Exhibit 10.28
PROMISSORY NOTE
$5,000,000.00
October 27, 2005
The Plow & Hearth, Inc.
7021 Wolftown-Hood Road
Madison, Virginia 22727
800-Flowers.com, Inc.
1600 Stewart Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
After December 15, 2005:
1 Old Country Road
Carle Place, NY 11514
800-Flowers, Inc.
1600 Stewart Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
After December 15, 2005:
1 Old Country Road
Carle Place, NY 11514
The Children's Group, Inc.
7021 Wolftown-Hood Road
Madison, Virginia 22727
(Individually and collectively "Borrower")
Wachovia Bank, National Association
201 S. Jefferson Street
Roanoke, Virginia 24011
(Hereinafter referred to as "Bank")
Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money of the United
States of America, at its office indicated above or wherever else Bank may
specify, the sum of Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00) or such sum
as may be advanced and outstanding from time to time, with interest on the
unpaid principal balance at the rate and on the terms provided in this
Promissory Note (including all renewals, extensions or modifications hereof,
this "Note").
RENEWAL/MODIFICATION. This Promissory Note renews, extends and modifies that
certain Promissory Note dated August 5, 2004 (the "Original Promissory Note"),
evidencing an original principal amount of $5,000,000.00, subsequently increased
to $20,000,000.00. This Promissory Note is not a novation.
LOAN AGREEMENT. This Note is subject to the provisions of that certain Loan
Agreement between Bank and Borrower of even date herewith, as it may be modified
from time to time ("the Loan Agreement").
LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences loans (each a "Loan" and collectively the
"Loans") made or continued by the Bank under an uncommitted line of credit. Each
Loan is made by the Bank in its sole discretion, as exercised when such Loan is
requested by the Borrower. The Borrower shall request each Loan upon at least
three (3) business days' prior written notice to Bank. Each such request shall
specify, among other things, the amount of the Loan and the proposed borrowing
date. When Borrower requests a Loan, Borrower shall be deemed to represent that
each representation made in the Loan Documents is true as of the date of its
request.
The Bank's obligation to consider requests for Loans under this Note shall
terminate if a Default (as defined in the other Loan Documents) under any Loan
Document occurs or in any event on December 30, 2006, unless renewed or extended
by Bank in writing upon such terms then satisfactory to Bank. 30-Day Payout.
During the term of the Note, Borrower agrees to pay down the outstanding balance
to a maximum of $0.00 for 30 consecutive days annually, exclusive of undrawn
balances on issued and outstanding commercial and standby letters of credit.
If Borrower subscribes to Bank's cash management services and such services are
applicable to this line of credit, the terms of such service shall control the
manner in which funds are transferred between the applicable demand deposit
account and the line of credit for credit or debit to the line of credit.
Consistent with the terms of its uncommitted line of credit, Bank retains the
right, in connection with its cash management services agreement with Borrower,
either to honor or not to honor, in Bank's sole discretion, checks or drafts for
which at the time of presentation for payment there are insufficient funds in
Borrower's demand deposit accounts with Bank.
USE OF PROCEEDS. Borrower shall use the proceeds of the loan evidenced by this
Note for the commercial purposes of Borrower, as follows: working capital.
SECURITY. Borrower has granted Bank a security interest in the collateral
described in the Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, personal
property collateral described in that certain Security Agreement of even date
herewith.
INTEREST RATE. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of this
Note from the date hereof at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 1.5%, as that rate
may change from day to day in accordance with changes in the LIBOR Market Index
Rate ("Interest Rate"). "LIBOR Market Index Rate", for any day, means the rate
for 1 month U.S. dollar deposits as reported on Telerate page 3750 as of 11:00
a.m., London time, on such day, or if such day is not a London business day,
then the immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then
as determined by Bank from another recognized source or interbank quotation).
DEFAULT RATE. In addition to all other rights contained in this Note, if a
default in the payment of Obligations occurs, all outstanding Obligations, other
than Obligations under any swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101, as
in effect from time to time) between Borrower and Bank or its affiliates, shall
bear interest at the Interest Rate plus 3% ("Default Rate"). The Default Rate
shall also apply from demand until the Obligations or any judgment thereon is
paid in full.
INTEREST AND FEE(S) COMPUTATION (ACTUAL/360). Interest and fees, if any, shall
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days in the
applicable period ("Actual/360 Computation"). The Actual/360 Computation
determines the annual effective interest yield by taking the stated (nominal)
rate for a year's period and then dividing said rate by 360 to determine the
daily periodic rate to be applied for each day in the applicable period.
Application of the Actual/360 Computation produces an annualized effective rate
exceeding the nominal rate.
REPAYMENT TERMS. This Note shall be due and payable in consecutive monthly
payments of accrued interest only, commencing on December 1, 2005, and
continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until fully paid. AUTOMATIC
DEBIT OF CHECKING ACCOUNT FOR LOAN PAYMENT. Borrower authorizes Bank to debit
demand deposit account number 2079118719843 or any other account with Bank
(routing number 051400549) designated in writing by Borrower, beginning November
1, 2005 for any payments due under this Note. Borrower further certifies that
Borrower holds legitimate ownership of this account and preauthorizes this
periodic debit as part of its right under said ownership.
APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS. Monies received by Bank from any source for application
toward payment of the Obligations shall be applied to accrued interest and then
to principal. Upon the occurrence of a default in the payment of the Obligations
or a Default (as defined in the other Loan Documents) under any other Loan
Document, monies may be applied to the Obligations in any manner or order deemed
appropriate by Bank.
If any payment received by Bank under this Note or other Loan Documents is
rescinded, avoided or for any reason returned by Bank because of any adverse
claim or threatened action, the returned payment shall remain payable as an
obligation of all persons liable under this Note or other Loan Documents as
though such payment had not been made.
DEFINITIONS. Loan Documents. The term "Loan Documents", as used in this Note and
the other Loan Documents, refers to all documents executed in connection with or
related to the loan evidenced by this Note and any prior notes which evidence
all or any portion of the loan evidenced by this Note, and any letters of credit
issued pursuant to any loan agreement to which this Note is subject, any
applications for such letters of credit and any other documents executed in
connection therewith or related thereto, and may include, without limitation, a
commitment letter that survives closing, a loan agreement, this Note, guaranty
agreements, security agreements, security instruments, financing statements,
mortgage instruments, any renewals or modifications, whenever any of the
foregoing are executed, but does not include swap agreements (as defined in 11
U.S.C. ss. 101, as in effect from time to time). Obligations. The term
"Obligations", as used in this Note and the other Loan Documents, refers to any
and all indebtedness and other obligations under this Note, all other
obligations under any other Loan Document(s), and all obligations under any swap
agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101, as in effect from time to time)
between Borrower and Bank, or its affiliates, whenever executed. Certain Other
Terms. All terms that are used but not otherwise defined in any of the Loan
Documents shall have the definitions provided in the Uniform Commercial Code.
LATE CHARGE. If any payments are not timely made, Borrower shall also pay to
Bank a late charge equal to 5% of each payment past due for 8 or more days. This
late charge shall not apply to payments due at maturity or by acceleration
hereof, unless such late payment is in an amount not greater than the highest
periodic payment due hereunder.
Acceptance by Bank of any late payment without an accompanying late charge shall
not be deemed a waiver of Bank's right to collect such late charge or to collect
a late charge for any subsequent late payment received.
ATTORNEYS' FEES AND OTHER COLLECTION COSTS. Borrower shall pay all of Bank's
reasonable expenses incurred to enforce or collect any of the Obligations
including, without limitation, reasonable arbitration, paralegals', attorneys'
and experts' fees and expenses, whether incurred without the commencement of a
suit, in any trial, arbitration, or administrative proceeding, or in any
appellate or bankruptcy proceeding.
USURY. If at any time the effective interest rate under this Note would, but for
this paragraph, exceed the maximum lawful rate, the effective interest rate
under this Note shall be the maximum lawful rate, and any amount received by
Bank in excess of such rate shall be applied to principal and then to fees and
expenses, or, if no such amounts are owing, returned to Borrower.
REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of a default in the payment of the Obligations or
a Default (as defined in the other Loan Documents) under any other Loan
Document, Bank may at any time thereafter, take the following actions: Bank
Lien. Foreclose its security interest or lien against Borrower's accounts
without notice. Cumulative. Exercise any rights and remedies as provided under
the Note and the other Loan Documents, or as provided by law or equity.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION. Borrower shall deliver, and shall cause
Guarantor 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. to deliver, to Bank such information as Bank
may reasonably request from time to time, including without limitation, public
financial statements and information pertaining to Borrower's and Guarantor's
financial condition. Such information shall be true, complete, and accurate.
WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS. No waivers, amendments or modifications of this Note and
other Loan Documents shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an officer
of Bank. No waiver by Bank of any Default (as defined in the other Loan
Documents) shall operate as a waiver of any other Default or the same Default on
a future occasion. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of Bank in
exercising any right, power, or remedy under this Note and other Loan Documents
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise
thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power or remedy.
Except to the extent otherwise provided by the Loan Documents or prohibited by
law, each Borrower and each other person liable under this Note waives
presentment, protest, notice of dishonor, notice of intention to accelerate
maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of sale and all other
notices of any kind. Further, each agrees that Bank may (i) extend, modify or
renew this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by this Note, and/or
(ii) grant releases, compromises or indulgences with respect to any collateral
securing this Note, or with respect to any Borrower or other person liable under
this Note or any other Loan Documents, all without notice to or consent of each
Borrower and other such person, and without affecting the liability of each
Borrower and other such person; provided, Bank may not extend, modify or renew
this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by this Note without the
consent of the Borrower, or if there is more than one Borrower, without the
consent of at least one Borrower; and further provided, if there is more than
one Borrower, Bank may not enter into a modification of this Note which
increases the burdens of a Borrower without the consent of that Borrower.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. Assignment. This Note and the other Loan Documents
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their
respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Bank's
interests in and rights under this Note and the other Loan Documents are freely
assignable, in whole or in part, by Bank. In addition, nothing in this Note or
any of the other Loan Documents shall prohibit Bank from pledging or assigning
this Note or any of the other Loan Documents or any interest therein to any
Federal Reserve Bank. Borrower shall not assign its rights and interest
hereunder without the prior written consent of Bank, and any attempt by Borrower
to assign without Bank's prior written consent is null and void. Any assignment
shall not release Borrower from the Obligations. Applicable Law; Conflict
Between Documents. This Note and, unless otherwise provided in any other Loan
Document, the other Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed under the
laws of the state named in Bank's address on the first page hereof without
regard to that state's conflict of laws principles. If the terms of this Note
should conflict with the terms of any loan agreement or any commitment letter
that survives closing, the terms of this Note shall control. Borrower's
Accounts. Except as prohibited by law, Borrower grants Bank a security interest
in all of Borrower's accounts with Bank and any of its affiliates. Swap
Agreements. All swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. ss. 101, as in effect
from time to time), if any, between Borrower and Bank or its affiliates are
independent agreements governed by the written provisions of said swap
agreements, which will remain in full force and effect, unaffected by any
repayment, prepayment, acceleration, reduction, increase or change in the terms
of this Note, except as otherwise expressly provided in said written swap
agreements, and any payoff statement from Bank relating to this Note shall not
apply to said swap agreements unless expressly referred to in such payoff
statement. Jurisdiction. Borrower irrevocably agrees to non-exclusive personal
jurisdiction in the state named in Bank's address on the first page hereof.
Severability. If any provision of this Note or of the other Loan Documents shall
be prohibited or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be
ineffective but only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without
invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this
Note or other such document. Notices. Any notices to Borrower shall be
sufficiently given, if in writing and mailed or delivered to the Borrower's
address shown above or such other address as provided hereunder, and to Bank, if
in writing and mailed or delivered to Wachovia Bank, National Association, Mail
Code VA7628, P. O. Box 13327, Roanoke, VA 24040 or Wachovia Bank, National
Association, Mail Code VA7628, 10 South Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA 24011 or
such other address as Bank may specify in writing from time to time. Notices to
Bank must include the mail code. In the event that Borrower changes Borrower's
address at any time prior to the date the Obligations are paid in full, Borrower
agrees to promptly give written notice of said change of address by registered,
certified mail, return receipt requested, or national overnight courier, all
charges prepaid. Plural; Captions. All references in the Loan Documents to
Borrower, guarantor, person, document or other nouns of reference mean both the
singular and plural form, as the case may be, and the term "person" shall mean
any individual, person or entity. The captions contained in the Loan Documents
are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or
interpretation of the Loan Documents. Advances. Bank may, in its sole
discretion, make other advances which shall be deemed to be advances under this
Note, even though the stated principal amount of this Note may be exceeded as a
result thereof. Posting of Payments. All payments received during normal banking
hours after 2:00 p.m. local time at the office of Bank first shown above shall
be deemed received at the opening of the next banking day. Joint and Several
Obligations. If there is more than one Borrower, each is jointly and severally
obligated. Fees and Taxes. Borrower shall promptly pay all documentary,
intangible recordation and/or similar taxes on this transaction whether assessed
at closing or arising from time to time. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY; WAIVER OF
PUNITIVE DAMAGES. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO, INCLUDING BANK BY ACCEPTANCE
HEREOF, AGREES THAT IN ANY JUDICIAL, MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION PROCEEDING OR ANY
CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF OR BE IN ANY
WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR
DOCUMENT BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM OR THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY OR RELATED
HERETO, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY PARTY HAVE A REMEDY OF, OR BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER
FOR, (1) INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR (2) PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY
DAMAGES. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT OR CLAIM TO
PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES THEY MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE IN
CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY, WHETHER THE SAME IS
RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION, MEDIATION, JUDICIALLY OR OTHERWISE. Patriot Act Notice.
To help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal
law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record
information that identifies each person who opens an account. For purposes of
this section, account shall be understood to include loan accounts. FINAL
AGREEMENT. This Note and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement
between the parties and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior,
contemporaneous or subsequent oral agreements of the parties. There are no
unwritten oral agreements between the parties.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF
BORROWER BY EXECUTION HEREOF AND BANK BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, KNOWINGLY,
VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY
IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS NOTE, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY AGREEMENT CONTEMPLATED TO BE EXECUTED
IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING,
STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY WITH RESPECT
HERETO. THIS PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO BANK TO ACCEPT THIS NOTE.
EACH OF THE PARTIES AGREES THAT THE TERMS HEREOF SHALL SUPERSEDE AND REPLACE ANY
PRIOR AGREEMENT RELATED TO ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN THE PARTIES CONTAINED
IN ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT HERETOFORE EXECUTED IN
CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO OR BEING REPLACED, SUPPLEMENTED, EXTENDED OR
MODIFIED BY, THIS NOTE.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, on the day and year first above written, has
caused this Note to be executed under seal.
The Plow & Hearth, Inc. (SEAL)
Taxpayer Identification No. 54-1663651
By /s/ William E. Shea
Its Vice President, Ass. Treasurer
800-Flowers.com, Inc. (SEAL)
Taxpayer Identification No. 11-3117311
By /s/ William E. Shea
Its Vice President, Treasurer
800-Flowers, Inc. (SEAL)
Taxpayer Identification No. 11-3329949
By /s/ William E. Shea
Its Vice President, Treasurer
The Children's Group, Inc. (SEAL)
Taxpayer Identification No. 31-1777162
By /s/ William E. Shea
Its Treasurer