Exhibit 10.4
[▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ LOGO] SECURITY AGREEMENT
================================================================================
SECURITY AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated as of June 6, 2002, between ALES
SIGNATURE LTD., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State
of New York having its principal office at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
("Grantor"), and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ BUSINESS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware having its
principal office at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ("MLBFS").
In order to induce MLBFS to extend or continue to extend credit to SEL-LEB
MARKETING, INC. ("Customer") under the Loan Agreement (as defined below) or
otherwise, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Grantor hereby agrees with MLBFS as
follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
(a) SPECIFIC TERMS. In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement,
when used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(i) "Account Debtor" shall mean any party who is or may become obligated with
respect to an Account or Chattel Paper.
(ii) "Bankruptcy Event" shall mean any of the following: (A) a proceeding under
any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt or
receivership law or statute shall be filed or consented to by Grantor or
Customer; or (B) any such proceeding shall be filed against Grantor or Customer
and shall not be dismissed or withdrawn within sixty (60) days after filing; or
(C) Grantor or Customer shall make a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors; or (D) Grantor or Customer shall generally fail to pay or admit in
writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; or (E) Grantor or
Customer shall be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent.
(iii) "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, federal
holiday or other day on which the New York Stock Exchange is regularly closed.
(iv) "Collateral" shall mean all Accounts, Chattel Paper, Contract Rights,
Inventory, Equipment, Fixtures, General Intangibles, Deposit Accounts,
Documents, Instruments, Financial Assets and Investment Property of Grantor,
howsoever arising, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or
arising, and wherever located; together with all parts thereof (including spare
parts), all accessories and accessions thereto, all books and records (including
computer records) directly related thereto, all proceeds thereof (including,
without limitation, proceeds in the form of Accounts and insurance proceeds),
and the additional collateral described in Section 7 (b) hereof.
(v) "Default" shall mean an "Event of Default", as defined in Section 6 hereof,
or any event which with the giving of notice, passage of time, or both, would
constitute such an Event of Default.
(vi) "Loan Agreement" shall mean that certain TERM LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF JUNE 6, 2002 between MLBFS and Customer, together with all
agreements, instruments and documents executed pursuant thereto, as any or all
of the same may from time to time be or have been amended, restated, extended or
supplemented.
(vii) "Location of Tangible Collateral" shall mean the address of Grantor set
forth at the beginning of this Agreement, together with any other address or
addresses set forth on any exhibit hereto as being a Location of Tangible
Collateral.
(viii) "Obligations" shall mean all liabilities, indebtedness and other
obligations of Customer or Grantor to MLBFS, howsoever created, arising or
evidenced, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary or
joint or several, and, without limiting the foregoing, shall include interest
accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, and all present and
future liabilities, indebtedness and obligations of Customer under the Loan
Agreement and the agreements, instruments and documents executed pursuant
thereto, and of Grantor under this Agreement.
(ix) "Permitted Liens" shall mean with respect to the Collateral: (A) liens for
current taxes not delinquent, other non-consensual liens arising in the ordinary
course of business for sums not due, and, if MLBFS' rights to and interest in
the Collateral are not materially and adversely affected thereby, any such liens
for taxes or other nonconsensual liens arising in the ordinary course of
business being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (B) liens in
favor of MLBFS; and (C) any other liens expressly permitted in writing by MLBFS.
(b) OTHER TERMS. Except as otherwise defined herein, all terms used in this
Agreement which are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code of Illinois ("UCC")
shall have the meanings set forth in the UCC.
2. COLLATERAL
(a) PLEDGE OF COLLATERAL. To secure payment and performance of the Obligations,
Grantor hereby pledges, assigns, transfers and sets over to MLBFS, and grants to
MLBFS a first lien and security interest in and upon all of the Collateral,
subject only to Permitted Liens.
(b) LIENS. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, Grantor shall not
create or permit to exist any lien, encumbrance or security interest upon or
with respect to any Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired other than
Permitted Liens.
(c) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS. Grantor shall perform all of its obligations
owing on account of or with respect to the Collateral; it being understood that
nothing herein, and no action or inaction by MLBFS, under this Agreement or
otherwise, shall be deemed an assumption by MLBFS of any of Grantor's said
obligations.
(d) NOTICE OF CERTAIN EVENTS. Grantor shall give MLBFS immediate notice of any
attachment, lien, judicial process, encumbrance or claim affecting or involving
$25,000.00 or more of the Collateral.
(e) INDEMNIFICATION. Grantor shall indemnify, defend and save MLBFS harmless
from and against any and all claims, losses, costs, expenses (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), demands, liabilities,
penalties, fines and forfeitures of any nature whatsoever which may be asserted
against or incurred by MLBFS arising out of or in any manner occasioned by (i)
the ownership, use, operation, condition or maintenance of any Collateral, or
(ii) any failure by Grantor to perform any of its obligations hereunder;
excluding, however, from said indemnity any such claims, losses, etc. arising
out of the willful wrongful act or active gross negligence of MLBFS. This
indemnity shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement as to
all matters arising or accruing prior to such expiration or termination.
(f) INSURANCE. Grantor shall insure all of the tangible Collateral with an
insurer or insurers reasonably acceptable to MLBFS, under a policy or policies
of physical damage insurance reasonably acceptable to MLBFS providing that (i)
losses will be payable to MLBFS as its interests may appear pursuant to a
Lender's Loss Payable endorsement, and (ii) MLBFS will receive not less than 10
days prior written notice of any cancellation; and containing such other
provisions as may be reasonably required by MLBFS. Grantor shall maintain such
other insurance as may be required by law or otherwise reasonably required by
MLBFS. Grantor shall furnish MLBFS with a copy or certificate of each such
policy or policies and, prior to any expiration or cancellation, each renewal or
replacement thereof.
(g) EVENT OF LOSS. Grantor shall at its expense promptly repair all repairable
damage to any tangible Collateral. In the event that any tangible Collateral is
damaged beyond repair, lost, totally destroyed or confiscated (an "Event of
Loss") and such Collateral had a value prior to such Event of Loss of $25,000.00
or more, then, on or before the first to occur of (i) 90 days after the
occurrence of such Event of Loss, or (ii) 10 Business Days after the date on
which either Grantor or MLBFS shall receive any proceeds of insurance on account
of such Event of Loss, or any underwriter of insurance on such tangible
Collateral shall advise either Grantor or MLBFS that it disclaims liability in
respect of such Event of Loss, Grantor shall, at Grantor's option, either
replace the Collateral subject to such Event of Loss with comparable Collateral
free of all liens other than Permitted Liens (in which event Grantor shall be
entitled to utilize the proceeds of insurance on account of such Event of Loss
for such purpose, and may retain any excess proceeds of such insurance), or pay
to MLBFS on account of the Obligations an amount equal to the actual cash value
of such Collateral as determined by either the applicable insurance company's
payment (plus any applicable deductible) or, in absence of insurance company
payment, as reasonably determined by MLBFS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at
the time of occurrence of such Event of Loss or any time thereafter prior to
replacement or payment, as aforesaid, an Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing hereunder, then MLBFS may at its sole option, exercisable at
any time while such Event of Default shall be continuing, require Grantor to
either replace such Collateral or make a payment on account of the Obligations,
as aforesaid.
(h) SALES AND COLLECTIONS. So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, Grantor may in the ordinary course of its business: (i) sell
any Inventory normally held by Grantor for sale, (ii) use or consume any
materials and supplies normally held by Grantor for use or consumption, and
(iii) collect all of its Accounts. Grantor shall take such action with respect
to protection of its Inventory and the other Collateral and the collection of
its Accounts as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request.
(i) ACCOUNT SCHEDULES. Upon the request of MLBFS, made now or at any time or
times hereafter, Grantor shall deliver to MLBFS, in addition to the other
information required hereunder, a schedule identifying, for each Account and all
Chattel Paper subject to MLBFS' security interests hereunder, each Account
Debtor by name and address and amount, invoice number and date of each invoice.
Grantor shall furnish to MLBFS such additional information with respect to the
Collateral, and amounts received by Grantor as proceeds of any of the
Collateral, as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request.
(j) LOCATION. Except for movements in the ordinary course of its business,
Grantor shall give MLBFS 30 days' prior written notice of the placing at or
movement of any tangible Collateral to any location other than a Location of
Tangible Collateral. In no event shall Grantor cause or permit any tangible
Collateral to be removed from the United States without the express prior
written consent of MLBFS.
(k) ALTERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS,
Grantor shall not make or permit any material alterations to any tangible
Collateral which might materially reduce or impair its market value or utility.
Grantor shall at all times keep the tangible Collateral in good condition and
repair and shall pay or cause to be paid all obligations arising from the repair
and maintenance of such Collateral, as well as all obligations with respect to
each Location of Tangible Collateral, except for any such obligations being
contested by Grantor in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Grantor represents and warrants to MLBFS that:
(a) ORGANIZATION. Grantor is a corporation duly organized and validly existing
in good standing under the laws of the State of New York, and is qualified to do
business and in good standing in each other state where the nature of its
business or the property owned by it make such qualification necessary.
(b) EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND PERFORMANCE. The execution, delivery and performance
by Grantor of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all requisite action,
do not and will not violate or conflict with any law or other governmental
requirement, or any of the agreements, instruments or documents which formed or
governed Grantor, and do not and will not breach or violate any of the
provisions of, and will not result in a default by Grantor under, any other
agreement, instrument or document to which it is a party or by which it or its
properties are bound.
-2-
(c) NOTICE OR CONSENT. Except as may have been given or obtained, no notice to
or consent or approval of any governmental body or authority or other third
party whatsoever (including, without limitation, any other creditor) is required
in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by Grantor of this
Agreement.
(d) VALID AND BINDING. This Agreement is the legal, valid and binding obligation
of Grantor, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy and other similar laws affecting the
rights of creditors generally or by general principles of equity.
(e) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Except as expressly set forth in Grantor's financial
statements, all financial statements of Grantor furnished to MLBFS have been
prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied, are true and correct, and fairly present the financial
condition of it as at such dates and the results of its operations for the
periods then ended; and since the most recent date covered by such financial
statements, there has been no material adverse change in any such financial
condition or operation.
(f) LITIGATION, ETC. No litigation, arbitration, administrative or governmental
proceedings are pending or threatened against Grantor, which would, if adversely
determined, materially and adversely affect the financial condition or continued
operations of Grantor, or the liens and security interests of MLBFS hereunder.
(g) TAXES. All federal, state and local tax returns, reports and statements
required to be filed by Grantor have been filed with the appropriate
governmental agencies and all taxes due and payable by Grantor have been timely
paid (except to the extent that any such failure to file or pay will not
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder or the financial condition or continued operations of Grantor).
(h) COLLATERAL. Grantor has good and marketable title to the Collateral, and,
except for any Permitted Liens: (i) none of the Collateral is subject to any
lien, encumbrance or security interest, and (ii) upon the filing of all Uniform
Commercial Code financing statements executed by Grantor with respect to the
Collateral or a copy of this Agreement in the appropriate jurisdiction(s) and/or
the completion of any other action required by applicable law to perfect its
lien and security interests, MLBFS will have valid and perfected first liens and
security interests upon all of the Collateral.
Each of the foregoing representations and warranties has been and will be relied
upon as an inducement to MLBFS to advance funds or extend or continue to extend
credit to Customer, and is continuing and shall be deemed remade by Grantor
concurrently with each such advance or extension of credit by MLBFS to Customer.
4. FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Grantor covenants and agrees that Grantor will furnish or cause to be furnished
to MLBFS during the term of this Agreement such financial and other information
as may be required by the Loan Agreement or any other document evidencing the
Obligations or as MLBFS may from time to time reasonably request relating to
Grantor or the Collateral.
5. OTHER COVENANTS
Grantor further agrees during the term of this Agreement that:
(a) FINANCIAL RECORDS; INSPECTION. Grantor will: (i) maintain complete and
accurate books and records at its principal place of business, and maintain all
of its financial records in a manner consistent with the financial statements
heretofore furnished to MLBFS, or prepared on such other basis as may be
approved in writing by MLBFS; and (ii) permit MLBFS or its duly authorized
representatives, upon reasonable notice and at reasonable times, to inspect its
properties (both real and personal), operations, books and records.
(b) TAXES. Grantor will pay when due all taxes, assessments and other
governmental charges, howsoever designated, and all other liabilities and
obligations, except to the extent that any such failure to pay will not
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder, or the financial condition or continued operations of Grantor.
(c) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND AGREEMENTS. Grantor will not violate any law,
regulation or other governmental requirement, any judgment or order of any court
or governmental agency or authority, or any agreement, instrument or document to
which it is a party or by which it is bound, if any such violation will
materially and adversely affect either the liens and security interests of MLBFS
hereunder, or the financial condition or continued operations of Grantor.
(d) NOTIFICATION BY GRANTOR. Grantor shall provide MLBFS with prompt written
notification of: (i) any Default; (ii) any materially adverse change in the
business, financial condition or operations of Customer or Grantor; and (iii)
any information which indicates that any financial statements of Customer or
Grantor fail in any material respect to present fairly the financial condition
and results of operations purported to be presented in such statements. Each
notification by Grantor pursuant hereto shall specify the event or information
causing such notification, and, to the extent applicable, shall specify the
steps being taken to rectify or remedy such event or information.
(e) NOTICE OF CHANGE. Grantor shall give MLBFS not less than 30 days prior
written notice of any change in the name (including any fictitious name) or
principal place of business of Grantor.
(f) CONTINUITY. Except upon the prior written consent of MLBFS, which consent
will not be unreasonably withheld: (i) Grantor shall not be a party to any
merger or consolidation with, or purchase or otherwise acquire all or
substantially all of the assets of, or any material stock, partnership, joint
venture or other equity interest in, any person or entity, or sell, transfer or
lease all or any substantial part of its assets, if any such action would result
in either: (A) a material change in the principal business, ownership or control
of Grantor, or (B) a material adverse change in the financial condition or
operations of Grantor; (ii) Grantor shall preserve its existence and good
standing in the jurisdiction(s) of establishment and operation; (iii) Grantor
shall not engage in any material
-3-
business substantially different from its business in effect as of the date of
application by Customer for credit from MLBFS, or cease operating any such
material business; (iv) Grantor shall not cause or permit any other person or
entity to assume or succeed to any material business or operations of Grantor;
and (iv) Grantor shall not cause or permit any material change in its
controlling ownership.
6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an "Event of
Default" under this Agreement:
(a) EVENT OF DEFAULT UNDER ANY LOAN AGREEMENT. An Event of Default shall occur
under the terms of the Loan Agreement.
(b) FAILURE TO PERFORM. Grantor shall default in the performance or observance
of any covenant or agreement on its part to be performed or observed under this
Agreement (not constituting an Event of Default under any other clause of this
Section), and such default shall continue unremedied for 10 Business Days after
written notice thereof shall have been given by MLBFS to Grantor.
(c) BREACH OF WARRANTY. Any representation or warranty made by Grantor contained
in this Agreement shall at any time prove to have been incorrect in any material
respect when made.
(d) DEFAULT UNDER OTHER AGREEMENT. A default or Event of Default by Grantor
shall occur under the terms of any other agreement, instrument or document with
or intended for the benefit of MLBFS, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Lynch, Pierce, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇
Incorporated ("MLPF&S") or any of their affiliates, and any required notice
shall have been given and required passage of time shall have elapsed.
(e) SEIZURE OR ABUSE OF COLLATERAL. The Collateral, or any material part
thereof, shall be or become subject to any levy, attachment, seizure or
confiscation which is not released within 10 Business Days.
(f) BANKRUPTCY EVENT. Any Bankruptcy Event shall occur.
(g) MATERIAL IMPAIRMENT. Any event shall occur which shall reasonably cause
MLBFS to in good faith believe that the prospect of payment or performance by
Grantor has been materially impaired. The existence of such a material
impairment shall be determined in a manner consistent with the intent of Section
1-208 of the UCC.
(h) ACCELERATION OF DEBT TO OTHER CREDITORS. Any event shall occur which results
in the acceleration of the maturity of any indebtedness of $100,000.00 or more
of Grantor to another creditor under any indenture, agreement, undertaking, or
otherwise.
7. REMEDIES
(a) REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, MLBFS may at its sole option do any one or more or all of the
following, at such time and in such order as MLBFS may in its sole discretion
choose:
(i) ACCELERATION. MLBFS may declare all Obligations to be forthwith due and
payable, whereupon all such amounts shall be immediately due and payable,
without presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of protest, notice
of dishonor, notice of acceleration, notice of intent to accelerate or other
notice or formality of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived;
provided, however, that upon the occurrence of any Bankruptcy Event all
Obligations shall automatically become due and payable without any action on the
part of MLBFS.
(ii) EXERCISE RIGHTS OF SECURED PARTY. MLBFS may exercise any or all of the
remedies of a secured party under applicable law, including, but not limited to,
the UCC, and any or all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement.
(iii) POSSESSION. MLBFS may require Grantor to make the Collateral and the
records pertaining to the Collateral available to MLBFS at a place designated by
MLBFS which is reasonably convenient to Grantor, or may take possession of the
Collateral and the records pertaining to the Collateral without the use of any
judicial process and without any prior notice to Grantor.
(iv) SALE. MLBFS may sell any or all of the Collateral at public or private sale
upon such terms and conditions as MLBFS may reasonably deem proper, and MLBFS
may purchase any Collateral at any such public sale; and the net proceeds of any
such public or private sale and all other amounts actually collected or received
by MLBFS pursuant hereto, after deducting all costs and expenses incurred at any
time in the collection of the Obligations and in the protection, collection and
sale of the Collateral, will be applied to the payment of the Obligations, with
any remaining proceeds paid to Grantor or whoever else may be entitled thereto,
and with Customer and each guarantor of Customer's obligations remaining jointly
and severally liable for any amount remaining unpaid after such application.
(v) DELIVERY OF CASH, CHECKS, ETC. MLBFS may require Grantor to forthwith upon
receipt, transmit and deliver to MLBFS in the form received, all cash, checks,
drafts and other instruments for the payment of money (properly endorsed, where
required, so that such items may be collected by MLBFS) which may be received by
Grantor at any time in full or partial payment of any Collateral, and require
that Grantor not commingle any such items which may be so received by Grantor
with any other of its funds or property but instead hold them separate and apart
and in trust for MLBFS until delivery is made to MLBFS.
(vi) NOTIFICATION OF ACCOUNT DEBTORS. MLBFS may notify any Account Debtor that
its Account or Chattel Paper has been assigned to MLBFS and direct such Account
Debtor to make payment directly to MLBFS of all amounts due or becoming due with
respect to such Account or Chattel Paper; and MLBFS may enforce payment and
collect, by legal proceedings or otherwise, such Account or Chattel Paper.
-4-
(vii) CONTROL OF COLLATERAL. MLBFS may otherwise take control in any lawful
manner of any cash or non-cash items of payment or proceeds of Collateral and of
any rejected, returned, stopped in transit or repossessed goods included in the
Collateral and endorse Grantor name on any item of payment on or proceeds of the
Collateral, and, in connection therewith, MLBFS may notify the postal
authorities to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to Grantor to
such address as MLBFS may designate.
(b) SET-OFF. MLBFS shall have the further right upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default to set-off, appropriate and apply toward
payment of any of the Obligations, in such order of application as MLBFS may
from time to time and at any time elect, any cash, credits, deposits, accounts,
financial assets, investment property, securities and any other property of
Grantor which is in transit to or in the possession, custody or control of
MLBFS, MLPF&S or any agent, bailee, or affiliate of MLBFS or MLPF&S. Grantor
hereby collaterally assigns and grants to MLBFS a security interest in all such
property as additional Collateral.
(c) POWER OF ATTORNEY. Effective upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of an Event of Default, Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints MLBFS as its
attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, in its place and stead and in
its name or in the name of MLBFS, to from time to time in MLBFS' sole discretion
take any action and to execute any instrument which MLBFS may deem necessary or
advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, including, but not
limited to, to receive, endorse and collect all checks, drafts and other
instruments for the payment of money made payable to Grantor included in the
Collateral.
(d) REMEDIES ARE SEVERABLE AND CUMULATIVE. All rights and remedies of MLBFS
herein are severable and cumulative and in addition to all other rights and
remedies available at law or in equity, and any one or more of such rights and
remedies may be exercised simultaneously or successively. Any notice required
under this Agreement or under applicable law shall be deemed reasonably and
properly given to Grantor if given at the address and by any of the methods of
giving notice set forth in this Agreement at least 5 Business Days before taking
any action specified in such notice.
(e) NOTICES. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Grantor hereby
irrevocably waives and releases MLBFS of and from any and all liabilities and
penalties for failure of MLBFS to comply with any statutory or other requirement
imposed upon MLBFS relating to notices of sale, holding of sale or reporting of
any sale, and Grantor waives all rights of redemption or reinstatement from any
such sale. MLBFS shall have the right to postpone or adjourn any sale or other
disposition of Collateral at any time without giving notice of any such
postponed or adjourned date. In the event MLBFS seeks to take possession of any
or all of the Collateral by court process, Grantor further irrevocably waives to
the fullest extent permitted by law any bonds and any surety or security
relating thereto required by any statute, court rule or otherwise as an incident
to such possession, and any demand for possession prior to the commencement of
any suit or action.
8. MISCELLANEOUS
(a) NON-WAIVER. No failure or delay on the part of MLBFS in exercising any
right, power or remedy pursuant to this Agreement shall operate as a waiver
thereof, and no single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy
shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy. Neither any waiver of any provision of this
Agreement, nor any consent to any departure by Grantor therefrom, shall be
effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by MLBFS. Any waiver of
any provision of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by Grantor from
the terms of this Agreement shall be effective only in the specific instance and
for the specific purpose for which given. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, no notice to or demand on Grantor shall in any case entitle Grantor to
any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) COMMUNICATIONS. All notices and other communications required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be either delivered personally, mailed
by postage prepaid certified mail or sent by express overnight courier or by
facsimile. Such notices and communications shall be deemed to be given on the
date of personal delivery, facsimile transmission or actual delivery of
certified mail, or one Business Day after delivery to an express overnight
courier. Unless otherwise specified in a notice sent or delivered in accordance
with the terms hereof, notices and other communications in writing shall be
given to the parties hereto at their respective addresses set forth at the
beginning of this Agreement, and, in the case of facsimile transmission, to the
parties at their respective regular facsimile telephone number.
(c) COSTS, EXPENSES AND TAXES. Grantor shall pay or reimburse MLBFS upon demand
for: (i) all Uniform Commercial Code filing and search fees and expenses
incurred by MLBFS in connection with the verification, perfection or
preservation of MLBFS' rights hereunder or in the Collateral; (ii) any and all
stamp, transfer and other taxes and fees payable or determined to be payable in
connection with the execution, delivery and/or recording of this Agreement; and
(iii) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including, but not limited
to, reasonable fees and expenses of outside counsel) incurred by MLBFS in
connection with the enforcement of this Agreement or the protection of MLBFS'
rights hereunder, excluding, however, salaries and expenses of MLBFS' employees.
The obligations of Grantor under this paragraph shall survive the expiration or
termination of this Agreement and the discharge of the other Obligations.
(d) RIGHT TO PERFORM OBLIGATIONS. If Grantor shall fail to do any act or thing
which it has covenanted to do under this Agreement or any representation or
warranty on the part of Grantor contained in this Agreement shall be breached,
MLBFS may, in its sole discretion, after 5 Business Days written notice is sent
to Grantor (or such lesser notice, including no notice, as is reasonable under
the circumstances), do the same or cause it to be done or remedy any such
breach, and may expend its funds for such purpose. Any and all reasonable
amounts so expended by MLBFS shall be repayable to MLBFS by Grantor upon demand,
with interest at the highest "Interest Rate" under the Loan Agreement, or the
highest interest rate permitted by law, whichever is less, during the period
from and including the date funds are so expended by MLBFS to the date of
repayment, and any such amounts due and owing MLBFS shall be additional
Obligations. The payment or performance by MLBFS of any of Grantor's obligations
hereunder shall not relieve Grantor of said obligations or of the consequences
of having failed to pay or perform the same, and shall not waive or be deemed a
cure of any Default.
-5-
(e) FURTHER ASSURANCES. Grantor agrees to do such further acts and things and to
execute and deliver to MLBFS such additional agreements, instruments and
documents as MLBFS may reasonably require or deem advisable to effectuate the
purposes of this Agreement, or to establish, perfect and maintain MLBFS'
security interests and liens upon the Collateral, including, but not limited to:
(i) executing financing statements or amendments thereto when and as reasonably
requested by MLBFS; and (ii) if in the reasonable judgment of MLBFS it is
required by local law, causing the owners and/or mortgagees of the real property
on which any Collateral may be located to execute and deliver to MLBFS waivers
or subordinations reasonably satisfactory to MLBFS with respect to any rights in
such Collateral.
(f) BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall be binding upon Grantor and its
successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of MLBFS and its
successors and assigns.
(g) HEADINGS. Captions and section and paragraph headings in this Agreement are
inserted only as a matter of convenience, and shall not affect the
interpretation hereof.
(h) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws
of the State of Illinois.
(i) SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. Whenever possible, each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under
applicable law. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffecfive
only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating
the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
(j) TERM. This Agreement shall become effective upon acceptance by MLBFS, and,
subject to the terms hereof, shall continue in effect so long thereafter as
either MLBFS shall be committed to advance funds or extend credit to Customer or
there shall be any Obligations outstanding.
(k) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts
which, when taken together, constitute one and the same agreement.
(l) JURISDICTION; WAIVER. GRANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS BEING
ACCEPTED BY MLBFS IN PARTIAL CONSIDERATION OF MLBFS' RIGHT AND OPTION, IN ITS
SOLE DISCRETION, TO ENFORCE THIS AGREEMENT IN EITHER THE STATE OF ILLINOIS OR IN
ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE GRANTOR OR ANY COLLATERAL FOR THE OBLIGATIONS MAY
BE LOCATED. GRANTOR IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS ITSELF TO JURISDICTION IN THE STATE OF
ILLINOIS AND VENUE IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT IN THE COUNTY OF ▇▇▇▇ FOR SUCH
PURPOSES, AND GRANTOR WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO CONTEST SAID JURISDICTION AND
VENUE AND THE CONVENIENCE OF ANY SUCH FORUM, AND ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO REMOVE
SUCH ACTION FROM STATE TO FEDERAL COURT. GRANTOR FURTHER WAIVES ANY RIGHTS TO
COMMENCE ANY ACTION AGAINST MLBFS IN ANY JURISDICTION EXCEPT IN THE COUNTY OF
▇▇▇▇ AND STATE OF ILLINOIS. MLBFS AND GRANTOR HEREBY EACH EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY
AND ALL RIGHTS TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM
BROUGHT BY EITHER OF THE PARTIES AGAINST THE OTHER PARTY WITH RESPECT TO ANY
MATTER RELATING TO, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE LOAN
AGREEMENT, THIS AGREEMENT AND/OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE THE SUBJECT
MATTER OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT OR THIS AGREEMENT. GRANTOR FURTHER WAIVES THE RIGHT
TO BRING ANY NON-COMPULSORY COUNTERCLAIMS.
(m) INTEGRATION. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING AND
REPRESENTS THE FULL AND FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF, AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR WRITTEN
AGREEMENTS OR PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE
PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. NO AMENDMENT OR
MODIFICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UNLESS IN A WRITING SIGNED BY
BOTH MLBFS AND GRANTOR.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the day and year
first above written.
ALES SIGNATURE LTD.
BY:
By: /s/▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature (1) Signature (2)
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Printed Name Printed Name
Chairman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title Title
-6-
Accepted at Chicago, Illinois:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ BUSINESS FINANCIAL
SERVICES INC.
By: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
------------------------------------------
7