Exhibit 10.152
MASTER REVOLVING CREDIT PROMISSORY NOTE
("MASTER NOTE")
$3,000,000.00 St. Petersburg, Florida
Date: April 21, 1997
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned borrower, LITCHFIELD FINANCIAL
CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter called "Borrower")
promises to pay to the order of REPUBLIC BANK, a Florida banking corporation
(hereinafter and together with any holder hereof called "Bank"), at Post Office
Box 7010, Clearwater, Florida 34618-7010, or at such other place as Bank may
from time to time designate in writing, without grace, upon the first to occur
of: DEMAND OR AFTER ONE (1) YEAR (unless automatically renewed hereunder), (the
"Maturity Date"), the principal sum not to exceed THREE MILLION DOLLARS
($3,000,000.00), or so much thereof as has been advanced hereunder, together
with interest on the unpaid balance of the principal (the "Loan") from time to
time outstanding at the rate equal to the Base Rate plus one percentage point
(1.00%) per annum (the "Interest Rate"). In no event, however, shall the
interest rate be greater than the maximum rate of interest allowed to be
contracted for by applicable law.
Principal and interest shall be due and payable as follows:
(a) To the extent accrued, interest only, as stated above, shall be
payable monthly commencing April 1, 1997, and continuing on the first day of
each month thereafter until the Maturity Date at which time all outstanding
indebtedness, whether principal, accrued interest or otherwise, shall be due and
payable in full.
(b) The principal amount evidenced hereby may be borrowed (and to the
extent any principal amount advanced hereunder is repaid by Borrower, such sum
may be borrowed again) until the Maturity Date. At no time, however, shall the
principal balance outstanding hereunder exceed THREE MILLION DOLLARS
($3,000,000.00).
Interest owing under this Master Note shall be computed on the basis of a
365-day year for actual days lapsed.
As used herein, "Base Rate" shall refer to the base rate of interest per
annum which is announced by CITIBANK, N.A., New York, New York ("Citibank") as
being its base rate as such base rate changes from time to time. Changes in the
Base Rate shall be effective on the effective date announced by CITIBANK.
If any payment on this Master Note becomes due and payable on a Saturday,
Sunday or legal holiday under the laws of the State of Florida, the maturity
thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding business day and interest
thereon shall be payable at contract rate of interest during such extension.
This Master Note is the Master Revolving Credit Note referred to in the
Wholesale Warehouse Loan and Mortgage Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement")
between the Borrower and the Bank, as the same may from time to time be amended
or supplemented, and all Advances hereunder are subject to the terms and
conditions thereof.
Upon the occurrence of any one or more of the Events of Default specified
in the Loan Agreement, or in any other document or instrument delivered in
connection therewith, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Master Note may
be declared to be immediately due and payable as provided in the Loan Agreement.
Loans on this Master Note shall be requested by Borrower and evidenced by
an Advance, as provided in the Loan Agreement.
Borrower may repay all or part of the principal balance at any time
without penalty. Such prepayment shall be accompanied by payment of any unpaid
interest accrued to the time of such prepayment. All payments made hereunder
shall at Bank's option first be applied to late charges, then to accrued
interest, then to principal.
Permitted partial prepayments shall not affect or vary the duty of
Borrower to pay all obligations when due, and they shall not affect or impair
the right of Bank to pursue all remedies available to it hereunder, under the
security instruments securing this indebtedness, or under any other loan
documents or guaranty executed in connection herewith.
In the event Bank has made a demand for repayment of the indebtedness
evidenced by this Master Note, Bank, at its option, may notify Borrower that its
commitment to lend under this revolving credit is terminated and Bank shall be
relieved of all obligations to lend any further sums thereafter to Borrower.
This Master Note has been delivered in the State of Florida, and its terms
and provisions are to be governed by and construed under the laws of the State
of Florida and of the United States of America, and the rules and regulations
promulgated under the authority thereof. It is the intent of this Master Note
that such laws shall be interpreted in such a manner that the maximum rate of
interest allowed to be contracted for by applicable law as changed from time to
time which is applicable to this Master Note (hereinafter called the "Maximum
Rate") be as great as possible.
In the event that any payment of interest is not made when due hereunder,
it is hereby agreed that the Bank shall have the option of collecting five
percent (5%) of the amount of each such delinquent payment. Said late charge
and/or interest shall be immediately due and payable in full on demand by the
Bank.
In no event shall Bank have the right to charge or collect, nor shall
Borrower be required or obligated to pay, interest or payments in the nature of
interest, which would result in interest being charged or collected at a rate in
excess of the Maximum Rate. In the event that any payment which is interest or
in the nature of interest is made by Borrower or received by Bank which would
result in the rate of interest being charged or collected by the Bank being in
excess of the Maximum Rate, then the portion of any such payment which causes
the rate of interest being charged or collected by Bank exceed the Maximum Rate
(hereinafter called the "excess sum") shall be credited as a payment of
principal. If Borrower notifies Bank in writing that Borrower elects to have
such excess sum returned to Borrower, such excess sum shall be returned to
Borrower. In the event that any such overcharge is discovered after this Master
Note has been paid in full, then the amount of such excess sum shall be returned
to Borrower together with interest thereon from the date such excess sum was
paid or collected at the same rate as was due Bank during such period under the
terms of this Master Note. All excess sums credited to principal shall be
credited as of the date paid to Bank.
The "Default Interest Rate" shall be five percent (5%) per annum above the
contract interest rate set forth above, but in no event at a rate which is
higher than the Maximum Rate permitted by law.
Upon a failure by Borrower to repay principal upon demand by Bank, the
entire unpaid principal balance shall bear interest at the "Default Interest
Rate". In addition to the rights described in this paragraph, Bank shall have
the right to exercise all other rights or remedies provided by law or at equity
and shall specifically have the right to recover all damages resulting from such
default including, without limitation, the right to recover the payment of all
amounts owing to Bank. Exercise of any of these options shall be without notice
to Borrower, notice of such exercise being hereby expressly waived.
Time is of the essence hereunder. In the event that this Master Note is
collected by law or through attorneys at law, or under advice therefrom,
Borrower and any other person liable for payment hereof hereby, severally and
jointly, agree to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys'
fees and costs (including charges for paralegals and others working under the
direction or supervision of Bank's attorneys) and all sales or use taxes
thereon, whether or not suit is brought, and whether incurred in connection with
collection, trial, appeal, bankruptcy or other creditor's proceedings or
otherwise, and, if Bank's attorneys shall include employees of Bank or of any
person controlling, controlled by or under common control with Bank, such
reasonable attorney's fees shall include costs allocated by Bank's or such
person's internal legal department.
Borrower authorizes Bank, from time to time, to debit any account that
Borrower may have with Bank, for any payment of principal or interest past due
hereunder for the amount of such payment of principal or interest. Exercise of
this right shall be optional with Bank and the provisions of this paragraph
shall not be construed as releasing Borrower from the obligation to make
payments of principal or interest according to the terms hereof.
The remedies of Bank as provided herein shall be cumulative and
concurrent, and may be pursued singularly, successively, or together, at the
sole discretion of Bank. No act of omission or commission of Bank, including
specifically any failure to exercise any right, remedy or recourse, shall be
deemed to be a waiver or release of the same, such waiver or release to be
effected only through a written document executed by Bank and then only to the
extent specifically recited therein. A waiver or release with reference to any
one event shall not be construed as continuing, as a bar to, or as a waiver of
release of, any subsequent right, remedy or recourse as to a subsequent event.
All persons now or at any time liable, whether primarily or secondarily,
for the payment of the indebtedness hereby evidenced, for themselves, their
heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns, respectively, hereby: (a)
expressly waive any presentment, demand for payment, notice of dishonor,
protest, notice of nonpayment or protest, all other forms of notice whatsoever,
and diligence in collection; (b) consent that Bank may, from time to time, and
without notice to them or demand: (i) extend, rearrange, renew or postpone any
or all payments and/or (ii) release, exchange, add to or substitute all or any
part of the collateral for this Master Note, without in any way modifying,
altering, releasing, affecting or limiting their respective liability or the
lien of any security instrument; (c) agree that Bank, in order to enforce
payment of this Master Note against them shall not be required first to
institute any suit or to exhaust any of its remedies against any Borrower or any
other person or party or to attempt to realize on the collateral for this Master
Note. Continuation of the revolving credit facility shall be reviewed by Bank on
an annual basis as of twelve (12) months from the date of this Note and as the
same date of each subsequent year. In the event the Bank determines to terminate
this Loan after such annual review, Bank shall give the Borrower written notice
of such termination within ten (10) days of the annual date of the Loan to be
effective thirty (30) days after the date of said notice. If the Bank does not
give the written notice within such period, the Note will automatically renew
for another one year period.
BORROWER AND ANY OTHER PERSON LIABLE FOR PAYMENT HEREOF, BY EXECUTING THIS
MASTER NOTE OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT CREATING SUCH LIABILITY, WAIVE THEIR RIGHTS TO
A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT OR TORT, BY STATUTE OR
OTHERWISE, IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THIS MASTER NOTE. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL
INDUCEMENT FOR BANK'S EXTENDING CREDIT TO BORROWER AND NO WAIVER OR LIMITATION
OF BANK'S RIGHTS HEREUNDER SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UNLESS IN WRITING AND MANUALLY
SIGNED ON BANK'S BEHALF.
Borrower acknowledges that the above paragraph has been expressly
bargained for by Bank as part of the loan evidenced hereby and that, but for
Borrower's agreement and the agreement of any other person liable for payment
hereof thereto, Bank would not have extended the loan for the term and with the
interest rate provided herein.
If more than one party shall execute this Master Note, the term
"Borrower", as used herein, shall mean all parties signing this Master Note and
each of them, who shall be jointly and severally obligated hereunder. In this
Master Note, whenever the context so requires, the neuter gender includes the
feminine and/or masculine, as the case may be, and the singular number includes
the plural.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Master Note to be executed in
its name on the day and year first above written.
THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE LOAN EVIDENCED HEREBY IS
FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD
PURPOSES.
LITCHFIELD FINANCIAL CORPORATION,
a Massachusetts corporation
By: /s/Heather A.Sica
---------------------
Heather A. Sica,
As its Executive Vice President
(CORPORATE SEAL)
"BORROWER"
STATE OF VERMONT
COUNTY OF Bennington
__________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 19th day of
March, 1997 by HEATHER A. SICA, as Executive Vice President of LITCHFIELD
FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation, who is personally known to
me or who produced a New York State Driver's License as identification, on
behalf of the corporation.
/s/ Jane E.Ruzicka
______________________________
Notary Public-State of Vermont
My Commission Expires:
Jane E.Ruzicka
_____________________________
(Print or Type Name of Notary)
Exhibit 10.153
WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE LOAN AND MORTGAGE SECURITY AGREEMENT
________________________________________________________
THIS WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE LOAN AND MORTGAGE SECURITY AGREEMENT (the "Loan
Agreement") made this 21st day of March, 1997, among REPUBLIC BANK, a Florida
banking corporation, having a mailing address of 111 Second Avenue N.E., St
Petersburg, FL 33701 (hereinafter referred to as the "Bank") and LITCHFIELD
FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation (hereinafter referred to as
the "Borrower"), having its principal place of business at 789 Main Road,
Stamford, VT 05352.
RECITALS:
A. The Borrower has applied to the Bank for a revolving line of credit not
to exceed Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) (the "Loan") to be evidenced by
a master promissory note (the "Note") and secured by certain eligible secured
notes of Borrower.
B. The Bank has agreed to make the Loan providing certain
conditions herein outlined are fully complied with.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants hereinafter
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
SECTION 1. RECITALS; DEFINITIONS
1.1 Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and
incorporated herein by reference.
1.2 Defined Terms. As used in this Loan Agreement (such term and other
capitalized terms used herein having the respective meanings specified and
defined in this Section 1.2), the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
"Advance" or "Advances" shall mean the amount advanced by the Bank to
Borrower from time to time under the terms of this Loan Agreement and the Note.
"Affiliate" shall mean any person, corporation, association or other
business entity which directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled by, or
is under common control with the Borrower.
"Borrowing Base" shall mean, at any date of determination thereof
(which date and determination shall be in the Bank's sole discretion) an amount
equal to 75% of Eligible Loan Receivables; but in no event shall the aggregate
of all Advances under the Loan outstanding at any one time exceed $3,000,000.00.
The Bank has bargained for and Borrower agrees and acknowledges that the
collateral not included in the Borrowing Base is a cushion of collateral value
in excess of the secured Advances under the Loan.
"Default" the occurrence of any Event of Default that is not cured
within any applicable notice and cure period.
"Default Rate" shall mean five (5%) per cent per annum above the
contract interest rate but not to exceed the maximum annual rate of interest
permitted by then applicable law.
"Eligible Loan Receivables" shall mean, at any date of determination
thereof, all Loan Receivables of Borrower: (a) which are bona fide, valid and
legally enforceable obligations of the loan debtors in respect thereof, which
are unconditionally owing by such loan debtors and which are not in default; (b)
which, except for the security interest in the Loan Receivables granted to the
Bank, are solely owned by the Borrower, free and clear of any and all other
liens, security interests, encumbrances, claims or rights of others; (c) which
are not the subject of any defense, offset, counterclaim or claim; (d) as to
which no more than 90 days shall have elapsed from the last required payment;
(e) as to which no more than 49% of those Loan Receivables for any account is
aged ninety (90) days or more from its last payment date, as evidenced by the
monthly Loan Receivable aging report: (f) as to which the account debtors are
(i) solvent, going concerns unaffiliated with the Borrower or an Affiliate of
Borrower, and (ii) reasonably satisfactory to the Bank from a credit standpoint
(the Bank's satisfaction may be assumed unless the Bank shall at any time advise
the Borrower to the contrary).
"Events of Default" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7 hereof.
"Expiration Date" shall mean upon prior demand by the Bank one year
after the date hereof if not automatically renewed as provided in the Notes or
after Default, whichever first occurs, or such other later date as the parties
may agree to in writing.
"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles" shall mean generally
accepted accounting principles, in effect from time to time, applied on a
consistent basis.
"Loan Receivables" shall mean all mortgage secured notes and other
related forms of obligations, now or hereafter owing to the Borrower (including,
without limitation, any such obligation that might be characterized as an
account, contract right, or general intangible under the Uniform Commercial Code
as, from time to time, in effect in the State of Florida), and all collateral
security, guarantees and custodial or records management agreements of any kind
given by any obligor with respect to any of the foregoing.
SECTION 2. THE REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN.
(a) Advances. Subject to the Borrowing Base limitations and the terms and
conditions of this Loan Agreement, the Bank may, in its discretion, make
Advances to the Borrower, at any time and from time to time, on or after the
date hereof until the earlier of the Expiration Date or the occurrence of an
Event of Default, or an event which with the giving of notice or the passage of
time, or both, shall constitute an Event of Default; Advances may be borrowed,
re-paid and re-borrowed, provided, however, the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of all Advances at any time shall not exceed the sum of $3,000,000.00. In
the event any Borrowing Base Certificate discloses that the outstanding balance
of Borrower's Loan exceeds the Borrowing Base of Eligible Loan Receivables,
Borrower shall remit the difference between the Borrowing Base and the
outstanding Loan balance to the Bank within five (5) business days of written
demand by the Bank.
(b) Interest. The Bank shall make appropriate debits and credits to the
loan account of the Borrower corresponding to each Advance to reflect the
Advances to, prepayments and payments for the account of the Borrower. Each such
entry shall be prima facie evidence of the principal amount of Advances
hereunder at any time outstanding. Each Advance shall bear interest from the
date such Advance is made on the aggregate unpaid principal amount thereof until
such principal amount is paid or shall become due and payable (whether at the
stated maturity or by acceleration) pursuant to the terms of and at a rate per
annum as set in the Note.
(c) Calculation. Interest on principal outstanding from time to time shall
be paid monthly, and shall be calculated on the basis of a 365-day year for the
actual days elapsed.
(d) Requests for Advances. Borrower shall request Advances under the Loan
by giving written notice thereof to the Bank at the address set forth in Section
8 of this Loan Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank,
together with delivery to the Bank of a Borrowing Base Certificate in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and copies of the Collateral (herein defined) for
the Bank's review and the Collateral Documentation (herein defined) if the Bank
accepts granting the Advance, and any supporting information it may reasonably
request, at the above address.
(e) Commitment. The giving of notice as aforesaid shall irrevocably commit
Borrower to accept the requested Advance under the Loan if granted by the Bank.
(f) Limitation. In no event shall any interest charge, collected or
reserved hereunder exceed the maximum rate then permitted by applicable law.
(g) Funding. An initial Advance under the Loan shall be made in an amount
of up to $3,000,000.00 for working capital needs subject to the Borrowing Base
limitations and the terms and conditions herein.
(h) Collateral. From the date hereof as security for the payment and the
performance of the Loan, the Borrower extends, sells, assigns, conveys,
mortgages, pledges, transfers, grants, and regrants to the Bank a continuing,
first priority security interest in and to all of its respective rights, title
and interest in, to and under all Loan Receivables and all other property and
money of the Borrower now or hereafter in the possession, custody or control of
the Bank; and as to each of the foregoing, the products and proceeds thereof and
accessions thereto; all of which shall constitute the "Collateral".
(i) Collateral Documentation. For each Advance Borrower shall grant the
Bank a collateral assignment of the following Loan documentation (collectively
the "Underlying Loan Documents") depending upon the type of loan to be assigned
and as below indicated:
(1) Collateral Assignment of Borrower's Loan Documents including but
not limited to the note, mortgage, assignments, security agreements, pledge
agreements, financing statements, title insurance policy, custodial and records
management agreements and such other documents as evidence and secure the
Underlying Loan Documents.
(2) Collateral assignment of the following documents depending on the
type of loan assigned, if required by the Bank (or if not required,
certification by Borrower that such documentation is in Borrower's possession,
is being held by Borrower in trust for the Bank):
(i) A certified survey of the mortgage property, if any,
including all improvements thereon, which depicts no facts that would render the
title unmarketable.
(ii) Fire and other hazard insurance policies and flood
insurance policy, if applicable, or certificates in an amount equal to the full
insurable value of the mortgage property.
(iii)An appraisal by a State Certified General Appraiser
indicating an appraisal value meeting the Bank's requirements, if available.
(iv) An Environmental Level I report and such other environment
reports obtained by Borrower if available.
(v) Any other documents reasonably requested by the Bank at any
time, as it may deem necessary in its sole discretion.
(3) Borrower shall not pledge, assign or grant any security interest
in any of the Collateral pledged hereunder to anyone other than the Bank.
(4) The Collateral presently or hereafter pledged, assigned and set
over under this Loan Agreement secures the following:
(i) The payment of the principal of and interest on
the Master Note;
(ii) The payment of any and all amounts due or which hereafter
may become due to the Bank from the Borrower pursuant to this Loan Agreement and
the performance by the Borrower of all obligations, covenants and agreements
under this Loan Agreement;
(iii)The payment of all costs and expenses incurred in the
collection of the Master Note and in the enforcement of the rights of the Bank
hereunder, which costs and expenses the Borrower agrees to pay; and
(iv) The payment of any and all other obligations of every type
made by the Bank to or on behalf of Borrower, regardless of any obligation on
the part of the Bank to make such Advances.
(j) Proceeds. No part of the proceeds of any Advance made hereunder
will be used to "purchase" or "carry" any "margin stock" or to extend credit to
others for the purpose of "purchasing" or "carrying" any "margin stock" (as such
terms are defined in the Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System), and the assets of Borrower do not include and Borrower has no
present interest in acquiring any such security.
SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
From the date hereof, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Bank as
follows:
3.1 Organization, Standing, Corporate Powers.
(a) Duly Organized. The Borrower (i) is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State
of Massachusetts, registered to do business in the State of Florida; (ii) has
all requisite power and authority, corporate or otherwise, to conduct its
business as now being conducted and to own its properties and assets; and (iii)
is duly qualified to do business in every jurisdiction wherein the failure to so
qualify would have a material adverse effect.
(b) Powers. Borrower has all requisite power and authority, corporate
or otherwise, to execute, deliver, and to perform all of its obligations under
this Loan Agreement and under other documents or agreements relating to the
transactions contemplated herein to which it is a party.
(c) Binding Obligation. This Loan Agreement and all corporate notes,
assignments, security agreements and all other loan and security agreements
executed in connection therewith are legal, valid and binding obligations of the
Borrower, as the case may be, and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms.
(d) No Approvals Required. No written approval of any federal, state
or local governmental authority is necessary to carry out the terms of this Loan
Agreement or the other loan documents referred to herein, and no consents or
approvals are required in the making or performance of the loan documents.
(e) No Pending Actions. There are no pending or threatened actions or
proceedings before any court, arbitrator or governmental or administrative body
or agency which may materially adversely affect the properties, business or
condition, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or in any way adversely
affect or call into question the power of the Borrower to enter into or perform
the loan documents referred to herein.
(f) Solvency. Borrower is now solvent and able to pay its debts as
they mature and now owns property whose fair salable value on a consolidated
basis is greater than the amount required to pay its indebtedness.
(g) No Misrepresentations. Neither this Loan Agreement nor any other
documents or agreements provided to the Bank by Borrower contains any
misrepresentation or untrue statement of fact or omits to state any material
fact necessary to make any of such agreements, reports, schedules, certificates
or instruments not misleading.
(h) No Default. Borrower covenants that the execution of this Loan
Agreement and the other loan documents referred to herein granted by Borrower do
not create an event of default with any of Borrower's existing creditors.
The effectiveness of this Loan Agreement shall be subject to the
continuing accuracy of all representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained herein. Each Advance made to the Borrower pursuant to the Loan
Agreement shall constitute an automatic warranty and representation by Borrower
to the Bank that there does not exist a Default or any Event of Default or any
event or condition which, with notice, lapse of time and/or the making of such
Advance, would constitute a Default or any Event of Default and a reaffirmation
as of the date of said request of all the representations and warranties of
Borrower contained in this Loan Agreement. Borrower covenants, warrants and
represents to the Bank that all representations and warranties contained in this
Loan Agreement shall be true at the time of execution of the loan documents
referred to herein and shall survive the execution, delivery and acceptance
thereof by the parties thereto and the closing of the transactions described
therein or related thereto.
3.2 Authorization of Borrowing. The execution, delivery and performance of
this Loan Agreement and the borrowings hereunder: (i) have been duly authorized
by all requisite corporate action; (ii) will not violate any provision of
applicable law, any governmental rule or regulation, any order of any court or
other agency of government to which either of such parties is subject or the
Articles of Incorporation or By-laws of the Borrower; or (iii) do not violate
any provision of any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which the
Borrower is a party or by which the Borrower or its properties or assets are
bound and which is material to the conduct or operation of their respective
businesses and financial affairs, or conflict with, result in a breach of or
constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any
provision of such indenture, agreement or other instruments, or result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance of any nature
whatsoever upon any of the properties or assets of the Borrower, other than as
provided herein.
3.3 Financial Statements. The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the
Bank the financial statements which fairly present the financial condition and
the results of operations of the Borrower as of the date and for the period
indicated, show all known material liabilities, direct or contingent, as of the
respective dates thereof, and were prepared in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles applied on a consistent basis.
3.4 Adverse Change. There has been no material adverse change in the
business, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower since
the date of the most recent of the financial statements delivered to the Bank.
3.5 Litigation. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to
the knowledge of the Borrower, overtly threatened against or affecting it, at
law or in equity, or before or by any federal, state, municipal or other
governmental court, tribunal, department, commission, board, bureau, agency or
instrumentality, domestic or foreign, which involve any of the transactions
herein contemplated or the possibility of any judgment or liability which would
result in any material adverse change in the business, operations, properties or
assets or in the financial condition of Borrower, or materially and adversely
affect the ability of Borrower to perform hereunder. Borrower is not in default
with respect to (a) any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree; or (b) any
rule or regulation of any court or Federal, state, municipal or other
governmental court, tribunal, department, commission, board, bureau, agency or
instrumentality, domestic or foreign which would have a material adverse effect
on its business, properties or condition (financial or otherwise).
3.6 Payments of Taxes. Borrower has filed or caused to be filed all
Federal, state and local tax returns that are required to be filed and has paid
or caused to be paid all taxes as shown on such returns or on any assessment
received by it, to the extent that such taxes have become due, except taxes the
validity of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and for which, in the exercise of reasonable business judgment, there have been
set aside adequate reserves with respect to any such tax or assessment so
contested the tax or assessment so contested shall not materially affect its
ability to perform hereunder.
3.7 Priority of Security Interest. Subject (i) to filing and recordation
of the appropriate instruments in the appropriate offices of the proper
jurisdiction or possession by the Bank or its agent where perfection is based
upon possession; (ii) to the enforcement of remedies to bankruptcy, insolvency,
and other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and to moratorium laws,
from time to time in effect; and (iii) to general equitable principles which may
limit the right to obtain the remedy of specific performance, each of the
security interests granted to the Bank as identified under Section 2 of this
Loan Agreement constitutes a valid first priority security interest or lien in
and to the property covered thereby, unless otherwise disclosed by Borrower,
granting all rights and remedies to a secured party under the Uniform Commercial
Code, as in effect in the State of Florida, as the same may be modified or
amended from time to time, except as otherwise permitted hereunder.
SECTION 4. CONDITIONS OF LENDING.
The obligation of the Bank to extend credit hereunder is subject to the
following conditions:
4.1 Representations and Warranties. At the date of each Advance, the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 3 hereof shall be true and
correct on and as of such date, with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, except to
the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier
date.
4.2 Certificates. On or before the date hereof, the Bank shall have
received: (a) from the Borrower: (i) a copy of its certificate of corporate
status and Articles of Incorporation with all amendments, certified by the
Secretary of State of Massachusetts, dated as of a recent date; (ii) the
certificate of its secretary or assistant secretary, dated the date hereof and
certifying that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of its Bylaws prior
to the adoption of the resolutions by its Board of Directors authorizing the
execution, delivery and performance of this Loan Agreement; and certification
that its Articles of Incorporation have not been amended since the date of the
last amendment thereof, if any, indicated on the certificate of the Secretary of
State; and (b) such other documents as the Bank may reasonably request.
4.3 No Default. At the date of each Advance, no Event of Default, or event
which with the giving of notice or of the passage of time, or both, would
constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and the
representations and warranties of the Borrower contained herein shall remain
true and correct as of such date, except to the extent that such representations
and warranties relate to an earlier date. Each request for an Advance shall
constitute the confirmation by the Borrower that at the date thereof the
conditions contained in this Section 4.3 shall have been satisfied.
4.4 Other Conditions Precedent. On or before the date hereof, there shall
have been delivered to the Bank all of the Underlying Loan Documents, financial
statements, reports, appraisals, title commitments and other documents required
by the Loan Commitment dated January 21, 1997.
SECTION 5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
From the date hereof and so long as the Loan shall be unpaid or
unperformed, the Borrower will:
5.1 Existence and Properties. To the extent that the same are necessary
for the proper and advantageous conduct of its business, do or cause to be done
all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its
corporate existence, rights, licenses and permits and comply with all laws and
regulations applicable to it and conduct and operate its business in
substantially the manner in which it is presently conducted and operated.
5.2 Insurance. Cause the Collateral, to be adequately insured at all
times, by financially sound and reputable insurers, in an amount not less than
the value thereof.
5.3 Obligations, Taxes and Laws. Pay or cause to be paid all indebtedness
and obligations promptly and in accordance with their respective terms,
including, without limitation, sales, use and personal property taxes as the
same may be imposed upon the Borrower from time to time, and pay and discharge
or cause to be paid and discharged promptly all taxes, assessments, and
governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or in respect of its property
before the same shall become in default, as well as all lawful claims for labor,
materials, and supplies or otherwise which, if unpaid, might become a lien or
charge upon such property or any part thereof, and timely comply with all
applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations; provided, however, that
the Borrower shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or
discharged any such tax, assessment, charge, lien or claim, or timely comply
with the laws and governmental rules so long as the validity thereof shall be
contested by appropriate legal proceedings timely initiated and conducted in
good faith, and (a) in the case of an unpaid tax, assessment, governmental
charge or levy, lien, encumbrance, charge or claim, such proceedings shall be
effective to suspend the collection thereof from the Borrower, and their
properties; (b) neither such properties nor any part thereof, nor any interest
therein would be in any danger of being sold, forfeited or lost; (c) in the case
of a law and governmental rule or regulation, neither the Borrower nor the Bank
would be in any danger of criminal liability for failure to comply therewith;
(d) there shall have been established such reserve or other appropriate
provision, if any, with respect thereto on the books of the entity involved, as
shall be required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles with respect to
any such tax, assessment, charge, lien, claim, encumbrance, law, rule or
regulation, so contested.
5.4 Maintenance of Books and Records. Keep true books of record and
account in which full, true and correct entries will be made of all of
Borrower's dealings and transactions and set up on the books of Borrower such
reserves as may be required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
5.5 Financial Statements and Reports. The Borrower shall
maintain systems of accounting established and administered in
accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The
Borrower will furnish to the Bank:
(a) Within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, audited
balance sheets and statements of income, retained earnings for such year by
Ernst & Young, LLP or other accounting firm acceptable to the Bank, together
with copies of federal corporate tax returns within thirty (30) days of the
filing thereof.
(b) Within 30 days after the end of each month, deliver to the Bank
the following financial statements certified by a designated corporate officer
or the chief financial officer of the Borrower as accurate to the best of
his/her knowledge upon due inquiry and investigation: (i) the Borrowing Base
Certificate in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "A"; (ii) a Loan Receivables
aging report by account customer (together with a list of the Contracts as
back-up for the report) reflecting the past due status of any assigned Loan
Receivable.
(c) Concurrently with the statements furnished pursuant to paragraphs
(a) and (b) of this Section 5.5, a certificate of an authorized officer of the
Borrower certifying that to the best of his knowledge, no Event of Default
hereunder, nor any event which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute such an Event of Default, has occurred or, if such Event of Default
or event has occurred, specifying the nature and extent thereof.
(d) Promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the
operation, business, affairs and financial condition of the Borrower as the Bank
may reasonably request.
5.6 Litigation Notice. Give the Bank prompt written notice of any action,
suit or proceeding at law or in equity or by or before any governmental
instrumentality or other agency, the outcome of which might adversely affect the
operations or financial condition of the Borrower.
5.7 Notice of Default. The Borrower shall give the Bank prompt written
notice of any Event of Default hereunder, or any event which, with the passage
of time or the giving of notice or both, would become such an Event of Default
hereunder.
5.8 Access to Premises and Inspections. At all reasonable times and as
often as the Bank may reasonably request, permit or arrange for any authorized
representative designated by the Bank to visit and inspect the principal office
and operations of the Borrower, any of the other offices or properties of the
Borrower, including, without limitation, the Collateral, and its books, and to
make extracts from such books and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts
of the Borrower with its chief financial officer or such other person as may be
designated by the chief executive or chief operating officer of the Borrower.
5.9 Continued Assistance. Promptly, from time to time as the Bank may
reasonably request, the Borrower shall perform such acts and execute,
acknowledge, deliver, file, register, deposit or record any and all further
instruments, agreements and documents whether to continue, preserve, renew,
record or perfect the Bank's interests in the Collateral, as well as the
priority thereof.
5.10 Title to Collateral. The Borrower shall own all of the Collateral
constituting the security for the Loan. All such Collateral shall be and remain
free and clear of all mortgages, pledges, liens, charges and other encumbrances
of any nature whatsoever, except as granted to the Bank hereby or otherwise
permitted herein.
SECTION 6. NEGATIVE COVENANTS
From the date hereof and so long as any of the Obligations shall be
unpaid, the Borrower will not:
6.1 Negative Pledge. Either directly or indirectly, incur, create, assume
or permit to exist any liens with respect to any property securing the Loan or
be bound by or subject to any assessments and other similar governmental charges
or claims except as provided in Section 5.3 of this Loan Agreement.
6.2 Organic Changes. Either directly or indirectly, (a) merge or
consolidate the Borrower, with or into any other corporation; or (b) sell (in
bulk), lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the property of
the Borrower, unless the transferee or the lessee shall be acceptable to the
Bank, which acceptance must in writing and issued by the Bank prior to any such
sale, lease or other disposition, and such transferee shall have assumed the
Loan.
6.3 Additional Indebtedness. Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any
indebtedness on any of the Collateral securing the Loan other than the
indebtedness to the Bank without the prior written consent of the Bank, except
as may be permitted hereunder.
6.4 Settlements. Enter into any transaction that materially and adversely
affects the Collateral referenced herein or the Borrower's abilities to repay
the Loan other than in the normal course of business.
6.5 State Taxes. It is the intent of the parties hereto that this credit
loan facility meets the requirements of F.S. ss.201.21 as an exempt transaction
from documentary stamp tax under F.S. ss.201. The Advances are to be utilized
only for refinance of secured loans with Collateral Documentation pledged by
Borrower on which all excise taxes required to be paid by F.S. ss.201 have been
fully paid. In the event it is determined that such taxes are payable, Borrower
shall pay, if assessed, any and all documentary, intangible stamp or excise
taxes now or hereafter payable in respect of this Loan Agreement, the Master
Note or the loan documents or any modifications thereof and hold the Bank
harmless with respect thereto. Borrower further agrees that the Bank may deduct
from any Advance the amount of any such documentary or intangible stamp tax
deemed payable with respect to such Advance, the decision of the Bank as to the
amount thereof to be conclusive, absent manifest error. Borrower grants the Bank
the authority to debit its accounts maintained with the Bank for any past due
principal, interest, fees or other liabilities becoming due hereunder.
SECTION 7. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
7.1 Upon the occurrence of any of the following events of
default (an "Event of Default") or at any time thereafter;
(a) If any Borrowing Base Certificate requested by the Bank and
delivered by Borrower indicates that the balance outstanding on the Loan exceeds
the Borrowing Base of Eligible Loan Receivables, and Borrower fails to pledge
additional Eligible Loan Receivables or to pay down the outstanding balance to
bring it in compliance with the Borrowing Base within five (5) days after
written notice from the Bank to Borrower;
(b) Any representation or warranty made in this Loan Agreement or in
any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument furnished in
connection herewith at any time shall prove to be false or misleading in any
material respect as of the time when made;
(c) Default in the payment of any monetary obligation under the Loan
and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of ten (10) days;
(d) Default with respect to any material obligation for borrowed
money or otherwise of the Borrower if the effect of such default is to
accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness or to permit the holder or obligee
thereof (or a trustee on behalf of such holder or obligee) to cause such
indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity, or such material
indebtedness shall not be paid as and when due and payable (in each case, giving
effect to any applicable grace periods);
(e) Default in the due observance or performance of any
covenant, condition or agreement contained in Sections 5 and 6 of this
Loan Agreement;
(f) Default in the due observance or performance of any covenant,
condition or agreement to be observed or performed pursuant to the terms of this
Loan Agreement (other than Sections 5 and 6 hereof), and such default shall
continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof;
(g) The Borrower shall: (i) make an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, file a petition in bankruptcy, petition or apply to any tribunal for
the appointment of a custodian, receiver or any trustee or shall commence any
proceeding under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of
debt, dissolution or liquidation law or statute of any jurisdiction, whether now
or hereafter in effect; or if there shall have been filed any such petition or
application, or any such proceeding shall have been commenced against any of
them in which an order for relief is entered or which remains undismissed for a
period thirty (30) days or more; the Borrower, by any act or omission shall
indicate consent to, approval of or fail to timely object to any such petition,
application or proceeding or order for relief or for the appointment of a
custodian, receiver or any trustee or shall suffer any such custodianship,
receivership or trusteeship to continue undischarged for a period of thirty (30)
days or more; (ii) generally not pay its debts as such debts become due or admit
in writing its inability to pay its debts as they mature; or (iii) have
concealed, removed, or permitted to be concealed or removed, any part of its
properties or assets, with intent to hinder, delay or defraud its creditors or
any of them, or made or suffered a transfer of any of its property which may be
fraudulent under any bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance or similar law, or shall
have made any transfer of its property to or for the benefit of a creditor at a
time when other creditors similarly situated have not been paid; or shall have
suffered or permitted, while solvent, any creditor to obtain a lien upon any
Collateral, through legal proceedings or distraint, which is not vacated or
"bonded off" within thirty (30) days from the date thereof; or (iv) be
"insolvent" as such term is defined in the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C.
ss.101(31).
7.2 Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Bank may,
at its option, declare the indebtedness under the Master Note to be immediately
due and payable. The Bank shall, at that time thereafter, have the remedies of a
secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Florida. In
addition thereto, the Bank may take immediate possession of the Collateral or
any part thereof wherever the same may be found. Borrower agrees to pay all
costs and expenses of the Bank in the collection of the indebtedness under the
Master Note and enforcement of the rights hereunder, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys fees. The Bank may sell the Collateral in such
manner and for such price as the Bank deems appropriate without any liability
for any loss due to decrease in the market value of the Collateral during the
period held. The Bank shall have the right to purchase all or any part of the
Collateral at a public or private sale. If any notification of intended
disposition of any of the Collateral is required by law, such notification shall
be deemed reasonable and properly given if mailed, postage prepaid, at least
five (5) days before any such disposition to any address of the Borrower
appearing on the records of the Bank. The proceeds of any sale shall be applied
in the following order: (1) to pay all costs and expenses of every kind for
care, safekeeping, collection, sale, foreclosure, delivery, or otherwise
respecting the Collateral (including expenses incurred in the protection of the
Bank's title to or lien upon or right in any of the Collateral, expenses for
legal services of any kind in connection therewith or in making any such sale or
sales, insurance, commission for sale and guaranty); (2) to interest on all
indebtedness of Borrower to the Bank under the Master Note; (3) to principal
thereof, whether or not such indebtedness is due or accrued. The Bank may, at
its discretion, apply any surplus to indebtedness of Borrower to third parties
claiming a secondary security interest in the Collateral. Any remaining surplus
shall be paid to the Borrower. Application of proceeds as between any particular
indebtedness shall be in the absolute and sole discretion of the Bank. If the
proceeds of any such sale or sales are insufficient to pay all indebtedness of
Borrower with interest, Borrower agrees to pay the balance thereof on demand.
7.3 Default Rate. From and after the occurrence of an Event of
Default, all Loan principal shall accrue interest at the Default Rate.
SECTION 8. NOTICES
All notices, requests, demands or other communications to or from the
parties hereto shall be deemed to have been duly given and made (a) in the case
of a letter sent other than by mail, when the letter is delivered to the party
to whom it is addressed, (b) in the case of a telegram or telecopied document,
when the telegram or telecopy is sent, (c) in the case of a letter sent by mail,
three (3) days from the day on which the letter is deposited in a United States
post office, certified mail, return receipt requested, and addressed as follows:
If to the Borrower: Litchfield Financial Corporation
789 Main Road
Stamford, VT 05352
If to the Bank: Republic Bank
Attn: Commercial Lending Department
111 Second Avenue N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
with a copy to: Fisher & Sauls, P.A.
Attention: Kenneth E. Thornton
100 Second Avenue South
Suite 701
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
8.1 Substitution and Release. The Bank shall release all Underlying Loan
Documents held as Collateral for any Advance by the Bank upon payment in full of
such Advance. The Bank may allow, by giving written notice of acceptance to
Borrower, any Collateral to be withdrawn or released or exchanged, from time to
time, for other property which may likewise be successively withdrawn, released,
or exchanged, and the Bank may hold all substituted properties subject to each
and all terms of this Loan Agreement, all without liability on the part of the
Bank.
SECTION 9.MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Costs. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Bank all costs and
expenses of every kind and description incurred by the Bank in connection with
the enforcement and protection in any legal or equitable proceeding of the
rights of the Bank in connection with this Loan Agreement, and in connection
with any action or claim under this Loan Agreement, or in any wise related
thereto, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel to the Bank. In the event of litigation arising out of or related to
this agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable fees and
costs of its counsel.
9.2 Severability. The provisions of this Loan Agreement are severable,
and if any provision hereof shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction
to be unenforceable, such holding shall not affect or impair any other provision
hereof.
9.3 GOVERNING LAW. THIS LOAN AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA WITHOUT GIVING
EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS.
9.4 Interpretation. To the extent not otherwise provided for hereby,
the course of dealing by and between the Bank and the Borrower shall control in
the determination and interpretation of the rights of the parties hereto.
Further, to the extent not otherwise provided for hereby nor by or inconsistent
with the course of dealing by and between the parties hereto, the usage of trade
in transactions substantially similar to the transactions contemplated herein
shall control in the determination and interpretation of the rights of the
parties hereto.
9.5 Headings. The name of this Loan Agreement, as well as Section
headings used herein, are for conveniences of reference only and are not to
affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting this
Loan Agreement.
9.6 Terms. Any term used herein shall be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms.
9.7 JURY TRIAL. THE BORROWER HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND
INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY
LITIGATION ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, OR
THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN. FURTHER THE BORROWER HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT
NO REPRESENTATIVE OR AGENT OF THE BANK NOR THE BANK'S COUNSEL HAS REPRESENTED,
EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT THE BANK WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF SUCH
LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THIS WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL PROVISION.
FINALLY, THE BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE BANK HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO
THIS LOAN AGREEMENT BY, INTER ALIA, THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 9.7.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Loan Agreement
to be executed and the respective seals affixed hereto all as of the day and
year first above written.
"BORROWER"
WITNESSETH: LITCHFIELD FINANCIAL CORPORATION,
a Massachusetts corporation
/s/Amy S. Backiel By: /s/Heather A.Sica
----------------------------- ------------------------
Signature of Witness Heather A. Sica, as its
Amy S. Backiel Executive Vice President
-----------------------------
Print or Type Name of Witness (CORPORATE SEAL)
/s/Judy Koloc
-----------------------------
Signature of Witness
Judy Koloc
-----------------------------
Print or Type Name of Witness
As to Borrower
"BANK"
REPUBLIC BANK, a Florida banking corporation
By: /s/James G. Grimaldi
-------------------- ------------------------
Signature of Witness James G. Grimaldi,
------------------------------ As its Vice President
(Print or type name of Witness)
------------------------------ (CORPORATE SEAL)
Signature of Witness
-------------------------------
(Print or type name of Witness)
As to Bank
102799.2STATE OF VERMONT
COUNTY OF Bennington
___________
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 19th day of
March, 1997 by HEATHER A. SICA, who is personally known to me or who produced a
New York State Driver's License as identification, as Executive Vice President
of LITCHFIELD FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a Massachusetts corporation, on behalf of
the corporation, as Borrower.
/s/Jane E.Ruzicka
-----------------------------
Notary Public-State of Vermont
My Commission Expires: Jane E.Ruzicka
-----------------------------
(Print or Type Name of Notary)
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF PINELLAS
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 21st day of
March, 1997, by JAMES G. GRIMALDI, as Vice President of REPUBLIC BANK, a Florida
banking corporation, on behalf of the corporation, who is personally known to me
or who produced a Florida State Driver's License as identification.
---------------------------------
Notary Public - State of Florida
My Commission Expires:
---------------------------------
(Print or type name of Notary)