Exhibit 10.33
DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC
THE LENDER
GADZOOKS, INC., DEBTOR
THE BORROWER
February 3, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 2 - THE REVOLVING CREDIT:
2.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF REVOLVING CREDIT ........................................ 22
2.2 ADVANCES IN EXCESS OF BORROWING BASE (OVERLOANS) ......................... 22
2.3 RISKS OF VALUE OF COLLATERAL.............................................. 23
2.4 COMMITMENT TO MAKE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS AND SUPPORT LETTERS OF CREDIT... 23
2.5 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN REQUESTS ........................................... 23
2.6 MAKING OF REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS ......................................... 25
2.7 THE LOAN ACCOUNT ......................................................... 25
2.8 THE REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE ................................................ 26
2.9 PAYMENT OF THE LOAN ACCOUNT .............................................. 27
2.10 INTEREST ON REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS........................................ 27
2.11 REVOLVING CREDIT CLOSING FEE.............................................. 27
2.12 SERVICE FEE .............................................................. 27
2.13 UNUSED LINE FEE .......................................................... 28
2.14 EARLY TERMINATION FEE .................................................... 28
2.15 LENDER'S DISCRETION ...................................................... 28
2.16 PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF L/C's ......................................... 29
2.17 FEES FOR L/C's ........................................................... 31
2.18 CONCERNING L/C's ......................................................... 32
2.19 POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL LIQUIDITY ........................................... 33
ARTICLE 3 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT:
3.1 CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE .................................................. 34
3.2 OPINION .................................................................. 34
3.3 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION ..................................... 34
3.4 OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES.................................................... 35
3.5 BORROWING ORDER .......................................................... 36
3.6 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ........................................... 36
3.7 ALL FEES AND EXPENSES PAID................................................ 36
3.8 MINIMUM DAY ONE AVAILABILITY ............................................. 36
3.9 BORROWER NOT IN DEFAULT .................................................. 36
3.10 BENEFIT OF CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .......................................... 37
ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, COVENANTS AND WARRANTIES:
4.1 PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LIABILITIES ................................... 37
4.2 DUE ORGANIZATION. AUTHORIZATION. NO CONFLICTS ............................ 37
4.3 TRADE NAMES .............................................................. 38
4.4 INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................... 39
4.5 LOCATIONS ................................................................ 39
4.6 ENCUMBRANCES.............................................................. 40
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4.7 INDEBTEDNESS ............................................................. 40
4.8 INSURANCE ................................................................ 41
4.9 LICENSES ................................................................. 41
4.10 LEASES ................................................................... 42
4.11 REQUIREMENTS OF LAW ...................................................... 42
4.12 LABOR RELATIONS .......................................................... 42
4.13 MAINTAIN PROPERTIES ...................................................... 43
4.14 TAXES .................................................................... 43
4.15 NO MARGIN STOCK........................................................... 44
4.16 ERISA..................................................................... 44
4.17 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS....................................................... 45
4.18 LITIGATION................................................................ 45
4.19 DIVIDENDS. INVESTMENTS. CORPORATE ACTION ................................. 46
4.20 LOANS..................................................................... 46
4.21 PROTECTION OF ASSETS ..................................................... 46
4.22 LINE OF BUSINESS.......................................................... 47
4.23 AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS................................................... 47
4.24 FURTHER ASSURANCES........................................................ 47
4.25 ADEQUACY OF DISCLOSURE.................................................... 48
4.26 NO RESTRICTIONS ON LIABILITIES............................................ 48
4.27 PRIORITY OF LIABILITIES................................................... 48
4.28 BANKRUPTCY CASE COVENANTS................................................. 49
4.29 OTHER COVENANTS........................................................... 49
4.30 MAINTAIN RECORDS.......................................................... 49
4.31 ACCESS TO RECORDS......................................................... 50
4.32 IMMEDIATE NOTICE TO LENDER................................................ 51
4.33 BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE................................................ 52
4.34 WEEKLY REPORTS............................................................ 52
4.35 MONTHLY REPORTS........................................................... 52
4.36 QUARTERLY REPORTS......................................................... 52
4.37 ANNUAL REPORTS............................................................ 53
4.38 OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES.................................................... 53
4.39 INVENTORIES, APPRAISALS, AND AUDITS....................................... 53
4.40 ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................... 54
4.41 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COVENANTS........................................... 55
ARTICLE 5 - USE OF COLLATERAL:
5.1 USE OF INVENTORY COLLATERAL............................................... 55
5.2 INVENTORY QUALITY......................................................... 56
5.3 ADJUSTMENTS AND ALLOWANCES................................................ 56
5.4 VALIDITY OF ACCOUNTS...................................................... 56
5.5 NOTIFICATION TO ACCOUNT DEBTORS........................................... 56
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ARTICLE 6 - CASH MANAGEMENT. PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES:
6.1 DEPOSITORY ACCOUNTS....................................................... 57
6.2 CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS...................................................... 57
6.3 THE CONCENTRATION, RESTRICTED, AND OPERATING ACCOUNTS............... 57
6.4 PROCEEDS AND COLLECTIONS.................................................. 58
6.5 PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES.................................................... 59
6.6 THE OPERATING ACCOUNT..................................................... 60
ARTICLE 7 - GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST:
7.1 GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST................................................ 60
7.2 EXTENT AND DURATION OF SECURITY INTEREST.................................. 61
ARTICLE 8 - LENDER AS BORROWER'S ATTORNEY-IN-FACT:
8.1 APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT........................................... 61
8.2 NO OBLIGATION TO ACT...................................................... 62
ARTICLE 9 - EVENTS OF DEFAULT:
9.1 FAILURE TO PAY THE REVOLVING CREDIT....................................... 62
9.2 FAILURE TO MAKE OTHER PAYMENTS............................................ 63
9.3 FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY (NO GRACE PERIOD).......... 63
9.4 FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY (GRACE PERIOD)............... 63
9.5 MISREPRESENTATION......................................................... 63
9.6 ACCELERATION OF OTHER DEBT. BREACH OF LEASE............................... 63
9.7 DEFAULT UNDER OTHER AGREEMENTS............................................ 64
9.8 UNINSURED CASUALTY LOSS................................................... 64
9.9 ATTACHMENT. JUDGMENT. RESTRAINT OF BUSINESS............................... 64
9.10 INDICTMENT - FORFEITURE................................................... 64
9.11 CHALLENGE TO LOAN DOCUMENTS............................................... 64
9.12 CHANGE IN CONTROL......................................................... 65
9.13 MODIFICATION OF BORROWING ORDER........................................... 65
9.14 APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE OR EXAMINER........................................ 65
9.15 CONVERSION OF BANKRUPTCY CASE............................................. 65
9.16 RELIEF FROM STAY.......................................................... 65
9.17 SUPER PRIORITY CLAIM...................................................... 65
9.18 PAYMENT OF PRE-PETITION INDEBTEDNESS...................................... 66
9.19 ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THIRD PARTIES...................................... 66
9.20 BREACH OF BORROWING ORDER................................................. 66
9.21 STORE CLOSINGS............................................................ 66
9.22 ADVERSE BANKRUPTCY ORDERS................................................. 66
9.23 CONFIRMED PLAN............................................................ 66
ARTICLE 10 - RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT:
10.1 ACCELERATION.............................................................. 67
10.2 RIGHTS OF ENFORCEMENT..................................................... 67
10.3 SALE OF COLLATERAL........................................................ 67
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10.4 OCCUPATION OF BUSINESS LOCATION........................................... 69
10.5 GRANT OF NONEXCLUSIVE LICENSE............................................. 69
10.6 ASSEMBLY OF COLLATERAL.................................................... 69
10.7 RIGHTS AND REMEDIES....................................................... 69
10.8 BORROWER'S EXERCISE OF LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.................... 70
ARTICLE 11 - NOTICES:
11.1 NOTICE ADDRESSES.......................................................... 70
11.2 NOTICE GIVEN.............................................................. 71
ARTICLE 12 - TERM:
12.1 TERMINATION OF REVOLVING CREDIT........................................... 72
12.2 ACTIONS ON TERMINATION.................................................... 72
ARTICLE 13 - GENERAL:
13.1 PROTECTION OF COLLATERAL.................................................. 73
13.2 PUBLICITY................................................................. 73
13.3 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.................................................... 73
13.4 SEVERABILITY.............................................................. 73
13.5 AMENDMENTS. COURSE OF DEALING............................................. 73
13.6 POWER OF ATTORNEY......................................................... 74
13.7 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS................................................... 74
13.8 INCREASED COSTS........................................................... 74
13.9 COSTS AND EXPENSES OF THE LENDER.......................................... 75
13.10 COPIES AND FACSIMILES..................................................... 75
13.11 MASSACHUSETTS LAW......................................................... 76
13.12 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION................................................... 76
13.13 INDEMNIFICATION........................................................... 76
13.14 RULES OF CONSTRUCTION..................................................... 77
13.15 INTENT.................................................................... 79
13.16 PARTICIPATIONS:........................................................... 79
13.17 RIGHT OF SET-OFF.......................................................... 79
13.18 PLEDGES TO FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS:......................................... 80
13.19 MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE..................................................... 80
13.20 WAIVERS................................................................... 81
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EXHIBITS
1.2 : Closing Stores
1.3 : Interim Order
2(i) : Revolving Credit Note
4(b) : Affiliates
4(c) : Trade Names
4(g) : Indebtedness
4(j) : Capital Leases
4(n) : Taxes
4(r) : Litigation
4(ff) : Borrowing Base Certificate
4(nn)(a) : Monthly Financial Reporting Requirements
4(nn)(b) : Budget
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DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION ▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC
LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT THE LENDER
February 3, 2004
THIS AGREEMENT is made between
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Retail Finance, LLC (the "LENDER"), a Delaware limited
liability company with offices at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ - ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇,
and
Gadzooks, Inc. ( the "BORROWER"), a Texas corporation with its
principal executive offices at ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, Debtor and Debtor-in-Possession
in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and benefits to be
derived herefrom,
WITNESSETH:
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings or are
defined in the section of this Agreement so indicated:
"ACCOUNT DEBTOR": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"ACCOUNTS" and "ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE" include, without limitation,
"accounts" as defined in the UCC, and also all: accounts, accounts
receivable, receivables, and rights to payment (whether or not
earned by performance) arising out of: property that has been or is
to be sold, leased, licensed, assigned, or otherwise disposed of;
services rendered or to be rendered; a policy of insurance issued or
to be issued; a secondary obligation incurred or to be incurred;
energy provided or to be provided; the use or hire of a vessel;
arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information
contained on or used with that card; winnings in a lottery or
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other game of chance; and also all Inventory which gave rise
thereto, and all rights associated with such Inventory, including
the right of stoppage in transit; all reclaimed, returned, rejected
or repossessed Inventory (if any) the sale of which gave rise to any
Account.
"ACH": Automated clearing house.
"AFFILIATE": The following:
(a) With respect to any two Persons, a relationship in which (i) one
holds, directly or indirectly, not less than Twenty Five Percent
(25%) of the capital stock, beneficial interests, partnership
interests, or other equity interests of the other; or (ii) one has,
directly or indirectly, the right, under ordinary circumstances, to
vote for the election of a majority of the directors (or other body
or Person who has those powers customarily vested in a board of
directors of a corporation); or (iii) not less than Twenty Five
Percent (25%) of their respective ownership is directly or
indirectly held by the same third Person.
(b) Any Person which: is a parent, brother-sister, subsidiary, or
affiliate, of the Borrower; could have such enterprise's tax returns
or financial statements consolidated with the Borrower's; could be a
member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the
meaning of Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended from time to time) of which the Borrower is
a member; or controls or is controlled by the Borrower.
"APPLICABLE LAW": As to any Person:(i) All statutes, rules, regulations,
orders, or other requirements having the force of law and (ii) all
court orders and injunctions, arbitrator's decisions, and/or similar
rulings, in each instance ((i) and (ii)) of or by any federal,
state, municipal, and other governmental authority, or court,
tribunal, panel, or other body which has or claims jurisdiction over
such Person, or any property of such Person, or of any other Person
for whose conduct such Person would be responsible.
"APPRAISED INVENTORY LIQUIDATION VALUE": The product of (a) the Cost of
Eligible Inventory (net of Inventory Reserves) multiplied by (b)
that percentage, determined from the then most recent appraisal of
the Borrower's Inventory undertaken at the request of the Lender, to
reflect the appraiser's reasonable
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estimate of the net recovery on the Borrower's Inventory in the
event of an in-store liquidation of that Inventory.
"APPRAISED INVENTORY PERCENTAGE": Initially set at 85%. The Lender, in its
discretion, may permit an increase above the foregoing designated
percentage, and may thereafter remove any such increase.
"AVAILABILITY": The result of the following:
(i) The lesser of
(A) The Revolving Credit Ceiling, or
(B) The Borrowing Base
Minus
(ii) The aggregate unpaid balance of the Loan Account.
Minus
(iii) The aggregate undrawn Stated Amount of all then outstanding
L/C's.
Minus
(iv) The aggregate of the Availability Reserves.
Minus
(v) The Carve Out
Minus
(vi) The outstanding balance of all Liabilities under the
Borrower's pre-petition Loan and Security Agreement with the
Lender dated April 10, 2003. (the "PRE-PETITION LOAN
AGREEMENT")
"AVAILABILITY RESERVES": Such reserves as the Lender from time to time
reasonably determines in the Lender's discretion as being
appropriate to reflect the impediments to the Lender's ability to
realize upon the Collateral, without duplication of factors
considered in determining Inventory Reserves. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Availability Reserves may include (but
are not limited to) reserves based on the following (so long as such
factors are not included in clause (b) of the definition of "Excess
Availability"):
(i) Post-petition rent (but only if a landlord's waiver,
reasonably acceptable to the Lender, has not been received by
the Lender).
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(ii) Customer Credit Liabilities, initially established at fifty
percent (50%) of the outstanding amount thereof.
(iii) Taxes and other governmental charges, including, ad valorem,
personal property, and other taxes which might have priority
over the Collateral Interests of the Lender in the Collateral.
(iv) Bank Product Reserves.
(v) Permanent Availability Block at all times in the amount of
$500,000.00.
(vi) Professional Expense Reserves.
""BANK PRODUCT AGREEMENTS" means those certain cash management service
agreements entered into from time to time by the Borrower in
connection with any of the Bank Products.
""BANK PRODUCT OBLIGATIONS" means all obligations, liabilities, contingent
reimbursement obligations, fees, and expenses owing by the Borrower
to the Lender, ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank, N. A., or any of their Affiliates
pursuant to or evidenced by the Bank Product Agreements and
irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing
or hereafter arising, and including all such amounts that the
Borrower is obligated to reimburse to the Lender as a result of the
Lender purchasing participations or executing indemnities or
reimbursement obligations with respect to the Bank Products provided
to the Borrower pursuant to the Bank Product Agreements.
"BANK PRODUCTS" means any service or facility extended to the Borrower by
▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank, N. A. or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards,
(b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) purchase
cards, (e) ACH Transactions, (f) cash management, including
controlled disbursement, accounts or services, or (g) hedge
agreements.
""BANK PRODUCT RESERVES" means, as of any date of determination, the
amount of reserves that the Lender has established (based upon ▇▇▇▇▇
Fargo Bank, N. A.'s or
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its Affiliate's reasonable determination of the credit exposure in
respect of then extant Bank Products) for Bank Products then
provided or outstanding.
"BANKRUPTCY CASE": The Chapter 11 case of Gadzooks, Inc. commenced on
February 3, 2004 currently pending in the Bankruptcy Court, Case No.
04-34186.
"BANKRUPTCY CODE": Title 11, of the United States Code, as amended from
time to time.
"BANKRUPTCY COURT": The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern
District of Texas (Dallas Division).
"BANKRUPTCY RECOVERIES": Any claim or recovery realized by the Borrower or
which the Borrower may be entitled to assert by reason of any
avoidance or other power vested in or on behalf of the Borrower or
the estate of the Borrower under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code.
"BASE MARGIN LOAN": Each Revolving Credit Loan.
"BASE MARGIN RATE": Means that rate of interest announced by ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo
Bank, N. A. as its "Prime Rate", as the same may change from time to
time, plus One percent (1%) per annum.
"BLOCKED ACCOUNT": Any DDA into which the contents of any other DDA is
transferred.
"BLOCKED ACCOUNT AGREEMENT": An Agreement, in form satisfactory to the
Lender, which Agreement recognizes the Lender's Collateral Interest
in the contents of the DDA which is the subject of such Agreement
and agrees that such contents shall be transferred only to the
Concentration Account or as otherwise instructed by the Lender.
"BORROWER": Is defined in the Preamble.
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"BORROWING BASE": The aggregate of the following:
The face amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables multiplied by
the Credit Card Advance Rate.
Plus
The lesser of (a) the Cost of Eligible Inventory (net of Inventory
Reserves) multiplied by the Inventory Advance Rate or (b) the
Appraised Inventory Percentage of the Appraised Inventory
Liquidation Value.
"BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE": Is defined in Section 4.33.
"BORROWING ORDER": An order (in form and substance acceptable to the
Lender in its reasonable discretion) entered by the Bankruptcy Court
in the Bankruptcy Case authorizing the credit facility contemplated
by this Agreement, which shall not have been stayed, modified in an
adverse manner (as determined by the Lender in its reasonable
discretion), or appealed from by any party in interest.
"BUSINESS DAY": Any day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday; (b) any day
on which banks in Boston, Massachusetts generally are not open to
the general public for the purpose of conducting commercial banking
business; or (c) a day on which the principal office of the Lender
is not open to the general public to conduct business.
"BUDGET":The Borrower's projected budget, initially for the period from
the Petition Date through April 30, 2004, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lender, in the Lender's sole and exclusive
discretion, reflecting on a line-item basis anticipated monthly cash
receipts and expenditures for the subject period. The Budget shall
include separate projections with respect to the Closing Stores and
the non-Closing Stores. On or before the tenth day of each month,
beginning April, 2004, the Borrower shall provide the Lender with an
extended Budget for the next succeeding month.
"CAPITAL EXPENDITURES": The expenditure of funds or the incurrence of
liabilities which may be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.
"CAPITAL LEASE": Any lease which may be capitalized in accordance with
GAAP.
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"CARVE OUT": The sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($750,000.00), subject to the terms and conditions of the Borrowing
Order.
"CHANGE IN CONTROL": The occurrence of any of the following:
(a) The acquisition, by any group of persons (within the meaning
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or by any
Person other than Permitted Holders, of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Commission) of 50% or more of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Borrower having the right,
under ordinary circumstances, to vote for the election of
directors of the Borrower.
(b) During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the beginning of such period were directors of the Borrower
(the "Board of Directors") (together with (A) any new
directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose
nomination for election by the shareholders of the Borrower
was approved by a vote of the majority of the directors of the
Borrower then still in office who were either directors at the
beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for
election was previously so approved and (B) any representative
of a Permitted Holder) cease for any reason to constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors then in office.
"CHATTEL PAPER": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"CLOSING STORES": The Borrower's Stores set forth on EXHIBIT 1.2 hereto
which the Borrower has advised the Lender the Borrower intends to
permanently close.
"COLLATERAL": Is defined in Section 7.1.
"COLLATERAL INTEREST": Any interest in property to secure an obligation,
including, without limitation, a security interest, mortgage, and
deed of trust.
"CONCENTRATION ACCOUNT": Is defined in Section 6.3.
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"COST": The lower of (a) or (b), where:
(a) is the calculated cost of purchases, based upon the Borrower's
accounting practices, known to the Lender, which practices are in
effect on the date on which this Agreement was executed, or as
subsequently agreed in a document signed by both the Borrower and
the Lender, as such calculated cost is determined from: invoices
received by the Borrower; the Borrower's purchase journal; or the
Borrower's stock ledger.
(b) is the cost equivalent of the lowest ticketed or promoted price
at which the subject Inventory is offered to the public, after all
▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇ (whether or not such price is then reflected on the
Borrower's accounting system), which cost equivalent is determined
in accordance with the cost method of accounting, reflecting the
Borrower's historic business practices.
("Cost" does not include inventory capitalization costs or other
non-purchase price charges (such as freight) used in the Borrower's
calculation of cost of goods sold).
"COSTS OF COLLECTION": Includes, without limitation, all attorneys'
reasonable fees and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by
the Lender's attorneys, and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs
incurred by the Lender in the administration of the Liabilities
and/or the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, reasonable
costs and expenses associated with travel on behalf of the Lender,
where such costs and expenses are directly or indirectly related to
or in respect of the Lender's: administration and management of the
Liabilities; negotiation, documentation, and amendment of any Loan
Document; or efforts to preserve, protect, collect, or enforce the
Collateral, the Liabilities, and/or the Lender's Rights and Remedies
and/or any of the rights and remedies of the Lender against or in
respect of any guarantor or other person liable in respect of the
Liabilities (whether or not suit is instituted in connection with
such efforts). The Costs of Collection are Liabilities, and at the
Lender's option may bear interest at the then effective Base Margin
Rate.
"CREDIT CARD ADVANCE RATE": 85%
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"CUSTOMER CREDIT LIABILITY": Gift certificates, customer deposits,
merchandise credits, layaway obligations, frequent shopping
programs, and similar liabilities of the Borrower to its retail
customers and prospective customers.
"DDA": Any checking or other demand daily depository account maintained by
the Borrower other than any Exempt DDA.
"DEPOSIT ACCOUNT": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC and also
includes all demand, time, savings, passbook, or similar accounts
maintained with a bank.
"DOCUMENTS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"DOCUMENTS OF TITLE": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"ELIGIBLE CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES":Under 5 business day accounts due on a
non-recourse basis from major credit card processors (which, if due
on account of a private label credit card program, are deemed in the
discretion of the Lender to be eligible).
"ELIGIBLE INVENTORY": Such of the Borrower's Inventory (including Eligible
L/C Inventory), at such locations, and of such types, character,
qualities and quantities, as the Lender in its discretion from time
to time reasonably determines to be acceptable for borrowing, as to
which Inventory, the Lender has a perfected security interest which
is prior and superior to all security interests, claims, and
Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances), and excluding such
of the Borrower's Inventory as is shown on the Borrowing Base
Certificate as being ineligible due to its condition as damaged,
defective, or other such demonstrably identifiable condition.
"ELIGIBLE L/C INVENTORY": Inventory (without duplication as to other
Eligible Inventory and excluding any Inventory reflected in the
Borrower's stock ledger), the purchase of which is supported by a
documentary L/C then having an initial expiry of Twenty-five (25) or
fewer days, provided that
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(a) Such Inventory is of such types, character, qualities and
quantities (net of Inventory Reserves) as the Lender in its
discretion from time to time determines to be eligible for
borrowing; and
(b) The documentary L/C supporting such purchase names the Lender as
consignee of the subject Inventory, the Lender has control over the
documents which evidence ownership of the subject Inventory (such as
by the providing to the Lender of a Customs Brokers Agreement in
form reasonably satisfactory to the Lender), and all property
insurance with respect to such Inventory names the Lender as loss
payee, and shall otherwise satisfy the requirements of this
Agreement.
"EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN": As defined in ERISA.
"ENCUMBRANCE": A Collateral Interest or agreement to create or grant a
Collateral Interest; the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease;
conditional sale or other title retention agreement; sale of
accounts receivable or chattel paper; or other arrangement pursuant
to which any Person is entitled to any preference or priority with
respect to the property or assets of another Person or the income or
profits of such other Person; each of the foregoing whether
consensual or non-consensual and whether arising by way of
agreement, operation of law, legal process or otherwise.
"END DATE": The date upon which all of the following conditions are met:
(a) all payment Liabilities described in 12.2(a) have been paid in
full and (b) all obligations of the Lender to make loans and
advances and to provide other financial accommodations to the
Borrower hereunder shall have been irrevocably terminated and (c)
those arrangements concerning L/C's which are described in Section
12-2(b) have been made.
"ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS": All of the following:
(a) Applicable Law which regulates or relates to, or imposes any
standard of conduct or liability on account of or in respect to
environmental protection matters, including, without limitation,
Hazardous Materials, as are now or hereafter in effect.
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(b) The common law relating to damage to Persons or property from
Hazardous Materials.
"EQUIPMENT": Includes, without limitation, "equipment" as defined in the
UCC, and also all furniture, store fixtures, motor vehicles, rolling
stock, machinery, office equipment, plant equipment, tools, dies,
molds, and other goods, property, and assets which are used and/or
were purchased for use in the operation or furtherance of the
Borrower's business, and any and all accessions or additions
thereto, and substitutions therefor.
"ERISA": The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
"ERISA AFFILIATE": Any Person which is under common control with the
Borrower within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA or is part of a
group which includes the Borrower and which would be treated as a
single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended.
"EVENTS OF DEFAULT": Is defined in Article 9.
"EXCESS AVAILABILITY": As of any date of determination, the result of (a)
Availability minus (b) all then past due post-petition obligations
of the Borrower, including held checks, post-petition accounts
payable which are beyond customary trade terms extended to the
Borrower, and post-petition rent obligations of the Borrower which
are beyond applicable grace periods.
"EXECUTIVE OFFICER": Each of ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇ and ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, and
any other Person who (without regard to title) is the successor to
either of the foregoing or who exercises a substantial portion of
the authority being exercised, at the execution of this Agreement,
by any of the foregoing or a combination of such authority of more
than one of the foregoing or who otherwise has Control of the
Borrower.
..11..
"EXEMPT DDA": A depository account maintained by the Borrower, the only
contents of which may be transfers from the Operating Account and
actually used solely (i) for ▇▇▇▇▇ cash purposes; or (ii) for
payroll.
"FARM PRODUCTS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"FINAL BORROWING ORDER": A Borrowing Order entered in the Bankruptcy Case
after notice and a final hearing pursuant to Rule 4001(c) of the
Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
"FISCAL":When followed by "month" or "quarter", the relevant fiscal period
based on the Borrower's fiscal year and accounting conventions (e.g.
reference to "Fiscal 2003" is to the fiscal month of the
Borrower's's fiscal year commencing in 2003). When followed by
reference to a specific year, the fiscal year which begins in a
month of the year to which reference is being made (e.g. if the
Borrower's fiscal year ends in January 2004 reference to that year
would be to the Borrower's "Fiscal 2003").
"FIXTURES": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"GENERAL INTANGIBLES": Includes, without limitation, "general intangibles"
as defined in the UCC; and also all: rights to payment for credit
extended; deposits; amounts due to the Borrower; credit memoranda in
favor of the Borrower; warranty claims; tax refunds and abatements,
including without limitation, any federal tax refund due or to
become due to the Borrower with respect to the Borrower's Fiscal
2003 tax return; insurance refunds and premium rebates; all means
and vehicles of investment or hedging, including, without
limitation, options, warrants, and futures contracts; records;
customer lists; telephone numbers; goodwill; causes of action;
judgments; payments under any settlement or other agreement;
literary rights; rights to performance; royalties; license and/or
franchise fees; rights of admission; licenses; franchises; license
agreements, including all rights of the Borrower to enforce same;
permits, certificates of convenience and necessity, and similar
rights granted by any governmental authority; patents, patent
applications, patents pending, and other intellectual
..12..
property; internet addresses and domain names; developmental ideas
and concepts; proprietary processes; blueprints, drawings, designs,
diagrams, plans, reports, and charts; catalogs; manuals; technical
data; computer software programs (including the source and object
codes therefor), computer records, computer software, rights of
access to computer record service bureaus, service bureau computer
contracts, and computer data; tapes, disks, semi-conductors chips
and printouts; trade secrets rights, copyrights, mask work rights
and interests, and derivative works and interests; user, technical
reference, and other manuals and materials; trade names, trademarks,
service marks, and all goodwill relating thereto; applications for
registration of the foregoing; and all other general intangible
property of the Borrower in the nature of intellectual property;
proposals; cost estimates, and reproductions on paper, or otherwise,
of any and all concepts or ideas, and any matter related to, or
connected with, the design, development, manufacture, sale,
marketing, leasing, or use of any or all property produced, sold, or
leased, by the Borrower or credit extended or services performed, by
the Borrower, whether intended for an individual customer or the
general business of the Borrower, or used or useful in connection
with research by the Borrower.
..13..
"GOODS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC, and also includes all
things movable when a security interest therein attaches and also
all computer programs embedded in goods and any supporting
information provided in connection with a transaction relating to
the program if (i) the program is associated with the goods in such
manner that it customarily is considered part of the goods or (ii)
by becoming the owner of the goods, a Person acquires a right to use
the program in connection with the goods.
"HAZARDOUS MATERIALS": Any substance which is defined or regulated as a
hazardous material in or under any Environmental Law.
"INDEBTEDNESS": All indebtedness and obligations of or assumed by any
Person on account of or in respect to any of the following:
(a) In respect of money borrowed (including any indebtedness which
is non-recourse to the credit of such Person but which is secured by
an Encumbrance on any asset of such Person) whether or not evidenced
by a promissory note, bond, debenture or other written obligation to
pay money.
(b) In connection with any letter of credit or acceptance
transaction (including, without limitation, the face amount of all
letters of credit and acceptances issued for the account of such
Person or reimbursement on account of which such Person would be
obligated).
(c) In connection with the sale or discount of accounts receivable
or chattel paper of such Person.
(d) On account of deposits or advances.
(e) As lessee under Capital Leases.
(f) In connection with any sale and leaseback transaction.
"Indebtedness" also includes:
(x) Indebtedness of others secured by an Encumbrance on
any asset of such Person, whether or not such
Indebtedness is assumed by such Person.
(y) Any guaranty, endorsement, suretyship or other
undertaking pursuant to which that Person may be liable
on account of any obligation of any third party.
..14..
(z) The Indebtedness of a partnership or joint venture
for which such Person is liable as a general partner or
joint venturer.
"IN DEFAULT": Any occurrence, circumstance, or state of facts with
respect to the Borrower which is an Event of Default.
"INDEMNIFIED PERSON": Is defined in Section 13.13.
"INSTRUMENTS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"INTEREST PAYMENT DATE": The first day of each month; the Termination
Date; and the End Date.
"INTERIM BORROWING ORDER": A Borrowing Order (substantially in the form
annexed hereto as EXHIBIT 1.3 (or such other form as is acceptable
to the Lender in its reasonable discretion) which has been entered
in the Bankruptcy Case prior to notice and a final hearing pursuant
to Rule 4001(c) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
"INVENTORY": Includes, without limitation, "inventory" as defined in the
UCC and also all: (a) Goods which are leased by a Person as lessor;
are held by a Person for sale or lease or to be furnished under a
contract of service; are furnished by a Person under a contract of
service; or consist of raw materials, work in process, or materials
used or consumed in a business; (b) Goods of said description in
transit; (c) Goods of said description which are returned,
repossessed and rejected; (d) packaging, advertising, and shipping
materials related to any of the foregoing; (e) all names, marks, and
General Intangibles affixed or to be affixed or associated thereto;
and (f) Documents and Documents of Title which represent any of the
foregoing.
"INVENTORY ADVANCE RATE": Sixty-eight percent (68%) with respect to
Eligible Inventory (other that Eligible L/C Inventory), and
Sixty-one percent (61%) with respect to Eligible L/C Inventory. The
Lender, in its discretion, may permit an
..15..
increase above the foregoing designated percentages, and may
thereafter remove any such increase.
"INVENTORY RESERVES": Such Reserves as reasonably may be established from
time to time by the Lender in the Lender's discretion with respect
to the determination of the saleability, at retail, of the Eligible
Inventory, or which reflect such other identifiable factors as
affect the market value of the Eligible Inventory, such as those
reserves set forth on the Borrowing Base Certificate. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Inventory Reserves may
include (but are not limited to) reserves based on the following
(without duplication):
(i) Seasonality.
(ii) Shrinkage.
(iii) Imbalance.
(iv) Change in Inventory character.
(v) Change in Inventory composition.
(vi) Change in Inventory mix.
(vii) Markdowns (both permanent and point of sale).
(vii) Retail markons and markups inconsistent with prior period
practice and performance; industry standards; current business
plans; or advertising calendar and planned advertising events.
"INVESTMENT PROPERTY": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC.
"ISSUER": The issuer of any L/C.
"L/C": Any letter of credit, the issuance of which is procured by the
Lender for the account of the Borrower and any acceptance made on
account of such letter of credit.
"L/C LANDING COSTS": To the extent not included in the Stated Amount of
an L/C, customs, duty, freight, and other out-of-pocket costs and
expenses which will be expended to "land" the Inventory, the
purchase of which is supported by such L/C.
..16..
"LEASE": Any lease or other agreement, no matter how styled or structured,
pursuant to which the Borrower is entitled to the use or occupancy
of any space.
"LEASE HOLD INTEREST": Any interest of the Borrower as lessee under any
Lease.
"LENDER": Is defined in the Preamble to this Agreement.
"LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES": Is defined in Section 10-7.
"LETTER-OF-CREDIT RIGHT": Has the meaning given that term in UCC and also
refers to any right to payment or performance under an L/C, whether
or not the beneficiary has demanded or is at the time entitled to
demand payment or performance.
"LIABILITIES": Includes, without limitation or duplication, the following:
(a) All and each of the following, whether now existing or
hereafter arising under this Agreement or under any of the other
Loan Documents:
(i) Any and all direct and indirect liabilities, debts, and
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender, each of every kind,
nature, and description.
(ii) Each obligation to repay any loan, advance, indebtedness, note,
obligation, overdraft, or amount now or hereafter owing by the
Borrower to the Lender (including all future advances whether or not
made pursuant to a commitment by the Lender), whether or not any of
such are liquidated, unliquidated, primary, secondary, secured,
unsecured, direct, indirect, absolute, contingent, or of any other
type, nature, or description, or by reason of any cause of action
which the Lender may hold against the Borrower.
(iii) All Bank Product Obligations.
(iv) All notes and other obligations of the Borrower now or
hereafter assigned to or held by the Lender, each of every kind,
nature, and description.
(v) All interest, fees, and charges and other amounts which may be
charged by the Lender to the Borrower and/or which may be due from
the Borrower to the Lender from time to time.
(vi) All costs and expenses incurred or paid by the Lender in
respect of any agreement between the Borrower and the Lender or
instrument furnished by the
..17..
Borrower to the Lender (including, without limitation, Costs of
Collection, attorneys' reasonable fees, and all court and litigation
costs and expenses).
(vii) Any and all covenants of the Borrower to or with the Lender
and any and all obligations of the Borrower to act or to refrain
from acting in accordance with any agreement between the Borrower
and the Lender or instrument furnished by the Borrower to the
Lender.
(viii) Each of the foregoing as if each reference to the "Lender"
were to each Affiliate of the Lender.
(b) Any and all direct or indirect liabilities, debts, and
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender or any Affiliate of the
Lender, each of every kind, nature, and description owing on account
of any service or accommodation provided to, or for the account of
the Borrower pursuant to this or any other Loan Document, including
cash management services and the issuances of L/C's.
"LOAN ACCOUNT": Is defined in Section 2.7.
"LOAN DOCUMENTS": This Agreement and each other instrument or document
from time to time executed and/or delivered in connection with the
arrangements contemplated hereby (excluding the Pre-petition Loan
Agreement) or in connection with any transaction contemplated
herein, including any Bank Product Agreements, as each may be
amended from time to time.
"MATERIAL ACCOUNTING CHANGE": Any change in GAAP applicable to accounting
periods subsequent to the Borrower's fiscal year most recently
completed prior to the execution of this Agreement, which change has
a material effect on the Borrower's financial condition or operating
results, as reflected on financial statements and reports prepared
by or for the Borrower, when compared with such condition or results
as if such change had not taken place or where preparation of the
Borrower's statements and reports in compliance with such change
results in the breach of a financial performance covenant imposed
pursuant to this Agreement where such a breach would not have
occurred if such change had not taken place or visa versa.
..18..
"MATURITY DATE": March 3, 2004, unless the Final Borrowing Order has been
entered by that date (without stay, modification, appeal, or
reversal), in which event, February 3, 2005.
"OPERATING ACCOUNT": Is defined in Section 6.3.
"OVERLOAN": A loan, advance, or providing of credit support (such as the
issuance of any L/C) to the extent that, immediately after its
having been made, Availability is less than zero.
"PARTICIPANT": Is defined in Section 13.16, hereof.
"PAYMENT INTANGIBLE": As defined in the UCC and also any general
intangible under which the Account Debtor's primary obligation is a
monetary obligation.
"PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES": the following:
Encumbrances in favor of the Lender.
Those Encumbrances (if any) listed on EXHIBIT 4.6, annexed
hereto.
The Carve Out.
Purchase money security interests in Equipment to secure
Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereby.
Encumbrances for taxes, assessments and governmental charges
or levies to the extent not required to be paid.
Encumbrances imposed by law or incurred pursuant to ordinary
course of business contracts, such as landlords', materialmen's,
mechanics', carriers', workmen's and repairmen's liens and other
such similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business
securing obligations that are not overdue for a period of more than
45 days or which are being contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are
being maintained in accordance with GAAP.
Pledges or deposits to secure obligations under worker's
compensation laws or similar legislation or to secure public or
statutory obligations or other insurance related obligations
(including, without limitation, pledges or deposits or
..19..
other Encumbrances securing liability to insurance carriers under
insurance or self-insurance arrangements.
Zoning restrictions, easements, rights of way and other
encumbrances on title to real property none of which, either
individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect.
Encumbrances of landlords or of mortgages of landlords arising
by operation of law or pursuant to the terms of real property
leases.
Encumbrances to secure the performance of bids, tenders, trade
contracts (other than for borrowed money), obligations for
utilities, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds,
performance bonds, judgment and like bonds, replevin and similar
bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
ordinary course of business.
Licenses, sublicenses, leases and subleases granted to third
parties in the ordinary course of business.
Encumbrances arising from precautionary UCC financing
statements regarding leases.
Encumbrances arising out of consignment or similar
arrangements for the sale of good entered into in the ordinary
course of business.
"PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS": The following:
Any Indebtedness on account of the Revolving Credit.
Any Indebtedness under the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement.
The Indebtedness (if any) listed on EXHIBIT 4.7, annexed
hereto.
Indebtedness on account of Equipment acquired in compliance
with the requirements of Section 4.6(c), the incurrence of which
would not otherwise be prohibited by this Agreement.
Indebtedness not to exceed $1,000,000.00 in the aggregate at
any one time.
Indebtedness constituting ordinary trade indebtedness incurred
in the normal course of the Borrower's business.
"PERMITTED STORE CLOSING SALES": The scheduled permanent closing of each
of the Closing Stores and the proposed sale of all Collateral
located thereon through the retention by the Borrower of one or more
professional retail liquidators,
..20..
reasonably acceptable to the Lender, as approved by the Bankruptcy
Court pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.
"PERSON": Any natural person, and any corporation, limited liability
company, trust, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise or
entity.
"PETITION DATE": February 3, 2004.
"PLAN": A plan filed in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code.
"PROCEEDS": Includes, without limitation, "Proceeds" as defined in the UCC
and each type of property described in Section 7.1 hereof.
""PROFESSIONAL EXPENSE RESERVE" means, without duplication as to items
covered by the Carve Out, as of any date of determination, the
amount of reserves that the Lender has established (based upon the
Lender's reasonable determination of the likely amount of Bankruptcy
Court-approved professional fees and expenses) for professional
services theretofore rendered or projected to be incurred in
accordance with the Borrower's then most recent budget delivered to
the Lender.
"RECEIPTS": All cash, cash equivalents, money, checks, credit card slips,
receipts and other Proceeds from any sale of the Collateral.
"RECEIVABLES COLLATERAL": That portion of the Collateral which consists of
Accounts, Accounts Receivable, General Intangibles, Chattel Paper,
Instruments, Documents of Title, Documents, Investment Property,
Payment Intangibles, Letter-of-Credit Rights, bankers' acceptances,
and all other rights to payment.
"REQUIREMENTS OF LAW": As to any Person:
(a) Applicable Law.
(b) That Person's organizational documents.
(c) That Person's by-laws and/or other instruments which deal with
corporate or similar governance, as applicable.
..21..
"RESERVES": The following: Availability Reserves and Inventory Reserves.
"REVOLVING CREDIT": Is defined in Section 2.1.
"REVOLVING CREDIT CEILING": $30,000,000.00.
"REVOLVING CREDIT CLOSING FEE": Is defined in Section 2.11.
"REVOLVING CREDIT EARLY TERMINATION FEE": Is defined in Section 2.14.
"REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS": Loans made under the Revolving Credit, except
that where the term "Revolving Credit Loan" is used with reference
to available interest rates applicable to the loans under the
Revolving Credit, it refers to so much of the unpaid principal
balance of the Loan Account as bears the same rate of interest for
the same Interest Period. (See Section 22-10(d)).
"REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE": Is defined in Section 2.8.
"SERVICE FEE": Is defined in Section 2.12.
"STATED AMOUNT": The maximum amount for which an L/C may be honored.
"SUPPORTING OBLIGATION": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC and
also refers to a Letter-of-Credit Right or secondary obligation
which supports the payment or performance of an Account, Chattel
Paper, a Document, a General Intangible, an Instrument, or
Investment Property.
"TERMINATION DATE": The earliest of (a) the Maturity Date; or (b) the
Lender's notice to the Borrower setting the Termination Date on
account of the occurrence of any Event of Default, or (c) that date,
forty-five (45) days written notice of which is provided by the
Borrower to the Lender (unless revoked by the Borrower in writing
prior to the date set forth as the Termination Date).
..22..
"UCC": The Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in
Massachusetts.
"UNUSED LINE FEE": Is defined in Section 2.13.
"VARIANCE REPORT": A report prepared by the Borrower's management and
delivered to the Lender on or before 10:00 AM on Tuesday of each
week, reflecting on a line-item basis the Borrower's actual cash
receipts and disbursements for the immediately preceding week
(excluding receipts and disbursement with respect to Closing Stores)
and the percentage variance of the Borrower's actual results from
those reflected in the then extant Budget, along with management's
explanation of such variance.
ARTICLE 2 - THE REVOLVING CREDIT:
2.1 - ESTABLISHMENT OF REVOLVING CREDIT
(a) The Lender hereby establishes a revolving line of credit (the
"REVOLVING CREDIT") in the Borrower's favor pursuant to which the Lender,
subject to, and in accordance with, this Agreement, shall make loans and
advances and otherwise provide financial accommodations to and for the account
of the Borrower as provided herein.
(b) Loans, advances, and financial accommodations under the
Revolving Credit shall be made with reference to the Borrowing Base and shall be
subject to Availability. The Borrowing Base and Availability shall be determined
by the Lender by reference to Borrowing Base Certificates furnished as provided
in Section 4.33, below, and shall be subject to the following:
(i) Such determination shall take into account such Reserves
as the Lender reasonably may determine as being applicable thereto.
(ii) The Cost of Eligible Inventory will be determined in a
manner consistent with current tracking practices, based on the Borrower's stock
ledger inventory.
(c) The proceeds of borrowings under the Revolving Credit shall be
used solely in accordance with the Budget for the Borrower's working capital and
Capital
..23..
Expenditures, all solely to the extent permitted by this Agreement. No proceeds
of a borrowing under the Revolving Credit may be used, nor shall any be
requested, with a view towards the accumulation of any general fund or funded
reserve of the Borrower other than in the ordinary course of the Borrower's
business and consistent with the provisions of this Agreement.
2.2 -ADVANCES IN EXCESS OF BORROWING BASE (OVERLOANS).
(a) The Lender does not have any obligation to the Borrower to make
any loan or advance, or otherwise to provide any credit to or for the benefit of
the Borrower where the result of such loan, advance, or credit is an OverLoan.
..24..
(b) The Lender's providing of an OverLoan on any one occasion does
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder (including the Borrower's
obligation to immediately repay any amount which otherwise constitutes an
OverLoan) nor obligate the Lender to do so on any other occasion.
2.3 -RISKS OF VALUE OF COLLATERAL. The Lender's reference to a given asset
in connection with the making of loans, credits, and advances and the providing
of financial accommodations under the Revolving Credit and/or the monitoring of
compliance with the provisions hereof shall not be deemed a determination by the
Lender relative to the actual value of the asset in question. All risks
concerning the value of the Collateral are and remain upon the Borrower. All
Collateral secures the prompt, punctual, and faithful performance of the
Liabilities whether or not relied upon by the Lender in connection with the
making of loans, credits, and advances and the providing of financial
accommodations under the Revolving Credit.
2.4 -COMMITMENT TO MAKE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS AND SUPPORT LETTERS OF
CREDIT Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender shall make a loan
or advance under the Revolving Credit and shall endeavor to have an L/C issued
for the account of the Borrower, in each instance if duly and timely requested
by the Borrower as provided herein provided that:
(a) No OverLoan is then outstanding and none will result therefrom.
(b) The Borrower is not then In Default and will not thereby become
In Default.
2.5 -REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN REQUESTS.
(a) Requests for loans and advances under the Revolving Credit or
for the continuance or conversion of an interest rate applicable to a Revolving
Credit Loan may be requested by the Borrower in such manner as may from time to
time be acceptable to the Lender.
..25..
(b) Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may
request a Revolving Credit Loan by giving notice to the Lender by no later than
12:00 Noon on the Business Day on which the subject Revolving Credit Loan is to
be made. Base Margin Loans requested by the Borrower shall not be less than
$10,000.00.
(c) The Borrower may request that the Lender cause the issuance by
the Issuer of L/C's for the account of the Borrower as provided in Section 2.16.
(d) The Lender may rely on any request for a loan or advance, or
other financial accommodation under the Revolving Credit which the Lender, in
good faith, believes to have been made by a Person duly authorized to act on
behalf of the Borrower and may decline to make any such requested loan or
advance, or issuance, or to provide any such financial accommodation pending the
Lender's being furnished with such documentation concerning that Person's
authority to act as may be satisfactory to the Lender.
(e) A request by the Borrower for loan or advance, or other
financial accommodation under the Revolving Credit shall constitute
certification by the Borrower that as of the date of such request, each of the
following is true and correct:
(i) There has been no material adverse change in the
Borrower's financial condition from the most recent financial information
furnished Lender pursuant to this Agreement.
(ii) All or a portion of any loan or advance so requested will
be set aside by the Borrower to cover the Borrower's post-petition obligations
for sales tax on account of sales since the then most recent borrowing pursuant
to the Revolving Credit.
(iii) Each representation which is made herein or in any of
the Loan Documents is then true and complete as of and as if made on the date of
such request; provided that if such representation refers to a specific date, it
shall be deemed to be true as of such date.
(iv) Unless accompanied by a written Certificate of the
Borrower's President or its Chief Financial Officer describing (in reasonable
detail) the facts and circumstances thereof and the steps (if any) being taken
to remedy such condition, that the Borrower is not In Default.
..26..
2.6 -MAKING OF REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS.
(a) A loan or advance under the Revolving Credit shall be made by
the transfer of the proceeds of such loan or advance to the Operating Account or
as otherwise instructed by the Borrower.
(b) A loan or advance shall be deemed to have been made under the
Revolving Credit (and the Borrower shall be indebted to the Lender for the
amount thereof immediately) at the following:
(i) The Lender's initiation of the transfer of the proceeds of
such loan or advance in accordance with the Borrower's instructions (if such
loan or advance is of funds requested by the Borrower).
(ii) The charging of the amount of such loan to the Loan
Account (in all other circumstances).
(c) There shall not be any recourse to or liability of the Lender on
account of:
(i) Any delay by any bank or other depository institution in
treating the proceeds of any such loan or advance as collected funds.
(ii) Any delay in the receipt, and/or any loss, of funds which
constitute a loan or advance under the Revolving Credit, the wire transfer of
which was properly initiated by the Lender in accordance with wire instructions
provided to the Lender by the Borrower.
2.7 -THE LOAN ACCOUNT.
(a) An account ("LOAN ACCOUNT") shall be opened on the books of the
Lender in which a record shall be kept of all loans and advances made under the
Revolving Credit.
(b) The Lender shall also keep a record (either in the Loan Account
or elsewhere, as the Lender may from time to time elect) of all interest, fees,
service charges, costs, expenses, and other debits owed to the Lender on account
of the Liabilities and of all credits against such amounts so owed.
..27..
(c) All credits against the Liabilities shall be conditional upon
final payment to the Lender of the items giving rise to such credits. The amount
of any item credited against the Liabilities which is charged back against the
Lender or is disgorged for any reason or is not so paid shall be a Liability and
shall be added to the Loan Account, whether or not the item so charged back or
not so paid is returned.
(d) Except as otherwise provided herein, all fees, service charges,
costs, and expenses for which the Borrower is obligated hereunder are payable on
demand. In the determination of Availability, the Lender may deem fees, service
charges, accrued interest, and other payments which will be due and payable
between the date of such determination and the first day of the then next
succeeding month as having been advanced under the Revolving Credit whether or
not such amounts are then due and payable.
(e) The Lender, without the request of the Borrower, may advance
under the Revolving Credit any interest, fee, service charge, or other payment
to which Lender is entitled from the Borrower pursuant hereto and may charge the
same to the Loan Account notwithstanding that an OverLoan may result thereby.
Such action on the part of the Lender shall not constitute a waiver of the
Lender's rights and the Borrower's obligations under Section 2.9(b). Any amount
which is added to the principal balance of the Loan Account as provided in this
Section 2.7(e) shall bear interest at the interest rate then and thereafter
applicable to Base Margin Loans.
(f) Any statement rendered by the Lender to the Borrower concerning
the Liabilities shall be considered correct and accepted by the Borrower and
shall be conclusively binding upon the Borrower unless the Borrower provides the
Lender with written objection thereto within thirty (30) days from the mailing
of such statement, which written objection shall indicate, with particularity,
the reason for such objection. The Loan Account and the Lender's books and
records concerning the loan arrangement contemplated herein and the Liabilities
shall be prima facie evidence and proof of the items described therein.
2.8 -THE REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE. The Borrower's obligation to repay loans
and advances under the Revolving Credit, with interest as provided herein, shall
be evidenced by a note (the "REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE") in the form of EXHIBIT 2.8,
annexed hereto, executed by the Borrower. Neither the original nor a copy of the
Revolving Credit Note shall be required,
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however, to establish or prove any Liability. In the event that the Revolving
Credit Note is ever lost, mutilated, or destroyed, the Borrower shall execute a
replacement thereof and deliver such replacement to the Lender upon receipt of a
lost note affidavit and an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower.
2.9 -PAYMENT OF THE LOAN ACCOUNT.
(a) The Borrower may repay all or any portion of the principal
balance of the Loan Account from time to time until the Termination Date.
(b) The Borrower, without notice or demand from the Lender shall pay
the Lender that amount, from time to time, which is necessary so that there is
no OverLoan outstanding.
(c) The Borrower shall repay the then entire unpaid balance of the
Loan Account and all other Liabilities on the Termination Date.
2.10 -INTEREST ON REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS.
(a) Each Revolving Credit Loan shall bear interest at the Base
Margin Rate.
(b) Following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event
of Default (and whether or not the Lender exercises the Lender's rights on
account thereof), all Revolving Credit Loans shall bear interest, at the option
of the Lender at rate which is the aggregate of the rate applicable to Base
Margin Loans plus Two Percent (2%) per annum.
2.11 -REVOLVING CREDIT CLOSING FEE. In consideration of the commitment to
make loans and advances to the Borrower under the Revolving Credit, and to
maintain sufficient funds available for such purpose, there has been fully
earned by the Lender, and the Borrower shall pay to the Lender at closing, the
Revolving Credit Closing Fee in the amount of $125,000.00.
2.12 -SERVICE FEE. In addition to any other fee or expense to be paid by
the Borrower on account of the Revolving Credit, the Borrower shall pay the
Lender the "SERVICE
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FEE" (so referred to herein) in the amount of $3,000.00 each month, with the
first such payment due at closing, and each succeeding payment due on the first
Business Day of each calendar month thereafter.
2.13 -UNUSED LINE FEE. In addition to any other fee to be paid by the
Borrower on account of the Revolving Credit, the Borrower shall pay the Lender
the "UNUSED LINE FEE" (so referred to herein) of 0.375% per annum of the average
difference, during the month just ended (or relevant period with respect to the
payment being made on the Termination Date) between the Revolving Credit Ceiling
and the aggregate of the unpaid principal balance of the Loan Account during the
relevant period. The Unused Line Fee shall be paid in arrears, on the first day
of each month after the execution of this Agreement and on the Termination Date.
2.14 -EARLY TERMINATION FEE. In the event that the Termination Date
occurs, for any reason, prior to the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall pay to
the Lender the "REVOLVING CREDIT EARLY TERMINATION FEE" in respect of amounts
which are or become payable by reason thereof equal to $300,000.00.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Termination Date occurs as a result of a
refinancing of the Liabilities by the Borrower (whether in connection with any
emergence from the Bankruptcy Case, or otherwise) with the Lender, ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo
Bank, N. A., or any Affiliate thereof, then no Revolving Credit Early
Termination Fee shall be due or payable. The Lender and the Borrower agree and
acknowledge that the Lender will have suffered damages on account of the early
termination of the Revolving Credit and that, in view of the difficulty in
ascertaining the amount of such damages, the Early Termination Fee constitutes
reasonable compensation and liquidated damages to compensate the Lender on
account thereof.
2.15 -LENDER'S DISCRETION.
(a) Each reference in the Loan Documents to the exercise of
discretion or the like by the Lender shall be to the Lender's exercise of its
judgment, in good faith (which shall be presumed), based upon such information
of which that Person then has actual knowledge.
(b) In the exercise of such discretion, the following may be taken
into account.
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(i) The reasonable anticipation: of an adverse change to the
value of the Collateral; the enforceability of the Lender's Collateral Interests
therein; or the amount which the Lender would likely realize therefrom (taking
into account delays which may possibly be encountered in the Lender's realizing
upon the Collateral and likely Costs of Collection).
(ii) The content, completeness, and accuracy of any report or
financial information delivered to the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower
and the manner by such report or financial information was prepared.
(iii) The existence of circumstances suggest that the Borrower
is In Default.
(c) In the exercise of such discretion, the Lender also may take
into account any of the following factors:
(i) The current financial and business climate of the industry
in which the Borrower competes (having regard for the Borrower's position in
that industry).
(ii) General macroeconomic conditions which have a material
effect on the Borrower's cost structure.
(iii) Material changes in or to the mix of the Borrower's
Inventory.
(iv) Seasonality with respect to the Borrower's Inventory and
patterns of retail sales.
(v) Such other factors as the Lender reasonably determine as
having a material bearing on credit risks associated with the providing of loans
and financial accommodations to the Borrower.
(d) The burden of establishing the failure of the Lender to have
acted in a reasonable manner in the Lender's exercise of such discretion shall
be the Borrower's.
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2.16 -PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF L/C'S.
(a) The Borrower may request that the Lender cause the issuance by
the Issuer of L/C's for the account of the Borrower. Each such request shall be
in such manner as may from time to time be acceptable to the Lender.
(b) The Lender will endeavor to cause the issuance of any L/C so
requested by the Borrower, provided that , at the time that the request is made,
the Revolving Credit has not been suspended as provided in Section 2(f) and if
so issued:
(i) The aggregate Stated Amount of all L/C's then outstanding,
does not exceed Fifteen Million and 00/100 Dollars ($15,000,000.00).
(ii) The expiry of the L/C is not later than the earlier of
Thirty (30) days prior to the Maturity Date or the following:
(A) Standby's: One (1) year from initial issuance.
(B) Documentary's: One hundred and eighty (180) days
from issuance.
(iii) If the expiry of an L/C is later than the Maturity Date,
it is 103% cash collateralized at its issuance.
(iv) An OverLoan will not result from the issuance of the
subject L/C.
(c) The Borrower shall execute such documentation to apply for and
support the issuance of an L/C as may be required by the Issuer.
(d) There shall not be any recourse to, nor liability of, the Lender
on account of
(i) Any delay or refusal by an Issuer to issue an L/C;
(ii) Any action or inaction of an Issuer on account of or in
respect to, any L/C.
(e) The Borrower shall reimburse the Issuer for the amount of any
honoring of a drawing under an L/C on the same day on which such honoring takes
place. If the Borrower does not make such reimbursement, the Lender, without the
request of the Borrower, may
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advance under the Revolving Credit (and charge to the Loan Account) the amount
of any honoring of any L/C and other amount for which the Borrower, the Issuer,
or the Lender becomes obligated on account of, or in respect to, any L/C. Such
advance shall be made whether or not the Borrower is In Default or such advance
would result in an OverLoan. Such action shall not constitute a waiver of the
Lender's rights under Section 2.9(b) hereof.
2.17 -FEES FOR L/C'S.
(a) The Borrower shall pay to the Lender a fee, on account of L/C's,
the issuance of which had been procured by the Lender, monthly in arrears, and
on the Termination Date and on the End Date, equal to Two percent (2%) per annum
of the weighted average Stated Amount of all L/C's outstanding during the period
in respect of which such fee is being paid except that, following the occurrence
and during the continuance of any Event of Default, such fee shall be increased
by Two percent (2%) per annum.
(b) In addition to the fee to be paid as provided in Subsection
2.17(a), above, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender (or to the Issuer, if so
requested by Lender), on demand, all issuance, processing, negotiation,
amendment, and administrative fees and other amounts charged by the Issuer on
account of, or in respect to, any L/C.
(c) If any change in Applicable Law shall either:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special
deposit or similar requirements against letters of credit heretofore or
hereafter issued by any Issuer or with respect to which the Lender or any Issuer
has an obligation to lend to fund drawings under any L/C; or
(ii) impose on any Issuer any other condition or requirements
relating to any such letters of credit;
and the result of any event referred to in Section 2.17(c)(i)
or 2.17(c)(ii), above, shall be to increase the cost to the Lender or to any
Issuer of issuing or maintaining any L/C (which increase in cost shall be the
result of such Issuer's reasonable allocation among the Lender's or Issuer's
letter of credit customers of the aggregate of such cost increases resulting
from such events), then, upon demand by the Lender and delivery by the Lender to
the Borrower
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of a certificate of an officer of the Lender or the subject Issuer describing
such change in law, executive order, regulation, directive, or interpretation
thereof, its effect on the Lender or such Issuer, and the basis for determining
such increased costs and their allocation, the Borrower shall immediately pay to
the Lender, from time to time as specified by the Lender, such amounts as shall
be sufficient to compensate the Lender or the subject Issuer for such increased
cost. The Lender's or any Issuer's determination of costs incurred under Section
2.17(c)(i) or 2.17(c)(ii), above, and the allocation, if any, of such costs
among the Borrower and other letter of credit customers of the Lender or such
Issuer, if done in good faith and made on an equitable basis and in accordance
with such officer's certificate, shall be conclusive and binding on the
Borrower; provided that the Lender shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
minimize any such costs.
2.18 -CONCERNING L/C'S.
(a) None of the Issuer, the Issuer's correspondents, the Lender or
any advising, negotiating, or paying bank with respect to any L/C shall be
responsible in any way for:
(i) The performance by any beneficiary under any L/C of that
beneficiary's obligations to the Borrower.
(ii) The form, sufficiency, correctness, genuineness,
authority of any person signing; falsification; or the legal effect of; any
documents called for under any L/C if (with respect to the foregoing) such
documents on their face appear to be in order.
(b) The Issuer may honor, as complying with the terms of any L/C and
of any drawing thereunder, any drafts or other documents otherwise in order, but
signed or issued by an administrator, executor, conservator, trustee in
bankruptcy, debtor in possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors,
liquidator, receiver, or other legal representative of the party authorized
under such L/C to draw or issue such drafts or other documents.
(c) Unless otherwise agreed to, in the particular instance, the
Borrower hereby authorizes any Issuer to:
(i) Select an advising bank, if any.
(ii) Select a paying bank, if any.
(iii) Select a negotiating bank.
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(d) All directions, correspondence, and funds transfers relating to
any L/C are at the risk of the Borrower. The Issuer shall have discharged the
Issuer's obligations under any L/C which, or the drawing under which, includes
payment instructions, by the initiation of the method of payment called for in,
and in accordance with, such instructions (or by any other commercially
reasonable and comparable method). Neither the Lender nor the Issuer shall have
any responsibility for any inaccuracy, interruption, error, or delay in
transmission or delivery by post, telegraph or cable, or for any inaccuracy of
translation.
(e) Lender's and the Issuer's rights, powers, privileges and
immunities specified in or arising under this Agreement are in addition to any
heretofore or at any time hereafter otherwise created or arising, whether by
statute or rule of law or contract.
(f) Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided hereunder or
agreed to in writing by the Issuer and the Borrower, documentary and standby
L/C's will be governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary
Credits, International Chamber of Commerce, Publication No. 500.
(g) The obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with
respect to L/C's are absolute, unconditional, and irrevocable and shall be
performed strictly in accordance with the terms hereof under all circumstances,
whatsoever including, without limitation, the following:
(i) Any lack of validity or enforceability or restriction,
restraint, or stay in the enforcement of this Agreement, any L/C, or any other
agreement or instrument relating thereto.
(ii) The existence of any claim, set-off, defense, or other
right which the Borrower may have at any time against the beneficiary of any
L/C.
(iii) Any good faith honoring of a drawing under any L/C,
which drawing possibly could have been dishonored based upon a strict
construction of the terms of the L/C.
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2.19 - POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL LIQUIDITY. On or before the earlier of March
30, 2004, or Ten (10) days after the filing of the Borrower's 2003 federal tax
return, and so long as (i) the Borrower is not in Default, (ii) the store
closing sale with respect to the Closing Stores has been completed, and (iii)
the Borrower's audited financial statement have been received with respect to
the Borrower's 2003 fiscal year, then the Lender and the Borrower shall meet to
address the Borrower's ability to obtain additional liquidity through
utilization of the anticipated tax refund. The foregoing does not constitute a
commitment of the Lender to either make loans and advances against the tax
refund, or to release the Lender's security interest in the tax refund. The
Lender does agree to meet and address the matter with the Borrower in good
faith. In those discussions, the Lender may take into account the Borrower's
financial condition, the Borrower's financial performance since the commencement
of the Bankruptcy Case, the results of the store closing sale, the then existing
and projected loan-to-value, the substance and nature of the claimed tax refund,
and similar matters.
ARTICLE 3 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT:
As a condition to the effectiveness of this Agreement, the
establishment of the Revolving Credit, and the making of the first loan under
the Revolving Credit, each of the documents respectively described in Sections
3.1 through and including 3.4, (each in form and substance satisfactory to the
Lender) shall have been delivered to the Lender, and the conditions respectively
described in Sections 3-5 through and including 3.10, shall have been satisfied:
3.1 -CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE.
(a) A Certificate of corporate good standing issued by the Secretary
of State of Texas.
(b) Certificates of due qualification, in good standing, issued by
the Secretary(ies) of State of each State in which the nature the Borrower's
business conducted or assets owned would require such qualification.
(c) A Certificate the Borrower's Secretary of the due adoption,
continued effectiveness, and setting forth the texts of, each corporate
resolution adopted in connection with
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the establishment of the loan arrangement contemplated by the Loan Documents
and attesting to the true signatures of each Person authorized as a signatory to
any of the Loan Documents.
3.2 -OPINION. An opinion of counsel to the Borrower in form and substance
satisfactory to the Lender.
3.3 -ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION. Such additional instruments,
documents, reports, and information as the Lender or its counsel reasonably may
require or request including, without limitation, the following, each of which
shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Lender:
(a) Appraisal of the Borrower's Inventory.
(b) Commercial finance examination performed by the Lender's
examiners and/or agents.
(c) Budget, including monthly balance sheet, profit and loss
statements, and cash flow analysis that presents expected loan usage and
collateral availability consistent with the Borrowing Base.
(d) All Loan Documents.
(e) Confirmation of filing of all necessary and appropriate
Financing Statements and such other documents as may be required to perfect the
Lender's security interest in the Collateral.
(f) Confirmation of insurance.
(g) The initial Budget.
3.4 -OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES. Certificates executed by the President and
the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower which state that
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(a) Such officer, acting on behalf of the Borrower, has reviewed
each of the Loan Documents and has had the benefit of independent counsel
(Attorneys Akin, Gump, Strauss, ▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇, LLP) of the Borrower's selection
in connection with the review and negotiation of the Loan Documents. In
particular, and without limiting the generality of such review, the following
provisions of the Loan Documents have been brought to the attention of the
undersigned by such counsel:
(i) The waiver of the right to a trial by jury in connection
with controversies arising out of the loan arrangement contemplated by the Loan
Documents.
(ii) The designation of, and submission to the exclusive
jurisdiction and venue of, certain courts.
(iii) Various other waivers and indemnifications included
therein.
(iv) The circumstances under which the Liabilities could be
accelerated and the grace periods available with respect to certain Events of
Default.
(b) The representations and warranties made by the Borrower to the
Lender in the Loan Documents are true and complete as of the date of such
Certificate, and that no event has occurred which is or which, solely with the
giving of notice or passage of time (or both) would be an Event of Default.
3.5 -BORROWING ORDER. There shall have been entered in the Bankruptcy Case
an Interim Borrowing Order.
3.6 -REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the representations made by
or on behalf of the Borrower in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan
Documents or in any other report, statement, document, or paper provided by or
on behalf of the Borrower shall be true and complete as of the date as of which
such representation or warranty was made.
3.7 -ALL FEES AND EXPENSES PAID. All fees due at or immediately after the
first funding under the Revolving Credit and all costs and expenses incurred by
the Lender in
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connection with the establishment of the credit facility contemplated hereby
(including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Lender) shall have been paid
in full.
3.8 -MINIMUM DAY ONE AVAILABILITY. On the Petition Date, after giving
effect to the first funding under the Revolving Credit; post-petition accounts
payable which are beyond credit terms then accorded the Borrower; overdrafts;
any charges to the Loan Account made in connection with the establishment of the
credit facility contemplated hereby; the Carve Out; and L/C's to be issued at,
or immediately subsequent to, such establishment, Availability shall not be less
than $4,000,000.00.
3.9 -BORROWER NOT IN DEFAULT. The Borrower is not In Default.
3.10 -BENEFIT OF CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. The conditions set forth in this
Article 3 are for the sole benefit of the Lender and may be waived by the Lender
in whole or in part without prejudice to the Lender.
No document shall be deemed delivered to the Lender until received and
accepted by the Lender at its offices in Boston, Massachusetts. Under no
circumstances shall this Agreement take effect until executed and accepted by
the Lender at said offices.
ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, COVENANTS AND WARRANTIES:
To induce the Lender to establish the credit facility contemplated herein
and to induce the Lender to provide loans and advances under the Revolving
Credit (each of which loans shall be deemed to have been made in reliance
thereupon) the Borrower, in addition to all other representations, warranties,
and covenants made by the Borrower in any other Loan Document, makes those
representations, warranties, and covenants included in this Agreement.
4.1 -PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LIABILITIES. The Borrower shall pay each
payment Liability when due (or when demanded, if payable on demand) and shall
promptly, punctually, and faithfully perform each other Liability.
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4.2 -DUE ORGANIZATION. AUTHORIZATION. NO CONFLICTS.
(a) The Borrower presently is and shall hereafter remain in good
standing as a Texas corporation and is and shall hereafter remain duly qualified
and in good standing in every other State in which, by reason of the nature or
location of the Borrower's assets or operation of the Borrower's business, such
qualification may be necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would
have no more than a de minimis adverse effect on the business or a assets of the
Borrower.
(b) The Borrower's organizational identification number assigned to
it by the Secretary of Sate of Texas is listed on EXHIBIT 4.2, annexed hereto.
(c) The Borrower shall not change its State of organization; any
organizational identification number assigned to the Borrower by that State; or
the Borrower's federal taxpayer identification number.
(d) Each Affiliate is listed on EXHIBIT 4.2. The Borrower shall
provide the Lender with prior written notice of any entity's becoming or ceasing
to be an Affiliate.
(e) The Borrower has all requisite power and authority to execute
and deliver all Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party and has and will
hereafter retain all requisite power to perform all Liabilities.
(f) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of each Loan Document
to which it is a party; the Borrower's consummation of the transactions
contemplated by such Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the creation
of Collateral Interests by the Borrower to secure the Liabilities); the
Borrower's performance under those of the Loan Documents to which it is a party
(i) Have been duly authorized by all necessary action.
(ii) Do not, and will not, contravene in any material respect
any provision of any Requirement of Law or obligation of the Borrower.
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(iii) Will not result in the creation or imposition of, or the
obligation to create or impose, any Encumbrance upon any assets of the Borrower
pursuant to any Requirement of Law or obligation, except pursuant to the Loan
Documents.
(g) The Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the
Borrower and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower,
enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.
4.3 -TRADE NAMES.
(a) EXHIBIT 4.3, annexed hereto, is a listing of:
(i) All names under which the Borrower ever conducted its
business.
(ii) All Persons with whom the Borrower ever consolidated or
merged, or from whom the Borrower ever acquired in a single transaction or in a
series of related transactions substantially all of such Person's assets.
(b) The Borrower will provide the Lender with not less than
twenty-one (21) days prior written notice (with reasonable particularity) of any
change to the Borrower's name from that under which the Borrower is conducting
its business at the execution of this Agreement and will not effect such change
unless the Borrower is then in compliance with all provisions of this Agreement.
4.4 -INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) The Borrower has and will maintain a sufficient infrastructure
to conduct its business as contemplated to be conducted following its execution
of this Agreement.
(b) The Borrower owns and possesses, or has the right to use (and
will hereafter own, possess, or have such right to use) all patents, industrial
designs, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service marks,
logos, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, and other
intellectual or proprietary property of any third Person necessary for the
Borrower's conduct of the Borrower's business.
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(c) To the Borrower's knowledge, the conduct by the Borrower of the
Borrower's business does not presently infringe (nor will the Borrower conduct
its business in the future so as to infringe) the patents, industrial designs,
trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service marks, logos,
copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, or other
intellectual or proprietary property of any third Person.
4.5 LOCATIONS.
(a) The Collateral, and the books, records, and papers of Borrower's
pertaining thereto, are kept and maintained solely at those locations which are
listed on EXHIBIT 4.5, annexed hereto, which EXHIBIT includes, with respect to
each such location, the name and address of the landlord on the Lease which
covers such location (or an indication that the Borrower owns the subject
location) and of all service bureaus with which any such records are maintained.
(b) The Borrower shall not remove any of the Collateral from those
locations listed on EXHIBIT 4.5 except for the following purposes:
(i) To accomplish sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of
business.
(ii) To move Inventory from one such location to another such
location.
(iii) To utilize such of the Collateral as is removed from
such locations in the ordinary course of business (such as motor vehicles).
(iv) To accomplish sales of Inventory in connection with
Permitted Store Closing Sales.
(c) Except as provided below, the Borrower will not:
(i) Execute, alter, modify, or amend any Lease.
(ii) Commit to, or open or close any location at which the
Borrower maintains, offers for sales, or stores any of the Collateral.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may (x) close existing
locations in connection with Permitted Store Closing Sales, and (y) alter,
modify, or amend an existing Lease, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court.
(d) Except as otherwise disclosed pursuant to, or permitted by, this
Section 4.5, no tangible personal property of the Borrower is in the care or
custody of any third party or
..42..
stored or entrusted with a bailee or other third party and none shall hereafter
be placed under such care, custody, storage, or entrustment.
4.6 -ENCUMBRANCES.
(a) The Borrower is, and shall hereafter remain, the owner of the
Collateral free and clear of all Encumbrances other than any Permitted
Encumbrance.
(b) The Borrower does not and shall not have, possession of any
property on consignment to the Borrower.
(c) The Borrower shall not acquire or obtain the right to use any
Equipment, the acquisition or right to use of which Equipment is otherwise
permitted by this Agreement, in which Equipment any third party has an interest,
except for:
(i) Equipment which is merely incidental to the conduct of the
Borrower's business.
(ii) Equipment, the acquisition or right to use of which has
been consented to by the Lender, which consent may be conditioned upon the
Lender's receipt of such agreement with the third party which has an interest in
such Equipment as is satisfactory to the Lender.
4.7 -INDEBTEDNESS. The Borrower does not and shall not hereafter have any
Indebtedness other than any Permitted Indebtedness.
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4.8 INSURANCE.
(a) EXHIBIT 4.8, annexed hereto, is a schedule of all insurance
policies owned by the Borrower or under which the Borrower is the named insured.
Each of such policies is in full force and effect. Neither the issuer of any
such policy nor the Borrower is in default or violation of any such policy.
(b) The Borrower shall self-insure all Inventory and other property
located in the Borrower's retail store locations, and otherwise shall have and
maintain at all times insurance covering such risks, in such amounts, containing
such terms, in such form, for such periods, and written by such companies as
reasonably may be satisfactory to the Lender.
(c) All insurance carried by the Borrower shall provide for a
minimum of thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation to the Lender
and all such insurance which covers the Collateral shall
i) Include an endorsement in favor of the Lender, which
endorsement shall provide that the insurance, to the extent of the Lender's
interest therein, shall not be impaired or invalidated, in whole or in part, by
reason of any act or neglect of the Borrower or by the failure of the Borrower
to comply with any warranty or condition of the policy.
ii) Not include an endorsement in favor of any other Person.
(d) The coverage reflected on EXHIBIT 4.8 presently satisfies the
foregoing requirements, it being recognized by the Borrower, however, that such
requirements may change hereafter to reflect changing circumstances.
(e) The Borrower shall furnish the Lender from time to time with
certificates or other evidence satisfactory to the Lender regarding compliance
by the Borrower with the foregoing requirements.
(f) In the event of the failure by the Borrower to maintain
insurance as required herein, the Lender, at its option and the Borrower's
expense, may obtain such insurance at the expense of the Borrower, provided,
however, the Lender's obtaining of such insurance shall not constitute a cure or
waiver of any Event of Default occasioned by the Borrower's failure to have
maintained such insurance.
4.9 LICENSES. Each license, distributorship, franchise, and similar
agreement issued to, or to which the Borrower is a party is in full force and
effect. No party to any such license or agreement is in default or violation
thereof. The Borrower has not received any notice or threat of cancellation of
any such license or agreement.
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4.10 LEASES. EXHIBIT 4.10, annexed hereto, is a schedule of all presently
effective Capital Leases. (Exhibit 4.5 includes a list of all other presently
effective Leases). Each of such Leases and Capital Leases is in full force and
effect. Other than as a result of the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case or as
disclosed on that Exhibit, no party to any such Lease or Capital Lease is in
default or violation of any such Lease or Capital Lease. The Borrower has not
received any notice or threat of cancellation of any such Lease or Capital
Lease. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender at any time and from time to
time to contact any of the Borrower's landlords in order to confirm the
Borrower's continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the Lease(s)
between the Borrower and that landlord and to discuss such issues, concerning
the Borrower's occupancy under such Lease(s), as the Lender may determine.
4.11 -REQUIREMENTS OF LAW. The Borrower is in compliance with, and shall
hereafter comply with and use its assets in compliance with, all Requirements of
Law except where the failure of such compliance will not have more than a de
minimis adverse effect on the Borrower's business or assets. The Borrower has
not received any notice of any violation of any Requirement of Law (other than
of a violation which has no more than a de minimis adverse effect on the
Borrower's business or assets), which violation has not been cured or otherwise
remedied.
4.12 -LABOR RELATIONS.
(a) The Borrower has not been and is not presently a party to any
collective bargaining or other labor contract.
(b) There is not presently pending and, to the Borrower's knowledge,
there is not threatened any of the following:
(i) Any strike, slowdown, picketing, work stoppage, or
employee grievance process.
(ii) Any proceeding against or affecting the Borrower relating
to the alleged violation of any Applicable Law pertaining to labor relations or
before National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission, or any comparable governmental body, organizational activity, or
other labor or employment dispute against or affecting the Borrower, which, if
determined adversely to the Borrower could have more than a de minimis adverse
effect on the Borrower.
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(iii) Any lockout of any employees by the Borrower (and no
such action is contemplated by the Borrower).
(iv) Any application for the certification of a collective
bargaining agent.
(c) No event has occurred or circumstance exists which could provide
the basis for any work stoppage or other labor dispute.
(d) The Borrower:
(i) Has complied in all material respects with all Applicable
Law relating to employment, equal employment opportunity, nondiscrimination,
immigration, wages, hours, benefits, collective bargaining, the payment of
social security and similar taxes, occupational safety and health, and plant
closing.
(ii) Is not liable for the payment of more than a de minimius
amount of compensation, damages, taxes, fines, penalties, or other amounts,
however designated, for the Borrower's failure to comply with any Applicable Law
referenced in Section 4.12(d)(i).
4.13 -MAINTAIN PROPERTIES. The Borrower shall:
(a) Keep the Collateral in good order and repair (ordinary
reasonable wear and tear and insured casualty excepted).
(b) Not suffer or cause the waste or destruction of any material
part of the Collateral.
(c) Not use any of the Collateral in violation of any policy of
insurance thereon.
(d) Not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral,
other than the following:
(i) The sale of Inventory in compliance with this Agreement.
(ii) The disposal of Equipment which is obsolete, worn out, or
damaged beyond repair.
4.14 -TAXES.
(a) With respect to the Borrower's federal, state, and local tax
liability and obligations:
(i) The Borrower, in compliance with all Applicable Law, has
properly filed all returns due to be filed up to the date of this Agreement.
(ii) Except as described on EXHIBIT 4.14:
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(A) At no time has the Borrower received from any taxing
authority any request to perform any examination of or with respect to the
Borrower nor any other written or verbal notice in any way relating to any
claimed failure by the Borrower to comply with all Applicable Law concerning
payment of any taxes or other amounts in the nature of taxes.
(B) No agreement is extant which waives or extends any
statute of limitations applicable to the right of any taxing authority to assert
a deficiency or make any other claim for or in respect to federal income taxes.
(C) No issue has been raised in any tax examination of
the Borrower which, by application of similar principles, reasonably could be
expected to result in the assertion of a deficiency for any fiscal year open for
examination, assessment, or claim by any taxing authority.
(b) The Borrower has, and hereafter shall: pay, as they become due
and payable, all taxes and unemployment contributions and other charges of any
kind or nature levied, assessed or claimed against the Borrower or the
Collateral by any person or entity whose claim could result in an Encumbrance
upon any asset of the Borrower or by any governmental authority; properly
exercise any trust responsibilities imposed upon the Borrower by reason of
withholding from employees' pay or by reason of the Borrower's receipt of sales
tax or other funds for the account of any third party; timely make all
contributions and other payments as may be required pursuant to any Employee
Benefit Plan now or hereafter established by the Borrower; and timely file all
tax and other returns and other reports with each governmental authority to whom
the Borrower is obligated to so file (other than non-material failures to pay
which are, once noted or brought to the Borrower's attention, promptly paid).
4.15 -NO MARGIN STOCK. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of
extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock
(within the meaning of Regulations U, T, and X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System of the United States). No part of the proceeds of any
borrowing hereunder will be used at any time to purchase or carry any such
margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying any such margin stock.
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4.16 -ERISA.
(a) Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has ever:
(i) Violated or failed to be in full compliance with the
Borrower's Employee Benefit Plan.
(ii) Failed timely to file all reports and filings required by
ERISA to be filed by the Borrower.
(iii) Engaged in any nonexempt "prohibited transactions" or
"reportable events" (respectively as described in ERISA).
(iv) Engaged in, or committed, any act such that a tax or
penalty reasonably could be imposed upon the Borrower on account thereof
pursuant to ERISA.
(v) Accumulate any material cumulative funding deficiency
within the meaning of ERISA.
(vi) Terminated any Employee Benefit Plan such that a lien
could be asserted against any assets of the Borrower on account thereof pursuant
to ERISA.
(vii) Been a member of, contributed to, or have any obligation
under any Employee Benefit Plan which is a multiemployer plan within the meaning
of Section 4001(a) of ERISA.
(b) Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate shall ever engage
in any action of the type described in Section 4.16(a).
4.17 -HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
(a) The Borrower has never: (i) been legally responsible for any
release or threat of release of any Hazardous Material or (ii) received
notification of the incurrence of any expense in connection with the assessment,
containment, or removal of any Hazardous Material for which the Borrower would
be responsible.
(b) The Borrower shall: (i) dispose of any Hazardous Material only
in compliance with all Environmental Laws and (ii) have possession of any
Hazardous Material only in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business and in
compliance with all Environmental Laws.
4.18 -LITIGATION. Except as described in EXHIBIT 4.18, annexed hereto,
there is not presently pending or threatened by or against the Borrower any
suit, action, proceeding, or investigation which, if determined adversely to the
Borrower, would have more than a de minimis adverse effect upon the Borrower's
financial condition or ability to conduct its business as such business is
presently conducted or is contemplated to be conducted in the foreseeable
future.
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4.19 -DIVIDENDS. INVESTMENTS. CORPORATE ACTION. The Borrower shall not:
(a) Pay any cash dividend or make any other distribution in respect
of any class of the Borrower's capital stock.
(b) Make any payment on account of any Indebtedness other than
payment of the Liabilities and Permitted Indebtedness.
(c) Invest in or purchase any stock or securities or rights to
purchase any such stock or securities, of any Person.
(d) Merge or consolidate or be merged or consolidated with or into
any other corporation or other entity.
(e) Consolidate any of the Borrower's operations with those of any
other Person.
(f) Organize or create any Affiliate.
(g) Subordinate any debts or obligations owed to the Borrower by any
third party to any other debts owed by such third party to any other Person.
(h) Acquire any assets other than in the ordinary course and conduct
of the Borrower's business as conducted at the execution of this Agreement.
4.20 -LOANS. The Borrower shall not make any loans or advances to, nor
acquire the Indebtedness of, any Person, provided, however, the foregoing does
not prohibit any of the following:
(a) Advance payments made to the Borrower's suppliers in the
ordinary course.
(b) Advances to the Borrower's officers, employees, and salespersons
with respect to reasonable expenses to be incurred by such officers, employees,
and salespersons for the benefit of the Borrower, which expenses are properly
substantiated by the person seeking such advance and properly reimbursable by
the Borrower.
4.21 -PROTECTION OF ASSETS. The Lender, in the Lender's discretion, and
from time to time, may discharge any post-petition tax or Encumbrance on any of
the Collateral, or take any other action which the Lender may deem necessary or
desirable to repair, insure, maintain, preserve, collect, or realize upon any of
the Collateral. The Lender shall not have any obligation to undertake any of the
foregoing and shall have no liability on account of any action so undertaken
except where there is a specific finding in a judicial proceeding (in which the
Lender has had an opportunity to be heard), from which finding no further appeal
is available, that the
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Lender had acted in actual bad faith or in a grossly negligent manner. The
Borrower shall pay to the Lender, on demand, or the Lender, in its discretion,
may add to the Loan Account, all amounts paid or incurred by the Lender pursuant
to this section 4.21.
4.22 -LINE OF BUSINESS. The Borrower shall not engage in any business
other than the business in which it is currently engaged or a business
reasonably related thereto.
4.23 -AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS. The Borrower shall not make any payment, nor
give any value to any Affiliate except for goods and services actually purchased
by the Borrower from, or sold by the Borrower to, such Affiliate for a price and
on terms which shall
(a) be competitive and fully deductible as an "ordinary and
necessary business expense" and/or fully depreciable under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 and the Treasury Regulations, each as amended; and
(b) be no less favorable to the Borrower than those which would have
been charged and imposed in an arms length transaction.
4.24 -FURTHER ASSURANCES.
(a) The Borrower is not the owner of, nor has it any interest in,
any property or asset which may not be subject to a perfected Collateral
Interest in favor of the Lender (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) to
secure the Liabilities.
(b) The Borrower will not hereafter acquire any asset or any
interest in property which is not, immediately upon such acquisition, subject to
such a perfected Collateral Interest in favor of the Lender to secure the
Liabilities (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances).
(c) The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Lender such
instruments, documents, and papers, and shall do all such things from time to
time hereafter as the Lender may request to carry into effect the provisions and
intent of this Agreement; to protect and perfect the Lender's Collateral
Interests in the Collateral; and to comply with all applicable statutes and
laws, and facilitate the collection of the Receivables Collateral. The Borrower
shall execute all such instruments as may be required by the Lender with respect
to the recordation and/or perfection of the Collateral Interests created or
contemplated herein.
(d) The Borrower hereby designates the Lender as and for the
Borrower's true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution, to sign
and file any financing statements in order to perfect or protect the Lender's
Collateral Interests in the Collateral.
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(e) This Agreement constitutes an authenticated record which
authorizes the Lender to file such financing statements as the Lender determines
as appropriate to perfect or protect the Collateral Interests created by this
Agreement.
(f) A carbon, photographic, or other reproduction of this Agreement
or of any financing statement or other instrument executed pursuant to this
Section 4.24 shall be sufficient for filing to perfect the security interests
granted herein.
4.25 -ADEQUACY OF DISCLOSURE.
(a) All financial statements furnished to the Lender by the Borrower
have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present
fairly in all material respects the condition of the Borrower at the date(s)
thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the period(s) covered
(provided however, that unaudited financial statements are subject to normal
year end adjustments and to the absence of footnotes).
(b) The Borrower does not have any contingent obligations or
obligation under any Lease or Capital Lease which is not noted in the Borrower's
financial statements furnished to the Lender prior to the execution of this
Agreement.
(c) No document, instrument, agreement, or paper now or hereafter
given to the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower or any guarantor of the
Liabilities in connection with the execution of this Agreement by the Lender
contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or
will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
therein not misleading. There is no fact known to the Borrower which has, or
which, in the foreseeable future could have, a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Borrower or any such guarantor which has not been
disclosed in writing to the Lender.
4.26 -NO RESTRICTIONS ON LIABILITIES. The Borrower shall not enter into or
directly or indirectly become subject to any agreement which prohibits or
restricts, in any manner, the Borrower's:
(a) Creation of, and granting of Collateral Interests in favor of
the Lender.
(b) Incurrence of Liabilities.
4.27 -PRIORITY OF LIABILITIES. Subject only to the Carve Out, the
Liabilities of the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents
constitute allowed administrative expense claims in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant
to Sections 364(c)(1), (2), and (3) and 364(d) of the Bankruptcy Code and each
Borrowing Order, having priority over all
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administrative expenses of the kind specified in Sections 503(b) or 507(b) of
the Bankruptcy Code.
4.28 -BANKRUPTCY CASE COVENANTS. The Borrower shall not seek, consent to,
or permit to be entered, occur, or exist any of the following:
(a) The entry of any order in the Bankruptcy Case which modifies,
stays, vacates, or amends all or any portion of any Borrowing Order, without the
consent of the Lender;
(b) A priority claim or administrative expense or unsecured claim
against the Borrower (whether as of the Petition Date or hereafter arising, of
any kind or nature whatsoever, including without limitation, any administrative
expense of the kind specified in Sections 105, 326, 330, 331, 503(a), 503(b),
506(c), 507(a), 507(b), 546(c), 546(d), or 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code) with
equal or superior priority to the priority of the claim of the Lender in respect
of the Liabilities, other than with respect to the Carve Out or statutory fees
of the Office of the United States Trustee;
(c) Other than as expressly set forth in the Interim Order, any lien
on, or security interest in any of the Collateral with equal or superior
priority to the priority of the security interest of the Lender, other than with
respect to the Carve Out or statutory fees of the Office of the United States
Trustee;
(d) Any order which authorizes the return of any of the Borrower's
property pursuant to Section 546(g)* of the Bankruptcy Code; or
(e) Any order seeking authority for or on behalf of the Borrower or
the Borrower's estate to take any action that is prohibited by the terms of this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents or to refrain from taking any action that
is required to be taken by the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents.
4.29 -OTHER COVENANTS. The Borrower shall not indirectly do or cause to be
done any act which, if done directly by the Borrower, would breach any covenant
contained in this Agreement.
FINANCIAL REPORTING:
4.30 -MAINTAIN RECORDS. The Borrower shall:
(a) At all times, keep proper books of account, in which full, true,
and accurate entries shall be made of all of the Borrower's financial
transactions, all in accordance
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with GAAP applied consistently with prior periods to fairly reflect the
financial condition of the Borrower at the close of, and its results of
operations for, the periods in question.
(b) Timely provide the Lender with those financial reports,
statements, and schedules required by this Article 4 or otherwise, each of which
reports, statements and schedules shall be prepared, to the extent applicable,
in accordance with GAAP applied consistently with prior periods to fairly
reflect the financial condition of the Borrower at the close of, and the results
of operations for, the period(s) covered therein.
(c) At all times, keep accurate current records of the Collateral
including, without limitation, accurate current stock, cost, and sales records
of its Inventory, accurately and sufficiently itemizing and describing the
kinds, types, and quantities of Inventory and the cost and selling prices
thereof.
(d) At all times, retain independent certified public accountants
who are reasonably satisfactory to the Lender and instruct such accountants to
fully cooperate with, and be available to, the Lender to discuss the Borrower's
financial performance, financial condition, operating results, controls, and
such other matters, within the scope of the retention of such accountants, as
may be raised by the Lender.
(e) Not change the Borrower's fiscal year.
4.31 -ACCESS TO RECORDS.
(a) The Borrower shall accord the Lender with access from time to
time as the Lender may require to all properties owned by or over which the
Borrower has control. The Lender shall have the right, and the Borrower will
permit the Lender from time to time as Lender may request, to commence during
normal business hours to examine, inspect, copy, and make extracts from any and
all of the Borrower's books, records, electronically stored data, papers, and
files. The Borrower shall make all of the Borrower's copying facilities
available to the Lender. All such information obtained by the Lender shall be
kept confidential, subject to the requirements of Applicable Law.
(b) The Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender to:
(i) Inspect, copy, duplicate, review, cause to be reduced to
hard copy, run off, draw off, and otherwise use any and all computer or
electronically stored information or data which relates to the Borrower, or any
service bureau, contractor, accountant, or other person, and directs any such
service bureau, contractor, accountant, or other person fully to cooperate with
the Lender with respect thereto.
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(ii) Verify at any time the Collateral or any portion thereof,
including verification with Account Debtors, and/or with the Borrower's computer
billing companies, collection agencies, and accountants and to sign the name of
the Borrower on any notice to the Borrower's Account Debtors or verification of
the Collateral.
(c) The Lender from time to time may designate one or more
representatives to exercise the Lender's rights under this Section 4.31 as fully
as if the Lender were doing so.
4.32 -IMMEDIATE NOTICE TO LENDER.
(a) The Borrower shall provide the Lender with written notice
promptly upon the occurrence of any of the following events, which written
notice shall be with reasonable particularity as to the facts and circumstances
in respect of which such notice is being given:
(i) Any change in the Borrower's President, chief executive
officer, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer (without regard to
the title(s) actually given to the Persons discharging the duties customarily
discharged by officers with those titles).
(ii) Except as permitted in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to
the Bankruptcy Code, any ceasing of the Borrower's making of payment, in the
ordinary course, to any of its creditors (other than its ceasing of making of
such payments on account of a de minimis dispute).
(iii) Except as permitted in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to
the Bankruptcy Code, any failure by the Borrower to pay rent at any of the
Borrower's locations.
(iv) Except as permitted in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to
the Bankruptcy Code, any material adverse change in the business, operations, or
financial affairs of the Borrower.
(v) The Borrower's becoming In Default.
(vi) Any intention on the part of the Borrower to discharge
the Borrower's present independent accountants or any withdrawal or resignation
by such independent accountants from their acting in such capacity (as to which,
see Subsection 4.30(d)).
(vii) Any litigation which, if determined adversely to the
Borrower, would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Borrower.
(b) The Borrower shall:
(i) Provide the Lender, when so distributed, with copies of
any materials distributed to the shareholders of the Borrower (qua such
shareholders).
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(ii) Add the Lender as an addressee on all mailing lists
maintained by or for the Borrower.
(iii) At the request of the Lender, from time to time, provide
the Lender with copies of all advertising (including copies of all print
advertising and duplicate tapes of all video and radio advertising).
(iv) Provide the Lender, when received by the Borrower, with a
copy of any management letter or similar communications from any accountant of
the Borrower.
4.33 -BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE. The Borrower shall provide the Lender
simultaneously with the submission of any request for a loan, advance, or any
other financial accommodation with a Borrowing Base Certificate (in the form of
EXHIBIT 4.33 annexed hereto, as such form may be revised from time to time by
the Lender). Such Certificate may be sent to the Lender by facsimile
transmission, provided that the original thereof is forwarded to the Lender on
the date of such transmission.
4.34 -WEEKLY REPORTS. In addition to the Variance Report, the Borrower
shall weekly, on Tuesday of each week (as of the then immediately preceding
Saturday), provide the Lender with a sales audit report and a flash collateral
report (each in such form as may be specified from time to time by the Lender).
Such report may be sent to the Lender by facsimile transmission, provided that
the original thereof is forwarded to the Lender on the date of such
transmission.
4.35 -MONTHLY REPORTS. Monthly, the Borrower shall provide the Lender with
those financial statements and reports described in EXHIBIT 4.35, annexed
hereto, as well as each of the following:
(a) A rolling 13-week cash flow projection, including a comparison
of projected-to-actual cash flow for the then prior month.
(b) All reports required to be provided to the Office of the United
States Trustee in accordance with the Operating Instructions Reporting
Requirements.
4.36 -QUARTERLY REPORTS. Quarterly, within Forty Five (45) days following
the end of each of the Borrower's first three fiscal quarters, the Borrower
shall provide the Lender with the following:
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(a) An original counterpart of a management prepared financial
statement of the Borrower for the period from the beginning of the Borrower's
then current fiscal year through the end of the subject quarter, with
comparative information for the same period of the previous fiscal year, which
statement shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (on a
"consolidated" basis), and cash flows and comparisons for the corresponding
quarter of the then immediately previous year, as well as to the Budget.
(b) The officer's compliance certificate described in Section 4.38
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4.37 -ANNUAL REPORTS.
(a) Annually, within ninety (90) days following the end of the
Borrower's fiscal year, the Borrower shall furnish the Lender with the
following:
(i) An original signed counterpart of the Borrower's annual
financial statement, which statement shall have been prepared by, and bear the
opinion of, the Borrower's independent certified public accountants (i.e. said
statement shall be "certified" by such accountants) and shall include, at a
minimum (with comparative information for the then prior fiscal year) a balance
sheet, income statement, statement of changes in shareholders' equity, and cash
flows.
(ii) The officer's compliance certificate described in Section
4.38.
(b) No later than the earlier of Fifteen (15) days prior to the end
of each of the Borrower's fiscal years or the date on which such accountants
commence their work on the preparation of the Borrower's annual financial
statement, the Borrower shall give written notice to such accountants (with a
copy of such notice, when sent, to the Lender) that:
(i) Such annual financial statement will be delivered by the
Borrower to the Lender.
(ii) The Borrower has been advised that the Lender will rely
thereon with respect to the administration of, and transactions under, the
credit facility contemplated by this Agreement.
4.38 -OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES. The Borrower shall cause either the
Borrower's President or its Chief Financial Officer, in each instance, to
provide such Person's Certificate with those monthly financial statements to be
provided within thirty (30) days of the end of each month and with those to be
provided quarterly and annual statements to be furnished pursuant to this
Agreement, which Certificate shall:
(a) Indicate that the financial information contained therein fairly
presents in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations, and cash flows (to the extent a cash flow statement is presented) as
of, and for, the periods presented.
(b) Indicate either that (i) the Borrower is not In Default, or (ii)
if such an event has occurred, its nature (in reasonable detail) and the steps
(if any) being taken or contemplated by the Borrower to be taken on account
thereof.
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4.39 -INVENTORIES, APPRAISALS, AND AUDITS.
(a) The Lender, at the expense of the Borrower in each instance
after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, may
participate in and/or observe each physical count and/or inventory of so much of
the Collateral as consists of Inventory which is undertaken on behalf of the
Borrower.
(b) The Borrower, at its own expense, shall cause not less than two
(2) physical inventories to be undertaken in each twelve (12) month period
during which this Agreement is in effect (the spacing of the scheduling of which
inventories shall be subject to the Lender's discretion) conducted by such
inventory takers as are satisfactory to the Lender and following such
methodology as may be satisfactory to the Lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Borrower may notify the Lender that the Borrower only intends to conduct one
(1) such physical inventory during a particular period, in which event, no
second inventory shall be undertaken, unless the Lender reasonably determines,
in the Lender's discretion, that a second inventory should be undertaken, in
which event, it shall be undertaken by the Borrower.
(i) The Borrower shall provide the Lender with a copy of the
preliminary results of each such inventory (as well as of any other physical
inventory undertaken by the Borrower) within thirty (30) days following the
completion of such inventory.
(ii) The Borrower, within thirty (30) days following the
completion of such inventory, shall provide the Lender with a reconciliation of
the results of each such inventory (as well as of any other physical inventory
undertaken by the Borrower) and shall post such results to the Borrower's stock
ledger and, as applicable to the Borrower's other financial books and records .
(iii) The Lender, in its discretion from and after the
occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, may cause such
additional inventories to be taken as the Lender determines.
(c) The Lender may obtain appraisals of the Collateral, from time to
time conducted by such appraisers as are satisfactory to the Lender.
(d) The Lender contemplates conducting Three (3) commercial finance
field examinations of the Borrower's books and records during any twelve (12)
month period during which this Agreement is in effect, but in its discretion,
may undertake additional such audits during such period.
4.40 -ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
(a) In addition to all other information required to be provided
pursuant to this Article 4, the Borrower promptly shall provide the Lender (and
any guarantor of the Liabilities),
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with such other and additional information concerning the Borrower, the
Collateral, the operation of the Borrower's business, and the Borrower's
financial condition, including original counterparts of financial reports and
statements, as the Lender may from time to time request from the Borrower.
(b) The Borrower may provide the Lender, from time to time
hereafter, with updated forecasts of the Borrower's anticipated performance and
operating results.
(c) In all events, the Borrower, no sooner than Ninety (90) nor
later than Sixty (60) days prior to the end of each of the Borrower's fiscal
years, shall provide the Lender with an updated and extended forecast which
shall go out at least through the end of the then next fiscal year and shall
include an income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flow, by
month, each prepared in conformity with GAAP and consistent with the Borrower's
then current practices.
(d) The Borrower recognizes that all appraisals, inventories,
analysis, financial information, and other materials which the Lender may
obtain, develop, or receive with respect to the Borrower are confidential to the
Lender and that, except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower is not
entitled to receipt of any of such appraisals, inventories, analysis, financial
information, and other materials, nor copies or extracts thereof or therefrom.
In this regard, upon execution by the Borrower and delivery to the Lender of an
appropriate waiver, the Lender shall deliver to the Borrower a copy of the
appraisals obtained by the Lender.
4.41 -FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COVENANTS. The Borrower shall observe and
comply with each of the financial performance covenants contained in EXHIBIT
4.41 annexed hereto.
ARTICLE 5 - USE OF COLLATERAL:
5.1 -USE OF INVENTORY COLLATERAL.
(a) Except with respect to Permitted Store Closing Sales, the
Borrower shall not engage in any of the following with respect to its Inventory:
(i) Any sale other than for fair consideration in the conduct
of the Borrower's business in the ordinary course.
(ii) Sales or other dispositions to creditors.
(iii) Sales or other dispositions in bulk.
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(iv) Sales of any Collateral in breach of any provision of
this Agreement.
(b) No sale of Inventory shall be on consignment, approval, or under
any other circumstances such that, with the exception of the Borrower's
customary return policy applicable to the return of inventory purchased by the
Borrower's retail customers in the ordinary course, such Inventory may be
returned to the Borrower without the consent of the Lender.
(c) The Borrower shall not consent to the return of any item of
Collateral pursuant to Section 546(g)* of the Bankruptcy Code.
5.2 -INVENTORY QUALITY. All Inventory now owned or hereafter acquired by
the Borrower is and will be of good and merchantable quality and free from
defects (other than defects within customary trade tolerances).
5.3 -ADJUSTMENTS AND ALLOWANCES. The Borrower may grant such allowances or
other adjustments to the Borrower's Account Debtors (exclusive of extending the
time for payment of any Account or Account Receivable, which shall not be done
without first obtaining the Lender's prior written consent in each instance) as
the Borrower may reasonably deem to accord with sound business practice,
provided, however, the authority granted the Borrower pursuant to this Section
5.3 may be limited or terminated by the Lender at any time in the Lender's
discretion.
5.4 -VALIDITY OF ACCOUNTS.
(a) The amount of each Account shown on the books, records, and
invoices of the Borrower represented as owing by each Account Debtor is and will
be the correct amount actually owing by such Account Debtor and shall have been
fully earned by performance by the Borrower.
(b) Except as has it has occurred in the ordinary course of the
Borrower's business, the Borrower has no knowledge of any impairment of the
validity or collectibility of any of the Accounts. The Borrower shall notify the
Lender of any such impairment immediately after the Borrower becomes aware of
any such impairment.
5.5 -NOTIFICATION TO ACCOUNT DEBTORS. From and after the occurrence and
during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Lender shall have the right
to notify any of the Borrower's Account Debtors to make payment directly to the
Lender and to collect all amounts due on account of the Collateral.
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ARTICLE 6 - CASH MANAGEMENT. PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES:
6.1 -DEPOSITORY ACCOUNTS.
(a) Annexed hereto as EXHIBIT 6.1 is a listing of all present DDA's,
which listing includes, with respect to each depository of the following: (i)
the name and address of that depository; (ii) the account number(s) of the
account(s) maintained with such depository; and (iii) a contact person at such
depository.
(b) The Borrower shall deliver the following to the Lender, as a
condition to the effectiveness of this Agreement:
(i) Notification, executed on behalf of the Borrower, to each
depository institution with which any DDA is maintained (other than any Exempt
DDA), in form reasonably satisfactory to the Lender of the Lender's interest in
such DDA.
(c) The Borrower will not establish any DDA hereafter (other than an
Exempt DDA) unless, contemporaneous with such establishment, the Borrower
delivers to the Lender a copy of the notification to the depository at which
such DDA is established if the same would have been required pursuant to Section
6.1(b)(i) if the subject DDA were open at the execution of this Agreement.
6.2 -CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS.
(a) Annexed hereto as EXHIBIT 6.2, is a Schedule which describes all
arrangements to which the Borrower is a party with respect to the payment to the
Borrower of the proceeds of credit card charges for sales by the Borrower.
(b) The Borrower shall deliver to the Lender, as a condition to the
effectiveness of this Agreement, notification, executed on behalf of the
Borrower, to each of the Borrower's credit card clearinghouses and processors of
notice (in form satisfactory to the Lender), which notice provides that payment
of all credit card charges submitted by the Borrower to that clearinghouse or
other processor and any other amount payable to the Borrower by such
clearinghouse or other processor shall be directed to the Concentration Account
or as otherwise designated from time to time by the Lender. The Borrower shall
not change such direction or designation except upon and with the prior written
consent of the Lender.
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6.3 -THE CONCENTRATION, RESTRICTED, AND OPERATING ACCOUNTS.
(a) The following checking accounts have been or will be established
(and are so referred to herein):
(i) The "CONCENTRATION ACCOUNT" (so referred to herein):
Established by the Lender with ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank, N. A..
(ii) The "RESTRICTED ACCOUNT" (so referred to herein):
Established by the Borrower with ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank, N. A..
(iii) The "OPERATING ACCOUNT" (so referred to herein):
Established by the Borrower with ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Bank, N. A..
(b) The contents of each DDA (other than the Operating Account) and
of the Restricted Account constitutes Collateral and Proceeds of Collateral. The
contents of the Concentration Account constitutes the Lender's property.
(c) The Borrower shall pay all fees and charges of, and maintain
such impressed balances as may be required by the depository in which any
account is opened as required hereby (even if such account is opened by and/or
is the property of the Lender).
6.4 -PROCEEDS AND COLLECTIONS.
(a) All Receipts and all cash proceeds of any sale or other
disposition of any of the Borrower's assets:
(i) Constitute Collateral and proceeds of Collateral.
(ii) Shall be held in trust by the Borrower for the Lender.
(iii) Shall not be commingled with any of the Borrower's other
funds.
(iv) Shall be deposited and/or transferred only to the
Restricted Account or the Concentration Account.
(b) The Borrower shall cause the ACH or wire transfer to the
Restricted or the Concentration Account, not less frequently than daily (and
whether or not there is then an outstanding balance in the Loan Account) of the
following:
(i) The then contents of each DDA (other than any Exempt DDA),
each such transfer to be net of any minimum balance, not to exceed $1,000.00, as
may be required to be maintained in the subject DDA by the bank at which such
DDA is maintained.
(ii) The proceeds of all credit card charges not otherwise
provided for pursuant hereto. Telephone advice (confirmed by written notice)
shall be provided to the Lender on each Business Day on which any such transfer
is made.
(c) At all times, the Borrower shall cause the ACH or wire transfer
to the Concentration Account, no less frequently than daily, of then entire
ledger balance of the Restricted Account, net of such minimum balance, not to
exceed $500.00, as may be required to
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be maintained in the Restricted Account by the depository at which the
Restricted Account is maintained.
(d) The Lender may, in its discretion, cease to transfer the
contents of the Concentration Account to the Operating Account. In the event
that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower receives or otherwise has
dominion and control of any Receipts, or any proceeds or collections of any
Collateral, such Receipts, proceeds, and collections shall be held in trust by
the Borrower for the Lender and shall not be commingled with any of the
Borrower's other funds or deposited in any account of the Borrower other than as
instructed by the Lender.
6.5 -PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES.
(a) On each Business Day, the Lender shall apply the then collected
balance of the Concentration Account (net of fees charged, and of such impressed
balances as may be required by the bank at which the Concentration Account is
maintained) towards the unpaid balance of the Loan Account and all other
Liabilities, provided, however, for purposes of the calculation of interest on
the unpaid principal balance of the Loan Account, such payment shall be deemed
to have been made Two (2) Business Days after such transfer.
(b) The following rules shall apply to deposits and payments under
and pursuant to this Section 6.5:
(i) Funds shall be deemed to have been deposited to the
Concentration Account on the Business Day on which deposited, provided that
notice of such deposit is available to the Lender by 2:00PM on that Business
Day.
(ii) Funds paid to the Lender, other than by deposit to the
Concentration Account, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day
when they are good and collected funds, provided that notice of such payment is
available to the Lender by 2:00PM on that Business Day.
(iii) If notice of a deposit to the Concentration Account
(Section 6.5(b)(i)) or payment (Section 6.5(b)(ii)) is not available to the
Lender until after 2:00PM on a Business Day, such deposit or payment shall be
deemed to have been made at 9:00AM on the then next Business Day.
(iv) All deposits to the Concentration Account and other
payments to the Lender are subject to clearance and collection.
(c) The Lender shall transfer to the Operating Account any surplus
in the Concentration Account remaining after the application towards the
Liabilities referred to in
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Section 6.5(a), above (less those amount which are to be netted out, as provided
therein) provided, however, in the event that
(i) the Borrower is In Default; and
(ii) one or more L/C's are then outstanding,
then the Lender may establish a funded reserve of up to 110% of the
aggregate Stated Amounts of such L/C's. Such funded reserve shall either be (i)
returned to the Borrower provided that the Borrower is not In Default or (ii)
applied towards the Liabilities following the occurrence of any Event of Default
described in Section 9-11 or acceleration following the occurrence of any other
Event of Default.
6.6 -THE OPERATING ACCOUNT. Except as otherwise specifically provided in,
or permitted by, this Agreement, all checks shall be drawn by the Borrower upon,
and other disbursements shall be made by the Borrower solely from, the Operating
Account.
ARTICLE 7 - GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST:
7.1 -GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. To secure the Borrower's prompt,
punctual, and faithful performance of all and each of the Liabilities, the
Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a continuing security interest in and to,
and assigns to the Lender, subject to the Carve Out and the provisions of
Section 7-2, the following, and each item thereof, whether now owned or now due,
or in which the Borrower has an interest, or hereafter acquired, arising, or to
become due, or in which the Borrower obtains an interest, and all products,
Proceeds, substitutions, and accessions of or to any of the following (all of
which, together with any other property in which the Lender may in the future be
granted a security interest, is referred to herein as the "COLLATERAL"):
(a) All Accounts and accounts receivable.
(b) All Inventory.
(c) All General Intangibles.
(d) All Equipment.
(e) All Goods.
(f) All Farm Products.
(g) All Fixtures.
(h) All Chattel Paper.
(i) All Letter-of-Credit Rights.
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(j) All Payment Intangibles.
(k) All Supporting Obligations.
(l) All books, records, and information relating to the Collateral
and/or to the operation of the Borrower's business, and all rights of access to
such books, records, and information, and all property in which such books,
records, and information are stored, recorded, and maintained.
(m) All Leasehold Interests.
(n) All Investment Property, Instruments, Documents, Deposit
Accounts, money, policies and certificates of insurance, deposits, impressed
accounts, compensating balances, cash, or other property.
(o) All insurance proceeds, refunds, and premium rebates, including,
without limitation, proceeds of fire and credit insurance, whether any of such
proceeds, refunds, and premium rebates arise out of any of the foregoing.
(7.1(a) through 7.1(n)) or otherwise.
(p) All liens, guaranties, rights, remedies, and privileges
pertaining to any of the foregoing (7.1(a) through 7.1(o)), including the right
of stoppage in transit.
7.2 -EXTENT AND DURATION OF SECURITY INTEREST.
(a) The security interest created and granted herein is in addition
to, and supplemental of, any security interest previously granted by the
Borrower to the Lender and shall continue in full force and effect applicable to
all Liabilities until both
(i) all Liabilities have been paid and/or satisfied in full;
and
(ii) the security interest created herein is specifically
terminated in writing by a duly authorized officer of the Lender.
(b) It is intended that the Collateral Interests created herein
extend to and cover all assets of the Borrower, other than Bankruptcy
Recoveries.
ARTICLE 8 - LENDER AS BORROWER'S ATTORNEY-IN-FACT:
8.1 -APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT. The Borrower hereby irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Lender (acting through any officer of the Lender)
as the Borrower's true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution,
following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to
convert the Collateral into cash at the sole risk, cost, and expense of the
Borrower, but for the sole benefit of the Lender. The rights and powers granted
the Lender by this appointment include but are not limited to the right and
power to:
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(a) Prosecute, defend, compromise, or release any action relating to
the Collateral.
(b) Sign change of address forms to change the address to which the
Borrower's mail is to be sent to such address as the Lender shall designate;
receive and open the Borrower's mail; remove any Receivables Collateral and
Proceeds of Collateral therefrom and turn over the balance of such mail either
to the Borrower or to any trustee in bankruptcy or receiver of the Borrower, or
other legal representative of the Borrower whom the Lender determines to be the
appropriate person to whom to so turn over such mail.
(c) Endorse the name of the Borrower in favor of the Lender upon any
and all checks, drafts, notes, acceptances, or other items or instruments; sign
and endorse the name of the Borrower on, and receive as secured party, any of
the Collateral, any invoices, schedules of Collateral, freight or express
receipts, or bills of lading, storage receipts, warehouse receipts, or other
documents of title respectively relating to the Collateral.
(d) Sign the name of the Borrower on any notice to the Borrower's
Account Debtors or verification of the Receivables Collateral; sign the
Borrower's name on any Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy against Account Debtors, and
on notices of lien, claims of mechanic's liens, or assignments or releases of
mechanic's liens securing the Accounts.
(e) Take all such action as may be necessary to obtain the payment
of any letter of credit and/or banker's acceptance of which the Borrower is a
beneficiary.
(f) Repair, manufacture, assemble, complete, package, deliver, alter
or supply goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the purchase
order of any customer of the Borrower.
(g) Use, license or transfer any or all General Intangibles of the
Borrower.
8.2 -NO OBLIGATION TO ACT. The Lender shall not be obligated to do any of
the acts or to exercise any of the powers authorized by Section 8.1 herein, but
if the Lender elects to do any such act or to exercise any of such powers, it
shall not be accountable for more than it actually receives as a result of such
exercise of power, and shall not be responsible to the Borrower for any act or
omission to act except for any act or omission to act as to which there is a
final determination made in a judicial proceeding (in which proceeding the
Lender has had an opportunity to be heard) which determination includes a
specific finding that the subject act or omission to act had been grossly
negligent or in actual bad faith.
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ARTICLE 9 - EVENTS OF DEFAULT:
The occurrence of any event described in this Article 9 shall constitute
an "EVENT OF DEFAULT" herein. The occurrence of any Event of Default shall also
constitute, without notice or demand, a default under all other agreements
between the Lender and the Borrower and instruments and papers heretofore, now,
or hereafter given the Lender by the Borrower.
9.1 -FAILURE TO PAY THE REVOLVING CREDIT. The failure by the Borrower to
pay when due any principal of, interest on, or fees in respect of, the Revolving
Credit.
9.2 -FAILURE TO MAKE OTHER PAYMENTS. The failure by the Borrower to pay
when due (or upon demand, if payable on demand) any payment Liability other than
any payment liability on account of the principal of, or interest on, or fees in
respect of, the Revolving Credit.
9.3 -FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY(NO GRACE PERIOD). The
material failure by the Borrower to promptly, punctually, faithfully and timely
perform, discharge, or comply with any material covenant or Liability included
in any of the following provisions hereof (unless (to the extent applicable) any
such failure to pay is due to the existence of a good faith dispute which is
being contested and diligently pursued by the Borrower):
Section Relates to :
------- ----------------------------
4.7 Indebtedness
4.14 Pay taxes (except as provided therein)
4.19 Dividends. Investments. Other Corporate Actions
4.23 Affiliate Transactions
4-41 Financial Performance Covenants
Article 4 Reporting Requirements
Article 6 Cash Management
9.4 -FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY (GRACE PERIOD). The failure
by the Borrower, within Fifteen (15) Business Days following the earlier of the
Borrower's knowledge of a breach of any covenant or Liability or of its receipt
of written notice from the Lender of the breach of any of any of such covenants
or Liabilities.
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9.5 -MISREPRESENTATION. The determination by the Lender that any
representation or warranty at any time made by the Borrower to the Lender was
not true or complete in all material respects when given.
9.6 -ACCELERATION OF OTHER DEBT. BREACH OF LEASE. The occurrence of any
event such that any post-petition Indebtedness in an amount of $75,000.00 or
more of the Borrower to any creditor other than the Lender could be accelerated
or, without the consent of the Borrower, any Lease (other than with respect to a
Lease covering a Closed Store) could be terminated (whether or not the subject
creditor or lessor takes any action on account of such occurrence).
9.7 -DEFAULT UNDER OTHER AGREEMENTS. The occurrence of any breach of any
covenant or Liability imposed by, or of any default under, any agreement
(including any Loan Document, but excluding the Pre-petition Loan Agreement)
between the Lender and the Borrower or instrument given by the Borrower to the
Lender and the expiry, without cure, of any applicable grace period
(notwithstanding that the Lender may not have exercised all or any of its rights
on account of such breach or default).
9.8 -UNINSURED CASUALTY LOSS. The occurrence of any uninsured loss, theft,
damage, or destruction of or to any material portion of the Collateral with a
value in excess of $750,000.00 or more.
9.9 -ATTACHMENT. JUDGMENT. RESTRAINT OF BUSINESS. The service of process
upon the Lender or any Participant seeking to attach, by trustee or other
process, any funds of the Borrower on deposit with, or assets of the Borrower in
the possession of, the Lender or such Participant in excess of $100,000.00.
(a) The entry of any judgment against the Borrower, which judgment
is not satisfied (if a money judgment) or appealed from (with execution or
similar process stayed) within fifteen (15) Business Days of its entry.
(b) The entry of any order or the imposition of any other process
having the force of law, the effect of which is to restrain in any material way
the conduct by the Borrower of its business in the ordinary course, unless the
same has been appealed by the Borrower and is being diligently pursued and the
effectiveness of the order has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal.
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9.10 -INDICTMENT - FORFEITURE. The indictment of, or institution of any
legal process or proceeding against, the Borrower, under any Applicable Law
where the relief, penalties, or remedies sought or available include the
forfeiture of any material property or material amount of cash of the Borrower
and/or the imposition of any stay or other order, the effect of which could be
to restrain in any material way the conduct by the Borrower of its business in
the ordinary course.
9.11 -CHALLENGE TO LOAN DOCUMENTS.
(a) Any challenge by or on behalf of the Borrower to the validity of
any Loan Document or the applicability or enforceability of any Loan Document
strictly in accordance with the subject Loan Document's terms or which seeks to
void, avoid, limit, or otherwise adversely affect any security interest created
by or in any Loan Document or any payment made pursuant thereto.
(b) Any determination by any court or any other judicial or
government authority that any Loan Document is not enforceable strictly in
accordance with the subject Loan Document's terms or which voids, avoids,
limits, or otherwise adversely affects any security interest created by any Loan
Document or any payment made pursuant thereto.
9.12 -CHANGE IN CONTROL. Any Change in Control.
9.13 -MODIFICATION OF BORROWING ORDER. The entry of an order in the
Bankruptcy Case which stays, modifies, or reverses any Borrowing Order or which
otherwise materially adversely affects, as determined by the Lender in its
reasonable discretion, the effectiveness of any Borrowing Order.
9.14 -APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE OR EXAMINER. The appointment in the
Bankruptcy Case of a trustee or of any examiner having expanded powers to
operate all or any part of Borrower's business.
9.15 -CONVERSION OF BANKRUPTCY CASE. The conversion of the Bankruptcy Case
to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.
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9.16 -RELIEF FROM STAY. The entry of any order which provides relief from
the automatic stay otherwise imposed pursuant to Section 362 of the Bankruptcy
Code which permits any creditor, other than the Lender, to realize upon, or to
exercise any right or remedy with respect to, any material asset of Borrower or
to terminate any license, franchise, or similar agreement, where the exercise of
such right or remedy or such realization or termination could have a material
adverse effect on Borrower's financial condition or ability to conduct its
business in the ordinary course.
9.17 -SUPER PRIORITY CLAIM. The filing of any application shall be filed
by the Borrower without the express written consent of the Lender for the
approval of any super-priority claim in the Bankruptcy Case which is pari passu
with or senior to the priority of the claims of the Lender for the Liabilities,
or there shall arise any such super-priority claim under the Bankruptcy Code.
9.18 -PAYMENT OF PRE-PETITION INDEBTEDNESS. The payment or other discharge
by the Borrower of any pre-petition Indebtedness, except as expressly permitted
hereunder, or except with respect to payments authorized by an order of the
Bankruptcy Court to which the Lender has provided its express written consent.
9.19 -ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THIRD PARTIES. The entry of any order in the
Bankruptcy Case which provides adequate protection, or the granting by the
Borrower of similar relief in favor of any one or more of the Borrower's
pre-petition creditors without the consent of the Lender, or the subsequent
expansion or modification of any such adequate protection or relief without the
consent of the Lender.
9.20 -BREACH OF BORROWING ORDER. The failure of the Borrower to comply
with each and all of the terms and conditions of any Borrowing Order.
9.21 STORE CLOSINGS. The failure of the Borrower to obtain entry, on or
before February 9, 2004, by the Bankruptcy Court in the Bankruptcy Case of an
order, in form and substance acceptable to the Lender in its reasonable
discretion, pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code
authorizing the sale of the Inventory located at the Closing Stores, or the
failure of the store closing sales to have commenced at the Closing Stores on or
before February 12, 2004.
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9.22 -ADVERSE BANKRUPTCY ORDERS. The filing of any motion by the Borrower
(or by any party in interest or any committee appointed in the Bankruptcy Case)
seeking: (i) to obtain working capital or other financing for the Borrower from
any Person other than the Lender, (ii) to ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇ ▇▇▇▇ on, or security interest
in any of the Collateral, other than with respect to this Agreement, (iii) to
use any of the Collateral pursuant to Section 363(c) of the Bankruptcy Code
without the prior written consent of the Lender, (iv) to recover from any
portion of the Collateral any costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of
such Collateral under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (v) to dismiss
the Bankruptcy Case.
9.23 -CONFIRMED PLAN. The entry of an order confirming a Plan that does
not require repayment in full in cash of all Liabilities on the effective date
of such Plan.
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ARTICLE 10 - RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT:
10.1 -ACCELERATION. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the
Lender may declare all Liabilities of the Borrower to the Lender to be
immediately due and payable and may exercise all of the Lender's Rights and
Remedies (as defined below) as the Lender from time to time thereafter
determines as appropriate.
10.2 -RIGHTS OF ENFORCEMENT. The Lender shall have all of the rights and
remedies of a secured party upon default under the UCC, in addition to which the
Lender shall have all and each of the following rights and remedies:
(a) To give notice to any bank at which any DDA or Blocked Account
is maintained and in which Proceeds of Collateral are deposited, to turn over
such Proceeds directly to the Lender.
(b) To give notice to any of the Borrower's customs brokers to
follow the instructions of the Lender as provided in any written agreement or
undertaking of such broker in favor of the Lender.
(c) To collect the Receivables Collateral with or without the taking
of possession of any of the Collateral.
(d) To take possession of all or any portion of the Collateral.
(e) To sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any or all of the
Collateral, in its then condition or following such preparation or processing as
the Lender deems advisable and with or without the taking of possession of any
of the Collateral.
(f) To conduct one or more going out of business sales which include
the sale or other disposition of the Collateral.
(g) To apply the Receivables Collateral or the Proceeds of the
Collateral towards (but not necessarily in complete satisfaction of) the
Liabilities.
(h) To exercise all or any of the rights, remedies, powers,
privileges, and discretions under all or any of the Loan Documents.
10.3 -SALE OF COLLATERAL.
(a) Any sale or other disposition of the Collateral may be at public
or private sale upon such terms and in such manner as the Lender deems
advisable, having due regard to compliance with any statute or regulation which
might affect, limit, or apply to the Lender's disposition of the Collateral.
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(b) In connection with the Lender's exercise of the Lender's Rights
and Remedies, including without limitation, the conduct of any sale or other
disposition of the Collateral in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, and in furtherance of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, all
parties and persons of every nature and description, including, but not limited
to, landlords, utilities, governmental agencies, sheriffs, marshals, and other
public officers, creditors, and all those acting for or on their respective
behalf, are precluded from taking any action affecting property of the
Borrower's estate, including without limitation, the Collateral and the Lender's
rights therein and remedies with respect thereto.
(c) The Lender, in the exercise of the Lender's rights and remedies
upon default, may conduct one or more going out of business sales, in the
Lender's own right or by one or more agents and contractors. Such sale(s) may be
conducted upon any premises owned, leased, or occupied by the Borrower. The
Lender and any such agent or contractor, in conjunction with any such sale, may
augment the Inventory with other goods (all of which other goods shall remain
the sole property of the Lender or such agent or contractor). Any amounts
realized from the sale of such goods which constitute augmentations to the
Inventory (net of an allocable share of the costs and expenses incurred in their
disposition) shall be the sole property of the Lender or such agent or
contractor and neither the Borrower nor any Person claiming under or in right of
the Borrower shall have any interest therein.
(d) Unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline
speedily in value, or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market (in
which event the Lender shall provide the Borrower such notice as may be
practicable under the circumstances), the Lender shall give the Borrower at
least ten (10) days prior notice, by authenticated record, of the date, time,
and place of any proposed public sale, and of the date after which any private
sale or other disposition of the Collateral may be made. The Borrower agrees
that such written notice shall satisfy all requirements for notice to the
Borrower which are imposed under the UCC or other applicable law with respect to
the exercise of the Lender's rights and remedies upon default.
(e) The Lender may purchase the Collateral, or any portion of it at
any sale held under this Article.
(f) If any of the Collateral is sold, leased, or otherwise disposed
of by the Lender on credit, the Liabilities shall not be deemed to have been
reduced as a result thereof unless and until payment is finally received thereon
by the Lender.
(g) The Lender shall apply the proceeds of the Lender's exercise of
its rights and remedies upon default pursuant to this Article 10 in such manner,
and with such frequency, as the Lender determines.
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10.4 -OCCUPATION OF BUSINESS LOCATION. In connection with the Lender's
exercise of the Lender's rights under this Article 10, the Lender may enter
upon, occupy, and use any premises owned or occupied by the Borrower, and may
exclude the Borrower from such premises or portion thereof as may have been so
entered upon, occupied, or used by the Lender. The Lender shall not be required
to remove any of the Collateral from any such premises upon the Lender's taking
possession thereof, and may render any Collateral unusable to the Borrower. In
no event shall the Lender be liable to the Borrower for use or occupancy by the
Lender of any premises pursuant to this Article 10, nor for any charge (such as
wages for the Borrower's employees and utilities) incurred in connection with
the Lender's exercise of the Lender's Rights and Remedies.
10.5 -GRANT OF NONEXCLUSIVE LICENSE. The Borrower hereby grants to the
Lender a royalty free nonexclusive irrevocable license to use, apply, and affix
any trademark, trade name, logo, or the like in which the Borrower now or
hereafter has rights, such license being with respect to the Lender's exercise
of the rights hereunder including, without limitation, in connection with any
completion of the manufacture of Inventory or sale or other disposition of
Inventory.
10.6 -ASSEMBLY OF COLLATERAL. After the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Lender may require the Borrower to
assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Lender at the Borrower's
sole risk and expense at a place or places which are reasonably convenient to
both the Lender and the Borrower.
10.7 -RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. The rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and
discretions of the Lender hereunder (herein, the "LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES")
shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which it would
otherwise have. No delay or omission by the Lender in exercising or enforcing
any of the Lender's Rights and Remedies shall operate as, or constitute, a
waiver thereof. No waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default or of any
default under any other agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other default
hereunder or under any other agreement. No single or partial exercise of any of
the Lender's Rights or Remedies, and no express or implied agreement or
transaction of whatever nature entered into between the Lender and any person,
at any time, shall preclude the other or further exercise of the Lender's Rights
and Remedies. No waiver by the Lender of any of the
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Lender's Rights and Remedies on any one occasion shall be deemed a waiver on any
subsequent occasion, nor shall it be deemed a continuing waiver. The Lender's
Rights and Remedies may be exercised at such time or times and in such order of
preference as the Lender may determine. The Lender's Rights and Remedies may be
exercised without resort or regard to any other source of satisfaction of the
Liabilities.
10.8 -BORROWER'S EXERCISE OF LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. In lieu of the
exercise by the Lender of any or all of the Lender's Rights and Remedies after
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Lender may
require, and upon request by the Lender the Borrower shall, undertake to
liquidate the Collateral on behalf of the Lender in such manner as the Lender
may require. Such liquidation may be effected through a partial or chain-wide
store closing sale in a manner consistent with the foregoing enumeration of the
Lender's Rights and Remedies, and as otherwise permitted by the Bankruptcy
Court.
(a) The Lender may by written notice to the Borrower require the
Borrower to:
(i) File a Motion seeking to retain one or more agents to
sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the Collateral on terms acceptable to the
Lender.
(ii) File a Motion or Motions seeking to sell, assume, assign,
or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Leasehold Interests pursuant to
Sections 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, on terms acceptable to the Lender.
(b) The Borrower shall file such Motion(s) within Ten (10) days of
the Lender's request and shall diligently prosecute such Motion(s). If the
Borrower fails to so file or diligently prosecute the Motion(s), the Lender may
file a motion requesting authority to prosecute such Motion(s).
ARTICLE 11 - NOTICES:
11.1 -NOTICE ADDRESSES. All notices, demands, and other communications
made in respect of any Loan Document (other than a request for a loan or advance
or other financial accommodation under the Revolving Credit) shall be made to
the following addresses, each of which may be changed upon seven (7) days
written notice to all others given by certified mail, return receipt requested:
If to the Lender: ▇▇▇▇▇ Fargo Retail Finance, LLC
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ - ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention : ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
: Assistant Vice president
Fax : ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
E-mail : ▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇
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With a copy to: ▇▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ LLP
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention : ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esquire
Fax : ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
E-mail : ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇@▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇
If to the Borrower: Gadzooks, Inc.
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
Attention : ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇
: Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer
Fax : ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
With a copy to: Akin, Gump, Strauss, ▇▇▇▇▇ & ▇▇▇▇, LLP
▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
Attention : ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Esquire
Fax: : ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
11.2 -NOTICE GIVEN:
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, notices shall
be deemed made and correspondence received, as follows (all times being local to
the place of delivery or receipt):
(i) By mail: the sooner of when actually received or Three (3)
Business Days following deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid.
(ii) By recognized overnight express delivery: the Business
Day following the day when sent.
(iii) By Hand: If delivered on a Business Day after 9:00 AM
and no later than Three (3) hours prior to the close of customary business hours
of the recipient, when delivered. Otherwise, at the opening of the then next
Business Day.
(iv) By Facsimile transmission (which must include a header on
which the party sending such transmission is indicated): If sent on a Business
Day after 9:00 AM and no later than Three (3) hours prior to the close of
customary business hours of the recipient, one (1) hour after being sent.
Otherwise, at the opening of the then next Business Day.
(b) Rejection or refusal to accept delivery and inability to deliver
because of a changed address or Facsimile Number for which no due notice was
given shall each be deemed receipt of the notice sent.
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ARTICLE 12 - TERM:
12.1 -TERMINATION OF REVOLVING CREDIT. The Revolving Credit shall remain
in effect until the Termination Date.
12.2 -ACTIONS ON TERMINATION.
(a) On the Termination Date, the Borrower shall pay the Lender
(whether or not then due), in immediately available funds, all then Liabilities
including, without limitation: the following:
(i) The entire balance of the Loan Account (including the
unpaid principal balance of the Revolving Credit Loans ).
(ii) Any then remaining installments of the Facility Fee.
(iii) Any payments due on account of the indemnification
obligations included in this Agreement.
(iv) Any accrued and unpaid Unused Line Fee.
(v) Any applicable Revolving Credit Early Termination Fee.
(vi) All unreimbursed costs and expenses of the Lender; for
which the Borrower is responsible.
(vii) All other Liabilities.
(b) On the Termination Date, the Borrower shall also shall make such
arrangements concerning any L/C's and Bank Products and Bank Product Obligations
then outstanding as are reasonably satisfactory to the Lender.
(c) Until such payment (Section 12.2(a)) and arrangements concerning
L/C's (Section 12.2(b)), all provisions of this Agreement, other than those
included in Article 2 which place any obligation on the Lender to make any loans
or advances or to provide any financial accommodations to the Borrower shall
remain in full force and effect until all Liabilities shall have been paid in
full.
(d) The release by the Lender of the Collateral Interests granted
the Lender by the Borrower hereunder may be upon such conditions and
indemnifications as the Lender, in its discretion, reasonably may require,
including the providing of cash collateral for outstanding L/C's,
indemnification for items which may be charged back or returned or to afford
appropriate time for all open items to clear and be finally paid, and to address
other similar claims which could be asserted or charged against the Lender, all
as determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion.
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ARTICLE 13 - GENERAL:
13.1 -PROTECTION OF COLLATERAL. The Lender has no duty as to the
collection or protection of the Collateral beyond the safe custody of such of
the Collateral as may come into the possession of the Lender.
13.2 -PUBLICITY. The Lender may issue a "tombstone" notice of the
establishment of the credit facility contemplated by this Agreement and may make
reference to the Borrower (and may utilize any logo or other distinctive symbol
associated with the Borrower) in connection with any advertising, promotion, or
marketing (including reference in any "case study" of the creditor facility
contemplated hereby) undertaken by the Lender.
13.3 -SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
Borrower and the Borrower's representatives, successors, and assigns and shall
enure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors and assigns, provided,
however, no trustee or other fiduciary appointed with respect to the Borrower
shall have any rights hereunder. In addition to any other assignment, which
shall be to a commercial bank or other recognized commercial lending or similar
financial institution with a combined capital and surplus of not less than
$100,000,000.00, the Borrower acknowledges that the Lender may assign this
Agreement and the Lender's rights hereunder to any Affiliate of the Lender at
any time. In the event that the Lender assigns or transfers its rights under
this Agreement, the assignee shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with
all rights, powers, privileges, and duties of the Lender hereunder and the
Lender shall thereupon be discharged and relieved from its duties and
obligations hereunder.
13.4 -SEVERABILITY. Any determination that any provision of this Agreement
or any application thereof is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect
in any instance shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of
such provision in any other instance, or the validity, legality, or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
13.5 -AMENDMENTS. COURSE OF DEALING.
(a) This Agreement and the other Loan Documents incorporate all
discussions and negotiations between the Borrower and the Lender, either express
or implied, concerning the matters included herein and in such other
instruments, any custom, usage, or course of dealings to the contrary
notwithstanding. No such discussions, negotiations, custom, usage, or course of
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dealings shall limit, modify, or otherwise affect the provisions thereof. No
failure by the Lender to give notice to the Borrower of the Borrower's having
failed to observe and comply with any warranty or covenant included in any Loan
Document shall constitute a waiver of such warranty or covenant or the amendment
of the subject Loan Document. No change made by the Lender to the manner by
which Borrowing Base is determined shall obligate the Lender to continue to
determine Borrowing Base in that manner.
(b) The Borrower may undertake any action otherwise prohibited
hereby, and may omit to take any action otherwise required hereby, upon and with
the express prior written consent of the Lender. No consent, modification,
amendment, or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document shall be effective
unless executed in writing by or on behalf of the party to be charged with such
modification, amendment, or waiver (and if such party is the Lender then by a
duly authorized officer thereof).
13.6 -POWER OF ATTORNEY. In connection with all powers of attorney
included in this Agreement, the Borrower hereby grants unto the Lender (acting
through any of its officers) full power to do any and all things necessary or
appropriate in connection with the exercise of such powers as fully and
effectually as the Borrower might, hereby ratifying all that said attorney shall
do or cause to be done by virtue of this Agreement. No power of attorney set
forth in this Agreement shall be affected by any disability or incapacity
suffered by the Borrower and each shall survive the same. All powers conferred
upon the Lender by this Agreement, being coupled with an interest, shall be
irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated by a written instrument executed
by a duly authorized officer of the Lender.
13.7 -APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS. The proceeds of any collection, sale, or
disposition of the Collateral, or of any other payments received hereunder,
shall be applied towards the Liabilities in such order and manner as the Lender
determines in its sole discretion, consistent, however, with all applicable
provisions of this Agreement. The Borrower shall remain liable for any
deficiency remaining following such application.
13.8 -INCREASED COSTS. If, as a result of any Requirement of Law, or of
the interpretation or application thereof by any court or by any governmental or
other authority or entity charged with the administration thereof, whether or
not having the force of law, which:
(a) subjects the Lender to any taxes or changes the basis of
taxation, or increases any existing taxes, on payments of principal, interest or
other amounts payable by the
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Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement (except for taxes on the Lender
based on net income or capital imposed by the jurisdiction in which the
principal or lending offices of the Lender are located);
(b) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any reserve, cash margin,
special deposit or similar requirements against assets held by, or deposits in
or for the account of or loans by or any other acquisition of funds by the
relevant funding office of the Lender;
(c) imposes on the Lender any other condition with respect to any
Loan Document; or
(d) imposes on the Lender a requirement to maintain or allocate
capital in relation to the Liabilities;
and the result of any of the foregoing, in the Lender's reasonable
opinion, is to increase the actual cost to the Lender of making or maintaining
any loan, advance or financial accommodation or to reduce the income receivable
by the Lender in respect of any loan, advance or financial accommodation by an
amount which the Lender deems to be material, then upon written notice from the
Lender, from time to time, to the Borrower (such notice to set out in reasonable
detail the facts giving rise to and a summary calculation of such increased cost
or reduced income), the Borrower shall forthwith pay to the Lender, upon receipt
of such notice, that amount which shall compensate the Lender for such
additional cost or reduction in income; provided that the Lender shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any such costs.
13.9 -COSTS AND EXPENSES OF THE LENDER.
(a) The Borrower shall pay from time to time on demand all Costs of
Collection and all reasonable costs, expenses, and disbursements (including
attorneys' reasonable fees and expenses) which are incurred by the Lender in
connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, and delivery of this
Agreement and of any other Loan Documents, and all other reasonable costs,
expenses, and disbursements which may be incurred in connection with or in
respect to the credit facility contemplated hereby or which otherwise are
incurred with respect to the Liabilities.
(b) The Borrower authorizes the Lender to pay all such fees and
expenses and in the Lender's discretion, to add such fees and expenses to the
Loan Account.
(c) The undertaking on the part of the Borrower in this Section 13.9
shall survive payment of the Liabilities and/or any termination, release, or
discharge executed by the Lender in favor of the Borrower, other than a
termination, release, or discharge which makes specific reference to this
Section 13.9.
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13.10 -COPIES AND FACSIMILES. Each Loan Document and all documents and
papers which relates thereto which have been or may be hereinafter furnished the
Lender may be reproduced by the Lender by any photographic, microfilm,
xerographic, digital imaging, or other process, and the Lender may destroy any
document so reproduced. Any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as
the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not
the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made in
the regular course of business). Any facsimile which bears proof of transmission
shall be binding on the party which or on whose behalf such transmission was
initiated and likewise shall be so admissible in evidence as if the original of
such facsimile had been delivered to the party which or on whose behalf such
transmission was received.
13.11 -MASSACHUSETTS LAW. This Agreement and all rights and obligations
hereunder, including matters of construction, validity, and performance, shall
be governed by the law of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
13.12 -CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.
(a) The Borrower agrees that any legal action, proceeding, case, or
controversy against the Borrower with respect to any Loan Document may be
brought in the Bankruptcy Court.
(b) The Borrower WAIVES personal service of any and all process upon
it, and irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any of the
aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies
thereof by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's
address for notices as specified herein, such service to become effective five
(5) Business Days after such mailing.
(c) The Borrower WAIVES any objection based on forum non conveniens
and any objection to venue of any action or proceeding instituted under any of
the Loan Documents and consents to the granting of such legal or equitable
remedy as is deemed appropriate by the Court.
(d) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Lender to bring
legal actions or proceedings in any other competent jurisdiction.
(e) The Borrower agrees that any action commenced by the Borrower
asserting any claim arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any
other Loan
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Document shall be brought solely in the Bankruptcy Court, and that such Court
shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any such action.
13.13 -INDEMNIFICATION. The Borrower shall indemnify, defend, and hold the
Lender and any Participant and any of their respective employees, officers, or
agents (each, an "INDEMNIFIED PERSON") harmless of and from any claim brought or
threatened against any Indemnified Person by the Borrower, any guarantor or
endorser of the Liabilities, or any other Person (as well as from attorneys'
reasonable fees, expenses, and disbursements in connection therewith) on account
of the relationship of the Borrower or of any other guarantor or endorser of the
Liabilities, including all costs, expenses, liabilities, and damages as may be
suffered by any Indemnified Person in connection with (x) the Collateral; (y)
the occurrence of any Event of Default; or (z) the exercise of any rights or
remedies under any of the Loan Documents (each of claims which may be defended,
compromised, settled, or pursued by the Indemnified Person with counsel of the
Lender's selection, but at the expense of the Borrower) other than any claim as
to which a final determination is made in a judicial proceeding (in which the
Lender and any other Indemnified Person has had an opportunity to be heard),
which determination includes a specific finding that the Indemnified Person
seeking indemnification had acted in a grossly negligent manner or in actual bad
faith. This indemnification shall survive payment of the Liabilities and/or any
termination, release, or discharge executed by the Lender in favor of the
Borrower, other than a termination, release, or discharge duly executed on
behalf of the Lender which makes specific reference to this Section 13.13.
13.14 -RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. The following rules of construction shall be
applied in the interpretation, construction, and enforcement of this Agreement
and of the other Loan Documents:
(a) Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein (and then only
to the extent so provided), interest and any fee or charge which is stated as a
per annum percentage shall be calculated based on a 360 day year and actual days
elapsed.
(b) Words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural
include the singular.
(c) Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein or in a
specific Loan Document (and then only to the extent so provided), as between the
parties hereto or to any Loan Document, the definitions of the following terms,
as included in the UCC, are deemed to be as
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follows for purposes of the performance of obligations arising under or in
respect of any Loan Document:
(i) "Authenticate" means "signed".
(ii) "Record" means written information in a tangible form.
(d) Cross references to Sections in this Agreement begin with the
Article in which that Section appears, followed by a colon, and then the Section
to which reference is made. (For example, a reference to "Section 5:5-6" is to
Section 5-6, which appears in Article 5 of this Agreement).
(e) Titles, headings (indicated by being underlined or shown in
SMALL CAPITALS) and any Table of Contents are solely for convenience of
reference; do not constitute a part of the instrument in which included; and do
not affect such instrument's meaning, construction, or effect.
(f) The words "includes" and "including" are not limiting.
(g) Text which follows the words "including, without limitation" (or
similar words) is illustrative and not limitational.
(h) Text which is shown in italics (except for parenthesized
italicized text), shown in BOLD, shown IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, or in any
combination of the foregoing, shall be deemed to be conspicuous.
(i) The words "may not" are prohibitive and not permissive.
(j) Any reference to a Person's "knowledge" (or words of similar
import) are to such Person's knowledge assuming that such Person has undertaken
reasonable and diligent investigation with respect to the subject of such
"knowledge" (whether or not such investigation has actually been undertaken).
(k) Terms which are defined in one section of any Loan Document are
used with such definition throughout the instrument in which so defined.
(l) The term "Dollars" and the symbol "$" each refers to United
States Dollars.
(m) Unless limited by reference to a particular Section or
provision, any reference to "herein", "hereof", or "within" is to the entire
Loan Document in which such reference is made.
(n) References to "this Agreement" or to any other Loan Document is
to the subject instrument as amended to the date on which application of such
reference is being made.
(o) Except as otherwise specifically provided, all references to
time are to Boston time.
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(p) In the determination of any notice, grace, or other period of
time prescribed or allowed hereunder:
(i) Unless otherwise provided (I) the day of the act, event,
or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be
included and the last day of the period so computed shall be included unless
such last day is not a Business Day, in which event the last day of the relevant
period shall be the then next Business Day and (II) the period so computed shall
end at 5:00 PM on the relevant Business Day.
(ii) The word "from" means "from and including".
(iii) The words "to" and "until" each mean "to, but
excluding".
(iv) The word "through" means "to and including".
(q) The Loan Documents shall be construed and interpreted in a
harmonious manner and in keeping with the intentions set forth in Section 13.15
hereof, provided, however, in the event of any inconsistency between the
provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document, the provisions of this
Agreement shall govern and control.
13.15 -INTENT. It is intended that:
(a) This Agreement take effect as a sealed instrument.
(b) The scope of all Collateral Interests created by the Borrower to
secure the Liabilities be broadly construed in favor of the Lender and that they
cover all assets of the Borrower.
(c) All Collateral Interests created in favor of the Lender at any
time and from time to time secure all Liabilities, whether now existing or
contemplated or hereafter arising.
(d) All reasonable costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred by
the Lender in connection with the Lender's relationship(s) with the Borrower
shall be borne by the Borrower.
(e) Unless otherwise explicitly provided herein, the Lender's
consent to any action of the Borrower which is prohibited unless such consent is
given may be given or refused by the Lender in its sole discretion and without
reference to Section 2(q) hereof.
13.16 -PARTICIPATIONS The Lender may sell participations in the Lender's
interests herein to one or more financial institutions (each, a "PARTICIPANT").
13.17 -RIGHT OF SET-OFF. Any and all deposits or other sums at any time
credited by or due to the Borrower from the Lender or any Participant or from
any Affiliate of any of the
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foregoing, and any cash, securities, instruments or other property of the
Borrower in the possession of any of the foregoing, whether for safekeeping or
otherwise (regardless of the reason such Person had received the same) shall at
all times constitute security for all Liabilities and for any and all
obligations of the Borrower to the Lender or any Participant or such Affiliate
and may be applied or set off against the Liabilities and against such
obligations at any time, whether or not such are then due and whether or not
other collateral is then available to the Lender.
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13.18 -PLEDGES TO FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS: Nothing included in this
Agreement shall prevent or limit the Lender, to the extent that the Lender is
subject to any of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks organized under Section 4 of
the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. Section 341) from pledging all or any portion
of that Lender's interest and rights under this Agreement, provided, however,
neither such pledge nor the enforcement thereof shall release the Lender from
any of its obligations hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents.
13.19 -MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE. Notwithstanding any other provision of any
Loan Document, interest on the indebtedness evidenced by any Loan Document is
expressly limited so that in no contingency or event whatsoever, whether by
acceleration of the maturity of any Loan Document or otherwise, shall the
interest contracted for, charged or received by the Lender exceed the maximum
amount permissible under Applicable Law. If from any circumstances whatsoever
fulfillment of any provisions of any Loan Document or of any other document
evidencing, securing or pertaining the indebtedness evidenced hereby, at the
time performance of such provision shall be due, shall involve transcending the
limit of validity prescribed by law, then ipso facto, the obligations to be
fulfilled shall be reduced to the limit of such validity, and if from any such
circumstances the Lender shall ever receive anything of value as interest or
deemed interest by Applicable Law under any Loan Document evidencing, securing
or pertaining to the Indebtedness or otherwise an amount that would exceed the
highest lawful rate, such amount that would be excessive interest shall be
applied to the reduction of the principal amount owing under the Loan Documents
or on account of any indebtedness of the Borrower to the Lender, and not to the
payment of interest, or if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance of
the Indebtedness, such excess shall be refunded to the Borrower. In determining
whether or not the interest paid or payable with respect to the Indebtedness,
under any specific contingency, exceeds the highest lawful rate, the Borrower
and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, (a)
characterize any non-principal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than
as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c)
amortize, prorate, allocate and spread the total amount of interest throughout
the full term of such indebtedness so that the actual rate of interest on
account of such indebtedness does not exceed the maximum amount permitted by
Applicable Law, and/or (d) allocate interest between portions of such
Indebtedness, to the end that no such portion shall bear interest at a rate
greater than that permitted by Applicable Law. The terms and provisions of this
paragraph shall control and supercede every other conflicting provision of any
Loan Document and all other agreements between the Borrower and the Lender.
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13.20 -WAIVERS.
(a) The Borrower (and all guarantors, endorsers, and sureties of the
Liabilities) make each of the waivers included in Section (b), below, knowingly,
voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Lender, in establishing
the facilities contemplated hereby and in providing loans and other financial
accommodations to or for the account of the Borrower as provided herein, whether
not or in the future, is relying on such waivers.
(b) THE BORROWER, AND EACH SUCH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER, AND SURETY
RESPECTIVELY WAIVES THE FOLLOWING:
(i) Except as otherwise specifically required hereby, notice
of non-payment, demand, presentment, protest and all forms of demand and notice,
both with respect to the Liabilities and the Collateral.
(ii) Except as otherwise specifically required hereby, the
right to notice and/or hearing prior to the Lender's exercising of the Lender's
rights upon default.
(iii) THE RIGHT TO A JURY IN ANY TRIAL OF ANY CASE OR
CONTROVERSY IN WHICH THE LENDER IS OR BECOMES A PARTY (WHETHER SUCH CASE OR
CONTROVERSY IS INITIATED BY OR AGAINST THE LENDER OR IN WHICH THE LENDER IS
JOINED AS A PARTY LITIGANT), WHICH CASE OR CONTROVERSY ARISES OUT OF OR IS IN
RESPECT OF, ANY RELATIONSHIP AMONG OR BETWEEN THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER PERSON
AND THE LENDER LIKEWISE WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A JURY IN ANY TRIAL OF ANY SUCH CASE
OR CONTROVERSY).
(iv) Any defense, counterclaim, set-off, recoupment, or other
basis on which the amount of any Liability, as stated on the books and records
of the Lender, could be reduced or claimed to be paid otherwise than in
accordance with the tenor of and written terms of such Liability.
(v) Any claim to consequential, special, or punitive damages.
(vi) Any notice of the Lender's intent to accelerate the
Liabilities.
(vii) Any notice of the acceleration of the Liabilities by the
Lender.
[Signatures follow]
..87..
GADZOOKS, INC.,
DEBTOR AND DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
(" BORROWER")
By_________________________________
Print Name:________________________________
Title:_____________________________
▇▇▇▇▇ FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC
("LENDER")
By_________________________________
Print Name:________________________________
Title:_____________________________
..88..
EXHIBIT 4-41
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COVENANTS
NB. --All Financial Performance Covenants are with regard to, and
tested against, performance and operations of non-Closing Stores only.
1. SALES RECEIPTS. The Borrower shall not permit its actual sales receipts,
tested weekly on a cumulative basis, to be less than: (i) Eight-five
percent for the period from the Petition Date through February 21, 2004,
and (ii) Ninety percent (90%) thereafter, of the Borrower's projected
sales receipts as shown in the Budget.
2. DISBURSEMENTS. The Borrower shall not permit its actual disbursements,
tested weekly on a cumulative basis, to be greater than: (i) One hundred
fifteen (115%) percent for the period from the Petition Date through
February 21, 2004, and (ii) One hundred ten percent (110%) thereafter, of
the Borrower's projected disbursements as shown in the Budget.
3. MIN/MAX INVENTORY. The Borrower shall at all times, tested monthly as of
the end of each calendar month, maintain gross Inventory in aggregate
amounts (measured at Cost) not (i) less than (a) Eighty-five percent (85%)
for t he month of February, 2004, and (b) Ninety percent (90%) thereafter,
or (ii) greater than (a) One hundred fifteen percent (115%) for the month
of February, 2004, and (b) One hundred ten percent (110%) thereafter, of
the amounts shown in the Budget.
4. GROSS MARGIN. The Borrower shall not permit its actual Gross Margin (as
determined in accordance with GAAP) for any Fiscal month to be more than
Three percent (3%) less than the Borrower's projected Gross Margin for the
subject month as shown in the Budget.
5. EBITDA. The Borrower shall not permit its actual EBITDA (as determined in
accordance with GAAP), tested monthly as of the end of each Fiscal month
on a cumulative basis, to be less than Eighty-five percent (85%) of the
Borrower's projected cumulative EBITDA through the end of such month as
shown in the Budget.