EXHIBIT 10.84
CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Construction Loan Funding)
by and between
COBANK, ACB,
as Agent and as a Syndication Party,
and
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL FINANCE ASSOCIATION
dated as of June 24, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Article 1 DEFINED TERMS..............................................................1
1.1 Activation Commitment........................................................1
1.2 Activation Request...........................................................1
1.3 Additional Costs.............................................................1
1.4 Administrative Agent Fee.....................................................1
1.5 Advance......................................................................1
1.6 Advance Date.................................................................1
1.7 Advance Payment..............................................................1
1.8 Advance Request..............................................................1
1.9 Aggregate Commitment.........................................................1
1.10 APD.........................................................................1
1.11 Authorized Officer..........................................................2
1.12 Availability Period.........................................................2
1.13 Bank Debt...................................................................2
1.14 Base Rate...................................................................2
1.15 Base Rate Loans.............................................................2
1.16 Base Rate Margin............................................................2
1.17 BDGCFR......................................................................2
1.18 Borrower Benefit Plan.......................................................2
1.19 Borrower Debt...............................................................2
1.20 Borrower Pension Plan.......................................................2
1.21 Business Day................................................................2
1.22 Change in Law...............................................................2
1.23 Closing Date................................................................3
1.24 CoBank Equity Interests.....................................................3
1.25 Code........................................................................3
1.26 Collateral..................................................................3
1.27 Commitment Request..........................................................3
1.28 Compliance Certificate......................................................3
1.29 Construction Letter of Credit...............................................3
1.30 Construction Loan Agent.....................................................3
1.31 Contributing Syndication Parties............................................3
1.32 Credit Agreement (Line of Credit Facility)..................................3
1.33 Credit Agreement (Term Loan Funding)........................................3
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1.34 Default Interest Rate.......................................................3
1.35 Delinquency Interest........................................................3
1.36 Delinquent Amount...........................................................3
1.37 Delinquent Syndication Party................................................4
1.38 Environmental Laws..........................................................4
1.39 Environmental Regulations...................................................4
1.40 Equity......................................................................4
1.41 Equity Margin...............................................................4
1.40 Equity to NFI...............................................................4
1.42 Equity Margin Report........................................................4
1.43 Equity Margin Report Deadline...............................................4
1.44 Equity to NFI...............................................................4
1.45 ERISA.......................................................................4
1.46 Event of Default............................................................4
1.47 Fair Market Value...........................................................4
1.48 Fixed Rate Loan.............................................................4
1.49 Fixed Rate Period...........................................................4
1.50 Fixed Rate Request..........................................................5
1.51 Funding Losses..............................................................5
1.52 GAAP........................................................................5
1.53 Greenhouse Facility.........................................................5
1.54 Guarantor...................................................................5
1.55 Guarantor Cash Flow.........................................................5
1.56 Guarantor Collateral........................................................5
1.57 Guarantor Security Documents................................................5
1.58 Guaranty....................................................................5
1.59 Hazardous Substances........................................................5
1.60 Indemnified Agency Parties..................................................5
1.61 Indemnified Parties.........................................................5
1.62 Intercreditor Agreement.....................................................5
1.63 Leasehold Assignment & Consent..............................................6
1.64 Letter of Credit Cap........................................................6
1.65 Letter of Credit Fee........................................................6
1.66 LIBO Rate...................................................................6
1.67 LIBO/Quoted Rate Margin.....................................................6
1.68 Licensing Laws..............................................................6
1.69 Line of Credit Facility.....................................................6
1.70 Loan........................................................................6
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1.71 Loan Advance Amount.........................................................6
1.72 Loan Documents..............................................................6
1.73 Loan Proceeds...............................................................6
1.74 Majority Lenders............................................................6
1.75 Material Adverse Effect.....................................................6
1.76 Material Agreements.........................................................6
1.77 Maturity Date...............................................................7
1.78 Maximum Syndication Amount..................................................7
1.79 Net Fixed Investments.......................................................7
1.80 Note or Notes...............................................................7
1.81 Notice of Loan Advance......................................................7
1.82 Organization Documents......................................................7
1.83 Payment Account.............................................................7
1.84 Payment Distribution........................................................7
1.85 Permitted Encumbrance.......................................................7
1.86 Person......................................................................7
1.87 Potential Default...........................................................7
1.88 Preliminary Commitment......................................................7
1.89 Proposed Underlying Construction Loan.......................................7
1.90 Quarter.....................................................................7
1.91 Quoted Rate.................................................................7
1.92 Quoted Rate Index...........................................................8
1.93 Quoted Rate Loan............................................................8
1.94 Quoted Rate Period..........................................................8
1.95 Quoted Rate Request.........................................................8
1.96 Request for Underlying Construction Loan Activation.........................8
1.97 Required License............................................................8
1.98 Regular Payments............................................................8
1.99 Regulatory Change...........................................................8
1.100 Security Documents.........................................................8
1.101 Successor Agent............................................................8
1.102 Super Majority.............................................................8
1.103 Syndication Interest.......................................................8
1.104 Syndication Parties........................................................8
1.105 Syndication Party Advance Date.............................................9
1.106 Syndication Share..........................................................9
1.107 Term Loan Facility.........................................................9
1.108 Title Commitments..........................................................9
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1.109 Title Insurers.............................................................9
1.110 Title Policies.............................................................9
1.111 Transfer...................................................................9
1.112 Underlying Borrowers.......................................................9
1.113 Underlying Construction Loan...............................................9
1.114 Underlying Construction Loan Borrowers.....................................9
1.115 Underlying Construction Loan Conditions....................................9
1.116 Underlying Construction Loan Documents.....................................9
1.117 Underlying Liens...........................................................9
1.118 Underlying Term Loan Borrowers.............................................9
1.119 Wire Instructions..........................................................9
Article 2 CREDIT FACILITY...........................................................10
2.1 Loan........................................................................10
2.2 Letter of Credit............................................................10
Article 3 PURPOSES..................................................................10
3.1 Purpose - Loan..............................................................10
3.2 Purpose - Construction Letter of Credit.....................................10
Article 4 AVAILABILITY..............................................................10
4.1 Availability................................................................10
Article 5 INTEREST AND FEES.........................................................11
5.1 Interest Calculation........................................................11
5.1.1 Base Rate Option...................................................11
5.1.2 Fixed Rate Option..................................................11
5.1.3 Quoted Rate Option.................................................11
5.1.4 Equity Margin......................................................11
5.1.5 Default Interest Rate..............................................12
5.2 Additional Provisions for Fixed Rate Loans..................................12
5.2.1 Inapplicability or Unavailability of LIBO Rate.....................12
5.2.2 Change in Law; Fixed Rate Loan Unlawful............................13
5.2.3 Increased Costs....................................................13
5.3 Fees........................................................................14
5.3.1 Facility Fee.......................................................14
5.3.2 Administrative Agent Fee...........................................14
5.3.3 Construction Loan Agent Fee........................................14
5.3.4 Letter of Credit Fee...............................................14
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Article 6 NOTES; PAYMENTS...........................................................14
6.1 Promissory Notes............................................................14
6.2 Principal Payments..........................................................15
6.3 Interest Payments...........................................................15
6.4 Application of Regular Payments.............................................15
6.5 Manner of Payment...........................................................16
Article 7 PREPAYMENTS...............................................................16
7.1 Voluntary Prepayments.......................................................16
7.1.1 Voluntary Prepayment of Base Rate Loan.............................16
7.1.2 Voluntary Prepayment of Fixed Rate Loans and Quoted Rate Loans.....16
7.1.3 Funding Losses.....................................................16
7.2 Minimum Prepayment Amount...................................................17
7.3 Application of Prepayments..................................................17
Article 8 COBANK EQUITY.............................................................17
Article 9 SECURITY..................................................................18
9.1 Borrower's Assets...........................................................18
9.2 Guaranty....................................................................18
Article 10 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES...........................................18
10.1 Organization, Good Standing, Etc...........................................18
10.2 Corporate Authority, Due Authorization; Consents...........................19
10.3 Title to Property..........................................................19
10.4 Litigation.................................................................19
10.5 No Violations..............................................................19
10.6 Binding Agreement..........................................................19
10.7 Compliance with Laws.......................................................20
10.8 Principal Place of Business................................................20
10.9 Underlying Construction Loans; Underlying Construction Loan Documents......20
10.10 Payment of Taxes..........................................................20
10.11 Licenses and Approvals....................................................21
10.12 Employee Benefit Plans....................................................21
10.13 Equity Investments........................................................21
10.14 Real Property.............................................................21
10.15 Personal Property.........................................................22
10.16 Borrower Membership.......................................................22
10.17 Environmental Compliance..................................................22
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10.18 Fiscal Year...............................................................22
10.19 Material Agreements.......................................................22
10.20 Regulations G, U and X....................................................22
10.22 Disclosure................................................................22
Article 11 CONDITIONS TO ADVANCES...................................................22
11.1 Conditions to Closing......................................................22
11.1.1 Loan Documents....................................................23
11.1.2 Searches; UCC Filings; Recordings; Title Insurance................23
11.1.3 Approvals.........................................................23
11.1.4 Organizational Documents..........................................23
11.1.5 Evidence of Corporate Action......................................24
11.1.6 Legal Opinion for Borrower and Guarantor..........................24
11.1.7 Evidence of Insurance.............................................24
11.1.8 Phase I Environmental Studies.....................................24
11.1.9 Survey............................................................24
11.1.10 Material Agreements..............................................24
11.1.11 Appointment of The Corporation Company...........................24
11.1.12 No Material Change...............................................24
11.1.13 Fees and Expenses................................................25
11.1.14 Application; CoBank Equity Interest Purchase Obligation..........25
11.1.15 Further Assurances...............................................25
11.2 Conditions to Issuance of Preliminary Commitment...........................25
11.2.1 Preliminary Commitment Request....................................25
11.2.2 No Material Change................................................25
11.2.3 Default...........................................................26
11.2.4 Default...........................................................26
11.2.5 Fees and Expenses.................................................26
11.3 Conditions to Activation...................................................26
11.3.1 Activation Request................................................26
11.3.2 Approval by Super Majority........................................26
11.3.3 No Material Change................................................27
11.3.4 Default...........................................................27
11.3.5 Representations and Warranties....................................27
11.3.6 Fees and Expenses.................................................27
11.4 Conditions to Initial Advance..............................................27
11.4.1 Underlying Construction Loan Documents; Possession of Documents...27
11.4.2 Advance Request...................................................28
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11.4.3 Default...........................................................28
11.4.4 Representations and Warranties....................................29
11.4.5 Fees and Expenses.................................................29
11.5 Conditions to All Subsequent Advances......................................29
11.5.1 Representations and Warranties....................................29
11.5.2 No Event of Default...............................................29
11.5.3 No Material Adverse Change........................................29
11.5.4 Advance Request...................................................29
11.6 Additional Disbursement Conditions.........................................30
11.6.1 Aggregate Commitment Amount.......................................30
11.6.3 Disbursement Period...............................................30
11.6.4 Illegality of Loan................................................30
11.7 Requests for and Conditions to Issuance of Construction Letters of Credit..30
Article 12 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS....................................................30
12.1 Books and Records..........................................................30
12.2 Reports and Notices........................................................30
12.2.1 Annual Financial Statements.......................................30
12.2.2 Quarterly Financial Statements....................................31
12.2.3 Additional Information............................................31
12.2.4 Notice of Default.................................................31
12.2.5 Notice of Certain Changes.........................................31
12.2.6 Notice of Litigation..............................................31
12.2.7 Notice of Material Adverse Effect.................................31
12.2.8 Notice of Environmental Litigation................................32
12.2.9 Regulatory and Other Notices......................................32
12.2.10 Adverse Action Regarding Required Licenses.......................32
12.2.11 Default of Underlying Construction Loan..........................32
12.2.12 Annual Attorney's Opinion Regarding Collateral...................32
12.3 Eligibility Certificate....................................................32
12.4 Maintenance of Existence and Qualification.................................32
12.5 Compliance with Legal Requirements and Agreements..........................33
12.6 Compliance with Environmental Laws.........................................33
12.7 Taxes......................................................................33
12.8 Insurance..................................................................33
12.9 Title to Assets and Maintenance............................................34
12.10 Payment of Liabilities....................................................34
12.11 Further Assurances; Real Property Security Interests......................35
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12.12 Inspection................................................................35
12.13 Required Licenses; Permits; Etc...........................................35
12.14 ERISA.....................................................................35
Article 13 NEGATIVE COVENANTS.......................................................36
13.1 Borrowing..................................................................36
13.2 No Other Businesses........................................................36
13.3 Liens......................................................................36
13.4 Sale of Assets.............................................................37
13.5 Liabilities of Others......................................................37
13.6 Payments on Indebtedness...................................................37
13.7 Merger; Acquisitions; Etc..................................................37
13.8 Loans, Advances and Investments............................................38
13.9 Transactions With Related Parties..........................................38
13.10 ERISA.....................................................................38
13.11 Payment of Dividends......................................................39
13.12 Change in Fiscal Year.....................................................39
13.13 Extensions of Credit......................................................39
13.14 Amendment/Waiver of Provisions of Underlying Construction Loan Documents..39
Article 14 INDEMNIFICATION..........................................................39
14.1 General; Stamp Taxes; Intangibles Tax......................................39
14.2 Indemnification Relating to Hazardous Substances...........................40
Article 15 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS AND REMEDIES...................................41
15.1 Events of Default..........................................................41
15.2 No Advances................................................................43
15.3 Rights and Remedies........................................................43
15.4 Limitation on Rights and Remedies..........................................43
Article 16 AGENCY AGREEMENT.........................................................44
16.1 Funding of Syndication Interest............................................44
16.2 Syndication Parties' Obligations to Remit Funds............................44
16.3 Notice and Timing of Each Advance Payment..................................44
16.4 Syndication Party's Failure to Remit Funds.................................44
16.5 Agency Appointment.........................................................45
16.6 Power and Authority of Agent...............................................45
16.6.1 Advice............................................................45
16.6.2 Documents.........................................................46
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16.6.3 Proceedings.......................................................46
16.6.4 Retain Professionals..............................................46
16.6.5 Incidental Powers.................................................46
16.7 Duties of Agent............................................................46
16.7.1 Possession of Documents...........................................46
16.7.2 Distribute Payments...............................................46
16.7.3 Collections.......................................................46
16.8 Agent's Resignation or Removal.............................................46
16.9 Consent Required for Certain Actions.......................................47
16.9.1 Unanimous.........................................................47
16.9.2 Majority Lenders..................................................47
16.10 Distribution of Principal and Interest....................................47
16.11 Distribution of Certain Fees and Amounts..................................48
16.11.1 Funding Losses...................................................48
16.12 Possession of Loan Documents..............................................48
16.13 Collateral Application....................................................48
16.14 Amounts Required to be Returned...........................................49
16.15 Reports and Information to Syndication Parties............................49
16.16 Standard of Care..........................................................49
16.17 No Trust Relationship.....................................................50
16.18 Sharing of Costs and Expenses.............................................50
16.19 Syndication Parties' Indemnification of Agent.............................50
16.20 Books and Records.........................................................51
16.21 Administrative Agent Fee..................................................51
16.22 Representations and Warranties of All Parties.............................51
16.23 Representations and Warranties of CoBank..................................51
16.24 Syndication Parties' Independent Credit Analysis..........................52
16.25 No Joint Venture or Partnership...........................................52
16.26 Purchase for Own Account/Restrictions on Transfer.........................52
16.27 Certain Participants' Voting Rights.......................................53
16.28 Method of Making Payments.................................................53
16.29 Events of Syndication Default/Remedies....................................53
16.29.1 Syndication Party Default........................................53
16.29.2 Remedies.........................................................54
16.30 Withholding Taxes.........................................................54
16.31 Further Assurances........................................................54
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Article 17 MISCELLANEOUS............................................................54
17.1 Costs and Expenses.........................................................54
17.2 Service of Process and Consent to Jurisdiction.............................55
17.3 Jury Waiver................................................................55
17.4 Notices....................................................................55
17.4.1 Borrower..........................................................56
17.4.2 CoBank............................................................56
17.5 Notice to Syndication Parties and Agent....................................56
17.6 Successors and Assigns.....................................................57
17.7 Severability...............................................................57
17.8 Entire Agreement...........................................................57
17.9 Applicable Law.............................................................57
17.10 Captions..................................................................57
17.11 Amendments................................................................57
17.12 Additional Costs of Maintaining Loan......................................57
17.13 Capital Requirements......................................................58
17.14 Replacement Notes.........................................................59
17.15 Patronage Payments........................................................59
17.16 Mutual Release............................................................59
17.17 Liberal Construction......................................................59
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EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
Exhibit 1.28 Compliance Certificate
Exhibit 6.1 Promissory Note Form
Exhibit 10.3 Permitted Encumbrances
Exhibit 10.4 Litigation
Exhibit 10.8 Principal Place of Business
Exhibit 10.11 Required Licenses and Consents
Exhibit 10.12 Borrower Benefit Plans
Exhibit 10.14 Interests in Real Property
Exhibit 10.19 Material Agreements
Exhibit 11.2.1 Commitment Request Form
Exhibit 11.3.1 Activation Request Form
Exhibit 11.4.1 Underlying Construction Loan Conditions
Exhibit 11.4.2 Advance Request Form
Exhibit 13.1 Existing Indebtedness
Exhibit 16.3 Notice of Loan Advance
Exhibit 16.26 Syndication Acquisition Agreement
Exhibit 16.28 Wire Instructions
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CREDIT AGREEMENT
(Construction Loan Funding)
Village Farms International Finance Association
Loan No. C-2491
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT ("Construction Credit Agreement") is entered into as
of the 24th day of June 1997, by and between COBANK, ACB ("CoBank"), for its own
benefit as a lender (in that capacity sometimes referred to as "CoBank") and, as
Agent Bank for the benefit of the present and future Syndication Parties (in
that capacity "Agent"), and VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL FINANCE ASSOCIATION, a
Delaware corporation, whose address is ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ 28270("Borrower").
ARTICLE 1 DEFINED TERMS
As used in this Construction Credit Agreement, the following terms shall
have the meanings set forth below (and such meaning shall be equally applicable
to both the singular and plural form of the terms defined, as the context may
require):
1.1 Activation Commitment: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.3.1.
1.2 Activation Request: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.3.1.
1.3 Additional Costs: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.12.
1.4 Administrative Agent Fee: shall have the meaning set forth in
Subsection 5.3.2.
1.5 Advance: a disbursement of a portion of the Loan Proceeds..
1.6 Advance Date: a day (which shall be a Business Day) on which an Advance
of Loan Proceeds is made.
1.7 Advance Payment: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2.
1.8 Advance Request: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection 11.4.2.
1.9 Aggregate Commitment: $30,000,000.00.
1.10 APD: Agro Power Development, Inc.
1.11 Authorized Officer: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.1.5.
1.12 Availability Period: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
1.13 Bank Debt: all amounts owing under the Note, fees, Borrower's
obligations to purchase CoBank Equity Interests, Funding Losses and all
interest, expenses, charges and other amounts payable by Borrower pursuant to
the Loan Documents.
1.14 Base Rate: a rate of interest per annum equal to the "prime rate" as
published from time to time in the Eastern Edition of the Wall Street Journal as
the average prime lending rate for seventy-five percent (75%) of the United
States' thirty (30) largest commercial banks, or if the Wall Street Journal
shall cease publication or cease publishing the "prime rate" on a regular basis,
such other regularly published average prime rate applicable to such commercial
banks as is acceptable to Agent in its sole discretion, with such rate modified
by adding the Base Rate Margin and subtracting the Equity Margin.
1.15 Base Rate Loans: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.1.
1.16 Base Rate Margin: shall be 100 basis points.
1.17 BDGCFR: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection 5.1.4.
1.18 Borrower Benefit Plan: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.12.
1.19 Borrower Debt: the sum of the principal balance owed by Borrower under
the Term Facility and this Construction Credit Agreement.
1.20 Borrower Pension Plan: a Borrower Benefit Plan that is an "employee
pension benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA that is intended to
satisfy the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code.
1.21 Business Day: any day (a) other than a Saturday or Sunday and other
than a day which is a Federal legal holiday or a legal holiday for banks in the
States of Colorado, New York, or North Carolina, and (b) if such day relates to
a borrowing of, a payment or prepayment of principal of or interest on, a
continuation of or conversion into, or a Fixed Rate Period, for, a Fixed Rate
Loan, or a notice by Borrower with respect to any such borrowing, payment,
prepayment, continuation, conversion, or Fixed Rate Period, on which dealings in
U.S. Dollar deposits are carried out in the London interbank market.
1.22 Change in Law: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection 5.2.2.
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1.23 Closing Date: that date on which Agent, Borrower and Guarantor have
executed all Loan Documents and on which the conditions set forth in Section
11.1 of this Construction Credit Agreement have been met.
1.24 CoBank Equity Interests: shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8
hereof.
1.25 Code: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.12.
1.26 Collateral: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.
1.27 Commitment Request: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.2.1.
1.28 Compliance Certificate: a certificate of the chief financial officer
of Borrower in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.28.
1.29 Construction Letter of Credit: shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.2.
1.30 Construction Loan Agent: CoBank, ACB, in its role as such..
1.31 Contributing Syndication Parties: shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 16.4.
1.32 Credit Agreement (Line of Credit Facility): means that agreement so
titled dated June 24, 1997, by and between CoBank for its own benefit as a
lender and as agent bank for the benefit of the present and future syndication
parties as named or defined therein, and Borrower, wherein the lenders have
agreed to make available to Borrower a line of credit facility in a specified
sum for the purpose of enabling Borrower to make line of credit loans to
eligible third parties to use for the purposes therein specified.
1.33 Credit Agreement (Term Loan Funding): means that agreement so titled
dated June 24, 1997, by and between CoBank for its own benefit as a lender and
as agent bank for the benefit of the present and future syndication parties as
named or defined therein, and Borrower, wherein the lenders have agreed to lend
to Borrower a specified sum of money for the purpose of enabling Borrower to
make term loans to eligible third parties to use for the purposes therein
specified.
1.34 Default Interest Rate: a rate of interest equal to 400 basis points in
excess of the rate or rates of interest otherwise being charged on any Base Rate
Loan, Quoted Rate Loan, or Fixed Rate Loan.
1.35 Delinquency Interest: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
16.4.
1.36 Delinquent Amount: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.4.
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1.37 Delinquent Syndication Party: shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 16.4.
1.38 Environmental Laws: the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601-9657
("CERCLA") and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C.
6901-6987 ("RCRA").
1.39 Environmental Regulations: as defined in the definition of Hazardous
Substances.
1.40 Equity: as determined in accordance with GAAP, plus Minority Interests
(as defined in accordance with GAAP).
1.41 Equity Margin: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection 5.1.4.
1.42 Equity Margin Report: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
5.1.4.
1.43 Equity Margin Report Deadline: shall have the meaning set forth in
Subsection 5.1.4.
1.44 Equity to NFI: the ratio, with respect to APD, of its Equity to its
Net Fixed Investments.
1.45 ERISA: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.12.
1.46 Event of Default: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.
1.47 Fair Market Value: a valuation as determined in a written appraisal
from an MAI certified appraiser.
1.48 Fixed Rate Loan: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection 5.1.2.
1.49 Fixed Rate Period: the period of time, commencing on a Business Day
and continuing to the numerically corresponding day in the first, second, third,
or sixth calendar month thereafter, or, with the consent of all Syndication
Parties, twelfth month, as designated by Borrower in accordance with Subsection
5.1.2, hereof; provided, however, (a) if a Fixed Rate Period commences on the
last Business Day of a calendar month or on any day for which there is no
numerically corresponding day in the appropriate subsequent calendar month, such
Fixed Rate Period shall end on the last Business Day of the appropriate calendar
month; (b) if a Fixed Rate Period would end on a day which is not a Business
Day, such Fixed Rate Period shall be extended to the next Business Day, unless
such Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such
Fixed Rate Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day; and (c)
no Fixed Rate Period may extend beyond the Maturity Date.
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1.50 Fixed Rate Request: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
5.1.2.
1.51 Funding Losses: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection 7.1.3.
1.52 GAAP: generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America, applied consistently, as in effect from time to time.
1.53 Greenhouse Facility: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
1.54 Guarantor: APD.
1.55 Guarantor Cash Flow: Cash received by APD during the most recently
completed four Quarters on account of its equity interests in the Underlying
Borrowers or from other investments and business activities of such Guarantor.
1.56 Guarantor Collateral: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.
1.57 Guarantor Security Documents: the security agreement, pledge agreement
and/or other security documents executed by Guarantor in favor of Agent and the
present and future Syndication Parties to secure Guarantor's performance of its
obligations under the Guaranty with a first lien on all of Guarantor's assets.
1.58 Guaranty: the guaranty, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent,
to be executed by Guarantor in favor of Agent, as in effect on the date hereof
and as hereafter amended.
1.59 Hazardous Substances: dangerous, toxic or hazardous pollutants,
contaminants, chemicals, wastes, materials or substances, as defined in or
governed by the provisions of any Environmental Laws or any other federal, state
or local law, statute, code, ordinance, regulation, requirement or rule relating
thereto ("Environmental Regulations"), and also including urea formaldehyde,
polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, asbestos-containing materials, nuclear fuel
or waste, and petroleum products, or any other waste, material, substances,
pollutant or contaminant which would subject an owner of property to any
damages, penalties or liabilities under any applicable Environmental
Regulations.
1.60 Indemnified Agency Parties: shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 16.19.
1.61 Indemnified Parties: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.1.
1.62 Intercreditor Agreement: that agreement so titled dated June 24, 1997,
by and between CoBank for its own benefit as a lender and as agent bank for the
benefit of the present and future syndication parties as named or defined
therein, Borrower, and Guarantor.
5
1.63 Leasehold Assignment & Consent: the Leasehold Assignment and Consent,
in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.
1.64 Letter of Credit Cap: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
1.65 Letter of Credit Fee: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
5.3.4.
1.66 LIBO Rate: the rate for deposits in U.S. dollars, with maturities
comparable to the selected Fixed Rate Period that appears on the display
designated as page "3750" of the Telerate Service (or such other page as may
replace the 3750 page of that service or, if the Telerate Service shall cease
displaying such rates, as published by such other service or services as may be
nominated by the British Bankers' Association for the purpose of displaying
London Interbank Offered Rates for U.S. Dollar deposits), determined as of 1:00
p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such
Fixed Rate Period, reserve adjusted basis for Regulation D, with such rate
modified by adding the LIBO/Quoted Rate Margin and subtracting the Equity
Margin.
1.67 LIBO/Quoted Rate Margin: shall be 350 basis points.
1.68 Licensing Laws: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.5.
1.69 Line of Credit Facility: means the credit facility made available to
Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement (Line of Credit Facility).
1.70 Loan: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
1.71 Loan Advance Amount: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.3.
1.72 Loan Documents: this Construction Credit Agreement, the Notes, the
Security Documents, the Guaranty, the Guarantor Security Documents, and other
documents required to grant to Agent, for the benefit of the Syndication
Parties, a perfected security interest in the Collateral and in the Guarantor
Collateral.
1.73 Loan Proceeds: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
1.74 Majority Lenders: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.8.
1.75 Material Adverse Effect: means: (a) a material adverse effect on the
financial condition, results of operation, business or property of Borrower; (b)
a material adverse effect on the ability of Borrower to perform its obligations
under this Construction Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents; or (c) a
material adverse effect upon the ability of Agent to enforce its rights and
remedies under the Loan Documents.
1.76 Material Agreements: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.19.
6
1.77 Maturity Date: July 31, 2000.
1.78 Maximum Syndication Amount:
For CoBank - $30,000,000.00
1.79 Net Fixed Investments: Total Assets less Current Assets, as such
amounts are determined in accordance with GAAP.
1.80 Note or Notes: the promissory notes executed by Borrower pursuant to
Section 6.1 hereof, and all amendments, renewals, substitutions and extensions
thereof.
1.81 Notice of Loan Advance: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
16.3.
1.82 Organization Documents: in the case of a corporation, its articles or
certificate of incorporation and bylaws; in the case of a partnership, its
partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership, if applicable; in
the case of a limited liability company, its articles of organization and its
operating agreement.
1.83 Payment Account: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.10.
1.84 Payment Distribution: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
16.10.
1.85 Permitted Encumbrance: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
10.3.
1.86 Person: any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
association, partnership, trust, organization, government, governmental agency,
or other entity.
1.87 Potential Default: any event, other than an event described in Section
15.1(a) hereof, which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would
become an Event of Default.
1.88 Preliminary Commitment: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.2.1.
1.89 Proposed Underlying Construction Loan: shall have the meaning set
forth in Subsection 11.2.1.
1.90 Quarter: the quarters of the calendar year commencing as of January 1,
April 1, July 1 and October 1.
1.91 Quoted Rate: the rate of interest equal to the Quoted Rate Index
modified by adding the LIBO/Quoted Rate Margin and subtracting the Equity
Margin.
7
1.92 Quoted Rate Index: the fixed rate of interest determined and quoted by
Agent in its sole and absolute discretion (but upon the approval of all the
Syndication Parties) from time to time at the request of Borrower, which may not
necessarily be the lowest rate at which any of the Syndication Parties loans
funds at that time.
1.93 Quoted Rate Loan: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
5.1.3.
1.94 Quoted Rate Period: the period of time, commencing on a Business Day
and continuing for any period of a minimum of five days to not later than the
Maturity Date, as designated by Borrower in accordance with Subsection 5.1.3,
hereof and as agreed to by Agent; provided, however, that no Quoted Rate Period
may end on a day which is not a Business Day.
1.95 Quoted Rate Request: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
5.1.3.
1.96 Request for Underlying Construction Loan Activation: shall have the
meaning set forth in Subsection 11.3.1.
1.97 Required License: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.11.
1.98 Regular Payments: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.2.
1.99 Regulatory Change: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 17.12.
1.100 Security Documents: the security agreements, mortgages, deeds of
trust, financing statements, pledge agreements, leasehold assignment and
consents, assignments and/or other security documents executed by Borrower in
favor of Agent, for the benefit of the Syndication Parties, to secure Borrower's
performance of its obligations under the Notes and other Loan Documents with a
first lien on all assets, real and personal, of Borrower, in form and substance
acceptable to Agent.
1.101 Successor Agent: such Person as may be appointed as successor to the
rights and duties of Agent as provided in Section 16.8 of this Construction
Credit Agreement.
1.102 Super Majority: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.3.2.
1.103 Syndication Interest: shall have the meaning set forth in Section
16.1.
1.104 Syndication Parties: shall mean:
CoBank in its role as such, but not in its role as Agent hereunder.
and such Persons as shall from time to time execute a Syndication
Acquisition Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 16.26 hereto
signifying their election to purchase all or a portion of the Syndication
Interest of any Syndication Party, in accordance with Section 16.26 hereof, and
to become a Syndication Party hereunder.
8
1.105 Syndication Party Advance Date: shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 16.3.
1.106 Syndication Share: shall mean:
For CoBank - 100%
subject to adjustment: (a) as provided in Section 16.4 hereof; and (b) for
sales or transfers of Syndication Interests by any Syndication Party as provided
in Section 16.26 hereof.
1.107 Term Loan Facility: means the credit facility made available to
Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement (Term Loan Funding).
1.108 Title Commitments: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.1.2.
1.109 Title Insurers: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.1.2.
1.110 Title Policies: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
11.1.2.
1.111 Transfer: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.26.
1.112 Underlying Borrowers: collectively, the Underlying Term Loan
Borrowers and the Underlying Construction Loan Borrowers.
1.113 Underlying Construction Loan: shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.1.
1.114 Underlying Construction Loan Borrowers: shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1.
1.115 Underlying Construction Loan Conditions: the conditions set forth in
Exhibit 11.3.1 hereto.
1.116 Underlying Construction Loan Documents: all of the documents,
including, without limitation, the loan agreement, promissory note(s), and
security documents, executed in connection with an Underlying Construction Loan.
1.117 Underlying Liens: shall have the meaning set forth in Subsection
12.2.12.
1.118 Underlying Term Loan Borrowers: each Person to whom Borrower has, at
any time, made available an Underlying Term Loan as defined in the Credit
Agreement (Term Loan Funding), which is then outstanding.
1.119 Wire Instructions: shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.28.
9
ARTICLE 2 CREDIT FACILITY
2.1 Loan. On the terms and conditions set forth in this Construction Credit
Agreement, the Syndication Parties agree, each as to their Syndication Share and
as to their Syndication Share and to the extent of their Maximum Syndication
Amount, to make a loan to Borrower (the "Loan") in an amount up to the Aggregate
Commitment less the undrawn face amount of any Construction Letters of Credit
then outstanding.
2.2 Letter of Credit . On the terms and conditions set forth in this
Construction Credit Agreement, the Agent agrees to issue its letters of credit
for the benefit of an Underlying Construction Loan Borrower ("Construction
Letter of Credit"), up to an aggregate undrawn face amount of all such
Construction Letters of Credit outstanding at any one time of the Aggregate
Commitment less the principal amount committed under all Underlying Construction
Loans then outstanding ("Letter of Credit Cap"). Each Syndication Party is
responsible for funding its Syndication Share of all amounts which Agent is
required to pay on account of any Construction Letter of Credit, and such
amounts will be funded out of the Loan.
ARTICLE 3 PURPOSES
3.1 Purpose - Loan. The proceeds of the Loan ("Loan Proceeds") may be used
by Borrower only to be loaned ("Underlying Construction Loan") to third parties
("Underlying Construction Loan Borrowers") for the purpose of providing
financing for a portion (to be determined on a case-by-case basis in Agent's
sole discretion) of the costs of the construction (including costs of
acquisition of land) by such third party of facilities for the planting, growing
and harvesting of vegetables and/or fruits ("Greenhouse Facility").
3.2 Purpose - Construction Letter of Credit. Any Construction Letter of
Credit must have been issued only for the purpose of supporting the Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower's obligation to unrelated third parties for the
purchase of materials, equipment, and/or services related to the Greenhouse
Facility being financed by the Underlying Construction Loan, which materials
and/or equipment are: (a) for the construction of, and/or for installation in,
the Greenhouse Facility; and (b) described in the plans and specifications and
in the construction budget submitted to Agent with the Request for Underlying
Construction Loan Activation.
ARTICLE 4 AVAILABILITY
4.1 Availability. The Loan Proceeds will be made available to Borrower, and
Borrower may request issuance of a Construction Letter of Credit, as soon as the
applicable conditions set forth in Article 11 hereof have been satisfied and
until the Maturity Date ("Availability Period"); provided, no Construction
Letter of Credit may be requested with an expiry date (including automatic
renewals) which is on or after the Maturity Date. Unless otherwise agreed, the
Loan Proceeds will be made available: (a) to fund amounts which the Syndication
Parties are required to pay on account of any Construction Letter of Credit; and
(b) to Borrower on any Business Day during the
10
Availability Period by wire transfer of immediately available funds in
accordance with written wire transfer instructions to be furnished by Borrower
on a form supplied by Agent. Amounts borrowed under the Loan and repaid may not
be reborrowed.
ARTICLE 5 INTEREST AND FEES
5.1 Interest Calculation. Interest shall be calculated in one of the
following ways on the actual number of days each Advance is outstanding on the
basis of a year consisting of 360 days.
5.1.1 Base Rate Option. Unless Borrower requests and receives a Fixed Rate
Loan pursuant to Subsection 5.1.2 or a Quoted Rate Loan pursuant to Subsection
5.1.3, the outstanding principal balance under the Notes shall bear interest at
the Base Rate ("Base Rate Loans").
5.1.2 Fixed Rate Option. From time to time, and so long as no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, at the request of Borrower ("Fixed Rate
Request"), all or any part of the outstanding principal balance under the Notes
may bear interest at the LIBO Rate ("Fixed Rate Loans"). The Fixed Rate Request
must be made to Agent in writing on any Business Day and is effective as of the
third Business Day after the Fixed Rate Request is received if received by Agent
no later than 12 noon Central Time or as of the fourth Business Day if received
later than 12 noon Central Time. The Fixed Rate Request must specify the
principal amount that is to bear interest at the LIBO Rate and the Fixed Rate
Period selected by Borrower. Following the expiration of the Fixed Rate Period
for any Fixed Rate Loan, interest shall automatically accrue at the Base Rate
unless Borrower requests and receives another Fixed Rate Loan as provided in
this Subsection 5.1.2. or a Quoted Rate Loan as provided in Subsection 5.1.3.
5.1.3 Quoted Rate Option. From time to time, and so long as no Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, at the request of Borrower ("Quoted Rate
Request"), all or any part of the outstanding principal balance under the Notes
may bear interest at the Quoted Rate ("Quoted Rate Loans"). The Quoted Rate
Request must be made to Agent in writing on any Business Day and is effective as
of the Business Day after the Quoted Rate Request is received if received by
Agent no later than 12 noon Central Time or as of the second Business Day if
received later than 12 noon Central Time. The Quoted Rate Request must specify
the principal amount that is to bear interest at the Quoted Rate and the Quoted
Rate Period selected by Borrower. Following the expiration of the Quoted Rate
Period for any Quoted Rate Loan, interest shall automatically accrue at the Base
Rate unless Borrower requests and receives another Quoted Rate Loan as provided
in this Subsection 5.1.3 or a Fixed Rate Loan as provided in Subsection 5.1.2.
5.1.4 Equity Margin. The "Equity Margin" shall be determined as of each
June 30 and December 31 as provided in the table below (expressed in basis
points) based on: (a) the ratio of Equity to NFI of APD, on a consolidated
basis; and (b) the ratio of Borrower Debt to Guarantor Cash Flow ("BDGCFR"), as
of such date:
11
Equity to NFI
-------------
less than >|=40 <50 50 or
40 more
BDGCFR
------
>|= 8.0 12.5 25.0 50.0
>|= 4.0 < 8.0 25.0 50.0 62.5
<|= 4.0 50.0 62.5 75.0
On or before the last Business Day of each September and March ("Equity
Margin Report Deadline"), commencing September of 1997, Borrower shall provide
to Agent a statement, certified to by Borrower's chief financial officer,
showing: (a) the Equity to NFI ratio of APD as of the preceding June 30 or
December 31, as applicable, and showing the amounts of APD's Equity and APD's
Net Fixed Investments as of such date; and (b) the ratio of Borrower Debt to
Guarantor Cash Flow as of the preceding June 30 or December 31, as applicable,
and showing the amounts of Borrower Debt and amount of Guarantor Cash Flow as of
such date ("Equity Margin Report"). The Equity Margin for the six month period
commencing as of the November 1 or May 1 next succeeding such Equity Margin
Report Deadline shall be based on the Equity to NFI ratio and BDGCFR shown in
such Equity Margin Report (unless, and except to the extent, that the contents
of the annual or quarterly financial statements received by Agent from Borrower
pursuant to Subsections 12.2.1 or 12.2.2 hereof or from APD pursuant to the
Guaranty produce different ratios). If the Equity Margin Report is not received
by Agent by the Equity Margin Report Deadline, the Equity Margin for the period
commencing on the following November 1 or May 1, as applicable, will be
determined as though the BDGCFR upon which such Equity Margin is based is equal
to 8.0.
5.1.5 Default Interest Rate. All Bank Debt shall, at the sole option of
Agent, bear interest at the Default Interest Rate from and after the occurrence
and during the continuance of an Event of Default. Upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of an Event of Default or Potential Default, at the
option of Agent, interest shall be payable upon demand by Agent, and in no event
less frequently than monthly.
5.2 Additional Provisions for Fixed Rate Loans.
5.2.1 Inapplicability or Unavailability of LIBO Rate. If (a) Agent at any
time shall determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not
exist for ascertaining the LIBO Rate, or (b) if any Syndication Party shall
advise Agent that the LIBO Rate does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost
to such Syndication Party of funding its Syndication Share of any Fixed Rate
Loan, then Agent shall promptly give notice thereof to Borrower. If such notice
is given and until such notice has been withdrawn by Agent, then (a) no new
Fixed Rate Loan may be requested by Borrower, and (b) any portion of the
outstanding principal balance hereof which bears interest determined in relation
to the LIBO Rate, shall, subsequent to the end of the Interest Period applicable
thereto, bear interest at the Base Rate unless and until Borrower requests and
receives a Quoted Rate Loan with respect to such amount.
12
5.2.2 Change in Law; Fixed Rate Loan Unlawful. If any law, treaty, rule,
regulation or determination of a court or governmental authority or any change
therein or in the interpretation or application thereof (each, a "Change in
Law") shall make it unlawful for any of the Syndication Parties to (a) advance
its Syndication Share of any Fixed Rate Loan or (b) maintain its Syndication
Share of all or any portion of the Fixed Rate Loans, each such Syndication Party
shall promptly, by telephone or facsimile, notify Agent thereof, and of the
reasons therefor and Agent shall promptly notify Borrower thereof and if the
notice from such Syndication Party is in writing, Agent shall provide a copy of
such notice to Borrower. In the former event, any obligation of any such
Syndication Party to make available its Syndication Share of any future Fixed
Rate Loan shall immediately be cancelled, and in the latter event, any such
unlawful Fixed Rate Loans or portions thereof then outstanding shall be
converted, at the option of such Syndication Party, to a Base Rate Loan unless
and until Borrower requests and receives a Quoted Rate Loan with respect to such
amount; provided, however, that if any such Change in Law shall permit the LIBO
Rate to remain in effect until the expiration of the Fixed Rate Period
applicable to any such unlawful Fixed Rate Loan, then such Fixed Rate Loan shall
continue in effect until the expiration of such Fixed Rate Period. Upon the
occurrence of any of the foregoing events, Borrower shall pay to Agent
immediately upon demand such amounts as may be necessary to compensate any such
Syndication Party for any fines, fees, charges, penalties or other costs
incurred or payable by such Syndication Party as a result thereof and which are
attributable to any Fixed Rate Loan made available to Borrower hereunder, and
any reasonable allocation made by any such Syndication Party among its
operations shall be conclusive and binding upon Borrower absent manifest error.
5.2.3 Increased Costs. If any Change in Law or compliance by any
Syndication Party with any request or directive (whether or not having the force
of law) from any central bank or other governmental authority shall:
(a) subject such Syndication Party to any tax, duty or other charge
with respect to any Fixed Rate Loan, or change the basis of taxation of
payments to such Syndication Party of principal, interest, fees or any
other amount payable hereunder (except for changes in the rate of tax on
the overall net income of such Syndication Party); or
(b) impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve, special deposit,
compulsory loan or similar requirement against assets held by, deposits or
other liabilities in or for the account of, advances or loans by, or any
other acquisition of funds by any office of any Syndication Party; or
(c) impose on any Syndication Party any other condition;
and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such
Syndication Party of making, renewing or maintaining its Syndication Share of
any Fixed Rate Loan hereunder and/or to reduce any amount receivable by such
Syndication Party in connection therewith, then in any such case, Borrower shall
pay to Agent for the account of such Syndication Party, within five Business
Days after receipt of written notice from
13
Agent, such amounts as may be necessary to compensate such Syndication Party for
any additional costs incurred by such Syndication Party and/or reductions in
amounts received by such Syndication Party which are attributable to such Fixed
Rate Loans. In determining which costs incurred by such Syndication Party and/or
reductions in amounts received by such Syndication Party are attributable to the
LIBO Rate option made available to Borrower hereunder, any reasonable allocation
made by such Syndication Party among its operations shall be conclusive and
binding upon Borrower absent manifest error.
5.3 Fees. Borrower shall pay or cause to be paid the following fees:
5.3.1 Facility Fee. A non-refundable facility fee equal to 100 basis points
multiplied by the principal amount of each Underlying Construction Loan, payable
to CoBank at the time of closing each Underlying Construction Loan.
5.3.2 Administrative Agent Fee. A per annum fee ("Administrative Agent
Fee") equal to $12,500.00 plus $5,000.00 for each Underlying Construction Loan
Borrower, but not in excess of an aggregate, including the amount of the
Administrative Agent Fee payable for the same period under the Term Loan
Facility, of $100,000.00 per annum, payable to the Administrative Agent in
arrears on June 30 of each year, commencing June 30, 1997, based upon the
maximum number of Underlying Construction Loan Borrowers which had Underlying
Construction Loans outstanding at any time during the period for which such
Administrative Agent Fee is being paid.
5.3.3 Construction Loan Agent Fee. A per annum fee equal to $15,000.00 for
each Underlying Construction Loan Borrower payable to the Construction Loan
Agent in arrears on the last day of each Quarter, based upon the maximum number
of Underlying Construction Loans outstanding at any time during such Quarter;
provided that for any Quarter the fee payable with respect to an Underlying
Construction Loan as to which the initial Advance was made during such Quarter,
shall be prorated based upon the number of full or partial months from the date
of such initial Advance to the end of such Quarter..
5.3.4 Letter of Credit Fee. At the time of the issuance of each
Construction Letter of Credit a fee ("Letter of Credit Fee") equal to: (a) an
amount payable to the Agent equal to 12.5 basis points multiplied by the face
amount of the Construction Letter of Credit; and (b) an amount payable to the
Agent for the benefit of the Syndication Parties (in accordance with their
Syndication Shares) equal to 25.0 basis points multiplied by the face amount of
the Construction Letter of Credit.
ARTICLE 6 NOTES; PAYMENTS
6.1 Promissory Notes. Each Syndication Party's Syndication Interest in the
Loan shall be evidenced by a promissory note, payable to the order of such
Syndication Party in the face amount equal to such Syndication Party's Maximum
Syndication Amount, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.1 (each a "Note"
and collectively, such promissory notes shall be referred to as the "Notes").
14
6.2 Principal Payments. Principal shall be payable: (a) on the Business Day
after the day received by Borrower in the amount of all payments, pre-payments,
and other amounts (including, without limitation, payments by guarantors and
amounts realized from the Underlying Collateral) received by Borrower from an
Underlying Construction Loan Borrower or on account of an Underlying
Construction Loan ("Regular Payments"); and (b) in the amount of the entire
unpaid balance of principal owing under the Loan, reduced by the principal
amount of any Underlying Construction Loan which satisfies the conditions of
subpart (d) of this Section, on or before the Maturity Date. (c) In addition to,
but not in duplication of, the payments required under the provisions of
subparts (a) and (b) of this Section, unless the provisions of subpart (d) of
this Section apply, Borrower must make principal payments in the amount of all
Advances made hereunder on account of any particular Underlying Construction
Loan Borrower, such payment to be made on a date which is sixteen (16) months
from the initial Advance made with respect to such Underlying Construction Loan
Borrower (subject to extension for force ▇▇▇▇▇▇ to the extent provided in the
Underlying Construction Loan Documents with respect to such Underlying
Construction Loan). (d) Upon satisfaction of all conditions to the final draw
under the Underlying Construction Loan Documents with respect to any Underlying
Construction Loan, the payment required by subpart (c) of this Section need not
be made by Borrower until a date which is ten (10) years from the date such
conditions are satisfied provided (i) an Activation Commitment with respect to
such Underlying Construction Loan was issued under the Credit Agreement (Term
Loan Funding) and (ii) the lenders under the Credit Agreement (Term Loan
Funding) refuse to provide permanent financing thereunder; provided that
Borrower must make payments under any such Underlying Construction Loan as
provided in subpart (a) of this Section.
6.3 Interest Payments. Interest shall be payable (a) for Base Rate Loans
and Quoted Rate Loans on, the tenth day of each month commencing on the tenth
day of the month following the month in which the Closing Date occurs, and (b)
for Fixed Rate Loans on the last day of the Fixed Rate Period therefor unless
the Fixed Rate Period is longer than three (3) months, in which case interest
shall also be payable every ninety (90) days, and, in the case of (a) and (b),
on the Maturity Date.
6.4 Application of Regular Payments. Provided no Event of Default or
Potential Default has occurred and is continuing, Regular Payments shall be
applied in the manner directed by Borrower in writing, but if Borrower has not
so directed, then first to Base Rate Loans, then to Quoted Rate Loans, and then
to Fixed Rate Loans and, if to Fixed Rate Loans or Quoted Rate Loans, so long as
no Event of Default or Potential Default has occurred and is continuing,
Borrower shall have the right to designate which Fixed Rate Loan or Loans or
Quoted Rate Loan or Loans. On the date of making any Regular Payments, Borrower
shall pay the Funding Losses (determined in the same manner as provided in
Subsection 7.1.3 hereof for prepayments as though such Regular Payment was a
prepayment), if any, resulting from such payment. Upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default or Potential Default, all amounts paid to
Agent shall be applied, as Agent in its sole discretion shall determine, to
fees, the purchase of CoBank Equity Interests, interest or principal
indebtedness
15
under the Notes, or to any other Bank Debt. The amount of Loan Proceeds advanced
and other Bank Debt, and all payments by or on behalf of Borrower, of such
amounts, shall be entered on the books of the Agent and/or the Syndication
Parties and such entries shall be presumptive evidence of the unpaid amounts
outstanding from time to time under the Notes and other Loan Documents.
6.5 Manner of Payment. All payments, including prepayments, that Borrower
is required or permitted to make under the terms of this Construction Credit
Agreement shall be made to Agent (a) in immediately available federal funds, to
be received no later than 12:00 noon Central Time of the Business Day on which
such payment is due by wire transfer through Federal Reserve Bank, Kansas City,
Routing Number: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, COBANK ENGWD (or to such other account as Agent may
designate by notice); and (b) without setoff or counterclaim and free and clear
of and without deduction for any taxes, levies, impost, duties, charges, fees,
deductions, withholding, compulsory loans, restrictions or conditions of any
nature now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political
subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein unless Borrower is
compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding.
ARTICLE 7 PREPAYMENTS
7.1 Voluntary Prepayments. Borrower shall have the option to make the
following prepayments:
7.1.1 Voluntary Prepayment of Base Rate Loan. Borrower shall have the right
to prepay all or any part of the outstanding principal balance under the Base
Rate Loan at any time.
7.1.2 Voluntary Prepayment of Fixed Rate Loans and Quoted Rate Loans.
Borrower shall have the right to prepay all (but not in part) of the outstanding
principal balance of any Fixed Rate Loan and/or any Quoted Rate Loan, provided
that: (a) Borrower shall, at least three (3) Business Days prior to making any
such prepayment, deliver to Agent a written notice which sets forth the amount
of the prepayment, the date on which the prepayment will be made, and the Fixed
Rate Loan and/or Quoted Rate Loan being prepaid; (b) Borrower shall pay all
accrued and unpaid interest relating to the amount prepaid through the date of
prepayment; and (c) on the prepayment date, Borrower shall pay the Funding
Losses, if any, resulting from the prepayment. Any written notice by Borrower of
its election to prepay under this Subsection shall be irrevocable.
7.1.3 Funding Losses. In determining the "Funding Losses" for the purposes
of this Construction Credit Agreement, Agent shall select, in its sole
discretion, a security or securities of a type which CoBank is permitted by law
to purchase at the date of the prepayment calculation. The selected security or
securities shall have payment dates which approximate the scheduled principal
and interest payments for the Fixed Rate Loan or Quoted Rate Loan being prepaid.
Agent will then compare the net present value of the interest which could be
expected to be paid on the
16
Fixed Rate Loan or Quoted Rate Loan being prepaid and of the yield which could
be expected on the selected security for a comparable period. The "Funding Loss"
is the sum of (a) and (b) where (a) is the amount of the excess of (i) the net
present value of the yield on the Fixed Rate Loan or Quoted Rate Loan being
prepaid, over (ii) the net present value of the yield on the selected security
(provided that such amount shall never be less than zero), and (b) is 50 basis
points. The amount of such Net present value shall be determined as follows: (x)
with respect to the interest on the Fixed Rate Loan or Quoted Rate Loan being
prepaid, the scheduled interest payments shall be discounted from the expiration
of the applicable Fixed Rate Period or Quoted Rate Period back to the date of
prepayment using as a discount rate the applicable LIBO Rate or Quoted Rate, and
(y) with respect to the selected security, the scheduled payments of the current
yields on such selected security shall be discounted back for a period
comparable to the period for which scheduled interest payments are discounted in
the preceding sentence, using as a discount rate the current yield on the
selected security. The calculation of "yield" on the selected security shall
include interest payments, any premium or discount associated with the purchase
of the selected security, any fees or administrative costs associated with the
purchase, holding and sale of the selected security, CoBank's tax rate and any
reserves which CoBank may be required by law to maintain with respect to the
selected security (provided that such fees, administrative costs, tax rate and
reserves shall not in the aggregate exceed one percent (1%) of the principal
amount being prepaid). In the event of acceleration of the Notes as provided in
Section 15.1, the date of acceleration shall be treated as the date of
prepayment for the purpose of determining the Funding Loss under this
Subsection. Funding Losses shall be calculated as provided above without
consideration of the amount of such losses actually incurred by any Syndication
Party.
7.2 Minimum Prepayment Amount. Voluntary prepayments must be in amounts no
less than $100,000.00. Voluntary prepayments shall be applied to discharge
principal amounts in the inverse order in which the principal would otherwise
become due.
7.3 Application of Prepayments. Provided no Event of Default or Potential
Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower shall have the right to
designate whether a prepayment of principal is to be applied to a Base Rate
Loan, a Quoted Rate Loan, or a Fixed Rate Loan. Upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default or Potential Default, Borrower hereby
agrees that all amounts paid to Agent, including prepayments, shall be applied,
as Agent in its sole discretion shall determine, to fees, the purchase of CoBank
Equity Interests, interest or principal indebtedness under the Notes (in such
order of maturity as Agent shall select), or to any other Bank Debt.
ARTICLE 8 COBANK EQUITY
Borrower agrees to purchase such equity interests in CoBank ("CoBank Equity
Interests") as CoBank may from time to time require in accordance with its
bylaws and capital plan as applicable to cooperative borrowers generally. In
connection with the foregoing, Borrower hereby acknowledges receipt, prior to
the execution of this
17
Construction Credit Agreement, of CoBank's bylaws, a written description of the
terms and conditions under which the CoBank Equity Interests are issued,
CoBank's Loan-Based Capital Plan, CoBank's most recent annual report, and if
more recent than CoBank's latest annual report, its latest quarterly report.
ARTICLE 9 SECURITY
9.1 Borrower's Assets. As security for the payment and performance of all
obligations of Borrower to Agent, CoBank, and the Syndication Parties, including
but not limited to principal and interest under the Notes, purchases of CoBank
Equity Interests, fees, Funding Losses, reimbursements, and all other Bank Debt
or obligations under any of the Loan Documents, Borrower shall grant to, and
maintain for, Agent, for the benefit of all present and future Syndication
Parties, a first lien and security interest, subject only to Permitted
Encumbrances and the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, in all of its
assets, both real and personal, tangible and intangible, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, the Underlying Construction
Loans and the Underlying Construction Loan Documents ("Collateral"), pursuant to
the Security Documents. Borrower shall execute and deliver to Agent, for the
benefit of the Syndication Parties, the Security Documents to evidence the
security interest of Agent, for the benefit of the Syndication Parties, in the
Collateral, together with such financing statements or other documents as Agent
shall request. Borrower shall deliver the originals of the Underlying
Construction Loan Documents to Agent, for the benefit of all present and future
Syndication Parties. Borrower shall also execute such further security
agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, financing statements, assignments or
other documents as Agent shall reasonably request, in form and substance as
Agent shall specify, to establish, confirm, perfect or provide notice of Agent's
security interest (for the benefit of all Syndication Parties) in the
Collateral. If requested by Agent: (a) Borrower and Agent shall place a legend
on any chattel paper included in the Collateral showing Agent's security
interest therein; and (b) Borrower shall deliver to Agent possession of any
instruments and securities included in the Collateral (duly endorsed to Agent's
reasonable satisfaction).
9.2 Guaranty. Borrower's obligations under this Construction Credit
Agreement and all other Loan Documents shall be guaranteed by APD pursuant to
the APD Guaranty and the APD Guaranty shall be secured by a first lien and
security interest, subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, in
all of its assets, both real and personal, tangible and intangible, whether now
owned or hereafter acquired ("Guarantor Collateral") pursuant to the Guarantor
Security Documents.
ARTICLE 10 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
To induce the Syndication Parties to make the Loan, and recognizing that
the Syndication Parties are relying thereon, Borrower represents and warrants as
follows:
10.1 Organization, Good Standing, Etc. Borrower (a) is duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation; (b) qualifies as a cooperative association under the laws of its
state of incorporation; (c)
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is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary; and
(d) has all requisite corporate and legal power (i) to own and operate its
assets and to carry on its business, (ii) to enter into and perform the Loan
Documents to which it is a party, and (iii) to make the Underlying Construction
Loans.
10.2 Corporate Authority, Due Authorization; Consents. Borrower has full
power and authority to conduct its business as contemplated to be operated from
and after the Closing Date; to execute, deliver and perform under the Loan
Documents and all other documents and agreements as contemplated by this
Construction Credit Agreement; and to make the Underlying Construction Loans,
all of which have been duly authorized. All consents or approvals of any Person
which are necessary for, or are required as a condition of, the execution,
delivery and performance of the Loan Documents and/or making of the Underlying
Construction Loans have been obtained.
10.3 Title to Property. Borrower holds good and marketable title to all of
its real property (other than rights of way, easements and similar interests in
real property which in the aggregate are not material), owns all of its personal
property, and holds all of its leases, free and clear of any lien, pledge,
restriction, or encumbrance, except as specifically identified in Exhibit 10.3
attached hereto or as permitted by Section 13.3 hereof ("Permitted
Encumbrances") and subject to the Intercreditor Agreement. All of Borrower's
leases which constitute Material Agreements are in full force and effect and
afford Borrower peaceful and undisturbed possession of the subject matter
thereof.
10.4 Litigation. Except as described on Exhibit 10.4 hereto, there are, no
pending legal or governmental actions, proceedings or investigations to which
Borrower is a party or to which any property of Borrower is subject which might
result in any Material Adverse Effect and, to Borrower's knowledge, no such
actions or proceedings are threatened or contemplated by any federal, state,
county, or city (or similar unit) governmental agency or any other Person.
10.5 No Violations. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan
Documents and the making of the Underlying Construction Loans will not: (a)
violate any provision of Borrower's articles of incorporation or bylaws, or any
law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or ruling of any court or governmental
agency; (b) violate, conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default
under, or with the giving of notice or the expiration of time or both,
constitute a default under, any existing real estate mortgage, indenture, lease,
security agreement, contract, note, instrument or any other agreements or
documents binding on Borrower or affecting its property; or (c) violate,
conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, or result in
the loss of, or restriction of rights under, any Required License or any order,
law, rule, or regulation under or pursuant to which any Required License was
issued or is maintained ("Licensing Laws").
10.6 Binding Agreement. Each of the Loan Documents to which Borrower is a
party is, or when executed and delivered, will be, the legal, valid and binding
obligation of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject only
to
19
limitations on enforceability imposed by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
generally and by general principles of equity.
10.7 Compliance with Laws. Borrower is in compliance with all federal,
state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes and orders,
including without limitation all Environmental Laws and all Licensing Laws, with
respect to which noncompliance would result in a Material Adverse Effect.
10.8 Principal Place of Business. Borrower's place of business, or chief
executive office if it has more than one place of business, and the place where
the records required by Section 12.1 hereof are kept, is located at the place(s)
shown on Exhibit 10.8 hereto.
10.9 Underlying Construction Loans; Underlying Construction Loan Documents.
As of the time of any Advance: (a) the Underlying Construction Loan Documents
with respect thereto will have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by
all parties thereto and will constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligation
of all parties thereto, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to
the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, and similar laws generally affecting the
rights of creditors or the availability of equitable remedies; (b) the
Underlying Construction Loan will be free from any right of set-off,
counterclaim or other claim, or defense, and no event of default thereunder
shall have occurred and be continuing; (c) the Underlying Construction Loan
Borrower's obligations pursuant to the Underlying Construction Loan will, except
where the Underlying Construction Loan Documents specifically state otherwise,
be secured by a first and prior lien in favor of Borrower in all assets of the
Underlying Construction Loan Borrower; (d) all closing and pre-closing
requirements set forth in the Underlying Construction Loan Documents, will have
been satisfied in full; (e) the Underlying Construction Loan Documents will have
been approved by Agent and shall not have been amended subsequent to such
approval; (f) the Underlying Construction Loan Documents will require payment of
all principal no later than sixteen (16) months after the first draw thereunder
(subject to adjustment for force ▇▇▇▇▇▇ to the extent provided in the Underlying
Construction Loan Documents), provided that upon satisfaction of all conditions
to the final draw thereunder, the Underlying Construction Loan Documents may
provide for conversion to a ten (10) year term (commencing from the date such
conditions are satisfied) if (i) an Activation Commitment with respect to such
Underlying Construction Loan was issued under the Credit Agreement (Term Loan
Funding) and (ii) the lenders under the Credit Agreement (Term Loan Funding)
refuse to provide permanent financing thereunder; (g) the Underlying
Construction Loan will not be in violation of any applicable usury statutes; and
(h) to Borrower's knowledge and belief, the Underlying Construction Loan
Documents, projections, budgets, financial statements, or other information
furnished by or on behalf of the Underlying Construction Loan Borrower, will not
contain any misstatement of a material fact, nor omit to state a material fact.
10.10 Payment of Taxes. Borrower has filed all required federal, state and
local tax returns and has paid all taxes as shown on such returns as they have
become
20
due. Borrower has paid when due all other taxes, assessments or impositions
levied or assessed against Borrower or its business or properties.
10.11 Licenses and Approvals. Borrower has ownership of, or license to use,
or has been issued, all trademarks, patents, copyrights, franchises,
certificates, approvals, permits, authorities, agreements, and licenses which
are used or necessary to permit it to own its properties and to conduct the
business as presently being conducted, and to make the Underlying Construction
Loans ("Required Licenses"). Exhibit 10.11 lists all Required Licenses presently
in existence with respect to Borrower. Each Required License is in full force
and effect, and there is no outstanding notice of cancellation or termination
or, to Borrower's knowledge, any threatened cancellation or termination in
connection therewith, nor has an event occurred with respect to any Required
License which, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, could
result in the revocation or termination thereof or otherwise in any impairment
of Borrower's rights with respect thereto, which impairment could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No consent, permission,
authorization, order, or license of any governmental authority, is necessary in
connection with the: (a) execution, delivery, performance, or enforcement of the
Loan Documents to which Borrower is a party; and (b) the making of the
Underlying Construction Loans, except such as have been obtained and are in full
force and effect and as are described on Exhibit 10.11.
10.12 Employee Benefit Plans. Borrower does not presently maintain or
participate in, and has not in the past maintained or participated in, and is
not obligated to contribute to, any of the following (each a "Borrower Benefit
Plan" and collectively "Borrower Benefit Plans"): (a) any funded "employee
welfare benefit plan," as that term is defined in Section 3(1) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations
thereunder ("ERISA"); (b) any "multiemployer plans," as defined in Section 3(37)
of ERISA; (c) any "employee pension benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(2) of
ERISA; (d) any "employee benefit plan", as such term is defined in Section 3(3)
of ERISA; (e) any "multiple employer plan" within the meaning of Section 413 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time ("Code"); (f)
any "multiple employer welfare arrangement" within the meaning of Section 3(40)
of ERISA; (g) a "voluntary employees' beneficiary association" within the
meaning of Section 501(a)(9) of the Code; (h) a "welfare benefit fund" within
the meaning of Section 419 of the Code; or (i) any employee welfare benefit plan
within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA for the benefit of retired or former
employees.
10.13 Equity Investments. Borrower does not now own any stock or other
voting or equity interest, directly or indirectly, in any Person other than the
CoBank Equity Interests.
10.14 Real Property. Borrower: (a) has all real property interests,
including without limitations fee interests, leasehold interests, easements,
licenses and rights of way which are necessary for the conduct of Borrower's
business; and (b) does not own any fee interest or leasehold interest, or any
other interest, including without limitation
21
any easements, rights of way or licenses, in real property, other than as set
forth on Exhibit 10.14 hereto.
10.15 Personal Property. Borrower has all tangible personal property
necessary for the conduct of Borrower's business as it is contemplated to be
conducted; and all such property is in good operating condition and repair,
reasonable wear and tear excepted, and suitable in all material respects for the
uses for which it is being utilized.
10.16 Borrower Membership. Village Farms of Texas, L.P. is a member of
Borrower.
10.17 Environmental Compliance. Without limiting the provisions of Section
10.7 above, all property owned or leased by Borrower and all operations
conducted by it are in compliance in all material respects with all Laws
relating to environmental protection, with respect to which the failure to
comply would have a Material Adverse Effect.
10.18 Fiscal Year. Each fiscal year of Borrower begins on January 1 of each
calendar year and ends on December 31 of each calendar year.
10.19 Material Agreements. That Exhibit 10.19 attached hereto sets forth
all agreements of Borrower, the termination or breach of which, based upon
Borrower's knowledge as of the date of making any representation with respect
thereto, would have a Material Adverse Effect ("Material Agreements"). Neither
Borrower nor, to Borrower's knowledge, any other party to any Material
Agreement, is in default thereunder, and no facts exist which with the giving of
notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute such a default.
10.20 Regulations G, U and X. No portion of any Advance will be used for
the purpose of purchasing, carrying, or making loans to finance the purchase of,
any "margin security" or "margin stock" as such terms are used in Regulations G,
U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 12 C.F.R. Parts
207, 221, and 224.
10.21 Disclosure. The representations and warranties contained in this
Article 10 and in the other Loan Documents do not contain any untrue statement
of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make such
representations not misleading.
ARTICLE 11 CONDITIONS TO ADVANCES
11.1 Conditions to Closing. The obligation of the Syndication Parties to
make the Loan and any Advance thereunder or to issue a Preliminary Commitment or
an Activation Commitment, or issue a Construction Letter of Credit is subject to
satisfaction, in Agent's sole discretion, of each of the following conditions
precedent:
22
11.1.1 Loan Documents . Agent shall have received duly executed originals
of the Loan Documents.
11.1.2 Searches; UCC Filings; Recordings; Title Insurance. Agent shall have
received: (a) searches of appropriate filing offices showing that (i) no state
or federal tax liens have been filed which remain in effect against Borrower,
(ii) except with respect to Permitted Encumbrances no financing statements have
been filed by any Person except to perfect the security interests required by
this Construction Credit Agreement, which remain in effect against Borrower or
any of its assets, (iii) all financing statements necessary to perfect the
security interests granted to Agent (for the benefit of the Syndication Parties)
under the Loan Documents have been filed or recorded, to the extent such
security interests are capable of being perfected by such filing, and (iv) all
of the Loan Documents required to be recorded or filed to perfect the security
interests and liens granted therein shall be so recorded and filed; (b)
mortgagees' title insurance commitments ("Title Commitments") acceptable to
Agent from one or more insurers acceptable to Agent (the "Title Insurers")
committing to issue one or more title policies (ALTA Loan Policy Form) (the
"Title Policies") insuring the lien in favor of Agent (on behalf of the
Syndication Parties) on each parcel of real property owned in fee by Borrower
having an estimated Fair Market Value of $25,000.00 or more as a first priority
lien on such real property, subject only to Permitted Encumbrances, and (i)
deleting the standard printed exceptions and the gap exception, (ii) containing
only such exceptions to title as are reasonably acceptable to Agent, and (iii)
containing such other endorsements as Agent may reasonably require; and (c)
either a Title Commitment or, at Borrower's option, a written ownership and
encumbrance report of current date indicating that there are no prior liens on
each parcel of such real property having an estimated Fair Market Value of less
than $25,000.00. In addition, in the case of the parcels of real property
covered by a Title Commitment, as of the Closing Date Agent shall have received
from the Title Insurers a written confirmation acceptable to Agent confirming
that the Title Insurers are irrevocably committed to issue the Title Policies.
11.1.3 Approvals. Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it
that all consents and approvals of governmental authorities and third parties
which are with respect to Borrower and Guarantor, necessary for, or required as
a condition of: (a) the validity and enforceability of the Loan Documents; (b)
creation of and realization on, Agent's lien (for the benefit of the Syndication
Parties) on the Collateral; and (c) the making of the Underlying Construction
Loans, have been obtained and are in full force and effect.
11.1.4 Organizational Documents. Agent shall have received: (a) good
standing certificates, dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing
Date, for Borrower and Guarantor for their respective states of incorporation
and for each state where their operations require qualification or authorization
to transact business; (b) a copy of the articles of incorporation of Borrower
and Guarantor certified by the Secretary of State of their state of
organization; and (c) a copy of the bylaws of
23
Borrower and Guarantor, certified as true and complete by the Secretary or
Assistant Secretary of Borrower and Guarantor, respectively.
11.1.5 Evidence of Corporate Action. Agent shall have received in form and
substance satisfactory to Agent: documents evidencing all corporate action taken
by each of Borrower and Guarantor to authorize (including the specific names and
titles of the persons authorized to so act ("Authorized Officers")) the
execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a
party, and with respect to Borrower, the making of Underlying Construction
Loans, certified to be true and correct by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary
of Borrower and Guarantor, respectively.
11.1.6 Legal Opinion for Borrower and Guarantor. Agent shall have received
opinions of counsel for Borrower and for Guarantor (who shall be acceptable to
Agent), in form and content acceptable to Agent and addressed to Agent and to
each Syndication Party (and expressly permitting reliance thereon by each future
Syndication Party).
11.1.7 Evidence of Insurance. Borrower and Guarantor shall have provided
Agent with insurance certificates and such other evidence, in form and substance
satisfactory to Agent, of all insurance required to be maintained by it under
the Loan Documents.
11.1.8 Phase I Environmental Studies. Borrower and Guarantor shall have
submitted to Agent such studies, investigations and reports with respect to
environmental matters for real property owned by Borrower or Guarantor,
respectively, from consultants acceptable to Agent as may be reasonably
requested by Agent and content and results of those studies, investigations and
reports shall be reasonably acceptable to Agent.
11.1.9 Survey. Borrower and Guarantor shall have provided Agent with ALTA
improvement surveys of all real property owned by Borrower or Guarantor,
respectively, and having a Fair Market Value of $25,000.00 or more, which
surveys, the certifications thereon, and all information contained therein,
shall be acceptable to Agent.
11.1.10 Material Agreements. Agent shall have received copies of those
Material Agreements as Agent may request in its sole discretion.
11.1.11 Appointment of The Corporation Company. Agent shall have received
evidence satisfactory to Agent that The Corporation Company, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ has accepted appointment by Borrower and Guarantor to
serve as their agent for service of process in accordance with Section 17.2 of
this Construction Credit Agreement and Section 11.7 of the Guaranty.
11.1.12 No Material Change. No change shall have occurred in the condition
or operations of Borrower since May 1, 1997 or the Guarantor since March 31,
1997, which could, in either case, result in a Material Adverse Effect.
24
11.1.13 Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid Agent, by wire transfer
of immediately available federal funds all fees set forth in Section 5.3 of this
Construction Credit Agreement which are due on the Closing Date, and all
expenses owing pursuant to Section 17.1 hereof.
11.1.14 Application; CoBank Equity Interest Purchase Obligation. Borrower
shall have: (a) completed the loan application form provided by CoBank; and (b)
purchased such CoBank Equity Interests as CoBank may require pursuant to Article
8 hereof.
11.1.15 Further Assurances. Borrower and Guarantor shall have provided
and/or executed and delivered to Agent such further assignments, documents or
financing statements, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, that Borrower
and Guarantor are to execute and deliver pursuant to the terms of the Loan
Documents or as Agent may reasonably request.
11.2 Conditions to Issuance of Preliminary Commitment.
11.2.1 Preliminary Commitment Request. To obtain preliminary approval of a
particular proposed Underlying Construction Loan ("Proposed Underlying
Construction Loan") for funding under the Loan, Borrower must deliver to Agent,
a request for such approval in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 11.2.1
("Commitment Request") which has been signed by an Authorized Officer. The
Commitment Request shall be accompanied by sufficient information to enable
Agent to determine (and advise Borrower) whether the Proposed Underlying
Construction Loan may be eligible for funding under the Loan, including, without
limitation: (a) the following information on the Underlying Construction Loan
Borrower and the Greenhouse Facility to be constructed with the proceeds of the
Proposed Underlying Construction Loan: (i) project description, (ii) financing
schedule and requirements, (iii) proposed financial structure, (iv) marketing
plan, (v) actual and pro-forma financial statements and cash flow projections,
(vi) financial analysis, and other credit information; and (b) an estimated
construction budget and proposed sources and uses of funds for construction of
such Greenhouse Facility. Within a reasonable time after receipt of the
Commitment Request and such information as Agent shall, in its sole discretion,
request in connection therewith, and upon satisfaction of the requirements
contained in Subsections 11.2.2 through 11.2.5 hereof, Agent will advise
Borrower whether or not it preliminarily approves such Proposed Underlying
Construction Loan for funding under the Loan upon the condition that there are
no changes deemed by the Agent to be material in the information submitted with
the Commitment Request and the conditions of Sections 11.3 and 11.4 hereof are
met to Agent's satisfaction as provided, and at the time contemplated, in said
Sections ("Preliminary Commitment").
11.2.2 No Material Change. No change shall have occurred in the condition
or operations of Borrower or Guarantor since the Closing Date which could result
in a Material Adverse Effect.
25
11.2.3 Default. As of the date of the Commitment Request no Event of
Default or Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
11.2.4 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of Borrower and of Guarantor contained in each of the Loan Documents to which it
is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
date of the Commitment Request as though made on and as of such date.
11.2.5 Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid Agent, by wire transfer
of immediately available federal funds all fees set forth in Section 5.3 of this
Construction Credit Agreement which are then due and payable, and all expenses
owing pursuant to Section 17.1 hereof.
11.3 Conditions to Activation.
11.3.1 Activation Request. To obtain further approval of a particular
Proposed Underlying Construction Loan for funding under the Loan a Preliminary
Commitment must have been previously issued; and Borrower must deliver to Agent
a request in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 11.3.1 ("Activation Request")
which has been signed by an Authorized Officer. The Activation Request shall be
irrevocable and shall be accompanied by an application package ("Request for
Underlying Construction Loan Activation") containing such documentation and
information as may be required by Agent in its sole discretion to enable Agent
to determine (and advise Borrower) whether Agent will grant an Activation
Commitment to fund an Underlying Construction Loan, including, as applicable and
without limitation: (a) updates on information provided to Agent in connection
with Borrower's Commitment Request with respect to the same Proposed Underlying
Construction Loan with respect to the actual and pro-forma financial statements
and cash flow projections and other credit information on the Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower and the Greenhouse Facility to be constructed with
the Proposed Underlying Construction Loan; (b) plans and specifications,
engineering reports, proof of availability of utilities, proof of zoning
compatible with proposed use, and final line item construction budget with time
lines; (c) copies of proposed Underlying Construction Loan Documents; (d) lien
searches; (e)proof of acceptable mechanics' lien protection; (f) survey and
actual and as-built appraisals; (g) an acceptable title commitment; and (h) an
acceptable take out commitment from an acceptable lender. Within a reasonable
time after receipt of the Activation Request and such information as Agent
shall, in its sole discretion, request in connection therewith, and upon
satisfaction of the requirements contained in Subsections 11.3.2 through 11.3.6
hereof, Agent will advise Borrower whether or not it approves such Proposed
Underlying Construction Loan for funding under the Loan upon the condition that
there are no changes deemed by the Agent to be material in the information
submitted with the Activation Request and the conditions of Section 11.4 hereof
are met to Agent's satisfaction as provided, and at the time contemplated, in
said Section ("Activation Commitment").
11.3.2 Approval by Super Majority. Unless the Underlying Construction Loan
with respect to which the Advance is to be made has been approved
26
in writing by Syndication Parties whose Syndication Shares at that time
aggregate at least seventy-five percent (75%) ("Super Majority").
11.3.3 No Material Change. No change shall have occurred in the condition
or operations of Borrower or Guarantor since the Closing Date which could result
in a Material Adverse Effect.
11.3.4 Default. As of the date of the Activation Request no Event of
Default or Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and the
disbursing of the amount of the Loan Proceeds requested in the Activation
Request shall not result in an Event of Default or Potential Default.
11.3.5 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of Borrower and of Guarantor contained in each of the Loan Documents to which it
is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
date of the Activation Request as though made on and as of such date.
11.3.6 Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid Agent, by wire transfer
of immediately available federal funds all fees set forth in Section 5.3 of this
Construction Credit Agreement which are then due and payable, and all expenses
owing pursuant to Section 17.1 hereof.
11.4 Conditions to Initial Advance. The Syndication Parties' obligation to
make the initial Advance to fund any Underlying Construction Loan is subject to
the prior granting of a Preliminary Commitment and an Activation and to the
satisfaction, in Agent's sole discretion, of each of the following conditions
precedent with respect to such Underlying Construction Loan:
11.4.1 Underlying Construction Loan Documents; Possession of Documents.
Agent shall have received: (a) evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to
Agent that the Underlying Construction Loan Documents evidencing the Underlying
Construction Loan with respect to which the Advance is being requested are on
forms, and contain terms and conditions, satisfactory to Agent in its sole
discretion, and are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations; (b)
proof satisfactory to Agent that the Underlying Construction Loan and the
Underlying Construction Loan Documents comply fully with the Underlying
Construction Loan Conditions set forth on Exhibit 11.4.1 hereto; (c) proof
satisfactory to Agent that the Underlying Construction Loan has been closed and
that all conditions to closing thereof and to the making of the initial advance
of funds, all as set forth in the Underlying Construction Loan Documents have
been satisfactorily met; (d) possession of executed originals of the Underlying
Construction Loan Documents, properly endorsed, consents, copies of pledged
agreements, and a satisfactory opinion of counsel for the Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower; (e) (i) good standing certificates, dated no more
than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the first Advance with respect to the
Underlying Construction Loan Borrower under such Underlying Construction Loan
for its state of incorporation and for each state where its operations require
qualification or authorization to transact business, (ii) a copy of the articles
of incorporation of such Underlying Construction Loan Borrower
27
certified by the Secretary of State of its state of organization, (iii) a copy
of the bylaws of such Underlying Construction Loan Borrower, certified as true
and complete by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary thereof, (iv) documents
evidencing all corporate action taken by such Underlying Construction Loan
Borrower to authorize (including the specific names and titles of the persons
authorized to so act ) the execution, delivery and performance of the Underlying
Construction Loan Documents to which it is or will be a party, certified to be
true and correct by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of such Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower, and (v) opinions of counsel, for such Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower (who shall be acceptable to Agent), in form and
content acceptable to Agent and addressed to Agent and to each Syndication Party
(and expressly permitting reliance thereon by each future Syndication Party, or,
in lieu thereof, accompanied by a separate letter from such counsel expressly
permitting reliance thereon by each present and future Syndication Party); and
(f) such other instruments and documents in which Agent has been granted a
security interest (for the benefit of the Syndication Parties) and of which
Agent is to have possession under the terms of the Loan Documents.
11.4.2 Advance Request. Agent and Construction Loan Agent shall have
received from Borrower (including by facsimile transmission): (a) a duly
completed request in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 11.4.2 which must have
appended thereto the draw request submitted to Borrower by the Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower and all accompanying invoices, affidavits,
certifications, lien waivers, and lien releases ("Advance Request") which has
been signed by an Authorized Officer; and (b) such other information or
documentation as Agent or Construction Loan Agent may request. The Advance
Request shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day received if
actually received by Agent and Construction Loan Agent before 12:00 noon,
Central Time, and as of the next Business Day if received by Agent or
Construction Loan Agent after such time or on other than a Business Day;
provided that an Advance Request shall not be deemed to have been received by
Agent and Construction Loan Agent until it is satisfactory to Agent and
Construction Loan Agent and includes all information and documentation that
Agent and Construction Loan Agent may request. Construction Loan Agent shall
review the Advance Request and all information provided by Borrower pursuant to
this Subsection and report to Agent as to whether all requirements contained
herein to the funding of the requested Advance have been satisfied. Within five
(5) Business Days of the date an Advance Request is deemed to have been
received, Agent shall, upon having received Construction Loan Agent's report,
either fund the Advance or advise Borrower to the contrary; provided that if
Agent does not advise Borrower or does not fund within such time, the Advance
Request shall be deemed to have been declined for funding. The Advance Request
shall be irrevocable.
11.4.3 Default. As of the Advance Date there shall exist no Event of
Default or Potential Default, and the disbursing of the amount of the Loan
Proceeds requested in the Advance Request shall not result in an Event of
Default or Potential Default.
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11.4.4 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of Borrower and of Guarantor contained in each of the Loan Documents to which it
is a party, shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
date on which the Advance is to be made as though made on and as of such date.
11.4.5 Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid Agent, by wire transfer
of immediately available federal funds all fees set forth in Section 5.3 of this
Construction Credit Agreement which are then due and payable, including the
Facility Fee, and all expenses owing pursuant to Section 17.1 hereof.
11.5 Conditions to All Subsequent Advances. The Syndication Parties'
obligation to make Advances after the initial Advance is subject to
satisfaction, in Agent's sole discretion, of each of the following conditions
precedent:
11.5.1 Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties
of Borrower contained in this Construction Credit Agreement shall be true and
correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Advance as though
made on and as of such date.
11.5.2 No Event of Default. No Event of Default and no Potential Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, and no Event of Default or Potential
Default would result from the making of the Advance.
11.5.3 No Material Adverse Change. No material adverse change shall have
occurred in the condition, operations, or prospects of Borrower.
11.5.4 Advance Request. Agent and Construction Loan Agent shall have
received from Borrower (including by facsimile transmission): (a) a duly
completed Advance Request; and (b) such other information or documentation as
Agent or Construction Loan Agent may request. The Advance Request shall be
deemed to have been received on the Business Day received if actually received
by Agent and Construction Loan Agent before 10:00 a.m., Central Time, and as of
the next Business Day if received by Agent or Construction Loan Agent after such
time or on other than a Business Day; provided that an Advance Request shall not
be deemed to have been received by Agent and Construction Loan Agent until it is
satisfactory to Agent and Construction Loan Agent and includes all information
and documentation that Agent or Construction Loan Agent may request.
Construction Loan Agent shall review the Advance Request and all information
provided by Borrower pursuant to this Subsection and report to Agent as to
whether all requirements contained herein to the funding of the requested
Advance have been satisfied. Within five (5) Business Days of the date an
Advance Request is deemed to have been received, Agent shall, upon having
received Construction Loan Agent's report, either fund the Advance or advise
Borrower to the contrary; provided that if Agent does not advise Borrower or
does not fund within such time, the Advance Request shall be deemed to have been
declined for funding. The Advance Request shall be irrevocable.
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11.6 Additional Disbursement Conditions. At no time and in no event shall
the Syndication Parties be obligated to make Advances:
11.6.1 Aggregate Commitment Amount. In excess of an amount, which when
added to: (a) all prior Advances; and (b) the undrawn face amount of all
Construction Letters of Credit, would exceed the Aggregate Commitment.
11.6.2 Disbursement Period. If the Advance would be made other than during
the Availability Period.
11.6.3 Illegality of Loan. After the enactment of any law by any
governmental authority having jurisdiction over any Syndication Party which
would make it unlawful in any respect for such Syndication Party to make the
Advance.
11.7 Requests for and Conditions to Issuance of Construction Letters of
Credit. Borrower must provide Agent with a written request for issuance a
Construction Letter of Credit, containing such information as Agent shall
request, including amount, beneficiary, purpose, expiry date, and draw
conditions. In addition: (a) the representations and warranties of Borrower
contained in this Construction Credit Agreement shall be true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the date of such request as though made on and as
of such date; (b) when added to all other outstanding Construction Letters of
Credit, the requested Construction Letter of Credit must not exceed the Letter
of Credit Cap; (c) no Event of Default and no Potential Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, and no Event of Default or Potential Default would
result from the issuing of the Construction Letter of Credit; and (d) Agent must
approve the form of the Construction Letter of Credit.
ARTICLE 12 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
From and after the date of this Construction Credit Agreement and until the
Bank Debt is indefeasibly paid in full and the Syndication Parties have no
obligation to make any advances hereunder, Borrower agrees that it will observe
and comply with, the following covenants for the benefit of Agent and the
Syndication Parties:
12.1 Books and Records. Borrower shall at all times keep proper books of
record and account, in which correct and complete entries shall be made of all
its dealings, in accordance with GAAP.
12.2 Reports and Notices. Borrower shall provide to Agent the following
reports, information and notices:
12.2.1 Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in no event
later than one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of any fiscal year of
Borrower occurring during the term hereof annual financial statements of
Borrower, prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied which shall: (a)
be audited by independent certified public accountants selected by Borrower
which are reasonably acceptable to Agent; (b) be accompanied by a report of such
accountants containing an
30
opinion reasonably acceptable to Agent; (c) be accompanied by a Compliance
Certificate; (d) be prepared in reasonable detail and in comparative form; and
(e) include a balance sheet, an income statement, a statement of cash flows, a
statement of stockholders' equity, and all notes and schedules relating thereto.
12.2.2 Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available but in no event
more than sixty (60) days after the end of each Quarter the following financial
statements concerning Borrower's operations, prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied: (a) a balance sheet, (b) an income statement, (c) a
statement of cash flows, (d) a statement of stockholders' equity, for such
Quarter and for the year to date, and (e) such other quarterly statements as
Agent may reasonably request, which quarterly statements requested under this
clause (e) shall include any and all notes and schedules thereto. Such quarterly
financial statements required pursuant to this Subsection shall be accompanied
by a Compliance Certificate.
12.2.3 Additional Information. With reasonable promptness: (a) copies of
all communications which Borrower receives or initiates from or to any
Underlying Construction Loan Borrower and all reports, certificates, and other
written materials, including, without limitation, all financial statements,
which Borrower receives from or on account of any Underlying Construction Loan
Borrower; and (b) such additional financial information or other documentation
as Agent may reasonably request.
12.2.4 Notice of Default. As soon as the existence of any Event of Default
or Potential Default becomes known to any officer of Borrower, Borrower shall
promptly give Agent written notice of such Event of Default or Potential
Default, the nature and status thereof, and the action being taken or proposed
to be taken with respect thereto.
12.2.5 Notice of Certain Changes. Borrower shall: (a) notify Agent at least
ten (10) Business Days prior to the occurrence of any change in the name or
business form of Borrower; and (b) take all actions necessary or reasonably
requested by Agent in order to maintain the perfected status of Agent's first
lien and security interest (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances and to the
Intercreditor Agreement) in the Collateral.
12.2.6 Notice of Litigation. Borrower shall promptly notify Agent in
writing of all litigation in which Borrower or, to Borrower's knowledge,
Guarantor, is a party, and which either: (a) involves an amount of $100,000 or
more, singly or in the aggregate at any time; or (b) could reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to Borrower or
Guarantor.
12.2.7 Notice of Material Adverse Effect. Promptly after Borrower obtains
knowledge thereof, notice of any matter which has resulted or would result in a
Material Adverse Effect on Borrower or Guarantor.
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12.2.8 Notice of Environmental Litigation. Without limiting the provisions
of Subsection 12.2.6 of this Construction Credit Agreement, promptly after
Borrower's receipt thereof, notice of the receipt of all pleadings, orders,
complaints, indictments, or other communication alleging a condition that may
require Borrower to undertake or to contribute to a cleanup or other response
under Environmental Regulations, or which seeks penalties, damages, injunctive
relief, or criminal sanctions related to alleged violations of such laws, or
which claims personal injury or property damage to any person as a result of
environmental factors or conditions or which, if adversely determined, could
have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower.
12.2.9 Regulatory and Other Notices. Promptly after Borrower's receipt
thereof, copies of any notices or other communications received from: (a) any
governmental authority with respect to any matter or proceeding the effect of
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
Borrower; or (b) an Underlying Construction Loan Borrower.
12.2.10 Adverse Action Regarding Required Licenses. In the event Borrower
learns that any petition, action, investigation, notice of violation or apparent
liability, notice of forfeiture, order to show cause, complaint or proceeding is
pending, or, to the best of Borrower's knowledge, threatened, to seek to revoke,
cancel, suspend, modify, or limit any of the Required Licenses, Borrower shall
provide Agent with prompt written notice thereof and shall take, or cause to be
taken, all reasonable measures to contest such action in good faith.
12.2.11 Default of Underlying Construction Loan. As soon as the existence
of any event of default or potential default under the Underlying Construction
Loan becomes known to Borrower, Borrower shall promptly give Agent written
notice of such event of default or potential default, the nature and status
thereof, and the action being taken or proposed to be taken with respect
thereto.
12.2.12 Annual Attorney's Opinion Regarding Collateral. No later than the
last Business Day of February of each year, an opinion of legal counsel
acceptable to Agent as to the status of (a) Borrower's liens on the assets of
the Underlying Construction Loan Borrowers to secure the Underlying Construction
Loans ("Underlying Liens"); and (b) CoBank's liens on the assets of Borrower to
secure the Loan (and including the collateral assignment to CoBank of the
Underlying Construction Loans and Underlying Liens).
12.3 Eligibility Certificate. Borrower shall maintain its membership base
so that not less than fifty percent (50%) of its equity interest is owned by
Persons engaged in the business of producing vegetables, fruits, or other
agricultural products. Within thirty (30) days of the beginning of each calendar
year, Borrower shall provide Agent with a written certification signed by an
officer thereof stating that Borrower is in compliance with this Section.
12.4 Maintenance of Existence and Qualification. Borrower shall maintain
its corporate existence in good standing under the laws of Delaware. Borrower
will
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qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in
which such qualification is necessary or desirable in view of its business,
operations and properties.
12.5 Compliance with Legal Requirements and Agreements. Borrower shall: (a)
comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders applicable to Borrower or
its business; and (b) all agreements, indentures, mortgages, and other
instruments to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property is
bound; provided, however, that the failure of Borrower to comply with this
sentence in any instance not directly involving Agent or a Syndication Party
shall not constitute an Event of Default unless such failure would have a
Material Adverse Effect.
12.6 Compliance with Environmental Laws. Without limiting the provisions of
Section 12.5 of this Construction Credit Agreement, Borrower shall comply in all
material respects with, and take all reasonable steps necessary to cause all
persons occupying or present on any properties owned or leased by Borrower to
comply with, all Environmental Regulations, the failure to comply with which
would have a Material Adverse Effect.
12.7 Taxes. Borrower shall cause to be paid when due all taxes,
assessments, and other governmental charges upon it, its income, its sales, its
properties, and federal and state taxes withheld from its employees' earnings,
unless such taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges shall be contested
in good faith by appropriate actions or legal proceedings and Borrower shall
establish adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP.
12.8 Insurance. Borrower shall keep the Collateral insured at all times by
an insurance carrier or carriers approved by Agent which have an A rating by the
current BEST Key Rating Guide (provided that Florists Mutual Group will be
deemed an approved insurance carrier so long as its BEST Key Rating does not
fall below its rating as of the Closing Date), against all risks covered by a
special form policy (and including flood, earthquake and windstorm coverage) in
the amount of the full replacement cost (other than with respect to motor
vehicles) of the Collateral as well as liability, worker's compensation,
business interruption, boiler and machinery and such other insurance as Agent
may reasonably require, in amounts and with deductibles or maximum payouts
customarily carried by entities in similar lines of business. Borrower shall
also maintain fidelity coverage (including employee dishonesty) on such officers
and employees and in such amounts as Agent shall specify, or in the absence of
any such specification, as customarily carried by corporations engaged in
comparable businesses and comparably situated. Such insurance policies shall
contain such reasonable endorsements as Agent shall from time to time require
and all liability policies shall name Agent as an additional insured as its
interests may appear (and for the benefit of the Syndication Parties). All such
insurance policies shall be endorsed with a mortgagee's or loss payable clause,
as appropriate, in favor of Agent (and for the benefit of the Syndication
Parties). The policy or policies evidencing all insurance referred to in this
Section and receipts for the payment of premiums thereon or certificates of such
insurance satisfactory to Agent shall be delivered to and held by Agent. All
such insurance policies shall contain a provision requiring at least ten (10)
days' notice to Agent prior
33
to any cancellation for non-payment of premiums and at least forty-five (45)
days' notice to Agent of cancellation for any other reason or of modification or
non-renewal. No later than forty (40) days prior to expiration, Borrower shall
give Agent (a) satisfactory written evidence of renewal of all such policies
with premiums paid, or (b) a written report as to the steps being taken by
Borrower to renew or replace all such policies, provided that notwithstanding
the receipt of such written report, Agent may at any time thereafter give
Borrower written notice to provide Agent with such evidence as described in
clause (a), in which case Borrower must do so within ten (10) days of such
notice. Borrower agrees to pay all premiums on such insurance as they become
due, and will not permit any condition to exist on or with respect to the
Collateral which would wholly or partially invalidate any insurance thereon.
Effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, all of Borrower's right,
title and interest in and to all such policies and any unearned premiums paid
thereon are hereby assigned to Agent (for the benefit of the Syndication
Parties) who shall have the right, but not the obligation, to assign the same to
any purchaser of the Collateral at any foreclosure sale. Borrower shall give
immediate written notice to the insurance carrier and Agent of any loss.
Borrower hereby authorizes and empowers Agent upon the occurrence and during the
continuation of an Event of Default, at Agent's option and in Agent's sole
discretion, to act as attorney-in-fact for Borrower to make proof of loss, to
adjust and compromise any claim under insurance policies, to collect and receive
insurance proceeds, and to deduct therefrom Agent's expenses incurred in the
collection of such proceeds, and all insurance policies of Borrower shall
provide that Agent may act as Borrower's attorney-in-fact for such purposes.
12.9 Title to Assets and Maintenance. Borrower shall defend and maintain
title to all its material properties and assets, including the Collateral.
Borrower shall keep its assets, both real and personal, including the
Collateral, in good order and condition consistent with industry practice and
shall make all necessary repairs, replacements and improvements so that its
business may be properly and advantageously conducted.
12.10 Payment of Liabilities. Borrower shall pay all liabilities
(including, without limitation: (a) any indebtedness for borrowed money or for
the deferred purchase price of property or services; (b) any obligations under
leases which have or should have been characterized as capitalized leases, as
determined in accordance with GAAP; and/or (c) any contingent liabilities, such
as guaranties, for the obligations of others relating to indebtedness for
borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services or
relating to obligations under leases which have or should have been
characterized as capitalized leases, as determined in accordance with GAAP) as
they become due beyond any period of grace under the instrument creating such
liabilities, unless (with the exception of the Bank Debt) they are contested in
good faith by appropriate actions or legal proceedings, Borrower establishes
adequate reserves therefor in accordance with GAAP, and such contesting will not
result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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12.11 Further Assurances; Real Property Security Interests. Borrower shall,
as may be required from time to time by Agent, provide such documents as may be
necessary or desirable in the judgment of Agent to confirm the security interest
in the Collateral granted to Agent for the benefit of the Syndication Parties.
Promptly after the purchase or other acquisition of any fee interest in real
estate having a cost or Fair Market Value of $25,000.00 or more, Borrower shall
provide Agent with written notice of such acquisition and shall grant to Agent
(for the benefit of the Syndication Parties) a first deed of trust or mortgage
on such real estate (subject to liens permitted by Section 13.3 hereof and to
the Intercreditor Agreement), such deed of trust or mortgage to be in form and
substance as reasonably specified by Agent. In connection with the delivery of
any mortgage or deed of trust, Borrower shall, where required under the
guidelines set forth in Subsection 11.1.2 of this Construction Credit Agreement,
deliver to Agent a mortgagee's title policy satisfactory to Agent in such amount
as Agent shall specify, but in no event greater than the value of the real
estate, to be obtained at Borrower's sole cost. In connection with entering
into, as lessee, any lease of an interest in real property which lease calls for
a rental payment equal to or in excess of $25,000.00 per annum, Borrower shall
deliver to Agent a Leasehold Assignment & Consent (naming Agent as assignee for
the benefit of the Syndication Parties), together with such consents or
estoppels of lessor as Agent shall specify.
12.12 Inspection. Permit Agent or its agents, during normal business hours
or at such other times as the parties may agree, to examine Borrower's
properties, books, and records, and to discuss Borrower's affairs, finances,
operations, and accounts with its respective officers, directors, employees, and
independent certified public accountants.
12.13 Required Licenses; Permits; Etc. Borrower shall duly and lawfully
obtain and maintain in full force and effect all Required Licenses.
12.14 ERISA. In the event Borrower adopts, maintains, or becomes obligated
to make payments under, any Borrower Benefit Plan in the future (which Borrower
may not do without the prior written consent of Agent), Borrower shall: (a)
cause Borrower's Benefit Plans to comply in all material respects with the Code
and ERISA, including but not limited to preparing and delivering each material
report, statement or other document required by ERISA and the Code within the
period specified therein and conforming in form and substance to the provisions
thereof; (b) cause any Borrower Benefit Plan that is intended to satisfy the
requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code to satisfy such requirements
including, but not limited to obtaining a favorable determination letter with
respect to each such Borrower Benefit Plan; and (c) prepare and deliver and (d)
administer each Borrower Benefit Plan in all material respects in accordance
with the terms of such plan and with ERISA, the Code, and any other applicable
law, except to the extent any failure to comply with the preceding clauses (a),
(b) or (c) would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower shall take any
actions necessary to terminate its status as a participating employer in any
employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) sponsored by
an other entity. Within ten (10) Business Days after receiving such notice,
Borrower shall furnish to Agent any notice received by
35
Borrower relating to an assertion of withdrawal liability imposed by any
Multiemployer Plan upon Borrower or Borrower's controlled group prior to the
Closing Date, or relating to any violation of the provisions of the Code or
ERISA asserted by the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation or the Department of the Treasury with respect to any Borrower
Benefit Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
ARTICLE 13 NEGATIVE COVENANTS
From and after the date of this Construction Credit Agreement until the
Bank Debt is indefeasibly paid in full and the Syndication Parties have no
obligation to disburse Loan Proceeds, Borrower agrees that it will observe and
comply with the following covenants:
13.1 Borrowing. Borrower shall not create, incur, assume or permit to
exist: (a) any indebtedness for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase
price of property or services; (b) any contingent liabilities, such as
guarantees; or (c) any obligations under leases which have or should have been
characterized as capital leases, as determined in accordance with GAAP, except
for: (u) indebtedness owing under the Loan Documents, (v) indebtedness under the
Line of Credit Facility and the Term Facility, (w) leases and purchase money
financing of property used in the ordinary course of Borrower's business the
aggregate amount of which does not exceed $50,000.00 at any one time; (x) the
indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and which is described on Exhibit
13.1 hereto; and (y) indebtedness constituting any refinancing or refunding of
indebtedness described in subparagraphs (u), (v), (w), and (x) of this Section
13.1, provided that the principal amount thereof does not increase as a result
of any such refinancing or refunding from the balance owing on the date hereof
or on the date of such refinancing or refunding, whichever is lower.
13.2 No Other Businesses. Borrower shall not transact or engage in any
business other than the making of loans to its members and to non-members.
13.3 Liens. Borrower will not create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
mortgage, pledge, lien, charge or other encumbrance on, or any security interest
in, any of the Collateral, except:
(a) the security interests, mortgages, pledges, liens, or other
charges or encumbrances resulting from the Loan Documents and arising out
of the Line of Credit Facility and the Term Facility;
(b) liens for taxes or other governmental charges which are not due or
remain payable without penalty, or are being contested in good faith by
appropriate actions or proceedings; provided that such reserves or other
appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP, shall have
been made for such taxes or other governmental charges;
36
(c) deposits or pledges to secure workmen's compensation, unemployment
insurance, old age benefits or other social security obligations or in
connection with or to secure the performance of bids, tenders, trade
contracts or leases or to secure statutory obligations or surety or appeal
bonds or other pledges or deposits of like nature and all in the ordinary
course of business;
(d) mechanics', carriers', workmen's, repairmen's or other like liens
arising in the ordinary course of business in respect of obligations not
yet due or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings;
(e) easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions and other similar
matters incidental to the ownership of property which do not in the
aggregate materially detract from the value of such property or assets or
materially impair their use in the operation of the business of Borrower;
and
(f) purchase money security interests in property; provided that: (i)
such property is used in the ordinary course of Borrower's business,
provided that such security interests shall attach only to the property so
purchased, (ii) the amount of the purchase money financing so secured does
not exceed the amount permitted under Section 13.1, and (iii) the purchase
occurred subsequent to the Closing Date.
13.4 Sale of Assets. Borrower will not sell, convey, assign, lease or
otherwise transfer or dispose of, voluntarily, by operation of law or otherwise,
any of the Collateral to any Person, except that; (a) Borrower may dispose of
equipment which is obsolete or no longer used or useful by Borrower in its
business so long as (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and
(ii) the transfer is made in an arms length transaction; and (b) Borrower may
dispose of worn-out equipment so long as (i) if an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, any proceeds are paid to Agent (for the benefit of the
Syndication Parties) and (ii) such sales do not involve equipment having an
aggregate fair market value in excess of $50,000.00 for all such equipment
disposed of in any calendar year.
13.5 Liabilities of Others. Borrower will not assume, guarantee, endorse or
otherwise become directly or contingently liable in connection with any
obligation of any other Person.
13.6 Payments on Indebtedness. Borrower shall not make any principal
payment on any indebtedness except: (a) indebtedness owing hereunder, under the
Credit Agreement (Line of Credit Facility), and under the Credit Agreement (Term
Loan Funding); and (b), so long as no Event of Default or Potential Default
shall exist, other indebtedness permitted by Section 13.1 of this Construction
Credit Agreement.
13.7 Merger; Acquisitions; Etc. Borrower shall not merge or consolidate
with any entity, or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any person
or entity, or form or create any new subsidiary or affiliate, or commence
operations under any other name, organization, or entity, including any joint
venture.
37
13.8 Loans, Advances and Investments. Except as provided in Section 13.13
hereof and except for the purchase of CoBank Equity Interests, Borrower will not
make or permit to remain outstanding any loan or advance to, or own, purchase or
acquire any stock, obligations or securities of, or any other interest in, or
make any capital contribution to, any Person, except that Borrower may own,
purchase or acquire:
(a) commercial paper maturing not in excess of one year from the date
of acquisition and rated P1 by ▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Investors Service, Inc. or A1 by
Standard & Poor's Corporation on the date of acquisition;
(b) certificates of deposit in North American commercial banks rated C
or better by ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇, Inc. or 3 or better by ▇▇▇▇▇
Consulting Analysts, maturing not in excess of one year from the date of
acquisition;
(c) obligations of the United States government or any agency thereof,
the obligations of which are guaranteed by the United States government,
maturing, in each case, not in excess of one year from the date of
acquisition; and
(d) repurchase agreements of any bank or trust company incorporated
under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof and
fully secured by a pledge of obligations issued or fully and
unconditionally guaranteed by the United States government.
13.9 Transactions With Related Parties. Borrower shall not purchase,
acquire, or sell any equipment, other personal property, real property or
services from or to any affiliate, except in the ordinary course of Borrower's
business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable than would be
obtained by Borrower in a comparable arm's-length transaction with an unrelated
Person.
13.10 ERISA. Borrower shall not: (a) adopt, maintain or become obligated to
contribute to any Borrower Benefit Plan without the prior written consent of
Agent; (b) engage in or permit any transaction which could result in a
"prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA) or in
the imposition of an excise tax pursuant to Section 4975 of the Code; (c) engage
in or permit any transaction or other event which could result in a "reportable
event" as such term is defined in Section 4043 of ERISA for any Borrower Pension
Plan; (d) fail to make full payment when due of all amounts which, under the
provisions of any Borrower Benefit Plan, Borrower is required to pay as
contributions thereto; (e) permit to exist any "accumulated funding deficiency"
(as such term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA) in excess of $25,000.00,
whether or not waived, with respect to any Borrower Pension Plan; (f) fail to
make any payments to any "multiemployer plan" that Borrower may be required to
make under any agreement relating to such "multiemployer plan" or any law
pertaining thereto; or (g) terminate any Borrower Pension Plan in a manner which
could result in the imposition of a lien on any property of Borrower pursuant to
Section 4068 of ERISA. Borrower shall not terminate any Borrower Pension Plan so
as to result in any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. As
used in this Section, all terms enclosed in quotation marks shall have the
meanings set forth in ERISA. Borrower's
38
failure to comply with any of the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not
constitute a breach of this Construction Credit Agreement or an Event of Default
unless such failure has a Material Adverse Effect.
13.11 Payment of Dividends. Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly,
declare or pay any dividends on account of any shares of any class of its
capital stock now or hereafter outstanding, or set aside or otherwise deposit or
invest any sums for such purpose, or redeem, retire, defease, purchase or
otherwise acquire any shares of any class of its capital stock (or set aside or
otherwise deposit or invest any sums for such purpose) for any consideration
other than common stock or apply or set apart any sum, or make any other
distribution (by reduction or capital or otherwise) in respect of any such
shares or retire capital equities or other written notices of allocation, or
make any other distribution or allocation of its earnings, surplus or assets to
any holder of stock, allocated equities or other written notices of allocation,
or agree to do any of the foregoing; provided that Borrower may distribute
patronage-sourced earnings annually in the form of cash and qualified written
notices of allocation, so long as the cash portion is the minimum amount
required to qualify the distribution as a deductible patronage distribution for
federal income tax purposes, and such written notices constitute equity and not
debt.
13.12 Change in Fiscal Year. Borrower shall not change its fiscal year from
a year ending on December 31.
13.13 Extensions of Credit. Notwithstanding the prohibitions of Section
13.8, Borrower may make extensions of credit as follows:
(a) Underlying Construction Loans approved by Agent for funding
hereunder and which are included in the Collateral;
(b) Underlying Term Loans approved by Agent for funding under the
Credit Agreement (Term Loan Funding); and
(c) Loans approved by Agent for funding under the Credit Agreement
(Line of Credit Loan).
13.14 Amendment/Waiver of Provisions of Underlying Construction Loan
Documents. Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Agent,
amend, or agree to amend, or waive any material provision of, or give its
consent with respect to any material matter under, any of the Underlying
Construction Loan Documents after originals or copies thereof have been
delivered to Agent in connection with a Request for Underlying Construction Loan
Approval.
ARTICLE 14 INDEMNIFICATION
14.1 General; Stamp Taxes; Intangibles Tax. Borrower agrees to indemnify
and hold Agent and each Syndication Party and their directors, officers,
employees, agents, professional advisers and representatives ("Indemnified
Parties") harmless
39
from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or
expenses whatsoever which Agent or any other Indemnified Party may incur (or
which may be claimed against any such Indemnified Party by any Person),
including attorneys' fees incurred by any Indemnified Party, arising out of or
resulting from: (a) the material inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of
Borrower or Guarantor in this Construction Credit Agreement or the other Loan
Documents; (b) the material failure of Borrower or Guarantor to perform or
comply with any covenant or obligation of Borrower or Guarantor under this
Construction Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents; or (c) the exercise
by Agent of any right or remedy set forth in this Construction Credit Agreement
or the other Loan Documents, provided that Borrower shall have no obligation to
indemnify any Indemnified Party against claims, damages, losses, liabilities,
costs or expenses to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction renders a
final non-appealable determination that the foregoing are solely the result of
the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Party. In
addition, Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless
from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or
expenses whatsoever which Agent or any other Indemnified Party may incur (or
which may be claimed against any such Indemnified Party by any Person),
including attorneys' fees incurred by any Indemnified Party, arising out of or
resulting from the imposition or nonpayment by Borrower of any stamp tax,
intangibles tax, or similar tax imposed by any state, including any amounts
owing by virtue of the assertion that the property valuation used to calculate
any such tax was understated. Borrower shall have the right to assume the
defense of any claim as would give rise to Borrower's indemnification obligation
under this Section with counsel of Borrower's choosing so long as such defense
is being diligently and properly conducted and Borrower shall establish to the
Indemnified Party's satisfaction that the amount of such claims are not, and
will not be, material in comparison to the liquid and unrestricted assets of
Borrower available to respond to any award which may be granted on account of
such claim. So long as the conditions of the preceding sentence are met,
Indemnified Party shall have no further right to reimbursement of attorney's
fees incurred thereafter. The obligation to indemnify set forth in this Section
shall survive the termination of this Construction Credit Agreement and other
covenants.
14.2 Indemnification Relating to Hazardous Substances. Borrower shall not
locate, produce, treat, transport, incorporate, discharge, emit, release,
deposit or dispose of any Hazardous Substance in, upon, under, over or from any
property owned or held by Borrower, except in accordance with all Environmental
Regulations; Borrower shall not permit any Hazardous Substance to be located,
produced, treated, transported, incorporated, discharged, emitted, released,
deposited, disposed of or to escape in, upon, under, over or from any property
owned or held by Borrower, except in accordance with Environmental Regulations;
and Borrower shall comply with all Environmental Regulations which are
applicable to such property. If Agent reasonably believes that an Environmental
Regulation has been violated by Borrower's activities upon property owned or
held by Borrower, and if Agent so requests, Borrower shall have prepared an
environmental review, audit, assessment and/or report relating to the subject
property, at Borrower's sole cost and expense, by an engineer or other
environmental expert
40
acceptable to Agent. If, however, the environmental review, audit, assessment
and/or report reveals that no Environmental Regulation has been violated, Agent
shall reimburse Borrower for the costs and expenses of such engineer or other
environmental expert in completing such audit or report. Borrower shall
indemnify the Indemnified Parties against, and shall reimburse the Indemnified
Parties for, any and all claims, demands, judgments, penalties, liabilities,
costs, damages and expenses, including court costs and attorneys' fees incurred
by the Indemnified Parties (prior to trial, at trial and on appeal) in any
action against or involving the Indemnified Parties, resulting from any breach
of the foregoing covenants, or from the discovery of any Hazardous Substance in,
upon, under or over, or emanating from, such property, it being the intent of
Borrower and the Indemnified Parties that the Indemnified Parties shall have no
liability or responsibility for damage or injury to human health, the
environmental or natural resources caused by, for abatement and/or clean-up of,
or otherwise with respect to, Hazardous Substances by virtue of the interest of
Agent, or any Syndication Party, in the property created by any documents
securing Bank Debt (including without limitation the Loan Documents) or as the
result of Agent or any Syndication Party exercising any of its rights or
remedies with respect thereto, including but not limited to becoming the owner
thereof by foreclosure or conveyance in lieu of foreclosure. The foregoing
covenants of this Section shall be deemed continuing covenants for the benefit
of the Indemnified Parties, and any successors and assigns of the Indemnified
Parties, including but not limited to the holder of any certificate of purchase,
any transferee of the title of Agent or any Syndication Party or any subsequent
owner of the property, and shall survive the satisfaction or release of any
lien, any foreclosure of any lien and/or any acquisition of title to the
property or any part thereof by Agent or any Syndication Party, or anyone
claiming by, through or under Agent or any Syndication Party or Borrower by deed
in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise. Any amounts covered by the foregoing
indemnification shall bear interest from the date incurred at the Default
Interest Rate, shall be payable on demand, and shall be secured by the Security
Documents. The indemnification and covenants of this Section shall survive the
termination of this Construction Credit Agreement and other covenants.
ARTICLE 15 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
15.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following events (each
an "Event of Default") shall, at the option of Agent, make the entire Bank Debt,
including the Notes, immediately due and payable (provided, that in the case of
an Event of Default under Subsection 15.1(f) all amounts owing under the Notes
and the other Loan Documents shall automatically and immediately become due and
payable without any action by or on behalf of Agent), and Agent may exercise all
rights and remedies for the collection of any amounts outstanding hereunder and
take whatever action it deems necessary to secure itself, all without notice of
default, presentment or demand for payment, protest or notice of nonpayment or
dishonor, or other notices or demands of any kind or character:
41
(a) Failure of Borrower to pay within five (5) days of the date when
due, whether by acceleration or otherwise, any of the Bank Debt in
accordance with this Construction Credit Agreement or the other Loan
Documents.
(b) Any representation or warranty set forth in any Loan Document, any
Activation Request, Advance Request, or in the Guaranty or Guarantor
Security Documents, or in connection with any transaction contemplated by
any such document, shall prove in any material respect to have been false
or misleading when made by Borrower or Guarantor.
(c) Any default by Borrower or Guarantor in the performance or
compliance with the covenants, promises, conditions or provisions of
Sections 12.3, 12.8, 12.12, 13.1, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.7, 13.11, 13.12, or
13.14 of this Construction Credit Agreement, or Sections 9.1, 9.3, 9.4,
9.5, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, or 9.13 of the Guaranty.
(d) Any breach of the covenants set forth in Sections 12.2, 12.9,
12.10 (except as provided in Section 15.1(e)), 12.13, 12.14, 13.6, 13.8,
13.9, or 13.10 of this Construction Credit Agreement or Sections 9.2, 9.7,
9.10, or 9.11 of the Guaranty, and such failure continues for five (5) days
after Borrower learns of such failure to comply, whether by Borrower's own
discovery or through notice from Agent.
(e) The failure of Borrower or Guarantor to pay when due, or failure
to perform or observe any other obligation or condition with respect to any
of the following obligations to any Person, beyond any period of grace
under the instrument creating such obligation: (i) any indebtedness for
borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services,
(ii) any obligations under leases which have or should have been
characterized as capitalized leases, as determined in accordance with GAAP,
or (iii) any contingent liabilities, such as guaranties, for the
obligations of others relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or for
the deferred purchase price of property or services or relating to
obligations under leases which have or should have been characterized as
capitalized leases, as determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that no
such failure will be deemed to be an Event of Default hereunder unless and
until the aggregate amount owing under obligations with respect to which
such failures have occurred and are continuing is at least $50,000.00 with
respect to Borrower or at least $50,000.00 with respect to Guarantor.
(f) Borrower or Guarantor applies for or consents to the appointment
of a trustee or receiver for any part of its properties; any bankruptcy,
reorganization, debt arrangement, dissolution or liquidation proceeding is
commenced or consented to by Borrower or Guarantor; or any application for
appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or any proceeding for bankruptcy,
reorganization, debt management or liquidation is filed for or commenced
against Borrower or Guarantor, and is not withdrawn or dismissed within
sixty (60) days thereafter.
(g) Failure of Borrower or Guarantor to comply with any other
provision of this Construction Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents
not constituting an Event of Default under any of the preceding provisions
of this Section 15.1, and such
42
failure continues for thirty (30) days after Borrower or Guarantor learns
of such failure to comply, whether by Borrower's or Guarantor's own
discovery or through notice from Agent.
(h) The Guaranty or the Guarantor Security Documents shall, at any
time after their execution, cease to be in full force and effect, or shall
be revoked or declared null and void, or the validity or enforceability
thereof shall be contested by Guarantor, or Guarantor shall deny any
further liability or obligation thereunder, or shall be in default or fail
to perform its obligations thereunder, or any covenant or agreement set
forth therein shall be breached, or Guarantor should breach or be in
default under the terms of any of the Guarantor Security Documents.
(i) The occurrence of an event of default, unless and until a written
waiver thereof has been granted by the Agent thereunder, under the
following agreements of even date herewith and executed by and between
Borrower, as borrower thereunder, CoBank as agent and (alone, or with any
other Person) as a syndication party thereunder: Credit Agreement (Term
Loan Funding), and Credit Agreement (Line of Credit Facility).
(j) The entry of one or more judgments in an aggregate amount in
excess of $50,000.00 against Borrower and/or in excess of $100,000.00
against Guarantor, in either case not stayed, discharged or paid within
thirty (30) days after entry.
(k) The occurrence of an event of default under any Underlying
Construction Loan.
15.2 No Advances. The Syndication Parties shall have no obligation to
disburse Loan Proceeds if a Potential Default or an Event of Default shall occur
and be continuing.
15.3 Rights and Remedies. In addition to the remedies set forth in Section
15.1 and 15.2 of this Construction Credit Agreement, upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default, Agent shall, subject to the provisions of Section 15.4 hereof,
be entitled to exercise all the rights and remedies provided in the Security
Documents and other Loan Documents and by any applicable law, including, without
limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the state of Colorado or
the state where the Collateral is located at such time, whichever provides Agent
with greater rights. Each and every right or remedy granted to Agent pursuant to
this Construction Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or allowed
Agent by law or equity, shall be cumulative. Failure or delay on the part of
Agent to exercise any such right or remedy shall not operate as a waiver
thereof. Any single or partial exercise by Agent of any such right or remedy
shall not preclude any future exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right or remedy.
15.4 Limitation on Rights and Remedies. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 15.3 hereof, when the sole Event of Default is an Event of Default
caused by Section 15.1(k) hereof, Agent will, for a period of time designated by
Agent in its sole
43
discretion, refrain from accelerating the Loan if Borrower promptly (a)
proposes, and diligently pursues, a course of action (for example, for
collection, restructuring, or assignment) with respect to such Underlying
Construction Loan to which course of action the Super Majority give Agent their
written approval in their sole discretion; (b) ceases making advances
thereunder; and (c) charges interest on such Underlying Construction Loan at the
default rate specified in the relevant Underlying Construction Loan Documents).
ARTICLE 16 AGENCY AGREEMENT
16.1 Funding of Syndication Interest. (a) Each Syndication Party, severally
but not jointly, hereby irrevocably agrees to fund its Syndication Share of all
Advances from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions contained
herein; provided that no Syndication Party shall be required to fund an Advance
in an amount such that the aggregate principal balance owing to such Syndication
Party after such funding would be in excess of such Syndication Party's Maximum
Syndication Amount. Each Syndication Party's interest in the Advances
("Syndication Interest") hereunder shall be without recourse to Agent or any
other Syndication Party and shall not be construed as a loan from any
Syndication Party to Agent or any other Syndication Party.
16.2 Syndication Parties' Obligations to Remit Funds. Each Syndication
Party agrees to remit the amount of each Advance requested by Borrower as set
forth in each Notice of Loan Advance multiplied by its Syndication Share
("Advance Payment") as such Notice of Loan Advance may be sent, in the manner
provided in Section 16.3 hereof, from time to time for Advances to be made under
the Loan on or prior to the Maturity Date.
16.3 Notice and Timing of Each Advance Payment. On the Business Day on
which Agent approves an Advance Request for funding, Agent shall provide each
Syndication Party with a notice in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit 16.3 ("Notice of Loan Advance"), indicating, among other things, the
amount ("Loan Advance Amount") and Advance Date of the requested Advance and the
amount of the Syndication Party's Advance Payment. Each Syndication Party shall
remit its Advance Payment directly to Agent on the date specified in the Notice
of Loan Advance which shall not be later than the Advance Date ("Syndication
Party Advance Date").
16.4 Syndication Party's Failure to Remit Funds. If a Syndication Party
("Delinquent Syndication Party") fails to remit its Advance Payment in full by
11:00 a.m. Central time on the Syndication Party Advance Date (the unpaid amount
of any such payment being hereinafter referred to as the "Delinquent Amount"),
in addition to any other remedies available hereunder, any other Syndication
Party or Syndication Parties may, but shall not be obligated to, pay the
Delinquent Amount (the Syndication Party or Syndication Parties which advance
such Delinquent Amount are referred to as the "Contributing Syndication
Parties"), in which case (a) the Delinquent Amount which any Contributing
Syndication Party pays shall not count as an Advance Payment against the Maximum
Syndication Amount of the Contributing Syndication Party, and (b) the Delinquent
Syndication Party shall be obligated to pay to Agent, for the account
44
of the Contributing Syndication Parties, interest on the Delinquent Amount at a
rate of interest equal to the rate of interest which Borrower is obligated to
pay on the Delinquent Amount ("Delinquency Interest") until the Delinquent
Syndication Party remits the full Delinquent Amount and remits all Delinquency
Interest to Agent, which will distribute such payments to the Contributing
Syndication Parties (pro rata based on the amount of the Delinquent Amount which
each of them (if more than one) paid) on the same Business Day as such payments
are received by Agent if received no later than 11:00 a.m. Central time or the
next Business Day if received by Agent thereafter. In addition, the Contributing
Syndication Parties shall be entitled to share, on the same pro rata basis, and
Agent shall pay over to them, for application against Delinquency Interest and
the Delinquent Amount, the Delinquent Syndication Party's Payment Distribution
and any fee distributions made under Section 16.11 hereof until the Delinquent
Amount and all Delinquency Interest have been paid in full. For voting purposes
the Agent shall readjust the Syndication Shares of such Delinquent Syndication
Party and the Contributing Syndication Parties from time to time first to
reflect the advance of the Delinquent Amount by the Contributing Syndication
Parties, and then to reflect the full or partial reimbursement to the
Contributing Syndication Parties of such Delinquent Amount. In the event no
Syndication Party elects to pay the Delinquent Amount with respect to any Loan
Advance Amount but Borrower elects to receive such Loan Advance Amount (less the
Delinquent Amount), the proportionate share of Payment Distributions to which
the Delinquent Syndication Party is entitled and its proportionate voting rights
shall be adjusted to reflect its failure to pay the Delinquent Amount. As
between the Delinquent Syndication Party and the Contributing Syndication
Parties, the Delinquent Syndication Party's interest in its Note shall be deemed
to have been partially assigned to the Contributing Syndication Parties in the
amount of the Delinquent Amount and Delinquency Interest owing to the
Contributing Syndication Parties from time to time.
16.5 Agency Appointment. Each of the Syndication Parties hereby designates
and appoints Agent to act as agent to service and collect the Loan and its
respective Note and to take such action on behalf of such Syndication Party with
respect to the Loan and such Note, and to execute such powers and to perform
such duties, as specifically delegated or required herein, as well as to
exercise such powers and to perform such duties as are reasonably incident
thereto, and to receive and benefit from such fees and indemnifications as are
provided for or set forth herein, until such time as a successor is appointed
and qualified to act as Agent.
16.6 Power and Authority of Agent. Without limiting the generality of the
power and authority vested in Agent pursuant to Section 16.5 hereof, the power
and authority vested in Agent includes, but is not limited to, the following:
16.6.1 Advice. To solicit the advice and assistance of each of the
Syndication Parties concerning the administration of the Loan and the exercise
by Agent of its various rights, remedies, powers, and discretions with respect
thereto.
45
16.6.2 Documents. To execute, seal, acknowledge, and deliver as Agent, all
such instruments as may be appropriate in connection with the administration of
the Loan and the exercise by Agent of its various rights with respect thereto.
16.6.3 Proceedings. To initiate, prosecute, defend, and to participate in,
actions and proceedings in its name as Agent for the ratable benefit of the
Syndication Parties.
16.6.4 Retain Professionals. To retain attorneys, accountants, and other
professionals to provide advice and professional services to Agent, with their
fees and expenses reimbursable to Agent by Syndication Parties pursuant to
Section 16.18 hereof.
16.6.5 Incidental Powers. To exercise powers reasonably incident to Agent's
discharge of its duties enumerated in Section 16.7 hereof.
16.7 Duties of Agent. The duties of Agent hereunder shall consist of the
following:
16.7.1 Possession of Documents. To safekeep one original of each of the
Loan Documents other than the Notes (which will be in the possession of the
Syndication Party named as payee therein).
16.7.2 Distribute Payments. To receive and distribute to the Syndication
Parties payments made by Borrower pursuant to the Loan Documents.
16.7.3 Collections. Subject to the provisions of Section 16.9 hereof, to,
on behalf of and for the ratable benefit of all Syndication Parties, in
accordance with customary banking practices, exercise all rights, remedies,
powers, privileges, and discretion to which Agent is entitled to collect amounts
owing under the Loan and the Notes.
16.8 Agent's Resignation or Removal. Agent may resign at any time by giving
at least sixty (60) days' prior written notice of its intention to do so to each
of the Syndication Parties. After the receipt of such notice, the Syndication
Parties holding in the aggregate at least 66 2/3% of the Syndication Shares of
the Loan ("Majority Lenders") shall appoint a successor ("Successor Agent"). If
(a) no Successor Agent shall have been so appointed which is either (i) a
Syndication Party, or (ii) if not a Syndication Party, which is a Person
approved by Borrower, or (b) if such Successor Agent has not accepted such
appointment, in either case within forty-five (45) days after the retiring
Agent's giving of such notice of resignation, then the retiring Agent may
appoint a Successor Agent which shall be a bank or a trust company organized
under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof and having a
combined capital, surplus and undivided profit of at least $250,000,000. Any
Agent may be removed upon the written demand of the Super Majority, which demand
shall also appoint a Successor Agent. Upon the appointment of a new Agent
hereunder, the term "Agent" shall for all purposes of this Construction Credit
Agreement thereafter
46
mean such successor. After any retiring Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent,
or the removal hereunder of any Agent, the provisions of this Construction
Credit Agreement shall continue to inure to the benefit of such Agent as to any
actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this
Construction Credit Agreement.
16.9 Consent Required for Certain Actions. Except as provided in Section
15.4 hereof, Agent may not take any of the following actions (nor may the
Syndication Parties take the action described in Subsection 16.9.1(c)) with
respect to, or under, the Loan Documents without the prior written consent,
given after notification by Agent of its intention to take any such action (or
notification by such Syndication Parties as are proposing the action described
in Subsection 16.9.1(c) of their intention to do so), of Syndication Parties
holding in the aggregate, at the time of such notification:
16.9.1 Unanimous. One hundred percent (100%) of the Syndication Shares
before:
(a) Agreeing to an increase in the Aggregate Commitment amount or an
extension of the Maturity Date;
(b) Agreeing to a reduction in the amount, or to a delay in the due
date, of any payment by Borrower of interest, principal, or fees; provided,
however, this restriction shall not apply to a delay in payment granted by
Agent in the ordinary course of administration of the Loan and the exercise
of reasonable judgment (so long as such payment delay does not exceed five
(5) days);
(c) Reducing the voting rights percentage set forth in this Subsection
16.9.1; or
(d) Releasing the lien on any of the Collateral except in connection
with the full payment of the Underlying Construction Loan with respect to
which such Collateral relates.
16.9.2 Majority Lenders. A sufficient interest to constitute the Majority
Lenders before:
(a) Consenting to any action, amendment, or granting any waiver, not
covered in Subsection 16.9.1; or
(b) Agreeing to amend Article 16 of this Construction Credit
Agreement.
If no written consent or denial is received from a Syndication Party within five
(5) Business Days after written notice of any proposed action as described in
this Section is delivered to such Syndication Party by Agent, such Syndication
Party shall be conclusively deemed to have consented thereto for the purposes of
this Section.
16.10 Distribution of Principal and Interest. Agent will receive and accept
all payments (including prepayments) of principal and interest made by Borrower
on the Loan and the Notes and will hold all such payments in trust for the
benefit of all present
47
and future Syndication Parties, and, if requested in writing by the Majority
Lenders, in an account segregated from Agent's other funds and accounts
("Payment Account"). After the receipt by Agent of any payment representing
interest or principal on the Loan, Agent shall remit to each Syndication Party
an amount equal to such payment, multiplied by the Syndication Party's
Syndication Share ("Payment Distribution") no later than the same Business Day
as such payment is received by Agent if received no later than 11:00 a.m.
Central time or the next Business Day if received by Agent thereafter. Any
Syndication Party's rights to its Payment Distribution shall be subject to the
rights of any Contributing Syndication Parties to such amounts as set forth in
Section 16.4 hereof.
16.11 Distribution of Certain Fees and Amounts. Agent shall: (a) receive
and hold in trust for the benefit of all present and future Syndication Parties,
in the Payment Account and, if requested in writing by the Majority Lenders,
segregated from Agent's other funds and accounts; and (b) shall remit to the
Syndication Parties, as indicated, the fees and other amounts described below:
16.11.1 Funding Losses. The amount of any Funding Losses paid by Borrower
to Agent in connection with a prepayment of any portion of a Fixed Loan shall be
distributed to the Syndication Parties in accordance with their respective
Syndication Shares no later than the same Business Day that payment of such
Funding Losses is received by Agent, if received no later than 11:00 Central
time, or the next Business Day if received by Agent thereafter.
16.12 Possession of Loan Documents. The Loan Documents (other than the
Notes) shall be held by Agent in its name, for the ratable benefit of itself and
the other Syndication Parties without preference or priority.
16.13 Collateral Application. The Syndication Parties shall have no
interest in any other loans made to Borrower by any other Syndication Party
other than the Loan, or in any property taken as security for any other loan or
loans made to Borrower by any other Syndication Party, or in any property now or
hereinafter in the possession or control of any other Syndication Party, which
may be or become security for the Loan solely by reason of the provisions of a
security instrument that would cause such security instrument and the property
covered thereby to secure generally all indebtedness owing to such other
Syndication Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent such other
Syndication Party applies such funds or the proceeds of such property to
reduction of the Loan, such other Syndication Party shall share such funds or
proceeds with all Syndication Parties according to their respective Syndication
Shares. In the event that any Syndication Party shall obtain payment, whether
partial or full, from any source in respect of the Loan, including without
limitation payment by reason of the exercise of a right of offset, banker's
lien, general lien, or counterclaim, reducing such Syndication Party's
outstanding balance in the Loan to below its Syndication Share, such Syndication
Party will promptly make such adjustments (which may include payment in cash or
the purchase of further syndications or participations in the Loan) to the end
that such excess payment shall be shared with all other Syndication Parties in
accordance with their respective Syndication Shares.
48
16.14 Amounts Required to be Returned. If Agent makes any payment to a
Syndication Party in anticipation of the receipt of final funds from Borrower,
and such funds are not received from Borrower, or if excess funds are paid by
Agent to any Syndication Party as the result of a miscalculation by Agent, then
Syndication Party shall, on demand of Agent, forthwith return to Agent any such
amounts, plus interest thereon (from the day such amounts were transferred by
Agent to the Syndication Party to, but not including, the day such amounts are
returned by Syndication Party) at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds
Rate in effect on the date of such demand. If Agent is required at any time to
return to Borrower or a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian, or similar
official any portion of the payments made by Borrower to Agent, whether pursuant
to any bankruptcy or insolvency law or otherwise, then Syndication Party shall,
on demand of Agent, forthwith return to Agent any such payments transferred to
Syndication Party by Agent but without interest or penalty (unless Agent is
required to pay interest or penalty on such amounts to the person recovering
such payments).
16.15 Reports and Information to Syndication Parties. Agent shall use
reasonable efforts to provide to Syndication Parties, as soon as practicable
after actual knowledge thereof is acquired by an officer thereof primarily
responsible for Agent's duties as such with respect to the Loan or primarily
responsible for the credit relationship between Agent and Borrower: (a) notice
of the existence of any Event of Default or Potential Default under the Loan
Documents, and (b) any material factual information which has a material adverse
effect on the creditworthiness of Borrower and Borrower hereby authorizes such
disclosure by Agent to the Syndication Parties. Failure of Agent to provide the
information referred to in this Section shall not result in any liability upon,
or right to make a claim against, Agent except where a court of competent
jurisdiction renders a final non-appealable determination that such failure is a
result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of Agent. Syndication
Parties acknowledge and agree that all information and reports received pursuant
to this Construction Credit Agreement will be received in confidence in
connection with their Syndication Interest, and that such information and
reports constitute confidential information and shall not be disclosed to any
third party, except pursuant to appropriate legal or regulatory process, (or
used by the Syndication Party except in connection with the Loan and its
Syndication Interest) without the prior written consent of Agent or Borrower, as
applicable.
16.16 Standard of Care. Agent shall not be liable to Syndication Parties
for any error in judgment or for any action taken or not taken by Agent or its
agents, except for its gross negligence or willful misconduct. Subject to the
preceding sentence, Agent will exercise the same care in administering the Loan
and the Loan Documents as it exercises for similar loans which it holds for its
own account and risk, and Agent shall not have any further responsibility to the
Syndication Parties. Without limiting the foregoing, Agent may rely on the
advice of counsel concerning legal matters and on any written document it
believes to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper
Person or Persons.
49
16.17 No Trust Relationship. Neither the execution of this Construction
Credit Agreement, nor the sharing in the Loan, nor the holding of the Loan
Documents in its name by Agent, nor the management and administration of the
Loan and Loan Documents by Agent (including the obligation to hold certain
payments and proceeds in the Payment Account in trust for the Syndication
Parties), nor any other right, duty or obligation of Agent under or pursuant to
this Construction Credit Agreement is intended to be or create, and none of the
foregoing shall be construed to be or create, any express, implied or
constructive trust relationship between Agent and any Syndication Party. Each
Syndication Party hereby agrees and stipulates that Agent is not acting as
trustee for such Syndication Party with respect to the Loan, this Construction
Credit Agreement, or any aspect of either, or in any other respect.
16.18 Sharing of Costs and Expenses. To the extent not paid by Borrower,
each Syndication Party will promptly upon demand reimburse Agent, ratably
according to their respective Syndication Shares, for all reasonable costs,
disbursements, and expenses incurred by Agent on or after the date of this
Construction Credit Agreement for legal, accounting, consulting, and other
services rendered to Agent in its role as Agent in the administration of the
Loan, interpreting the Loan Documents, and protecting, enforcing, or otherwise
exercising any rights, both before and after default by Borrower under the Loan
Documents, and including, without limitation, all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with any bankruptcy proceedings; provided, however, that the costs
and expenses to be shared in accordance with this Section shall not include any
costs or expenses incurred by CoBank solely as a Syndication Party in connection
with the Loan, nor to Agent's internal costs and expenses.
16.19 Syndication Parties' Indemnification of Agent. Each of the
Syndication Parties agree to indemnify Agent, including any Successor Agent, and
its directors, officers, employees, agents, professional advisers and
representatives ("Indemnified Agency Parties"), (to the extent not reimbursed by
Borrower, and without in any way limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so),
ratably according to their respective Syndication Shares, from and against any
and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which
may at any time (including, without limitation, at any time following the
payment of the Loan and/or the expiration or termination of the Syndication
Interests or this Construction Credit Agreement) be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against Agent (or any of the Indemnified Agency Parties while acting
for Agent or for any Successor Agent) in any way relating to or arising out of
this Construction Credit Agreement or the Loan Documents, or the performance of
the duties of Agent hereunder or thereunder or any action taken or omitted while
acting in the capacity of Agent under or in connection with any of the
foregoing; provided that the Syndication Parties shall not be liable for the
payment of any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of an
Indemnified Agency Party to the extent that any of the forgoing result from the
gross negligence or willful misconduct of that Indemnified Agency Party as
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. The agreements and obligations
in
50
this Section shall survive the payment of the Loan, the Syndication Interests,
and the expiration or termination of this Construction Credit Agreement.
16.20 Books and Records. Agent shall maintain such books of account and
records relating to the Loan as it maintains with respect to other loans of
similar type and amount, and which shall clearly and accurately reflect the
Syndication Interest of each Syndication Party. Syndication Parties, or their
agents, may inspect such books of account and records at all reasonable times
during Agent's regular business hours.
16.21 Administrative Agent Fee. CoBank shall not be entitled to any fee or
compensation other than the Administrative Agent Fee for acting as Agent. In the
event the Successor Agent is contractually entitled to an additional fee, each
Syndication Party will be responsible for the amount thereof multiplied by their
Syndication Share.
16.22 Representations and Warranties of All Parties. Agent and each
Syndication Party represents and warrants that (a) the making and performance of
this Construction Credit Agreement is within its power and has been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate and other action by it, (b) this
Construction Credit Agreement is in compliance with all applicable laws and
regulations promulgated under such laws and does not conflict with nor
constitute a breach of its charter or by-laws nor any agreements by which it is
bound, and does not violate any judgment, decree or governmental or
administrative order, rule or regulation applicable to it, (c) no approval,
authorization or other action by, or declaration to or filing with, any
governmental or administrative authority or any other Person is required to be
obtained or made by it in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of its duties under this Construction Credit Agreement, and (d) this
Construction Credit Agreement has been duly executed by it, and constitutes the
legal, valid, and binding obligation of such Person, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally and general equitable principles
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law
or in equity). Each Syndication Party that is a state or national bank
represents and warrants that the act of entering into and performing its
obligations under this Construction Credit Agreement has been approved by its
board of directors or its loan committee and such action was duly noted in the
written minutes of the meeting of such board or committee, and that it will
furnish Agent with a certified copy of such minutes or an excerpt therefrom
reflecting such approval.
16.23 Representations and Warranties of CoBank. CoBank, in its role as
Syndication Party and as Agent, makes no express or implied representation or
warranty and assumes no responsibilities with respect to the due authorization,
execution, or delivery of the Loan Documents; the accuracy of any information,
statements, or certificates provided by Borrower, the legality, validity, or
enforceability of the Loan Documents; the filing or recording of any document;
the collectibility of the Loan; the performance by any Borrower of any of its
obligations under the Loan Documents; or the financial condition or solvency of
any Borrower or any other party obligated with respect to the Loan.
51
16.24 Syndication Parties' Independent Credit Analysis. Each Syndication
Party acknowledges receipt of true and correct copies of all Loan Documents
(other than any Note payable to another Syndication Party) from Agent. Each
Syndication Party agrees and represents that it has relied upon its independent
review (a) of the Loan Documents, and (b) any information independently acquired
by such Syndication Party from Borrower or otherwise in making its decision to
acquire an interest in the Loan independently and without reliance on CoBank or
Agent. Each Syndication Party represents and warrants that it has obtained such
information as it deems necessary (including any information such Syndication
Party independently obtained from Borrower or others) prior to making its
decision to acquire an interest in the Loan. Each Syndication Party further
agrees and represents that it has made its own independent analysis and
appraisal of and investigation into each Borrower's authority, business,
operations, financial and other condition, creditworthiness, and ability to
perform its obligations under the Loan Documents and has relied on such review
in making its decision to acquire an interest in the Loan. Each Syndication
Party agrees that it will continue to rely solely upon its independent review of
the facts and circumstances related to Borrower, and without reliance upon
CoBank or Agent, in making future decisions with respect to all matters under or
in connection with the Loan Documents and its participation in the Loan. CoBank
and Agent assume no responsibility for the financial condition of Borrower or
any Underlying Construction Loan Borrower for the performance of Borrower's
obligations under the Loan Documents nor for the performance of any Underlying
Construction Loan Borrower of its obligations under the Underlying Construction
Loan Documents. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, neither CoBank
nor any other Syndication Party shall have any duty or responsibility to furnish
to any other Syndication Parties any credit or other information concerning
Borrower which may come into its possession.
16.25 No Joint Venture or Partnership. Neither the execution of this
Construction Credit Agreement, the sharing in the Loan, nor any agreement to
share in payments or losses arising as a result of this transaction is intended
to be or to create, and the foregoing shall not be construed to be, any
partnership, joint venture or other joint enterprise between Agent and any
Syndication Party, nor between any of the Syndication Parties.
16.26 Purchase for Own Account/Restrictions on Transfer. Each Syndication
Party represents that it has acquired and is retaining its Syndication Interest
in the Loan for its own account in the ordinary course of its banking or
financing business and not with a view toward the sale, distribution, further
participation, or transfer thereof. Each Syndication Party other than CoBank
agrees that it will not sell, assign, convey or otherwise dispose of
("Transfer"), or create or permit to exist any lien or security interest on all
or any part of its Syndication Interest in the Loan, without the prior written
consent of Agent and Borrower (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld);
provided that: (a) any such Transfer (except a Transfer to another Syndication
Party or a Transfer by CoBank) must be in a minimum amount of the lesser of (i)
$5,000,000.00 or (ii) the full amount of the Syndication Interest; (b) the
transferee must execute an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 16.26
hereto
52
("Syndication Acquisition Agreement") and assume all of the transferor's
obligations hereunder and execute such documents as Agent may reasonably
require; and (c) the Syndication Party making such Transfer must pay Agent an
assignment fee of $2,500.00. Any Syndication Party may participate any part of
its Syndication Interest in the Loan to any Person with the prior written
consent of Agent and Borrower (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld),
and each Syndication Party understands and agrees that in the event of any such
participation, (x) its Syndication Share and Maximum Syndication Amount will not
change on account of such participation, (y) except as provided in Section 16.27
hereof, the participant will have no rights under this Construction Credit
Agreement, including, without limitation, voting rights or the right to receive
payments or distributions, and (z) Agent shall continue to deal directly with
the Syndication Party with respect to the Loan and the Syndication Party's
Syndication Interest as though no participation had been granted and will not be
obligated to deal directly with any participant. Notwithstanding any provision
contained herein to the contrary, any Syndication Party may at any time pledge
or assign all or any portion of its Syndication Interest to any Federal Reserve
Bank in accordance with applicable law.
16.27 Certain Participants' Voting Rights. All Persons which purchase a
participation interest in CoBank's interest as a Syndication Party hereunder
may, in CoBank's sole discretion (or as required in any agreement under which
such purchase is made and governed), be allowed by CoBank to vote, on a dollar
basis, on any matter requiring or allowing CoBank, in its capacity as a
Syndication Party, to provide or withhold its consent, or to otherwise vote on
any proposed action.
16.28 Method of Making Payments. Payment and transfer of all amounts owing
or to be paid or remitted hereunder, including, without limitation, payment of
the Initial Payment and each Advance Payment by Syndication Parties, and
distribution of principal or interest payments or fees or other amounts by
Agent, shall be by wire transfer in accordance with the instructions contained
on Exhibit 16.28 hereto ("Wire Instructions").
16.29 Events of Syndication Default/Remedies.
16.29.1 Syndication Party Default. Any of the following occurrences,
failures or acts, with respect to any of the Syndication Parties shall
constitute an Event of Syndication Default hereunder by such party: (a) if any
representation or warranty made by such party in this Construction Credit
Agreement shall be found to have been untrue in any material respect, (b) if
such party fails to make any distributions or payments required under this
Construction Credit Agreement within five (5) days of the date required, (c) if
such party breaches any other covenant, agreement, or provision of this
Construction Credit Agreement which breach shall have continued uncured for a
period of thirty (30) consecutive days after such breach first occurs, unless a
shorter period is required to avoid prejudicing the rights and position of the
other Syndication Parties, (d) if any agency having supervisory authority over
such party, or any creditors thereof, shall file a petition to reorganize or
liquidate such party pursuant to any applicable federal or state law or
regulation and such petition shall not be discharged or denied within fifteen
(15) days after the date on which it is filed, (e) if by the order of a
53
court of competent jurisdiction or by any appropriate supervisory agency, a
receiver, trustee or liquidator shall be appointed for such party or for all or
any material part of its property or if such party shall be declared insolvent,
or (f) if such party shall be dissolved, or shall make an assignment for the
benefit of its creditors, or shall file a petition seeking to take advantage of
any debtors' act, including the bankruptcy act, or shall admit in writing its
inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or shall consent to the
appointment of a receiver or liquidator of all or any material part of its
property.
16.29.2 Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Syndication Default,
the non-defaulting parties, acting by, or through the direction of, a simple
majority (determined on the basis of Syndication Share) of the non-defaulting
parties, may, in addition to any other remedy specifically set forth in this
Construction Credit Agreement, have and exercise any and all remedies available
generally at law or equity, including the right to damages and to specific
performance.
16.30 Withholding Taxes. Each Syndication Party represents that it is
entitled to receive any payments to be made to it hereunder without the
withholding of any tax and will furnish to Agent and to Borrower such forms,
certifications, statements and other documents as Agent or Borrower may request
from time to time to evidence such Syndication Party's exemption from the
withholding of any tax imposed by any jurisdiction or to enable Agent or
Borrower, as the case may be, to comply with any applicable laws or regulations
relating thereto. Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, if any
Syndication Party is not created or organized under the laws of the United
States of America or any state thereof, such Syndication Party will furnish to
Agent and Borrower IRS Form 4224 or Form 1001, or such other forms,
certifications, statements or documents, duly executed and completed by such
Syndication Party, as evidence of such Syndication Party's exemption from the
withholding of United States tax with respect thereto. Notwithstanding anything
herein to the contrary, Borrower shall not be obligated to make any payments
hereunder to such Syndication Party until such Syndication Party shall have
furnished to Agent and Borrower the requested form, certification, statement or
document.
16.31 Further Assurances. Agent and each Syndication Party agree to take
whatever steps and execute such documents may be reasonable and necessary to
implement this Article 16 and to carry out fully the intent thereof.
ARTICLE 17 MISCELLANEOUS
17.1 Costs and Expenses. To the extent permitted by law, Borrower agrees to
pay to Agent and the Syndication Parties, on demand, all out-of-pocket costs and
expenses (a) incurred by Agent (including, without limitation, the reasonable
fees and expenses of counsel retained by Agent, and including fees and expenses
incurred for consulting, appraisal, engineering, inspection, and environmental
assessment services) in connection with the preparation, negotiation, and
execution of the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby, and
processing Commitment Requests, Activation Requests, and Advance Requests for
Underlying Construction Loan
54
Approval; and (b) incurred by Agent or any Syndication Party (including, without
limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel retained by Agent and
the Syndication Parties) in connection with the enforcement or protection of the
Syndication Parties' rights under the Loan Documents upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default or upon the commencement of an action by Borrower against Agent
or any Syndication Party (except that if the court makes a specific finding that
Borrower has prevailed on all or substantially all of its claims in such action
brought by Borrower, Borrower shall not be obligated to pay the out-of-pocket
costs and expenses of Agent and the Syndication Parties in connection with such
action), including without limitation collection of the Loan (regardless of
whether such enforcement or collection is by court action or otherwise).
Borrower shall not be obligated to pay the costs or expenses of any Person whose
only interest in the Loan is as a holder of a participation interest.
17.2 Service of Process and Consent to Jurisdiction. Borrower hereby agrees
that any litigation with respect to this Construction Credit Agreement or to
enforce any judgment obtained against Borrower for breach of this Construction
Credit Agreement or under the Notes or other Loan Documents may be brought in
the courts of the State of Colorado and in the United States District Court for
the District of Colorado (if applicable subject matter jurisdictional
requirements are present), as Agent may elect; and, by execution and delivery of
this Construction Credit Agreement, Borrower irrevocably submits to such
jurisdiction. With respect to litigation concerning this Construction Credit
Agreement or under the Notes or other Loan Documents within the jurisdiction of
the courts of the State of Colorado or the United States District Court for the
District of Colorado, Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints, until January 15,
2011, The Corporation Company, ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, as the
agent of Borrower to receive for and on behalf of Borrower, service of process,
which service may be made by mailing a copy of any summons or other legal
process to Borrower in care of such agent. Borrower agrees that Borrower shall
maintain a duly appointed agent for service of summons and other legal process
as long as Borrower remains obligated under this Construction Credit Agreement
and shall keep Agent advised in writing of the identity and location of such
agent. The receipt by such agent and/or by Borrower of such summons or other
legal process in any such litigation shall be deemed personal service and
acceptance by Borrower for all purposes of such litigation.
17.3 Jury Waiver. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED BY AND BETWEEN AGENT, EACH
SYNDICATION PARTY, AND BORROWER THAT THEY EACH WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
ACTION, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER OF THEM AGAINST THE OTHER
PARTY ON ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS
CONSTRUCTION CREDIT AGREEMENT, THE NOTES, OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.
17.4 Notices. All notices, requests and demands required or permitted under
the terms of this Construction Credit Agreement shall be in writing and (a)
shall be addressed as set forth below or at such other address as either party
shall designate in writing, (b) shall be deemed to have been given or made: (i)
if delivered personally,
55
immediately upon delivery, (ii) if by telex, telegram or facsimile transmission,
immediately upon sending and upon confirmation of receipt, (iii) if by
nationally recognized overnight courier service with instructions to deliver the
next Business Day, one (1) Business Day after sending, and (iv) if by United
States Mail, certified mail, return receipt requested, five (5) days after
mailing.
17.4.1 Borrower:
Village Farms International Finance Association
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
FAX: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
With a copy to:
Agro Power Development, Inc.
▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
FAX: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇)
17.4.2 CoBank:
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention: ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
FAX: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
With a copy to:
FARM CREDIT BANK OF TEXAS
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
FAX: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention: ________________________________
17.5 Notice to Syndication Parties and Agent. No action shall be commenced
by Borrower for any claim against Agent or any Syndication Party on account of
any act or failure to act by such Person unless a notice specifically setting
forth the claim of Borrower shall have been given to such Person within sixty
(60) calendar days after Borrower has knowledge or should reasonably have
acquired knowledge of the act or omission which Borrower alleges gave rise to
such claim, and failure to give such notice shall constitute a waiver of any
such claim.
56
17.6 Successors and Assigns. This Construction Credit Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrower, Agent, and Syndication
Parties, and their respective successors and assigns, except that Borrower may
not assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the Syndication Parties.
17.7 Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Construction Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall not affect
the remaining portions of such documents or instruments; in case of such
invalidity or unenforceability, such documents or instruments shall be construed
as if such invalid or unenforceable provisions had not been included therein.
17.8 Entire Agreement. This Construction Credit Agreement (together with
all exhibits hereto, which are incorporated herein by this reference) and the
other Loan Documents represent the entire understanding of Agent, each
Syndication Party, and Borrower with respect to the subject matter hereof and
shall replace and supersede any previous agreements of the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof.
17.9 Applicable Law. To the extent not governed by federal law, this
Construction Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the rights and
obligations of the parties hereto and thereto shall be governed by and
interpreted in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Colorado,
without giving effect to any otherwise applicable rules concerning conflicts of
law.
17.10 Captions. The captions or headings in this Construction Credit
Agreement and any table of contents hereof are for convenience only and in no
way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of any provision of this
Construction Credit Agreement.
17.11 Amendments. This Construction Credit Agreement may not be modified or
amended unless such modification or amendment is in writing and is signed by
Borrower, Agent, and all Syndication Parties (and each Syndication Party hereby
agrees to execute any such amendment approved pursuant to Section 16.9 hereof).
Borrower agrees that it shall reimburse Agent for all fees and expenses incurred
by Agent in retaining outside legal counsel in connection with any amendment or
modification to this Construction Credit Agreement requested by Borrower.
17.12 Additional Costs of Maintaining Loan. Borrower shall pay to Agent
from time to time such amounts as Agent may determine to be necessary to
compensate any Syndication Party for any costs incurred by it which Agent
determines, based on information presented to it by such Syndication Party, are
attributable to such Syndication Party's making or maintaining any Advances
hereunder or its obligation to make any such Advances, or any reduction in any
amount receivable by such Syndication Party under this Construction Credit
Agreement or the Note payable to it in respect to any such Advances or such
obligation (such increases in costs and reductions in amounts receivable being
herein called "Additional Costs"), resulting from any change after the date of
this Construction Credit Agreement in United States federal,
57
state, municipal, or foreign laws or regulations (including Regulation D), or
the adoption or making after such date of any interpretations, directives, or
requirements applying to a class of banks including such Syndication Party of or
under any United States federal, state, municipal, or foreign laws or
regulations (whether or not having the force of law) by any court or
governmental or monetary authority charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof ("Regulatory Change"), which: (a) changes the basis of
taxation of any amounts payable to such Syndication Party under this
Construction Credit Agreement or the Note payable to such Syndication Party in
respect of any of such Advances (other than taxes imposed on the overall net
income of such Syndication Party); or (b) imposes or modifies any reserve,
special deposit, or similar requirements relating to any extensions of credit or
other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities of, such Syndication
Party; or (c) imposes any other condition affecting this Construction Credit
Agreement or the Note payable to such Syndication Party (or any of such
extensions of credit or liabilities). Agent will notify Borrower of any event
occurring after the date of this Construction Credit Agreement which will
entitle such Syndication Party to compensation pursuant to this Section as
promptly as practicable after it obtains knowledge thereof and determines to
request such compensation. Agent shall include with such notice, a certificate
from such Syndication Party setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation
of the amount of such compensation. Determinations by Agent for purposes of this
Section of the effect of any Regulatory Change on the costs of such Syndication
Party of making or maintaining Advances or on amounts receivable by such
Syndication Party in respect of Advances, and of the additional amounts required
to compensate such Syndication Party in respect of any Additional Costs, shall
be conclusive absent manifest error, provided that such determinations are made
on a reasonable basis.
17.13 Capital Requirements. In the event that the introduction of or any
change in (a) any law or regulation, or (b) the judicial, administrative, or
other governmental interpretation of any law or regulation, or (c) compliance by
any Syndication Party or any corporation controlling any such Syndication Party
with any guideline or request from any governmental authority (whether or not
having the force of law) has the effect of requiring an increase in the amount
of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Syndication Party or
any corporation controlling such Syndication Party, and such Syndication Party
certifies that such increase is based in any part upon such Syndication Party's
obligations hereunder, and other similar obligations, Borrower shall pay to such
Syndication Party such additional amount as shall be certified by such
Syndication Party to Agent and to Borrower to be the net present value
(discounted at the Variable Rate) of (a) the amount by which such increase in
capital reduces the rate of return on capital which such Syndication Party could
have achieved over the period remaining until the Maturity Date but for such
introduction or change, (b) multiplied by such Syndication Party's Syndication
Share of the Aggregate Commitment. Agent will notify Borrower of any event
occurring after the date of this Construction Credit Agreement that will entitle
any such Syndication Party to compensation pursuant to this Section as promptly
as practicable after it obtains knowledge thereof and of such Syndication
Party's determination to request such compensation. Agent shall include with
such notice, a certificate from such Syndication
58
Party setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the amount of such
compensation. Determinations by any Syndication Party for purposes of this
Section of the effect of any increase in the amount of capital required to be
maintained by any such Syndication Party and of the amount of compensation owed
to any such Syndication Party under this Section shall be conclusive absent
manifest error, provided that such determinations are made on a reasonable
basis.
17.14 Replacement Notes. Upon receipt by Borrower of evidence satisfactory
to it of: (a) the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note, and (in
case of loss, theft or destruction) of the agreement of the Syndication Party to
which the Note was payable to indemnify Borrower, and upon surrender and
cancellation of such Note, if mutilated; or (b) the assignment of any
Syndication Interest and Note relating thereto, or any portion thereof, pursuant
to this Construction Credit Agreement, then Borrower will pay any unpaid
principal and interest (and Funding Losses, if applicable) then or previously
due and payable on such Note and will deliver in lieu of such Note a new Note
or, in the case of an assignment of a portion of a Syndication Interest new
Notes, for any remaining balance.
17.15 Patronage Payments. Borrower acknowledges and agrees that any
patronage, or similar, payments to which Borrower is entitled on account its
ownership of CoBank Equity Interests will not be based on any portion of its
Syndication Share in which CoBank has at any time granted a participation
interest.
17.16 Mutual Release. Upon full indefeasible payment and satisfaction of
the Bank Debt and Notes and the other obligations contained in this Construction
Credit Agreement, the parties, including Borrower, Agent, and each Syndication
Party shall, except as provided in Article 14 hereof, thereupon automatically
each be fully, finally, and forever released and discharged from any further
claim, liability, or obligation in connection with the Bank Debt.
17.17 Liberal Construction. This Construction Credit Agreement constitutes
a fully negotiated agreement between commercially sophisticated parties, each
assisted by legal counsel, and shall not be construed and interpreted for or
against any party hereto.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Construction Credit
Agreement as of the date first above written.
BORROWER:
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
ASSOCIATION, a cooperative corporation
formed under the laws of the state of
Delaware
By:______________________________________
Name: J. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
Its: Vice President
COBANK:
COBANK, ACB
By:______________________________________
Name: ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Vice President
60