LOAN AGREEMENT
Borrower: VERMONT PURE HOLDINGS, LTD.(TIN:▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), VERMONT PURE SPRINGS,INC.
(TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇)
Lender: ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ TRUST COMPANY d/b/a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BANK Burlington Two ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT between VERMONT PURE HOLDINGS, LTD. (TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇),
VERMONT PURE SPRINGS, INC. (TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇) ("Borrower") and ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ TRUST
COMPANY d/b/a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BANK ("Lender") Is made and executed on the following
terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender
or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans and other financial
accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or
schedule attached to this Agreement. All such loans and financial
accommodations, together with all future loans and financial accommodations from
Lender to Borrower, are referred to In this Agreement individually as the "Loan"
and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands and agrees that: (a) in
granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's
representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth in this Agreement; (b)
the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be
subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (c) all such Loans shall
be and shall remain subject to the following terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of June 20, 1997, and shall continue
thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been performed in
full and the par-hes terminate this Agreement in writing.
DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.
Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Loan Agreement, as this Loan
Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all
exhibits and schedules attached to this Loan Agreement from time to time.
Account. The word "Account" means a trade account, account receivable, or
other right to payment for goods sold or services rendered owing to Borrower
(or to a third party grantor acceptable to Lender).
Account Debtor. The words "Account Debtor" mean the person or entity obligated
upon an Account.
Advance. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds under this
Agreement.
Borrower. The word "Borrower" means VERMONT PURE HOLDINGS, LTD. (TIN:
▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), VERMONT PURE SPRINGS, INC. (TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇). The word "Borrower"
also includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower as
provided below in the paragraph titled "Subsidiaries and Affiliates."
Borrowing Base. The words "Borrowing Base" mean the lesser of (a) $1,500,000.00;
or (b) the sum of (i)76% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (ii)
50% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Inventory. At no time shall advances
against Eligible Inventory exceed $500,000.00.
Business Day. The words "Business Day" mean a day on which commercial banks are
open for business in the State of Vermont.
CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
Cash Flow. The words "Cash Flow" mean net income after taxes, and exclusive of
extraordinary gains and income, plus depreciation and amortization.
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means and includes without limitation all
property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real or
personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now
or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest,
mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel trust,
factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge,
lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security
device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by
law, contract, or otherwise. The word "Collateral" includes without limitation
all collateral described below in the section titled "COLLATERAL."
Debt. The word "Debt" means all of Borrower's liabilities excluding Subordinated
Debt.
Eligible Accounts. The words "Eligible Accounts" mean, at any time, all of
Borrower's Accounts which contain selling terms and conditions acceptable to
Lender. The net amount of any Eligible Account against which Borrower may
borrow shall exclude all returns, discounts, credits, and offsets of any
nature. Unless otherwise agreed to by Lender in writing, Eligible
Accounts do not include:
(a) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an officer, an
employee or agent of Borrower.
(b) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a subsidiary of,
or affiliated with or related to Borrower or its shareholders, officers, or
directors.
(c) Accounts with respect to which goods are placed on consignment, guaranteed
sale, or other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be
conditional.
(d) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is not a resident of the
United States, except to the extent such Accounts are supported by insurance,
bonds or other assurances satisfactory to Lender.
(e) Accounts with respect to which Borrower is or may become liable to the
Account Debtor for goods sold or services rendered by the Account Debtor to
Borrower.
(f) Accounts which are subject to dispute, counterclaim, or setoff.
(g) Accounts with respect to which the goods have not been shipped or delivered,
or the services have not been rendered, to the Account Debtor.
(h)Accounts with respect to which ▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇ its sole discretion, deems the
creditworthiness or financial condition of the Account Debtor to be
unsatisfactory.
(i)Accounts of any Account Debtor who has filed or has had filed against
it a petition in bankruptcy or an application for relief under any provision of
any state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, or debtor-in-relief acts; or who
has had appointed a trustee, custodian, or receiver for the assets of such
Account Debtor; or who has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors or
has become insolvent or fails generally to pay its debts (including its
payrolls) as such debts become due.
(j) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is the United
States government or any department or agency of the United States.
(k) Accounts which have not been paid in full within 60 DAYS (75 DAYS
DURING THE MONTHS OF JANUARY THRU MAY) FOR PET ACCOUNT AND 90 DAYS FOR HOME AND
OFFICE ACCOUNTS from the invoice date. The entire balance of any Account of any
single Account debtor will be ineligible whenever the portion of the Account
which has not been paid within 60 DAYS (75 DAYS DURING THE MONTHS OF JANUARY
THRU MAY) FOR PET ACCOUNT AND 90 DAYS FOR HOME AND OFFICE ACCOUNTS from the
invoice date is in excess of 25.000% of the total amount outstanding on the
Account.
(l) That portion of the Accounts of any single Account Debtor which exceeds
30.000% of all of Borrower's Accounts.
Eligible Inventory. The words "Eligible Inventory" mean, at any time, all of
Borrower's Inventory as defined below except:
(a) Inventory which is not owned by Borrower free and clear of all
security interests, liens, encumbrances, and claims of third parties.
(b) Inventory which Lender, in its sole discretion, deems to be
obsolete, unsalable, damaged, defective, or unfit for further
processing.
(c) Work in progress.
ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without
limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section titled
"EVENTS OF DEFAULT."
Expiration Date. The words "Expiration Date" mean the date of termination of
Lender's commitment to lend under this Agreement.
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and all
of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for
the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a
Security Interest.
Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each and
all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in connection with
any Indebtedness.
06-20-1997
LOAN AGREEMENT
Page 2
(Continued)
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation all
Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of Borrower to
Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against
Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or hereafter existing,
voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or
unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable individually or jointly with
others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a guarantor, surety, or otherwise;
whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred by
any statute of limitations; and whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter
may become otherwise unenforceable.
Inventory. The word "Inventory" means all of Borrower's raw materials, work in
process, finished goods, merchandise, parts and supplies, of every kind and
description, and goods held for sale or lease or furnished under contracts of
service in which Borrower now has or hereafter acquires any right, whether held
by Borrower or others, and all documents of title, warehouse receipts, bills of
lading, and all other documents of every type covering all or any part of the
foregoing. Inventory includes inventory temporarily out of Borrower's custody or
possession and all returns on Accounts.
Lender. The word "Lender" means ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ TRUST COMPANY d/b/a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BANK,
its successors and assigns.
Line of Credit. The words 'Line of Credit' mean the credit facility described in
the Section titled "LINE OF CREDIT" below.
Liquid Assets. The words "Liquid Assets' mean Borrower's cash on hand plus
Borrower's readily marketable securities.
Loan. The word "Loan" or 'Loans' means and includes without limitation any and
all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower,
whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without
limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or
described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to
time.
Note. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's
promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in
favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note or
notes therefor.
Permitted Liens. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security
interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for taxes,
assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being contested in good
faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other
like liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations
which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money liens or purchase money
security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by Borrower in the
ordinary course of business to secure indebtedness outstanding on the date of
this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement
titled "Indebtedness and Liens"; (a) liens and security interests which, as of
the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in
writing; and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to the
net value of Borrower's assets.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of
trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or
hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.
Security Agreement. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or
other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing,
governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest.
Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean and include without
limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien,
charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage, chattel
trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or
title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or
any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law,
contract, or otherwise.
▇▇▇▇. The word "▇▇▇▇" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986 as now or hereafter amended.
Subordinated Debt. The words "Subordinated Debt" mean indebtedness and
liabilities of Borrower which have been subordinated by written agreement to
indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender in form and substance acceptable to
Lender.
Tangible Net Worth. The words "Tangible Net Worth" mean Borrower's total assets
excluding all intangible assets (i.e., goodwill, trademarks, patents,
copyrights, organizational expenses, and similar intangible items, but including
leaseholds and leasehold improvements) less total Debt.
Working Capital. The words 'Working Capital" mean Borrower's current assets,
excluding prepaid expenses, less Borrower's current liabilities.
LINE OF CREDIT. Lender agrees to make Advances to Borrower from time to time
from the date of this Agreement to the Expiration Date, provided the aggregate
amount of such Advances outstanding at any time does not exceed the Borrowing
Base. Within the foregoing limits, Borrower may borrow, partially or wholly
prepay, and reborrow under this Agreement as follows.
Conditions Precedent to Each Advance. Lender's obligation to make any Advance to
or for the account of Borrower under this Agreement is subject to the following
conditions precedent, with all documents, instruments, opinions, reports, and
other items required under this Agreement to be in form and substance
satisfactory to Lender:
(a) Lender shall have received evidence that this Agreement and all Related
Documents have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by Borrower to
Lender.
(b) Lender shall have received such opinions of counsel, supplemental opinions,
and documents as Lender may request.
(c) The security interests in the Collateral shall have been duly authorized,
created, and perfected with first lien priority and shall be in full force and
effect.
(d) All guaranties required by Lender for the Line of Credit shall have been
executed by each Guarantor, delivered to Lender, and be in full force and
effect.
(e) Lender, at its option and for its sole benefit, shall have conducted an
audit of Borrower's Accounts, Inventory, books, records, and operations, and
Lender shall be satisfied as to their condition.
(f) Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, costs, and expenses
specified in this Agreement and the Related Documents as are then due and
payable.
(g) There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which
would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement, and Borrower shall
have delivered to Lender the compliance certificate called for in the paragraph
below titled "Compliance Certificate."
Making Loan Advances. Advances under the credit facility, as well as directions
for payment from Borrower's accounts, may be requested orally or in writing
subject to the limitations set forth below. Lender may, but need not, require
that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. Each Advance shall be
conclusively deemed to have been made at the request of and for the benefit of
Borrower (a) when credited to any deposit account of Borrower maintained with
Lender or (b) when advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized
person. Lender, at its option, may set a cutoff time, after which all requests
for Advances will be treated as having been requested on the next succeeding
Business Day. Under no circumstances shall Lender be required to make any
Advance in an amount less than $500.00.
Mandatory Loan Repayments. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Advances shall exceed the applicable Borrowing Base, Borrower,
Immediately upon written or oral notice from Lender, shall pay to Lender an
amount equal to the difference between the outstanding principal balance of the
Advances and the Borrowing Base. On the Expiration Date, Borrower shall pay to
Lender in full the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Advances then
outstanding and all accrued unpaid interest, together with all other applicable
fees, costs and charges, if any, not yet paid.
Facility Charge. Borrower recognizes that Lender has incurred and will continue
to incur certain costs and expenses in connection with establishing,
maintaining, servicing, and administering the credit facility. To ensure that
Lender is able to recover such costs and expenses, Borrower agrees that,
notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the promissory note for
the Line of Credit, or the Related Documents, Lender shall be entitled to
collect the following facility charge, which Borrower hereby promises and agrees
to pay: $500.00.
Loan Account. Lender shall maintain on its books a record of account in which
Lender shall make entries for each Advance and such other debits and credits as
shall be appropriate in connection with the credit facility. Lender shall
provide Borrower with periodic statements of Borrower's account, which
statements shall be considered to be correct and conclusively binding on
Borrower unless Borrower notifies Lender to the contrary within thirty (30) days
after Borrower's receipt of any such statement which Borrower deems to be
incorrect.
COLLATERAL. To secure payment of the Line of Credit and performance of all other
Loans, obligations and duties owed by Borrower to Lender, Borrower (and others,
if required) shall grant to Lender Security Interests in such property and
assets as Lender may require (the 'Collateral"), including without limitation
Borrower's present and future Accounts, general intangibles, and Inventory.
Lender's Security Interests in the Collateral shall be continuing liens and
shall include the proceeds and products of the Collateral, including without
limitation the proceeds of any insurance. With respect to the Collateral,
Borrower agrees and represents and warrants to Lender:
Perfection of Security Interests. Borrower agrees to execute such financing
statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Lender to
perfect and continue Lender's Security Interests In the Collateral. Upon
request of Lender, Borrower will deliver to Lender any and all of
06-20-1997
LOAN AGREEMENT
Page 3
(Continued)
the documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Borrower will note
Lender's interest upon any and all chaftel paper if not delivered to Lender for
possession by Lender. Contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement,
Borrower will execute one or more UCC financing statements and any similar
statements as may be required by applicable law, and will file such financing
statements and all such similar statements in the appropriate location or
locations. Borrower hereby appoints Lender as its irrevocable aftorney-in-fact
for the purpose of executing any documents necessary to perfect or to continue
any Security Interest. Lender may at any time, and without further authorization
from Borrower, file a carbon, photograph, facsimile, or other reproduction of
any financing statement for use as a financing statement. Borrower will
reimburse Lender for all expenses for the perfection, termination, and the
continuation of the perfection of Lender's security interest in the Collateral.
Borrower promptly will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's name including
any change to the assumed business names of Borrower. Borrower also promptly
will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's Social Security Number or
Employer Identification Number. Borrower further agrees to notify Lender in
writing prior to any change in address or location of Borrower's principal
governance office or should Borrower merge or consolidate with any other entity.
Collateral Records. Borrower does now, and at all times hereafter shall, keep
correct and accurate records of the Collateral, all of which records shall be
available to Lender or Lender's representative upon demand for inspection and
copying at any reasonable time. With respect to the Accounts, Borrower agrees to
keep and maintain such records as Lender may require, including without
limitation information concerning Eligible Accounts and Account balances and
agings. With respect to the Inventory, Borrower agrees to keep and maintain such
records as Lender may require, including without limitation information
concerning Eligible Inventory and records itemizing and describing the kind,
type, quality, and quantity of Inventory, Borrower's Inventory costs and selling
prices, and the daily withdrawals and additions to Inventory. The following is
an accurate and complete list of all locations at which Borrower keeps or
maintains business records concerning Borrower's Accounts and Inventory: ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇.
Collateral Schedules. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender schedules of Accounts
and Inventory and Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Lender. Thereafter Borrower shall execute and
deliver to Lender such supplemental schedules of Eligible Accounts and Eligible
Inventory and such other matters and information relating to the Accounts and
Inventory as Lender may request. Supplemental schedules shall be delivered
according to the following schedule: MONTHLY, WITHIN 15 DAYS OF EACH MONTH END.
Representations and Warranties Concerning Accounts. With respect to the
Accounts, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (a) Each Account
represented by Borrower to be an Eligible Account for purposes of this Agreement
conforms to the requirements of the definition of an Eligible Account; (b) All
Account information listed on schedules delivered to Lender will be true and
correct, subject to immaterial variance; and (c) Lender, its assigns, or agents
shall have the right at any time and at Borrower's expense to inspect, examine,
and audit Borrower's records and to confirm with Account Debtors the accuracy of
such Accounts.
Representations and Warranties Concerning Inventory. With respect to the
Inventory, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (a) All Inventory
represented by Borrower to be Eligible Inventory for purposes of this Agreement
conforms to the requirements of the definition of Eligible Inventory; (b) All
Inventory values listed on schedules delivered to Lender will be true and
correct, subject to immaterial variance; (c) The value of the Inventory will be
determined on a consistent accounting basis; (d) Except as agreed to the
contrary by Lender in writing, all Eligible Inventory is now and at all times
hereafter will be in Borrower's physical possession and shall not be held by
others on consignment, sale on approval, or sale or return; (e) Except as
reflected in the Inventory schedules delivered to Lender, all Eligible Inventory
is now and at all times hereafter will be of good and merchantable quality, free
from defects; (f) Eligible Inventory is not now and will not at any time
hereafter be stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party without
Lender's prior written consent, and, in such event, Borrower will concurrently
at the time of bailment cause any such bailee, warehouseman, or similar party to
issue and deliver to Lender, in form acceptable to Lender, warehouse receipts in
Lender's name evidencing the storage of Inventory; and (g) Lender, its assigns,
or agents shall have the right at any time and at Borrower's expense to inspect
and examine the Inventory and to check and test the same as to quality,
quantity, value, and condition.
Remittance Account. Borrower agrees that Lender may at any time require Borrower
to institute procedures whereby the payments and other proceeds of the Accounts
shall be paid by the Account Debtors under a remittance account or lock box
arrangement with Lender, or Lender's agent, or with one or more financial
institutions designated by Lender. Borrower further agrees that, if no Event of
Default exists under this Agreement, any and all of such funds received under
such a remittance account or lock box arrangement shall, at Lender's sole
election and discretion, either be (a) paid or turned over to Borrower; (b)
deposited into one or more accounts for the benefit of Borrower (which deposit
accounts shall be subject to a security assignment in favor of Lender); (c)
deposited into one or more accounts for the joint benefit of Borrower and Lender
(which deposit accounts shall likewise be subject to a security assignment in
favor of Lender); (d) paid or turned over to Lender to be applied to the
Indebtedness in such order and priority as Lender may determine within its sole
discretion; or (e) any combination of the foregoing as Lender shall determine
from time to time. Borrower further agrees that, should one or more Events of
Default exist, any and all funds received under such a remittance account or
lock box arrangement shall be paid or turned over to Lender to be applied to the
Indebtedness, again in such order and priority as Lender may determine within
its sole discretion.
ADDITIONAL CREDIT FACILITIES. In addition to the Line of Credit facility, the
following credit accommodations are either in place or will be made available to
Borrower:
Term Loan. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the
exhibit, a term loan is either in place or will be made available to
Borrower as set forth in an exhibit, which is attached hereto and made a
part hereof.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:
Organization. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of Borrower's
incorporation and is validly existing and in good standing in all states in
which Borrower is doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority
to own its properties and to transact the businesses in which it is
presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly
qualified as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in
which the failure to so quality would have a material adverse effect on its
businesses or financial condition.
Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and
all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed, delivered or
performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary action by
Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory
authority or governmental body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation
of, or constitute a default under (a) any provision of its articles of
incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or any agreement or other instrument
binding upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or
order applicable to Borrower.
Financial Information. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to Lender
truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of
the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's
financial condition subsequent lo the date of the most recent financial
statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations
except as disclosed in such financial statements.
Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in
accordance with their respective terms.
Properties. Except for Permitted Liens, Borrower owns and has good title to all
of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not
executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such
properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal name,
and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any other name
for at least the last five (5) years.
Hazardous Substances. The terms "hazardous waste hazardous substance,"
"disposal," 'release," and "threatened release,' as used in this Agreement,
shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," "▇▇▇▇," the Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other
applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant to any
of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing,
Borrower represents and warrants that: (a) During the period of Borrower's
ownership of the properties, there has been no use, generation, manufacture,
storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous
waste or substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the properties.
(b) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (i)
any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or
threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from
the properties by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or
(ii) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person
relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent
or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use, generate,
manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous waste or
substance on, under, about or from any of the properties; and any such activity
shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local
laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation those laws,
regulations and ordinances described above, Borrower authorizes Lender and its
agents to enter upon the properties to make such inspections and tests as Lender
may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the properties with this section
of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's
expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other
person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on
Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous waste and
hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any future claims
against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes
liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to
indemnity and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses,
liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or
indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the
Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture,
06-20-1997
LOAN AGREEMENT
Page 4
(Continued)
storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring prior to Borrower's
ownership or interest in the properties, whether or not the same was or should
have been known to Borrower. The provisions of this section of the Agreement,
including the obligation to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the
Indebtedness and the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall not
be affected by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the properties,
whether by foreclosure or otherwise.
Litigation and Claims. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative
proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower
is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially
adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or properties, other than
litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and
acknowledged by Lender in writing.
Taxes. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and reports of
Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes,
assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those
presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary
course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided.
Lien Priority. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing,
Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted
the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the
Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and
Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender's
Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral.
Binding Effect. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly or
indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the Related
Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon Borrower's successors,
representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with
their respective terms.
Commercial Purposes. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for
business or commercial related purposes.
Employee Benefit Plans. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may have
any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements
of law and regulations, and (i) no Reportable Event nor Prohibited Transaction
(as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any such plan, (ii) Borrower
has not withdrawn from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps
have been taken to terminate any such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded
liabilities other than those previously disclosed to Lender in writing.
Location of Borrower's Offices and Records. Borrower's place of business, or
Borrower's Chief executive office, if Borrower has more than one place of
business, is located at ▇.▇. ▇▇▇ ▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇. Unless Borrower has
designated otherwise in writing this location is also the office or offices
where Borrower keeps its records concerning the Collateral.
Information. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith furnished
by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection with this Agreement
or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all information hereafter
furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will be, true
and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which such information
is dated or certified; and none of such information is or will be incomplete by
omitting to stale any material fact necessary to make such information not
misleading.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees that
Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above
representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower. Borrower
further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties shall be
continuing in nature and shall remain In full force and effect until such time
as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall
be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while
this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will:
Litigation. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse
changes in 13orrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing and all
threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or
similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially
affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any
Guarantor.
Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and
permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all
reasonable times.
Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but in no
event later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal
year, Borrower's balance sheet and income statement for the year ended,
audited by a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender, and, as
soon as available, but in no event later than forty five (45) days after the
end of each fiscal quarter, Borrower's balance sheet and profit and loss
statement for the period ended, prepared and certified as correct to the
best knowledge and belief by Borrower's chief financial officer or other
officer or person acceptable to Lender. All financial reports required to be
provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified
by Borrower as being true and correct.
Additional Information. Furnish such additional information and statements,
lists of assets and liabilities, agings of receivables and payables, inventory
schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports with respect to
Borrower's financial condition and business operationsas Lender may request from
time to time.
Financial Covenants and Ratios. Comply with the following covenants and ratios:
Net Worth Ratio. Maintain a ratio of Total Liabilities to Tangible Net Worth of
less than 1.50 to 1.00.
Cash Flow Requirements. Maintain Cash Flow at not less than the following
level:1.00 TO 1.00. Except as provided above, all computations made to
determine compliance with the requirements contained in this paragraph shall
be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and
correct.
Insurance. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance,
and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower's
properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance
companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender,
will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of
insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages
will not be cancelled or diminished without at least ten (10) days' prior
written notice to Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an
endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in
any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In
connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered
a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such loss
payable or other endorsements as Lender may require.
Insurance Reports. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each
existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably
request, including without limitation the following: (a) the name of the
insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy; (d) the properties
insured; (a) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance
has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (f) the
expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not
more often than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser
satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or
replacement cost of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by
Borrower.
Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements,
whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and
notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other
such agreements.
Loan Fees and Charges. In addition to all other agreed upon fees and charges,
pay the following: $500.00.
Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for the following specific purposes:
TO FINANCE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND INVENTORY FOR WORKING CAPITAL PURPOSES.
Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and
obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental
charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or
its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would
attach, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge
upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however,
Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax,
charge, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ or claim so long as (a) the legafity of the same shall be
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have
established on its books adequate reserves with respect to such contested
assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally
accepted accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and
claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to
Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments, taxes, charges,
levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties, income, or profits.
Performance. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions set
forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely manner, and
promptly notify Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of any event which
constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any of the Related
Documents.
Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the
same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management
personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in executive and
management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent
manner and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and municipal laws,
ordinances, rules and regulations respecting its properties, charters,
businesses and operations, including without limitation, compliance with the
Americans With DisabilitiesAct and with all minimum funding standards and other
requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit
plans.
Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other
properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and
to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books,
06-20-1997
LOAN AGREEMENT
Page 5
(Continued)
accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any
records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer
software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a
third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit
Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender
with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense.
Compliance Certificate. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender
ANNUALLY AND WITHIN 15 DAYS OF EACH QUARTER END and at the time of each
disbursement of Loan proceeds with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief
financial officer, or other officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying
that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and
correct as of the date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the
date of the certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.
Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects with
all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an
intentional or unintentional action or omission on its part or on the part of
any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any
environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such
environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a
permit issued by the approp6ate federal, state or local governmental
authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty
(30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation,
directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or
instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission
on Borrower's part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not
there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources.
Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing statements,
instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may
reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security
Interests.
RECOVERY OF ADDITIONAL COSTS. If the imposition of or any change in any law,
rule, regulation or guideline, or the interpretaition or application of any
thereof by any court or administrative or governmental authority (including any
request or policy not having the force of law) shall impose, modify or make
applicable any taxes (except U.S. federal, state or local income or franchise
taxes imposed on Lender), reserve requirements, capital adequacy requirements or
other obligations which would (a) increase the cost to Lender for extending or
maintaining the credit facilities to which this Agreement relates, (b) reduce
the amounts payable to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents, or
(c) reduce the rate of return on Lender's capital as a consequence of Lender's
obligations with respect to the credit facilities to which this Agreement
relates, then Borrower agrees to pay Lender such additional amounts as will
compensate Lender therefor, within five (5) days after Lender's written demand
for such payment,
which demand shall be accompanied by an explanation of such imposition or charge
and a calculation in reasonable detail of the additional amounts payable by
Borrower, which explanation and calculations shall be conclusive in the absence
of manifest error.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:
Indebtedness and Liens. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course
of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create,
incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases, (b)
except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge,
lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets, or
(c) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.
Continuity of Operations. (a) Engage in any business activities substantially
different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (b) cease
operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other
entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell
Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay any dividends on
Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided, however
that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if
Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on its stock to its
shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to enable the shareholders
to pay income taxes and make estimated income tax payments to satisfy their
liabilities under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as
Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares
of stock of Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding
shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.
Loans, Acquisitions and Guaranties. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or
assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or
entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in the
ordinary course of business.
CESSATION OF ADVANCES. It Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent,
files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a
bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial
condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any
Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender; or (e) Lender in good ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ itself insecure, even
though no Event of Default shall have occurred.
LIMITATION ON RIGHT OF SETOFF. Lender agrees that it will exercise its right of
setoff, as described herein, only in the event of default under the terms of the
Note or any related document, including (without limitation) the Loan Agreement,
any Guaranty, any Mortgage, any Security Agreement, any Pledge Agreement, or any
Letter of Credit Reimbursement or similar agreement.
ADDITIONAL METHOD OF BORROWING UNDER THE LINE OF CREDIT AND BORROWER'S
AUTHORIZATION FOR LENDER TO TRANSFER FUNDS. From and after the date of this
Agreement, the Borrower shall maintain a demand deposit account (the "Demand
Deposit Account") with the Lender which the Lender shall credit in amounts to be
made available by the Lender to the Borrower under the Line of Credit in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Any proceeds of Collateral received
by the Borrower, including without limitation payments on Accounts and other
payments from sales of Inventory, shall be held in trust by Borrower for the
Lender in the same medium in which received, shall not be commingled with any
assets of Borrower and shall be delivered immediately to the Lender for deposit
in Borrower's Demand Deposit Account. Subject to the Conditions Precedent to
Each Advance (detailed above), the Lender shall make an initial amount available
under the Line of Credit equal to the Borrowing Base. The Borrower shall borrow
amounts available under the Line of Credit by issuing checks written on the
Demand Deposit Account. From and after the date of this Agreement, the Lender
will monitor the Demand Deposit Account of the Borrower on a daily basis to
determine the amount in such account computed as follows: (i) the initial
disbursement into such account LESS (ii) all withdrawals to date from such
account by the Borrower PLUS (iii) all deposits to date into such account by the
Borrower which have been collected by Lender (such amount being hereinafter
referred to as the "Net Collected Balance"). In the event that the Net Collected
Balance in the account is positive on any day, the Lender shall apply such Net
Collected Balance toward repayment of the principal balance outstanding on the
Line of Credit. In the event that the Net Collected Balance in the account is
negative on any day, the Lender shall fund the overdraft or draws against
unavailable funds up to the maximum amount of the Borrowing Base of the Line of
Credit, subject to the Mandatory Loan Repayments paragraph, above. Borrower
authorizes Lender to transfer from the Line of Credit to the Borrower's Demand
Deposit Account the funds necessary to cover any overdrafts or draws against
unavailable funds, occuring on the Demand Deposit Account, up to the applicable
Borrowing Base of the Line of Credit. In addition, Borrower authorizes Lender to
transfer funds from the Demand Deposit Account to reduce the principal balance
of the Line of Credit. Borrower grants permission to Lender to debit the Demand
Deposit Account to make monthly interest payments.
FEE PROVISION. In addition to the provisions of the Mandatory Loan Repayments
paragraph, above, on EACH and EVERY day that the aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Advances exceeds the applicable Borrowing Base, Borrower shall
pay a fee equal to 2% of the amount by which the aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Advances exceeds the applicable Borrowing Base.
LINE OF CREDIT SWEEP FEE. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Lender as payment of
the Lender's costs in connection with the monitoring of the Line of Credit, a
monthly fee of $150 commencing on the date of this Loan Agreement and on the
last day of each MONTH thereafter during the term of the Line of Credit.
BORROWING CERTIFICATE. On the date of this Agreement, and WEEKLY during the term
of the Line of Credit, the Borrower shall submit to Lender a Borrowing
Certificate in the form of EXHIBIT I attached hereto showing the computation of
the Line of Credit Borrowing Base as of the close of business on the last day of
the immediately preceding WEEK and will accompany such certificate with such
payment, if any, as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the
Mandatory Loan Repayments paragraph.
AUDITS BY LENDER. As outlined in the Inspection paragraph, above, Borrower shall
permit Lender or its agent to inspect the collateral and Borrower's other
properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and
to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and records. The
Borrower shall pay on demand the costs associated with such inspections or
audits. In addition, Borrower will pay to Lender a fee of $500.00 per day in
conjunction with each audit or inspection.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. Borrower grants to Lender a contractual possessory security
interest in, and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers lo
Lender all Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, Borrower's accounts
with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including
without limitation all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts
Borrower may open in the future, excluding however all ▇▇▇ and ▇▇▇▇▇ accounts,
and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be
prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against
any and all such accounts.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:
06-20-1997
LOAN AGREEMENT
Page 6
(Continued)
Default on Indebtedness. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the
Loans.
Other Defaults. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to perform
when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this
Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure of Borrower to comply
with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained
in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.
Default In Favor of Third Parties. Should Borrower or any Grantor default under
any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement,
or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may
materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any Grantor's
ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective obligations under this
Agreement or any of the Related Documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to
Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this Agreement or the
Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect at the time
made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security
Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time and for
any reason.
Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a going
business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part
of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of
creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or
insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture
proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any
other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor of any Grantor against
any collateral securing the Indebtedness, or by any governmental agency. This
includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit
accounts with Lender.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to
any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes
incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any
Guaranty of the Indebtedness.
Change In Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or
more of the common stock of Borrower.
Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial
condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
Indebtedness is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure.
EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make
Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness
immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to
Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of E)efault of the type described
in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and
not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies
provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise.
Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and
remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently.
Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other
remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an
obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to
declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:
Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes
the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set
forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement
shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or
parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.
Applicable Law. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by
Lender in the State of Vermont. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon
Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
County, the State of Vermont. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the right to any
jury trial In any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender
or Borrower against the other. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont.
Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of
this Agreement.
Consent to Loan Participation. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's sale or
transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the
Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender
may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers,
or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about
Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby
waives any rights to privacy it may have with respect to such matters. Borrower
additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as
well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower
also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be
considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have
all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing
the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against
any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that
either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's obligation under the
Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in
the Loans. Borrower further egress that the purchaser of any such participation
interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or
defenses that Borrower may have against Lender.
Costs and Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's expenses,
including without limitation attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the
preparation, execution, enforcement, modification and collection of this
Agreement or in connection with the Loans made pursuant to this Agreement.
Lender may pay someone else to help collect the Loans and to enforce this
Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount. This includes, subject to any
limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lander's legal
expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees for
bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay
or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post- judgment collection services.
Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided
by law.
Notices. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in
writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and shall be effective when actually
delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier or
deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to
the party to whom the notice is to be given at the address shown above. Any
party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal
written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice
is to change the party's address. To the extent permitted by applicable law, if
there is more than one Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice
to all Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all
times of Borrower's current address(es).
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this
Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance, such
finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other
persons or circumstances. If feasible, any such offending provision shall be
deemed to be modified to be within the limits of enforceability or validity;
however, if the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken
and all other provisions of this Agreement in all other respects shall remain
valid and enforceable.
Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower. To the extent the context of any
provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation
any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as used herein
shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower. Notwithstanding the
foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to
require Lender to make any Loan or other
financial accommodation to any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.
Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements contained by or on behalf
of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit
of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the
right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without
the prior written consent of Lender.
Survival. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower in
this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower
to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by
Lender and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery to Lender of the
Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by Lender or on Lender's
behalf.
Time Is of the Essence.Time is of the essence in the performance of this
Agreement.
Waiver. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by 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 Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right
otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision
of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between
Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a
waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any obligations of Borrower or of any
Grantor as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is
required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any
instance shall not constitute continuing consent in subsequent instances where
such consent is required, and in all cases such consent may be granted or
withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.
06-20-1997
LOAN AGREEMENT
(Continued)
Page 7
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, AND
BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF JUNE 20,1997.
BORROWER:
VERMONT PURE HOLDINGS, LTD. (TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇), VERMONT PURE SPRINGS, INC.
(TIN: ▇▇-▇▇▇▇▇▇▇)
VERMONT PURE HOLDINGS, LTD. by: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
VERMONT PURE SPRINGS, INC. by: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
LENDER:
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ TRUST COMPANY d/b/a ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ BANK
By:
Authorized Officer