1
EXHIBIT 99.(b)(1)(A)
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No. Call/Coll Account Officer Initials
$15,000,000.00 06-22-2001 178
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.
Any item above containing **** has been omitted due to text length limitations.
Borrower: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LUMBER CO. (TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇) Lender: Citizens Bank
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ - ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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THIS
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT dated June 22, 2001, is made and executed between
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LUMBER CO. ("Borrower") and Citizens Bank ("Lender") on the following
terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender
or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans or other financial
accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or
schedule attached to this Agreement ("Loan"). 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, and (B) all such Loans shall be and remain subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of June 22, 2001, and shall continue
in full force and effect until such time as all of Borrower's Loans in favor of
Lender have been paid in full, including principal, interest, costs, expenses,
attorneys' fees, and other fees and charges, or until such time as the parties
may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial
Advance and each subsequent 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 the following documents
for the Loan: (1) the Note; (2) together with all such Related Documents as
Lender may require for the Loan; all in form and substance satisfactory to
Lender and Lender's 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. In addition, Borrower shall have provided such other
resolutions, authorizations, documents and instruments as Lender or its
counsel, 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 Agreement
or under any Related Document.
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 for profit which is, and at all
times shall be, duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing
under and by virtue of the laws of Borrower's state of incorporation.
Borrower is duly authorized to transact business in all other states in
which Borrower is doing business, having obtained all necessary filings,
governmental licenses and approvals for each state in which Borrower is
doing business. Specifically, Borrower is, and at all times shall be, duly
qualified as a foreign corporation in all states in which the failure to so
qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial
condition. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties
and to transact the business in which it is presently engaged or presently
proposes to engage. Borrower maintains an office at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇.,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing, the
principal office is the office at which Borrower keeps its books and
records including its records concerning the Collateral. Borrower will
notify Lender of any change in the location of Borrower's principal office.
Borrower shall do all things necessary to preserve and to keep in full
force and effect its existence, rights and privileges, and shall comply
with all regulations, rules, ordinances, statutes, orders and decrees of
any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court applicable to
Borrower and Borrower's business activities.
ASSUMED BUSINESS NAMES. Borrower has filed or recorded all documents or
filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used by
Borrower. Excluding the name of Borrower, the following is a complete list
of all assumed business names under which Borrower does business: None.
AUTHORIZATION. Borrower's execution, delivery, and performance of this
Agreement and all the Related Documents have been duly authorized by all
necessary action by Borrower and do not conflict with, result in a
violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of Borrower's
articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or any agreement or
other instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any law, governmental
regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower or to Borrower's
properties.
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BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Each of Borrower's financial statements 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
Borrower's 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
Borrower is required to give under this Agreement 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. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in
writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (1) During the period of
Borrower's ownership of Borrower's Collateral, there has been no use,
generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or
threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under,
about or from any of the Collateral; (2) Borrower has no knowledge of, or
reason to believe that there has been (a) any breach or violation of any
Environmental Laws; (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage,
treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous
Substance on, under, about or from the Collateral by any prior owners or
occupants of any of the Collateral; or (c) any actual or threatened
litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters;
(3) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized
user of any of the Collateral shall use, generate, manufacture, store,
treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or
from any of the Collateral; and any such activity shall be conducted in
compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations,
and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws.
Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Collateral to
make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine
compliance of the Collateral 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 Collateral for hazardous
waste and Hazardous Substances. Borrower hereby (1) 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
(2) 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 Collateral. The provisions of this
section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify, shall
survive the payment of the indebtedness and the termination, expiration or
satisfaction of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's
acquisition of any interest in any of the Collateral, 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 of Borrower's tax returns
and reports 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 Interest and rights in and to such
Collateral.
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BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
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BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements (if
any), and all Related Documents are binding upon the signers thereof, as
well as upon their successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally
enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long
as this Agreement remains in effect, Borrower will:
NOTICES OF CLAIMS AND LITIGATION. Promptly Inform Lender in writing of (1)
all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (2) 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 GAAP,
applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit
Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Furnish Lender with such financial statements and
other related information at such frequencies and in such detail as Lender
may reasonably request.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Furnish such additional information and statements,
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, coverages and with
insurance companies 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 stipulations that
coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10)
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 lender's 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: (1) the name
of the insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy; (4)
the properties insured; (5) the then current property values on the basis
of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining those
values; and (6) 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.
PERFORMANCE. Perform and comply, in a timely manner, with all terms,
conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement, in the Related
Documents, and in all other instruments and agreements between Borrower
and Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender immediately in writing of any
default in connection with any agreement.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. Promptly conduct and complete, at Borrower's
expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings as may be
requested by Lender or any governmental authority relative to any
substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or
a hazardous substance under applicable federal, state, or local law, rule,
regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property on any
facility owned, leased or used by Borrower.
COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS. Comply with all laws,
ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all
governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of Borrower's
properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy of the
Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities
Act. Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or
regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including
appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing
prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender's sole opinion, Lender's
interests in the Collateral are not jeopardized. Lender may require
Borrower to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably
satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender's interest.
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BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
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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 CERTIFICATES. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide
Lender at least annually, 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 any and all Environmental Laws; not cause or permit to exist, as a
result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's
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, assignments,
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.
LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would
materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Borrower fails to
comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including
but not limited to Borrower's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts
Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related
Documents, Lender on Borrower's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take
any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to
discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and
other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all
costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving any Collateral. All such
expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear
interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by
Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower. All such expenses will become a
part of the indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on
demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be
payable with any installment payments to become due during either (1) the term
of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or
(C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note's
maturity.
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:
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Make or contract to make capital expenditures,
including leasehold improvements, in any fiscal year in excess of
$ or incur liability for rentals of property (including both
real and personal property) an amount which, together with capital
expenditures, shall in any fiscal year exceed such sum.
CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (1) Engage in any business activities
substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged,
(2) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate
with any other entity, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell
Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, or (3) 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 liabilities under federal
and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a
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Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of Borrower's
stock, or purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter
or amend Borrower's capital structure.
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 dies, becomes
incompetent or becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar
proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (C) there occurs a material adverse
change in Borrower'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; or (E) Lender
in good ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ itself insecure, even though no Event of Default shall have
occurred.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a
right of setoff in all Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking,
savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds
jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future.
However, this does not include any ▇▇▇ or ▇▇▇▇▇ accounts, or any trust accounts
for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the
debt against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender's option, to
administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender's
charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this
Agreement.
Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the
Loan.
Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term,
obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of
the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation,
covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and
Borrower.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults 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 or any Grantor'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 Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this
Agreement, the Note, or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any
material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes
false or misleading at any time thereafter.
Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's 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.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral
document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any
time and for any reason.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or
forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceedings, self-help,
repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any
governmental agency against any collateral securing the Loan. This includes
a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts,
with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a
good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the
claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if
Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture
proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the
creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in
its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.
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
under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness. In the event of a death, Lender,
at its option, may, but shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's
estate to assume unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty
in a manner satisfactory to Lender, and, in doing so, cure any Event of
Default.
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
Loan is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
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Right to Cure. If any default, other than a default on indebtedness, is
curable and if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, has not been given
a notice of a similar default within the preceding twelve (12) months, it
may be cured (and no Event of Default will have occurred) if Borrower or
Grantor, as the case may be, after receiving written notice from Lender
demanding cure of such default: (1) cure the default within ten (10) days;
or (2) if the cure requires more than ten (10) days, immediately initiate
steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to
cure the default and thereafter continue and complete all reasonable and
necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably
practical.
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
further 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.
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS, DUE TO LENDER: ANNUAL CPA AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND QUARTERLY MANAGEMENT PREPARED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE BORROWER.
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.
Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of
Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees
and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of
this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this
Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such
enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees
and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable
attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including
efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and
any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also shall pay
all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.
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.
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 Loan 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 Borrower 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 Loan 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 Loan irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any
holder of any interest in the Loan. 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.
Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by, construed and enforced
in accordance with federal law and the laws of the State of
Michigan. This
Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of
Michigan.
Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's
request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Genesee County,
State of
Michigan.
No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights
under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and
7
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
(CONTINUED)
================================================================================
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 of Borrower's or any Grantor's obligations 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 to subsequent instances where such
consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or
withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.
Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be
given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when
actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when
deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed,
when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or
registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the
beginning of this Agreement. 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.
For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender informed at all times
of Borrower's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by
law, if there is more than one Borrower, any notice given by Lender to any
Borrower is deemed to be notice given to all Borrowers.
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any
circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal,
invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the
offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal,
valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it
shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required
by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of
any other provision of this Agreement.
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 in this Agreement shall include all of Borrower's subsidiaries and
affiliates. 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 of Borrower's subsidiaries or
affiliates.
Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
behalf of Borrower shall bind Borrower's successors and assigns and shall
inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. Borrower
shall not, however, have the right to assign Borrower's rights under this
Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of
Lender.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees
that in extending Loan Advances, Lender is relying on all representations,
warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any
certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this
Agreement or the Related Documents. Borrower further agrees that regardless
of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties
and covenants will survive the extension of Loan Advances and delivery to
Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in nature, shall be
deemed made and redated by Borrower at the time each Loan Advance is made,
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.
Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
Agreement.
DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following
meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the
contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money
of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall
include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context
may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code.
Accounting words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have
the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
Advance. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds made, or to
be made, to Borrower or on Borrower's behalf on a line of credit or
multiple advance basis under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
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 ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LUMBER CO., and all other
persons and entities signing the Note in whatever capacity.
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means 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, collateral
mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage,
collateral 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.
8
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
(CONTINUED)
================================================================================
Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state,
federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the
protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499
("▇▇▇▇"), 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 thereto.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of
default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this
Agreement.
GAAP. The word "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles.
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means each and all of the persons or entities
granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Loan, including
without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.
Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means any guarantor, surety, or
accommodation party of any or all of the Loan.
Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender,
including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.
Hazardous Substances. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that,
because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or
infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard
to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored,
disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The
words "Hazardous Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and
include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances,
materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws.
The term "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation,
petroleum and petroleum by-products or any traction thereof and asbestos.
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by
the Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest
together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which
Borrower is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related
Documents.
Lender. The word "Lender" means Citizens Bank, its successors and assigns.
Loan. The word "Loan" means any and all 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 the Note executed by Borrower in the principal
amount of $15,000,000.00 dated June 22, 2001, together with all renewals
of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of,
and substitutions for the note or credit agreement.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes,
credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties,
security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral
mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan.
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, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security
Interest.
Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean, without limitation,
any and all types of collateral security, present and future, whether in
the form of a lien, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security
deed, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral 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.
9
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
(CONTINUED)
================================================================================
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS
DATED JUNE 22, 2001.
BORROWER:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LUMBER CO.
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
----------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, VP-ADMINISTRATION, SEC
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LUMBER CO.
LENDER:
CITIZENS BANK
By: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ VP
----------------------------------------
Authorized Signer
================================================================================
10
DIRECT DIAL
(810) 768-4715
August 6, 2001
▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Lumber Company
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Dear ▇▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇:
I am writing on behalf of Citizens Bank ("Bank") to confirm our recent
discussions concerning the $15,000,000.00 revolving line of credit facility
("Line of Credit") extended to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Lumber Co. ("Borrower"). The Line of
Credit was recently renewed in accordance with the terms of a May 29, 2001 loan
commitment letter ("Commitment Letter") issued to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Lumber Co.
("Borrower"). Subsequent thereto, the Borrower and the Bank entered into a
Business Loan Agreement and the Borrower executed a Promissory Note payable to
the Bank, both dated June 22, 2001.
Notwithstanding any contrary language contained in the "AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS"
section of the Business Loan Agreement, under the subsection entitled "LOAN
PROCEEDS," the Bank acknowledges and agrees that proceeds of the loan may be
used to fund and effectuate a stock repurchase program being contemplated by the
Borrower, as well as to obtain funding for other general corporate purposes.
Further, for purposes of the "NEGATIVE COVENANTS" section of the Business Loan
Agreement, under the subsection entitled "CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS," the Bank
hereby consents to the Borrower's continuation of regular dividends on common
stock at Borrower's current annual rate of $0.28 per share, and the Bank agrees
that its consent to any future modification of this approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
Finally, for purposes of the section of the Business Loan Agreement entitled
"DEFAULT," and corresponding provisions of the Promissory Note, the subsections
entitled "CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP" are hereby eliminated in their entirety and are
not applicable, given Borrower's status as a publicly traded concern.
Please accept this correspondence as an authorized supplement to the Business
Loan Agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
Sincerely yours,
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Assistant General Counsel