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EXHIBIT 7.x
COMMERCIAL GUARANTY
BORROWER: CARDIODYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL LENDER: Imperial Bank
CORPORATION Emerging Growth Industries Group
6175 ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ Drive, Suite ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇ ▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇
▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇
GUARANTOR: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
================================================================================
AMOUNT OF GUARANTY. The principal amount of this Guaranty is Three Million Four
Hundred Thousand & 00/100 Dollars ($3,400,000.00).
CONTINUING GUARANTY. For good and valuable consideration, ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
("Guarantor") absolutely and unconditionally guarantees and promises to pay to
Imperial Bank ("Lender"), or its order, in legal tender of the United States of
America, the indebtedness (as that term is defined below) of CARDIODYNAMICS
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ("Borrower") to Lender on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Guaranty. The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty are
continuing.
DEFINITIONS:. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Guaranty:
BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means CARDIODYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL
CORPORATION.
GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.
GUARANTY. The word "Guaranty" means this Guaranty made by Guarantor for the
benefit of Lender dated May 14, 1998.
INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" is used in its most comprehensive
sense and means and includes any and all of Borrower's liabilities,
obligations, debts and indebtedness to Lender, now existing or hereinafter
incurred or created, including, without limitation, all loans, advances,
interest, costs, debts, overdraft indebtedness, credit card indebtedness,
lease obligations, other obligations, and liabilities of Borrower, or any
of them, and any present or future judgments against Borrower, or any of
them; and whether any such Indebtedness is voluntarily or involuntarily
incurred, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or
unliquidated, determined or undetermined; whether Borrower may be liable
individually or jointly with others, or primarily or secondarily, or as
guarantor or surety; whether recovery on the Indebtedness may be or may
become barred or unenforceable against Borrower for any reason whatsoever;
and whether the Indebtedness arises from transactions which may be voidable
on account of infancy, insanity, ultra ▇▇▇▇▇, or otherwise.
LENDER. The word "Lender" means Imperial Bank, its successors and assigns.
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RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds
of trust and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.
MAXIMUM LIABILITY. The maximum liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall
not exceed at any one time the sum of the principal amount of $3,400,000.00,
plus all interest thereon, plus 85% of Lender's costs, expenses and attorneys'
fees incurred in connection with or relating to (a) the collection of the
Indebtedness, (b) the collection and sale of any collateral for the Indebtedness
or this Guaranty, or (c) the enforcement of this Guaranty. Attorneys' fees
include, without limitation, attorneys' fees whether or not there is a lawsuit,
and if there is a lawsuit, any fees and costs for trial and appeals.
The above limitation on liability is not a restriction on the amount of the
Indebtedness of BorrOwer to Lender either in the aggregate or at any one time.
If Lender presently holds one or more guaranties, or hereafter receives
additional guaranties from Guarantor, the rights of Lender under all guaranties
shall be cumulative. This Guaranty shall not (unless specifically provided below
to the contrary) affect or invalidate any such other guaranties. The liability
of Guarantor will be the aggregate liability of Guarantor under the terms of
this Guaranty and any such other unterminated guaranties.
NATURE OF GUARANTY. Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty shall be open and
continuous for so long as this Guaranty remains in force. Guarantor intends to
guarantee at all times the performance and prompt payment when due, whether at
maturity or earlier by reason of acceleration or otherwise, all of the
Indebtedness within the limits set forth in the preceding section of this
Guaranty. Accordingly, no payments made upon the Indebtedness will discharge or
diminish the continuing liability of Guarantor in connection with any remaining
portions of the Indebtedness or any of the Indebtedness which subsequently
arises or is thereafter incurred or contracted. Any married person who signs
this Guaranty hereby expressly agrees that recourse may be had against both his
or her separate property and community property.
DURATION OF GUARANTY. This Guaranty will take effect when received by Lender
without the necessity of any acceptance by Lender, or any notice to Guarantor or
to Borrower, and will continue in full force until all Indebtedness incurred or
contracted before receipt by Lender of any notice of revocation shall have been
fully and finally paid and satisfied and all other obligations of Guarantor
under this Guaranty shall have been performed in full. If Guarantor elects to
revoke this Guaranty, Guarantor may only do so in writing. Guarantor's written
notice of revocation must be mailed to Lender, by certified mail, at the address
of Lender listed above or such other place as Lender may designate in writing.
Written revocation of this Guaranty will apply only to advances or new
Indebtedness created after actual receipt by Lender of Guarantor's written
revocation. For this purpose and without limitation, the term "new Indebtedness"
does not include Indebtedness which at the time of notice of revocation is
contingent, unliquidated, undetermined or not due and which later becomes
absolute, liquidated, determined or due. This Guaranty will continue to bind
Guarantor for all Indebtedness incurred by Borrower or committed by Lender prior
to receipt of Guarantor's written notice of revocation, including any
extensions, renewals, substitutions or modifications of the Indebtedness. All
renewals, extensions, substitutions, and modifications of the Indebtedness
granted after Guarantor's revocation, are contemplated under this Guaranty and,
specifically will not be
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considered to be new Indebtedness. This Guaranty shall bind the estate of
Guarantor as to Indebtedness created both before and after the death or
incapacity of Guarantor, regardless of Lender's actual notice of Guarantor's
death. Subject to the foregoing, Guarantor's executor or administrator or other
legal representative may terminate this Guaranty in the same manner in which
Guarantor might have terminated it and with the same effect. Release of any
other guarantor or termination of any other guaranty of the Indebtedness shall
not affect the liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty. A revocation received
by Lender from any one or more Guarantors shall not affect the liability of any
remaining Guarantors under this Guaranty. It is anticipated that fluctuations
may occur in the aggregate amount of Indebtedness covered by this Guaranty, and
it is specifically acknowledged and agreed by Guarantor that reductions in the
amount of Indebtedness, even to zero dollars ($0.00), prior to written
revocation of this Guaranty by Guarantor shall not constitute a termination of
this Guaranty. This Guaranty is binding upon Guarantor and Guarantor's heirs,
successors and assigns so long as any of the guaranteed Indebtedness remains
unpaid and even though the Indebtedness guaranteed may from time to time be zero
dollars ($0.00).
GUARANTOR'S AUTHORIZATION TO LENDER. Guarantor authorizes Lender, either before
or after any revocation hereof, without notice or demand and without lessening
Guarantor's liability under this Guaranty, from time to time: (a) prior to
revocation as set forth above, to make one or more additional secured or
unsecured loans to Borrower, to lease equipment or other goods to Borrower, or
otherwise to extend additional credit to Borrower; (b) to alter, compromise,
renew, extend, accelerate, or otherwise change one or more times the time for
payment or other terms of the Indebtedness or any part of the Indebtedness,
including increases and decreases of the rate of interest on the Indebtedness;
extensions may be repeated and may be for longer than the original loan term;
(c) to take and hold security for the payment of this Guaranty or the
Indebtedness, and exchange, enforce, waive, subordinate, fail or decide not to
perfect, and release any such security, with or without the substitution of new
collateral; (d) to release, substitute, agree not to ▇▇▇, or deal with any one
or more of Borrower's sureties, endorsers, or other guarantors on any terms or
in any manner Lender may choose; (e) to determine how, when and what application
of payments and credits shall be made on the Indebtedness; (f) to apply such
security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof, including without
limitation, any nonjudicial sale permitted by the terms of the controlling
security agreement or deed of trust, as Lender in its discretion may determine;
(g) to sell, transfer, assign, or grant participations in all or any part of the
Indebtedness; and (h) to assign or transfer this Guaranty in whole or in part.
GUARANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Guarantor represents and warrants to
Lender that (a) no representations or agreements of any kind have been made to
Guarantor which would limit or qualify in any way the terms of this Guaranty;
(b) this Guaranty is executed at Borrower's request and not at the request of
Lender; (c) Guarantor has full power, right and authority to enter into this
Guaranty; (d) the provisions of this Guaranty do not conflict with or result in
a default under any agreement or other instrument binding upon Guarantor and do
not result in a violation of any law, regulation, court decree or order
applicable to Guarantor; (e) Guarantor has not and will not, without the prior
written consent of Lender, sell, lease, assign, encumber, hypothecate, transfer,
or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Guarantor's assets, or
substantially all interest therein; (f) upon Lender's request, Guarantor will
provide to Lender financial and credit information in form acceptable to Lender,
and all such financial information which currently has been, and all future
financial information which will be
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provided to Lender is and will be true and correct in all material respects and
fairly present the financial condition of Guarantor as of the dates the
financial information is provided; (g) no material adverse change has occurred
in Guarantor's financial condition since the date of the most recent financial
statements provided to Lender and no event has occurred which may materially
adversely affect Guarantor's financial condition; (h) no litigation, claim,
investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for
unpaid taxes) against Guarantor is pending or threatened; (i) Lender has made no
representation to Guarantor as to the creditworthiness of Borrower; and (j)
Guarantor has established adequate means of obtaining from Borrower on a
continuing basis information regarding Borrower's financial condition. Guarantor
agrees to keep adequately informed from such means of any facts, events, or
circumstances which might in any way affect Guarantor's risks under this
Guaranty, and Guarantor further agrees that, absent a request for information,
Lender shall have no obligation to disclose to Guarantor any information or
documents acquired by Lender in the course of its relationship with Borrower.
GUARANTOR'S WAIVERS. Except as prohibited by applicable law, Guarantor waives
any right to require Lender to (a) make any presentment, protest, demand, or
notice of any kind, including notice of change of any terms of repayment of the
Indebtedness, default by Borrower or any other guarantor or surety, any action
or nonaction taken by Borrower, Lender, or any other guarantor or surety of
Borrower, or the creation of new or additional Indebtedness; (b) proceed against
any person, including Borrower, before proceeding against Guarantor; (c) proceed
against any collateral for the Indebtedness, including Borrower's collateral,
before proceeding against Guarantor; (d) apply any payments or proceeds received
against the Indebtedness in any order; (e) give notice of the terms, time and
place of any sale of the collateral pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or
any other law governing such sale; (f) disclose any information about the
Indebtedness, the Borrower, the collateral, or any other guarantor or surety, or
about any action or nonaction of Lender; or (g) pursue any remedy or course of
action in Lender's power whatsoever.
Guarantor also waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of (h)
any disability or other defense of Borrower, any other guarantor or surety or
any other person; (i) the cessation from any cause whatsoever, other than
payment in full, of the Indebtedness; (j) the application of proceeds of the
Indebtedness by Borrower for purposes other than purposes understood and
intended by Guarantor and Lender; (k) any act of omission or commission by
Lender which directly or indirectly results in or contributes to the discharge
of Borrower or any other guarantor or surety, or the Indebtedness, or the loss
or release of any collateral by operation of law or otherwise; (l) any statute
of limitations in any action under this Guaranty or on the Indebtedness; or (m)
any modification or change in terms of the Indebtedness, whatsoever, including
without limitation, the renewal, extension, acceleration, or other change in the
time payment of the Indebtedness is due and any change in the interest rate, and
including any such modification or change in terms after revocation of this
Guaranty on Indebtedness incurred prior to such revocation.
Guarantor waives all rights and any defenses arising out of an election of
remedies by Lender even though that election of remedies, such as a nonjudicial
foreclosure with respect to security for a guaranteed obligation, has destroyed
Guarantor's rights of subrogation and reimbursement against Borrower by
operation of Section 580d of the California Code of Civil Procedure or
otherwise.
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Guarantor waives all rights and defenses that Guarantor may have because
Borrower's obligation is secured by real property. This means among other
things: (1) Lender may collect from Guarantor without first foreclosing on any
real or personal property collateral pledged by Borrower. (2) If Lender
forecloses on any real property collateral pledged by Borrower: (A) The amount
of Borrower's obligation may be reduced only by the price for which the
collateral is sold at the foreclosure sale, even if the collateral is worth more
than the sale price. (B) Lender may collect from Guarantor even if Lender, by
foreclosing on the real property collateral, has destroyed any right Guarantor
may have to collect from Borrower. This is an unconditional waiver of any rights
and defenses Guarantor may have because Borrower's obligation is secured by real
property. These rights and defenses include, but are not limited to, any rights
and defenses based upon Section 580a, 580b, 580d, or 726 of the Code of Civil
Procedure.
Guarantor understands and agrees that the foregoing waivers are waivers of
substantive rights and defenses to which Guarantor might otherwise be entitled
under state and federal law. The rights and defenses waived include, without
limitation, those provided by California laws of suretyship and guaranty,
anti-deficiency laws, and the Uniform Commercial Code. Guarantor acknowledges
that Guarantor has provided these waivers of rights and defenses with the
intention that they be fully relied upon by Lender. Until all Indebtedness is
paid in full, Guarantor waives any right to enforce any remedy Lender may have
against Borrower or any other guarantor, surety, or other person, and further,
Guarantor waives any right to participate in any collateral for the Indebtedness
now or hereafter held by Lender.
If now or hereafter (a) Borrower shall be or become insolvent, and (b) the
Indebtedness shall not at all times until paid be fully secured by collateral
pledged by Borrower, Guarantor hereby forever waives and relinquishes in favor
of Lender and Borrower, and their respective successors, any claim or right to
payment Guarantor may now have or hereafter have or acquire against Borrower, by
subrogation or otherwise, so that at no time shall Guarantor be or become a
"creditor" of Borrower within the meaning of 11 U.S.C. section 547(b), or any
successor provision of the Federal bankruptcy laws.
GUARANTOR'S UNDERSTANDING WITH RESPECT TO WAIVERS. Guarantor warrants and agrees
that each of the waivers set forth above is made with Guarantor's full knowledge
of its significance and consequences and that, under the circumstances, the
waivers are reasonable and not contrary to public policy or law. If any such
waiver is determined to be contrary to any applicable law or public policy, such
waiver shall be effective only to the extent permitted by law or public policy.
LENDER'S RIGHT OF SETOFF. In addition to all liens upon and rights of setoff
against the moneys, securities or other property of Guarantor given to Lender by
law, Lender shall have, with respect to Guarantor's obligations to Lender under
this Guaranty and to the extent permitted by law, a contractual possessory
security interest in and a right of setoff against, and Guarantor hereby
assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to Lender all of Guarantor's
right, title and interest in and to, all deposits, moneys, securities and other
property of Guarantor now or hereafter in the possession of or on deposit with
Lender, whether held in a general or special account or deposit, whether held
jointly with someone else, or whether held for safekeeping or otherwise,
excluding however all ▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, and trust accounts. Every such security
interest and right of setoff may be exercised without demand upon or notice to
Guarantor. No security interest or right of setoff shall be deemed to have been
waived by any act or conduct on the part of Lender or by any neglect to exercise
such right of setoff or to enforce such security interest or
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by any delay in so doing. Every right of setoff and security interest shall
continue in full force and effect until such right of setoff or security
interest is specifically waived or released by an instrument in writing executed
by Lender.
SUBORDINATION OF BORROWER'S DEBTS TO GUARANTOR. Guarantor agrees that the
indebtedness of Borrower to Lender, whether now existing or hereafter created,
shall be prior to any claim that Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire
against Borrower, whether or not Borrower becomes insolvent. Guarantor hereby
expressly subordinates any claim Guarantor may have against Borrower, upon any
account whatsoever, to any claim that Lender may now or hereafter have against
Borrower. In the event of insolvency and consequent liquidation of the assets of
Borrower, through bankruptcy, by an assignment for the benefit of creditors, by
voluntary liquidation, or otherwise, the assets of Borrower applicable to the
payment of the claims of both Lender and Guarantor shall be paid to Lender and
shall be first applied by Lender to the Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender.
Guarantor does hereby assign to Lender all claims which it may have or acquire
against Borrower or against any assignee or trustee in bankruptcy of Borrower;
provided however, that such assignment shall be effective only for the purpose
of assuring to Lender full payment in legal tender of the Indebtedness. If
Lender so requests, any notes or credit agreements now or hereafter evidencing
any debts or obligations of Borrower to Guarantor shall be marked with a legend
that the same are subject to this Guaranty and shall be delivered to Lender.
Guarantor agrees, and Lender hereby is authorized, in the name of Guarantor,
from time to time to execute and file financing statements and continuation
statements and to execute such other documents and to take such other actions as
Lender deems necessary or appropriate to perfect, preserve and enforce its
rights under this Guaranty.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Guaranty:
INTEGRATION, AMENDMENT. Guarantor warrants, represents and agrees that
this Guaranty, together with any exhibits or schedules incorporated
herein, fully incorporates the agreements and understandings of
Guarantor with Lender with respect to the subject matter hereof and all
prior negotiations, drafts, and other extrinsic communications between
Guarantor and Lender shall have no evidentiary effect whatsoever.
Guarantor further agrees that Guarantor has read and fully understands
the terms of this Guaranty; Guarantor has had the opportunity to be
advised by Guarantor's attorney with respect to this Guaranty; the
Guaranty fully reflects Guarantor's intentions and parol evidence is not
required to interpret the terms of this Guaranty. Guarantor hereby
indemnifies and holds Lender harmless from all losses, claims, damages,
and costs (including Lender's attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by
Lender as a result of any breach by Guarantor of the warranties,
representations and agreements of this paragraph. No alteration or
amendment to this Guaranty shall be effective unless given in writing
and signed by the parties sought to be charged or bound by the
alteration or amendment.
APPLICABLE Law. This Guaranty has been delivered to Lender in the State
of California. If there is a lawsuit, Guarantor agrees upon Lender's
request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Los Angeles
County, State of California. Lender and Guarantor hereby waive the right
to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by
either Lender or Guarantor against the other. (Initial Here AP) This
Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of California.
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ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Guarantor agrees to pay upon demand all of
Lender's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and Lender's
legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this
Guaranty. Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Guaranty, and
Guarantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs
and expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether
or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses
for bankruptcy proceedings (and including efforts to modify or vacate
any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated
post-judgment collection services. Guarantor also shall pay all court
costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.
NOTICES. All notices required to be given by either party to the other
under this Guaranty shall be in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile
(unless otherwise required by law), and, except for revocation notices
by Guarantor, shall be effective when actually delivered or when
deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or when
deposited in the United States mail, first class postage prepaid,
addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address
shown above or to such other addresses as either party may designate to
the other in writing. All revocation notices by Guarantor shall be in
writing and shall be effective only upon delivery to Lender as provided
above in the section titled "DURATION OF GUARANTY." If there is more
than one Guarantor, notice to any Guarantor will constitute notice to
all Guarantors. For notice purposes, Guarantor agrees to keep Lender
informed at all times of Guarantor's current address.
INTERPRETATION. In all cases where there is more than one Borrower or
Guarantor, then all words used in this Guaranty in the singular shall be
deemed to have been used in the plural where the context and
construction so require; and where there is more than one Borrower named
in this Guaranty or when this Guaranty is executed by more than one
Guarantor, the words "Borrower" and "Guarantor" respectively shall mean
all and any one or more of them. The words "Guarantor," "Borrower," and
"Lender" include the heirs, successors, assigns, and transferees of each
of them. Caption headings in this Guaranty are for convenience purposes
only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of
this Guaranty. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision
of this Guaranty to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances, and all
provisions of this Guaranty in all other respects shall remain valid and
enforceable. If any one or more of Borrower or Guarantor are
corporations or partnerships, it is not necessary for Lender to inquire
into the powers of Borrower or Guarantor or of the officers, directors,
partners, or agents acting or purporting to act on their behalf, and any
Indebtedness made or created in reliance upon the professed exercise of
such powers shall be guaranteed under this Guaranty.
WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Guaranty unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender
of a provision of this Guaranty shall not prejudice or constitute a
waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that
provision or any other provision of this Guaranty. No prior waiver by
Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Guarantor, shall
constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Guarantor's
obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of
Lender is required under this Guaranty, the granting of such
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consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing
consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in
all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion
of Lender.
REFERENCE PROVISION. 1. Other than (i) non-judicial foreclosure and all matters
in connection therewith regarding security interests in real or personal
property; or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, or the exercise of other
provisional remedies (any and all of which may be initiated pursuant to
applicable law), each controversy, dispute or claim between the parties arising
out of or relating to this document ("Agreement"), which controversy, dispute or
claim is not settled in writing within thirty (30) days after the "Claim Date"
(defined as the date on which a party subject to the Agreement gives written
notice to all other parties that a controversy, dispute or claim exists), will
be settled by a reference proceeding in California in accordance with the
provisions of Section 638 et seq. of the California Code of Civil Procedure, or
their successor section ("CCP"), which shall constitute the exclusive remedy for
the settlement of any controversy, dispute or claim concerning this Agreement,
including whether such controversy, dispute or claim is subject to the reference
proceeding and except as set forth above, the parties waive their rights to
initiate any legal proceedings against each other in any court or jurisdiction
other than the Superior Court in the County where the Real Property, if any, is
located or Los Angeles County if none (the "Court"). The referee shall be a
retired Judge of the Court selected by mutual agreement of the parties, and if
they cannot so agree within forty-five (45) days after the Claim Date, the
referee shall be promptly selected by the Presiding Judge of the Court (or his
representative). The referee shall be appointed to sit as a temporary judge,
with all of the powers for a temporary judge, as authorized by law, and upon
selection should take and subscribe to the oath of office as provided for in
Rule 244 of the California Rules of Court (or any subsequently enacted Rule).
Each party shall have one peremptory challenge pursuant to CCP 170.6. The
referee shall (a) be requested to set the matter for hearing within sixty (60)
days after the Claim Date and (b) try any and all issues of law or fact and
report a statement of decision upon them, if possible, within ninety (90) days
of the Claim Date. Any decision rendered by the referee will be final, binding
and conclusive and judgment shall be entered pursuant to CCP 644 in any court in
the State of California having jurisdiction. Any party may apply for a reference
proceeding at any time after thirty (30) days following notice to any other
party of the nature of the controversy, dispute or claim, by filing a petition
for a hearing and/or trial. All discovery permitted by this Agreement shall be
completed no later than fifteen (15) days before the first hearing date
established by the referee. The referee may extend such period in the event of a
party's refusal to provide requested discovery for any reason whatsoever,
including, without limitation, legal objections raised to such discovery or
unavailability of a witness due to absence or illness. No party shall be
entitled to "priority" in conducting discovery. Depositions may be taken by
either party upon seven (7) days written notice, and request for production or
inspection of documents shall be responded to within ten (10) days after
service. All disputes relating to discovery which cannot be resolved by the
parties shall be submitted to the referee whose decision shall be final and
binding upon the parties. Pending appointment of the referee as provided herein,
the Superior Court is empowered to issue temporary and/or provisional remedies,
as appropriate.
2. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the referee shall
determine the manner in which the reference proceeding is conducted including
the time and place of all hearings, the order of presentation of evidence, and
all other questions that arise with respect to the course of the reference
proceeding. All proceedings and hearings conducted before the referee, except
for
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trial, shall be conducted without a court reporter, except that when any party
so requests, a court reporter will be used at any hearing conducted before the
referee. The party making such a request shall have the obligation to arrange
for and pay for the court reporter. The costs of the court reporter at the trial
shall be borne equally by the parties.
3. The referee shall be required to determine all issues in accordance with
existing case law and the statutory laws of the State of California. The rules
of evidence applicable to proceedings at law in the State of California will be
applicable to the reference proceeding. The referee shall be empowered to enter
equitable as well as legal relief, to provide all temporary and/or provisional
remedies and to enter equitable orders that will be binding upon the parties.
The referee shall issue a single judgment at the close of the reference
proceeding which shall dispose of all of the claims of the parties that are the
subject of the reference. The parties hereto expressly reserve the right to
contest or appeal from the final judgment or any appealable order or appealable
judgment entered by the referee. The parties hereto expressly reserve the right
to findings of fact, conclusions of law, a written statement of decision, and
the right to move for a new trial or a different judgment, which new trial, if
granted, is also to be a reference proceeding under this provision.
4. In the event that the enabling legislation which provides for
appointment of a referee is repealed (and no successor statute is enacted), any
dispute between the parties that would otherwise be determined by the reference
procedure herein described will be resolved and determined by arbitration. The
arbitration will be conducted by a retired judge of the Court, in accordance
with the California Arbitration Act, 1280 through 1294.2 of the CCP as amended
from time to time. The limitations with respect to discovery as set forth
hereinabove shall apply to any such arbitration proceeding.
EACH UNDERSIGNED GUARANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS
GUARANTY AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. IN ADDITION, EACH GUARANTOR UNDERSTANDS THAT
THIS GUARANTY IS EFFECTIVE UPON GUARANTOR'S EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS
GUARANTY TO LENDER AND THAT THE GUARANTY WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TERMINATED IN THE
MANNER SET FORTH IN THE SECTION TITLED "DURATION OF GUARANTY." NO FORMAL
ACCEPTANCE BY LENDER IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THIS GUARANTY EFFECTIVE. THIS GUARANTY
IS DATED MAY 14, 1998.
GUARANTOR:
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EXHIBIT 7.x - 9