Exhibit 10.2
REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT NOTE
| $5,000,000.00 |
Denver, Colorado |
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September 26, 2022 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. ("Borrower") promises to pay to the order of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank") at its office at MAC: C7300-081, 1700 Lincoln Street, 8th Floor, Suite 800, Denver, Colorado 80203 or at such other place as the holder hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds, the principal sum of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), or so much thereof as may be advanced and be outstanding pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, as defined herein, with interest thereon, to be computed on each advance from the date of its disbursement as set forth herein.
DEFINITIONS:
As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth after each, and any other term defined in this Note shall have the meaning set forth at the place defined:
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(a)
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“Benchmark Floor” means a rate of interest equal to zero percent (0%).
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(b) “Daily Simple SOFR” means, with respect to any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day (such day, the “SOFR Determination Day”) that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to (i) if such SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day or (ii) if such SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website; provided, however, that if Daily Simple SOFR determined as provided above would be less than the Benchmark Floor, then Daily Simple SOFR shall be deemed to be the Benchmark Floor. If by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the second (2nd) U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately following any SOFR Determination Day, SOFR in respect of such SOFR Determination Day has not been published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to Daily Simple SOFR has not occurred, then SOFR for such SOFR Determination Day will be SOFR as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which SOFR was published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website; provided that any SOFR determined pursuant to this sentence shall be utilized for purposes of calculation of Daily Simple SOFR for no more than three (3) consecutive SOFR Rate Days.
(c) “Federal Reserve Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is closed.
(d) "Prime Rate" means at any time the rate of interest most recently announced within Bank at its principal office as its prime rate, with the understanding that the Prime Rate is one of Bank's base rates and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto, and is evidenced by the recording thereof after its announcement in such internal publication or publications as Bank may designate; provided, however, that if Prime Rate determined as provided above would be less than zero percent (0%), then Prime Rate shall be deemed to be zero percent (0%).
(e) “SOFR” means a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.
(f) “SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
(g) “SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
(h) “U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, or any successor thereto, recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.
INTEREST:
(a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) at a fluctuating rate per annum determined by Bank to be two and thirty-seven hundredths percent (2.37%) above Daily Simple SOFR in effect from time to time. Bank is hereby authorized to note the date, principal amount and interest rate applicable to this Note and any payments made thereon on Bank's books and records (either manually or by electronic entry) and/or on any schedule attached to this Note, which notations shall be prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information noted. The Bank shall be permitted to estimate the amount of accrued interest that is payable at any time hereunder on the applicable invoice provided by Bank to Borrower in respect thereof, in which case Borrower shall pay such estimated amount and Bank shall to the extent necessary, include on the next invoice an adjustment to correct any difference between the amount on the applicable invoice and the amount of interest that actually accrued pursuant to the terms of this Note.
(b) Taxes and Regulatory Costs. Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand, in addition to any other amounts due or to become due hereunder, any and all (i) withholdings, interest equalization taxes, stamp taxes or other taxes (except income and franchise taxes) imposed by any domestic or foreign governmental authority and related in any manner to SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR, and (ii) costs, expenses and liabilities arising from or in connection with reserve percentages prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for “Eurocurrency Liabilities” (as defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended), assessment rates imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or similar requirements or costs imposed by any domestic or foreign governmental authority or resulting from compliance by Bank with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or other governmental authority and related in any manner to SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR. In determining which of the foregoing are attributable to any SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR option available to Borrower hereunder, any reasonable allocation made by Bank among its operations shall be conclusive and binding upon Borrower.
(c) Default Interest. Bank shall have the option in its sole and absolute discretion to have the outstanding principal balance of this Note bear interest at an increased rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) equal to four percent (4%) above the rate of interest from time to time applicable to this Note (i) from and after the maturity date of this Note; (ii) from and after the date prior to the maturity date of this Note when all principal owing hereunder becomes due and payable by acceleration or otherwise; and/or (iii) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default.
(d) Inability to Determine Interest Rates; Illegality. Subject to the Benchmark Replacement Provisions below, if Bank determines (any determination of which shall be conclusive and binding on Borrower) that either (i) Daily Simple SOFR cannot be determined pursuant to the definition thereof other than as a result of a Benchmark Transition Event (an “Inability Determination”) or (ii) any law has made it unlawful, or that any governmental authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for Bank to make or maintain an advance based on SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR (an “Illegality Determination”), then Bank will so notify Borrower. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) at a fluctuating rate per annum determined by Bank to be equal to the Prime Rate in effect from time to time, from the date of an Inability Determination or an Illegality Determination until Bank revokes such Inability Determination or notifies Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such Illegality Determination no longer exist, as applicable. When interest is determined in relation to the Prime Rate, each change in the rate of interest hereunder shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced within Bank. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing to the contrary, if a Benchmark Replacement is subsequently determined in accordance with applicable Benchmark Replacement Provisions, that Benchmark Replacement, plus any applicable margin, will become effective on the Benchmark Replacement Date and will then supersede the Prime Rate and margin determined in accordance with this provision.
BENCHMARK REPLACEMENT PROVISIONS:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Note or in any related loan document (for the purposes of these Benchmark Replacement Provisions, a swap agreement by and between Borrower and Bank or any of its affiliates is not a loan document):
(a) Benchmark Replacement. If a Benchmark Transition Event occurs, the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes under this Note or under any related loan document. Any Benchmark Replacement will become effective on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date without any further action or consent of Borrower.
(b) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. Bank will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of Borrower.
(c) Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. Bank will promptly notify Borrower of (i) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement and (ii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by Bank pursuant to these Benchmark Replacement Provisions, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and will be made in its sole discretion and without Borrower consent.
(d) Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Note, each of the following capitalized terms has the meaning given to such term below:
(i) “Benchmark” means, initially, Daily Simple SOFR; provided, however, that if a Benchmark Transition Event has occurred with respect to Daily Simple SOFR or the then- current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Note.
(ii) “Benchmark Administrator” means, initially, the SOFR Administrator, or any successor administrator of the then-current Benchmark or any insolvency or resolution official with authority over such administrator.
(iii) “Benchmark Replacement” means the sum of: (A) the alternate rate of interest that has been selected by Bank as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark; and (B) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by Bank, in each case, giving due consideration to (x) any selection or recommendation by the Relevant Governmental Body at such time for a replacement rate, the mechanism for determining such a rate, the methodology or conventions applicable to such rate, or the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for such rate, or (y) any evolving or then- prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest as a replacement to the then- current Benchmark, the methodology or conventions applicable to such rate, or the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for such alternate rate for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time; provided, however, that if the Benchmark Replacement as determined as provided above would be less than the Benchmark Floor, then Benchmark Replacement shall be deemed to be the Benchmark Floor, subject to any other applicable floor rate provision.
(iv) “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means any technical, administrative or operational changes (including, without limitation, changes to the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, prepayment provisions and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that Bank decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of a Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by Bank.
(v) “Benchmark Replacement Date” means the date specified by Bank in a notice to Borrower following a Benchmark Transition Event.
(vi) “Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark: a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the Benchmark Administrator or a regulatory supervisor for the Benchmark Administrator announcing that (A) the Benchmark Administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely or (B) the Benchmark is no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, representative of underlying markets.
(vii) “Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and/or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or any successor thereto.
BORROWING AND REPAYMENT:
(a) Borrowing and Repayment of Principal. Borrower may from time to time during the term of this Note borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions of this Note and of any document executed in connection with or governing this Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under this Note shall not at any time exceed the principal amount stated above. The unpaid principal balance of this obligation at any time shall be the total amounts advanced hereunder by the holder hereof less the amount of principal payments made hereon by or for Borrower, which balance may be endorsed hereon from time to time by the holder. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable in full on September 30, 2023.
(b) Payment of Interest. Interest accrued on this Note shall be payable on the last day of each month, commencing September 30, 2022, and on the maturity date set forth above.
(c) Advances. Advances hereunder, to the total amount of the principal sum stated above, may be made by the holder at the oral or written request of (i) ALLEN ARROYO or JEREMY KINNEY, any one acting alone (subject to any of Bank’s applicable authentication policies or procedures, which may require that a particular individual—including another specific individual listed above—provide verification of the identity of the requestor), who are authorized to request advances and direct the disposition of any advances until written notice of the revocation of such authority is received by the holder at the office designated above, or (ii) any person, with respect to advances deposited to the credit of any deposit account of Borrower, which advances, when so deposited, shall be conclusively presumed to have been made to or for the benefit of Borrower regardless of the fact that persons other than those authorized to request advances may have authority to draw against such account. The holder shall have no obligation to determine whether any person requesting an advance is or has been authorized by Borrower.
(d) Application of Payments. Each payment made on this Note shall be credited first, to any interest then due and second, to the outstanding principal balance hereof.
PAYMENTS:
If any payment of principal or interest to be made pursuant to this Note other than a prepayment or a payment due on the maturity date of this Note, shall fall due on a day that is not a Federal Reserve Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding Federal Reserve Business Day, except that, if such next succeeding Federal Reserve Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Federal Reserve Business Day. Any extension or contraction of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
PREPAYMENT:
Borrower may prepay principal on this Note at any time, in any amount and without penalty. If principal under this Note is payable in more than one installment, then any prepayments of principal shall be applied to the most remote principal installment or installments then unpaid.
SWAP AGREEMENT:
Borrower understands and acknowledges that (i) any Swap Agreement constitutes an independent agreement between Borrower and Bank and will be unaffected by any repayment, prepayment, acceleration, reduction, increase or change in the terms of this Note, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Swap Agreement, (ii) nothing in this Note shall be construed as a modification of a Swap Agreement or create an obligation to amend a Swap Agreement,
(iii) Borrower may incur losses or reductions in benefits related to differences between the economic terms and characteristics of this Note and those of a related Swap Agreement (including, without limitation, differences with respect to maturity dates, payment dates and methods for determining interest rates and differences between borrowings hereunder and the notional amount of a Swap Agreement), and Bank is under no obligation to ensure that there are no differences or that differences will not arise hereafter, including, without limitation, differences between usage hereunder and the notional amount of a Swap Agreement, and (iv) Bank has no obligation to modify, renew or extend the maturity date of this Note to match the maturity date of a Swap Agreement. For the purposes of this provision, “Swap Agreement” means any existing or future swap agreement by and between Borrower and Bank or any of its affiliates.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT:
This Note is made pursuant to and is subject to the terms and conditions of that certain Credit Agreement between Borrower and Bank dated October 13, 2021, as amended from time to time (the "Credit Agreement"). Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation under this Note, or any defined event of default under the Credit Agreement, shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note.
MISCELLANEOUS:
(a) Remedies. Upon the sale, transfer, hypothecation, assignment or other encumbrance, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law, of all or any interest in any real property securing this Note, if any, or upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the holder of this Note, at the holder's option, may declare all sums of principal and interest outstanding hereunder to be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, notice of nonperformance, notice of protest, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are expressly waived by Borrower, and the obligation, if any, of the holder to extend any further credit hereunder shall immediately cease and terminate. Borrower shall pay to the holder immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of the holder's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by the holder in connection with the enforcement of the holder's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to the holder under this Note whether or not suit is brought, and the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to this Note, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to Borrower or any other person or entity.
(b) Collateral Exclusion. No lien or security interest created by or arising under any deed of trust, mortgage, security deed, or similar real estate collateral agreement (“Lien Document”) shall secure the Note Obligations unless such Lien Document specifically describes the promissory note(s), instrument(s) or agreement(s) evidencing Note Obligations as a part of the indebtedness secured thereby. This exclusion shall apply notwithstanding (i) the fact that such Lien Document may appear to secure the Note Obligations by virtue of a cross- collateralization provision or other provisions expanding the scope of the secured obligations, and (ii) whether such Lien Document was entered into prior to, concurrently with, or after the date hereof. As used herein, “Note Obligations” means any obligations under this Note, as amended, extended, renewed, refinanced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, or under any other evidence of indebtedness that has been modified, renewed or extended in whole or in part by this Note, as amended, extended, renewed, refinanced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
(c) Obligations Joint and Several. Should more than one person or entity sign this Note as a Borrower, the obligations of each such Borrower shall be joint and several.
(d) Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Colorado, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks, without reference to the conflicts of law or choice of law principles thereof.
(e) Effective Date. The effective date of this Note shall be the date that Bank has accepted this Note and all conditions to the effectiveness of the Credit Agreement have been fulfilled to Bank’s satisfaction. Notwithstanding the occurrence of the effective date of this Note, Bank shall not be obligated to extend credit under this Note until all conditions to each extension of credit set forth in the Credit Agreement have been fulfilled to Bank's satisfaction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note to be effective as of the effective date set forth herein.
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. |
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| By: |
/s/ Allen Arroyo |
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ALLEN ARROYO, |
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CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
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Exhibit 10.3
CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated October 13, 2021, is by and between ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC., a Colorado corporation ("Borrower"), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank"). This Agreement amends, restates and supersedes in its entirety, and is given as a replacement for, and not in satisfaction of or as a novation with respect to, that certain Credit Agreement dated October 30, 2015 by and between Borrower and Bank, as such may have been amended from time to time prior to the date hereof.
RECITALS
Borrower has requested that Bank extend or continue credit to Borrower as described below, and Bank has agreed to provide such credit to Borrower on the terms and conditions contained herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Bank and Borrower hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
CREDIT TERMS
SECTION 1.1. LINE OF CREDIT.
(a) Line of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank hereby agrees to make advances to Borrower from time to time up to and including September 30, 2022, not to exceed at any time the aggregate principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) ("Line of Credit"), the proceeds of which shall be used to finance Borrower’s working capital requirements. Borrower's obligation to repay advances under the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a promissory note dated October 13, 2021, as modified from time to time ("Line of Credit Note").
(b) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of the Line of Credit borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions contained herein or in the Line of Credit Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any time exceed the maximum principal amount available thereunder, as set forth herein.
SECTION 1.2. INTEREST/FEES.
(a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of each credit subject hereto shall bear interest at the rate of interest set forth in each promissory note or other instrument or document executed in connection therewith.
(b) Computation and Payment. Interest shall be computed on the basis set forth in each promissory note or other instrument or document required hereby. Interest shall be payable at the times and place set forth in each promissory note or other instrument or document required hereby.
SECTION 1.3. COLLECTION OF PAYMENTS. Except to the extent expressly specified otherwise in any Loan Document other than this Agreement, Borrower authorizes Bank to collect all amounts due to Bank from Borrower under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (whether for principal, interest or fees, or as reimbursement of drafts paid or other payments made by Bank under any credit subject to this Agreement) by debiting any deposit account maintained by Borrower with Bank for the full amount thereof. Should there be insufficient funds in Borrower's deposit accounts with Bank to pay all such sums when due, the full amount of such deficiency shall be immediately due and payable by Borrower.
SECTION 1.4. COLLATERAL.
As security for all indebtedness and other obligations of Borrower to Bank, other than indebtedness that is excluded from such secured obligations by the terms of the security agreement(s) required hereunder, Borrower shall grant to Bank security interests of first priority in all Borrower's accounts receivable and other rights to payment, general intangibles, inventory and equipment.
All of the foregoing shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of such security agreements, financing statements, deeds or mortgages, and other documents as Bank shall reasonably require, all in form and substance satisfactory to Bank. Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all charges, costs and expenses (to include fees paid to third parties and all allocated costs of Bank personnel), expended or incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing security, including without limitation, filing and recording fees and costs of appraisals, audits and title insurance.
SECTION 1.5. GUARANTIES. The payment and performance of all indebtedness and other obligations of Borrower to Bank shall be guaranteed jointly and severally by ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), as evidenced by and subject to the terms of guaranties in form and substance satisfactory to Bank.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to Bank, on the date hereof, on the date of Borrower’s execution hereof, and on the date of each subsequent request for any extension of credit hereunder (including, without limitation, the issuance of any product under any subfeature contained herein, to the extent applicable), which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final payment, and satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to Bank subject to this Agreement.
SECTION 2.1. LEGAL STATUS. (a) Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of Colorado, and is qualified or licensed to do business (and is in good standing as a foreign corporation, if applicable) in all jurisdictions in which such qualification or licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed could have a material adverse effect on Borrower; and (b) no member of the Borrowing Group (as defined below) is a Sanctioned Target (as defined below) of economic or financial sanctions, sectoral sanctions, secondary sanctions, trade embargoes or restrictions and anti- terrorism laws imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the United States of America, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, the United Kingdom, any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over Borrower or any member of the Borrowing Group (collectively, “Sanctions”). As used herein, “Borrowing Group” means: (i) Borrower, (ii) any direct or indirect parent of Borrower, (iii) any affiliate or subsidiary of Borrower, (iv) any Third Party Obligor (as defined below), and (v) any officer, director or agent acting on behalf of any of the parties referred to in items (i) through and including (iv) with respect to the obligations hereunder, this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. “Sanctioned Target” means any target of Sanctions, including (i) persons on any list of targets identified or designated pursuant to any Sanctions, (ii) persons, countries, or territories that are the target of any territorial or country-based Sanctions program, (iii) persons that are a target of Sanctions due to their ownership or control by any Sanctioned Target(s), or (iv) persons otherwise a target of Sanctions, including vessels and aircraft, that are designated under any Sanctions program.
SECTION 2.2. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. This Agreement and each promissory note, contract, instrument and other document required hereby or at any time hereafter delivered to Bank in connection herewith (collectively, the "Loan Documents") have been duly authorized, and upon their execution and delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will constitute legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or the party which executes the same, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
SECTION 2.3. NO VIOLATION. The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any law or regulation, or contravene any provision of the organizational and governing documents of Borrower, or result in any breach of or default under any contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound.
SECTION 2.4. LITIGATION. There are no pending, or to the best of Borrower's knowledge threatened, actions, claims, investigations, suits or proceedings by or before any governmental authority, arbitrator, court or administrative agency which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operation of Borrower other than those disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof.
SECTION 2.5. CORRECTNESS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION. The annual financial statement of Borrower dated February 28, 2021, and all interim financial statements delivered to Bank since said date, true copies of which have been delivered by Borrower to Bank prior to the date hereof, (a) are complete and correct and present fairly the financial condition of Borrower, (b) disclose all liabilities of Borrower that are required to be reflected or reserved against under generally accepted accounting principles, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, and (c) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the dates of such financial statements there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged, pledged, granted a security interest in or otherwise encumbered any of its assets or properties except in favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing. All information provided from time to time by Borrower or any Third Party Obligor to Bank for the purpose of enabling Bank to fulfill its regulatory and compliance requirements, standards and processes was complete and correct at the time such information was provided and, except as specifically identified to Bank in a subsequent writing, remains complete and correct today.
SECTION 2.6. INCOME TAX RETURNS. Borrower has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year.
SECTION 2.7. NO SUBORDINATION. There is no agreement, indenture, contract or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower.
SECTION 2.8. PERMITS, FRANCHISES. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter possess, all permits, consents, approvals, franchises and licenses required and rights to all trademarks, trade names, patents, and fictitious names, if any, necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged in compliance with applicable law.
SECTION 2.9. ERISA. Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended or recodified from time to time ("ERISA"); Borrower has not violated any provision of any defined employee pension benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) maintained or contributed to by Borrower (each, a "Plan"); no Reportable Event as defined in ERISA has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Plan initiated by Borrower; Borrower has met its minimum funding requirements under ERISA with respect to each Plan; and each Plan will be able to fulfill its benefit obligations as they come due in accordance with the Plan documents and under generally accepted accounting principles.
SECTION 2.10. OTHER OBLIGATIONS. Borrower is not in default on any obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.
SECTION 2.11. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof, Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal or state environmental, hazardous waste, health and safety statutes, and any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, which govern or affect any of Borrower's operations and/or properties, including without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, as any of the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time. None of the operations of Borrower is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether any remedial action involving a material expenditure is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment. Borrower has no material contingent liability in connection with any release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment.
SECTION 2.12 SANCTIONS, ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND ANTI-CORRUPTION LAWS. (a) each member of the Borrowing Group has instituted, maintains and complies with policies, procedures and controls reasonably designed to assure compliance with Anti- Money Laundering Laws and Anti-Corruption Laws (each as defined below), and Sanctions; and (b) to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, after due care and inquiry, no member of the Borrowing Group is under investigation for an alleged violation of any Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Anti-Corruption Laws by a governmental authority that enforces such laws. As used herein:“Anti-Corruption Laws” means: (i) the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended; (ii) the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, as amended; and (iii) any other anti-bribery or anti- corruption laws, regulations or ordinances in any jurisdiction in which the Borrower or any member of the Borrowing Group is located or doing business. “Anti-Money Laundering Laws” means applicable laws or regulations in any jurisdiction in which the Borrower or any member of the Borrowing Group is located or doing business that relates to money laundering, any predicate crime to money laundering, or any financial record keeping and reporting requirements related thereto.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS
SECTION 3.1. CONDITIONS TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AGREEMENT. The effective date of this Agreement shall be (a) the date that each of the following conditions set forth in this Section 3.1 have been satisfied or waived, as determined by Bank, or (b) such alternative date to which Bank and Borrower may mutually agree, in each case as evidenced by Bank’s system of record. Notwithstanding the occurrence of the effective date of this Agreement, Bank shall not be obligated to extend credit under this Agreement or any other Loan Document until all conditions to each extension of credit set forth in Section 3.2 have been fulfilled to Bank's satisfaction.
(a) Approval of Bank Counsel. All legal matters incidental to the effectiveness of this Agreement shall be satisfactory to Bank's counsel.
(b) Documentation. Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, each of the following, duly executed by all parties:
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(i)
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This Agreement and each promissory note or other instrument or document required hereby.
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(ii)
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Corporate Resolutions and Certificate of Incumbency: Borrower.
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(iii)
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Corporate Resolutions and Certificate of Incumbency: Third Party.
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(iv)
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Security Agreement: Business Assets.
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(v)
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Continuing Guaranty from each guarantor listed herein.
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(vi)
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Certificate of Insurance.
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(vii)
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Such other documents as Bank may require under any other Section of this Agreement.
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(c) Satisfaction of Regulatory and Compliance Requirements. In addition to any requirements set forth above, and notwithstanding Borrower’s execution or delivery of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all regulatory and compliance requirements, standards and processes shall be completed to the satisfaction of Bank.
SECTION 3.2. CONDITIONS OF EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of Bank to make each extension of credit requested by Borrower hereunder shall be subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of each of the following conditions:
(a) Compliance. The representations and warranties contained herein and in each of the other Loan Documents shall be true on and as of the date of the signing of this Agreement and on the date of each extension of credit by Bank pursuant hereto, with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no Event of Default as defined herein, and no condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute such an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist.
(b) Documentation. Bank shall have received all additional documents which may be required in connection with such extension of credit, including, but not limited to, an executed wire request form if requested by Bank.
(c) Payment of Fees. Bank shall have received payment in full of any fee required by any of the Loan Documents to be paid at the time such credit extension is made.
(d) Financial Condition. There shall have been no material adverse change, as determined by Bank, in the financial condition or business of Borrower or any Third Party Obligor hereunder, if any, nor any material decline, as determined by Bank, in the market value of any collateral required hereunder or a substantial or material portion of the assets of Borrower or any such Third Party Obligor, if any.
ARTICLE IV
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Borrower covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower shall, unless Bank otherwise consents in writing:
SECTION 4.1. PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay all principal, interest, fees or other liabilities due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and in the manner specified therein, and immediately upon demand by Bank, the amount by which the outstanding principal balance of any credit subject hereto at any time exceeds any limitation on borrowings applicable thereto.
SECTION 4.2. ACCOUNTING RECORDS. Maintain adequate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit and examine such books and records, to make copies of the same, and to inspect the properties of Borrower. If at any time any change in generally accepted accounting principles would affect the computation of any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) and/or pricing grid set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, Borrower and Bank shall negotiate in good faith to amend such covenant and/or pricing grid to preserve the original intent in light of such change; provided, that, until so amended, (i) such covenant and/or pricing grid shall continue to be computed in accordance with the application of generally accepted accounting principles prior to such change and (ii) Borrower shall provide to Bank a written reconciliation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Bank, between calculations of such covenant and/or pricing grid made before and after giving effect to such change in generally accepted accounting principles.
SECTION 4.3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION. Provide to Bank all of the following, in form and detail satisfactory to Bank:
(a) not later than 90 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year, an unqualified audited financial statement of Parent, prepared by a certified public accountant acceptable to Bank, to include balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows; and
(b) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each fiscal quarter, a 10-Q financial statement (under the Exchange Act) of Parent, prepared by a certified public accountant acceptable to Bank, to include balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows; and
(c) not later than 90 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year, an annual budget projection report of Parent, prepared by Parent; and
(d) contemporaneously with each quarterly financial statement of Parent required hereby, a certificate of the president or chief financial officer, a general partner or a member of Parent that said financial statements are accurate, that Parent is in compliance with all financial covenants in this Agreement (as evidenced by detailed calculations attached to such certificate), and that there exists no Event of Default nor any condition, act or event which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default; and
(e) from time to time such other financial and business information as Bank may reasonably request, including without limitation, copies of rent rolls and other information with respect to any real property collateral required hereby; and
(f) from time to time such other information as Bank may request for the purpose of enabling Bank to fulfill its regulatory and compliance requirements, standards and processes.
SECTION 4.4. COMPLIANCE.
(a) Preserve and maintain all licenses, permits, governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for the conduct of its business; comply with the provisions of all documents pursuant to which Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued existence; comply with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located or doing business, or otherwise is applicable to Borrower; and
(b) comply with, and cause each member of the Borrowing Group to comply with, all Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws.
SECTION 4.5. INSURANCE. (a) Maintain and keep in force, for each business in which Borrower is engaged, insurance of the types and in amounts customarily carried in similar lines of business, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, commercial general liability, flood, and, if required by governmental regulation or Bank, hurricane, windstorm, seismic property damage, workers' compensation, marine cargo insurance, and specific hazards affecting any real property, including terrorism, with all such insurance carried in amounts satisfactory to Bank and where required by Bank, with replacement cost, mortgagee loss payable and lender loss payable endorsements in favor of Bank, and (b) deliver to Bank prior to the date hereof, and from time to time at Bank's request, schedules setting forth all insurance then in effect, together with a lender’s loss payee endorsement for all such insurance naming Bank as a lender loss payee. Such insurance may be obtained from an insurer or
through an insurance agent of Borrower’s choice, provided that any insurer chosen by Borrower is acceptable to Bank on such reasonable grounds as may be permitted under applicable law.
SECTION 4.6. FACILITIES. Keep all properties useful or necessary to Borrower's business in good repair and condition, and from time to time make necessary repairs, renewals and replacements thereto so that such properties shall be fully and efficiently preserved and maintained.
SECTION 4.7. TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when due any and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or personal, including without limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local property taxes and assessments, except (a) such as Borrower may in good faith contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, and (b) for which Borrower has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction, for eventual payment thereof in the event Borrower is obligated to make such payment.
SECTION 4.8. LITIGATION. Promptly give notice in writing to Bank of any litigation pending or threatened against Borrower.
SECTION 4.9. PARENT FINANCIAL CONDITION. Cause Parent to maintain its financial condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and used consistently with prior practices (except to the extent modified by the definitions herein):
(a) Total Liabilities divided by Tangible Net Worth not greater than 2.0 to 1.0 at each fiscal quarter end, with “Total Liabilities” defined as the aggregate of current liabilities and non- current liabilities less subordinated debt, and with “Tangible Net Worth” defined as the aggregate of total stockholders' equity plus subordinated debt less any intangible assets; notwithstanding any language in this agreement to the contrary, the Total Liabilities divided by Tangible Net Worth Ratio shall be calculated using generally accepted accounting principles.
(b) EBITDA not less than $1,500,000.00 as of each fiscal quarter end, determined on a trailing 12-month basis, with “EBITDA” defined as net profit before tax plus interest expense (net of capitalized interest expense), depreciation expense, amortization expense, stock compensation expense and Non-Recurring Event Costs (as defined below), less PPP forgiveness income, distributions and stock buy backs. “Non-Recurring Event Costs” means costs in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,500,000.00 associated with potential proxy fights, analysis of strategic reviews and asset impairment costs that are non-cash and non- recurring (other than in connection with any asset impairment that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic).
SECTION 4.10. BORROWER FINANCIAL CONDITION. Maintain Borrower's financial condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and used consistently with prior practices (except to the extent modified by the definitions herein):
(a) the outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit not at any time greater than an aggregate of 50% of Borrower’s eligible accounts receivable, plus 50% of the value of Borrower’s eligible inventory (exclusive of work in process and inventory which is obsolete, unsaleable or damaged), with all collateral values determined by Bank.
SECTION 4.10. NOTICE TO BANK. Promptly (but in no event more than five (5) days after the occurrence of each such event or matter and in no event more than one (1) business day after the occurrence of each such event or matter described below with respect to Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws) give written notice to Bank in reasonable detail of: (a) the occurrence of any Event of Default, or any condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default; (b) any change in the name or the organizational structure of Borrower, including, by illustration, merger, conversion or division; (c) the occurrence and nature of any Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, each as defined in ERISA, or any funding deficiency with respect to any Plan; (d) any termination or cancellation of any insurance policy which Borrower is required to maintain, or any uninsured or partially uninsured loss through liability or property damage, or through fire, theft or any other cause affecting Borrower's property; or (e) any breach of any covenant contained herein related to Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws or the Borrower’s inability to make the representations and warranties contained herein related to Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws on any date, or the failure of any representations and warranties contained herein related to Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws, and Anti-Corruption Laws to be true and correct in all respects on or as of any date.
ARTICLE V
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
Borrower further covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower will not without Bank's prior written consent:
SECTION 5.1. USE OF FUNDS. SOURCES OF REPAYMENT AND COLLATERAL.
(a) Use, or permit any member of the Borrowing Group to use, any of the proceeds of any credit extended hereunder except for the purposes stated in Article I hereof, or directly or indirectly use any such proceeds to fund, finance or facilitate any activities, business or transactions: (i) that are prohibited by Sanctions; (ii) that would be prohibited by Sanctions if conducted by Bank or any of Bank’s affiliates; or (iii) that would be prohibited by any Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Anti-Corruption Laws.
(b) Fund any repayment of the obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document with proceeds, or provide any property as collateral for any such obligations, or permit any third party to provide any property as collateral for any such obligations, that is directly or indirectly derived from any transaction or activity that is prohibited by any Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Anti-Corruption Laws, or that could otherwise cause Bank or any of Bank’s affiliates to be in violation of any Sanctions, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Anti- Corruption Laws.
SECTION 5.2. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Make any additional investment in any fixed or capital assets (including assets leased under capital leases) in any fiscal year in excess of an aggregate of $2,000,000.00.
SECTION 5.3. OTHER INDEBTEDNESS. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any indebtedness or liabilities resulting from borrowings, loans or advances, whether secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, joint or several, except (a) the liabilities of Borrower to Bank, and (b) any other liabilities of Borrower existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof.
SECTION 5.4. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, TRANSFER OF ASSETS. (a) Merge
into or consolidate with any other entity; (b) make any substantial change in the nature of Borrower's business as conducted as of the date hereof; (c) acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other entity; (d) sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial or material portion of Borrower's assets except in the ordinary course of its business; nor (e) accomplish any of the above by virtue of a division or similar transaction.
SECTION 5.5. GUARANTIES. Guarantee or become liable in any way as surety, endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business), accommodation endorser or otherwise for, nor pledge or hypothecate any assets of Borrower as security for, any liabilities or obligations of any other person or entity, except (a) any of the foregoing in favor of Bank; and (c) additional unsecured guaranties in amounts not to exceed an amount equal to the aggregate of $3,000,000.00 at any time outstanding minus any loans, advances or investments made pursuant to the Loans, Advances, Investments section below.
SECTION 5.6. LOANS, ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS. Make any loans or advances to or investments in any person or entity, including any of the foregoing accomplished by a division or similar transaction, except any of the foregoing existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof, and additional loans or advances in amounts not to exceed an aggregate of $3,000,000.00 outstanding at any one time minus any guaranties made pursuant to the Guaranties section above.
SECTION 5.7. PLEDGE OF ASSETS. Mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist a security interest in, or lien upon, all or any portion of Borrower's assets now owned or hereafter acquired, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank or which is existing as of, and disclosed to Bank in writing prior to, the date hereof.
SECTION 5.8. RESTRICTIONS ON ENCUMBRANCE AND TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY. Without in any way limiting the generality of Section 5.7. hereof, mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist a security interest in, or lien upon, all or any portion of Borrower’s real property located at 265 Turner Drive, Durango, CO 81303, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except (a) security interests or liens on such real property existing as of, and disclosed to Bank in writing prior to, the date hereof, and (b) security interests or liens on such real property in favor of Bank; nor transfer, lease, sell, assign or in any manner dispose of all or any portion of such real property.
ARTICLE VI
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
SECTION 6.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement:
(a) Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Loan Documents.
(b) Any financial statement or certificate furnished to Bank in connection with, or any representation or warranty made by Borrower or any other party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when furnished or made.
(c) Any default in the performance of or compliance with: (1) any collateral value requirement set forth herein or in any other Loan Document; (2) any negative covenant set forth in Article V hereof; (3) any affirmative covenant set forth in Article IV hereof requiring the delivery of financial statements and other information to Bank; or (4) any obligation, agreement or other provision contained herein or in any other Loan Document related to Sanctions, Anti- Money Laundering Laws, or Anti-Corruption Laws.
(d) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any obligation, agreement or other provision contained herein or in any other Loan Document (other than those defaults specifically described as constituting an “Event of Default” under any other subsection of this Section 6.1.), and with respect to such default(s) that by their nature can be cured (excluding any defaults specifically described as constituting an “Event of Default” under any other subsection of this Section 6.1., none of which shall be subject to a cure period), such default shall continue for a period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence.
(e) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation, or any defined event of default, under the terms of any contract, instrument or document (other than any of the Loan Documents) pursuant to which Borrower, any guarantor hereunder, the owner of any collateral securing the obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or any general partner or joint venturer in Borrower if a partnership or joint venture (with each such guarantor, owner of pledged collateral, general partner and/or joint venturer referred to herein as a "Third Party Obligor") has incurred any debt or other liability to any person or entity, including Bank; provided, however, that with respect to a default under any obligation to any person or entity other than Bank, the amount of said obligation exceeds $25,000.00.
(f) Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall become insolvent, or shall suffer or consent to or apply for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of itself or any of its property, or shall generally fail to pay its debts as they become due, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking reorganization, in order to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors or any other relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended or recodified from time to time ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under any state or federal law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in effect; or Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall file an answer admitting the jurisdiction of the court and the material allegations of any involuntary petition; or Borrower or any Third Party Obligor shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be entered against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor by any court of competent jurisdiction under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors.
(g) The filing of a notice of judgment lien against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor; or the recording of any abstract or transcript of judgment against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor in any county or recording district in which Borrower or such Third Party Obligor has an interest in real property; or the service of a notice of levy and/or of a writ of attachment or execution, or other like process, against the assets of Borrower or any Third Party Obligor; or the entry of a judgment against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor; or any involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors is filed or commenced against Borrower or any Third Party Obligor.
(h) There shall exist or occur any event or condition that Bank in good faith believes impairs, or is substantially likely to impair, the prospect of payment or performance by Borrower, any Third Party Obligor, or the general partner of either if such entity is a partnership, of its obligations under any of the Loan Documents.
(i) The death or incapacity of Borrower or any Third Party Obligor if an individual. The withdrawal, resignation or expulsion of any one or more of the general partners in Borrower or any Third Party Obligor if a partnership. The dissolution, division, or liquidation of Borrower or any Third Party Obligor if a corporation, partnership, joint venture or other type of entity; or Borrower or any such Third Party Obligor, or any of its directors, stockholders or members, shall take action seeking to effect the dissolution, division, or liquidation of Borrower or such Third Party Obligor.
(j) The withdrawal, resignation or expulsion of any one or more of the general partners in Borrower or any change in control of Borrower or any entity or combination of entities that directly or indirectly control Borrower, with “control” defined as ownership of an aggregate of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock, members' equity or other ownership interest (other than a limited partnership interest).
(k) The sale, transfer, hypothecation, assignment or encumbrance, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law, without Bank's prior written consent, of all or any part of or interest in any real property collateral required hereby.
SECTION 6.2. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default: (a) all principal, unpaid interest outstanding and other indebtedness of Borrower under each of the Loan Documents, any term thereof to the contrary notwithstanding, shall at Bank's option and without notice (except as expressly provided in any mortgage or deed of trust pursuant to which Borrower has provided Bank a lien on any real property collateral) become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or any notices of any kind, including without limitation, notice of nonperformance, notice of protest, notice of dishonor, notice of intention to accelerate or notice of acceleration, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower; (b) the obligation, if any, of Bank to extend any further credit under any of the Loan Documents shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) Bank shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort to any or all security for any credit subject hereto and to exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of Bank may be exercised at any time by Bank and from time to time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, are cumulative and not exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or equity.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 7.1. NO WAIVER. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of any breach of or default under any of the Loan Documents must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing.
SECTION 7.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands which any party is required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address:
| BORROWER: |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. |
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265 Turner Drive |
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Durango, CO 81303 |
| BANK: |
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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MAC C7300-081 |
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1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 800 |
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Denver, CO 80203 |
or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy, upon receipt.
SECTION 7.3. COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including, to the extent permitted by applicable law, reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel to the extent permissible), expended or incurred by Bank in connection with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Bank's continued administration hereof and thereof, and the preparation of any amendments and waivers hereto and thereto, (b) the enforcement of Bank's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to Bank under any of the Loan Documents, whether or not suit is brought, and (c) the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to any of the Loan Documents, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to Borrower or any other person or entity. Whenever in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents Borrower is obligated to pay for the attorneys' fees of Bank, or the phrase "reasonable attorneys' fees" or a similar phrase is used, it shall be Borrower's obligation to pay the attorneys' fees actually incurred or allocated, at standard hourly rates, without regard to any statutory interpretation, which shall not apply, Borrower hereby waiving the application of any such statute. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, reasonable attorneys' fees shall not exceed the amount permitted by law.
SECTION 7.4. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties; provided however, that Borrower may not assign or transfer its interests or rights hereunder without Bank's prior written consent. Bank reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's rights and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection therewith, Bank may disclose all documents and information which Bank now has or may hereafter acquire relating to any credit subject hereto, Borrower or its business, any guarantor hereunder or the business of such guarantor, if any, or any collateral required hereunder.
SECTION 7.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. To the full extent permitted by law, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and Bank with respect to each credit subject hereto and supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in writing signed by each party hereto.
SECTION 7.6. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is made and entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall be a third party beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents to which it is not a party.
SECTION 7.7. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents.
SECTION 7.8. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this Agreement.
SECTION 7.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement.
SECTION 7.10. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Colorado (such State, Commonwealth or District is referred to herein as the “State”), but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks, without reference to the conflicts of law or choice of law principles thereof.
SECTION 7.11. BUSINESS PURPOSE. Borrower represents and warrants that each credit subject hereto is made for (a) a business, commercial, investment, agricultural or other similar purpose, (b) the purpose of acquiring or carrying on a business, professional or commercial activity, or (c) the purpose of acquiring any real or personal property as an investment and not primarily for a personal, family or household use.
SECTION 7.12. RIGHT OF SETOFF; DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, (a) Borrower hereby authorizes Bank, at any time and from time to time, without notice, which is hereby expressly waived by Borrower, and whether or not Bank shall have declared any credit subject hereto to be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof, to set off against, and to appropriate and apply to the payment of, Borrower's obligations and liabilities under the Loan Documents (whether matured or unmatured, fixed or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated), any and all amounts owing by Bank to Borrower (whether payable in U.S. dollars or any other currency, whether matured or unmatured, and in the case of deposits, whether general or special (except trust and escrow accounts), time or demand and however evidenced), and (b) pending any such action, to the extent necessary, to hold such amounts as collateral to secure such obligations and liabilities and to return as unpaid for insufficient funds any and all checks and other items drawn against any deposits so held as Bank, in its sole discretion, may elect. Bank may exercise this remedy regardless of the adequacy of any collateral for the obligations of Borrower to Bank and whether or not the Bank is otherwise fully secured. Borrower hereby grants to Bank a security interest in all deposits and accounts maintained with Bank to secure the payment of all obligations and liabilities of Borrower to Bank under the Loan Documents.
SECTION 7.13. ARBITRATION.
(a) Arbitration. The parties hereto agree, upon demand by any party, to submit to binding arbitration all claims, disputes and controversies between or among them (and their respective employees, officers, directors, attorneys, and other agents), whether in tort, contract or otherwise in any way arising out of or relating to (i) any credit subject hereto, or any of the Loan Documents, and their negotiation, execution, collateralization, administration, repayment, modification, extension, substitution, formation, inducement, enforcement, default or termination; or (ii) requests for additional credit. In the event of a court ordered arbitration, the party requesting arbitration shall be responsible for timely filing the demand for arbitration and paying the appropriate filing fee within 30 days of the abatement order or the time specified by the court. Failure to timely file the demand for arbitration as ordered by the court will result in
that party’s right to demand arbitration being automatically terminated.
(b) Governing Rules. Any arbitration proceeding will (i) proceed in a location in the State selected by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”); (ii) be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United States Code), notwithstanding any conflicting choice of law provision in any of the documents between the parties; and (iii) be conducted by the AAA, or such other administrator as the parties shall mutually agree upon, in accordance with the AAA’s commercial dispute resolution procedures, unless the claim or counterclaim is at least
$1,000,000.00 exclusive of claimed interest, arbitration fees and costs in which case the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the AAA’s optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes (the commercial dispute resolution procedures or the optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes to be referred to herein, as applicable, as the “Rules”). If there is any inconsistency between the terms hereof and the Rules, the terms and procedures set forth herein shall control. Any party who fails or refuses to submit to
arbitration following a demand by any other party shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by such other party in compelling arbitration of any dispute. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party that is a bank of the protections afforded to it under 12
U.S.C. §91 or any similar applicable state law.
(c) No Waiver of Provisional Remedies, Self-Help and Foreclosure. The arbitration requirement does not limit the right of any party to (i) foreclose against real or personal property collateral; (ii) exercise self-help remedies relating to collateral or proceeds of collateral such as setoff or repossession; or (iii) obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as replevin, injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a receiver, before during or after the pendency of any arbitration proceeding. This exclusion does not constitute a waiver of the right or obligation of any party to submit any dispute to arbitration or reference hereunder, including those arising from the exercise of the actions detailed in sections (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph.
(d) Arbitrator Qualifications and Powers. Any arbitration proceeding in which the amount in controversy is $5,000,000.00 or less will be decided by a single arbitrator selected according to the Rules, and who shall not render an award of greater than $5,000,000.00. Any dispute in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000.00 shall be decided by majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators; provided however, that all three arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations. The arbitrator will be a neutral attorney licensed in the State or a neutral retired judge of the state or federal judiciary of the State, in either case with a minimum of ten years experience in the substantive law applicable to the subject matter of the dispute to be arbitrated. The arbitrator will determine whether or not an issue is arbitratable and will give effect to the statutes of limitation in determining any claim. In any arbitration proceeding the arbitrator will decide (by documents only or with a hearing at the arbitrator's discretion) any pre-hearing motions which are similar to motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim or motions for summary adjudication. The arbitrator shall resolve all disputes in accordance with the substantive law of the State and may grant any remedy or relief that a court of such state could order or grant within the scope hereof and such ancillary relief as is necessary to make effective any award. The arbitrator shall also have the power to award recovery of all costs and fees, to impose sanctions and to take such other action as the arbitrator deems necessary to the same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the corresponding rules of civil practice and procedure applicable in the State or other applicable law. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of a provisional or ancillary remedy shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration if any other party contests such action for judicial relief.
(e) Discovery. In any arbitration proceeding, discovery will be permitted in accordance with the Rules. All discovery shall be expressly limited to matters directly relevant to the dispute being arbitrated and must be completed no later than 20 days before the hearing date. Any requests for an extension of the discovery periods, or any discovery disputes, will be subject to final determination by the arbitrator upon a showing that the request for discovery is essential for the party's presentation and that no alternative means for obtaining information is available.
(f) Class Proceedings and Consolidations. No party hereto shall be entitled to join or consolidate disputes by or against others in any arbitration, except parties who have executed any Loan Document, or to include in any arbitration any dispute as a representative or member of a class, or to act in any arbitration in the interest of the general public or in a private attorney general capacity.
(g) Payment of Arbitration Costs and Fees. The arbitrator shall award all costs and expenses of the arbitration proceeding.
(h) Miscellaneous. To the maximum extent practicable, the AAA, the arbitrators and the parties shall take all action required to conclude any arbitration proceeding within 180 days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration proceeding may disclose the existence, content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by a party required in the ordinary course of its business or by applicable law or regulation. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the parties potentially applies to a dispute, the arbitration provision most directly related to the Loan Documents or the subject matter of the dispute shall control. This arbitration provision shall survive termination, amendment or expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the parties.
(i) Small Claims Court. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each party retains the right to pursue in Small Claims Court any dispute within that court’s jurisdiction. Further, this arbitration provision shall apply only to disputes in which either party seeks to recover an amount of money (excluding attorneys’ fees and costs) that exceeds the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims Court.
SECTION 7.14. GENERAL RELEASE. In consideration of the benefits provided to Borrower under the terms and provisions hereof, Borrower hereby agrees as follows ("General Release"):
(a) Borrower, for itself and on behalf of its successors and assigns, does hereby release, acquit and forever discharge Bank, all of Bank's predecessors in interest, and all of Bank's past and present officers, directors, attorneys, affiliates, employees and agents, of and from any and all claims, demands, obligations, liabilities, indebtedness, breaches of contract, breaches of duty or of any relationship, acts, omissions, misfeasance, malfeasance, causes of action, defenses, offsets, debts, sums of money, accounts, compensation, contracts, controversies, promises, damages, costs, losses and expenses, of every type, kind, nature, description or character, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, liquidated or unliquidated, each as though fully set forth herein at length (each, a "Released Claim" and collectively, the "Released Claims"), that Borrower now has or may acquire as of the later of: (i) the date this Agreement becomes effective through the satisfaction (or waiver by Bank) of all conditions hereto; or (ii) the date that Borrower has executed and delivered this Agreement to Bank (hereafter, the "Release Date"), including without limitation, those Released Claims in any way arising out of, connected with or related to any and all prior credit accommodations, if any, provided by Bank, or any of Bank's predecessors in interest, to Borrower, and any agreements, notes or documents of any kind related thereto or the transactions contemplated thereby or hereby, or any other agreement or document referred to herein or therein.
(a) Borrower hereby acknowledges, represents and warrants to Bank that it agrees to assume the risk of any and all unknown, unanticipated or misunderstood defenses and Released Claims which are released by the provisions of this General Release in favor of Bank, and Borrower hereby waives and releases all rights and benefits which it might otherwise have under any state or local laws or statutes with regard to the release of such unknown, unanticipated or misunderstood defenses and Released Claims.
(b) Each person signing below on behalf of Borrower acknowledges that he or she has read each of the provisions of this General Release. Each such person fully understands that this General Release has important legal consequences, and each such person realizes that they are releasing any and all Released Claims that Borrower may have as of the Release Date. Borrower hereby acknowledges that it has had an opportunity to obtain a lawyer's advice concerning the legal consequences of each of the provisions of this General Release.
(c) Borrower hereby specifically acknowledges and agrees that: (i) none of the provisions of this General Release shall be construed as or constitute an admission of any liability on the part of Bank; (ii) the provisions of this General Release shall constitute an absolute bar to any Released Claim of any kind, whether any such Released Claim is based on contract, tort, warranty, mistake or any other theory, whether legal, statutory or equitable; and
(iii) any attempt to assert a Released Claim barred by the provisions of this General Release shall subject Borrower to the provisions of applicable law setting forth the remedies for the bringing of groundless, frivolous or baseless claims or causes of action.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the effective date set forth above.
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN |
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WELLS FARGO BANK, |
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| CHOCOLATE FACTORY, INC. |
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
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| By: |
/s/ Bryan Merryman |
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By: |
/s/ Zane S. Way |
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BRYAN MERRYMAN, |
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ZANE S. WAY, |
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CEO, CFO |
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VICE PRESIDENT |
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