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[BANK OF AMERICA LOGO]
Business Loan Agreement
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This Agreement dated as of August 21, 1997 is between Bank of America Texas,
N.A. (the "Bank") and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Industries, Inc. (the "Borrower").
1. LINE OF CREDIT AMOUNT AND TERMS.
1.1 LINE OF CREDIT AMOUNT. During the availability period described below,
the Bank will provide a line of credit to the Borrower. The amount of the line
of credit (the "Commitment') is Twenty Million and No/100 Dollars
($20,000,000.00).
This is a revolving line of credit with a within line facility for letters of
credit. During the availability period, the Borrower may repay principal
amounts and reborrow them.
Each advance must be for at least One Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars
($100,000.00), or for the amount of the remaining available line of credit, if
less.
The Borrower agrees not to permit the outstanding principal balance of the line
of credit plus the outstanding amounts of any letters of credit, including
amounts drawn on letters of credit and not yet reimbursed, to exceed the
Commitment.
1.2 AVAILABILITY. The line of credit is available between the date of this
Agreement and February 28,2000 (the "Expiration Date") unless the Borrower is
in default.
1.3 INTEREST RATE. Unless the Borrower elects an optional interest rate as
described below, the interest rate is the lesser of (a) the maximum lawful rate
of interest permitted under applicable usury laws, now or hereafter enacted
(the "Maximum Rate"), or (b) the rate (the "Basic Rate") that is equal to the
Bank's Reference Rate minus 1/2% for Basic Rate borrowings up to Five Million
and No/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00) in the aggregate and the Bank's Reference
Rate for the portion of any Basic Rate borrowings exceeding Five Million and
No/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00) in the aggregate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Basic Rate shall exceed the
Maximum Rate and thereafter the Basic Rate shall become less than the Maximum
Rate, the Rate of interest payable shall be the Maximum Rate until the Bank
shall have received the amount of interest it otherwise would have received if
the interest payable had not been limited by the Maximum Rate during the period
of time the Basic Rate exceeded the Maximum Rate.
The Reference Rate is the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time
by the Bank in Irving, Texas, as its Reference Rate. The Reference Rate is set
by the Bank based on various factors, including its costs and desired return,
general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point
for pricing some loans. The Bank may price loans to its customers at, above,
or below the Reference Rate. Any change in the Reference Rate will take effect
at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of a
change in the Bank's Reference Rate.
1.4 REPAYMENT TERMS.
(a) The Borrower will pay interest on September 30,1997 and on the last
day of each quarter thereafter until payment in full of any principal
outstanding under this line of credit. (b) The Borrower will repay in full all
principal and accrued unpaid interest or other charges outstanding under this
line of credit no later than the Expiration Date. (c) Any amount bearing
interest at an optional interest rate (as described below) shall be repaid at
the end of the applicable interest period, which shall be no later than the
Expiration Date.
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1.5 LETTER OF CREDIT. This line of credit may be used for issuing
commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit with a maximum
maturity of February 28, 2000. Each commercial letter of credit will require
drafts payable at sight.
The aggregate face amount of all letters of credit outstanding at any one time
(including amounts drawn on letters of credit and not yet reimbursed) may not
exceed Twenty Million and No/100 Dollars ($ 20,000,000.00). The sum of (a) the
aggregate face amount of all letters of credit, plus (b) the principal amount
of all extensions of credit outstanding hereunder, may not at any time exceed
the Commitment.
The Borrower agrees: (a) any sum drawn under a letter of credit may, at the
option of the Bank, be added to the principal amount outstanding under this
Agreement. The amount will bear interest and be due as described elsewhere in
this Agreement; (b) if there is a default under this Agreement, to immediately
deposit with the Bank an amount equal to the aggregate face amount of all
outstanding letters of credit; (c) the issuance of any letter of credit and any
amendment to a letter of credit is subject to the Bank's written approval and
each letter of credit and amendment must be in form and content satisfactory to
the Bank and in favor of a beneficiary acceptable to the Bank; (d) to sign the
Bank's form Application and Agreement for Commercial Letter of Credit or
Application and Agreement for Standby Letter of Credit in connection with each
letter of credit issued hereunder; (e) to pay any issuance and/or other normal
and customary fees associated with opening, maintaining and paying letters of
credit that the Bank notifies the Borrower will be charged for issuing and
processing letters of credit for the Borrower as indicated below; and
Period Fee Amount
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Expiration less than 365 days 5/8% per annum
Expiration greater than 366 days 3/4% per annum;
and (f) to allow the Bank to automatically charge its checking account for
applicable fees, discounts, and other charges.
1.6 OPTIONAL INTEREST RATES. Instead of the interest rate based on the
Bank's Reference Rate, the Borrower may elect to have all or portions of the
line of credit (during the availability period) bear interest at the rate(s)
described below during an interest period agreed to by the Bank and the
Borrower; provided, however, that the Borrower shall not have the option or
right to elect to have all or any portion of the line of credit bear interest
at the rate(s) described below when such rate(s) exceeds the Maximum Rate. Each
interest rate is a rate per year. Interest will be paid on the last day of each
interest period. At the end of any interest period, the interest rate will
revert to the rate based on the Reference Rate, unless the Borrower has
designated another optional interest rate for the portion.
1.7 OFFSHORE RATE. The Borrower may elect to have all or portions of the
principal amount of the indebtedness outstanding hereunder bear interest at a
per annum rate equal to the lesser of (a) the IBOR Rate (as hereinafter
defined) plus an amount equal to the percentage amount (the "Offshore Rate")
set forth in the table below opposite the applicable ratio, at the time of
Borrower's election, of (i) the consolidated Funded Debt to (ii) the
consolidated EBITDA (for definition and calculation of the Funded Debt to
EBITDA Ratio, refer to paragraph 6.5 of this Agreement), or (b) the Maximum
Rate. Borrower shall give Bank notice of its election of an Offshore Rate by
such time, and in such manner, as shall be acceptable to Bank. Each such
election shall be for an interest period of not less than one month or more
than three months. At the end of any interest period, the interest rate will
revert to the Basic Rate unless the Borrower has elected another Offshore Rate
interest period.
Funded Debt to EBITDA Percentage Amount
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Less than 1.00:1.00 0.75%
Greater than or equal to 1.00%
1.00:1.00 but less than 1.50:100
Greater than or equal to 1.50:1.00 1.25%
Election of an Offshore Rate is subject to the following requirements:
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(a) Each interest period during which the Offshore Rate will be in effect
will be 30 to 90 days. The last day of each interest period will be
the last day of a calendar quarter.
(b) Each Offshore Rate portion will be for an amount not less than
$100,000.00.
(c) The "IBOR Rate" means the interest rate determined by the following
formula, rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of one percent (All
amounts in the calculation will be determined by Bank as of the first
day of the interest period.)
IBOR Rate = Grand Cayman Rate
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(1.00 - Reserve Percentage)
Where:
(i) "Grand Cayman Rate" means the interest rate (rounded upward to
the nearest 1/16th of one percent) at which Bank of America
National Trust and Savings Association's Grand Cayman Branch,
Grand Cayman, British West Indies, would offer U.S. dollar
deposits for the applicable interest period to other major
banks in the offshore dollar inter- bank markets; and
(ii) "Reserve Percentages" means the total of the maximum reserve
percentages for determining the reserves to be maintained by
member banks of the Federal Reserve System for Eurocurrency
Liabilities, as defined in Federal Reserve Board Regulation D,
rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of one percent. The
percentage will be expressed as a decimal, and will include,
but not be limited to, marginal, emergency, supplemental,
special, and other reserve percentages.
(d) The Borrower may not elect an Offshore Rate with respect to any
portion of the indebtedness outstanding hereunder which is scheduled
to be repaid before the last day of the applicable interest period.
(e) Borrower may not elect an Offshore Rate with respect to any portion of
the indebtedness outstanding hereunder when the Offshore Rate exceeds
the Maximum Rate.
(f) If at any time during any applicable interest period the Offshore Rate
shall exceed the Maximum Rate and thereafter the Offshore Rate shall
become less than the Maximum Rate, the rate of interest payable shall
be the Maximum Rate until the Bank shall have received the amount of
interest it otherwise would have received if the interest payable had
not been limited by the Maximum Rate during the period of time the
Offshore Rate exceeded the Maximum Rate.
2. FEES AND EXPENSES.
2.1 FEES.
(a) Unused Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay the Bank a fee on
any difference between the Commitment and the amount of credit it
actually uses during each quarter, determined by the sum of (i) the
weighted average loan balance and (ii) the average outstanding letters
of credit maintained during such quarter (such difference is referred
to as the "Unused Commitment"). The fee will be equal to the "Unused
Commitment" multiplied by the commitment fee percentage and calculated
in arrears for each quarter. The Commitment Fee Percentage is the
percentage below per annum corresponding to the Funded Debt to EBITDA
ratio for such quarter.
Funded Debt to EBITDA Commitment Fee
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Less than 1.00:1.00 0.20%
Greater than or equal to 0.25%
1.00:1.00 but less than 1.50:1.00
Greater than or equal to 1.50:1.00 0.25%
The fee is due on September 30,1997 and on the last day of each
following quarter until the expiration of the availability period. The
fee is subject to later adjustment based on actual Borrower's funded
debt to EBITDA reported in the quarterly compliance report.
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2.2 REIMBURSEMENT COST. (a) The Borrower agrees to immediately repay the
Bank for expenses that include, but are not limited to, filing, recording and
search fees, appraisal fees, title report fees, and (b) The Borrower agrees to
reimburse the Bank for any expenses it incurs in the preparation of this
Agreement and any agreement or instrument required by this Agreement. Expenses
include, but are not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees.
2.3 NO EXCESS FEES. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Section 2, in no event shall any sum payable under this Section 2 (to the
extent, if any, constituting interest under any applicable laws), together with
all amounts constituting interest under applicable laws and payable in
connection with the credit evidenced hereby, exceed the Maximum Rate or the
maximum amount of interest permitted to be charged, taken, reserved, received
or contracted for under applicable usury laws.
3. DISBURSEMENTS, PAYMENTS AND COSTS
3.1 TELEPHONE AUTHORIZATION. (a) The Bank may honor telephone instructions
for advances or repayments given by any one of the individual signer(s) of this
Agreement or a person or persons authorized by the Borrower. (b) Advances will
be deposited in and repayments will be withdrawn from the Borrower's
account number______________________ or such other accounts with the Bank as
designated in writing by the Borrower. (c) The Borrower indemnifies and excuses
the Bank (including its officers, employees, and agents) from all liability,
loss, and costs in connection with any act resulting from telephone
instructions it reasonably believes are made by any individual authorized by
the Borrower to give such instructions. This indemnity and excuse will survive
this Agreement's termination.
3.2 INTEREST CALCULATION. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement,
all interest and fees, if any, will be computed on the basis of a 360 day year
and the actual number of days elapsed. This results in more interest or a
higher fee than if a 365-day year is used. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
interest at the Maximum Rate will always be computed on the basis of a 365-day
year and the actual number of days elapsed.
3.3 DEFAULT RATE. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any
Event of Default under this Agreement, advances under this Agreement will at
the option of the Bank bear interest at the lesser of (a) the Maximum Rate and
(b) a rate per annum which is 2.00 percentage points higher than the rate of
interest otherwise provided under this Agreement. This will not constitute a
waiver of any default.
4. CONDITIONS The Bank must receive the following items, in form and
content acceptable to the Bank, before it is required to extend any credit to
the Borrower under this Agreement.
4.1 AUTHORIZATIONS. Evidence that the execution, delivery and performance
by the Borrower of this Agreement and any instrument or agreement required
under this Agreement have been duly authorized.
4.2 GUARANTIES. Guaranties signed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Electrical Manufacturing
Company, Delta-Unibus Corp., Unibus, Inc., ▇▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ Company, and Transdyn
Controls, Inc., (Guarantors) on the Bank's standard form in an amount as may be
acceptable, from time to time, to the Bank.
4.3 GOOD STANDING. Certificates of good standing for the Borrower and any
Guarantor from its state of incorporation and from any other state in which the
Borrower or Guarantor is required to qualify to conduct its business.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES When the Borrower signs this Agreement,
and until the Bank is repaid in full, the Borrower makes the following
representations and warranties. Each request for an extension of credit
constitutes a renewed representation. (a) The Borrower is a corporation duly
formed and existing under the laws of the state where organized. (b) This
Agreement, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder, are within the
Borrower's powers, have been duly authorized, and do not conflict with any of
its organizational papers. (c) This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding
agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
its terms, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder, when executed
and delivered, will be similarly legal, valid, binding and enforceable. (d) In
each state in which the Borrower does business, it is properly licensed, in
good standing, and, where required, in compliance with assumed name statutes
except where failure to comply would not cause a material adverse effect upon
Borrower's business or its ability to repay the indebtedness to Bank. (e) This
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Agreement does not conflict with any law, agreement, or obligation by which the
Borrower is bound. (f) All financial and other information that has been or
will be supplied to the Bank is: (i) sufficiently complete to give the Bank
accurate knowledge of the Borrower's (and any guarantor's) financial condition,
(ii) in form and content required by the Bank, and (iii) in compliance with all
government regulations that apply. (g) There is no lawsuit tax claim or other
dispute pending or threatened against the Borrower, which, if lost, would
impair the Borrower's financial condition or ability to repay the loan, except
as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank except for the lawsuit with
NatWest. (h) The Borrower possesses all permits, memberships, franchises,
contracts and licenses required and all trademark rights, trade name rights,
patent rights and assumed name rights necessary to enable it to conduct the
business in which it is now engaged except where failure to obtain such items
would not cause a material adverse effect on Borrower's business or its ability
to repay the indebtedness. (i) There is no event which is or with notice or
lapse of time or both would be, an Event of Default under this Agreement. (j)
The Borrower is in full compliance with all applicable requirements of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). (k) The
Borrower's place of business (or, if the Borrower has more than one place of
business, its chief executive office) is located at the address listed under
the Borrower's signature on this Agreement.
6. COVENANTS The Borrower agrees, so long as credit is available under
this Agreement and until the Bank is repaid in full:
6.1 USE OF PROCEEDS. To use the proceeds of the credit only for working
capital, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes.
6.2 FINANCIAL INFORMATION. To provide the following financial information
and statements and such additional information as requested by the Bank from
time to time:
(a) Within 120 days of the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, the
Borrower's annual financial statements and a compliance certificate.
These financial statements must be audited by a Certified Public
Accountant ("CPA") acceptable to the Bank. The statements shall be
prepared on a consolidated basis and a company prepared consolidating
schedule will be provided.
(b) Within 45 days of each period's end, the Borrower's quarterly
financial statements and a compliance certificate. These financial
statements may be Borrower prepared. The statements shall be prepared
on a consolidated basis with consolidating schedules.
(c) Any information sent to shareholders or filed with the Securities
Exchange Commission ("SEC").
(d) The compliance certificate will certify Borrower's compliance with the
covenants under this Agreement.
6.3 TANGIBLE NET WORTH. To maintain on a consolidated basis, measured
quarterly, tangible net worth beginning October 31,1997 equal to at least Sixty
Million and No/100 Dollars ($60,000,000.00} plus (i) 50% of cumulative net
income after taxes (if positive) for fiscal years ended after October 31, 1997,
plus (ii) 100% of additional equity contributions.
"Tangible net worth" means the gross book value of the Borrower's assets
(excluding goodwill, patents, trademarks, trade names, organization expense,
treasury stock, unamortized debt discount and expense, deferred research and
development costs, deferred marketing expenses, and other like intangibles and
monies due from affiliates, officers, directors or shareholders of the
Borrower) less total liabilities, including but not limited to accrued and
deferred income taxes, and any reserves against assets.
6.4 PROFITABILITY. To maintain on a consolidated basis, measured
quarterly, a positive net income after taxes and extraordinary items of Two
Million and No/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) on a rolling four quarter basis.
This amount will be adjusted for any amounts charged as discontinued operations
resulting directly from a final settlement of the lawsuit with NatWest.
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6.5 FUNDED DEBT TO EBITDA RATIO. As of the last day of each fiscal
quarter, Borrower shall determine the ratio of the consolidated Funded Debt of
Borrower as of the end of the fiscal quarter then ended to (ii) the
consolidated EBITDA of Borrower for the preceding four fiscal quarters then
ended ("Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio").
"Funded Debt" means, with respect to Borrower as of any date of its
determination, without duplication (a) indebtedness for borrowed money, (b)
obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, or other similar
instruments, (c) obligations as lessee under capital leases, and (d)
obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, other
than debt in the form of accounts payable to trade creditors and current
operating liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business.
"EBITDA" means, with respect to Borrower for any period of its determination,
the consolidated net income for such period, plus the consolidated interest
expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization for such period.
This Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio will be calculated and reported in the
compliance certificate required to be furnished by Borrower pursuant to the
above paragraph 6.2 (b). After receipt of the compliance certificate, any
change in the Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio shall be retroactive to the end of
the preceding fiscal quarter.
6.6 OTHER DEBTS. Not have outstanding or incur or permit any wholly owned
subsidiary to have outstanding or incur any direct or contingent debts (other
than those to the Bank), or become liable for the debts of others without the
Bank's prior written consent. This does not prohibit Borrower or any subsidiary
from: (a) Acquiring goods, supplies, or merchandise on normal trade credit. (b)
Endorsing negotiable instruments received in the usual course of business. (c)
Obtaining surety bonds in the usual course of business. (d) Additional direct
or contingent debts for business purposes which do not exceed a total principal
amount of Ten Million and No/00 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) outstanding at any one
time and shall not rank senior in right of payment to Bank's debt.
6.7 OTHER LIENS. Not to create, assume, or allow any security interest or
lien (including judicial liens) on property the Borrower or Guarantor now or
later owns, except: (a) Deeds of trust and security agreements in favor of the
Bank. (b) Liens for taxes not yet due. (c) Materialmen's and mechanics liens.
6.8 DIVIDENDS. Not to declare or pay any dividends on any of its shares
except dividends payable in capital stock of the Borrower, and not to purchase,
redeem or otherwise acquire for value any of its shares, or create any sinking
fund in relation thereto in excess of 50% of the Borrower's net income for such
fiscal year.
6.9 NOTICES TO BANK. To promptly notify the Bank in writing of:
(a) any lawsuit over Three Million and No/100 Dollars ($3,000,000.00)
against the Borrower (or any guarantor). (b) any substantial dispute between
the Borrower (or any guarantor) and any government authority. (c) any failure
to comply with this Agreement. (d) any material adverse change in the
Borrower's (or any guarantor's) financial condition or operations. (e) any
change in the Borrower's name, legal structure, place of business, or chief
executive office if the Borrower has more than one place of business.
6.10 BOOKS AND RECORDS. To maintain adequate books and records.
6.11 AUDITS. To allow the Bank and its agents to inspect the Borrower's
properties and examine, audit, and make copies of books and records at any
reasonable time for the internal use of the Bank. If any of the Borrower's
properties, books or records are in the possession of a third party, the
Borrower authorizes that third party to permit the Bank or its agents to have
access to perform inspections or audits and to respond to the Bank's requests
for information concerning such properties, books and records.
6.12 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. To comply with the laws, (including any assumed
name statute), regulations, and orders of any government body with authority
over the Borrower's business except where failure to comply would not have an
adverse effect on Borrower's business or its ability to repay the indebtedness
to Bank. The Borrower shall comply at all times with all applicable
requirements of ERISA.
6.13 PRESERVATION OF RIGHTS. To maintain and preserve all rights,
privileges, and franchises the Borrower now has except where failure to comply
would not have any material adverse effect.
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6.14 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES. To make any repairs, renewals, or
replacements to keep the Borrower's properties in good working condition which
are necessary for the conduct of business taken as a whole.
6.15 COOPERATION. To take any action reasonably requested by the Bank to
carry out the intent of this Agreement.
6.16 INSURANCE. To maintain insurance as is usual for the business it is in.
6.17 ADDITIONAL NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Not to, without the Bank's written
consent; (a) engage in any business activities substantially different from the
Borrower's present business; (b) liquidate or dissolve the Borrower's business;
(c) enter into any consolidation, merger, pool, joint venture (other than those
joint ventures undertaken in the normal course of business), syndicate, or
other combination; (d) acquire or purchase a business or its assets in an
amount in excess of Ten Million and No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00); or (e)
sell or otherwise dispose of any assets for less than fair market value or
enter into any sale and leaseback agreement covering any of its fixed or
capital assets.
7. DEFAULT If any of the following events (each an "Event of Default")
occurs, the Bank may do one or more of the following: (i) declare the Borrower
in default, (ii) stop making any additional credit available to the Borrower,
(iii) exercise any and all rights and remedies as may be available to the Bank
under the terms of any collateral documents, security instruments, debt
instruments or any other document or instrument executed in connection herewith
or in any way related hereto, (iv) exercise any and all rights and remedies as
may be available to the Bank at law or in equity, and (v) declare the entire
debt created and evidenced hereby to be immediately due and payable in full,
whereupon the entire unpaid principal indebtedness evidenced hereby, and all
accrued unpaid interest thereon, shall at once mature and become due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest, grace or notice of any kind
(including, without limitation, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of
acceleration or notice of protest), all of which are hereby severally waived by
the Borrower. If a bankruptcy petition is filed with respect to the Borrower,
the entire debt outstanding under this Agreement will automatically become due
immediately.
7.1 FAILURE TO PAY. The Borrower fails to make a payment under this
Agreement when due.
7.2 FALSE INFORMATION. The Borrower has given the Bank materially false or
misleading information or representations.
7.3 BANKRUPTCY. The Borrower (or any guarantor or general partner of the
Borrower) files a bankruptcy petition, a bankruptcy petition is filed against
the Borrower (or any guarantors of the Borrower), or the Borrower (or any
guarantor) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors.
7.4 RECEIVERS. A receiver or similar official is appointed for the
Borrower's (or any guarantor's) business, or the business is terminated.
7.5 GOVERNMENT ACTION. Any government authority takes action that the Bank
believes materially adversely affects the Borrower's (or any guarantor's)
financial condition or ability to repay.
7.6 MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in the
Borrower's consolidated financial condition, properties or prospects, or
ability to repay the loan.
7.7 NON-COMPIIANCE. The Borrower or any guarantor fails to meet any
condition of, or fails to perform any obligation under: (a) this Agreement, (b)
any other agreement made in connection with this loan, or (c) any other
agreement the Borrower or such guarantor has with the Bank or any affiliate of
the Bank.
7.8 CROSS-DEFAULT. Any default occurs under any agreement in connection
with any credit the Borrower (or any guarantor) has obtained from anyone else
or which the Borrower (or any guarantor) has guaranteed.
7.9 DEFAULT UNDER RELATED DOCUMENTS. Any guaranty. subordination
agreement, security agreement, deed of trust or other document required by this
Agreement is revoked in whole or in part, violated or no longer in effect.
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8. ENFORClNG THIS AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 GAAP. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, all financial
information provided to the Bank and all financial covenants will be made under
generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied except for
adjustments that may be made at the end of each fiscal year in conjunction with
a CPA audit.
8.2 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT IS GOVERNED BY TEXAS LAW.
8.3 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement is binding on the Borrower's
and the Bank's successors and assignees. The Borrower agrees that it may not
assign this Agreement without the Bank's prior written consent. The Bank may
sell participations in or assign this loan, and may exchange financial
information about the Borrower with actual or potential participants or
assignees. If a participation is sold or the loan is assigned, the purchaser
will have the right of set-off against the Borrower.
8.4 Arbitration. (a) This paragraph concerns the resolution of any
controversies or claims between the Borrower and the Bank, including but not
limited to those that arise from: (i) this Agreement (including any renewals,
extensions or modifications of this Agreement); (ii) any document, agreement or
procedure related to or delivered in connection with this Agreement; (iii) any
violation of this Agreement; or (iv) any claims for damages resulting from any
business conducted between the Borrower and the Bank, including claims for
injury to persons, property or business interests (torts). (b) At the request
of the Borrower or the Bank, any such controversies or claims will be settled
by arbitration in accordance with the United States Arbitration Act. THE UNITED
STATES ARBITRATION ACT WILL APPLY EVEN THOUGH THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES THAT IT
IS GOVERNED BY TEXAS LAW. (c) Arbitration proceedings will be administered by
the American Arbitration Association and will be subject to its commercial
rules of arbitration. (d) For purposes of the application of the statute of
limitations, the filing of an arbitration pursuant to this paragraph is the
equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit, and any claim or controversy which may
be arbitrated under this paragraph is subject to any applicable statutes of
limitations. The arbitrators will have the authority to decide whether any such
claim or controversy is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to
dismiss the arbitration on that basis. (e) If there is a dispute as to whether
an issue is arbitratable, the arbitrators will have the authority to resolve
any such dispute. (f) The decision that results from an arbitration proceeding
may be submitted to an authorized court of law to be confirmed and enforced.
(g) This provision does not limit the right of the Borrower or the Bank to: (i)
exercise self-help remedies such as setoff; (ii) foreclose against or sell any
real or personal property collateral; or (iii) act in a court of law before
during or after the arbitration proceeding to obtain: (A) an interim remedy;
and/or (B) additional or supplementary remedies. (h) The pursuit of a
successful action for interim, additional or supplementary remedies, or the
filing of a court action, does not constitute a waiver of the right of the
Borrower or the Bank, including the suing panty, to submit the controversy or
claim to arbitration if the other party contests the lawsuit.
8.5 SEVERABILITY; WAIVERS. If any part of this Agreement is not
enforceable, the rest of the Agreement may be enforced. The Bank retains all
rights, even if it makes a loan after default. If the Bank waives a default, it
may enforce a later default. Any consent or waiver under this Agreement must be
in writing.
8.6 ADMINISTRATION COSTS. If the Bank incurs any expenses in connection
with enforcing this Agreement, or if the Bank takes collection action under
this Agreement, it is entitled to costs and reasonable attorneys' fees,
including any allocated costs of in-house counsel.
8.7 ATTORNEYS' FEES. In the event of a lawsuit or arbitration proceeding,
the prevailing party is entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorneys'
fees (including any allocated costs of in-house counsel) incurred in connection
with the lawsuit or arbitration proceeding, as determined by the court or
arbitrator.
8.8 NOTICES. All notices required under this Agreement shall be personally
delivered or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the addresses on the
signature page of this Agreement, or to such other addresses as the Bank and
the Borrower may specify from time to time in writing.
8.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in as many counterparts
as necessary or convenient, and by the different parties on separate
counterparts each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but
all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same agreement.
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8.1O USURY LAWS. It is the intention of the parties hereto to comply with
applicable usury laws; accordingly, it is agreed that notwithstanding any
contrary provision herein or in any note or other agreement or commitment
between Borrower and Bank, whether written or oral, expressed or implied, Bank
shall never be entitled to charge, receive, or collect, nor shall amounts
received by Bank be credited so that Bank shall be paid, as interest a sum
greater than interest at the Maximum Rate. It is the intention of the parties
that this Agreement, and all notes and other instruments evidencing or securing
the payment of the indebtedness outstanding hereunder, or executed or delivered
in connection herewith, shall comply with applicable law. If Bank ever
contracts for, charges, receives or collects anything of value which is deemed
to be interest under applicable law, and if the occurrence of any circumstance
or contingency, whether acceleration of maturity, prepayment, delay in
advancing proceeds, or other event, should cause such interest to exceed the
maximum lawful amount, any amount which exceeds interest at the Maximum Rate
shall be applied to the reduction of the unpaid principal balance outstanding
hereunder or any other indebtedness owed to Bank by Borrower, and if all such
indebtedness is paid in full, any remaining excess shall be paid to Borrower.
In determining whether the interest hereon exceeds interest at the Maximum
Rate, the total amount of interest shall be spread throughout the entire term
of such indebtedness until its payment in full. To the extent that TEX. REV.
CIV. STAT. ▇▇▇. art 5069-1.04, as amended (the "Act"), is relevant to the Bank
for the purposes of determining the Maximum Rate, the parties elect to
determine the Maximum Rate under the Act pursuant to the "indicate rate
ceiling" from time to time in effect, as referred to and defined in article
1.04(a)(1) of the Act; subject, however, to any right the Bank may have
subsequently under applicable law, to change the method of determining the
Maximum Rate.
8.11 WAIVERS; RELEASES; ENFORCEMENT. The Borrower and all guarantors of the
indebtedness evidenced by this Agreement severally waive diligence in
collecting and bringing suit against any party, and agree (a) to all extensions
and partial payments, with or without notice, before or after maturity, (b) to
any substitution, exchange or release of any security now or hereafter given
for such indebtedness, and (c) that it shall not be necessary for the Bank, in
order to enforce payment of such indebtedness, to first institute or exhaust
the Bank's remedies against the Borrower or any other party liable therefor or
against any security for such indebtedness.
8.12 NO ORAL AGREEMENTS. THIS WRITTEN AGREEMENT AND THE INSTRUMENTS AND
DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS,
OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.
THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
This Agreement is executed as of the date stated at the top of the first page.
Bank of America Texas, ▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Industries, Inc.
By: By:
------------------------------ -------------------------
Name: ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Name: ▇. ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
Title: Vice President Title: Vice President
By:
-------------------------
Name:
Title:
Address where notices to the Bank are to be sent: Address where notices to the Borrower are to be sent:
Bank of America Texas, ▇.▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Industries, Inc.
Houston Commercial Banking #2552 8550 ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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