EX 10.23
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Principal Loan Date Maturity Loan No CaI1 Collateral Account Officer In
$6,500,000.00 04-17-1998 06-30-1999 47886 220 40,42 0206190 DRB
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit
the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Borrower: Tower Tech, Inc. (TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
P.O. Box 1838
Chickasha, OK 73023
Lender: Southwestern Bank & Trust Company
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇.
P.O. Box 19100
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between Tower Tech, Inc. ("Borrower") and
Southwestern Bank & Trust Company ("Lender") is made and executed on the
following terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans
from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans and other
financial accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit
or schedule attached to this Agreement. All such loans and financial
accommodations, together with all future loans and financial accommodations from
Lender to Borrower, are referred to in this Agreement Individually as the "Loan"
and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands and agrees that: (a) In
granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender Is relying upon Borrower's
representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth in this Agreement; (b)
the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be
subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (c) all such Loans shall
be and shall remain subject to the following terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of April 17, 1998, and shall continue
thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been performed in
full and the parties terminate this Agreement in writing.
DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.
Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this
Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together
with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan Agreement from
time to time.
Borrower. The word "Borrower" means Tower Tech, Inc. The word "Borrower" also
includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower as provided
below in the paragraph titled "Subsidiaries and Affiliates."
CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means and includes without limitation all
property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real or
personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now
or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest,
mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust,
factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge,
lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security
device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by
law, contract, or otherwise.
ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without
limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section titled
"EVENTS OF DEFAULT."
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and all
of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for
the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a
Security Interest.
Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each and
all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in connection with
any Indebtedness.
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation all
Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of Borrower to
Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against
Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or hereafter existing,
voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or
unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with
others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a guarantor, surety, or otherwise;
whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred by
any statute of limitations; and whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter
may become otherwise unenforceable.
Lender. The word "Lender" means Southwestern Bank & Trust Company, its
successors and assigns.
Loan. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes without limitation any and
all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower,
whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without
limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or
described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to
time.
Note. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's
promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in
favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note or
notes therefor.
Permitted Liens. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security
interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for taxes,
assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being contested in good
faith; (C) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other
like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations
which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money liens or purchase money
security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by Borrower in the
ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness outstanding on the date of
this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement
titled "Indebtedness and Liens"; (e) liens and security interests which, as of
the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in
writing; and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to the
net value of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s assets.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of
trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or
hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.
Security Agreement. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or
other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing,
governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest.
Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean and include without
limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien,
charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel
trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or
title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or
any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law,
contract, or otherwise.
▇▇▇▇. The word "▇▇▇▇" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986 as now or hereafter amended.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s obligation to make the initial
Loan Advance and each subsequent Loan Advance under this Agreement shall be
subject to the fulfillment to ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s satisfaction of all of the conditions set
forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.
Loan Documents. Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory to Lender
the following documents for the Loan: (a) the Note, (b) Security Agreements
granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral, (c) Financing
Statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests; o(d) evidence of insurance as
required below; and (e) any other documents required under this Agreement or by
Lender or its counsel, including without limitation any guaranties described
below.
Borrower's Authorization. Borrower shall have provided in form and substance
satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly authorizing the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the Related Documents,
and such other authorizations and other documents and instruments as Lender or
its counsel, in their sole discretion, may require.
Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees,
charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this
Agreement or any Related Document.
Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in
this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate
delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.
04-17-1998 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 2
(Continued)
Organization. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and is
validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is doing
business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to
transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes
to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is in
good standing in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a
material adverse effect on its businesses or financial condition.
Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and
all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed, delivered or
performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary action by
Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory
authority or governmental body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation
of, or constitute a default under (a) any provision of its articles of
incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or any agreement or other instrument
binding upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or
order applicable to Borrower.
Financial Information. Each financial statement of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ supplied to Lender
truly and completely disclosed ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s financial condition as of the date of
the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's
financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial
statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations
except as disclosed in such financial statements.
Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder to be given by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ when delivered will constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in
accordance with their respective terms.
Properties. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed
in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by
▇▇▇▇▇▇, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently due and
payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's properties free
and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents
or financing statements relating to such properties. All of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s
properties are titled in Borrower's legal name, and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has not used, or
filed a financing statement under, any other name for at least the last five (5)
years.
Hazardous Substances. The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance,"
"disposal," "release," and "threatened release," as used in this Agreement,
shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," "▇▇▇▇," the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other
applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any
of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ in writing,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ represents and warrants that: (a) During the period of Borrower's
ownership of the properties, there has been no use, generation, manufacture,
storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous
waste or substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the properties.
(b) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (i)
any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or
threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from
the properties by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or
(ii) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person
relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent
or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use, generate,
manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous waste or
substance on, under, about or from any of the properties; and any such activity
shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local
laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation those laws,
regulations and ordinances described above. Borrower authorizes Lender and its
agents to enter upon the properties to make such inspections and tests as Lender
may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the properties with this section
of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's
expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other
person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on
Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous waste and
hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any future claims
against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes
liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and alt claims, losses,
liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or
indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the
Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage,
disposal, release or threatened release occurring prior to Borrower's ownership
or interest in the properties, whether or not the same was or should have been
known to Borrower. The provisions of this section of the Agreement, including
the obligation to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and
the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall not be affected by
Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the properties, whether by
foreclosure or otherwise.
Litigation and Claims. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative
proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower
is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially
adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or properties, other than
litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and
acknowledged by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ in writing.
Taxes. To the best of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s knowledge, all tax returns and reports of
Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes,
assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those
presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary
course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided.
Lien Priority. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted
the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the
Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and
Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s
Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral.
Binding Effect. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly or
indirectly securing repayment of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s Loan and Note and all of the Related
Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s successors,
representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with
their respective terms.
Commercial Purposes. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for
business or commercial related purposes.
Employee Benefit Plans. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may have
any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements
of law and regulations, and (i) no Reportable Event nor Prohibited Transaction
(as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any such plan, (ii) Borrower
has not withdrawn from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps
have been taken to terminate any such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded
liabilities other than those previously disclosed to Lender in writing.
Location of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s Offices and Records. Borrower's place of business, or
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s Chief executive office, if Borrower has more than one place of
business, is located at P.O. Box 1838, Chickasha, OK 73023. Unless Borrower has
designated otherwise in writing this location is also the office or offices
where Borrower keeps its records concerning the Collateral.
Information. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith furnished
by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection with this Agreement
or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all information hereafter
furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will be, true and accurate in
every material respect on the date as of which such information is dated or
certified; and none of such information is or will be incomplete by omitting to
state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ understands and agrees that
▇▇▇▇▇▇, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above
representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties shall be
continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect until such time
as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall
be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with ▇▇▇▇▇▇ that, while
this Agreement is in effect,
Borrower will:
Litigation. Promptly inform ▇▇▇▇▇▇ in writing of (a) all material adverse
changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing and all
threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or
similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially
affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any
Guarantor.
Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and permit ▇▇▇▇▇▇
to examine and audit ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s books and records at all reasonable times.
Additional Information. Furnish such additional information and statements,
lists of assets and liabilities, agings of receivables and payables, inventory
schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports with respect to
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s financial condition and business operations as Lender may request
from time to time.
Insurance. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance,
and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower's
properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance
companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of
insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages
will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10) days' prior
written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an
endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in
any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In
connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered
a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss
payable or other endorsements as Lender may require.
Insurance Reports. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each
existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably
request, including without limitation the following: (a) the name of the
insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy; (d) the properties
insured; (e) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance
has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (f) the
expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ (however not
more often than annually),
04-17-1998 BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT Page 3
(Continued)
Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as
applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral. The
cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.
Guaranties. Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish executed
guaranties of the Loans in favor of ▇▇▇▇▇▇, on ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s forms, and in the amount
and by the guarantor named below:
Guarantor Amount
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Unlimited
Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements,
whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any ether party and
notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other
such agreements. Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s
business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ in
writing.
Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and
obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental
charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or
its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would
attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge
upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax,
charge, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ or claim so long as (a) the legality of the same shall be
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have
established on its books adequate reserves with respect to such contested
assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally
accepted accounting practices. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and
claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to
Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments, taxes, charges,
levies, liens and claims against ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s properties, income, or profits.
Performance. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions set
forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely manner, and
promptly notify ▇▇▇▇▇▇ if ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ learns of the occurrence of any event which
constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any of the Related
Documents.
Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the
same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management
personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in executive and
management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent
manner and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and municipal laws,
ordinances, rules and regulations respecting its properties, charters,
businesses and operations, including without limitation, compliance with the
Americans With Disabilities Act and with all minimum funding standards and other
requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit
plans.
Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s other
properties and to examine or audit ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s books, accounts, and records and
to make copies and memoranda of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s books, accounts, and records. If
Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without
limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the
generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon
request of ▇▇▇▇▇▇, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such
records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records
it may request, all at Borrower's expense.
Compliance Certificate. Unless waived in writing by ▇▇▇▇▇▇, provide Lender at
least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds with a
certificate executed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s chief financial officer, or other officer or
person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations and warranties
set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of the
certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no
Event of Default exists under this Agreement.
Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects with
all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an
intentional or unintentional action or omission on its part or on the part of
any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any
environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such
environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a
permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental
authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty
(30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation,
directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or
instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission
on Borrower's part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not
there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources.
Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing statements,
instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may
reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security
Interests.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:
Indebtedness and Liens. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course
of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create,
incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases, (b)
except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge,
lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets, or
(c) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.
Continuity of Operations. (a) Engage in any business activities substantially
different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (b) cease
operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other
entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell
Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay any dividends on
Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided, however
that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if
Borrower is a Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on its stock to its
shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to enable the shareholders
to pay income taxes and make estimated income tax payments to satisfy their
liabilities under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as
Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares
of stock of Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding
shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.
Loans, Acquisitions and Guaranties. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or
assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or
entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in the
ordinary course of business.
CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent,
files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a
bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial
condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any
Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender; or (e) Lender in good ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ itself insecure, even
though no Event of Default shall have occurred.
ACCOUNTS. Borrower will maintain all major operating accounts at Southwestern
Bank.
BORROWING BASE REPORT. Borrower will deliver to Southwestern Bank, as soon as
available but in no event later than 45 days from month end, a completed
Borrowing Base Certificate (see attached Exhibit "A") along with monthly
accounts receivable agings, inventory listings and rental fleet listings.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Borrower will provide Southwestern Bank with, as soon as
available but in no event later than 45 days from quarter end, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s
quarterly 1OQ Report. In addition, Borrower will provide Southwestern Bank with,
as soon as available but in no event later than 90 days from fiscal year end,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s annual audited financial statement
TAX REPORTING. Borrower will provide Southwestern Bank with, as soon as
available but in no event later than 15 days from filing, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s annual tax
return.
VERIFICATION OF INVENTORY AND RENTAL FLEET. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to permit
independent on site verifications of the accuracy of the Borrowing Base
Certificates with respect to inventory and rental fleet, to be completed on an
annual basis beginning 12-31-98, or sooner at Southwestern Bank's request. The
verifications will be performed by an independent third party, contracted by the
Bank, and paid for by Tower Tech, Inc.
TANGIBLE NET WORTH. During the term of this agreement Borrower will maintain a
tangible net worth of at least $4,500,000.00, which will be tested quarterly
beginning quarter end 2/28/98. Tangible net worth is defined as total assets
excluding all receivables from officers, directors, or employees and all
intangible assets (i.e., goodwill, trademarks, patents, copyrights,
organizational expenses, and similar intangible items) less total Indebtedness.
GUARANTOR. Borrower shall cause Guarantor to provide Southwestern Bank with
annual financial statements and tax returns.
LIFE INSURANCE. Borrower will provide life insurance on Guarantor in an amount
not less than $1,000,000.00 to be assigned to Southwestern Bank.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. Borrower grants to Lender a contractual possessory security
interest in, and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to
Lender all Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s accounts
with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including
without limitation all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts
Borrower may open in the future, excluding however all IRA and ▇▇▇▇▇ accounts,
and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be
prohibited by law. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ authorizes ▇▇▇▇▇▇, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against
any and all such accounts.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:
Default on Indebtedness. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the
Loans.
Other Defaults. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to perform
when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this
Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure of Borrower to comply
with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained
in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Should Borrower or any Grantor default under
any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement,
or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may
materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any Grantor's
ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective obligations under this
Agreement or any of the Related Documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to
Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this Agreement or the
Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect at the time
made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security
Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time and for
any reason.
Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s existence as a going
business, the insolvency of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, the appointment of a receiver for any part
of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of
creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or
insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture
proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any
other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor of any Grantor against
any collateral securing the Indebtedness, or by any governmental agency. This
includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit
accounts with Lender.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to
any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes
incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any
Guaranty of the Indebtedness.
Change In Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or
more of the common stock of Borrower.
Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial
condition, or ▇▇▇▇▇▇ believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
Indebtedness is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure.
EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make
Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness
immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to
Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described
in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and
not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies
provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise.
Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and
remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
Election by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other
remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an
obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s right to
declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:
Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the
entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in
this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be
effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to
be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.
Applicable Law. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
Lender in the State of Oklahoma. If there is a lawsuit, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees upon
▇▇▇▇▇▇'s request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Oklahoma County,
the State of Oklahoma. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed In
accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of
this Agreement.
Multiple Parties; Corporate Authority. All obligations of Borrower under this
Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Borrower shall mean
each and every Borrower. This means that each of the Borrowers signing below is
responsible for all obligations in this Agreement.
Consent to Loan Participation. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees and consents to ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s sale or
transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the
Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender
may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers,
or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about
Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby
waives any rights to privacy it may have with respect to such matters. Borrower
additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as
well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be
considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have
all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing
the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against
any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that
either Lender or such purchaser may enforce ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s obligation under the
Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in
the Loans. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation
interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or
defenses that Borrower may have against ▇▇▇▇▇▇.
Costs and Expenses. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ agrees to pay upon demand all of ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s expenses,
including without limitation attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the
preparation, execution, enforcement, modification and collection of this
Agreement or in connection with the Loans made pursuant to this Agreement.
▇▇▇▇▇▇ may pay someone else to help collect the Loans and to enforce this
Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount. This includes, subject to any
limits under applicable law, ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s attorneys' fees and ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s legal
expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees for
bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay
or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided
by law.
Notices. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in
writing, may be sent by ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and shall be effective when actually
delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier or
deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to
the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address shown above. Any
party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal
written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice
is to change the party's address. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if
there is more than one Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice
to all Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all
times of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'s current address(es).
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this
Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, such
finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other
persons or circumstances. If feasible, any such offending provision shall be
deemed to be modified to be within the limits of enforceability or validity:
however, if the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken
and all other provisions of this Agreement in all other respects shall remain
valid and enforceable.
Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower. To the extent the context of any
provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation
any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as used herein
shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower. Notwithstanding the
foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to
require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any
subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.
Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements contained by or on behalf
of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit
of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the
right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without
the prior written consent of Lender.
Survival. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower in
this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower
to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by
▇▇▇▇▇▇ and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery to Lender of the
Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ or on ▇▇▇▇▇▇'s
behalf.
Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
Agreement.
Waiver. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by ▇▇▇▇▇▇. No delay
or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a
waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by ▇▇▇▇▇▇ of a provision of
this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right
otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision
of this Agreement. No prior waiver by ▇▇▇▇▇▇, nor any course of dealing between
▇▇▇▇▇▇ and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a
waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any obligations of Borrower or of any
Grantor as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is
required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any
instance shall not constitute continuing consent in subsequent instances where
such consent is required, and in all cases such consent may be granted or
withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN
AGREEMENT, AND ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF APRIL
17,1998.
BORROWER
Tower Tech, Inc.
By:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
___________________
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Chief Financial Officer
LENDER:
Southwestern Bank & Trust Company
By:
▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, ExecutiveVice President
Authorized Officer