EXHIBIT 10.1
BROKER LOAN PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
This BROKER LOAN PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of December 22,
1998, is among ADVANCED CLEARING, INC., a Nebraska corporation (the "Debtor"),
each of the financial institutions from time to time party hereto (the
"Lenders") and THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, as collateral agent for the
Lenders (in such capacity, the "Collateral Agent").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Lenders may individually from time to time (a) make loans to
the Debtor (the "Loans") and (b) issue standby letters of credit for the
account of the Debtor (the "Letters of Credit");
WHEREAS, the Lenders have requested that the Debtor provide security for
the payment of the Loans, the reimbursement of drawings under the Letters of
Credit and the other Obligations (as hereinafter defined), and the Debtor is
willing to do so;
WHEREAS, the Debtor is entering into this Security Agreement for the
purpose of providing such security for the Obligations and the Collateral Agent
and the Lenders are entering into this Security Agreement for the purpose of
setting forth their rights to the Collateral; and
WHEREAS, the Debtor and the Lenders desire that The First National Bank of
Chicago act as collateral agent hereunder and The First National Bank of Chicago
is willing to act as collateral agent pursuant to the terms and conditions set
forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Security Agreement:
"Aggregate Available Amount" means, with respect to any Letters of Credit,
the stated or face amount of such Letters of Credit to the extent available at
the time for drawing (subject to presentment of all requisite documents), as the
same may be increased or decreased from time to time in accordance with the
terms thereof.
"Collateral" means all of the following, wherever located, in which the
Debtor now has or hereafter acquires any interest, including all cash and
non-cash proceeds and records relating thereto and all dividends, interest,
income, distributions, collections and any other rights or property which the
owner would be entitled to receive with respect to, or in substitution or
exchange for, any of the
following: all Pledged Securities; all deposits with First Chicago; and all
other property delivered or pledged to the Collateral Agent or in which the
Collateral Agent is granted a security interest or which is actually or
constructively held by or in the possession of the Collateral Agent or its agent
or designee, including, without limitation, any such property which is in any
account with the Collateral Agent or any account which is owned by, pledged to,
or controlled by, the Collateral Agent with a clearing agency, custodian, trust
company, bank, broker, clearing company, Federal Reserve Bank or other entity,
and further including, without limitation, property delivered for safekeeping,
collection, pledge or transmission.
"Customer Securities" means Securities carried by the Debtor for the
account of any customer within the meaning of Rules 8c-1 and 15c2-1 of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and any proceeds thereof and interest and
dividends thereon.
"Default" means either (a) that an Obligation is not paid when due, whether
at the stated maturity thereof, by demand or otherwise, or (b) a default occurs
under, or as defined in, a Reimbursement Agreement.
"Designated Account" means the account of a Lender maintained on the books
of the Collateral Agent to which the Collateral Agent credits Collateral
received by it and designated by the Debtor pursuant to Section 5.1 as
Collateral to be pledged to such Lender.
"Firm Securities" means Securities owned by the Debtor for its own account
and any proceeds thereof and interest and dividends thereon.
"First Chicago" means The First National Bank of Chicago, its branches,
subsidiaries and affiliates and their successors and assigns.
"Letter of Credit Obligations" means at a particular time the sum of (a)
the Aggregate Available Amount under the outstanding Letters of Credit, plus (b)
the aggregate amount of unreimbursed drawings under the Letters of Credit, in
each case at such time.
"Letters of Credit" has the meaning specified in the first Whereas Clause.
"Lien" means any security interest, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, lien,
claim, charge, encumbrance, title retention agreement or lessor's interest, in
or on any property.
"Loan Value" at a particular time means as to any Security, an amount equal
to the percentage of the Market Value of such Security at such time set forth as
the advance rate with respect to such type of Security on the schedule furnished
by each Lender to the Collateral Agent and the Debtor from time to time.
"Loans" has the meaning specified in the first Whereas Clause.
"Market Value" of each share or other unit of any Securities of any class
at a particular time, means the fair market value determined for such share or
other unit at or immediately prior to such
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time by the Collateral Agent making the determination in good faith in
accordance with its customary procedures. For purposes of such determination,
the Collateral Agent shall use the preceding business day's closing price for
each of the Securities or a recent price for a Security, both as reported by one
or more recognized securities price reporting services or information furnished
to the Collateral Agent by one or more brokers or dealers in such Securities.
For purposes of this definition, accrued interest on interest-bearing securities
will be excluded from the determination of Market Value.
"Obligations" means any and all existing and future indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities of every kind, nature and character, direct or
indirect, absolute or contingent (including all renewals, extensions and
modifications thereof), of the Debtor to the Collateral Agent and the Lenders,
howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired, including,
without limitation, (a) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Loans, (b)
the aggregate amount of all accrued but unpaid interest and fees in respect
thereof, (c) all reimbursements owing by the Debtor to any Lender for drawings
under Letters of Credit issued by such Lender and all accrued but unpaid
interest thereon and fees in respect of such Letters of Credit, (d) all other
accrued but unpaid obligations and liabilities owing by the Debtor to any Lender
in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by such Lender (including,
without limitation, the obligation of the Debtor to cash collateralize any such
Letter of Credit), whether pursuant to a reimbursement agreement entered into
between the Debtor and such Lender or otherwise, and (e) all amounts payable by
the Debtor under this Security Agreement (including, without limitation, the
reasonable fees and expenses of the attorneys for the Collateral Agent, which
attorneys may be employees of the Collateral Agent).
"Pledged Securities" means all Securities delivered to the Collateral
Agent, its agent, financial intermediary or designee, including, without
limitation, those held by a depository, clearing agency or broker, Federal
Reserve Bank or similar entity.
"Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System, as such regulation may be amended from time to time.
"Reimbursement Agreement" means an agreement between a Lender and the
Debtor pertaining to the issuance of a Letter of Credit or Letters of Credit by
such Lender and the obligations of the Debtor in connection therewith, as any
such agreement may be amended from time to time.
"Required Lenders" means at a particular time the Lenders holding not less
than 66-2/3% of the sum at such time of (a) the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of the Loans, plus (b) the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit
Obligations.
"Section" means a numbered section of this Security Agreement, unless
another document is specifically referenced.
"Security" and "Securities" means instruments, certificated and
uncertificated securities, stocks, notes, bonds, debentures, government
securities, options, warrants, pass through certificates,
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and certificates of deposit and any other security or financial asset, as
those terms are defined under the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code, as amended
from time to time.
"Security Agreement" means this Broker Loan Pledge and Security Agreement,
as it may be amended from time to time.
The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular
and plural forms of the defined terms.
2. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.
The Debtor hereby pledges and assigns to the Collateral Agent, for the
benefit of the Lenders, and grants to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of
the Lenders, a continuing security interest in, and right of offset against, the
Collateral to secure payment of the Obligations, provided, however, that
Customer Securities shall secure the Obligations only to the extent described in
Section 13.
3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
The Debtor represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent and the Lenders,
on the date of this Security Agreement and on the date of the making of each
Loan and each issuance or extension of the expiration date of, and amendment to,
a Letter of Credit, that:
3.1 Existence and Standing. The Debtor is duly organized and is validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nebraska, and the
Debtor has all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction
in which its business is conducted. The Debtor is duly registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is a member in good standing of the
National Association of Securities Dealers.
3.2 Authorization, Validity and Enforceability. The execution and delivery
by the Debtor of this Security Agreement has been duly authorized by proper
corporate proceedings, and this Security Agreement constitutes a legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Debtor and creates a security interest which is
enforceable against the Debtor in all now owned and hereafter acquired
Collateral.
3.3 Firm Securities. Each Pledged Security that is a Firm Security will,
at the time of pledge, be owned by the Debtor free and clear of any Liens,
security interests or encumbrances, except for the security interest granted to
the Collateral Agent hereunder.
3.4 Customer Securities. The pledge of the Securities designated as
Customer Securities does not and will not contravene any provision of Rules
8c-1, 15c2-1 or 15c3-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission in effect from
time to time. The Debtor has full power and authority from
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each customer to pledge the Customer Securities and to permit such Securities
to be commingled with securities carried for the account of other customers of
the Debtor.
3.5 Regulation U. The Debtor is an "exempted borrower", as defined in
Regulation U.
4. COVENANTS.
From the date of this Security Agreement, and thereafter until this
Security Agreement is terminated:
4.1 Inspection. The Debtor will permit the Collateral Agent and any
Lender, by its representatives and agents, to inspect the Collateral, to examine
and make copies of the records of the Debtor relating thereto, and to discuss
the Collateral, and the records of the Debtor with respect thereto with, and to
be advised as to the same by, the Debtor's officers and employees.
4.2 Records and Reports. The Debtor will maintain complete and accurate
books and records with respect to the Collateral, and furnish (a) to the
Collateral Agent such reports relating to the Collateral as the Collateral Agent
may from time to time request, and (b) to each Lender a report within five days
after the end of each month stating the aggregate outstanding principal amount
of Loans and the aggregate Letter of Credit Obligations, shown on a Lender by
Lender basis, as of the end of such month. With respect to any Collateral which
may be held by a third party, the Debtor shall instruct such party to xxxx its
records or take such other action acceptable to the Collateral Agent to reflect
the Collateral Agent's interest in, and grant the Collateral Agent control over,
such Collateral.
4.3 Defense of Collateral. The Debtor shall, at its own expense, keep the
Collateral free and clear of all liens, security interests, claims, or
encumbrances, except in favor of the Collateral Agent, and defend the Collateral
Agent's interest in the Collateral against the claims of all persons and
entities.
4.4 Uncertificated Securities. If any of the Collateral consists of
uncertificated securities, the Debtor will or will permit the Collateral Agent,
from time to time, to cause the appropriate issuers of uncertificated securities
constituting Collateral to xxxx their books and records with the numbers and
face amounts of all uncertificated securities constituting Collateral and all
rollovers and replacements therefor to reflect the Lien of the Collateral Agent
granted pursuant to this Security Agreement, or the Debtor will take or cause
the issuers or any third parties to take such other action or make such
notifications as may be required by applicable law or requested by the
Collateral Agent to effect and perfect the Lien in favor of the Collateral
Agent.
4.5 Registration of Pledged Stock. The Collateral Agent may, at its
option, register or cause the Debtor to register any registerable Collateral in
the name of the Collateral Agent or its nominee.
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4.6 Exercise of Rights in Pledged Stock. The Collateral Agent or its
nominee at any time after the occurrence of a Default, without notice, may
exercise all voting and corporate rights relating to the Collateral, including,
without limitation, exchange, subscription or any other rights, privileges or
options pertaining to any shares of the stock pledged as Collateral and the
Pledged Securities as if it were the absolute owner thereof.
4.7 Negotiable Form. All Collateral, at the time it becomes part of the
Collateral, will be in negotiable form (either in bearer form, endorsed in
blank, with endorsement guaranteed, or such other form satisfactory to the
Collateral Agent, suitable for immediate transfer or registration to the
Collateral Agent or its nominee, or at its order).
4.8 No Liens. The Debtor will not create, incur or suffer to exist any
lien, pledge, security interest or encumbrance on any of the Collateral except
the security interest created by this Security Agreement. None of the Collateral
will be held at any clearing agency or broker or clearing bank in an account
over which such clearing agency or broker or clearing bank has any Lien or right
of setoff or if held at a clearing agency or broker or clearing bank, the
Collateral Agent shall determine the collateral value of such Collateral only
upon the excess, if any, of the current market value of such Collateral over the
amount of any Lien or right of set-off which such clearing agency or broker or
clearing bank has. If requested by the Collateral Agent, the Debtor will cause
such clearing agency or broker or clearing bank from time to time to confirm to
the Collateral Agent the amount of any such Lien or right of set-off.
4.9 Regulatory Reports. The Debtor will deliver to each Lender not later
than the time that the Debtor delivers to the Securities and Exchange Commission
or the appropriate regulatory authority each of the following notices, reports
or schedules:
(a) The monthly FOCUS report required pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rule 17a-5(a)(2);
(b) The audited annual report required pursuant to Securities Exchange Act
Rule 17a-5(d);
(c) The notice required pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 17a-11;
(d) The notice required pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule
15c3-1(e); and
(e) The notice required pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule
15c3-3(i).
4.10 Notices. The Debtor will promptly give notice to each Lender if (a) a
Default occurs, (b) the National Association of Securities Dealers, or any other
self-regulatory organization having authority over the Debtor, shall impose
restrictions upon the Debtor pursuant to Rule 3130 or similar rule of such other
self-regulatory organization, (c) it ceases to be an "exempted borrower", as
defined in Regulation U, or (d) it is notified that it may be or it becomes the
subject of any action by a government, governmental agency or self-regulatory
organization the result or effect of which is or could be the suspension for any
period of time or revocation of its registration as a broker-dealer,
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the imposition of limitations upon its activities as a broker-dealer or the
appointment of a receiver or trustee, including the Securities Investor
Protection Corporation, or the entry of a protective decree under the Securities
Investor Protection Act, as amended from time to time.
5. LOAN AND LETTER OF CREDIT REQUESTS; DELIVERY, MAINTENANCE, SUBSTITUTION AND
WITHDRAWAL OF COLLATERAL.
5.1 Loan and Letter of Credit Requests. The Debtor shall give notice to
the Collateral Agent of each request for Loans by the Lenders or the issuance of
Letters of Credits or amendments to, or extension of the expiration dates of,
outstanding Letter of Credit, which notice shall specify the amount of the Loan
or Letter of Credit (or increase in the amount of an outstanding Letter of
Credit) to be made or issued by each Lender and the Collateral therefor. The
Collateral Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of each such request, which
notification shall include the Collateral Agent's determination of the Market
Value and Loan Value of the applicable Collateral. Each Lender shall promptly
notify the Collateral Agent whether it intends to make any such requested Loan
or issue such requested Letter of Credit or amendment.
5.2 Delivery of Collateral. The Debtor shall promptly deliver to the
Collateral Agent, its agent or designee, all Collateral pledged to the
Collateral Agent pursuant to this Security Agreement, and the Collateral Agent
shall credit such Collateral to the applicable Designated Account. The
Collateral Agent agrees that delivery to the Collateral Agent may be
accomplished by transfer of Pledged Securities to the account of First Chicago
at Depository Trust Company in New York, the Midwest Securities Trust Company in
Chicago or any similar depository acceptable to the Collateral Agent and that
any direction by the Debtor to transfer any Securities to First Chicago's
account with any such depository or any other action taken in accordance with a
depository's customary procedures regarding pledging of Collateral shall
constitute a pledge by the Debtor of such Securities to the Collateral Agent and
the confirmation of such pledge. The Debtor further agrees that any agent or
designee of the Collateral Agent or any depository or clearing agency or broker
holding the Collateral shall have the right to deliver any Collateral held by it
for the benefit of the Collateral Agent to the Collateral Agent or to sell such
Collateral at the direction of the Collateral Agent.
5.3 Withdrawal of Collateral. Provided no Default shall exist, the Debtor
may withdraw all or any portion of the Collateral from the Designated Account of
any Lender from time to time if, simultaneously therewith and after giving
effect to any contemporaneous borrowings, repayments, and substitutions of
Collateral, the Obligations to such Lender are secured by Securities with a Loan
Value shown on the schedule then most recently furnished by such Lender to the
Collateral Agent and the Debtor in an amount not less the Obligations to such
Lender. No withdrawal or substitution of Collateral shall be effective until the
Collateral Agent shall have consented to such withdrawal or substitution.
5.4 Sale of Securities. Unless the then-outstanding Obligations are then
secured by other Securities of a type acceptable to, and having a collateral
value satisfactory to, the Collateral Agent, the Debtor shall, promptly upon its
receipt of any proceeds from the sale, pledge or other disposition of any of the
Collateral, and in no event more than 10 days after such proceeds are received
by the
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Debtor, deliver such proceeds to the Collateral Agent to be deposited in the
special collateral account established pursuant to Section 10.2.
5.5 Maintenance of Collateral Value. In the event that at any time the
Loan Value of the Securities in the Designated Account of any Lender pledged as
security for the Letter of Credit Obligations to such Lender is less than the
amount of such Letter of Credit Obligations, the Debtor shall, upon demand of
such Lender, deliver additional Securities to the Collateral Agent, for the
benefit of such Lender and to be credited to such Lender's Designated Account,
with a Loan Value at least equal to the amount of such deficiency.
5.6 Collateral for Contingent Obligations. Notwithstanding the deposit of
Pledged Securities pursuant to this Security Agreement, with respect to
Obligations to any Lender which are contingent and cannot be accelerated by
their nature, including, without limitation, Letter of Credit Obligations, any
Lender may, in its sole discretion and at any time, require the Debtor to
immediately deposit cash or other acceptable Collateral in an amount sufficient
to cover such Obligations and interest thereon which will have accrued by the
maturity or expiration date thereof, such Collateral to be held as security for
such Obligations in such Lender's sub-account of the special collateral account
referred to in Section 10.2.
5.7 Designated Accounts. The Collateral Agent such establish and maintain
on its books a Designated Account for each Lender to which the Collateral Agent
will credit Collateral received by it and designated by the Debtor pursuant to
Section 5.1 as Collateral to be pledged to such Lender.
5.8 Collateral Reports to Lenders. Upon the request of any Lender, the
Collateral Agent shall furnish to such Lender (at such address as such Lender
shall designate from time to time) on each business day a report stating the
Loan Value and Market Value of all Securities in the Designated Account of such
Lender.
6. REMEDIES.
6.1 Remedies. In the event that a Default occurs, the Collateral Agent may
and, upon the request of any Lender with respect to the Collateral in the
Designated Account of such Lender, shall, exercise any or all of the rights and
remedies provided (i) in this Security Agreement, (ii) to a secured party when a
debtor is in default under a security agreement governed by the Illinois Uniform
Commercial Code and (iii) by any other applicable law, including, without
limitation, any law governing the exercise of a bank's right of setoff or
banker's lien.
6.2 Debtor's Obligations Upon Default. Upon the request of the Collateral
Agent after the occurrence of a Default, the Debtor will:
6.2.1 Assembly of Collateral. Assemble and make available to the
Collateral Agent the Collateral and all records relating thereto at any
place or places specified by the Collateral Agent.
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6.2.2 Collateral Agent Access. Permit the Collateral Agent, by the
Collateral Agent's representatives and agents, to enter any premises where
all or any part of the Collateral, or the books and records relating
thereto, or both, are located, to take possession of all or any part of the
Collateral and to remove all or any part of the Collateral.
6.3 Rights of Lenders in Respect of Loans and Letters of Credit.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Security Agreement, the right of
each Lender to receive payment of the Loans made by such Lender, reimbursement
for drawings under the Letters of Credit issued by such Lender and other
Obligations held by such Lender when due, whether at the stated maturity
thereof, by demand or otherwise, as expressed in any instrument evidencing or
agreement governing such Loans, Letters of Credit and other Obligations, or to
institute suit for the enforcement of such payment on or after such due date,
and the obligation of the Debtor to pay such Loans, Letter of Credit
reimbursements and other Obligations when due, shall not be impaired or
affected; provided however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, each Lender
agrees that it will not attempt to foreclose on or assert rights against any
Collateral except in the manner provided in this Security Agreement.
7. WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES.
No delay or omission of the Collateral Agent or any Lender to exercise any
right or remedy granted under this Security Agreement or under applicable law
shall impair such right or remedy or be construed to be a waiver of any Default
or an acquiescence therein, and any single or partial exercise of any such right
or remedy shall not preclude other or further exercise thereof or the exercise
of any other right or remedy, and no waiver, amendment or other variation of the
terms, conditions or provisions of this Security Agreement whatsoever shall be
valid unless in writing signed by the Collateral Agent and the Required Lenders,
and then only to the extent in writing specifically set forth. All rights and
remedies contained in this Security Agreement or by law afforded shall be
cumulative and all shall be available to the Collateral Agent until the
Obligations have been paid in full.
8. PROCEEDS.
8.1 Proceeds of Collateral. The proceeds of the Collateral in the
Designated Account of any Lender shall, subject to compliance with Section 13,
be applied by the Collateral Agent to payment of the Obligations in the
following order:
(a) FIRST, to the Collateral Agent for any unpaid fees and expenses
(including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of
attorneys for the Collateral Agent, which attorneys may be employees of the
Collateral Agent) in connection with the performance of its duties
hereunder (including, without limitation, the collection and enforcement of
the Obligations or of the security interest granted to the Collateral
Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, pursuant to this Security Agreement);
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(b) SECOND, to the payment of the Obligations to such Lender in such order
of application as such Lender shall specify;
(c) THIRD, to the payment of the Obligations of the other Lenders pro rata
in accordance with the amounts owing to each of them, to be applied by each
such Lender in such order of application as such Lender shall specify; and
(d) FOURTH, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been
satisfied, shall be deposited by the Collateral Agent into the Debtor's
general operating account with First Chicago, or to such other account as
the Debtor may direct in writing.
8.2 Rights of Collateral Agent. In making the determinations and
allocations required by this Section, the Collateral Agent may rely upon its
records and information supplied by each Lender, and the Collateral Agent shall
have no liability to any of the Lenders for actions taken in reliance on such
information, except in the case of its gross negligence or willful misconduct.
All distributions made by the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section shall be
final (subject to any decree of any court of competent jurisdiction), and the
Collateral Agent shall have no duty to inquire as to the application by the
Lenders of any amounts distributed to them.
8.3 Effect of Bankruptcy, Etc. If, through the operation of any
bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or other laws or otherwise, the
Collateral Agent's Lien hereunder is avoided, disallowed or otherwise not
enforced with respect to some, but not all, of the Obligations then outstanding,
the Collateral Agent shall make the calculations required by this Section
without giving effect to such Obligations and shall apply the proceeds of the
Collateral for the benefit of the holders of the other Obligations in the
proportions and subject to the priorities specified herein.
9. THE COLLATERAL AGENT.
9.1 Appointment, Powers and Immunities. Each Lender, by its acceptance of
the security interests granted to the Collateral Agent on its behalf hereunder,
hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes First Chicago to act as its agent
hereunder with such powers as are specifically delegated to the Collateral Agent
by the terms of this Security Agreement, together with such other powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto. The Collateral Agent (which term as used in this
sentence and in Section 9.5 and the first sentence of Section 9.6 shall include
reference to its affiliates and its own and its affiliates' officers, directors,
employees and agents): (a) shall have no duties or responsibilities except those
expressly set forth in this Security Agreement and shall not by reason of this
Security Agreement be a trustee for, or a fiduciary with respect to, any Lender;
(b) shall not be responsible to the Lenders for, or have any duty to ascertain,
inquire into or verify, (i) any recitals, statements, representations or
warranties contained in this Security Agreement or in any notice delivered
hereunder, or in any other certificate or other document referred to or provided
for in, or received by it under, this Security Agreement, (ii) the value,
validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this
Security Agreement or any other document referred to or provided for herein or
therein, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants or
agreements of the Debtor under this Security Agreement, (iv) the existence or
possible existence of
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any Default, or (v) the value, sufficiency, creation, perfection or priority of
any Lien on the Collateral; (c) shall not be required to initiate or conduct any
litigation or collection proceedings hereunder; and (d) shall not be liable to
the Debtor or any Lender for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it
hereunder or under any other document or instrument referred to or provided for
herein or therein or in connection herewith or therewith, except to the extent
such action or inaction is determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a
court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen from its own gross negligence or
willful misconduct. Each of the Lenders hereby agrees to assert no claim against
the Collateral Agent on any agency theory or any other theory of liability for
breach of fiduciary duty, all of which claims each Lender hereby waives.
9.2 Reliance by Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent shall be entitled
to rely upon any certification, notice or other communication (including,
without limitation, any thereof by telephone, telecopy, telex, telegram,
electronic or computer transmission) believed by it to be genuine and correct
and to have been signed or sent by or on behalf of the proper person or persons,
and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (which legal counsel may be
employees of the Agent), independent accountants and other experts selected by
the Collateral Agent. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this
Security Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected
in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder in accordance with
instructions given by the Required Lenders, and such instructions of the
Required Lenders and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall
be binding on all of the Lenders. If in one or more instances the Collateral
Agent takes any action or assumes any responsibility not specifically delegated
to it pursuant to this Security Agreement, neither the taking of such action nor
the assumption of such responsibility shall be deemed to be an express or
implied undertaking on the part of the Collateral Agent that it will take the
same or similar action or assume the same or similar responsibility in any other
instance.
9.3 Rights as a Lender. With respect to the Loans made, or Letters of
Credit issued, by it, First Chicago (and any successor acting as Collateral
Agent) in its capacity as Lender shall have the same rights and powers hereunder
as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not acting as
Collateral Agent, and the term "Lender" or "Lenders" shall, unless the context
otherwise indicates, include the Collateral Agent in its individual capacity.
First Chicago (and any successor acting as Collateral Agent) and its affiliates
may (without having to account therefor to any Lender) accept deposits from,
lend money to, make investments in and generally engage in any kind of banking,
trust or other business with the Debtor (and any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates) as if were not acting as Collateral Agent, and First Chicago and its
affiliates may accept fees and other consideration from the Debtor for services
in connection with this Security Agreement or otherwise without having to
account for the same to the Lenders.
9.4 Reimbursement and Indemnification. The Lenders agree to reimburse and
indemnify the Collateral Agent ratably in proportion to the amount of their
respective Obligations (a) for any amounts not reimbursed by the Debtor for
which the Collateral Agent is entitled to reimbursement by the Debtor under this
Security Agreement, (b) for any other expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent
on behalf of the Lenders in connection with the administration and enforcement
of this Security Agreement (including, without limitation, for any expenses
incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with any dispute between the
Collateral Agent and any Lender or between two or more
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of the Lenders) and (c) for any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any
kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against the Collateral Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this
Security Agreement or any other document delivered in connection herewith
(including, without limitation, for any such amounts incurred by or asserted
against the Collateral Agent in connection with any dispute between the
Collateral Agent and any Lender or between two or more of the Lenders), or the
enforcement of any of the terms of this Security Agreement or of any such other
documents, provided that no Lender shall be liable for any of the foregoing to
the extent any of the foregoing is found in a final non-appealable judgment by a
court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of the Collateral Agent. The obligations of the Lenders under
this Section shall survive payment of the Obligations and termination of this
Security Agreement.
9.5 Notice of Default. The Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default unless the Collateral Agent
has received written notice from a Lender referring to this Security Agreement
describing such Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of default".
In the event that the Collateral Agent receives such a notice, the Collateral
Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.
9.6 Non-Reliance on Collateral Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender agrees
that it has, independently and without reliance on the Collateral Agent or any
other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own credit analysis of the Debtor and decision to extend
any Loan, issue any Letter of Credit or amendment thereto and enter into this
Security Agreement and that it will, independently and without reliance upon the
Collateral Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and
information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own
analysis and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Security
Agreement. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Collateral Agent
shall not be required to keep itself informed as to the performance or
observance by the Debtor of this Security Agreement or any other document
referred to or provided for herein or to inspect the properties or books of the
Debtor. The Collateral Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to
provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the affairs,
financial condition or business of the Debtor or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates that may come into the possession of the Collateral Agent or any of
its affiliates, except for notices, reports and other documents and information
expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Collateral Agent
hereunder. In no event shall the Collateral Agent be liable to the Debtor or any
Lender for the accuracy of its determination of the Market Value or Loan Value
of any item of Collateral, except to the extent that any such determination is
found in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to
have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Collateral
Agent.
9.7 Failure to Act. Except for action expressly required of the Collateral
Agent hereunder, the Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in
failing or refusing to act hereunder unless it shall receive further assurances
to its satisfaction from the Lenders of their indemnification obligations under
Section 9.4 against any and all liability and expense that may be incurred by it
by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Collateral Agent
shall
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not be required to take any action that in the judgment of the Collateral
Agent would violate any applicable law.
9.8 Resignation of Collateral Agent. Subject to the appointment and
acceptance of a successor Collateral Agent as provided below, the Collateral
Agent may resign at any time by giving notice thereof to the Lenders and the
Debtor. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to
appoint a successor Collateral Agent. If no successor Collateral Agent shall
have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such
appointment within 30 days after the retiring Collateral Agent's giving of
written notice of resignation, then the retiring Collateral Agent may, on behalf
of the Lenders, appoint a successor Collateral Agent, that shall be a bank that
has an office in New York, New York or Chicago, Illinois and has capital and
retained earnings of at least $100,000,000. Notwithstanding the previous
sentence, the Collateral Agent may at any time without the consent of the Debtor
or any Lender, appoint any of its affiliates which is a commercial bank as a
successor Collateral Agent hereunder. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as
Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor Collateral Agent, such successor
Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the
rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Collateral Agent, and the
retiring Collateral Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations
hereunder. After any retiring Collateral Agent's resignation hereunder as
Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Section 9 shall continue in effect for
its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while
it was acting as the Collateral Agent.
9.9 Appointment of Agents. a. The Debtor and the Lenders agree that the
Collateral Agent may perform its duties and exercise its rights and powers under
this Security Agreement by or through any of its affiliates (including, without
limitation, First Chicago Trust Company). Any such affiliate (and such
affiliate's directors, officers, agents and employees) which performs duties in
connection with this Security Agreement shall be entitled to the same benefits
of indemnification, waiver and other protective provisions to which the
Collateral Agent is entitled under this Security Agreement. In the event that
the Collateral Agent appoints an agent pursuant to this Section, each and every
remedy, power, right, claim, demand, cause of action, estate, title, interest
and Lien expressed or intended by this Security Agreement to be exercised by or
vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect thereto shall be
exercisable by and vest in such agent, but only in order to exercise such
powers, rights and remedies, and every covenant and obligation necessary to the
exercise thereof by such agent shall run to and be enforceable by it. The
Collateral Agent shall have the right to terminate the appointment of any agent
hereunder without the consent of any other party hereto.
b. The Debtor and the Lenders agree that the Collateral Agent (or its
agent) may perform its duties and exercise its rights and powers under this
Security Agreement by or through the maintenance and use of accounts at any
Federal Reserve Bank, registered clearing agency or broker or any state or
nationally chartered bank or trust company.
9.10 Withdrawal of Lender. Any Lender may withdraw as a Lender under this
Security Agreement upon the execution and delivery of documentation in form and
substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and the Debtor.
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10. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
10.1 Disposition of Collateral. After Default, the Collateral Agent may
dispose of all or any part of the Collateral in such a manner and upon such
terms as the Collateral Agent, in its sole discretion, shall determine and
shall, at the direction of any Lender, promptly deliver to such Lender the
Collateral in the Designated Account of such Lender, and such Lender shall
thereafter have all the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent under this
Security Agreement with respect to such Collateral. If any notification of a
proposed disposition of the Collateral is required by applicable law, such
notice shall be deemed reasonable if sent to the Debtor, addressed as set forth
in Section 11, at least three days prior to any public sale or the time after
which any private sale may be made. The Debtor hereby expressly agrees that the
Pledged Securities are securities of a type customarily sold on a recognized
market and, as such, no notice of any sale or disposition of any of the Pledged
Securities need be given unless trading in a particular Security shall have been
suspended or ceased on all recognized markets at such time.
10.2 Special Collateral Account. The Collateral Agent may require all cash
proceeds of the Collateral to be deposited in a special non-interest bearing
cash collateral account with the Collateral Agent and held there as security for
the Obligations. The Collateral Agent shall establish and maintain on its books
a sub-account of such cash collateral account for each Lender into which it
shall deposit the cash proceeds of the Collateral in the Designated Account of
such Lender. The Debtor shall have no control whatsoever over said cash
collateral account. If no Default has occurred or is continuing, the Collateral
Agent shall from time to time deposit the collected balances in such cash
collateral account into the Debtor's general operating account with First
Chicago or, upon notice to the Debtor, apply such balances to payment of the
Obligations. If any Default has occurred and is continuing, any Lender may, at
its option, direct the Collateral Agent to apply the collected balances in such
Lender's sub-account of such cash collateral account to the payment of the
Obligations to such Lender whether or not the Obligations shall then be due, or
hold such cash collateral as Collateral hereunder.
10.3 Collateral Agent Performance of Debtor Obligations. Without having any
obligation to do so, the Collateral Agent may perform or pay any obligation
which the Debtor has agreed to perform or pay in this Security Agreement and the
Debtor shall reimburse the Collateral Agent for any amounts paid by the
Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section. The Debtor's obligation to reimburse
the Collateral Agent pursuant to the preceeding sentence shall be an Obligation
payable on demand.
10.4 Authorization for Collateral Agent to Take Certain Actions. The Debtor
irrevocably authorizes the Collateral Agent at any time and from time to time in
the sole discretion of the Collateral Agent and appoints the Collateral Agent as
its attorney-in-fact to act on behalf of the Debtor (i) to execute on behalf of
the Debtor as debtor and to file financing statements necessary or desirable in
the Collateral Agent's sole discretion to perfect and to maintain the perfection
and priority of the Collateral Agent's security interest in the Collateral, (ii)
to indorse and collect any cash proceeds of the Collateral, and (iii) to apply
the proceeds of any Collateral received by the Collateral Agent to the
Obligations as provided in Section 8.
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10.5 Specific Performance of Certain Covenants. The Debtor acknowledges
and agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in Sections 4.4, 4.8,
5.2, 5.4, 6.3 and 10.2 will cause irreparable injury to the Collateral Agent and
the Lenders and that the Collateral Agent has no adequate remedy at law in
respect of such breaches, and therefore, agrees, without limiting the right of
the Collateral Agent to seek and obtain specific performance of other
obligations of the Debtor contained in this Security Agreement, that the
covenants of the Debtor contained in the Sections referred to in this Section
shall be specifically enforceable against the Debtor.
10.6 Use and Possession of Certain Premises. Upon the occurrence of a
Default, the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to occupy and use any premises
owned or leased by the Debtor where any of the Collateral or any records
relating to the Collateral are located until the Obligations are paid or the
Collateral is removed therefrom, whichever first occurs, without any obligation
to pay the Debtor for such use and occupancy.
10.7 Definition of Certain Terms. Terms defined in the Illinois Uniform
Commercial Code which are not otherwise defined in this Security Agreement are
used in this Security Agreement as defined in the Illinois Commercial Code as in
effect on the date hereof.
10.8 Benefit of Security Agreement. The terms and provisions of this
Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Debtor,
the Collateral Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors and
assigns, except that the Debtor shall not have the right to assign its rights
under this Security Agreement or any interest herein without the prior written
consent of the Collateral Agent and the Lenders.
10.9 Survival of Representations. All representations and warranties of
the Debtor contained in this Security Agreement shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Security Agreement.
10.10 Taxes and Expenses. Any taxes (excluding income taxes) payable or
ruled payable by Federal or State authority in respect of this Security
Agreement shall be paid by the Debtor, together with interest and penalties, if
any. The Debtor shall reimburse the Collateral Agent for any and all
out-of-pocket expenses and interest charges (including reasonable attorneys',
auditors' and accountants' fees and reasonable time charges of attorneys,
paralegals, auditors and accountants who may be employees of the Collateral
Agent) paid or incurred by the Collateral Agent in connection with the
administration, collection and enforcement of this Security Agreement and in the
audit, analysis, administration, collection, preservation or sale of the
Collateral (including the expenses and charges associated with any periodic or
special audit of the Collateral). The obligations of the Debtor under this
Section shall survive termination of this Security Agreement.
10.11 Headings. The title of and section headings in this Security
Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the
interpretation of any of the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement.
10.12 Termination. This Security Agreement shall continue in effect
(notwithstanding the fact that from time to time there may be no Obligations
outstanding) until (i) the Collateral Agent
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has received written notice of its termination from the Debtor and (ii) no
Loans, Letters of Credit or other Obligations or commitments of any Lender
which would give rise to any Obligations shall be outstanding.
10.13 Entire Agreement. This Security Agreement embodies the entire
agreement and understanding between the Debtor and the Collateral Agent relating
to the Collateral and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between
the Debtor and the Collateral Agent relating to the Collateral.
10.14 Choice of Law. This Security Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois applicable to contracts with
national banking associations made and performed wholly in Illinois.
10.15 Indemnity. The Debtor hereby agrees to assume liability for, and
does hereby agree to indemnify and keep harmless, the Collateral Agent and its
successors, assigns, agents and employees from and against any and all
liabilities, damages, penalties, suits, costs, and expenses of any kind and
nature imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Collateral Agent or its
successors, assigns, agents and employees in any way relating to or arising out
of this Security Agreement or the purchase, ownership, delivery, possession,
use, sale or other disposition of any Collateral, expect for any such events
arising out of the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Collateral
Agent, its successors, assigns, agents and employees. The Obligations of the
Debtor under this Section shall survive termination of this Security Agreement.
10.16 Consent to Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial. The Debtor hereby
irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any United States
federal or Illinois state or local court sitting in Xxxx County, Illinois in any
action or proceedings arising out of or related to this Security Agreement and
hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or
proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court. The Debtor hereby
waives any rights to a jury trial in any action arising hereunder or in
connection herewith.
10.17 Additional Lenders. The Debtor may, with the consent of the
Collateral Agent, designate additional lenders as Lenders party hereto upon the
execution and delivery of documents in form and substance satisfactory to the
Collateral Agent.
10.18 Counterparts. This Security Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument and any of the parties hereto may execute this Security Agreement by
signing any such counterpart.
11. NOTICES.
11.1 Sending Notices. Any notice or other communication required or
permitted to be given under this Security Agreement shall be given to: (x) in
the case of the Collateral Agent or any Lender, at its address or facsimile
number set forth under its signature hereto, or (y) in the case of the Debtor,
at its address or facsimile number set forth on Exhibit "A" hereto. Each such
notice or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by facsimile
transmission, when transmitted to
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the facsimile number specified in this Section, (ii) if given by mail, 72
hours after such communication is deposited in the mails with first class
postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (iii) if given by any other means,
when delivered at the address specified in this Section.
11.2 Change in Address for Notices. Each party hereto may change the
address for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to each other party
hereto.
12. SETOFF.
In addition to, and without limitation of, any rights of the Lenders under
applicable law, if the Debtor becomes insolvent, however evidenced, or any
Default occurs, any indebtedness from any Lender to the Debtor may be offset and
applied toward the payment of the Obligations to such Lender, whether or not the
Obligations owing to such Lender, or any part thereof, shall then be due.
13. CUSTOMER SECURITIES.
In order that the Debtor may comply with the Rules and Regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, concerning the hypothecation of Customer Securities, the Collateral
Agent hereby agrees with the Debtor that, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Security Agreement:
(a) None of the Obligations, except Obligations arising out of or in
connection with any credit extended against Customer Securities, shall be
secured by or be any Lien against any Customer Securities.
(b) All of the Obligation, however constituted, shall be secured by all
Firm Securities.
(c) No rehypothecation, assignment or transfer of any Customer Securities
or any interest therein in the Designated Account of any Lender other than First
Chicago shall be made by the Collateral Agent and no other rehypothecation,
assignment or other transfer of any Customer Securities or any interest therein
shall be made by the Collateral Agent except subject to the limitations
contained herein.
[signature page to follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Debtor, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders have
executed this Security Agreement as of the date first above written.
ADVANCED CLEARING, INC.
By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXX
-----------------------------
Title: VP & Controller
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO,
Individually and as Collateral Agent
By: /s/ XXXXXX DE DIEGO
-----------------------------
Title: First Vice President
-----------------------------
Address: 000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx de Diego
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
COMMERZBANK AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT,
CHICAGO BRANCH
By: /s/ XXXX XXXXXX
-----------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President
-----------------------------
Address: 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
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