1 EXHIBIT 10.08 LEASE 1. BASIC PROVISIONS. 1.1 Parties. This Lease ("LEASE"), dated for reference purposes only as of December 29, 1998, is made by and between SYNERGISM PROPERTIES IV, LLC, a California limited liability company, ("LESSOR") and CUPERTINO ELECTRIC, INC., a California corporation, ("LESSEE"), (collectively the "PARTIES," or individually a "PARTY"). 1.2 Premises. That certain real property, including all improvements therein or to be provided by Lessor under the terms of this Lease, and commonly known as 1132 North 7th Street, San Jose, located in the County of Santa Clara, State of California, as more particularly described or depicted on Exhibit A (Depiction of Premises) attached hereto ("PREMISES"). The Premises are part of a larger parcel of real property owned by Lessor and described on Exhibit B attached hereto (the "Property"). As of the Commencement Date (as defined below), the Premises are improved with several buildings consisting of approximately 96,451 square feet of space ( together, the "Buildings" or individually, the "Building"), as more particularly described in Exhibit C, together with related parking areas and access lanes, as generally shown on Exhibit A. Lessor makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the exact area of the Premises or the existing buildings, improvements or parking. Lessee has conducted its own investigations and is satisfied with the Premises and the existing improvements on the Premises. 1.3 Term. Eleven (11) years and two (2) days ("Original Term") commencing December 29, 1998 ("Commencement Date") and ending December 31, 2009 ("Expiration Date"). (See also Paragraph 3 (Lease Term)) 1.4 Early Possession. None. 1.5 Base Rent: $70,000 per month ("Base Rent"), payable on the first day of each month commencing January 1, 1999. Base rent shall be adjusted pursuant to Paragraph 4 (Rent). 1.6 Base Rent Paid Upon Execution. Three (3) months Base Rent as Base Rent for the period January 1, 1999, through March 31, 1999. 1.7 Security Deposit. $70,000 ("Security Deposit"). (See also Paragraph 5 (Security Deposit)) 1.8 Agreed Use. Commercial space, office space, construction yard, electrical assembly, warehouse and any incidental purposes related thereto (collectively, the "Agreed Use"). (See also Paragraph 6 (Use)) 1.9 Insuring Party. Lessee is the "Insuring Party." (See also Paragraph 8 (Insurance)) 1.10 Real Estate Brokers. Neither Lessor nor Lessee is represented by a real estate broker in this transaction. (See also Paragraph 15 (Brokers)) 1.11 Guarantor. The obligations of the Lessee under this Lease are to be guaranteed by SYNERGISM, INC., a California corporation ("Guarantor"). (See also -1- 2 Paragraph 37 (Guarantor)) 1.12 Exhibits. Attached hereto are Exhibits A (Depiction of Premises), B (Description of Property), C (Description of Buildings), and D (Guaranty), all of which constitute a part of this Lease. 2. PREMISES. 2.1 Letting. Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Premises, for the term, at the rental, and upon all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in this Lease. Unless otherwise provided herein, any statement of size set forth in this Lease, or that may have been used in calculating rental, is an approximation which the Parties agree is reasonable and the rental based thereon is not subject to revision whether or not the actual size is more or less. Lessee acknowledges that it has received possession of the Premises as of the Commencement Date. 2.2 "AS IS" Condition. Lessee acknowledges that it has had full opportunity to inspect the Premises prior to the Commencement Date and is thoroughly familiar with the condition of the Premises, the Buildings and all improvements thereon. Therefore, Lessee hereby accepts the condition of the Premises, the Buildings and all improvements thereon in their "AS IS" condition, with "ALL FAULTS" and subject to any violations of any applicable laws, covenants or restrictions of record, building codes, regulations and ordinances ("Applicable Requirements"), as of the Commencement Date. 2.3 Acknowledgments. Lessee acknowledges that: (a) it has been advised by Lessor to satisfy itself with respect to the condition of the Premises (including but not limited to the electrical, HVAC and fire sprinkler systems, security, environmental aspects, and compliance with Applicable Requirements), and their suitability for Lessee's intended use; (b) Lessee has made such investigation as it deems necessary with reference to such matters and assumes all responsibility therefor as the same relate to its occupancy of the Premises; and (c) neither Lessor, Lessor's agents, nor any Broker has made any oral or written representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to said matters other than as set forth in this Lease. 3. LEASE TERM. 3.1 Term. The Commencement Date, Expiration Date and Original Term of this Lease are as specified in Paragraph 1.3 (Term). 4. RENT. 4.1. Rent Defined. All monetary obligations of Lessee to Lessor under the terms of this Lease (except for the Security Deposit) are deemed to be rent ("Rent"). 4.2 Payment. Lessee shall cause payment of Rent to be received by Lessor in lawful money of the United States, without offset or deduction (except as specifically permitted in this Lease), on or before the day on which it is due. Rent for any period during the term hereof which is for less than one (1) full calendar month shall be prorated based upon the actual number of days of said month. Payment of Rent shall be made to Lessor at its address stated herein or to such other persons or place as Lessor may from time to time designate in writing. Acceptance of a payment which is less than the amount then due shall -2- 3 not be a waiver of Lessor's rights to the balance of such Rent, regardless of Lessor's endorsement of any check so stating. 4.3 Base Rent Escalation. Lessor and Lessee agree that Base Rent shall be increased annually by two percent (2%) of the prior year's Base Rent, effective on the second anniversary of the Commencement Date and each anniversary of the Commencement Date thereafter throughout the Initial Term and any Extension Period. For example, if the Base Rent per month were $70,000 during the first two years of the Lease, during the third year the Base Rent per month shall be $71,400, and during the fourth year the Base Rent per month shall be $72,828. 5. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Lessee shall deposit with Lessor upon execution hereof the Security Deposit as security for Lessee's faithful performance of its obligations under this Lease. If Lessee fails to pay Rent, or otherwise Defaults under this Lease, Lessor may use, apply or retain all or any portion of said Security Deposit for the payment of any amount due Lessor or to reimburse or compensate Lessor for any liability, expense, loss or damage which Lessor may suffer or incur by reason thereof. If Lessor uses or applies all or any portion of said Security Deposit, Lessee shall within ten (10) days after written request therefor deposit monies with Lessor sufficient to restore said Security Deposit to the full amount required by this Lease. If the Base Rent increases during the term of this Lease, Lessee shall, upon written request from Lessor, deposit additional monies with Lessor so that the total amount of the Security Deposit shall at all times bear the same proportion to the increased Base Rent as the initial Security Deposit bore to the initial Base Rent. Should the Agreed Use be amended to accommodate a material change in the business of Lessee or to accommodate a sublessee or assignee, Lessor shall have the right to increase the Security Deposit to the extent necessary, in Lessor's reasonable judgment, to account for any increased wear and tear that the Premises may suffer as a result thereof. If a change in control of Lessee occurs during this Lease and following such change the financial condition of Lessee is, in Lessor's reasonable judgment, significantly reduced, Lessee shall deposit such additional monies with Lessor as shall be sufficient to cause the Security Deposit to be at a commercially reasonable level based on said change in financial condition. Lessor shall not be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general accounts. Within fourteen (14) days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, if Lessor elects to apply the Security Deposit only to unpaid Rent, and otherwise within thirty (30) days after the Premises have been vacated pursuant to Paragraph 7.4(c) (Indemnification) below, Lessor shall return that portion of the Security Deposit not used or applied by Lessor. No part of the Security Deposit shall be considered to be held in trust, to bear interest or to be prepayment for any monies to be paid by Lessee under this Lease. 6. USE. 6.1 Use. Lessee shall use and occupy the Premises only for the Agreed Use, or any other legal use which is reasonably comparable thereto, and for no other purpose without Lessor's prior written consent, which consent may be given, conditioned or denied in Lessor's sole and absolute discretion. Lessee shall not use or permit the use of the Premises in a manner that is unlawful, creates damage, waste or a nuisance, or that disturbs owners and/or occupants of, or causes damage to neighboring properties. Lessor shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to any written request for a modification of the Agreed Use, so long as the same will not impair the structural integrity of the improvements on the Premises or the mechanical or electrical systems therein, is not significantly more -3- 4 burdensome to the Premises. If Lessor elects to withhold consent, Lessor shall within five (5) business days after such request give written notification of same, which notice shall include an explanation of Lessor's objections to the change in use. 6.2 Hazardous Substances. (a) Reportable Uses Require Consent. The term "Hazardous Substance" as used in this Lease shall mean any product, substance, or waste whose presence, use, manufacture, disposal, transportation, or release, either by itself or in combination with other materials expected to be on the Premises, is either: (i) potentially injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, the environment or the Premises, (ii) regulated or monitored by any governmental authority, or (iii) a basis for potential liability of Lessor to any governmental agency or third party under any applicable statute or common law theory. Hazardous Substances shall include, but not be limited to, hydrocarbons, petroleum, gasoline, and/or crude oil or any products, by-products or fractions thereof. Lessee shall not engage in any activity in or on the Premises which constitutes a Reportable Use of Hazardous Substances without the express prior written consent of Lessor and timely compliance (at Lessee's expense) with all Applicable Requirements. "Reportable Use" shall mean (i) the installation or use of any above or below ground storage tank, (ii) the generation, possession, storage, use, transportation, or disposal of a Hazardous Substance that requires a permit from, or with respect to which a report, notice, registration or business plan is required to be filed with, any governmental authority, and/or (iii) the presence at the Premises of a Hazardous Substance with respect to which any Applicable Requirements requires that a notice be given to persons entering or occupying the Premises or neighboring properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may use any ordinary and customary materials reasonably required to be used in the normal course of the Agreed Use, so long as such use is in compliance with all Applicable Requirements, is not a Reportable Use, and does not expose the Premises or neighboring property to any meaningful risk of contamination or damage or expose Lessor to any liability therefor. In addition, Lessor may condition its consent to any Reportable Use upon receiving such additional assurances as Lessor reasonably deems necessary to protect itself, the public, the Premises and/or the environment against damage, contamination, injury and/or liability, including, but not limited to, the installation (and removal on or before Lease expiration or termination) of protective modifications (such as concrete encasements) and/or increasing the Security Deposit. (b) Duty to Inform Lessor. If Lessee knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a Hazardous Substance has come to be located in, on, under or about the Premises, other than as previously consented to by Lessor, Lessee shall immediately give written notice of such fact to Lessor, and provide Lessor with a copy of any report, notice, claim or other documentation which it has concerning the presence of such Hazardous Substance. (c) Lessee Remediation. Lessee shall be responsible for complying with all Applicable Requirements respecting the Premises and the Buildings, including all those Applicable Requirements which relate to Hazardous Substances located, and which come to be located on, or emanate from, the Premises or the Buildings. Lessee shall not cause or permit any Hazardous Substance to be spilled or released in, on, under, or about the Premises (including through the plumbing or sanitary sewer system) and shall promptly, at Lessee's expense, take all investigatory and/or remedial action reasonably recommended, -4- 5 whether or not formally ordered or required, for the cleanup of any contamination of, and for the maintenance, security and/or monitoring of the Premises or neighboring properties, that was caused or materially contributed to by Lessee, or pertaining to or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises during the term of this Lease, by or for Lessee, or any third party. (d) Lessee Indemnification. Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold Lessor, its agents, employees, lenders and ground lessor, if any, harmless from and against any and all loss of rents and/or damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, expenses, penalties, and attorneys' and consultants' fees arising out of or involving any Hazardous Substance brought onto the Premises by or for Lessee, or any third party. Lessee's obligations shall include, but not be limited to, the effects of any contamination or injury to person, property or the environment created or suffered by Lessee, and the cost of investigation, removal, remediation, restoration and/or abatement, and shall survive the expiration or termination of this Lease. No termination, cancellation or release agreement entered into by Lessor and Lessee shall release Lessee from its obligations under this Lease with respect to Hazardous Substances, unless specifically so agreed by Lessor in writing at the time of such agreement. (e) Additional Hazardous Materials Obligations. Lessee is a guarantor of certain obligations of Lessor to BW/IP International, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("BW/IP") under a certain guaranty dated as of December 29, 1998 (the "Cupertino Guaranty"). The Cupertino Guaranty provides an indemnity to BW/IP and BMCE, Inc., a Wyoming corporation and successor to United Centrifugal Pumps, a California corporation ("BMCE") and certain other parties respecting harmful, toxic or hazardous substances which are or may be located in, on, under or about the Property (the "Additional Hazardous Materials Obligations"). Lessor has comparable indemnity obligations under Section 6.3(a) ("Indemnification") of a certain agreement with BW/IP dated as of October 30, 1998 (the "Property Agreement"). Pursuant to Section 6.1 ("Release") of the Property Agreement, Lessor and those claiming through it, including Lessee, have waived and released BW/IP and its directors, officers and others from claims among others relating to the physical condition of the Property or any law or regulation applicable thereto, including the presence or alleged presence of harmful, toxic or hazardous substances. In addition, pursuant to Section 6.2 ("Post-Closing Covenants") of the Property Agreement, Lessor has assumed certain obligations with respect to pending environmental investigations and remediations, including the remediation plan described in the "Request for Designation of Interim Remedial Action as a Final Remedy Pursuant to Board Order 93-075, Flowserve Corporation Facility, 1132 North Seventh Street, San Jose, California prepared by IT Corporation and dated April 23, 1998" (the "Remediation Plan"). The parties acknowledge that they are each familiar with the terms of the Cupertino Guaranty and the Property Agreement, including those provisions referred to above, and incorporate the terms of these agreements herein by this reference. Lessor and Lessee agree that the obligations of Lessor with respect to Section 6.2 ("Post-Closing Covenants") and Section 6.3(a) ("Indemnification") of the Property Agreement shall during the term of this Lease be performed by and at the sole expense of Lessee. Lessor and Lessee hereby confirm that the indemnity obligations of Lessee under the Cupertino Guaranty to guarantee the indemnity obligations of Lessor under Section 6.3(a) of the Property Agreement are those of the primary obligor and not a mere surety, and Lessee has waived, and hereby confirms that it waives, all rights of contribution and subrogation against Lessor with respect to its obligations under the Cupertino Guaranty and further agrees that Lessee will indemnify and hold Lessor harmless against all loss, liabilities or obligations it may suffer -5- 6 or incur under Section 6.2 and/or Section 6.3(a) of the Property Agreement which arise during the term of this Lease, including attorneys and experts fees and costs. The foregoing covenant, waivers and indemnity do not extend to claims, if any, related solely to the portions of the Property which are not included in the Premises. Lessor hereby agrees to indemnify, protect, defend and hold Lessee harmless from and against all loss, costs, liabilities or obligations Lessee may suffer or incur under the Cupertino Guaranty which arise during the term of the Lease, including attorney's fees and costs, relating to the portions of the Property which are not included in the Premises to the extent that Lessor is indemnified against or receives insurance proceeds to cover such obligation. The obligations of Lessee under this Paragraph 6.2(e) are in addition to any obligations set forth elsewhere in Paragraph 6.2 (Hazardous Substances) of this Lease. 6.3 Lessee's Compliance with Applicable Requirements. Except as otherwise provided in this Lease, Lessee shall, at Lessee's sole expense, fully, diligently and in a timely manner, materially comply with all Applicable Requirements, the requirements of any applicable fire insurance underwriter or rating bureau, and the recommendations of Lessor's engineers and/or consultants which relate in any manner to the Premises, without regard to whether said requirements are now in effect or become effective after the Commencement Date. Lessee shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of Lessor's written request, provide Lessor with copies of all permits and other documents, and other information evidencing Lessee's compliance with any Applicable Requirements specified by Lessor, and shall immediately upon receipt, notify Lessor in writing (with copies of any documents involved) of any threatened or actual claim, notice, citation, warning, complaint or report pertaining to or involving the failure of Lessee or the Premises to comply with any Applicable Requirements. 6.4 Inspection; Compliance. Lessor and Lessor's "Lender" (as defined in Paragraph 30 (Subordination) below) and consultants shall have the right to enter into Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times, for the purpose of inspecting the condition of the Premises and for verifying compliance by Lessee with this Lease. The cost of any such inspections shall be paid by Lessor, unless a violation of Applicable Requirements, or a contamination is found to exist or be imminent, or the inspection is requested or ordered by a governmental authority. In such case, Lessee shall upon request reimburse Lessor for the cost of such inspections, so long as such inspection is reasonably related to the violation or contamination. 7. MAINTENANCE; REPAIRS; UTILITY INSTALLATIONS; TRADE FIXTURES AND ALTERATIONS. 7.1 Lessee's Obligations. (a) Operating Expenses. In addition to Base Rent, Lessee shall pay all operating expenses which arise or become due during the Term in connection with, but not limited to, Lessee's obligations under Paragraphs 7.1(b)-(d) below and Paragraph 11 (Utilities). Lessor shall have no obligation with respect to such payments. (b) In General. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2.2 ("AS IS" Condition), 6.3 (Lessee's Compliance with Applicable Requirements), 7.2 (Lessor's Obligations), 9 (Damage or Destruction), and 14 (Condemnation), Lessee shall, at Lessee's -6- 7 sole expense, keep the Premises, Utility Installations, and Alterations in good order, condition and repair (whether or not the portion of the Premises requiring repairs, or the means of repairing the same, are reasonably or readily accessible to Lessee, and whether or not the need for such repairs occurs as a result of Lessee's use, any prior use, the elements or the age of such portion of the Premises), including, but not limited to, all equipment or facilities, such as plumbing, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, electrical, lighting facilities, boilers, pressure vessels, fire protection system, fixtures, walls (interior and exterior), foundations, ceilings, roofs, floors, windows, doors, plate glass, skylights, landscaping, driveways, parking lots, fences, retaining walls, signs, sidewalks and parkways located in, on, or adjacent to the Premises. Lessee, in keeping the Premises in good order, condition and repair, shall exercise and perform good maintenance practices, specifically including the procurement and maintenance of the service contracts required by Paragraph 7.1(c) (Service Contracts) below. Lessee's obligations shall include restorations, replacements or renewals when necessary to keep the Premises and all improvements thereon or a part thereof in good order, condition and state of repair. Lessee shall, during the term of this Lease, keep the exterior appearance of the Building in a first-class condition consistent with the exterior appearance of other similar facilities of comparable age and size in the vicinity, including, when necessary, the exterior repainting of the Building. (c) Service Contracts. Lessee shall, at Lessee's sole expense, procure and maintain contracts, with copies to Lessor, in customary form and substance for, and with contractors specializing and experienced in the maintenance of the following equipment and improvements, if any, if and when installed on the Premises: (i) HVAC equipment, (ii) boiler, and pressure vessels, (iii) fire extinguishing systems, including fire alarm and/or smoke detection, (iv) landscaping and irrigation systems, (v) roof covering and drains, (vi) driveways and parking lots, (vii) clarifiers (viii) basic utility feed to the perimeter of the Building, and (ix) any other equipment, if reasonably required by Lessor (collectively (i)-(ix), the "Basic Elements"). (d) Replacement. Subject to Lessee's indemnification of Lessor as set forth in Paragraph 8.8 (Indemnity) below, and without relieving Lessee of liability resulting from Lessee's failure to exercise and perform good maintenance practices, if the Basic Elements described in Paragraph 7.1(c) (Service Contracts) cannot be repaired other than at a cost which is in excess of 65% of the cost of replacing such Basic Elements, then such Basic Elements shall be replaced by Lessor, and the cost thereof shall be apportioned between Lessor and Lessee and Lessee shall be obligated to pay, each month during the remainder of the term of this Lease, including any extension thereof, on the date on which Base Rent is due, an amount equal to the monthly cost, including interest at the rate of 8% per annum, to amortize in equal monthly installments the cost of such replacement by a fraction, the numerator of which is one, and the denominator of which is the number of months of the useful life of such replacement as such useful life is specified pursuant to Federal income tax regulations or guidelines for depreciation thereof, plus (ii) an amount equal to .00583 (7% annual interest rate expressed as a monthly figure) multiplied by the unamortized balance after accounting for the payment of all amounts paid pursuant to clause (i). Lessee reserves the right to prepay its obligation at any time, and Lessor shall pay the remainder of any amounts due for such replacement costs after the expiration of the term of this Lease. 7.2 Lessor's Obligations. Subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 2.2 ("AS IS" Condition), 9 (Damage or Destruction) and 14 (Condemnation), it is intended by the Parties -7- 8 hereto that Lessor have no obligation, in any manner whatsoever, to repair and maintain the Premises, or the equipment therein, all of which obligations are intended to be that of the Lessee. It is the intention of the Parties that the terms of this Lease govern the respective obligations of the Parties as to maintenance and repair of the Premises, and they expressly waive the benefit of any statute or applicable law now or hereafter in effect, including the provisions of California Civil Code Sections 1932(1), 1941 and 1942, to the extent it is inconsistent with the terms of this Lease. 7.3 Lessee Improvements. Lessor acknowledges that Lessee shall be able and is hereby authorized to make improvements to the Premises ("Lessee Improvements") pursuant to plans and specifications approved in writing from time to time by Lessee. Lessee acknowledges that Lessee is electing to make these improvements at its sole cost and expense in an amount totaling approximately six million dollars ($6,000,000) and that Lessor shall have no responsibility for the costs of these Lessee Improvements notwithstanding that these improvements may not be fully depreciated or amortized by Lessee over the term of this Lease or any renewal options exercised by Lessee pursuant to his Lease. 7.4 Utility Installations; Trade Fixtures; Alterations. (a) Definitions; Consent Required. The term "Utility Installations" refers to all floor and window coverings, air lines, power panels, electrical distribution, security and fire protection systems, communication systems, lighting fixtures, HVAC equipment, plumbing, and fencing in or on the Premises. The term "Trade Fixtures" shall mean Lessee's machinery and equipment that can be removed without doing material damage to the Premises. The term "Alterations" shall mean any modification of the improvements, other than Lessee Improvements, Utility Installations or Trade Fixtures, whether by addition or deletion. "Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations" are defined as Alterations and/or Utility Installations made by Lessee that are not yet owned by Lessor pursuant to Paragraph 7.5(a) (Ownership). Lessee shall not make any Alterations or Utility Installations to the Premises without Lessor's prior written consent. Lessee may, however, make non-structural Utility Installations to the interior of the Premises (excluding the roof) without such consent but upon notice to Lessor, as long as they are not visible from the outside, do not involve puncturing, relocating or removing the roof or any existing walls, and the cumulative cost thereof during this Lease as extended does not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate or $10,000 in any one year. (b) Consent. Any Alterations or Utility Installations that Lessee shall desire to make and which require the consent of the Lessor shall be presented to Lessor in written form with detailed plans. Consent shall be deemed conditioned upon Lessee's: (i) acquiring all applicable governmental permits, (ii) furnishing Lessor with copies of both the permits and the plans and specifications prior to commencement of the work, and (iii) compliance with all conditions of said permits and other Applicable Requirements in a prompt and expeditious manner. Any Alterations or Utility Installations shall be performed in a workmanlike manner with good and sufficient materials. Lessee shall promptly upon completion furnish Lessor with as-built plans and specifications. For work which costs an amount equal to the greater of one month's Base Rent, or $10,000, Lessor may condition its consent upon Lessee providing a lien and completion bond in an amount equal to one and one-half times the estimated cost of such Alteration or Utility Installation and/or upon Lessee's posting an additional Security Deposit with Lessor. -8- 9 (c) Indemnification. Lessee shall pay, when due, all claims for labor or materials furnished or alleged to have been furnished to or for Lessee at or for use on the Premises, which claims are or may be secured by any mechanic's or materialmen's lien against the Premises or any interest therein. Lessee shall give Lessor not less than ten (10) days' notice prior to the commencement of any work in, on or about the Premises, and Lessor shall have the right to post notices of non-responsibility. If Lessee shall contest the validity of any such lien, claim or demand, then Lessee shall, at its sole expense defend and protect itself, Lessor and the Premises against the same and shall pay and satisfy any such adverse judgment that may be rendered thereon before the enforcement thereof. If Lessor shall require, Lessee shall furnish a surety bond in an amount equal to one and one-half times the amount of such contested lien, claim or demand, indemnifying Lessor against liability for the same. If Lessor elects to participate in any such action, Lessee shall pay Lessor's attorneys' fees and costs. 7.5 Ownership; Removal; Surrender; and Restoration. (a) Ownership. Subject to Lessor's right to require removal or elect ownership as hereinafter provided, all Alterations and Utility Installations made by Lessee shall be the property of Lessee, but considered a part of the Premises. Lessor may, at any time, elect in writing to be the owner of all or any specified part of the Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Unless otherwise instructed per Paragraph 7.5(b) (Removal) hereof, all Improvements and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations shall, at the expiration or termination of this Lease, become the property of Lessor and be surrendered by Lessee with the Premises. (b) Removal. By delivery to Lessee of written notice from Lessor not earlier than ninety (90) and not later than thirty (30) days prior to the end of the term of this Lease, Lessor may require that any or all Improvements, Alterations or Utility Installations for which Lessee did not obtain Lessor's required consent be removed by the expiration or termination of this Lease. (c) Surrender/Restoration. Lessee shall surrender the Premises by the Expiration Date or any earlier termination date, with all of the improvements, parts and surfaces thereof broom clean and free of debris, and in good operating order, condition and state of repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted. "Ordinary wear and tear" shall not include any damage or deterioration that would have been prevented by good maintenance practice. Lessee shall repair any damage occasioned by the installation, maintenance or removal of Trade Fixtures, Lessee Owned Alterations and/or Utility Installations, furnishings, and equipment as well as the removal of any storage tank installed by or for Lessee, and the removal, replacement, or remediation of any soil, material or groundwater contaminated by Lessee. Trade Fixtures shall remain the property of Lessee and shall be removed by Lessee. The failure by Lessee to timely vacate the Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 7.5(c) without the express written consent of Lessor shall constitute a holdover under the provisions of Paragraph 26 below. 8. INSURANCE; INDEMNITY. 8.1 Payment For Insurance. Lessee shall pay for all insurance required under Paragraph 8 except to the extent of the cost attributable to liability insurance carried by Lessor under Paragraph 8.2(b) (Liability Insurance -- Carried by Lessor) in excess of -9- 10 $2,000,000 per occurrence. Premiums for policy periods commencing prior to or extending beyond the Lease term shall be prorated to correspond to the Lease term. Payment shall be made by Lessee to Lessor within ten (10) days following receipt of an invoice. 8.2 Liability Insurance. (a) Carried by Lessee. Lessee shall obtain and keep in force a Commercial General Liability Policy of Insurance protecting Lessee and Lessor against claims for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage based upon or arising out of the ownership, use, occupancy or maintenance of the Premises and all areas appurtenant thereto. Such insurance shall be on an occurrence basis providing single limit coverage in an amount not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence with an "Additional Insured-Managers or Lessors of Premises Endorsement" and contain the "Amendment of the Pollution Exclusion Endorsement" for damage caused by heat, smoke or fumes from a hostile fire. The Policy shall not contain any intra-insured exclusions as between insured persons or organizations, but shall include coverage for liability assumed under this Lease as an `insured contract' for the performance of Lessee's indemnity obligations under this Lease. The limits of said insurance shall not, however, limit the liability of Lessee nor relieve Lessee of any obligation hereunder. All insurance carried by Lessee shall be primary to and not contributory with any similar insurance carried by Lessor, whose insurance shall be considered excess insurance only. (b) Carried by Lessor. Lessor shall maintain liability insurance as described in Paragraph 8.2(a) (Liability Insurance -- Carried by Lessee), in addition to, and not in lieu of, the insurance required to be maintained by Lessee. Lessee shall not be named as an additional insured therein. 8.3 Property Insurance - Building, Improvements and Rental Value. (a) Building and Improvements. The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor, with loss payable to Lessor, any ground lessor, and to any Lender(s) insuring loss or damage to the Premises. The amount of such insurance shall be equal to the full replacement cost of the Premises, as the same shall exist from time to time, or the amount required by any Lenders. Such policy or policies shall insure against all risks of direct physical loss or damage (except the perils of flood and/or earthquake unless required by a Lender), including coverage for debris removal and the enforcement of any Applicable Requirements requiring the upgrading, demolition, reconstruction or replacement of any portion of the Premises as the result of a covered loss. Said policy or policies shall also contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, waiver of subrogation, and inflation guard protection causing an increase in the annual property insurance coverage amount by a factor of not less than the adjusted U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the city nearest to where the Premises are located. If such insurance coverage has a deductible clause, the deductible amount shall not exceed $1,000 per occurrence, and Lessee shall be liable for such deductible amount in the event of an Insured Loss. (b) Rental Value. The Insuring Party shall obtain and keep in force a policy or policies in the name of Lessor with loss payable to Lessor and any Lender, insuring the loss of the full Rent for one (1) year. Said insurance shall provide that in the event the Lease is terminated by reason of an insured loss, the period of indemnity for such coverage -10- 11 shall be extended beyond the date of the completion of repairs or replacement of the Premises, to provide for one full years loss of Rent from the date of any such loss. Said insurance shall contain an agreed valuation provision in lieu of any coinsurance clause, and the amount of coverage shall be adjusted annually to reflect the projected Rent otherwise payable by Lessee, for the next twelve (12) month period. Lessee shall be liable for any deductible amount in the event of such loss. (c) Adjacent Premises. If the Premises are part of a larger building, or of a group of buildings owned by Lessor which are adjacent to the Premises, the Lessee shall pay for any increase in the premiums for the property insurance of such building or buildings if said increase is caused by Lessee's acts, omissions, use or occupancy of the Premises. 8.4 Lessee's Property/Business Interruption Insurance. (a) Property Damage. Lessee shall obtain and maintain insurance coverage on all of Lessee's personal property, Trade Fixtures, and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Such insurance shall be full replacement cost coverage with a deductible not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence. The proceeds from any such insurance shall be used by Lessee for the replacement of personal property, Trade Fixtures and Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations. Lessee shall provide Lessor with written evidence that such insurance is in force. (b) Business Interruption. Lessee shall obtain and maintain loss of income and extra expense insurance in amounts as will reimburse Lessee for direct or indirect loss of earnings attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent lessees in the business of Lessee or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises as a result of such perils. (c) No Representation of Adequate Coverage. Lessor makes no representation that the limits or forms of coverage of insurance specified herein are adequate to cover Lessee's property, business operations or obligations under this Lease. 8.5 Earthquake and Flood Insurance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Paragraph 8 (Insurance; Indemnity), Lessee shall obtain and keep in force during the Term a policy or policies of earthquake and flood insurance for the full replacement cost of the Premises, with a deductible of no more than 10% of the total insurable values of the Buildings at risk at the time of loss, per building, per occurrence of an earthquake or flood. 8.6 Insurance Policies. Insurance required herein shall be by companies duly licensed or admitted to transact business in the state where the Premises are located, and maintaining during the policy term a "GENERAL POLICYHOLDERS RATING" of at least B+, VIII, as set forth in the most current issue of "BEST'S INSURANCE GUIDE", or such other rating as may be required by a Lender. Lessee shall not do or permit to be done anything which invalidates the required insurance policies. Lessee shall, prior to the Commencement Date, deliver to Lessor certified copies of policies of such insurance or certificates evidencing the existence and amounts of the required insurance. No such policy shall be cancelable or subject to modification except after thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lessor. Lessee shall, at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of such policies, furnish Lessor With evidence of renewals or "INSURANCE BINDERS" evidencing renewal thereof, or Lessor may -11- 12 order such insurance and charge the cost thereof to Lessee, which amount shall be payable by Lessee to Lessor upon demand. Such policies shall be for a term of at least one year, or the length of the remaining term of this Lease, whichever is less. If either Party shall fail to procure and maintain the insurance required to be carried by it, the other Party may, but shall not be required to, procure and maintain the same. Lessor shall be named as an additional insured under all policies of insurance required to be carried by Lessee under the Lease. 8.7 Waiver of Subrogation. Without affecting any other rights or remedies, Lessee hereby releases and relieves Lessor, and waives its entire right to recover damages against Lessor, for loss of or damage to its property arising out of or incident to the perils required of Lessee to be insured against herein. The effect of such release and waiver is not limited by the amount of insurance carried or required, or by any deductibles applicable hereto. As Lessee is the Insuring Party for all real and personal property interests on or relating to the Premises, Lessor hereby waives its right to recover damages against Lessee and its rights of subrogation respecting any property owned by Lessor which may be damaged, destroyed or lost in connection with Lessee's use of the Property, but such waiver shall be limited only to the amount of actual insurance proceeds which are received by Lessor or which are used to restore or replace the property so damaged, destroyed or lost. The Parties agree to have their respective property damage insurance carriers waive any right to subrogation that such companies may have against Lessor or Lessee, as the case may be, to the extent claims are waived as provided above. 8.8 Indemnity. Except for Lessor's sole gross negligence or willful misconduct occurring on or after the Commencement Date, and except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 6.2 (Hazardous Substances) above, Lessee shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the Premises, Lessor and its agents, Lessor's master or ground lessor, partners and Lenders, from and against any and all claims, loss of rents and/or damages, liens, judgments, penalties, attorneys' and consultants' fees, expenses and/or liabilities arising out of, involving, or in connection with, the use and/or occupancy of the Premises by Lessee, any act or omission of Lessee or Lessee's Representatives or Visitors (each as defined below) in or about the Property, Lessee's performance or failure to perform the Construction Obligations (including any design work) and the Additional Hazardous Materials Obligations related to the Premises pursuant to Paragraph 6.2(e) (Additional Hazardous Materials Obligations), Lessees' failure to comply with or other breach of any provision of this Lease, and any loss, injury or damage howsoever and by whomsoever caused, to any person or property, occurring in or about the Property during the Term. For purposes of the Lease, the agents, employees, contractors, licensees, assignees, sublessees, transferees or representatives of Lessee are collectively defined to be "Representatives" and the guests, customers, invitees, or visitors of Lessee are collectively defined to be "Visitors." If any action or proceeding is brought against Lessor by reason of any of the foregoing matters, Lessee shall upon notice defend the same at Lessee's expense by counsel reasonably satisfactory to Lessor and Lessor shall cooperate with Lessee in such defense. Lessor need not have first paid any such claim in order to be defended or indemnified. 8.9 Exemption of Lessor from Liability. Lessor shall not be liable for injury or damage to the person or goods, wares, merchandise or other property of Lessee, Lessee's employees, contractors, invitees, customers, or any other person in or about the Premises, whether such damage or injury is caused by or results from fire, steam, electricity, gas, water -12- 13 or rain, or from the breakage, leakage, obstruction or other defects of pipes, fire sprinklers, wires, appliances, plumbing, HVAC or lighting fixtures, or from any other cause, whether the said injury or damage results from conditions arising upon the Premises or upon other portions of the Building of which the Premises are a part, or from other sources or places, except as provided in Paragraph 6.2(e) (Additional Hazardous Materials Obligations). Lessor shall not be liable for any damages arising from any act or neglect of any other lessee of Lessor. Notwithstanding Lessor's negligence or breach of this Lease, Lessor shall under no circumstances be liable for injury to Lessee's business or for any loss of income or profit therefrom or any punitive or consequential damages. 9. DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION. 9.1 Definitions. (a) "Premises Partial Damage" shall mean damage or destruction to the improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations, which can reasonably be repaired in six (6) months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within thirty (30) days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total. (b) "Premises Total Destruction" shall mean damage or destruction to the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which cannot reasonably be repaired in six (6) months or less from the date of the damage or destruction. Lessor shall notify Lessee in writing within thirty (30) days from the date of the damage or destruction as to whether or not the damage is Partial or Total. (c) "Insured Loss" shall mean damage or destruction to improvements on the Premises, other than Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations and Trade Fixtures, which was caused by an event required to be covered by the insurance described in Paragraph 8.3(a) (Building and Improvements), irrespective of any deductible amounts or coverage limits involved. (d) "Replacement Cost" shall mean the cost to repair or rebuild the improvements owned by Lessor at the time of the occurrence to their condition existing immediately prior thereto, including demolition, debris removal and upgrading required by the operation of Applicable Requirements, and without deduction for depreciation. (e) "Hazardous Substance Condition" shall mean the occurrence or discovery of a condition involving the presence of, or a contamination by, a Hazardous Substance as defined in Paragraph 6.2(a) (Reportable Uses Require Consent), in, on, or under the Premises. 9.2 Partial Damage - Insured Loss. If a Premises Partial Damage that is an Insured Loss occurs, then Lessee shall, at Lessee's expense, repair such damage and Lessee's Trade Fixtures or Lessee Owned Alterations and Utility Installations as soon as reasonably possible and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the required insurance was not in force or the insurance proceeds are not sufficient to effect such repair, Lessee shall promptly contribute the shortage in proceeds (including as to the deductible) as and when required to complete said repairs. Lessee shall not be entitled to reimbursement of any funds contributed by Lessee to repair any such -13- 14 damage or destruction. Premises Partial Damage due to flood or earthquake shall be subject to Paragraph 9.3 (Partial Damage - Uninsured Loss), notwithstanding that there may be some insurance coverage, but the net proceeds of any such insurance shall be made available for the repairs if made by either Party. 9.3 Partial Damage - Uninsured Loss. If a Premises Partial Damage that is not an Insured Loss occurs, unless caused by a negligent or willful act of Lessee (in which event Lessee shall make the repairs at Lessee's expense), Lessor may terminate this Lease by giving written notice to Lessee within thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessor of knowledge of the occurrence of such damage. Such termination shall be effective sixty (60) days following the date of such notice. In the event Lessor elects to terminate this Lease, Lessee shall have the right within ten (10) days after receipt of the termination notice to give written notice to Lessor of Lessee's commitment to pay for and undertake the repair of such damage without reimbursement from Lessor. Lessee shall provide Lessor with reasonable evidence of the availability of said funds or satisfactory assurance thereof within thirty (30) days after making such commitment. In such event this Lease shall continue in full force and effect, and Lessee shall proceed to make such repairs as soon as reasonably possible after the required funds are available. If Lessee does not make the required commitment, this Lease shall terminate as of the date specified in the termination notice. 9.4 Total Destruction. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if a Premises Total Destruction occurs, this Lease shall terminate sixty (60) days following such Destruction. If the damage or destruction was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessee, Lessor shall have the right to recover Lessor's damages from Lessee, except as provided in Paragraph 8.6 (Insurance Policies). 9.5 Damage Near End of Term. If at any time during the last six (6) months of this Lease there is damage for which the cost to repair exceeds one (1) month's Base Rent, whether or not an Insured Loss, Lessor may terminate this Lease effective sixty (60) days following the date of occurrence of such damage by giving a written termination notice to Lessee within thirty (30) days after the date of occurrence of such damage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Lessee at that time has an exercisable option to extend this Lease or to purchase the Premises, then Lessee may preserve this Lease by, (a) exercising such option and (b) undertaking and completing all needed repairs on or before the earlier of (i) the date which is ten days after Lessee's receipt of Lessor's written notice purporting to terminate this Lease, or (ii) the day prior to the date upon which such option expires. If Lessee duly exercises such option during such period and repairs such damage as soon as reasonably possible, this Lease shall continue in full force and effect. If Lessee fails to exercise such option and commences such repair during such period, then this Lease shall terminate on the date specified in the termination notice and Lessee's option shall be extinguished. 9.6 Abatement of Rent; Lessee's Remedies. (a) Abatement. In the event of Premises Partial Damage or Premises Total Destruction or a Hazardous Substance Condition, Lessee shall continue to pay all of the Base Rent and perform all other obligations of Lessee hereunder, and Lessor shall have no liability for any such damage, destruction, remediation, repair, or restoration. 9.7 Termination - Advance Payments. Upon termination of this Lease pursuant to Paragraph 9 (Damage or Destruction), an equitable adjustment shall be made concerning -14- 15 advance Base Rent and any other advance payments made by Lessee to Lessor. Lessor shall, in addition, return to Lessee so much of Lessee's Security Deposit as has not been, or is not then required to be, used by Lessor. 9.8 Waive Statutes. Lessor and Lessee agree that the terms of this Lease shall govern the effect of any damage to or destruction of the Premises with respect to the termination of this Lease and hereby waive the provisions of any present or future statute to the extent inconsistent herewith. 10. TAXES. 10.1 Definition of "Taxes." For purposes of this Lease, "Taxes" shall mean all federal, state and local government taxes, assessments and charges (including transit or transit district taxes or assessments) of any kind or nature, whether general, special, ordinary or extraordinary, which Lessor or its agents shall pay or become obligated to pay because of, in connection with or allocable to the ownership, leasing, management, equipment, systems and apparatus located therein or used in connection with the Premises for any calendar year wholly or partly within the Term. There shall be included in Taxes for any calendar year the amount of all fees, costs and expenses (including consultants', appraisers' and attorney's fees) paid by Lessor during such calendar year in seeking or obtaining any reduction of Taxes to the extent of any such reduction. Lessor and Lessee agree to cooperate with respect to any contest or appeal of such Taxes. Taxes shall not include any federal or state franchise, capital stock, inheritance, income or estate taxes, provided, however, that if at any time during the Term, the methods of taxation prevailing at the date hereof shall be altered so that in lieu of, or in addition to, or as a substitute for, the whole or any part of the taxes levied, assessed or imposed on all or any part of the Premises there shall be levied, assessed or imposed (i) a tax, assessment, levy, imposition or charge based on the rents received therefrom, whether or not wholly or partially as a capital levy or otherwise, or (ii) a tax or license fee which is otherwise measured by or based in whole or in part upon the Premises, or (iii) any other similar tax, levy, imposition, charge or license fee however described or imposed, then the same shall be included as Taxes hereunder, as though the Premises was the only property of Lessor subject to such tax. 10.2 (a) Payment of Taxes. Lessee shall pay the Taxes applicable to the Premises during the term of this Lease. Subject to Paragraph 10.2(b), all such payments shall be made at least ten (10) days prior to any delinquency date. Lessee shall promptly furnish Lessor with satisfactory evidence that such taxes have been paid. If any such taxes shall cover any period of time prior to or after the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee's share of such taxes shall be prorated to cover only that portion of the tax bill applicable to the period that this Lease is in effect, and Lessor shall reimburse Lessee for any overpayment. If Lessee shall fail to pay any required Taxes, Lessor shall have the right to pay the same, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor therefor upon demand. (b) Advance Payment. In the event Lessee incurs a late charge on any Rent payment, Lessor may, at Lessor's option, estimate the current Taxes, and require that such taxes be paid in advance to Lessor by Lessee, either: (i) in a lump sum amount equal to the installment due, at least twenty (20) days prior to the applicable delinquency date, or (ii) monthly in advance with the payment of the Base Rent. If Lessor elects to require payment -15- 16 monthly in advance, the monthly payment shall be an amount equal to the amount of the estimated installment of taxes divided by the number of months remaining before the month in which said installment becomes delinquent. When the actual amount of the applicable tax bill is known, the amount of such equal monthly advance payments shall be adjusted as required to provide the funds needed to pay the applicable taxes. If the amount collected by Lessor is insufficient to pay such Taxes when due, Lessee shall pay Lessor, upon demand, such additional sums as are necessary to pay such obligations. All monies paid to Lessor under this Paragraph may be intermingled with other monies of Lessor and shall not bear interest. In the event of a Breach by Lessee in the performance of its obligations under this Lease, then any balance of funds paid to Lessor under the provisions of this Paragraph may, at the option of Lessor, be treated as an additional Security Deposit. 10.3 Joint Assessment. If the Premises are not separately assessed, Lessee's liability shall be an equitable proportion of the real property taxes for all of the land and improvements included within the tax parcel assessed, such proportion to be conclusively determined by Lessor from the respective valuations assigned in the assessor's work sheets or such other information as may be reasonably available. 10.4 Personal Property Taxes. Lessee shall pay, prior to delinquency, all taxes assessed against and levied upon Lessee Owned Alterations, Utility Installations, Trade Fixtures, furnishings, equipment and all personal property of Lessee. When possible, Lessee shall cause such property to be assessed and billed separately from the real property of Lessor. If any of Lessee's said personal property shall be assessed with Lessor's real property, Lessee shall pay Lessor the taxes attributable to Lessee's property within ten (10) days after receipt of a written statement. 11. UTILITIES. Lessee shall pay for all water, gas, heat, light, power, telephone, trash disposal and other utilities and services supplied to the Premises, together with any taxes thereon. If any such services are not separately metered to Lessee, Lessee shall pay a reasonable proportion, to be determined by Lessor, of all charges jointly metered. 12. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING. 12.1 Lessor's Consent Required. (a) Lessee shall not voluntarily or by operation of law assign, transfer, mortgage or encumber (collectively, "Assign or Assignment") or sublet all or any part of Lessee's interest in this Lease or in the Premises without Lessor's prior written consent. (b) A change in the control of Lessee shall constitute an assignment requiring consent. The transfer, on a cumulative basis, of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the voting control of Lessee shall constitute a change in control for this purpose ("Change in Control"). (c) The involvement of Lessee or its assets in any transaction, or series of transactions (by way of merger, sale, acquisition, financing, transfer, leveraged buy-out or otherwise), whether or not a formal assignment or hypothecation of this Lease or Lessee's assets occurs, which results or will result in a reduction of the Net Worth of Lessee (as defined below) by an amount greater than twenty-five percent (25%) of such Net Worth as it was represented at the time of the execution of this Lease or at the time of the most recent -16- 17 assignment to which Lessor has consented, or as it exists immediately prior to said transaction or transactions constituting such reduction, whichever was or is greater, shall be considered an assignment of this Lease to which Lessor may withhold its consent. "Net Worth of Lessee" shall mean the net worth of Lessee (excluding any guarantors) established under generally accepted accounting principles. (d) An assignment or subletting without consent shall, at Lessor's option, be a Default curable after notice per Paragraph 13.1(c) (Default; Breach), or a noncurable Breach without the necessity of any notice and grace period. If Lessor elects to treat such unapproved assignment or subletting as a noncurable Breach, Lessor may either: (i) terminate this Lease, or (ii) upon thirty (30) days written notice, increase the monthly Base Rent to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Base Rent then in effect. Further, in the event of such Breach and rental adjustment, (1) the purchase price of any option to purchase the Premises held by Lessee shall be subject to similar adjustment to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the price previously in effect, and (ii) all fixed and non-fixed rental adjustments scheduled during the remainder of the Lease term shall be increased to One Hundred Ten Percent (110%) of the scheduled adjusted rent. (e) Lessee's remedy for any breach of Paragraph 12.1 (Lessor's Consent Required) by Lessor shall be limited to injunctive relief. 12.2 Terms and Conditions Applicable to Assignment and Subletting. (a) Regardless of Lessor's consent, any assignment or subletting shall not: (i) be effective without the express written assumption by such assignee or sublessee of the obligations of Lessee under this Lease; (ii) release Lessee of any obligations hereunder; or (iii) alter the primary liability of Lessee for the payment of Rent or for the performance of any other obligations to be performed by Lessee. (b) Lessor may accept Rent or performance of Lessee's obligations from any person other than Lessee pending approval or disapproval of an assignment. Neither a delay in the approval or disapproval of such assignment nor the acceptance of Rent or performance shall constitute a waiver or estoppel of Lessor's right to exercise its remedies for Lessee's Default or Breach. (c) Lessor's consent to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute a consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting. (d) In the event of any Default or Breach by Lessee, Lessor may proceed directly against Lessee, any Guarantors or anyone else responsible for the performance of Lessee's obligations under this Lease, including any assignee or sublessee, without first exhausting Lessor's remedies against any other person or entity responsible therefore to Lessor, or any security held by Lessor. (e) Each request for consent to an assignment or subletting, whether or not in Lessee's opinion Lessor's consent is required, shall be in writing, accompanied by information relevant to Lessor's determination as to the financial and operational responsibility and appropriateness of the proposed assignee or sublessee, including but not limited to the intended use and/or required modification of the Premises, if any, together with a fee of $1,000 or ten percent (10%) of the current monthly Base Rent applicable to the -17- 18 portion of the Premises which is the subject of the proposed assignment or sublease, whichever is greater, as consideration for Lessor's considering and processing said request. Lessee agrees to provide Lessor with such other or additional information and/or documentation as may be reasonably requested. (f) Any assignee of, or sublessee under, this Lease shall, by reason of accepting such assignment or entering into such sublease, be deemed to have assumed and agreed to conform and comply with each and every term, covenant, condition and obligation herein to be observed or performed by Lessee during the term of said assignment or sublease, other than such obligations as are contrary to or inconsistent with provisions of an assignment or sublease to which Lessor has specifically consented to in writing. 12.3 Transfer to An Affiliate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Paragraph 12, Lessee may transfer or assign its interest in the Lease or sublet the Premises or any portion thereof, without Lessor's consent, to any corporation or other entity which controls more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the voting control of Lessee, to any corporation or entity in which Lessee controls seventy-five percent (75%) or more of such corporation's or entity's voting control, or to any corporation or entity that is under common control with Lessee (collectively, an "Affiliate"), provided that Lessee submits all of the information and documentation specified in Paragraph 12 (Assignment and Subletting) of this Lease, the transfer or assignment complies with the conditions set forth in Paragraph 12.2 (Terms and Conditions of Assignment and Subletting), and the Affiliate assumes in writing all of Lessee's obligations under this Lease, particularly all of Lessee's obligations delineated in Paragraph 6.2 (Hazardous Substances) of this Lease. 12.4 Additional Terms and Conditions Applicable to Subletting. The following terms and conditions shall apply to any subletting by Lessee of all or any part of the Premises and shall be deemed included in all subleases under this Lease whether or not expressly incorporated therein: (a) Lessee hereby assigns and transfers to Lessor all of Lessee's interest in all Rent payable on any sublease, and Lessor may collect such Rent and apply same toward Lessee's obligations under this Lease; provided, however, that until a Breach shall occur in the performance of Lessee's obligations, Lessee may collect said Rent. Lessor shall not, by reason of the foregoing or any assignment of such sublease, nor by reason of the collection of Rent, be deemed liable to the sublessee for any failure of Lessee to perform and comply with any of Lessee's obligations to such sublessee. Lessee hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs any such sublessee, upon receipt of a written notice from Lessor stating that a Breach exists in the performance of Lessee's obligations under this Lease, to pay to Lessor all Rent due and to become due under the sublease. Sublessee shall rely upon any such notice from Lessor and shall pay all Rents to Lessor without any obligation or right to inquire as to whether such Breach exists, notwithstanding any claim from Lessee to the contrary. (b) In the event of a Breach by Lessee, Lessor may, at its option, require sublessee to attorn to Lessor, in which event Lessor shall undertake the obligations of the sublessor under such sublease from the time of the exercise of said option to the expiration of such sublease; provided, however, Lessor shall not be liable for any prepaid rents or security deposit paid by such sublessee to such sublessor or for any prior Defaults or Breaches of such sublessor. -18- 19 (c) Any matter requiring the consent of the sublessor under a sublease shall also require the consent of Lessor. (d) No sublessee shall further assign or sublet all or any part of the Premises without Lessor's prior written consent. (e) Lessor shall deliver a copy of any notice of Default or Breach by Lessee to the sublessee, who shall have the right to cure the Default of Lessee within the grace period, if any, specified in such notice. The sublessee shall have a right of reimbursement and offset from and against Lessee for any such Defaults cured by the sublessee. 13. DEFAULT; BREACH; REMEDIES. 13.1 Default; Breach. A "Default" is defined as a failure by the Lessee to comply with or perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions or rules under this Lease. A "Breach" is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Defaults, and the failure of Lessee to cure such Default within any applicable grace period: (a) The abandonment of the Premises; or the vacating of the Premises without providing a commercially reasonable level of security, or where the coverage of the property insurance described in Paragraph 8.3 (Property Insurance) is jeopardized as a result thereof, or without providing reasonable assurances to minimize potential vandalism. (b) The failure of Lessee to make any payment of Rent or any Security Deposit required to be made by Lessee hereunder, whether to Lessor or to a third party, when due, to provide reasonable evidence of insurance or surety bond, or to fulfill any obligation under this Lease which endangers or threatens life or property, where such failure continues for a period of three (3) business days following written notice to Lessee. (c) The failure by Lessee to provide (i) reasonable written evidence of compliance with Applicable Requirements, (ii) the service contracts, (iii) the rescission of an unauthorized assignment or subletting, (iv) a Tenancy Statement, (v) a requested subordination, (vi) evidence concerning any guaranty and/or Guarantor, (vii) any document requested under Paragraph 42 (Reservations), or (viii) any other documentation or information which Lessor may reasonably require of Lessee under the terms of this Lease, where any such failure continues for a period of ten (10) days following written notice to Lessee. (d) A Default by Lessee as to the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease, or of the rules adopted under Paragraph 42 (Reservations) hereof, other than those described in subparagraphs 13.1(a), (b) or (c), above, where such Default continues for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessee's Default is such that more than thirty (30) days are reasonably required for its cure, then it shall not be deemed to be a Breach if Lessee commences such cure within said thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently prosecutes such cure to completion. (e) The occurrence of any of the following events: (1) the making of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (ii) becoming a "DEBTOR" as defined in 11 U.S.C. Section 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition -19- 20 filed against Lessee, the same is dismissed within sixty (60) days); (iii) the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of Lessee's assets located at the Premises or of Lessee's interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Lessee within thirty (30) days; or (iv) the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Lessee's assets located at the Premises or of Lessee's interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged within thirty (30) days; provided, however, in the event that any provision of this subparagraph 13.1 (e) is contrary to any applicable law, such provision shall be of no force or effect, and not affect the validity of the remaining provisions. (f) The discovery that any financial statement of Lessee or of any Guarantor given to Lessor was materially false. (g) If the performance of Lessee's obligations under this Lease is guaranteed: (1) the failure or refusal by Guarantor, upon request to provide (a) evidence of the execution of the Guaranty, including the authority of the party signing on Guarantor's behalf to obligate Guarantor, and in the case of a corporate Guarantor, a certified copy of a resolution of its board of directors authorizing the making of such Guaranty, (b) current financial statements, (c) a Tenancy Statement, or (d) written confirmation that the Guaranty is still in effect; (2) failure of the Guarantor, within sixty (60) days after the commencement of any proceedings against Guarantor seeking relief under any state or federal bankruptcy or other statute, law or regulation affecting creditor's rights, to have such proceedings dismissed, or failure of the Guarantor, within sixty (60) days after an appointment, without Guarantor's consent or acquiescence, of any trustee, receiver or liquidator for Guarantor or for all or any substantial part of Guarantor's assets, to have such appointment vacated; (3) termination of Guarantor's liability with respect to this Lease other than in accordance with the terms of such Guaranty; (4) repudiation by the Guarantor or failure of the Guarantor to perform as required thereunder; (5) the attempt by the Guarantor to transfer the Guarantor's rights and obligations under the Guaranty in violation of the terms thereof; (6) death of the Guarantor; (7) breach by the Guarantor of the Guaranty obligations on an anticipatory basis, and Lessee's failure, within sixty (60) days following written notice of any such event, to provide written alternative assurance or security, which, when coupled with the then existing resources of Lessee, equals or exceeds the combined financial resources of Lessee and the Guarantor that existed at the time of execution of this Lease; or (8) Lessee's failure to provide Lessor with a Substitute Guaranty (as defined in Paragraph 37.3 (Guarantor -- Transfer)) for the original Guaranty that is acceptable to Lessor in the event of a change in control of the Guarantor within ten (10) business days of such event. 13.2 Remedies. If Lessee fails to perform any of its affirmative duties or obligations, within ten (10) days after written notice (or in case of an emergency, without notice), Lessor may, at its option, perform such duty or obligation on Lessee's behalf, including but not limited to the obtaining of reasonably required bonds, insurance policies, or governmental licenses, permits or approvals. The costs and expenses of any such performance by Lessor shall be due and payable by Lessee upon receipt of invoice therefor. If any check given to Lessor by Lessee shall not be honored by the bank upon which it is drawn, Lessor, at its option, may require all future payments to be made by Lessee to be by cashiers check. In the event of a Breach, Lessor may, with or without further notice or demand, and without limiting Lessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Lessor may have by reason of such Breach: -20- 21 (a) Terminate Lessee's right to possession of the Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Lease shall terminate and Lessee shall immediately surrender possession to Lessor. In such event Lessor shall be entitled to recover from Lessee: (i) the unpaid Rent which had been earned at the time of termination; (ii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could have been reasonably avoided; (iii) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that the Lessee proves could be reasonably avoided; and (iv) any other amount necessary to compensate Lessor for all the detriment proximately caused by the Lessee's failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which in the ordinary course of things would be likely to result therefrom, including but not limited to the cost of recovering possession of the Premises, expenses of reletting, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises, reasonable attorneys' fees, and that portion of any leasing commission paid by Lessor in connection with this Lease applicable to the unexpired term of this Lease. The worth at the time of award of the amount referred to in provision (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of the District within which the Premises are located at the time of award plus one percent (1%). Efforts by Lessor to mitigate damages caused by Lessee's Breach of this Lease shall not waive Lessor's right to recover damages under Paragraph 12 (Assignment and Subletting). If termination of this Lease is obtained through the provisional remedy of unlawful detainer, Lessor shall have the right to recover in such proceeding any unpaid Rent and damages as are recoverable therein, or Lessor may reserve the right to recover all or any part thereof in a separate suit. If a notice and grace period required under Paragraph 13.1 (Default; Breach) was not previously given, a notice to pay rent or quit, or to perform or quit given to Lessee under the unlawful detainer statute shall also constitute the notice required by Paragraph 13.1. In such case, the applicable grace period required by Paragraph 13.1 and the unlawful detainer statute shall run concurrently, and the failure of Lessee to cure the Default within the greater of the two such grace periods shall constitute both an unlawful detainer and a Breach of this Lease entitling Lessor to the remedies provided for in this Lease and/or by said statute. (b) Continue the Lease and Lessee's right to possession and recover the Rent as it becomes due, in which event Lessee may sublet or assign, subject only to reasonable limitations. Acts of maintenance, efforts to relet, and/or the appointment of a receiver to protect the Lessor's interests, shall not constitute a termination of the Lessee's right to possession. (c) Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available under the laws or judicial decisions of the state wherein the Premises are located. The expiration or termination of this Lease and/or the termination of Lessee's right to possession shall not relieve Lessee from liability under any indemnity provisions of this Lease as to matters occurring or accruing during the term hereof or by reason of Lessee's occupancy of the Premises. 13.3 Inducement Recapture. Any agreement for free or abated rent or other charges, or for the giving or paying by Lessor to or for Lessee of any cash or other bonus, inducement or consideration for Lessee's entering into this Lease, all of which concessions are hereinafter referred to as "inducement provisions," shall be deemed conditioned upon -21- 22 Lessee's full and faithful performance of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease. Upon Breach of this Lease by Lessee, any such Inducement Provision shall automatically be deemed deleted from this Lease and of no further force or effect, and any rent, other charge, bonus, inducement or consideration theretofore abated, given or paid by Lessor under such an Inducement Provision shall be immediately due and payable by Lessee to Lessor, notwithstanding any subsequent cure of said Breach by Lessee. The acceptance by Lessor of Rent or the cure of the Breach which initiated the operation of this paragraph shall not be deemed a waiver by Lessor of the provisions of this paragraph unless specifically so stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such acceptance. 13.4 Late Charges. Lessee hereby acknowledges that late payment by Lessee of Rent will cause Lessor to incur costs not contemplated by this Lease, the exact amount of which will be extremely difficult to ascertain. Such costs include, but are not limited to, processing and accounting charges, and late charges which may be imposed upon Lessor by any Lender. Accordingly, if any Rent shall not be received by Lessor within five (5) days after such amount shall be due, then, without any requirement for notice to Lessee, Lessee shall pay to Lessor a one-time late charge equal to ten percent (10%) of each such overdue amount. The Parties hereby agree that such late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the costs Lessor will incur by reason of such late payment. Acceptance of such late charge by Lessor shall in no event constitute a waiver of Lessee's Default or Breach with respect to such overdue amount, nor prevent the exercise of any of the other rights and remedies granted hereunder. In the event that a late charge is payable hereunder, whether or not collected, for three (3) consecutive installments of Base Rent, then notwithstanding any provision of this Lease to the contrary, Base Rent shall, at Lessor's option, become due and payable quarterly in advance. 13.5 Interest. Any monetary payment due Lessor hereunder, other than late charges, not received by Lessor, when due as to scheduled payments (such as Base Rent) or within thirty (30) days following the date on which it was due for non-scheduled payment, shall bear interest from the date when due, as to scheduled payments, or the thirty-first (31st) day after it was due as to non-scheduled payments. The interest ("INTEREST") charged shall be equal to the prime rate reported in the Wall Street Journal as published closest prior to the date when due plus four percent (4%), but shall not exceed the maximum rate allowed by law. Interest is payable in addition to the potential late charge provided for in Paragraph 13.4 (Late Charges). 13.6 Breach by Lessor. Lessor shall not be deemed in breach of this Lease unless Lessor, or Lessor's Lender, fails within a reasonable time to perform an obligation required to be performed by Lessor. For purposes of this Paragraph, a reasonable time shall in no event be less than thirty (30) days after receipt by Lessor, and any Lender whose name and address shall have been furnished Lessee in writing for such purpose, of written notice specifying wherein such obligation of Lessor has not been performed; provided, however, that if the nature of Lessor's obligation is such that more than thirty (30) days are reasonably required for its performance, then Lessor shall not be in breach if performance is commenced within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently pursued to completion. 14. CONDEMNATION. If the Premises or any portion thereof are taken under the power of eminent domain or sold under the threat of the exercise of said power (collectively "Condemnation"), this Lease shall terminate as to the part taken as of the date the -22- 23 condemning authority takes title or possession, whichever first occurs. If more than fifty percent (50%) of any building portion of the Premises, or more than fifty percent (50%) of the land area portion of the Premises not occupied by any building, is taken by Condemnation, Lessee may, at Lessee's option, to be exercised in writing within ten (10) days after Lessor shall have given Lessee written notice of such taking (or in the absence of such notice, within ten (10) days after the condemning authority shall have taken possession) terminate this Lease as of the date the condemning authority takes such possession. If Lessee does not terminate this Lease in accordance with the foregoing, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect as to the portion of the Premises remaining, except that the Base Rent shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in utility of the Premises caused by such Condemnation. Condemnation awards and/or payments shall be the property of Lessor, whether such award shall be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold, the value of the part taken, or for severance damages; provided, however, that Lessee shall be entitled to any compensation for Lessee's relocation expenses, loss of business goodwill and/or Trade Fixtures, without regard to whether or not this Lease is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph. All Alterations and Utility Installations made to the Premises by Lessee, for purposes of Condemnation only, shall be considered the property of the Lessee and Lessee shall be entitled to any and all compensation which is payable therefor. In the event that this Lease is not terminated by reason of the Condemnation, Lessor shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by such Condemnation. 15. BROKERS. 15.1 Representations and Indemnities of Broker Relationships. Lessee and Lessor each represent and warrant to the other that it has had no dealings with any person, firm, broker or finder in connection with this Lease, and that no one is entitled to any commission or finders fee in connection herewith. Lessee and Lessor do each hereby agree to indemnify, protect, defend and hold the other harmless from and against liability for compensation or charges which may be claimed by any such unnamed broker, finder or other similar party by reason of any dealings or actions of the indemnifying Party, including any costs, expenses, and/or attorneys' fees reasonably incurred with respect thereto. 16. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES. (a) Each Party (as "Responding Party") shall within ten (10) days after written notice from the other Party (the "Requesting Party") execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Requesting Party a statement in writing in form similar to the then most current "Estoppel Certificate" form published by the American Industrial Real Estate Association, plus such additional information, confirmation and/or statements as may be reasonably requested by the Requesting Party. (b) If the Responding Party shall fail to execute or deliver the Estoppel Certificate within such ten day period, the Requesting Party may execute an Estoppel Certificate stating that: (i) the Lease is in full force and effect without modification except as may be represented by the Requesting Party, (ii) there are no uncured defaults in the Requesting Party's performance, and (iii) if Lessor is the Requesting Party, not more than one month's Rent has been paid in advance. Prospective purchasers and encumbrances may rely upon the Requesting Party's Estoppel Certificate, and the Responding Party shall be estopped from denying the truth of the facts contained in said Certificate. -23- 24 (c) If Lessor desires to finance, refinance, or sell the Premises, or any part thereof, Lessee and all Guarantors shall deliver to any potential lender or purchaser designated by Lessor such financial statements as may be reasonably required by such lender or purchaser, including, but not limited to, Lessee's financial statements for the past three (3) years. All such financial statements shall be received by Lessor and such lender or purchaser in confidence and shall be used only for the purposes herein set forth. 17. DEFINITION OF LESSOR. The term "Lessor" as used herein shall mean the owner or owners at the time in question of the fee title to the Premises, or, if this is a sublease, of the Lessee's interest in the prior lease. In the event of a transfer of Lessor's title or interest in the Premises or this Lease, Lessor shall deliver to the transferee or assignee (in cash or by credit) any unused Security Deposit held by Lessor. Except as provided in Paragraph 15 (Brokers), upon such transfer or assignment and delivery of the Security Deposit, as aforesaid, the prior Lessor shall be relieved of all liability with respect to the obligations and/or covenants under this Lease thereafter to be performed by the Lessor. Subject to the foregoing, the obligations and/or covenants in this Lease to be performed by the Lessor shall be binding only upon the Lessor as hereinabove defined. 18. SEVERABILITY. The invalidity of any provision of this Lease, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall in no way affect the validity of any other provision hereof. 19. DAYS. Unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary, the word "DAYS" as used in this Lease shall mean and refer to calendar days. 20. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 17 (Definition of Lessor) above, the obligations of Lessor under this Lease shall not constitute personal obligations of Lessor, the individual partners of Lessor or its or their individual partners, directors, officers or shareholders, and Lessee shall look to the Premises, and to no other assets of Lessor, for the satisfaction of any liability of Lessor with respect to the Lease, and shall not seek recourse against the individual partners of Lessor, or its or their individual partners, directors, officers or shareholders, or any of their personal assets for such satisfaction. 21. TIME OF ESSENCE. Time is of the essence with respect to the performance of all obligations to be performed or observed by the Parties under this Lease. 22. NO PRIOR OR OTHER AGREEMENTS; BROKER DISCLAIMER. Except for matters specifically referred to in this Lease, this Lease contains all agreements between the Parties with respect to any matter mentioned herein, and no other prior or contemporaneous agreement or understanding shall be effective. Lessor and Lessee each represents and warrants to the other that it has made, and is relying solely upon, its own investigation as to the nature, quality, character and financial responsibility of the other Party to this Lease and as to the nature, quality and character of the Premises. 23. NOTICES. 23.1 Notice Requirements. All notices required or permitted by this Lease shall be in writing and may be delivered in person (by hand or by courier) or may be sent by regular, certified or registered mail or U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, with postage -24- 25 prepaid, or by facsimile transmission, and shall be deemed sufficiently given if served in a manner specified in this Paragraph 23. The addresses noted adjacent to a Party's signature on this Lease shall be that Party's address for delivery or mailing of notices. Either Party may by written notice to the other specify a different address for notice, except that upon Lessee's taking possession of the Premises, the Premises shall constitute Lessee's address for notice. A copy of all notices to Lessor shall be concurrently transmitted to such party or parties at such addresses as Lessor may from time to time hereafter designate in writing. 23.2 Date of Notice. Any notice sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed given on the date of delivery shown on the receipt card, or if no delivery date is shown, the postmark thereon. If sent by regular mail the notice shall be deemed given forty-eight (48) hours after the same is addressed as required herein and mailed with postage prepaid. Notices delivered by United States Express Mail or overnight courier that guarantee next day delivery shall be deemed given twenty-four (24) hours after delivery of the same to the Postal Service or courier. Notices transmitted by facsimile transmission or similar means shall be deemed delivered upon telephone confirmation of receipt, provided a copy is also delivered via delivery or mail. If notice is received on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it shall be deemed received on the next business day. 24. WAIVERS. No waiver by Lessor of the Default or Breach of any term, covenant or condition hereof by Lessee, shall be deemed a waiver of any other term, covenant or condition hereof, or of any subsequent Default or Breach by Lessee of the same or of any other term, covenant or Condition hereof. Lessor's consent to, or approval of, any act shall not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Lessor's consent to, or approval of, any subsequent, or similar act by Lessee, or be construed as the basis of an estoppel to enforce the provision or provisions of this Lease requiring such consent. The acceptance of Rent by Lessor shall not be a waiver of any Default or Breach by Lessee. Any payment by Lessee may be accepted by Lessor on account of monies or damages due Lessor, notwithstanding any qualifying statements or conditions made by Lessee in connection therewith, which such statements and/or conditions shall be of no force or effect whatsoever unless specifically agreed to in writing by Lessor at or before the time of deposit of such payment. 25. RECORDING. Either Lessor or Lessee shall, upon request of the other, execute, acknowledge and deliver to the other a short form memorandum of this Lease for recording purposes. The Party requesting recordation shall be responsible for payment of any fees applicable thereto. 26. NO RIGHT TO HOLDOVER. Lessee has no right to retain possession of the Premises or any part thereof beyond the expiration or termination of this Lease. In the event that Lessee holds over, then the Base Rent shall be increased to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the Base Rent applicable during the month immediately preceding the expiration or termination. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as consent by Lessor to any holding over by Lessee. 27. CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No remedy or election hereunder shall be deemed exclusive but shall, wherever possible, be cumulative with all other remedies at law or in equity. 28. COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS; CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT. -25- 26 All provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by Lessee are both covenants and conditions. In construing this Lease, all headings and titles are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be considered a part of this Lease. Whenever required by the context, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. This Lease shall not be construed as if prepared by one of the Parties, but rather according to its fair meaning as a whole, as if both Parties had prepared it. 29. BINDING EFFECT; CHOICE OF LAW. This Lease shall be binding upon the parties, their personal representatives, successors and assigns and be governed by the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Any litigation between the Parties hereto concerning this Lease shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located. 30 SUBORDINATION; ATTORNMENT; NON-DISTURBANCE. 30.1 Subordination. This Lease and any Option granted hereby shall be subject and subordinate to any ground lease, mortgage, deed of trust, or other hypothecation or security device (collectively, "Security Device"), now or hereafter placed upon the Premises, to any and all advances made on the security thereof, and to all renewals, modifications, and extensions thereof. Lessee agrees that the holders of any such Security Devices (in this Lease together referred to as "Lessor's Lender") shall have no liability or obligation to perform any of the obligations of Lessor under this Lease. Any Lender may elect to have this Lease and/or any Option granted hereby superior to the lien of its Security Device by giving written notice thereof to Lessee, whereupon this Lease and such Options shall be deemed prior to such Security Device, notwithstanding the relative dates of the documentation or recordation thereof. 30.2 Attornment. Subject to the non-disturbance provisions of Paragraph 30.3 (Non-Disturbance), Lessee agrees to attorn to a Lender or any other party who acquires ownership of the Premises by reason of a foreclosure of a Security Device, and that in the event of such foreclosure, such new owner shall not: (i) be liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor or with respect to events occurring prior to acquisition of ownership; (ii) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Lessee might have against any prior lessor; or (iii) be bound by prepayment of more than one (1) month's rent. 30.3 Non-Disturbance. With respect to Security Devices entered into by Lessor after the execution of this Lease, Lessee's subordination of this Lease shall be subject to receiving a commercially reasonable non-disturbance agreement (a "Non-Disturbance Agreement") from the Lender which Non-Disturbance Agreement provides that Lessee's possession of the Premises, and this Lease, including any options to extend the term hereof, will not be disturbed so long as Lessee is not in Breach hereof and attorns to the record owner of the Premises. Further, within sixty (60) days after the execution of this Lease, Lessor shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a Non-Disturbance Agreement from the holder of any pre-existing Security Device which is secured by the Premises. In the event that Lessor is unable to provide the Non-Disturbance Agreement within said sixty (60) days, then Lessee may, at Lessee's option, directly contact Lessor's lender and attempt to negotiate for the execution and delivery of a Non-Disturbance Agreement. 30.4 Self-Executing. The agreements contained in this Paragraph 30 (Subordination; Attornment; Non-Disturbance) shall be effective without the execution of any further documents; provided, however, that, upon written request from Lessor or a -26- 27 Lender in connection with a sale, financing or refinancing of the Premises, Lessee and Lessor shall execute such further writings as may be reasonably required to separately document any subordination, attornment and/or Non-Disturbance Agreement provided for herein. 31. ATTORNEYS' FEES. If any Party or Broker brings an action or proceeding involving the Premises to enforce the terms hereof or to declare rights hereunder, the Prevailing Party (as hereafter defined) in any such proceeding, action, or appeal thereon, shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys' fees. Such fees may be awarded in the same suit or recovered in a separate suit, whether or not such action or proceeding is pursued to decision or judgment. The term, "Prevailing Party" shall include, without limitation, a Party who substantially obtains or defeats the relief sought, as the case may be, whether by compromise, settlement, judgment, or the abandonment by the other Party of its claim or defense. The attorneys' fees award shall not be computed in accordance with any court fee schedule, but shall be such as to fully reimburse all attorneys' fees reasonably incurred. In addition, Lessor shall be entitled to attorneys' fees costs and expenses incurred in the preparation and service of notices of Default and consultations in connection therewith, whether or not a legal action is subsequently commenced in connection with such Default or resulting Breach. 32. LESSOR'S ACCESS; SHOWING PREMISES; REPAIRS. Lessor and Lessor's agents shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time, in the case of an emergency, and otherwise at reasonable times for the purpose of showing the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, or lessees, and making such alterations, repairs, improvements or additions to the Premises as Lessor may deem necessary. All such activities shall be without abatement of rent or liability to Lessee. Lessor may at any time place on the Premises any ordinary "For Sale" signs and Lessor may during the last six (6) months of the term hereof place on the Premises any ordinary "For Lease" signs. Lessee may at any time place on or about the Premises any ordinary "For Sublease" sign. 33. AUCTIONS. Lessee shall not conduct, nor permit to be conducted, any auction upon the Premises without Lessor's prior written consent. Lessor shall not be obligated to exercise any standard of reasonableness in determining whether to permit an auction. 34. SIGNS. Lessee may place sign(s) upon the Premises which comply with all Applicable Requirements and which are related to Lessee's business only with the prior written consent of Lessor which shall not be unreasonably withheld. 35. TERMINATION; MERGER. Unless specifically stated otherwise in writing by Lessor, the voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Lessee, the mutual termination or cancellation hereof, or a termination hereof by Lessor for Breach by Lessee, shall automatically terminate any sublease or lesser estate in the Premises; provided, however, that Lessor may elect to continue any one or all existing subtenancies. Lessor's failure within ten (10) days following any such event to elect to the contrary by written notice to the holder of any such lesser interest, shall constitute Lessor's election to have such event constitute the termination of such interest. 36. CONSENTS. Except as otherwise provided herein, wherever in this Lease the consent of a Party is required to an act by or for the other Party, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Lessor's actual reasonable costs and expenses (including, -27- 28 but not limited to, architects', attorneys', engineers' and other consultants' fees) incurred in the consideration of, or response to, a request by Lessee for any Lessor consent, including, but not limited to, consents to an assignment, a subletting or the presence or use of a Hazardous Substance, shall be paid by Lessee upon receipt of an invoice and supporting documentation therefor. Lessor's consent to any act, assignment or subletting shall not constitute an acknowledgment that no Default or Breach by Lessee of this Lease exists, nor shall such consent be deemed a waiver of any then existing Default or Breach, except as may be otherwise specifically stated in writing by Lessor at the time of such consent. The failure to specify herein any particular condition to Lessor's consent shall not preclude the imposition by Lessor at the time of consent of such further or other conditions as are then reasonable with reference to the particular matter for which consent is being given. In the event that either Party disagrees with any determination made by the other hereunder and reasonably requests the reasons for such determination, the determining party shall furnish its reasons in writing and in reasonable detail within ten (10) business days following such request. 37. GUARANTOR. 37.1 Guaranty of Lease. Concurrently with the execution of this Lease by Lessee, and as a condition and material inducement to Lessor executing this Lease, Synergism, Inc., which is the parent company of Lessee, shall execute and shall deliver to Lessor a guaranty ("Guaranty") in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (Guaranty), guaranteeing the full performance of Lessee's obligations under this Lease. 37.2 Default. It shall constitute a Default when one or more of the events delineated in Paragraph 13.1(g) of this Lease occur. 37.3 Transfer. In the event of a change in control of Guarantor, whether or not in connection with the transfer of the Lease by Lessee, the Guarantor shall submit to Lessor a substitute guaranty ("Substitute Guaranty") in a form identical to the original Guaranty executed by the transferee Guarantor and assuming all of the obligations guaranteed by the Guarantor. Lessor shall have the right to review the financial information of such transferee Guarantor and approve or disapprove of such transferee Guarantor. The Guarantor's failure to provide Lessor with a Substitute Guaranty from an approved transferee Guarantor as required herein within ten (10) business days of such transfer shall constitute a default under Paragraphs 13.1(g) (Default; Breach) and 37.2 (Guarantor -- Default) of this Lease. The Guarantor shall not be released from its obligations under the original Guaranty unless and until Lessor has approved the transferee Guarantor and the Substitute Guaranty has been executed and delivered to Lessor. 38. QUIET POSSESSION. Subject to payment by Lessee of the Rent and performance of all of the covenants, conditions and provisions on Lessee's part to be observed and performed under this Lease, Lessee shall have quiet possession and quiet enjoyment of the Premises during the term hereof. 39. EXTENSION OPTION. Provided that Lessee has not assigned this Lease or sublet any or all of the Premises (it being intended that all rights pursuant to this paragraph are and shall be personal to the original Lessee under this Lease and only while the original Lessee is in full possession of the Premises and, if requested by Lessor, with Lessee certifying that Lessee has no intention of thereafter assigning or subletting, and that all rights pursuant to -28- 29 this provision shall not be transferable or exercisable for the benefit of any Transferee), and provided Lessee is not in default under this Lease at the time of exercise or at any time thereafter until the beginning of any such extension of the Term, Lessee shall have the option (the "Extension Option") to extend the Term for two (2) additional consecutive periods of five (5) years (each an "Extension Period"), by giving written notice to Lessor of the exercise of any such Extension Option at least twelve (12) months, but not more than fifteen (15) months, prior to the expiration of the initial Term or the first Extension Period (as the case may be). The exercise of the Extension Option by Lessee shall be irrevocable and shall cover the entire Premises leased by Lessee pursuant to this Lease. Upon such exercise, the term of the Lease shall automatically be extended for an Extension Period without the execution of any further instrument by the parties; provided that Lessor and Lessee shall, if requested by either party, execute and acknowledge an instrument confirming the exercise of the Extension Option. The Extension Option shall terminate if not exercised precisely in the manner provided herein. The extension of the Term shall be upon all the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease and all Exhibits thereto, except that: (i) Lessee shall have no further option to extend the Term of the Lease, other than as specifically set forth herein; (ii) Lessor shall not be obligated to contribute funds toward the cost of any remodeling, renovation, alteration or improvement work in the Premises; (iii) the Base Rent for the first Extension Period shall be the then monthly Base Rent in effect during the last year of the Initial Term, subject to annual adjustment pursuant to Paragraph 4.3 of this Lease; and (iv) the Base Rent for the second Extension, if exercised, shall be the then prevailing fair market rental value of the Premises. The term of this Lease, whether consisting of the Initial Term alone or the Initial Term as extended by one or both of the Extension Periods (if the Extension Option is exercised), is referred to in this Lease as the "Term." 40. GENERAL STATEMENT OF INTENT. Lessor and Lessee hereby expressly agree that the intent of the Lease is to create a totally "net" lease in favor of Lessor and to require Lessee to perform and observe all covenants respecting maintenance, repair, replacement, operation, protection, insurance and risk of loss respecting the Premises and the improvements thereon, and that Lessor shall have no responsibility for any portion of same. 41. SECURITY MEASURES. Lessee hereby acknowledges that the rental payable to Lessor hereunder does not include the cost of guard service or other security measures, and that Lessor shall have no obligation whatsoever to provide same. Lessee assumes all responsibility for the protection of the Premises, Lessee, its agents and Invitees and their property from the acts of third parties. 42. RESERVATIONS. Lessor reserves the right to subdivide the Property (including all or any portion of the Premises), without the consent or joinder of Lessee, into two or more separate parcels and to reserve, create, grant or dedicate such access, utility, drainage and other easements and rights over or affecting the Premises and to cause the recordation of parcel maps and restrictions and to develop the portions of the Property other than the Premises, as Lessor in its sole and absolute discretion, may elect, for the benefit of the Property; provided Lessee's rights of possession of the Premises are not materially and adversely disturbed thereby and excluding minor and temporary noise, dust or inconvenience from adjacent subdivision or development, and Lessee waives all claims against Lessor for damages arising from any such subdivision or development of those portions of the Property. Lessee agrees to execute, acknowledge and deliver to Lessor such instruments, estoppel certificates and consents as Lessor shall request as being necessary or desirable to facilitate such subdivision and -29- 30 development and any financing in connection therewith. Furthermore, if the Premises are a part of a group of buildings controlled by Lessor, Lessee agrees that it will observe all reasonable rules and regulations which Lessor may make from time to time for the management, safety, and care of said properties, including the care and cleanliness of the grounds and including the parking, loading and unloading of vehicles, and that Lessee will pay its fair share of common expenses incurred in connection therewith. 43. PERFORMANCE UNDER PROTEST. If at any time a dispute shall arise as to any amount or sum of money to be paid by one Party to the other under the provisions hereof, the Party against whom the obligation to pay the money is asserted shall have the right to make payment "under protest" and such payment shall not be regarded as a voluntary payment and there shall survive the right on the part of said Party to institute suit for recovery of such sum. If it shall be adjudged that there was no legal obligation on the part of said Party to pay such sum or any part thereof, said Party shall be entitled to recover such sum or so much thereof as it was not legally required to pay. 44. AUTHORITY AND CAPACITY. Each of the persons executing this Lease on behalf of Lessee warrants and represents that Lessee is a duly organized and validly existing entity, that Lessee has full right and authority to enter into this Lease and that the persons signing on behalf of Lessee are authorized to do so and have the power to bind Lessee to this Lease. Lessee shall provide Lessor upon request with evidence reasonably satisfactory to Lessor confirming the foregoing representations. It is understood and agreed that each person executing this Lease on behalf of Lessee shall not have any personal liability to Lessor for the performance of Lessee's obligations under this Lease. 45. AMENDMENTS. This Lease may be modified only in writing, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification. As long as they do not materially change Lessee's obligations hereunder, Lessee agrees to make such reasonable non-monetary modifications to this Lease as may be reasonably required by a Lender in connection with the obtaining of normal financing or refinancing of the Premises. 46. MULTIPLE PARTIES. If more than one person or entity is named herein as either Lessor or Lessee, such multiple Parties shall have joint and several responsibility to comply with the terms of this Lease. The parties hereto have executed this Lease as of the Commencement Date. -30- 31 LESSEE LESSOR SYNERGISM PROPERTIES IV, LLC CUPERTINO ELECTRIC, INC. a California limited liability company a California corporation By: /s/ EUGENE A. RAVIZZA By: /s/ GENE RYLEY --------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Name Printed: Eugene A. Ravizza Name Printed: Gene Ryley Title: Partner Title: President Address: Address: ---------------------------------- --------------------------- Telephone: (___) Telephone: (___) ------------------------- ------------------- Facsimile: (___) Facsimile: (___) ------------------------- ------------------- Federal ID No. Federal ID No. ---------------------------- --------------------- -31-