and (1) there are no proceedings or actions known to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
which are threatened or pending against the Account Debtor thereon which might
result in any material adverse change in such Account Debtor's financial
condition.
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Section 9.19 ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS. Except as set
forth on Schedule 9.19, the Borrower has obtained all material permits, licenses
and other authorizations which are required under the Environmental Laws
existing on the date hereof. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, Borrower is in
material compliance with all material terms and conditions of any and all
material required permits, licenses, and authorizations, required under the
Environmental Laws existing on the date hereof. Borrower has received no notice
of any facts, events or conditions that interfere with or prevent continued
compliance by Borrower with, or give rise to any present or potential legal,
common law or statutory liability against Borrower. The Borrower's
representations and warranties set forth in this Section 9.19 are its exclusive
representations as to the matter set forth herein regarding Environmental Laws
and no other Section of this Article 9 shall be construed as a representation on
Environmental Laws and Borrower's compliance therewith.
Section 9.20 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: PATENTS. COPYRIGHTS. TRADEMARKS.
ETC.
(a) The Borrower possesses and has made all filings with the
United States Patent and Trademark office and appropriate state
agencies to evidence in it full and complete title to all the patents,
trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses and
rights in respect of the foregoing which are material to the conduct of
its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others.
Section 9.21 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
(a) Except as described in Schedule 9.21 hereof, Borrower and
its ERISA Affiliates are in compliance in all material respects with
any applicable provisions of ERISA and the regulations thereunder and
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to all
Employee Benefit Plans.
(b) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably
expected to occur with respect to any Guaranteed Pension Plan.
(c) Except as described in Schedule 9.21 hereof, the actuarial
present value of all benefit commitments under each Guaranteed Pension
Plan does not exceed the assets of that Plan.
(d) Neither Borrower nor any of its ERISA Affiliates is a
party to or participates in any Multiemployer Plans.
As used in this Subsection, the terms "actuarial present value" and
"benefit commitments" shall have the meanings specified in Section 4001
of ERISA.
Section 9.22 SOLVENCY. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its Subsidiaries now have capital
sufficient to carry on their respective business and transactions and all
business and transactions in which they are about to engage and are now solvent
and able to pay their respective debts as they mature,
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and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and of the Subsidiaries now owns property having a value, greater
than the amount required to pay ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ or such Subsidiary's debts.
Section 9.23 LEASES. SCHEDULE 9.23(A) attached hereto is a complete
listing of all capitalized leases of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and SCHEDULE 9.23(b) attached
hereto is a complete listing of each operating lease of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ which requires
payments of at least Two Million and 00/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) over the
remaining non-cancelable terms of such lease.
Section 9.24 LABOR RELATIONS. Except as described on SCHEDULE 9.24
attached hereto and made a part hereof, neither ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any collective bargaining agreement, and there are no
material grievances, disputes or controversies with any union or any other
organization of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ employees, or threats of strikes, work stoppages or
any asserted pending demands for collective bargaining by any union or
organization.
Section 9.25 BUSINESS LOCATIONS; AGENT FOR PROCESS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ currently
has no office or place of business located in any state or county other than as
shown Schedule 9.17.
Section 9.26 INVENTORY. For each item of Inventory listed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ on
any Borrowing Base Certificate. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ covenants, warrants and represents to
the Lenders that at all times: (a) Inventory will be kept only at the locations
indicated on Schedule 9.17 provided however, that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may keep Inventory at
another location with fifteen (15) days prior written notice to Agent and,
provided further that in connection with special event sales Inventory may be
displayed at another location for up to two (2) weeks for public retail sales;
(b) no Inventory is or will be produced in violation of the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act; (c) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ now keeps and will keep correct and accurate records
itemizing and describing the kind, type, quality and quantity of Inventory,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ cost therefor and the selling price thereof, the daily withdrawals
therefrom and the additions thereto; (d) Inventory (excluding Inventory in
Canada) is not and will not be stored with a bailee, repairman, warehouseman or
similar party without Agent's prior written consent, and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will,
concurrently with delivery to such party, cause any such party to issue and
deliver to Agent, in form acceptable to Agent, warehouse receipts, in Agent's
name evidencing the storage of such Inventory, and waivers of warehouseman's
liens in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders; (e) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will pay all
taxes, rents, business taxes, and the like on the premises where the Inventory
is located; and (f) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not rent, lease, or grant a security interest
in any of the Inventory or use any of the Inventory for any purpose other than
consignment to retail dealers or sale to buyers in the ordinary course of
business, without Agent's prior written consent.
Section 9.27 REAFFIRMATION. Each request for a Loan made by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall
constitute: (a) an automatic representation and warranty by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to the
Lenders that there does not then exist any Default or Unmatured Default; and (b)
a reaffirmation as of the date of said request of all of the representations and
warranties of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ contained in this Credit Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.
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Section 9.28 SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
covenants, warrants and represents to the Lenders that all representations and
warranties of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ contained in this Credit Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents shall be true at the time of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ execution of this Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall survive the execution,
delivery and acceptance thereof by the Lenders and the parties thereto and the
closing of the transactions described therein or related thereto.
ARTICLE 10.
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ COVENANTS
Section 10.1 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. During the term of this Credit
Agreement and thereafter for so long as any Obligations are outstanding and
unpaid, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ covenants that unless otherwise consented to by Agent in
writing, it shall perform all the acts and promises required by this Credit
Agreement and all the acts and promises set forth below.
(a) PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will pay and perform all
Obligations in full when and as due hereunder.
(b) INSURANCE.
(i) TYPE OF INSURANCE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will at all times
cause the Business and the Collateral (other than Accounts) to
be insured by insurers of reasonable financial soundness and
having an A. M. Best rating of A or better, with such
policies, against such risks and in such amounts as are
appropriate for reasonably prudent businesses in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
industry and of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ size and financial strength.
(ii) REQUIREMENTS AS TO INSURANCE POLICIES. The
policies of insurance which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is required to carry shall
comply with the requirements listed below:
(1) Each such policy shall provide that it
may not be canceled or allowed to lapse at the end of
a policy period without at least thirty (30) days'
prior written notice to Agent;
(2) Each liability and hazard insurance
policy shall name Agent as an additional insured; and
(3) Each property insurance policy required
hereunder shall contain a standard lender's loss
payable clause in favor of Agent. Such insurance
policies shall also contain lender's loss payable
endorsements satisfactory to Agent providing, among
other things, that any loss shall be payable in
accordance with the terms of such policy
notwithstanding any
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act of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ which might otherwise result in
forfeiture of such insurance;
(iii) COLLECTION OF CLAIMS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will promptly
advise Agent of any insured casualty in excess of Five Hundred
Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees
that after Default Agent may direct all insurance proceeds
therefrom to be paid directly to the Lenders to the extent
that such loss is not adequately insured under an insurance
policy which names Agent as a loss payee, and hereby appoints
Agent its attorney-in-fact for such purpose.
(iv) BLANKET POLICIES. Any insurance required
hereunder may be supplied by means of a blanket or umbrella
insurance policy.
(v) DELIVERY OF POLICIES OR CERTIFICATES OF
INSURANCE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall deliver to Agent certificates of
insurance issued by insurers to evidence that the insurance
maintained by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ complies with the requirements
hereunder.
(c) COLLECTION OF RECEIVABLES; SALE OF INVENTORY. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will
collect its Accounts and sell its Inventory only in the ordinary course
of business, unless written permission to the contrary is obtained from
Agent.
(d) NOTICE OF LITIGATION AND PROCEEDINGS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will give
prompt notice to Agent of: (a) any litigation or proceeding (including
fines and penalties of any public authority) in excess of Five Hundred
Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) in which it, or any of the
Subsidiaries is a party in which there is a reasonable possibility of
an adverse decision which would require it or any of the Subsidiaries
to pay money or deliver assets, whether or not the claim is considered
to be covered by insurance; (b) any class action litigation against it,
regardless of size; and (c) the institution of any other suit or
proceeding that might materially and adversely affect its or any of its
Subsidiary's operations, financial condition, property or the Business.
(e) PAYMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS TO THIRD PERSONS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will,
and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay, when due, all Indebtedness and
any other liability due third persons, except when the amount thereof
is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with
adequate reserves therefor satisfactory to Agent in accordance with
GAAP being set aside by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or such Subsidiary. Agent will use
reasonable efforts to attempt to give ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ notice before Agent
requires ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to set aside additional reserves.
(f) NOTICE OF CHANGE OF BUSINESS LOCATION. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will notify
Agent thirty (30) days in advance of: (a) any change in or
discontinuation of the location of the Collateral, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ principal
place of business, or any of the Subsidiaries' existing offices or
places of business, (b) the establishment of any new places of business
relating to the Business, and (c) any change in or addition to the
locations where ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Inventory or records are kept.
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(g) PAYMENT OF TAXES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will, and will cause each
Subsidiary to, pay or cause to be paid, when and as due, all taxes,
assessments and charges or levies imposed upon it or on any of its
property or that it is required to withhold and pay over to the taxing
authority or that it must pay on its income, the failure of which to
pay would have a material adverse effect on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ individually, or on
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, except where
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings with adequate
reserves in accordance with GAAP, having been set aside by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or
such Subsidiary. However, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will, and will cause each Subsidiary
to, pay or cause to be paid all such taxes, assessments, charges or
levies immediately whenever foreclosure of any Lien that attaches on
the Collateral appears imminent.
(h) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND GUARANTEED PENSION PLANS.
Borrower will and will cause each of its ERISA Affiliates to (i) comply
with all requirements imposed by ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, applicable from time to time to any of its Guaranteed
Pension Plans or Employee Benefit Plans, (ii) make full payment when
due of all amounts which, under the provisions of Employee Benefit
Plans or under applicable law, are required to be paid as contributions
thereto, (iii) not permit to exist any accumulated funding deficiency,
whether or not waived, (iv) file on a timely basis all reports, notices
and other filings required by any governmental agency with respect to
any of its Employee Benefit Plans, (v) make any payments to
Multiemployer Plans required to be made under any agreement relating to
such Multiemployer Plans, or under any law pertaining thereto, (vi) not
amend or otherwise alter any Guaranteed Pension Plan if the effect
would be to cause the actuarial present value of all benefit
commitments under each Guaranteed Pension Plan to be less than the
current value of the assets of such Guaranteed Pension Plan allocable
to such benefit commitments, (vii) furnish to all participants,
beneficiaries and employees under any of the Employee Benefit Plans,
within the periods prescribed by law, all reports, notices and other
information to which they are entitled under applicable law, and (viii)
take no action which would cause any of the Employee Benefit Plans to
fail to meet any qualification requirement imposed by the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As used in this Section 10.1, the
term "accumulated funding deficiency" has the meaning specified in
Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code, and
the terms "actuarial present value", "benefit commitments" and "current
value" have the meaning specified in Section 4001 of ERISA.
(i) FURTHER ASSURANCES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to, and will cause each
Subsidiary to, execute such other and further documents, including
without limitation, deeds of trust, promissory notes, security
agreements, financing statements, continuation statements, certificates
of title, and the like as may from time to time in the reasonable
opinion of Agent be necessary to perfect, confirm, establish,
re-establish, continue, or complete the security interests, collateral
assignments and Liens in the Collateral, and the purposes and
intentions of this Credit Agreement.
(j) MAINTENANCE OF STATUS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will take all necessary
steps to (a) preserve its, and each Subsidiary's, existence as a
corporation, (b) preserve ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ and
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the Subsidiaries' franchises and permits, and (c) comply with all
present and future material agreements to which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, or any of the
Subsidiaries, is subject, and (d) maintain, and cause each Subsidiary
to maintain, its qualification and good standing in all states in which
such qualification is necessary or in which the failure to be so
qualified might have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition or properties of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or the Business. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not
change the nature of the Business during the term of this Credit
Agreement.
(k) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS;
CERTIFICATION AS TO DEFAULTS. During the term of this Credit Agreement,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will furnish a copy of the following to Agent:
(i) within one hundred twenty (120) days after the
end of each fiscal year, annual financial statements for
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal
year, consisting of a consolidated and consolidating balance
sheet, consolidated and consolidating statement of earnings,
consolidated and consolidating statements of consolidated cash
flows and consolidated and consolidating statement of
stockholder's equity, in comparative form, together with a
copy of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ 10-K for such fiscal year. The statements
and balance sheet will be audited by an independent firm of
certified public accountants selected by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and
acceptable to Agent (any Big 6 accounting firm being
acceptable to Agent), and certified by that firm of certified
public accountants to have been prepared in accordance with
GAAP. The certified public accountants will render an
unqualified opinion as to such statements and balance sheets.
Agent will have the absolute and irrevocable right, from time
to time, to discuss the affairs of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ directly with the
independent certified public accountant after prior notice to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the reasonable opportunity of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to be
present at any such discussions;
(ii) by the twentieth (20th) day of each month,
financial statements for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its Subsidiaries as of
the end of the immediately preceding month, consisting of
consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and statement of
operations prepared by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
(iii) by the forty-fifth (45th) day of each fiscal
quarter, a Quarterly Compliance Certificate, in the form of
Exhibit H, of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ President or Chief Financial Officer,
stating that such person has reviewed the provisions of the
Loan Documents and that a review of the activities of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
during such quarter has been made by or under such person's
supervision with a view to determining whether ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has
observed and performed all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ obligations under the
Loan Documents, and that, to the best of such person's
knowledge, information and belief, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has observed and
performed each and every undertaking contained in the Loan
Documents and is not at the time in default in the observance
or performance of any of the terms and conditions thereof or,
if
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will be so in default, specifying all of such defaults
and events of which such person may have knowledge;
(iv) by the end of each fiscal year, an annual budget
and income statement with cash flow projections for the
following fiscal year;
(v) promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all
final reports and final management letters submitted to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Subsidiaries by independent
accountants in connection with any annual or interim audit of
the books of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or such Subsidiaries made by such
accountants;
(vi) copies of any and all reports, filings and other
documentation delivered to the Securities and Exchange
Commission by or on behalf of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ promptly after the
delivery thereof, if applicable; and
(vii) any other statements, reports and other
information as Agent may reasonably request concerning the
financial condition or operations of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and its
properties.
(l) NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF DEFAULT. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will, and will
cause its Subsidiaries to, promptly notify Agent of: (a) the existence
of any known condition or event, which constitutes a Default or an
Unmatured Default; and (b) the actual or threatened termination,
suspension, lapse or relinquishment of any material license,
authorization, permit or other right granted ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
benefit and used in the Business, or granted to any of its Subsidiaries
or for any such Subsidiaries' benefit, by any governmental agency
material to the Business.
(m) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will, and will cause its
Subsidiaries to, comply in all material respects with all applicable
laws, rules, regulations and orders.
(n) MAINTENANCE OF COLLATERAL. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will maintain all
material Collateral and every part thereof in good condition and repair
(ordinary wear and tear excepted). ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not permit the
aggregate value of the Collateral to be materially impaired. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
will defend the Collateral against all claims and legal proceedings by
Persons other than the Lenders and Permitted Liens. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not
permit the Collateral to be used in violation of any applicable law,
regulations, or any policy of insurance. As to Collateral consisting of
instruments and chattel paper, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will preserve rights in it
against prior parties.
(o) COLLATERAL RECORDS AND STATEMENTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will keep such
accurate and complete books and records pertaining to the Collateral in
such detail and form as Agent reasonably requires, including, but not
limited to: schedules of inventory; original orders; invoices; shipping
documents; billing settlements and receivables; sold receivables;
Inventory listing containing model, serial number (if available) and
location. Other reporting will be available upon request by the
Lenders, including, but not be limited to,
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accounts payable aging in such form as the Lenders reasonably require.
The statements will be in the form and will contain the information as
is prescribed by Agent.
(p) INSPECTION OF COLLATERAL. The Lenders and any third party
appraiser selected by the Lenders may examine the Collateral at any
time during normal business hours upon a Default by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and upon
forty-eight (48) hours prior oral notice to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ at any other time.
The Lenders and any third party appraiser selected by the Lenders will
have full access to, and the right to: (a) review, inspect and make
abstracts and copies from ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ books and records pertaining to the
Collateral, and (1)) inspect and examine inventory and check and test
the same as to quality, quantity, Value and condition. wherever
located, at any time during reasonable business hours, and from time to
time. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will assist the Lenders and any third party appraiser
selected by the Lenders in so doing. All costs, up to Ten Thousand and
00/100 Dollars ($10,000.00) per annum and one-half of the amount of
such costs in excess of Ten Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000.00)
per annum incurred by Agent or any Lender in connection with such
inspections shall be paid by Borrower.
(q) REIMBURSEMENT FOR BANK CHARGES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will reimburse the
Lenders for all charges made by banks for collection of checks and
other items of payment and for transfer of funds to or from ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
Section 10.2 NEGATIVE COVENANTS. During the term of this Credit
Agreement and thereafter, for so long as any Obligations are outstanding and
unpaid, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ covenants that unless otherwise consented to in writing by
Agent, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall not perform or cause or permit to be performed the
following acts:
(a) CHANGE OF NAME, ETC. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Subsidiaries will not
change their name or begin to trade under any assumed names or trade
names without thirty (30) days prior written notice to Agent. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, change its manner of
organization, enter into any mergers, consolidations, reorganizations
or recapitalization (excluding such transactions where ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is the
surviving entity) without Agent's prior written consent other than as
contemplated herein.
(b) SALE OR TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Except in the ordinary course
of business or except as consented to in writing by Agent, or except
for sales to a Lender or any affiliate thereof or except for sales to
and by KAC as contemplated by the Permitted Securitization Documents,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Subsidiaries will not sell, transfer, lease (including
sale-leaseback) or otherwise dispose of all or any substantial part of
their assets; provided, however, that any sales of Sold Accounts by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to KAC under the Permitted Securitization Documentation, and
sales, contributions or other transfers of Sold Accounts under the
Permitted Securitization Documentation by KAC, shall be permitted. This
provision will not apply to any sale if the proceeds of such sale pay
the Obligations in full.
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(c) ENCUMBRANCE OF ASSETS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not, and will not
permit a Subsidiary other than KAC to, mortgage. pledge, grant or
permit to exist a security interest in or Lien upon any of the
Collateral, now owned or hereafter acquired except for the Permitted
Liens.
(d) ACQUISITION OF STOCK OR ASSETS; NEW SUBSIDIARIES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
and the Subsidiaries will not, without Agent's prior written consent,
acquire, or enter into any agreement, commitment letter or letter of
intent to acquire, all or substantially all the assets of, equity
interest or stock in, another business for an amount in excess of
Twenty-five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00); nor will
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ hereafter create any new Subsidiaries.
(e) FALSE CERTIFICATES OR DOCUMENTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has not and will
not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, furnish Agent with any
certificate or other document that contains any untrue statement of
material fact or that omits to state a material fact necessary to make
it not misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was
furnished.
(f) ASSIGNMENT. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not assign or attempt to assign
the Loan Documents or any of its interests under the Loan Documents,
except in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders.
(g) TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not enter into
any contracts, leases, sales or other transactions with any Affiliate
(other than Subsidiaries) on terms less favorable than could be
obtained generally by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ from a non-Affiliate. For avoidance of
doubt, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and KAC may enter into and perform any of its
obligations under the Permitted Securitization Documents.
(h) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not make, or commit to
make, any expenditure for capital improvements (including, without
limitation, capitalized leases) or the acquisition of capital goods in
excess of Ten Million and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) per calendar
year without the prior written consent of Agent.
(i) LOANS BY ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not, and will not permit
any Subsidiary to, make any loan to any Person in excess of the
aggregate amount of Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($500,000.00), except for loans in anticipation of reasonable and
normally reimbursable business expenses and trade credit extended in
the ordinary course of Business, and loans made by KAC under the
Permitted Securitization Documentation.
(j) FISCAL YEAR. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary to, change its fiscal year-end without sixty (60) days prior
written notice to Agent.
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(k) TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall not create, incur,
assume, or suffer to exist, or permit any Subsidiary to create, incur
or suffer to exist, any Indebtedness, except:
(i) the Obligations;
(ii) Subordinated Debt;
(iii) Capital Leases not prohibited by Section
10.2(h) for Capital Expenditures;
(iv) Indebtedness incurred in connection with the
Previous Fifth Third Transaction;
(v) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
(vi) accounts payable to trade creditors and current
operating expenses (other than for money borrowed) incurred in
the ordinary course of business which are aged not more than
thirty (30) days past due, unless actively contested in good
faith and by appropriate and lawful proceedings and for which
adequate reserves have been established in accordance with
GAAP;
(vii) obligations to pay Rentals permitted by Section
10.2(o);
(viii) guaranties by Borrower of Indebtedness of KAC;
(ix) any obligations incurred pursuant to the
Permitted Securitization Documentation; and
(x) guaranties permitted pursuant to Section 10.2(m);
and
(xi) Reimbursement Obligations incurred in connection
with Letters of Credit.
(l) ADVERSE TRANSACTIONS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not enter into any
transaction, or permit any Subsidiary to enter into any transaction,
which materially and adversely affects or may materially and adversely
affect the aggregate Value of Collateral or ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ ability to repay
the Obligations or permit or agree to any material extension,
compromise or settlement or make any change or modification of any kind
or nature with respect to any Account, including any of the terms
relating thereto, other than discounts and allowances in the ordinary
course of business, all of which shall be reflected in the Borrowing
Base Certificate submitted to Agent pursuant to Section 3.2 of this
Credit Agreement.
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(m) GUARANTIES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not guarantee, assume, endorse or
otherwise, in any way, become directly or contingently liable with
respect to the Indebtedness of any Person in excess of One Hundred
Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000.00) other than guarantees of
floor plan financing arrangements of Borrower or its Subsidiaries, or
of any dealer, distributor or purchaser of inventory of Borrower or any
Subsidiary.
(n) MARGIN SECURITIES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not own, purchase or
acquire, or permit any Subsidiary to own, purchase or acquire, (or
enter, or permit any Subsidiary to enter, into any contract to purchase
or acquire) any "margin security" as defined by any regulation of the
Federal Reserve Board as now in effect or as the same may hereafter be
in effect unless, prior to any such purchase or acquisition or entering
into any such contract, Agent shall have received an opinion of counsel
satisfactory to Agent to the effect that such purchase or acquisition
will not cause this Credit Agreement to violate Regulations G or U or
any other regulation of the Federal Reserve Board then in effect.
(o) LEASES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not become a lessee under any
operating lease of property if the aggregate Rentals (defined below)
payable during any current or future period of twelve (12) consecutive
months under the lease in question and all other leases under which
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is then lessee would exceed Two Million Five Hundred Thousand
and 00/100 Dollars ($2,500,000.00). The term "RENTALS" means, as of the
date of determination, all payments which the lessee is required to
make by the terms of any lease.
(p) TAX CONSOLIDATION. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not file or consent to the
filing of any consolidated income tax return with any Person other than
a Subsidiary.
(q) STOCK REDEMPTION. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not redeem or purchase any
of its outstanding capital stock, warrants in favor of anyone other
than Agent, or stock options or convert or permit such stock, warrants
or options to be converted into cash, nor has or shall ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ guaranty
to any of its shareholders any minimum stock price or valuation, but
excluding from all of the foregoing, the purchase of options and any
other such transactions of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) or less in
value.
Section 10.3 FINANCIAL COVENANTS.
(a) AMOUNTS. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that it will at all times maintain
the following:
(i) a Tangible Net Worth in the combined amount of
not less than Forty Million and 00/100 Dollars
($40,000.000.00);
(ii) a ratio of Debt to Tangible Net Worth of not
more than Two and One- Half to One (2.5 to 1);
(iii) a ratio of Current Tangible Assets to current
liabilities of not less than One and Three Tenths to One (1.3
to 1);
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For purposes of this Section 10.3(a): (a) "TANGIBLE
NET WORTH" means the book value of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ assets less liabilities
(including as liabilities all reserves for contingencies and other
potential liabilities), excluding from such assets all Intangibles; (b)
"INTANGIBLES" means and includes general intangibles (as that term is
defined in the UCC); accounts receivable and advances due from
officers, directors, member, owner, employees, stockholders and
affiliates; leasehold improvements net of depreciation; licenses; good
will; prepaid expenses; escrow deposits; covenants not to compete; the
excess of cost over book value of acquired assets; franchise fees;
organizational costs; finance reserves held for recourse obligations;
capitalized research and development costs; and such other similar
items as Agent may from time to time determine in Agent's sole
discretion; (c) "DEBT" means all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ liabilities and
indebtedness for borrowed money of any kind arid nature whatsoever
other than Subordinated Debt (as defined below), whether direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, and including obligations under
capitalized leases, guaranties or with respect to which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has
pledged assets to secure performance, whether or not direct recourse
liability has been assumed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, but specifically excluding any
liability which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ incurs pursuant to the Permitted Securitization
Documentation; (d) "SUBORDINATED DEBT" means all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Debt
which is subordinated to the payment of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ liabilities to the
Lenders by an agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Agent;
(e) "CURRENT TANGIBLE ASSETS" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ current assets less, to
the extent otherwise included therein, all Intangibles. The foregoing
terms will be determined in accordance with GAAP consistently applied,
and, if applicable, on a consolidated basis ("FINANCIAL COVENANTS").
(b) COVENANT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. The President or Chief
Financial Officer of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will certify to Agent by the twentieth
(20th) day of each month, or more often if requested by Agent, that
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ is in compliance with the Financial Covenants as set forth in a
Monthly Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit I.
ARTICLE 11.
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DEFAULT/REMEDIES
----------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will be in default (each a "Default") under this
Credit Agreement if there occurs and is continuing any of the
following:
Section 11.1 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ fails to pay any amount of principal or interest
on the Loans when due and payable hereunder or ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ fails to pay any other
sum under the Loan Documents within three (3) days of the date when due and
payable; hereunder or thereunder; provided, however, that if any such
non-payment occurs as a result of the failure of Agent to debit the account of
Borrower with Agent and increase the amount of the outstanding balance of the
Loan, in accordance with the last sentence of Section 6.4 hereof, and at such
time the Borrower has availability under the Borrowing Base for the full amount
of such payment and no other Event of Default shall then have occurred and be
continuing, the non-payment shall not be an Event of
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Default hereunder until three (3) Business Days after Agent has given Borrower
written notice of such non-payment.
Section 11.2 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ breaches any terms, covenants, warranties or
representations contained herein, or in any other Loan Document which is not
cured within thirty (30) days of written notice from Agent or any Lender to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
Section 11.3 any Guarantor breaches any terms, covenants, warranties or
representations contained in any guaranty or other agreement between the
Guarantor and the Lenders which is not cured within thirty (30) days of written
notice from Agent or any Lender to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
Section 11.4 any representation, statement, report or certificate made
or delivered by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor to the Lenders is not accurate when
made in any material respect which is not cured within thirty (30) days of
written notice from Agent or any Lender to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇;
Section 11.5 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ abandons any material Collateral;
Section 11.6 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor is or becomes in default in the
payment or performance of any obligation owed to any third party for borrowed
money;
Section 11.7 a default or termination event shall have occurred and be
continuing under the Permitted Securitization Documentation;
Section 11.8 an unpaid money judgment issues against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any
Guarantor in excess of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($250,000.00) and such judgment remains unsatisfied for a period of thirty (30)
days or is not stayed pending appeal;
Section 11.9 an attachment, sale or seizure issues or is executed
against any assets of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or against any assets of any Guarantor in an
amount in excess of Ten Million and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) which
remains unsatisfied or unreleased for a period of thirty (30) days;
Section 11.10 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ceases existence as a corporation, partnership,
trust or limited liability company;
Section 11.11 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ceases or suspends business;
Section 11.12 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor makes a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors;
Section 11.13 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor becomes insolvent or voluntarily
or involuntarily becomes subject to the Federal Bankruptcy Code, any state
insolvency law or any similar law;
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Section 11.14 any receiver is appointed for any of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ or any
Guarantor's assets;
Section 11.15 any guaranty of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ debts to the Lenders is
terminated without the prior written consent of Agent and the Lenders;
Section 11.16 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ loses any franchise, permission, license or right
to sell or deal in any Collateral;
Section 11.17 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Guarantor misrepresents ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ or such
Guarantor's financial condition or organizational structure;
Section 11.18 any material item or portion of the Collateral becomes
subject to any Lien, claim, encumbrance or security interest other than a
Permitted Lien and such Lien is not released within thirty (30) days;
Section 11.19 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall be enjoined, restrained or in any way
prevented by court, governmental or administrative order from conducting all or
any material part of its Business; or any material lease or agreement pursuant
to which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ leases, uses or occupies any property shall be canceled or
terminated prior to the expiration of its stated term, or any part of the
Collateral shall be taken through condemnation or the value thereof shall be
impaired through condemnation; or
Section 11.20 Any event shall occur which might, in Agent's opinion,
have a material adverse effect on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ financial or business condition,
operation or prospects.
Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of a Default:
(a) Agent may at any time at Agent's election, without notice
or demand to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, do any one or more of the following: cease making
further Loans and declare all or any of the Obligations immediately due
and payable, together with all costs and expenses of the Lenders'
collection activity, including, without limitation, all reasonable
attorneys fees; exercise any or all rights under applicable law
(including, without limitation, the right to possess, transfer and
dispose of the Collateral); and/or cease extending any additional
credit to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
(b) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not contribute, sell or otherwise transfer
any Accounts (other than the KAC Accounts) or other assets to KAC.
(c) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will segregate and keep the Collateral in trust
for the Lenders, and in good order and repair, and will not sell, rent,
lease, consign, otherwise dispose of or use any Collateral, nor further
encumber any Collateral.
(d) Upon Agent's oral or written demand, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will
immediately deliver the Collateral to Agent, in good order and repair,
at a place specified by Agent, together with all related documents; or
Agent may, in Agent's sole discretion and without notice or
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demand to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, take immediate possession of the Collateral together
with all related documents.
(e) Agent may, without notice, apply the Default Interest
Rate.
(f) Agent may, without notice to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and at any time or
times hereafter enforce payment and collect, by legal proceedings or
otherwise, Accounts in the name of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or the Lenders; and take
control of any cash or non-cash items of payment or proceeds of
Accounts and of any rejected, returned, repossessed or stopped in
transit goods relating to Accounts. Agent may at its sole election and
without demand enter, with or without process of law, any premises
where Collateral might be and, without charge or liability to the
Lenders therefor do one or more of the following: (i) take possession
of the Collateral and use or store it in said premises or remove it to
such other place or places as Agent may deem convenient; (ii) take
possession of all or part of such premises and the Collateral and place
a custodian in the exclusive control thereof until completion of
enforcement of the Lenders' security interest in the Collateral or
until the Lenders' removal of the Collateral and, (iii) remain on such
premises and use the same, together with ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ materials, supplies,
books and records, for the purpose of liquidating or collecting such
Collateral and conducting and preparing for disposition of such
Collateral.
(g) Upon the occurrence of a Default under Sections 10.3(m),
(n) and (o) all Obligations shall automatically be accelerated and due
and payable and the Default Interest Rate shall automatically apply as
of the date of the first occurrence of such Default, without any prior
notice, demand or action of any type on the part of Agent.
All of the Lenders' rights and remedies are cumulative. The Lenders' failure to
exercise any of the Lenders' rights or remedies hereunder will not waive any of
the Lenders' rights or remedies as to any past, current or future Default.
ARTICLE 12.
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SALE OF COLLATERAL
------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that if the Lenders conducts a private sale of
any Collateral by requesting bids from ten (10) or more dealers or distributors
in that type of Collateral, any sale by the Lenders of such Collateral in bulk
or in parcels within one hundred twenty (120) days of: (a) Agent's taking
possession and control of such Collateral; or (b) when Agent is otherwise
authorized to sell such Collateral; whichever occurs last, to the bidder
submitting the highest cash bid therefor, is a commercially reasonable sale of
such Collateral under the UCC. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees that the purchase of any
Collateral by a vendor, as provided in any agreement between Agent and the
vendor, if any, is a commercially reasonable disposition and private sale of
such Collateral under the UCC, and no request for bids shall be required.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ further agrees that seven (7) or more days prior written notice will be
commercially reasonable notice of any public or private sale (including any sale
to a vendor). ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ irrevocably waives any requirement that
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Agent retain possession and not dispose of any Collateral until after an
arbitration hearing, arbitration award, confirmation, trial or final judgment If
Agent disposes of any such Collateral other than as herein contemplated, the
commercial reasonableness of such disposition will be determined in accordance
with the laws of the state governing this Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE 13.
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INDEMNIFICATIONS
----------------
Section 13.1 GENERAL INDEMNITY. In addition to the payment of expenses
and attorneys' fees, if applicable, whether or not the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be consummated, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to indemnify, pay and hold Agent and
the officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates of Agent and such
holders (collectively called the "INDEMNITEES") harmless from and against, any
and all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or
nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for any of such Indemnitees in connection with any
investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding commenced or threatened,
whether or not any of such Indemnitees shall be designated a party thereto),
that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Indemnitees, in any
manner relating to or arising out of the Loan Documents, the statements
contained in any commitment letters delivered by the Lenders. The Lenders'
agreement to make the Loans or any other payment hereunder, or the use or
intended use of the proceeds of any of the Loans hereunder (the "INDEMNIFIED
LIABILITIES"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall have no obligation to an
indemnitee hereunder with respect to Indemnified Liabilities arising from the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnitee. To the extent that the
undertaking to indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in the preceding
sentence may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public
policy, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall contribute the maximum portion that it is permitted to pay
and satisfy under applicable law, to the payment and satisfaction of all
Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Indemnitees or any of them. The
provisions of the undertakings and indemnification set out in this Section 13.1
shall survive satisfaction and payment of the Obligations and termination of
this Credit Agreement.
Section 13.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY AND HEALTH INDEMNITY. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
hereby indemnifies the Indemnitees and agrees to hold the Indemnitees harmless
from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, injuries, costs,
expenses and claims of any and every kind whatsoever (including, without
limitation, court costs and attorneys' fees) which at any time or from time to
time may be paid, incurred or suffered by, or asserted against, an Indemnitee
for, with respect to, or as a direct or indirect result of the violation by
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ or any Subsidiary, of any Environmental Law; or with respect to, or as a
direct or indirect result of the escape, seepage, leakage, spillage, disposal,
discharge, emission or release from, properties utilized by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and/or any
Subsidiary in the conduct of its business into or upon any land, the atmosphere,
or any watercourse, body of water or wetland, of any Hazardous Material
(including, without limitation, any losses, liabilities, damages, injuries,
costs, expenses or claims asserted or arising under the Environmental Laws). The
provision of and undertakings and indemnification set out in this
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Section 13.2 shall survive satisfaction and payment of the Obligations and
termination of this Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE 14.
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CONCERNING THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS
------------------------------------
The Agent and the Lenders agree as follows:
Section 14.1 APPOINTMENT OF THE AGENT. Each of the Lenders hereby
appoints Fifth Third to serve as Agent, under this Credit Agreement and the
other Loan Documents, and in such capacity, to administer this Credit Agreement,
and the other Loan Documents.
Section 14.2 AUTHORITY. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably
authorizes the Agent (i) to take such action on such Lender's behalf under this
Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and to
perform such duties hereunder and thereunder as are delegated to or required of
the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto; and (ii) to take such action on such Lender's
behalf as the Agent shall consider necessary or advisable for the protection,
collection or enforcement of any of the Obligations. The Agent will promptly
notify each of the Lenders as soon as it becomes aware of any Default or Event
of Default or any failure by Borrower to make any payment in respect of any of
the Notes, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge
of any item until such time as Agent's officers responsible for administration
of the Loans shall receive written notice thereof or have actual knowledge of
such event. If any Lender becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default by
Borrower, it shall promptly notify Agent thereof PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Lenders
shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any item until such time as Lenders'
officers responsible for administration of the Loans shall receive written
notice thereof or have actual knowledge of such event.
Section 14.3 ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT. The Agent hereby accepts its
appointment as Agent for each of the Lenders under this Credit Agreement and the
other Loan Documents, but only on the terms set forth in this Credit Agreement,
including the following:
(a) Agent makes no representation as to the value, validity or
enforceability of this Credit Agreement or of any of the other Loan
Documents or as to the correctness of any statement contained in this
Credit Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents;
(b) Agent may exercise its powers and perform its duties under
this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents either directly or
through its agents or attorneys;
(c) Agent shall be entitled to obtain from counsel selected by
it with reasonable care advice with respect to legal matters pertaining
to this Credit Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents and shall
not be liable for any action taken, omitted to be taken or suffered in
good faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel;
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(d) Agent shall not be required to use its own funds in the
performance of any of its duties or in the exercise of any of its
rights or powers, and Agent shall not be obligated to take any action
which, in its reasonable judgment, would involve it in any expense or
liability unless it shall have been furnished security or indemnity in
an amount and in form and substance satisfactory to it; and
(e) Agent, in performing its duties and functions under this
Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents on behalf of the Lenders,
will exercise the same care which it normally exercises in making and
handling loans in which it alone is interested, but does not assume
further responsibility.
Section 14.4 COLLATERAL MATTERS.
(a) RELEASE OF COLLATERAL. Lenders hereby irrevocably
authorize Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to release any
Lien granted to or held by Agent upon any property covered by the Loan
Documents (i) upon termination of the Credit Commitments and payment
and satisfaction of all Obligations; or (ii) constituting property
being sold or disposed of if Borrower certifies to Agent that the sale
or disposition is made in compliance with the provisions of this Credit
Agreement (and Agent may rely in good faith conclusively on any such
certificate, without further inquiry); or (iii) constituting property
leased to Borrower under a lease which has expired or been terminated
in a transaction permitted under this Credit Agreement or is about to
expire and which has not been, and is not intended by Borrower to be,
renewed or extended. Upon request by Agent at any time, any Lender will
confirm in writing Agent's authority to release particular types or
items of property covered by the Loan Documents pursuant to this
Subsection 14.4(a).
(b) CONFIRMATION OF AUTHORITY; EXECUTION OF RELEASES. Without
in any manner limiting Agent's authority to act without any specific or
further authorization or consent by Requisite Lenders (as set forth in
Subsection 14.4(a)), each Lender agrees to confirm in writing, upon
request by Borrower, the authority to release any property covered by
the Loan Documents conferred upon Agent under clauses (i) through (iii)
of Subsection 14.4(a). So long as no Event of Default is then
continuing, upon receipt by Agent of confirmation from the Requisite
Lenders of its authority to release any particular item or types of
property covered by the Loan Documents, and upon at least five (5)
Business Days prior written request by Borrower, Agent shall (and is
hereby irrevocably authorized by Lenders to) execute such documents as
may be necessary to evidence the release of the Liens granted to Agent
for the benefit of Lenders herein or pursuant hereto upon such
Collateral; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) Agent shall not be required to
execute any such document on terms which, in Agent's opinion, would
expose Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any
consequence other than the release of such Liens without recourse or
warranty, and (ii) such release shall not in any manner discharge,
affect or impair the Obligations or any Liens upon (or obligations of
Borrower, in respect of), all interests retained by Borrower, including
(without limitation) the proceeds of any
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sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the property
covered by the Loan Documents.
(c) ABSENCE OF DUTY. Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever
to any Lender or any other Person to assure that the property covered
by the Loan Documents exists or is owned by Borrower or is cared for,
protected or insured or has been encumbered or that the Liens granted
to Agent herein or pursuant hereto have been properly or sufficiently
or lawfully created, perfected, protected or enforced or are entitled
to any particular priority, or to exercise at all or in any particular
manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity, or to
continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers granted
or available to Agent in this Section 14.4 or in any of the Loan
Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the
property covered by the Loan Documents or any act, omission or event
related thereto, Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate,
it its discretion, given Agent's own interest in property covered by
the Loan Documents as one of the Lenders and that Agent shall have no
duty or liability whatsoever to any of the other Lenders; provided that
Agent shall exercise the same care which it would in dealing with loans
for its own account.
Section 14.5 AGENCY FOR PERFECTION. Each Lender hereby appoints each
other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Lenders' security interest
in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code in
any applicable jurisdiction, can be perfected only by possession. Should any
Lender (other than Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender
shall notify Agent thereof, and, promptly upon Agent's request therefor, shall
deliver such Collateral to Agent or in accordance with Agent's instructions.
Each Lender agrees that it will not have any right individually to enforce or
seek to enforce any Loan Document or to realize upon any collateral security for
the Loans, it being understood and agreed that such rights and remedies may be
exercised only by Agent.
Section 14.6 APPLICATION OF MONEYS. All moneys realized by the Agent
under the Loan Documents shall be held by Agent to apply in accordance with the
provisions of this Credit Agreement.
Section 14.7 RELIANCE BY THE AGENT. Agent shall be entitled to rely on
any notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, telecopy,
facsimile or teletype message, statement, order, instrument or other document
believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the
proper person or persons. Agent shall deem and treat the payee of any Note as
the absolute owner thereof for all purposes hereof until such time as it
receives actual notice of an assignment permitted hereunder of such payee's
interest, together with the written agreement of the assignee in form and
substance satisfactory to Agent that such assignee is bound by this Credit
Agreement as a "Lender" hereunder.
Section 14.8 EXCULPATORY PROVISIONS. Neither Agent nor any of its
shareholders, directors, officers, employees or agents shall be liable in any
manner to any of the Lenders for any action taken, omitted to be taken or
suffered in good faith by it or them under any of the Loan Documents or in
connection therewith, or be responsible for the consequences of any
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oversight or error of judgment, except for losses due to gross negligence or
willful misconduct of such Agent, shareholder, director, officer, employee or
agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence of this Section
14.8, under no circumstances shall the Agent be subject to any liability to any
Lender on account of any action taken or omitted to be taken by such Agent in
compliance with the direction of the Requisite Lenders or all of the Lenders, as
the case may be as provided for hereunder.
Agent shall not be responsible in any manner to any of the
Lenders for the due execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity or
enforceability, perfection or recording of this Credit Agreement, any of the
Notes, any of the other Loan Documents or for any certificate, report or other
document used under or in connection with this Credit Agreement or any of the
other Loan Documents, or for the truth or accuracy of any recitals, statements,
warranties or representations contained herein or in any certificate, report or
other document at any time hereafter furnished or purporting to have been
furnished to it by or on behalf of Borrower, or any other Person, or be under
any obligation to any of the Lenders to ascertain or inquire as to the
performance or observance by Borrower, or any other Person of any of the
covenants, agreements or conditions set forth in this Credit Agreement, the
Notes or any of the other Loan Documents or as to the use of any moneys lent
hereunder or thereunder.
Agent shall not be obligated to take any action or refrain
from taking any action under any Loan Document that might, in its judgment,
involve it in any expense or liability until it shall have been indemnified to
its satisfaction by or received an agreement to indemnify from each Person which
such Agent reasonably believes may be an intended recipient of such
distribution. If a court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge that any amount
received and distributed by the Agent is to be repaid, each Person to whom any
such distribution shall have been made shall either repay to the Agent its
proportionate share of the amount so adjudged to be repaid or shall pay over the
same in such manner and to such Persons as shall be determined by such court.
Section 14.9 ACTION BY THE AGENT. Except as otherwise expressly
provided under this Credit Agreement or in any other of the Loan Documents,
Agent will take such action, assert such rights and pursue such remedies under
this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as the Requisite Lenders or
all of the Lenders, as the case may be as provided for hereunder shall direct.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in any of the Loan Documents, Agent will
not (and will not be obligated to) take any action, assert any rights or pursue
any remedies under this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents in
violation or contravention of any express direction or instruction of the
Requisite Lenders or all of the Lenders, as the case may be as provided for
hereunder. Agent may refuse (and will not be obligated) to take any action,
assert any rights or pursue any remedies under this Credit Agreement or any of
the other Loan Documents without the express written direction and instruction
of the Requisite Lenders or all of the Lenders, as the case may be as provided
for hereunder. In the event Agent fails, within a commercially reasonable time,
to take such action, assert such rights, or pursue such remedies as the
Requisite Lenders or all of the Lenders, as the case may be as provided for
hereunder, direct, the Requisite Lenders or all of the Lenders, as the case may
be as provided for hereunder, shall have the right to take such action, to
assert such
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rights, or pursue such remedies on behalf of all of the Lenders unless the terms
hereof otherwise require the consent of all the Lenders to the taking of such
actions. All notices and other material information required to be delivered by
Borrower to Agent hereunder shall be delivered within a reasonable time (and in
any event not more than five (5) days) after Agent's receipt of same by Agent to
each Lender. No Lender (other than the Agent, acting in its capacity as Agent)
shall be entitled to take any enforcement action of any kind under any of the
Loan Documents, except as expressly provided in this Credit Agreement. Action
that may be taken by Requisite Lenders or all of the Lenders, as the case may be
as provided for hereunder may be taken pursuant to a vote at a meeting (which
may be held by telephone conference call) of all of the Lenders, or pursuant to
the written consent of such Lenders.
Section 14.10 AMENDMENTS, WAIVERS AND CONSENTS. Any provision of this
Credit Agreement, the Notes or the other Loan Documents may be amended or waived
upon the consent of the Requisite Lenders, and after such consent, Agent, on
behalf of the Lenders, may execute and deliver to Borrower a written instrument
waiving or amending such provision; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that neither this Credit
Agreement, the Notes, nor any of the other Loan Documents may be amended, waived
or a variation therefrom or forbearance with respect to such variation consented
to without the written consent of the Agent and all of Lenders which effect (i)
a change in the Total Credit; (ii) a change in any Lender's Participation
Percentage; (iii) a reduction in the interest rates or reduction of the
principal set forth in the Notes; (iv) the extension of the maturity date on the
Notes; (v) a change in the payment schedule or scheduled date for the payment of
or amount of any interest or principal; (vi) any change in Section 10.3(a) ;
(vii) a change in this Section, the definition of Requisite Lender or any
provision of this Credit Agreement which requires consent or action of all the
Lenders for action thereunder; (viii) a change in the obligations and
liabilities of Agent; (ix) a change which increases the obligations of any
Lender; or (x) a change in any fees or charges hereunder or in Sections 3.12 or
15.30 or Article 13 hereof.
Section 14.11 INDEMNIFICATION. Each Lender agrees to indemnify Agent
(to the extent Agent is not promptly reimbursed by Borrower), in accordance with
its Participation Percentage from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, interests, actions, judgments and suits
of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against Agent relating to or arising out of this Credit Agreement or
any of the other Loan Documents or relating to any action taken or omitted by
such Agent under this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents,
PROVIDED that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, interest, actions, judgments or suits
resulting from Agent's own gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Section 14.12 REIMBURSEMENT OF THE AGENT. Each Lender further agrees to
reimburse Agent, in accordance with its Participation Percentage, for any
reasonable out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred by Agent in connection with
its duties under this Credit Agreement (including, but not limited to,
reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, travel and living expenses away
from home of employees or agents of the Agent and compensation of agents or of
experts employed by the Agent to render services for the Lenders hereunder), but
only to the extent such fees, disbursements, expenses and compensation have not
been promptly reimbursed to the
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Agent by Borrower. If any such sums are reimbursed to the Agent by Borrower
after one or more of the Lenders have reimbursed the Agent for such sums, the
Agent will refund such sums ratably to the Lenders who contributed such sums.
Section 14.13 SHARING OF FUNDS RECEIVED. Each Lender and Agent agrees
with Agent and each of the other Lenders that if such Lender shall receive from
Borrower or any other Person or Persons, whether by payment received otherwise
than in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents, exercise of the right
of set-off, counterclaim, cross-claim, enforcement of any claim, or proceedings
against Borrower or any other Person or Persons, proof of claim in bankruptcy,
reorganization, liquidation, receivership or other similar proceedings, or
otherwise, and shall retain and apply to the payment of any of the Obligations
owing to such Lender any amount in excess of its Pro Rata Share of the payments
received by all of the Lenders and the Agent in respect of all of the
Obligations, such Lender will promptly make such dispositions and arrangements
with the other Lenders and the Agent with respect to such excess, either by way
of distribution, PRO TANTO assignment of claim, subrogation or otherwise, as
shall result in each of the Lenders receiving in respect of the Obligations
owing to it, its Pro Rata Share of such payments.
Section 14.14 DEALING WITH LENDERS. Agent may at all times deal solely
with the several Lenders for all purposes of this Credit Agreement and the
protection, enforcement and collection of the Notes, including without
limitation the acceptance and reliance upon any certificate, consent or other
document executed on behalf of one or more of the Lenders and the division of
payments pursuant to the provisions of this Credit Agreement. The Agent shall
not have a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender by reason of this
Credit Agreement. The Agent shall have no implied duties to the Lenders, or any
obligation to the Lenders to take any action hereunder except any action
specifically provided by this Credit Agreement to be taken by the Agent.
Section 14.15 AGENT AS LENDER. Fifth Third shall have, in its capacity
as a Lender under the Loan Documents, the same obligations and the same rights,
remedies, powers and privileges under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan
Documents as it would have were it not also an Agent.
Section 14.16 DUTIES NOT TO BE INCREASED. The duties and liabilities of
Agent under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be
increased or otherwise changed without its express prior written consent. The
Agent shall have no duty to provide information to the Lenders except as
expressly set forth herein.
Section 14.17 LENDER CREDIT DECISIONS. Each Lender acknowledges that it
has, independently of and without reliance upon Agent or any of the other
Lenders, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Credit
Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party. Each Lender also
acknowledges that it will, independently of and without reliance upon Agent or
any of the other Lenders, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking action under this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents
and in determining the compliance or lack thereof by Borrower and any other
Person with any provision of any Loan Document or other document or agreement.
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Section 14.18 RESIGNATION OF AGENT. Fifth Third and any successor Agent
may resign as such at any time by giving thirty (30) days' prior written notice
of resignation to each Lender and Borrower, such resignation to be effective on
the date which is specified in such notice. Upon any such resignation by Fifth
Third as Agent, or in the event the office of Agent shall thereafter become
vacant for any other reason, the Requisite Lenders shall appoint a successor
Agent, by an instrument in writing signed by such Lenders and delivered to such
successor Agent and Borrower whereupon, such successor Agent shall succeed to
all of the rights and obligations of the retiring Agent as if originally named.
The retiring Agent shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor
Agent all moneys at the time held by the retiring Agent hereunder after
deducting therefrom its expenses for which it is entitled to be reimbursed. Upon
such succession of any such successor Agent, the retiring Agent shall be
discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder, except for its gross
negligence or willful misconduct arising prior to its retirement or removal
hereunder. After any Agent's resignation, the provisions of this Section 14
shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or
omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Agent.
Section 14.19 ASSIGNMENT OF NOTES; PARTICIPATION.
(a) Each Lender may, with concurrent notice to Agent and, so
long as no Event of Default has occurred nor is continuing, with the
consent of Borrower, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or
delayed, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under
this Credit Agreement and the Notes; PROVIDED that (i) for each such
assignment, the parties thereto shall execute and deliver an assignment
and assumption agreement, in form and substance acceptable to Agent,
together with any Notes subject to such assignment, (ii) no such
assignment shall reduce the assigning Lender's Credit Commitment to
less that Fifty-One Percent (51%) of such Lender's original Credit
Commitment without the consent of Agent, and (iii) no such assignment
shall be for less than Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00)
of the aggregate of the Lender's Credit Commitment, unless such
assignment is to a then-current holder of a Note. Upon such execution
and delivery of such assignment and assumption agreement to Agent
substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I, from and after
the date specified as the effective date in such Agreement (the
"Acceptance Date"), (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party
hereto, and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have
been assigned to it pursuant to such agreement, such assignee shall
have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the
assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations
hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such agreement,
relinquish its rights (other than any rights it may have pursuant to
Section 15.30 which will survive) and be released from its obligations
under this Credit Agreement (and, in the case of an assignment covering
all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender's rights and
obligations under this Credit Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be
a party hereto).
(b) Each Lender may sell participations of up to forty-nine
percent (49%) of its rights and obligations under the Loan
Documents(including, without limitation, up to such portion of its
Credit Commitment, the Loans owing to it, and the Note held by it);
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PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) such Lenders' obligations under the Loan
Documents (including, without limitation, its Credit Commitment to
Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall
remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the
performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the
holder of any such Note for all purposes of the Loan Documents, (iv)
the participating banks or other entities shall be entitled to the cost
protection provisions of Sections 3.13 and 15.30 hereof, but a
participant shall not be entitled to receive pursuant to such
provisions an amount larger than its share of the amount to which the
Lender granting such participation would have been entitled, (v)
Borrower, the Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely
and directly with such selling Lender in connection with such Lender's
rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, and (vi) no such
transfer shall include the transfer of any of such Lender's rights to
grant consents or approve amendments or modifications to the Loan
Documents except with respect to those items requiring the action of or
consent by all of the Lenders or affecting the rights and obligations
of Agent. It is understood and agreed that each Lender may share any
and all information received by it from or on behalf of Borrower
pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents
with any participant or prospective participant of such Lender.
ARTICLE 15.
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OTHER TERMS
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Section 15.1 AMENDMENT CHANGES AND MODIFICATION. The Loan Documents may
be amended, changed or modified only as may be agreed upon in writing by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
and the Lenders from time to time.
Section 15.2 BINDING EFFECT. The Loan Documents will be binding upon
the parties, their successors and assigns, provided, however, that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ shall
not assign or attempt to assign this Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document
or any of its interests under the Loan Documents, without the prior written
consent of the Lenders.
Section 15.3 BROKER FEE. Neither party is obligated to pay any premium
or other charge, brokerage fee or commission in connection with the agreements
set forth herein. Each party will indemnify the other and hold it harmless from
any such claim arising out of such party's acts or those of its representatives.
Section 15.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. The Loan Documents embody the entire
agreement of the parties relating to the Credit Facility. There are no promises,
terms, conditions, obligations or warranties other than those contained in the
Loan Documents. The Loan Documents supersede all prior communications,
representations or agreements, verbal or written, between the parties relating
to the Credit Facility.
Section 15.5 HEADINGS. The headings to the sections of this Credit
Agreement are included only for the convenience of the parties and will not have
the effect of defining,
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diminishing or enlarging the rights of the parties or affecting the construction
or interpretation of any portion of this Credit Agreement.
Section 15.6 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. All other Loan Documents are
incorporated herein by this reference and are made a part of this Credit
Agreement as if fully set forth herein. This Credit Agreement, prior to such
incorporation, controls in the event of any conflict with the terms of any other
Loan Documents.
Section 15.7 INTERPRETATION. For the purpose of construing this Credit
Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words in the singular will be
deemed to include words in the plural, and vice versa.
Section 15.8 GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION AND VENUE. The undersigned
agree that inasmuch as this Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Loan Documents
are to be executed by Borrower and accepted by Agent and Lenders in Cincinnati,
Ohio and the funds to be disbursed under the Loans are to be disbursed in Ohio,
this instrument and the rights and obligations of all parties hereunder shall be
governed by and construed under the substantive laws of the State of Ohio,
without reference to the conflict of laws principles of such state.
The Agent, each Lender and Borrower hereby designate all courts of
record sitting in Cincinnati, Ohio, both state and federal, as forums where any
action, suit or proceeding in respect of or arising out of this Credit
Agreement, the Notes, Loan Documents, or the transactions contemplated by this
Credit Agreement may be prosecuted as to all parties, their successors and
assigns, and by the foregoing designations the Agent, each Lender, and Borrower
consents to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts. BORROWER WAIVES ANY AND
ALL PERSONAL RIGHTS UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER STATE TO OBJECT TO JURISDICTION
WITHIN THE STATE OF OHIO FOR THE PURPOSES OF LITIGATION TO ENFORCE SUCH
OBLIGATIONS OF BORROWER. In the event such litigation is commenced, Borrower
agrees that service of process may be made and personal jurisdiction over
Borrower obtained by service of a copy of the summons, complaint and other
pleadings required to commence such litigation upon Borrower's appointed Agent
for Service of Process in the State of Ohio, which the undersigned hereof
designates to be: CT Corporation Systems, Cincinnati, Ohio. Borrower recognizes
and agrees that the agency has been created for the benefit of Borrower, and
Agent and each Lender and agree that this agency shall not be revoked,
withdrawn, or modified without the consent of the Agent.
Section 15.9 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED
INDUCEMENT FOR THE LENDERS TO EXTEND CREDIT TO BORROWER, AND AFTER HAVING THE
OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT COUNSEL, BORROWER HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT OR
ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THE OBLIGATIONS.
Section 15.10 NOTICES. Any notice under the Loan Documents, will be in
writing. Any notice to be given or document to be delivered under the Loan
Documents will be deemed to
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have been duly given upon delivery, if delivered in person or by any expedited
delivery service which provides proof of delivery, upon tested telex or
facsimile transmission, or on the fifth Business Day after mailing, if mailed by
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid mail, addressed to the
Lenders or ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ at the appropriate addresses. The Lenders will use reasonable
efforts to deliver any notice the Lenders or Agent are required to give to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇; provided, however, that failure by the Lenders to actually give any
such notice will not be deemed to be a waiver of any rights or remedies of the
Lenders and will not give rise to any claims, defenses or damages by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
The addresses for notices are those set forth below or such other addresses as
may be hereafter specified by written notice by the parties:
to the Lenders The Fifth Third Bank
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇, Vice President
Facsimile: 513/744-7711
and
NBD Bank, N.A.
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, First Vice President
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy to: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Muething & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, P.L.L.
1800 Provident Tower
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Piano & Organ Company
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: Treasurer
Facsimile (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy to: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Head & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Facsimile: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Section 15.11 NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY RIGHTS AND RELIANCE. No Person
not a party to this Credit Agreement will have any benefit under this Credit
Agreement nor have third-party
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beneficiary rights as a result of any of the Loan Documents, nor will any party
be entitled to rely on any actions or inactions of the Lenders or their agents,
all of which are done for the sole benefit and protection of the Lenders.
Section 15.12 PROTECTION OR PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL. The Lenders
will not have any contractual duty to protect, insure, collect or realize upon
the Collateral or preserve rights in it against prior parties. The Lenders will
not be responsible or liable for any shortage, discrepancy, damage, loss or
destruction of any part of the Collateral regardless of the cause (excluding
actions of the Lenders).
Section 15.13 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES. Neither the Lenders on the
one hand nor ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ on the other hand will be deemed a partner, joint venturer
or related entity of the other by reason of the Loan Documents.
Section 15.14 REVERSAL OF PAYMENTS. To the extent that ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ makes a
payment or payments to the Lenders, which payment or payments or proceeds or any
part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or
preferential, set aside or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any
other party under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law, or
equitable cause, then to the extent of such payment or proceeds received, the
Credit Facility will be revived and continue in full force and effect, as if
such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Lenders.
Section 15.15 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Credit Agreement
(either generally, or as to a specific application to a set of facts) will be
held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability will not affect any other provision of this Credit Agreement
(either in its entirety, or as to or the application of such provision to any
other set of facts), but this Credit Agreement will be construed as if such
invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision never had been included in this
Credit Agreement.
Section 15.16 MAXIMUM INTEREST. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that the Lenders
intend to strictly conform to the applicable usury laws governing this Credit
Agreement. Regardless of any provision contained herein or in any other document
executed or delivered in connection herewith or therewith, the Lenders shall
never be deemed to have contracted for, charged or be entitled to receive,
collect or apply as interest on this Credit Agreement (whether termed interest
herein or deemed to be interest by judicial determination or operation of law),
any amount in excess of the maximum amount allowed by applicable law, and, if
the Lenders ever receive, collect or apply as interest any such excess, such
amount which would be excessive interest will be applied first to the reduction
of the unpaid principal balances of advances under this Credit Agreement, and,
second, any remaining excess will be paid to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. In determining whether or
not the interest paid or payable under any specific contingency exceeds the
highest lawful rate, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Lenders shall, to the maximum extent
permitted under applicable law: (a) characterize any non-principal payment
(other than payments which are expressly designated as interest payments
hereunder) as an expense or fee rather than as interest; (b) exclude voluntary
pre-payments and the effect thereof; and (c) spread the total amount of interest
throughout the entire term of this Credit Agreement so that the interest rate is
uniform throughout such term.
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Section 15.17 WAIVERS BY THE LENDERS. The Lenders may at any time or
from time to time waive all or any rights under any of the Loan Documents, but
any waiver or indulgence at any time or from time to time will not constitute,
unless specifically so expressed by the Lenders in writing, a future waiver by
the Lenders of performance by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
Section 15.18 SURVIVAL. The grant of security interest herein to secure
all Obligations, and all provisions relating to the Collateral will survive
termination of this Credit Agreement and will remain in full force and effect
until all Obligations have been paid in full and this Credit Agreement has been
terminated.
Section 15.19 PARTICIPATIONS; ASSIGNMENTS. The Lenders may with sixty
(60) days prior notice to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ participations in or assign, at any
time and from time to time hereafter, its interest in this Credit Agreement or
any Loan Document, or of any portion thereof.
Section 15.20 COUNTERPARTS. This Credit Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and
the same instrument, and either of the parties hereto may execute this Credit
Agreement by signing any such counterpart.
Section 15.21 INFORMATION. The Lenders may provide to any third party
any credit, financial or other information on ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ that the Lenders may from
time to time possess.
Section 15.22 RELEASE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ releases the Lenders from all claims and
causes of action which ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may now or hereafter have for any loss or damage
to it claimed to be caused by or arising from: (a) any failure of the Lenders to
protect, enforce or collect, in whole or in part, any Account; (b) the Lenders'
notification to any Account Debtors thereon of the Lenders' security interest in
any of the Accounts; (c) the Lenders' directing any Account Debtor to pay any
sum owing to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ directly to the Lenders; and (d) any other act or omission
to act on the part of the Lenders, its officers, agents or employees, except for
willful misconduct or gross negligence. The Lenders will have no obligation to
preserve rights to Accounts against prior parties.
Section 15.23 MISCELLANEOUS. Time is of the essence regarding ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
performance of its obligations to the Lenders notwithstanding any course of
dealing or custom on the Lenders' part to grant extensions of time. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
liability under this Credit Agreement is direct and unconditional and will not
be affected by the release or non-perfection of any security interest granted
hereunder. The Lenders will have the right to refrain from or postpone
enforcement of this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Documents without
prejudice and the failure to strictly enforce the Loan Documents will not be
construed as having created a course of dealing between the Lenders and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
contrary to the specific terms of the Loan Documents or as having modified,
released or waived the same. The express terms of this Credit Agreement and the
other Loan Documents will not be modified by any course of dealing, usage of
trade, or custom of trade which may deviate from the terms hereof If ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
falls to pay any taxes, fees or other obligations which may impair the Lenders'
interest in the Collateral, or fails to keep the Collateral insured, the Lenders
may, but shall not be required to, pay such taxes, fees or obligations and pay
the cost to insure the Collateral, and the amounts paid will be: (a) an
additional debt owed by
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to the Lenders, which shall be subject to finance charges as provided
herein; and (b) due and payable immediately in full. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to pay all
of the Lenders' reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Lenders
in enforcing the Lenders' rights hereunder.
Section 15.24 WAIVERS BY ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ irrevocably waives notice of:
the Lenders' acceptance of this Credit Agreement, presentment, demand, protest,
nonpayment, nonperformance, and dishonor. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Lenders irrevocably
waive all rights to claim any punitive and/or exemplary damages in excess of Two
Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($250,000.00). ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ waives all
rights of offset and counter claims ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ may have against the Lenders.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ waives all notices of default and non-payment at maturity of any or all
of the Accounts.
Section 15.25 NO ORAL AGREEMENTS. ORAL AGREEMENTS OR COMMITMENTS TO
LEND MONEY, EXTEND CREDIT OR TO FORBEAR FROM ENFORCING REPAYMENT OF A DEBT
INCLUDING PROMISES TO EXTEND OR RENEW SUCH DEBT ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE. TO PROTECT
YOU, (▇▇▇▇▇▇▇) AND US (THE LENDERS) FROM MISUNDERSTANDING OR DISAPPOINTMENT, ANY
AGREEMENTS WE REACH COVERING SUCH MATTERS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS WRITING, WHICH
IS THE COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN US, EXCEPT AS
WE MAY LATER AGREE IN WRITING TO MODIFY IT. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
Section 15.26 SUPPLEMENT. If ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Lenders have heretofore
executed other agreements in connection with all or any part of the Collateral,
this Credit Agreement shall supplement each and every other agreement previously
executed by and between ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Lenders, and in that event, this Credit
Agreement shall neither be deemed a novation nor a termination of such
previously executed agreement nor shall execution of this Credit Agreement be
deemed a satisfaction of any obligation secured by such previously executed
agreement.
Section 15.27 USE OF COUNSEL AND RECEIPT OF CREDIT AGREEMENT. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
acknowledges that it has received a true and complete copy of this Credit
Agreement. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ acknowledges that it has (a) had representation of counsel
during negotiation of this Credit Agreement, and (b) read and understood this
Credit Agreement.
Section 15.28 FACSIMILES, ETC. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary: (a) ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and the Lenders may rely on any facsimile copy, electronic
data transmission or electronic data storage of any statement, financial
statements or other reports, and (b) such facsimile copy, electronic data
transmission or electronic data storage will be deemed an original, and the best
evidence thereof for all purposes, including, without limitation, under this
Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, and for all evidentiary purposes
before any arbitrator, court or other adjudicatory authority.
Section 15.29 POWER OF ATTORNEY. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ irrevocably appoints Agent
(and any person designated by it) as ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ true and lawful Attorney with
full power to at any time, in the discretion of Agent (whether or not Default
has occurred) to: (a) endorse the name of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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upon any of the items of payment of proceeds of the Collateral and deposit the
same in the account of Agent for application to the Obligations; (b) sign the
name of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ on any document or instrument that Agent shall deem necessary or
appropriate to perfect and maintain perfected the security interests in the
Collateral under this Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents; (c) initiate
and settle any insurance claim and endorse ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ name on any check,
instrument or other item of payment; (d) endorse the name of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ upon
financing statements, instruments, Certificates of Title and Statements of
Origin pertaining to the Collateral; and (e) do anything to preserve and protect
the Collateral and Agent's rights and interest therein. In the event of a
Default, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ irrevocably appoints Agent (and any person designated by it) as
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ true and lawful Attorney with full power to at any time, in the
discretion of Agent to: (i) demand payment, enforce payment and otherwise
exercise all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ rights, and remedies with respect to the collection of
any Accounts; (ii) settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew any Accounts;
(iii) settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect any
Accounts; (iv) sell or assign any Accounts upon such terms, for such amounts and
at such time or times as Agent may deem advisable; (v) discharge and release any
Accounts; (vi) prepare, file and sign ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ name on any Proof of Claim in
Bankruptcy or similar document against any Account Debtor; (vii) endorse the
name of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ upon any chattel paper, document, instrument, invoice, freight
▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ of lading or similar document or agreement relating to any Account or
goods pertaining thereto; (viii) take control in any manner of any item of
payments or proceeds and for such purpose to notify the Postal Authorities to
change the address for delivery of mail addressed to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to such address as
Agent may designate; and (ix) sign the name of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ to verify the accuracy of
the Accounts. This power of attorney is for value and coupled with an interest
and is irrevocable so long as any Obligations remain outstanding and by Agent
exercising such right, Agent shall not waive any right against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ until the
Obligations are paid in full.
Section 15.30 EXPENSES. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees, whether or not any Loan is made
hereunder, to pay Agent or the Lenders upon demand for all reasonable expenses,
including reasonable fees of attorneys for Agent or the Lenders (who may be
employees of the Lenders), incurred by (a) Agent or the Lenders in connection
with the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Credit Agreement and
any other Loan Document, (b) Agent or the Lenders in connection with the
preparation of any and all amendments to this Credit Agreement and any other
Loan Document, and all search, recording, filing, and registration expenses, and
(c) Agent or the Lenders in connection with the enforcement of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇
obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ also agrees to
(i) indemnify and hold Agent or the Lenders harmless from any loss or expense
which may arise or be created by the acceptance of telephonic or other
instructions for making Loans, except for any loss & expense arising from
Agent's or a Lender's gross negligence or willful misconduct (provided, however,
that reliance alone upon telephonic or other instructions shall not itself be
deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct), and (ii) to pay
and save Agent and each Lender harmless from all liability for, any stamp or
other taxes which may be payable with respect to the execution or delivery of
this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ obligations
under this Section 15.30 shall survive any termination of this Credit Agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by or on behalf of each of the parties as of the day and in the year first above
written in Cincinnati, Ohio.
WITNESS BORROWER
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ PIANO & ORGAN
COMPANY
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Title: Chief Financial Officer and
----------------------------- -----------------------------
Executive Vice President
-----------------------------
AGENT
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK, As Agent
/s/ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
------------------------------
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Title: Vice President
----------------------------- ----------------------------
LENDERS
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
/s/ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇
------------------------------
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Title: Vice President
----------------------------- ----------------------------
NBD BANK, N.A.
/s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Title: Assistant Vice President
----------------------------- -----------------------------
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A Form of Consignment Agreement
Exhibit B Form of Consignment Notification Letter
Exhibit C Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit D Form of Revolving Promissory Note
Exhibit E Form of Subsidiary Guaranty
Exhibit F Form of Subsidiary Security Agreement
Exhibit G Form of Borrower's Counsel Opinion Letter
Exhibit H Form of Quarterly Covenant Certificate
Exhibit I Form of Monthly Compliance Certificate
SCHEDULES
Schedule 4.7 Letter of Credit Fee
Schedule 8.1(h) UCC Jurisdictions
Schedule 9.3 Litigation
Schedule 9.7 Subsidiaries
Schedule 9.16 Capital Structure
Schedule 9.17 Collateral Locations
Schedule 9.19 Environmental Matters
Schedule 9.21 ERISA Matters
Schedule 9.23(a) Capitalized Leases
Schedule 9.23(b) Operating Leases
Schedule 9.24 Labor Relations
