EXHIBIT 10.10.1
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▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇, INC.
LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
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This LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is entered into as of March 12, 1999, by
and between IMPERIAL BANK ("Bank") and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇, Inc. ("Borrower").
RECITALS
Borrower wishes to obtain credit from time to time from Bank, and Bank
desires to extend credit to Borrower. This Agreement sets forth the terms on
which Bank will advance credit to Borrower, and Borrower will repay the amounts
owing to Bank.
AGREEMENT
The parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.
1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the following definitions:
"Accounts" means all presently existing and hereafter arising
accounts, contract rights, and all other forms of obligations owing to Borrower
arising out of the sale or lease of goods (including, without limitation, the
licensing of software and other technology) or the rendering of services by
Borrower, whether or not earned by performance, and any and all credit
insurance, guaranties, and other security therefor, as well as all merchandise
returned to or reclaimed by Borrower and Borrower's Books relating to any of the
foregoing.
"Advance" or "Advances" means any cash advance made or letter
of credit issued under this Agreement.
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person that
owns or controls directly or indirectly such Person, any Person that controls or
is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, and each of such
Person's senior executive officers, directors, and partners.
"Bank Expenses" means all: reasonable costs or expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred in connection with
the preparation, negotiation, administration, and enforcement of the Loan
Documents; reasonable Collateral audit fees; and Bank's reasonable attorneys'
fees and expenses incurred in amending, enforcing or defending the Loan
Documents (including fees and expenses of appeal), incurred before, during and
after an Insolvency Proceeding, whether or not suit is brought.
"Borrower's Books" means all of Borrower's books and records
including: ledgers; records concerning Borrower's assets or liabilities, the
Collateral, business operations or financial condition; and all computer
programs, or tape files, and the equipment, containing such information.
"Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday,
or other day on which banks in the State of California or Virginia are
authorized or required to close.
"Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement.
"Code" means the California Uniform Commercial Code.
"Collateral" means the property described on Exhibit A
attached hereto.
"Contingent Obligation" means, as applied to any Person, any
direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of that Person with
respect to (i) any indebtedness, lease, dividend, letter of credit or other
obligation of another, including, without limitation, any such obligation
directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed,
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co-made or discounted or sold with recourse by that Person, or in respect of
which that Person is otherwise directly or indirectly liable; (ii) any
obligations with respect to undrawn letters of credit issued for the account of
that Person; and (iii) all obligations arising under any interest rate, currency
or commodity swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar
agreement, or other agreement or arrangement designated to protect a Person
against fluctuation in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity
prices; provided, however, that the term "Contingent Obligation" shall not
include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an
amount equal to the stated or determined amount of the primary obligation in
respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or
determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as
determined by such Person in good faith; provided, however, that such amount
shall not in any event exceed the maximum amount of the obligations under the
guarantee or other support arrangement.
"Credit Extension" means each Equipment Advance Letter of
Credit, or any other extension of credit by Bank for the benefit of Borrower
hereunder.
"Current Assets" means, as of any applicable date, all amounts
that should, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current assets on the
consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date.
"Current Liabilities" means, as of any applicable date, all
amounts that should, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current liabilities
on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as at such
date, plus, to the extent not already included therein, all outstanding Advances
made under this Agreement or any other agreement by and between Bank and
Borrower, including all Indebtedness that is payable upon demand or within one
year from the date of determination thereof unless such Indebtedness is
renewable or extendible at the option of Borrower or any Subsidiary to a date
more than one year from the date of determination, less deferred maintenance
revenue.
"Daily Balance" means the amount of the Obligations owed at
the end of a given day.
"Equipment" means all present and future machinery, equipment,
tenant improvements, furniture, fixtures, vehicles, tools, parts and attachments
in which Borrower has any interest.
"Equipment Advance" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.1.2.
"Equipment Line" means a credit extension of up to Two Hundred
Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000).
"Equipment Maturity Date" means six (6) months from the
Closing Date.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended, and the regulations thereunder.
"Event of Default" has the meaning assigned in Article 8.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in
effect from time to time.
"Indebtedness" means (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money
or the deferred purchase price of property or services, including without
limitation reimbursement and other obligations with respect to surety bonds and
letters of credit, (b) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or
similar instruments, (c) all capital lease obligations and (d) all Contingent
Obligations.
"Insolvency Proceeding" means any proceeding commenced by or
against any person or entity under any provision of the United States Bankruptcy
Code, as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or
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insolvency law, including assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or
informal moratoria, compositions, extension generally with its creditors, or
proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other relief.
"Inventory" means all present and fixture inventory in which
Borrower has any interest, including merchandise, raw materials, parts,
supplies, packing and shipping materials, work in process and finished products
intended for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service, of
every kind and description now or at any time hereafter owned by or in the
custody or possession, actual or constructive, of Borrower, including such
inventory as is temporarily out of its custody or possession or in transit and
including any returns upon any accounts or other proceeds, including insurance
proceeds, resulting from the sale or disposition of any of the foregoing and any
documents of title representing any of the above, and Borrower's Books relating
to any of the foregoing.
"Investment" means any beneficial ownership of (including
stock, partnership interest or other securities) any Person, or any loan,
advance or capital contribution to any Person.
"IRC" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
the regulations thereunder.
"Letter of Credit" means a letter of credit.
"Letter of Credit Facility" means letters of credit issued by
Bank in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed $110,000.
"Lien" means any mortgage, lien, deed of trust, charge,
pledge, security interest or other encumbrance.
"Loan Documents" means, collectively, this Agreement, any note
or notes executed by Borrower, and any other agreement entered into between
Borrower and Bank in connection with this Agreement, all as amended or extended
from time to time.
"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on
(i) the business operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower
and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) the ability of Borrower to repay
the Obligations or otherwise perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.
"Negotiable Collateral" means all of Borrower's present and
future letters of credit of which it is a beneficiary, notes, drafts,
instruments, securities, documents of title, and chattel paper, and Borrower's
Books relating to any of the foregoing.
"New Equity" means the receipt of equity by Borrower
subsequent to the Closing Date in the form of cash proceeds from the sale of its
capital stock or Subordinated Debt, other than in a refinancing transaction to
employees, officers, directors and consultants of Borrower.
"Obligations" means all debt, principal, interest, Bank
Expenses and other amounts owed to Bank by Borrower pursuant to this Agreement
or any other agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due,
now existing or hereafter arising, including any interest that accrues after the
commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding and including any debt, liability, or
obligation owing from Borrower to others that Bank may have obtained by
assignment or otherwise.
"Periodic Payments" means all installments or similar
recurring payments that Borrower may now or hereafter become obligated to pay to
Bank pursuant to the terms and provisions of any instrument, or agreement now or
hereafter in existence between Borrower and Bank.
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"Permitted Indebtedness" means:
(a) Indebtedness of Borrower in favor of Bank arising
under this Agreement or any other Loan Document;
(b) Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and
disclosed in the Schedule;
(c) Indebtedness secured by a lien described in clause
(c) of the defined term "Permitted Liens," provided such Indebtedness does not
exceed the lesser of the cost or fair market value of the equipment financed
with such Indebtedness; and
(d) Subordinated Debt.
"Permitted Investment" means:
(a) Investments existing on the Closing Date disclosed
in the Schedule; and
(b) (i) marketable direct obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or any
State thereof maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof,
(ii) commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of
creation thereof and currently having rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either
Standard & Poor's Corporation or ▇▇▇▇▇'▇ Investors Service, (iii) certificates
of deposit maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of investment
therein issued by Bank and (iv) Bank's money market accounts.
"Permitted Liens" means the following:
(a) Any Liens existing on the Closing Date and disclosed
in the Schedule or arising under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;
(b) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other
governmental charges or levies, either not delinquent or being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings, provided the same have no priority over any of
Bank's security interests;
(c) Liens (i) upon or in any equipment acquired or held
by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the purchase price of such
equipment or indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the
acquisition of such equipment, or (ii) existing on such equipment at the time of
its acquisition, provided that the Lien is confined solely to the property so
acquired and improvements thereon, and the proceeds of such equipment;
(d) Liens incurred in connection with the extension,
renewal or refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens of the type
described in clauses (a) through (c) above, provided that any extension, renewal
or replacement Lien shall be limited to the property encumbered by the existing
Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness being extended, renewed or
refinanced does not increase.
"Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation,
firm, joint stock company, estate, entity or governmental agency.
"Prime Rate" means the variable rate of interest, per annum,
most recently announced by Bank, as its "prime rate," whether or not such
announced rate is the lowest rate available from Bank.
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"Quick Assets" means, at any date as of which the amount
thereof shall be determined, the unrestricted cash and cash-equivalents,
accounts receivable and investments with maturities not to exceed 90 days, of
Borrower determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Responsible Office" means each of the Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the
Controller of Borrower.
"Schedule" means the schedule of exceptions attached hereto,
if any.
"Subordinated Debt" means any debt incurred by Borrower that
is subordinated to the debt owing by Borrower to Bank on terms reasonably
acceptable to Bank (and identified as being such by Borrower and Bank).
"Subsidiary" means any corporation or partnership in which (i)
any general partnership interest or (ii) more than 50% of the stock of which by
the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect the Board of Directors,
managers or trustees of the entity shall, at the time as of which any
determination is being made, is owned by Borrower, either directly or through an
Affiliate.
"Tangible Net Worth" means at any date as of which the amount
thereof shall be determined, the sum of the capital stock and additional paid-in
capital plus retained earnings (or minus accumulated deficit) of Borrower and
its Subsidiaries minus intangible assets, plus Subordinated Debt, on a
consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Total Liabilities" means at any date as of which the amount
thereof shall be determined, all obligations that should, in accordance with
GAAP be classified as liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet of Borrower,
including in any event all Indebtedness.
1.2 Accounting Terms. All accounting terms not specifically defined
herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP and all calculations made
hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP. When used herein, the terms
"financial statements" shall include the notes and schedules thereto.
2. LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT.
2.1 Credit Extensions.
Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money
of the United States of America, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all
Credit Extensions made by Bank to Borrower hereunder. Borrower shall also pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of such Credit Extensions at rates in
accordance with the terms hereof.
2.1.1 Equipment Advances.
(a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, at any time from the date hereof through the Equipment Maturity Date,
Bank agrees to make advances (each an "Equipment Advance" and, collectively, the
"Equipment Advances") to Borrower in an aggregate outstanding amount not to
exceed the Equipment Line. Each Equipment Advance shall not exceed one hundred
percent (100%) of the invoice amount of equipment and software purchases (which
Borrower shall, in any case, have purchased within 90 days of the Closing Date),
excluding taxes, shipping, warranty charges, freight discounts and installation
expense. Any amounts under the Equipment Line that Borrower has not used for
equipment or software purposes may be used for corporate purposes approved by
Bank from time to time.
(b) Interest shall accrue from the date of each
Equipment Advance at the rate specified in Section 2.3, and shall be payable
monthly on the last day of each month through September, 1999. Thereafter, all
outstanding principal and accrued interest under the Equipment Line and any
other Obligations under
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this Agreement shall be due and payable on the Equipment Maturity Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if prior to the Equipment Maturity Date, Borrower
has received at least Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) in New Equity, then any
Equipment Advances that are outstanding on September 11, 1999 shall be payable
in twenty-four (24) equal monthly installments of principal, plus all accrued
interest, beginning on September 11, 1999, and continuing on the same day of
each month thereafter through September 11, 2001, at which time all amounts due
under this Section 2.1.1 and any other amounts due under (his Agreement shall be
immediately due and payable. As of September 11, 1999, Equipment Advances, once
repaid, may not be reborrowed. Borrower may prepay any Equipment Advances
without penalty or premium.
(c) When Borrower desires to obtain an Equipment
Advance, Borrower shall notify Bank (which notice shall be irrevocable) by
facsimile transmission to be received no later than 3:00 p.m. Pacific time one
(1) Business Day before the day on which the Equipment Advance is to be made.
Such notice shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit. The notice shall be
signed by a Responsible Officer or its designee and include a copy of the
invoice for any Equipment to be financed.
2.1.2 Letter of Credit Facility.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, Bank agrees to issue or cause to be issued Letters of Credit for the
account of Borrower in an aggregate outstanding face amount not to exceed (i)
the Letter of Credit Facility, minus (ii) the face amount of outstanding Letters
of Credit. All Letters of Credit shall be, in form and substance, acceptable to
Bank in its sole discretion and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of
Bank's form of standard Application and Letter of Credit Agreement.
(b) The obligation of Borrower to immediately reimburse
Bank for drawings made under Letters of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional
and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement and such Letters of Credit, under all circumstances whatsoever.
Borrower shall indemnify, defend, protect, and hold Bank harmless from any loss,
cost, expense or liability, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees, arising out of or In connection with any Letters of Credit.
(c) Borrower may request that Bank issue a Letter of
Credit payable in a currency other than United States dollars. If a demand for
payment is made under any such Letter of Credit, Bank shall treat such demand as
an Advance to Borrower of the equivalent of the amount thereof (plus cable
charges) in United States currency at the then prevailing rate of exchange in
San Francisco, California, for sales of that other currency for cable transfer
to the country of which it is the currency.
(d) Upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit payable in
a currency other than United States Dollars, Bank shall create a reserve under
the Committed Revolving Line for Letters of Credit against fluctuations in
currency exchange rates, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the face
amount of such Letter of Credit. The amount of such reserve may be amended by
Bank from time to time to account for fluctuations in the exchange rate. The
availability of funds under the Committed Revolving Line shall be reduced by the
amount of such reserve for so long as such Letter of Credit remains outstanding.
2.2 Overadvances. If any Advances hereunder exceed the Equipment
Line, Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank, in cash, the amount of such
excess.
2.3 Interest Rates, Payments, and Calculations.
(i) Equipment Advances. Except as set forth in
Section 2.3(b), the Equipment Advances shall bear interest, on the outstanding
daily balance thereof, at a rate equal to two percent (2.0%) above the Prime
Rate.
(b) Late Fee; Default Rate. If any payment is not made
within ten (10) days after the date such payment is due, Borrower shall pay Bank
a late fee equal to the lesser of (i) five percent
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(5%) of the amount of such unpaid amount or (ii) the maximum amount permitted to
be charged under applicable law. All Obligations shall bear interest, from and
after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, at a
rate equal to five (5) percentage points above the interest rate applicable
immediately prior to the occurrence of the Event of Default.
(c) Payments. Interest hereunder shall be due and
payable on the last calendar day of each month during the term hereof. Bank
shall, at its option, charge such interest, all Bank Expenses, and all Periodic
Payments against any of Borrower's deposit accounts or against the Committed
Revolving Line, in which case those amounts shall thereafter accrue interest at
the rate then applicable hereunder. Any interest not paid when due shall be
compounded by becoming a part of the Obligations, and such interest shall
thereafter accrue interest at the rate then applicable hereunder. Bank shall
deliver to Borrower statements of account in the ordinary course of business
reflecting charges made hereunder.
(d) Computation. In the event the Prime Rate is changed
from time to time hereafter, the applicable rate of interest hereunder shall be
increased or decreased effective as of the day the Prime Rate is changed, by an
amount equal to such change in the Prime Rate. All interest chargeable under the
Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day
year for the actual number of days elapsed.
2.4 Crediting Payments. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of
Default, Bank shall credit a wire transfer of funds, check or other item of
payment to such deposit account or Obligation as Borrower specifies. After the
occurrence of an Event of Default, the receipt by Bank of any wire transfer of
funds, check, or other item of payment shall be immediately applied to
conditionally reduce Obligations, but shall not be considered a payment on
account unless such payment is of immediately available federal funds or unless
and until such check or other item of payment is honored when presented for
payment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any wire
transfer or payment received by Bank after 12:00 noon Pacific time shall be
deemed to have been received by Bank as of the opening of business on the
immediately following Business Day. Whenever any payment to Bank under the Loan
Documents would otherwise be due (except by reason of acceleration) on a date
that is not a Business Day, such payment shall instead be due on the next
Business Day, and additional fees or interest, as the case may be, shall accrue
and be payable for the period of such extension.
2.5 Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank the following:
(a) Facility Fee. On the Closing Date, a Facility Fee
equal to $2,500, which shall be nonrefundable;
(b) Bank Expenses. On the Closing Date, all Bank
Expenses incurred through the Closing Date, including reasonable attorneys' fees
and expenses and, after the Closing Date, all Bank Expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, as and when they become due.
2.6 Term. This Agreement shall become effective on the Closing Date
and, subject to Section 12.7, shall continue in full force and effect for a term
ending on the Equipment Maturity Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bank shall
have the right to terminate its obligation to make Credit Extensions under this
Agreement immediately and without notice upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default. Notwithstanding termination, Bank's Lien on
the Collateral shall remain in effect for so long as any Obligations are
outstanding.
3. CONDITIONS OF LOANS.
3.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Credit Extension. The obligation
of Bank to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to the condition
precedent that Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to
Bank, the following:
(a) this Agreement;
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(b) a certificate of the Secretary of Borrower with
respect to incumbency and resolutions authorizing the execution and delivery of
this Agreement;
(c) a warrant;
(d) a financing statement (Form UCC-1); and
(e) such other documents, and completion of such other
matters, as Bank may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate.
3.2 Conditions Precedent to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of
Bank to make each Credit Extension, including the initial Credit Extension, is
further subject to the following conditions:
(a) timely receipt by Bank of the Payment/Advance Form
as provided in Section 2.1; and
(b) the representations and warranties contained in
Section 5 shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the
date of such Payment/Advance Form and on the effective date of each Credit
Extension as though made at and as of each such date, and no Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, or would result from such Credit
Extension (provided, however, that those representations and warranties
expressly referring to another date shall be true, correct and complete in all
material respects as of such date). The making of each Credit Extension shall be
deemed to be a representation and warranty by Borrower on the date of such
Credit Extension as to the accuracy of the facts referred to in this Section
3.2(b).
4. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST.
4.1 Grant of Security Interest. Borrower grants and pledges to Bank
a continuing security interest in all presently existing and hereafter acquired
or arising Collateral in order to secure prompt repayment of any and all
Obligations and in order to secure prompt performance by Borrower of each of its
covenants and duties under the Loan Documents. Except as set forth in the
Schedule, such security interest constitutes a valid, first priority security
interest in the presently existing Collateral, and will constitute a valid,
first priority security interest in Collateral acquired alter the date hereof.
4.2 Delivery of Additional Documentation Required. Borrower shall
from time to time execute and deliver to Bank, at the request of Bank, all
Negotiable Collateral, all financing statements and other documents that Bank
may reasonably request, in form satisfactory to Bank, to perfect and continue
perfected Bank's security interests in the Collateral and in order to fully
consummate all of the transactions contemplated under the Loan Documents.
4.3 Requirement for Cash Collateral. If Bank issues or causes to be
issued Letters of Credit under Section 2.1.2, then Borrower shall pledge a
certificate of deposit to Bank in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all
Letters of Credit issued, and outstanding.
4.4 Right to Inspect. Bank (through any of its officers, employees,
or agents) shall have the right, upon reasonable prior notice, from time to time
during Borrower's usual business hours but no more than once a year (unless an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to inspect Borrower's Books
and to make copies thereof and to check, test, and appraise the Collateral in
order to verify Borrower's financial condition or the amount, condition of, or
any other matter relating to, the Collateral.
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5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Borrower represents and warrants as follows:
5.1 Due Organization and Qualification. Borrower and each Subsidiary
is a corporation duly existing under the laws of its state of incorporation and
qualified and licensed to do business in any state in which the conduct of its
business or its ownership of property requires that it be so qualified.
5.2 Due Authorization; No Conflict. The execution, delivery, and
performance of the Loan Documents are within Borrower's powers, have been duly
authorized, and are not in conflict with nor constitute a breach of any
provision contained in Borrower's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, nor will
they constitute an event of default under any material agreement to which
Borrower is a party or by which Borrower is bound. Borrower is not in default
under any agreement to which it is a party or by which it is bound, which
default could have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.3 No Prior Encumbrances. Borrower has good and indefeasible title
to the Collateral, free and clear of Liens, except for Permitted Liens.
5.4 Bona Fide Accounts. The Account are bona fide existing
obligations. The property giving rise to such Eligible Accounts has been
delivered to the account debtor or to the account debtor's agent for immediate
shipment to and unconditional acceptance by the account debtor.
5.5 Merchantable Inventory. All Inventory is in all material
respects of good and marketable quality, free from all material defects, except
for Inventory for which adequate reserves have been made.
5.6 Name; Location of Chief Executive Office. Except as disclosed in
the Schedule, Borrower has not done business under any name other than that
specified on the signature page hereof. The chief executive office of Borrower
is located at the address indicated in Section 10 hereof.
5.7 Litigation. Except as set forth in the Schedule, there are no
actions or proceedings pending by or against Borrower or any Subsidiary before
any court or administrative agency in which an adverse decision could have a
Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on Borrower's interest or
Bank's security interest in the Collateral.
5.8 No Material Adverse Change in Financial Statements. All
consolidated financial statements related to Borrower and any Subsidiary that
are delivered by Borrower to Bank fairly present in all material respects
Borrower's consolidated financial condition as of the date thereof and
Borrower's consolidated results of operations for the period then ended. There
has not been a material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition
of Borrower since the date of the most recent of such financial statements
submitted to Bank.
5.9 Solvency, Payment of Debts. Borrower is solvent and able to pay
its debts (including trade debts) as they mature.
5.10 Regulatory Compliance. Borrower and each Subsidiary have met
the minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to any employee benefit
plans subject to ERISA. No event has occurred resulting from Borrower's failure
to comply with ERISA that is reasonably likely to result in Borrower's incurring
any liability that could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower is not an
"investment company" or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Borrower is not engaged
principally, or as one of the important activities, in the business of extending
credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the
meaning of Regulations T and U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System). Borrower has complied with all the provisions of the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act.
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Borrower has not violated any statutes, laws, ordinances or rules applicable to
it, violation of which could have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.11 Environmental Condition. Except as disclosed in the Schedule,
none of Borrower's or any Subsidiary's properties or assets has ever been used
by Borrower or any Subsidiary or, to the best of Borrower's knowledge, by
previous owners or operators, in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle,
treat, release, or transport, any hazardous waste or hazardous substance other
than in accordance with applicable law; to the best of Borrower's knowledge,
none of Borrower's properties or assets has ever been designated or identified
in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection statute as a hazardous
waste or hazardous substance disposal site, or a candidate for closure pursuant
to any environmental protection statute; no lien arising under any environmental
protection statute has attached to any revenues or to any real or personal
property owned by Borrower or any Subsidiary; and neither Borrower nor any
Subsidiary has received a summons, citation, notice, or directive from the
Environmental Protection Agency or any other federal, state or other
governmental agency concerning any action or omission by Borrower or any
Subsidiary resulting in the releasing, or otherwise disposing of hazardous waste
or hazardous substances into the environment.
5.12 Taxes. Borrower and each Subsidiary has filed or caused to be
filed all tax returns required to be filed, and has paid, or has made adequate
provision for the payment of, all taxes reflected therein.
5.13 Subsidiaries. Borrower does not own any stock, partnership
interest or other equity securities of any Person, except for Permitted
Investments.
5.14 Government Consents. Borrower and each Subsidiary has obtained
all consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings
with, and given all notices to, all governmental authorities that are necessary
for the continued operation of Borrower's business as currently conducted, the
failure to obtain which could have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.15 Year 2000. Borrower and its Subsidiaries have reviewed the
areas within their operations and business which could be adversely affected by,
and have developed or are developing a program to address on a timely basis, the
Year 2000 Problem and have made related appropriate inquiry of material
suppliers and vendors, and based on such review and program, the Year 2000
Problem will not have a Material Adverse Effect upon its financial condition,
operations or business as now conducted. "Year 2000 Problem" means the
possibility that any computer applications or equipment used by Borrower may be
unable to recognize and properly perform date sensitive functions involving
certain dates prior to and any dates on or after December 31, 1999.
5.16 Full Disclosure. No representation, warranty or other statement
made by Borrower in any certificate or written statement furnished to Bank
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements contained in such certificates or
statements not misleading.
6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.
Borrower covenants and agrees that, until payment in full of all
outstanding Obligations, and for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make
a Credit Extension hereunder, Borrower shall do all of the following:
6.1 Good Standing. Borrower shall maintain its and each of its
Subsidiaries' corporate existence in its jurisdiction of incorporation and
maintain qualification in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify
could have a Material Adverse Effect. Borrower shall maintain, and shall cause
each of its Subsidiaries to maintain in force all licenses, approvals and
agreements, the loss of which could have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.2 Government Compliance. Borrower shall meet, and shall cause each
Subsidiary to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect to any
employee benefit plans subject to ERISA. Borrower shall comply, and shall cause
each Subsidiary to comply, with all statutes, laws, ordinances and
10
government rules and regulations to which it is subject, noncompliance with
which could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material adverse effect on the
Collateral or the priority of Bank's Lien on the Collateral.
6.3 Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Borrower shall
deliver to Bank: (a) as soon as available, but in any event within thirty (30)
days after the end of each calendar month, a company prepared consolidated
balance sheet and income statement covering Borrower's consolidated operations
during such period, in a form acceptable to Bank and certified by a Responsible
Officer; (b) beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998, as soon as
available, but in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of Borrower's
fiscal year, audited consolidated financial statements of Borrower prepared in
accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, together with an unqualified opinion
on such financial statements of an independent certified public accounting firm
reasonably acceptable to Bank; (c) promptly upon receipt of notice thereof, a
report of any legal actions pending or threatened against Borrower or any
Subsidiary that could result in damages or costs to Borrower or any Subsidiary
of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) or more; and (d) such budgets, sales
projections, operating plans or other financial information as Bank may
reasonably request from time to time generally prepared by Borrower in the
ordinary course of business.
Borrower shall deliver to Bank with the monthly financial statements a
Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer in substantially the form
of Exhibit C hereto.
Bank shall have a right from time to time hereafter to audit Borrower's
Accounts and appraise Collateral at Borrower's expense, provided that such
audits will be conducted no more often than every twelve (12) months unless an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
6.4 Inventory; Returns. Borrower shall keep all Inventory in good
and marketable condition, free from all material defects except for Inventory
for which adequate reserves have been made. Returns and allowances, if any, as
between Borrower and its account debtors shall be on the same basis and in
accordance with the usual customary practices of Borrower, as they exist at the
time of the execution and delivery of this Agreement. Borrower shall promptly
notify Bank of all returns and recoveries and of all disputes and claims, where
the return, recovery, dispute or claim involves more than Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000).
6.5 Taxes. Borrower shall make, and shall cause each Subsidiary to
make, due and timely payment or deposit of all material federal, state, and
local taxes, assessments, or contributions required of it by law, and will
execute and deliver to Bank, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to
the payment or deposit thereof; and Borrower will make, and will cause each
Subsidiary to make, timely payment or deposit of all material tax payments and
withholding taxes required of it by applicable laws, including, but not limited
to, those laws concerning F.I.C.A., F.U.T.A., state disability, and local,
state, and federal income taxes, and will, upon request, furnish Bank with proof
satisfactory to Bank indicating that Borrower or a Subsidiary has made such
payments or deposits; provided that Borrower or a Subsidiary need not make any
payment if the amount or validity of such payment is contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and is reserved against (to the extent required by GAAP)
by Borrower.
6.6 Insurance.
(a) Borrower, at its expense, shall keep the Collateral
insured against loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, sprinklers, and all
other hazards and risks, and in such amounts, as ordinarily insured against by
other owners in similar businesses conducted in the locations where Borrower's
business is conducted on the date hereof. Borrower shall also maintain insurance
relating to Borrower's ownership and use of the Collateral in amounts and of a
type that are customary to businesses similar to Borrower's.
(b) All such policies of insurance shall be in such
form, with such companies, and in such amounts as reasonably satisfactory to
Bank. All such policies of property insurance shall contain a lender's loss
payable endorsement, in a form satisfactory to Bank, showing Bank as an
additional loss payee thereof and all liability insurance policies shall show
the Bank as an additional insured, and shall specify that the insurer must give
at least twenty (20) days notice to Bank before canceling its policy for any
reason. Upon
11
Bank's request, Borrower shall deliver to Bank certified copies of such policies
of insurance and evidence of the payments of all premiums therefor. All proceeds
payable under any such policy shall, at the option of Bank, be payable to Bank
to be applied on account of the Obligations.
6.7 Year 2000 Compliance. Borrower shall perform all acts reasonably
necessary to ensure that (a) Borrower and any business in which Borrower holds a
substantial interest, and (b) all customers, suppliers and vendors that are
material to Borrower's business, become Year 2000 Compliant in a timely manner.
Such acts shall include, without limitation, performing a comprehensive review
and assessment of all Borrower's systems and adopting a detailed plan, with
itemized budget, for the remediation, monitoring and testing of such systems. As
used in this paragraph, "Year 2000 Compliant" shall mean, in regard to any
entity, that all software, hardware, firmware, equipment, goods or systems
utilized by or material to the business operations or financial condition of
such entity, will properly perform date sensitive functions before, during and
after the year 2000. Borrower shall immediately upon request, provide to Bank
such certifications or other evidence of Borrower's compliance with the terms of
this paragraph as Bank may from time to time require.
6.8 Principal Depository. Borrower shall maintain its principal
depository and operating accounts with Bank.
6.9 Quick Ratio. Borrower shall maintain, as of the last day of each
calendar month, a ratio of Quick Assets to Current Liabilities of at least 1.30
to 1.00, increasing to 1.50 to 1.00 upon the receipt of New Equity.
6.10 Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time Borrower
shall execute and deliver such further instruments and take such further action
as may reasonably be requested by Bank to effect the purposes of this Agreement.
7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.
Borrower covenants and agrees that, so long as any credit hereunder
shall be available and until payment in full of the outstanding Obligations or
for so long as Bank may have any commitment to make any Credit Extensions,
Borrower will not do any of the following:
7.1 Dispositions. Convey, sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose
of (collectively, a "Transfer"), or permit any of its Subsidiaries to Transfer,
all or any part of its business or property, other than: (i) Transfers of
Inventory in the ordinary course of business; (ii) Transfers of non-exclusive
licenses and similar arrangements for the use of the property of Borrower or its
Subsidiaries; or (iii) Transfers of surplus, worn-out or obsolete Equipment.
7.2 Change in Business. Engage in any business, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries to engage in any business, other than the businesses currently
engaged in by Borrower and any business substantially similar or related thereto
(or incidental thereto). Borrower will not, without thirty (30) days prior
written notification to Bank, relocate its chief executive office.
7.3 Mergers or Acquisitions. Merge or consolidate, or permit any of
its Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with or into any other business
organization, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or
substantially all of the capital stock or property of another Person.
7.4 Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or be or remain liable with
respect to any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary so to do, other than
Permitted Indebtedness.
7.5 Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien
with respect to any of its property, or assign or otherwise convey any right to
receive income, including the sale of any Accounts, or permit any of its
Subsidiaries so to do, except for Permitted Liens.
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7.6 Distributions. Pay any dividends or make any other distribution
or payment on account of or in redemption, retirement or purchase of any capital
stock, except that Borrower may repurchase the stock of former employees
pursuant to stock repurchase agreements as long as an Event of Default does not
exist prior to such repurchase or would not exist after giving effect to such
repurchase.
7.7 Investments. Directly or indirectly acquire or own, or make any
Investment in or to any Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries so to do,
other than Permitted Investments.
7.8 Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly enter into
or permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower
except for transactions that are in the ordinary course of Borrower's business,
upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to Borrower than would
be obtained in an arm's length transaction with a nonaffiliated Person.
7.9 Subordinated Debt. Make any payment in respect of any
Subordinated Debt, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any such payment,
except in compliance with the terms of such Subordinated Debt, or amend any
provision contained in any documentation relating to the Subordinated Debt
without Bank's prior written consent.
7.10 Inventory. Store the Inventory with a bailee, warehouseman, or
similar party unless Bank has received a pledge of the warehouse receipt
covering such Inventory; provided, however, that Borrower may deposit software
code in escrow for customers in the ordinary course of business. Except for
Inventory sold in the ordinary course of business and except for such other
locations as Bank may approve in writing, Borrower shall keep the Inventory only
at the location set forth in Section 10 hereof and such other locations of which
Borrower gives Bank prior written notice and as to which Borrower signs and
files a financing statement where needed to perfect Bank's security interest.
7.11 Compliance. Become an "investment company" or be controlled by
an "investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, or become principally engaged in, or undertake as one of its important
activities, the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stock, or use the proceeds of any Credit Extension for such
purpose. Fail to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, permit a
Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, as defined in ERISA, to occur, fail
to comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or violate any law or
regulation, which violation could have a Material Adverse Effect or a material
adverse effect on the Collateral or the priority of Bank's Lien on the
Collateral, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do any of the foregoing.
8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an Event of
Default by Borrower under this Agreement:
8.1 Payment Default. If Borrower fails to pay, when due, any of the
Obligations;
8.2 Covenant Default. If Borrower fails to perform any obligation
under Article 6 or violates any of the covenants contained in Article 7 of this
Agreement, or fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe any other material
term, provision, condition, covenant, or agreement contained in this Agreement,
in any of the Loan Documents, or in any other present or future agreement
between Borrower and Bank and as to any default under such other term,
provision, condition, covenant or agreement that can be cured, has failed to
cure such default within ten (10) days after Borrower receives notice thereof or
any officer of Borrower becomes aware thereof; provided, however, that if the
default cannot by its nature be cured within the ten (10) day period or cannot
after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured within such ten (10) day period,
and such default is likely to be cured within a reasonable time, then Borrower
shall have an additional reasonable period (which shall not in any case exceed
thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such default, and within such reasonable
time period the failure to have cured such default shall not be deemed an Event
of Default (provided that no Credit Extensions will be required to be made
during such cure period);
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8.3 Material Adverse Change. If there occurs a material adverse
change in Borrower's business or financial condition, or if there is a material
impairment of the prospect of repayment of any portion of the Obligations or a
material impairment of the value or priority of Bank's security interests in the
Collateral;
8.4 Attachment. If any material portion of Borrower's assets is
attached, seized, subjected to a writ or distress warrant, or is levied upon, or
comes into the possession of any trustee, receiver or person acting in a similar
capacity and such attachment, seizure, writ or distress warrant or levy has not
been removed, discharged or rescinded within ten (10) days, or if Borrower is
enjoined, restrained, or in any way prevented by court order from continuing to
conduct all or any material part of its business affairs, or if a judgment or
other claim becomes a lien or encumbrance upon any material portion of
Borrower's assets, or if a notice of lien, levy, or assessment is filed of
record with respect to any of Borrower's assets by the United States Government,
or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county,
municipal, or governmental agency, and the same is not paid within ten (10) days
after Borrower receives notice thereof, provided that none of the foregoing
shall constitute an Event of Default where such action or event is stayed or an
adequate bond has been posted pending a good faith contest by Borrower (provided
that no Credit Extensions will be required to be made during such cure period);
8.5 Insolvency. If Borrower becomes insolvent, or if an Insolvency
Proceeding is commenced by Borrower, or if an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced
against Borrower and is not dismissed or stayed within thirty (30) days
(provided that no Credit Extensions will be made prior to the dismissal of such
Insolvency Proceeding);
8.6 Other Agreements. If there is a default in any agreement to
which Borrower is a party with a third party or parties resulting in a right by
such third party or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the
maturity of any Indebtedness in an amount in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars
($50,000) or that could have a Material Adverse Effect;
8.7 Subordinated Debt. If Borrower makes any payment on account of
Subordinated Debt, except to the extent such payment is allowed under any
subordination agreement entered into with Bank;
8.8 Judgments. If a judgment or judgments for the payment of money
in an amount, individually or in the aggregate, of at least Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($50,000) shall be rendered against Borrower and shall remain
unsatisfied and unstayed for a period of ten (10) days (provided that no Credit
Extensions will be made prior to the satisfaction or stay of such judgment); or
8.9 Misrepresentations. If any material misrepresentation or
material misstatement exists now or hereafter in any warranty or representation
set forth herein or in any certificate delivered to Bank by any Responsible
Officer pursuant to this Agreement or to induce Bank to enter into this
Agreement or any other Loan Document.
8.10 [Guaranty. Any guaranty of all or a portion of the Obligations
ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any guarantor fails to
perform any obligation under any guaranty of all or a portion of the
Obligations, or any material misrepresentation or material misstatement exists
now or hereafter in any warranty or representation set forth in any guaranty of
all or a portion of the Obligations or in any certificate delivered to Bank in
connection with such guaranty.]
9. BANK'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.
9.1 Rights and Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, Bank may, at its election, without notice of
its election and without demand, do any one or more of the following, all of
which are authorized by Borrower:
(a) Declare all Obligations, whether evidenced by this
Agreement, by any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise, immediately due and
payable (provided that upon the occurrence of an
14
Event of Default described in Section 8.5 all Obligations shall become
immediately due and payable without any action by Bank);
(b) Cease advancing money or extending credit to or for
the benefit of Borrower under this Agreement or under any other agreement
between Borrower and Bank;
(c) Settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with
account debtors for amounts, upon terms and in whatever order that Bank
reasonably considers advisable;
(d) Make such payments and do such acts as Bank
considers necessary or reasonable to protect its security interest in the
Collateral. Borrower agrees to assemble the Collateral if Bank so requires, and
to make the Collateral available to Bank as Bank may designate. Borrower
authorizes Bank to enter the premises where the Collateral is located, to take
and maintain possession of the Collateral, or any part of it, and to pay,
purchase, contest, or compromise any encumbrance, charge, or lien which in
Bank's determination appears to be prior or superior to its security interest
and to pay all expenses incurred in connection therewith. With respect to any of
Borrower's owned premises, Borrower hereby grants Bank a license to enter into
possession of such premises and to occupy the same, without charge, in order to
exercise any of Bank's rights or remedies provided herein, at law, in equity, or
otherwise;
(e) Set off and apply to the Obligations any and all (i)
balances and deposits of Borrower held by Bank, or (ii) indebtedness at any time
owing to or for the credit or the account of Borrower held by Bank;
(f) Ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain,
repair, prepare for sale, advertise for sale, and sell (in the manner provided
for herein) the Collateral. Bank is hereby granted a license or other right,
solely pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9.1, to use, without charge,
Borrower's labels, patents, copyrights, rights of use of any name, trade
secrets, trade names, trademarks, service marks, and advertising matter, or any
property of a similar nature, as it pertains to the Collateral, in completing
production of advertising for sale, and selling any Collateral and, in
connection with Bank's exercise of its rights under this Section 9.1, Borrower's
rights under all licenses and all franchise agreements shall inure to Bank's
benefit;
(g) Sell the Collateral at either a public or private
sale, or both, by way of one or more contracts or transactions, for cash or on
terms, in such manner and at such places (including Borrower's premises) as Bank
determines is commercially reasonable, and apply any proceeds to the Obligations
in whatever manner or order Bank deems appropriate;
(h) Liquidate any certificate of deposit in which Bank
has a security interest and apply such proceeds to any outstanding Obligations;
(i) Bank may credit bid and purchase at any public sale;
and
(j) Any deficiency that exists after disposition of the
Collateral as provided above will be paid immediately by Borrower.
9.2 Power of Attorney. Effective only upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of an Event of Default, Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints
Bank (and any of Bank's designated officers, or employees) as Borrower's true
and lawful attorney to: (a) send requests for verification of Accounts or notify
account debtors of Bank's security interest in the Accounts; (b) endorse
Borrower's name on any checks or other forms of payment or security that may
come into Bank's possession; (c) sign Borrower's name on any invoice or ▇▇▇▇ of
lading relating to any Account, drafts against account debtors, schedules and
assignments of Accounts, verifications of Accounts, and notices to account
debtors; (d) dispose of any Collateral; (e) make, settle, and adjust all claims
under and decisions with respect to Borrower's policies of insurance; and (f)
settle and adjust disputes and claims respecting the accounts directly with
account debtors, for amounts and upon terms which Bank determines to be
reasonable; provided Bank may exercise such power of attorney to sign the name
of Borrower on any of the
15
documents described in Section 4.2 regardless of whether an Event of Default has
occurred. The appointment of Bank as Borrower's attorney in fact, and each and
every one of Bank's rights and powers, being coupled with an interest, is
irrevocable until all of the Obligations have been fully repaid and performed
and Bank's obligation to provide advances hereunder is terminated.
9.3 Accounts Collection. At any time during the term of this
Agreement, Bank may notify any Person owing funds to Borrower of Bank's security
interest in such funds and verify the amount of such Account. Borrower shall
collect all amounts owing to Borrower for Bank, receive in trust all payments as
Bank's trustee, and immediately deliver such payments to Bank in their original
form as received from the account debtor, with proper endorsements for deposit.
9.4 Bank Expenses. If Borrower fails to pay any amounts or furnish
any required proof of payment due to third persons or entities, as required
under the terms of this Agreement, then Bank may do any or all of the following
after reasonable notice to Borrower: (a) make payment of the same or any part
thereof; (b) set up such reserves under the Revolving Facility as Bank deems
necessary to protect Bank from the exposure created by such failure; or (c)
obtain and maintain insurance policies of the type discussed in Section 6.6 of
this Agreement, and take any action with respect to such policies as Bank deems
prudent. Any amounts so paid or deposited by Bank shall constitute Bank
Expenses, shall be immediately due and payable, and shall bear interest at the
then applicable rate hereinabove provided, and shall be secured by the
Collateral. Any payments made by Bank shall not constitute an agreement by Bank
to make similar payments in the future or a waiver by Bank of any Event of
Default under this Agreement.
9.5 Bank's Liability for Collateral. So long as Bank complies with
reasonable banking practices, Bank shall not in any way or manner be liable or
responsible for: (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any loss or damage
thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause; (c) any
diminution in the value thereof; or (d) any act or default of any carrier,
warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other person whomsoever. All risk of
loss, damage or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by Borrower.
9.6 Remedies Cumulative. Bank's rights and remedies under this
Agreement, the Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative.
Bank shall have all other rights and remedies not inconsistent herewith as
provided under the Code, by law, or in equity. No exercise by Bank of one right
or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by Bank of any Event of
Default on Borrower's part shall be deemed a continuing waiver. No delay by Bank
shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it. No waiver by Bank
shall be effective unless made in a written document signed on behalf of Bank
and then shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which it was given.
9.7 Demand; Protest. Borrower waives demand, protest, notice of
protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, notice
of any default, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement,
extension, or renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and
guarantees at any time held by Bank on which Borrower may in any way be liable.
10. NOTICES.
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands
by any party relating to this Agreement or any other agreement entered into in
connection herewith shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and
other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage
prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by a recognized overnight
delivery service, certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or
by telefacsimile to Borrower or to Bank, as the case may be, at its addresses
set forth below:
16
If to Borrower: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇, INC.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Chairman and CEO
Fax: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
If to Bank: Imperial Bank
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attn: Corporate Banking Center
FAX: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
with a copy to: Imperial Bank
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attn: April ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇/▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
FAX: (▇▇▇) ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
The parties hereto may change the address at which they are to receive
notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the
other.
11. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the internal laws of the State of California, without regard to principles
of conflicts of law. Each of Borrower and Bank hereby submits to the
nonexclusive jurisdiction of the state and Federal courts located in the County
of Santa ▇▇▇▇▇, State of California. BORROWER AND BANK EACH HEREBY WAIVE THEIR
RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR
ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL
OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY RECOGNIZES AND AGREES THAT THE
FOREGOING WAIVER CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR IT TO ENTER INTO THIS
AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER
WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY
TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.
12. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
12.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall bind and inure to
the benefit of the respective successors and permitted assigns of each of the
parties; provided, however, that neither this Agreement nor any rights hereunder
may be assigned by Borrower without Bank's prior written consent, which consent
may be granted or withheld in Bank's sole discretion. Bank shall have the right
without the consent of or notice to Borrower to sell, transfer, negotiate, or
pant participation in all or any pan of, or any interest in, Bank's obligations,
rights and benefits hereunder.
12.2 Indemnification. Borrower shall defend, indemnify and hold
harmless Bank and its officers, employees, and agents against: (a) all
obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities claimed or asserted by any other
party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and
(b) all losses or Bank Expenses in any way suffered, incurred, or paid by Bank
as a result of or in any way arising out of, following, or consequential to
transactions between Bank and Borrower whether under this Agreement, or
otherwise (including without limitation reasonable attorneys fees and expenses),
except for losses caused by Bank's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
17
12.3 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for the performance of
all obligations set forth in this Agreement.
12.4 Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement
shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose
of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.
12.5 Amendments in Writing, Integration. This Agreement cannot be
amended or terminated orally. All prior agreements, understandings,
representations, warranties, and negotiations between the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, if any, are merged into this
Agreement and the Loan Documents.
12.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which,
when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of
which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.
12.7 Survival. All covenants, representations and warranties made in
this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect so long as any
Obligations remain outstanding. The obligations of Borrower to indemnify Bank
with respect to the expenses, damages, losses, costs and liabilities described
in Section 12.2 shall survive until all applicable statute of limitations
periods with respect to actions that may be brought against Bank have run.
13. JUDICIAL REFERENCE.
(a) Other than (i) nonjudicial foreclosure and all
matters in connection therewith regarding security interests in real or personal
property; or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, or the exercise of other
provisional remedies (any and all of which may be initiated pursuant to
applicable law), each controversy, dispute or claim between the parties arising
out of or relating to this Agreement, which controversy, dispute or claim is not
settled in writing within thirty (30) days after the "Claim Date" (defined as
the date on which a party subject to this Agreement gives written notice to all
other parties that a controversy, dispute or claim exists), will be settled by a
reference proceeding in California in accordance with the provisions of Section
638 et seq. of the California Code of Civil Procedure, or their successor
section ("CCP"), which shall constitute the exclusive remedy for the settlement
of any controversy, dispute or claim concerning this Agreement, including
whether such controversy, dispute or claim is subject to the reference
proceeding and except as set forth above, the parties waive their rights to
initiate any legal proceedings against each other in any court or jurisdiction
other than the Superior Court of Santa ▇▇▇▇▇ County (the "Court"). The referee
shall be a retired Judge of the Court selected by mutual agreement of the
parties, and if they cannot so agree within forty-five (45) days after the Claim
Date, the referee shall be promptly selected by the Presiding Judge of the Court
(or his representative). The referee shall be appointed to sit as a temporary
judge, with all of the powers for a temporary judge, as authorized by law, and
upon selection should take and subscribe to the oath of office as provided for
in Rule 244 of the California Rules of the Court (or any subsequently enacted
Rule). Each party shall have one peremptory challenge pursuant to CCP ss.170.6.
The referee shall (a) be requested to set the matter for hearing with in sixty
(60) days after the date of selection of the referee and (b) try any and all
issues of law or fact and report a statement of decision upon them, if possible,
within ninety (90) days of the Claim Date. Any decision rendered by the referee
will be final, binding and conclusive and judgment shall be entered pursuant to
CCP ss.644 in any court in the State of California having jurisdiction. Any
party may apply for a reference proceeding at any time after thirty (30) days
following notice to any other party of the nature of the controversy, dispute or
claim, by filing a petition for a hearing and/or trial. All discovery permitted
by this Agreement shall be completed no later than fifteen (15) days before the
first hearing date established by the referee. The referee may extend such
period in the event of a party's refusal to provide requested discovery or
unavailability of a witness due to absence or illness. No party shall be
entitled to "priority" in conducting discovery. Depositions may be taken by
either party upon seven (7) days written notice, and request for production or
inspection of documents which cannot be resolved by the parties shall be
submitted to the referee as provided herein. The Superior Court is empowered to
issue temporary and/or provisions remedies, as appropriate.
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(b) Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the
referee shall determine the manner in which the reference proceeding is
conducted including the time and place of all hearings, the order of
presentation of evidence, and all other questions that arise with respect to the
course of the reference proceeding. All proceedings and hearings conducted
before the referee, except for trial, shall be conducted without a court
reporter except that when any party so requests, a court reporter will be used
at any hearing conducted before the referee. The party making such a request
shall have the obligation to arrange for and pay for the court reporter. The
costs of the court reporter at the trial shall be borne equally by the parties.
(c) The referee shall be required to determine all
issues in accordance with existing case law and the statutory laws of the State
of California. The rules of evidence applicable to proceedings at law in the
State of California will be applicable to the reference proceeding. The referee
shall be empowered to enter equitable as well as legal relief, to provide all
temporary and/or provisional remedies and to enter equitable orders that will be
binding upon the parties. The referee shall issue a single judgment at the close
of the reference proceeding which shall dispose of all of the claims of the
parties that are the subject of the reference. The parties hereto expressly
reserve the right to contest or appeal from the final judgment or any appealable
order or appealable judgment entered by the referee. The parties hereto
expressly reserve the right to findings of fact, conclusions of laws, a written
statement of decision, and the right to move for a new trial or a different
judgment, which new trial, if granted, is also to be a reference proceeding
under this provisions.
(d) In the event that the enabling legislation which
provides for appointment of a referee is repealed (and no successor statute is
enacted), any dispute between the parties that would otherwise be determined by
the reference procedure herein described will be resolved and determined by
arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted by a retired judge of the Court,
in accordance with the California Arbitration Act, ss.1280 through ss.1294.2 of
the CCP as amended from time to time. The limitations with respect to discovery
as set forth hereinabove shall apply to any such arbitration proceeding.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the date first above written.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇, INC.
By /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
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Title: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
CO-CEO & Chairman
IMPERIAL BANK
By:
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Title:
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