EXHIBIT 10.32
WILMINGTON TRUST
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
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Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No. Call Collateral Account Officer Initials
$3,000,000.00 11-04-1998 10 938
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References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan
or item.
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Borrower: ASTROPOWER, INC. Lender: WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
SOLAR PARK C/L W.H. MAJOR
NEWARK, DE 19716-2000 ▇▇▇▇▇▇ SQUARE NORTH
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between ASTROPOWER, INC. ("Borrower") and
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY ("Lender") Is made and executed an the following terms
and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has
applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans and other financial
accommodations, Including those which may be described on any exhibit or
schedule attached to this Agreement. All such loans and financial
accommodations, together with all future loans and financial accommodations from
Lender to Borrower, are referred to in this Agreement Individually as the "Loan"
and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands and agrees that: (a) In
granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender Is relying upon Borrower's
representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth In this Agreement; lb)
the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be
subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (c) all such Loans shall
be and shall remain subject to the following terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of September 21, 1998, and shall
continue thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been
performed in full and the parties terminate this Agreement in writing.
DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.
Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this
Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time,
together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan
Agreement from time to time.
Borrower. The word "Borrower" means ASTROPOWER, INC.. The word "Borrower'
also includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower
as provided below in the paragraph titled "Subsidiaries and Affiliates.'
CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means and includeswithout limitation all
property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real
or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether
granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security
interest, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage,
chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust
receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or
consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien
Interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.
ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without
limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section
titled "EVENTS OF DEFAULT."
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and
all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any
Collateral for the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers
granting such a Security Interest.
Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each
and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in
connection with any Indebtedness.
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation
all Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of
Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by
Lender against Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or
hereafter existing, voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or
contingent, liquidated or unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable
individually or jointly with others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a
guarantor, surety, or otherwise; whether recovery upon such Indebtedness
may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and
whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise
unenforceable.
Lender. The word `Lender' means WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, its successors
and assigns.
Loan. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and Includes without limitation any
and all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to
Borrower, whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced,
including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations
described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this
Agreement from time to time.
Note. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's
promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in
favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note
or notes therefor.
Permitted Liens. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security
interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for
taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being
contested in good faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen,
or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business
and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money
liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired
or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure
indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be
incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled 'Indebtedness and
Liens'; (a) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this
Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing;
and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to
the net value of Borrower's assets.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds
of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.
Security Agreement. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or
otherwise, &dancing, governing, representing, or creating a Security
Interest.
Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean and Include without
limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien,
charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage,
chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust
receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as
a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever,
whether created by law, contract, or otherwise. I
▇▇▇▇. The word "▇▇▇▇" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986 as now or hereafter amended.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial
Loan Advance and each subsequent Loan Advance under this Agreement shall be
subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set
forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.
LOAN DOCUMENTS. Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory to
Lender the following documents for the Loan: (a) the Note, (b) Security
Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral, (c)
Financing Statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (d) evidence
of insurance as required below; and (a) any other documents required under
this Agreement or by Lender or its counsel.
BORROWER'S AUTHORIZATION. Borrower shall have provided in form and
substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly
authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the
Related Documents, and such other authorizations and other documents and
instruments as Lender or its counsel, in their sole discretion, may
require.
Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees,
charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in
this Agreement or any Related Document.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties set
forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or
certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.
No Event of Default. There shall not exist at the time of any advance a
condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this
11-04-1998 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 2
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Agreement.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:
Organization. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and
is validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is
doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its
properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged
or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a
foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in which the
failure to so quality would have a material adverse effect on its
businesses or financial condition.
Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement
and all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed,
delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all
necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any
other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not
conflict with, result in a violaton of, or constitute a default under (a)
any provision of its articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws,
or any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or lb) any law,
governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower.
Financial Information. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to
Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of
the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in
Borrowers financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent
financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent
obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.
Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against
Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.
Properties. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously
disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as
accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not
presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of
Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not
executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such
properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal
name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any
other name for at least the last five (5) years.
Hazardous Substances. The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance,"
"disposal," "release," and "Threatened release," as used in this Agreement,
shall have the same meanings as set forth In the "CERCLA," "▇▇▇▇," the
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq.,
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et
seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations
adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and
acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that:
(a) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the properties, there has
been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release
or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on,
under, about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge
of, or reason to believe that there has been (i) any use, generation,
manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or threatened release
of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from the properties
by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or (ii) any
actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person
relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor,
agent or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use,
generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous
waste or substance on, under, about or from any of the properues; and any
such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal,
state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without
limitation those laws, regulationsand ordinances described above. Borrower
authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the properties to make such
inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine
compliance of the properties with this section of the Agreement. Any
inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for
Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any
other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based
on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous
waste and hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any
future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event
Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and
(b) agrees to Indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all
claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender
may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of
this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation,
manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of a
hazardous waste or substance on the properties. The provisions of this
section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnity, shall
survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination or expiration
of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any
interest in any of the properties, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.
Litigation and Claims. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative
proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against
Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which
may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or
properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that
have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.
Taxes. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and reports of
Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all
taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full,
except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith
in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have
been provided.
Lien Priority. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender In writing,
Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or
permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or
affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment
of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be
superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such
Collateral.
Binding Effect. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly
or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the
Related Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon Borrower's
successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in
accordance with their respective terms.
Commercial Purposes. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for
business or commercial related purposes.
Employee Benefit Plans. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may
have any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable
requirements of law and regulations, and (1) no Reportable Event nor
Prohibited Transaction (as defined In ERISA) has occurred with respect to
any such plan, (ii) Borrower has not withdrawn from any such plan or
initiated steps to do so, (111) no steps have been taken to terminate any
such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded liabilities other than those
previously disclosed to Lender in writing.
Location of Borrower's Offices and Records. Borrower's place of business,
or Borrower's Chief executive office, it Borrower has more than one place
of business, Is located at ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇. Unless
Borrower has designated otherwise in writing this location is also the
office or offices where Borrower keeps its records concerning the
Collateral.
Year 2000. Borrower warrants and represents that all softwareutilized in
the conduct of Borrower's business will have appropriate capabilities and
compatiblity for operation to handle calendar dates falling on or after
January 1, 2000, and all Information pertaining to such calendar dates, in
the same manner and with the same functionality as the software does
respecting calendar dates falling on or before December 31, 1999. Further,
Borrower warrants and represents that the data-.related user interface
junctions, data-fields, and data-related program instructions and functions
of the software include the indication of the century.
Information. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith
furnished by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or In connection with
this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all
information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will
be, true and accurate In every material respect on the date as of which
such information Is dated or certified; and none of such information is or
will be incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make
such information not misleading.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees
that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above
representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower.
Borrower further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties
shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect
until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until
this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever
is the last to occur.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while
this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will: Litigation. Promptly inform
Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse changes in Borrower's
financial condition, and lb) all existing and all threatened litigation,
claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions
affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the
financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any
Guarantor.
Financial Records. Maintain its books and records In accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis,
and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all
reasonable times.
Additional Information. Furnish such additional Information and statements,
lists of assets and liabilities, aging of receivables and payables,
inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports
with respect to Borrower's financial condition and business operations as
Lender may request from time to time.
Insurance. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability
insurance, and such other Insurance as Lender may require with respect to
Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverage's and with
insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request
of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or
certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including
11-04-1998 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 2
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stipulations that coverage's will not be cancelled or diminished without at
least twenty (20) days' prior written notice to Lender. Each insurance
policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor
of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default
of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering
assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the
Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss payable or other
endorsements as Lender may require.
Insurance Reports. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on
each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may
reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (a) the
name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy;
(d) the properties insured; (a) the then current property values an the
basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining
those values; and (f) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon
request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will
have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as
applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral.
The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.
Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other
agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any
other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in
connection with any other such agreements.
Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business
operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in
writing.
Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its
indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments,
taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature,
imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the
date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if
unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties,
income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay
and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ or claim so long
as (a) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have established on its
books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax,
charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally accepted
accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies,
liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official
to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments,
taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties,
income, or profits.
Performance. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions
set forth in this Agreement and In the Related Documents in a timely
manner, and promptly notify Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of
any event which constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or
under any of the Related Documents.
Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially
the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and
management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in
executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a
reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all applicable
federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
respecting its properties, charters, businesses and operations, including
without limitation, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and
with all minimum funding standards and other requirements of ERISA and
other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit plans.
Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other
properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records
and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and
records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records
(including without limitation computer generated records and computer
software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of
a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to
permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to
provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's
expense.
Compliance Certificate. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender
at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds
with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other
officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations
and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the
date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the
certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.
Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects
with all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an
intentional or unintentional action or omission an its part or on the part
of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any
environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless
such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the
conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local
governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event
within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice,
summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any
governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or
unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with any
environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment
and/or other natural resources.
Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing
statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its
attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to
perfect all Security Interests.
RECOVERY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS. If the imposition of or any change in any law,
rule, regulation or guideline, or the interpretation or application of any
thereof by any court or administrative or governmental authority (including any
request or policy not having the force of law) shall impose, modify or make
applicable any taxes (except U.S. federal, state or local income or franchise
taxes imposed on Lender), reserve requirements, capital adequacy requirements or
other obligations which would (a) increase the cost to Lender for extending or
maintaining the credit facilities to which this Agreement relates, (b) reduce
the amounts payable to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents, or
(c) reduce the rate of return on Lender's capital as a consequence of Lender's
obligations with respect to the credit facilities to which this Agreement
relates, then Borrower agrees to pay Lender such additional amounts as will
compensate Lender therefor, within five (5) days after Lender's written demand
for such payment, which demand shall be accompanied by an explanation of such
imposition or charge and a calculation in reasonable detail of the additional
amounts payable by Borrower, which explanation and calculations shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:
Indebtedness and Liens. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal
course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this
Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money,
including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell,
transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security Interest in, or
encumber any of Borrowers assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of
Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.
Continuity of Operations. (a) Engage In any business activities
substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged,
(b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate
with any other entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or
transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay
any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its
stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so
long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result
from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a 'Subchapter S Corporation'
(as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may
pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in
amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make
estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilites under federal and
state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a
Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of
Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or
alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.
Loans, Acquisitions and Guaranties. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or
assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other
enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor
other than in the ordinary course of business.
CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent,
files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a
bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Barrower's financial
condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or In the value of any
Collateral securing any Loan; or (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender.
COMMITMENT FEE. LOAN IS SUBJECT TO ANNUAL REVIEW AND A THREE (3) YEAR
COMMITMENT. COMMITMENT FEE OF .25% WILL BE CHARGED ANNUALLY BY BANK
DRAWS. EACH DRAW NOT TO EXCEED 60 MONTHS AMORTIZATION.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:
Default on Indebtedness. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due
on the Loans.
Other Defaults. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to
perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition
contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure
of Borrower to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation,
covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and
Borrower.
11-04-1998 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 4
(continued)
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Default In Favor of Third Parties. Should Borrower or any Grantor default
under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales
agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person
that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any
Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective
obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this
Agreement or the Related Documents Is false or misleading in any material
respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at
any time thereafter.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security
Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time
and for any reason,
Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrowers existence as a
going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver
for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of
creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any
proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or
forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor
of any Grantor against any collateral securing the Indebtedness, or by any
governmental agency. This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or
of any of Borrower's deposit accounts with Lender.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect
to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or
becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability
▇▇▇▇▇▇, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.
Change In Ownership. Any change In ownership of twenty-five percent (25%)
or more of the common stock of Borrower. Adverse Change. A material adverse
change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the
prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired.
EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make
Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness
Immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to
Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described
in the 'Insolvency' subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and
not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies
provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise.
Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and
remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other
remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an
obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to
declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:
Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this
Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the
party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
amendment.
Applicable Law. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
Lender In the State of Delaware. If there Is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees
upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of NEW
CASTLE County, the State of Delaware. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the
right to any jury trial In any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought
by either Lender of Borrower against the other. This Agreement shall be
governed by and construed In accordance with the laws of the State of
Delaware.
Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions
of this Agreement.
Multiple Parties; Corporate Authority. All obligations of Borrower under
this Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Borrower
shall mean each and every Borrower. This means that each of the persons
signing below is responsible for all obligations in this Agreement.
Consent to Loan Participation. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's
sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation
interests in the Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or
unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever,
to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or
knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating
to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy it may have
with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all
notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any
repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the
purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the
absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have all the rights
granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale
of such participation Interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or
against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally
agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's
obligation under the Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any
holder of any interest in the Loans. Borrower further agrees that the
purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests
irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have
against Lender.
Costs and Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's
expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred
in connection with the preparation, execution, enforcement, modification
and collection of this Agreement or in connection with the Loans made
pursuant to this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help collect the
Loans and to enforce this Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount.
This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's
reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not
there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees for bankruptcy
proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or
injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection
services. Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other
sums provided by law.
Notices. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be
given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required
by law), and shall be effective when actually delivered or when deposited
with a nationally recognized overnight courier or deposited in the United
States mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to whom
the notice is to be given at the address shown above. Any party may change
its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written
notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is
to change the party's address. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
if there is more than one Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute
notice to all Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender
Informed at all times of Borrower's current addressees).
Severablilty. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any
such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the
limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the offending provision
cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of
this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable.
Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower. To the extent the context of any
provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without
limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word 'Borrower' as
used herein shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower.
Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this
Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other
financial accommodation to any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.
Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
behalf of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to
the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not,
however, have the right to assign Its rights under this Agreement or any
interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.
Survival. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower
in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by
Borrower to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been
relied upon by Lender and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery
to Lender of the Related Documents, regardless of any Investigation made by
Lender or on Lender's behalf.
Time Is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
Agreement.
Waiver. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of
a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of
Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or
any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any
course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any
Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any
obligations of Borrower or of any Grantor as to any future transactions.
Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the
granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute
continuing consent in subsequent Instances where such consent is required,
and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole
discretion of Lender.
11-04-1998 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 5
(Continued)
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BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT, AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF
SEPTEMBER 21, 1998.
BORROWER:
ASTROPOWER, INC.
By: (SEAL) By: (SEAL)
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
Authorized Officer Authorized Officer
LENDER:
WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY
By: ------------------------------------------------
Authorized Officer
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Variable Rate. Line of Credit. LASER PRO, Reg. U.S. ▇▇▇. & T.M. Off., Ver. 3.25C 1998 CFI ProServices, Inc. Allrights
reserved. (▇▇-▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇ ▇▇▇.▇▇▇)