Exhibit 4.21
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.,
OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC.,
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC.,
OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC.,
OLY STEEL WELDING, INC.,
OLY STEEL NC, INC.,
XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC., and
IS ACQUISITION, INC.,
as Borrowers
Dated as of June 30, 2010
$125,000,000
CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,
as Lenders
and
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent
********
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC,
as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Book Manager
X.X. XXXXXX SECURITIES INC.,
as Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Book Manager
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Syndication Agent
COMERICA BANK
as Co-Managing Agent
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Co-Managing Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION |
|
|
2 |
|
1.1 Definitions |
|
|
2 |
|
1.2 Accounting Terms |
|
|
27 |
|
1.3 Uniform Commercial Code |
|
|
27 |
|
1.4 Certain Matters of Construction |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES |
|
|
28 |
|
2.1 Revolver Commitment |
|
|
28 |
|
2.2 Incremental Facilities |
|
|
29 |
|
2.3 Letter of Credit Facility |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 3. INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES |
|
|
32 |
|
3.1 Interest |
|
|
32 |
|
3.2 Fees |
|
|
34 |
|
3.3 Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection |
|
|
34 |
|
3.4 Reimbursement Obligations |
|
|
34 |
|
3.5 Illegality |
|
|
35 |
|
3.6 Inability to Determine Rates |
|
|
35 |
|
3.7 Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy |
|
|
35 |
|
3.8 Mitigation |
|
|
36 |
|
3.9 Funding Losses |
|
|
37 |
|
3.10 Maximum Interest |
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 4. LOAN ADMINISTRATION |
|
|
37 |
|
4.1 Manner of Borrowing and Funding Revolver Loans |
|
|
37 |
|
4.2 Defaulting Lender |
|
|
39 |
|
4.3 Number and Amount of LIBOR Loans; Determination of Rate |
|
|
39 |
|
4.4 Borrower Agent |
|
|
39 |
|
4.5 One Obligation |
|
|
39 |
|
4.6 Effect of Termination |
|
|
39 |
|
4.7 Renewal Discussions |
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 5. PAYMENTS |
|
|
40 |
|
5.1 General Payment Provisions |
|
|
40 |
|
5.2 Repayment of Revolver Loans |
|
|
40 |
|
5.3 [Intentionally Omitted] |
|
|
40 |
|
5.4 Payment of Other Obligations |
|
|
40 |
|
5.5 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside |
|
|
40 |
|
5.6 Post-Default Allocation of Payments |
|
|
40 |
|
5.7 Application of Payments |
|
|
41 |
|
5.8 Loan Account; Account Stated |
|
|
42 |
|
5.9 Taxes |
|
|
42 |
|
5.10 Lender Tax Information |
|
|
43 |
|
5.11 Nature and Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
6.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans |
|
|
45 |
|
6.2 Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions |
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 7. COLLATERAL |
|
|
47 |
|
7.1 Grant of Security Interest |
|
|
47 |
|
7.2 Lien on Deposit Accounts; Cash Collateral |
|
|
48 |
|
7.3 [Intentionally Omitted] |
|
|
49 |
|
7.4 Other Collateral |
|
|
49 |
|
7.5 No Assumption of Liability |
|
|
49 |
|
7.6 Further Assurances |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 8. COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION |
|
|
50 |
|
8.1 Borrowing Base Certificates |
|
|
50 |
|
8.2 Administration of Accounts |
|
|
50 |
|
8.3 Administration of Inventory |
|
|
51 |
|
8.4 Administration of Equipment |
|
|
51 |
|
8.5 Administration of Deposit Accounts |
|
|
52 |
|
8.6 General Provisions |
|
|
52 |
|
8.7 Power of Attorney |
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
|
|
54 |
|
9.1 General Representations and Warranties |
|
|
54 |
|
9.2 Complete Disclosure |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 10. COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS |
|
|
59 |
|
10.1 Affirmative Covenants |
|
|
59 |
|
10.2 Negative Covenants |
|
|
62 |
|
10.3 Financial Covenants |
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT |
|
|
68 |
|
11.1 Events of Default |
|
|
68 |
|
11.2 Remedies upon Default |
|
|
70 |
|
11.3 License |
|
|
71 |
|
11.4 Setoff |
|
|
71 |
|
11.5 Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver |
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 12. AGENT |
|
|
72 |
|
12.1 Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent |
|
|
72 |
|
12.2 Agreements Regarding Collateral and Field Examination Reports |
|
|
73 |
|
12.3 Reliance By Agent |
|
|
73 |
|
12.4 Action Upon Default |
|
|
73 |
|
12.5 Ratable Sharing |
|
|
74 |
|
12.6 Indemnification of Agent Indemnitees |
|
|
74 |
|
12.7 Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent |
|
|
74 |
|
12.8 Successor Agent and Co-Agents |
|
|
75 |
|
12.9 Due Diligence and Non-Reliance |
|
|
75 |
|
12.10 Replacement of Certain Lenders |
|
|
75 |
|
12.11 Remittance of Payments and Collections |
|
|
76 |
|
12.12 Agent in its Individual Capacity |
|
|
76 |
|
12.13 Agent Titles |
|
|
77 |
|
12.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries |
|
|
77 |
|
(ii)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page |
|
SECTION 13. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS |
|
|
77 |
|
13.1 Successors and Assigns |
|
|
77 |
|
13.2 Participations |
|
|
77 |
|
13.3 Assignments |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SECTION 14. MISCELLANEOUS |
|
|
78 |
|
14.1 Consents, Amendments and Waivers |
|
|
78 |
|
14.2 Indemnity |
|
|
79 |
|
14.3 Notices and Communications |
|
|
79 |
|
14.4 Performance of Borrowers’ Obligations |
|
|
80 |
|
14.5 Credit Inquiries |
|
|
80 |
|
14.6 Severability |
|
|
80 |
|
14.7 Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms |
|
|
80 |
|
14.8 Counterparts |
|
|
81 |
|
14.9 Entire Agreement |
|
|
81 |
|
14.10 Relationship with Lenders |
|
|
81 |
|
14.11 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility |
|
|
81 |
|
14.12 Confidentiality |
|
|
81 |
|
14.13 GOVERNING LAW |
|
|
82 |
|
14.14 Consent to Forum |
|
|
82 |
|
14.15 Waivers by Borrowers |
|
|
82 |
|
14.16 Patriot Act Notice |
|
|
83 |
|
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES
|
|
|
Exhibit A
|
|
Revolver Note |
Exhibit B
|
|
Joinder Agreement |
Exhibit C
|
|
Assignment and Acceptance |
Exhibit D
|
|
Assignment Notice |
Exhibit E
|
|
Compliance Certificate |
Exhibit F
|
|
Continuing Letters of Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Schedule 1.1
|
|
Commitments of Lenders |
Schedule 8.5
|
|
Deposit Accounts |
Schedule 8.6.1
|
|
Business Locations |
Schedule 9.1.4
|
|
Names and Capital Structure |
Schedule 9.1.11
|
|
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Licenses |
Schedule 9.1.14
|
|
Environmental Matters |
Schedule 9.1.15
|
|
Restrictive Agreements |
Schedule 9.1.16
|
|
Litigation |
Schedule 9.1.18
|
|
Pension Plans |
Schedule 9.1.20
|
|
Labor Contracts |
Schedule 10.2.2
|
|
Existing Liens |
Schedule 10.2.5
|
|
Existing Investments |
Schedule 10.2.17
|
|
Existing Affiliate Transactions |
(iii)
THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT is dated as of June 30, 2010, among
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.,
an Ohio corporation (“
Olympic Steel”),
OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC., an Ohio corporation
(“
Olympic Lafayette”),
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC., a Minnesota corporation
(“
Olympic Minneapolis”),
OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC., an Iowa corporation (“
Olympic
Iowa”),
OLY STEEL WELDING, INC., a Michigan corporation (“
Oly Welding”),
OLY STEEL NC,
INC., a Delaware corporation (“
Oly NC”),
XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC., a North Carolina
corporation (“
Xxxxxxx Group”),
IS ACQUISITION, INC., an Ohio corporation (“
IS
Acquisition”, and together with Olympic Steel, Olympic Lafayette, Olympic Minneapolis, Olympic
Iowa, Oly Welding, Oly NC and Xxxxxxx Group, collectively, “
Borrowers”), the financial
institutions party to this Agreement from time to time as lenders (collectively,
“
Lenders”), and
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as agent for the
Lenders (together with its successors and assigns, “
Agent”).
R E C I T A L S:
Borrowers have requested that Lenders provide a credit facility to Borrowers to finance their
mutual and collective business enterprise. Lenders are willing to provide the credit facility on
the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS; RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
1.1 Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
Account: as defined in the UCC, including all rights to payment for goods sold or
leased, or for services rendered.
Account Debtor: a Person who is obligated under an Account, Chattel Paper or General
Intangible.
Accounts Formula Amount: 85% of the Value of Eligible Accounts.
Acquisition: any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or
resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets
of a Person, or of any business or division of a Person, (b) the acquisition of in excess of fifty
percent (50%) of record or beneficial ownership of any Equity Interests of any Person or otherwise
causing any Person to become a Subsidiary of a Borrower, or (c) a merger or consolidation or any
other combination with another Person.
Adjusted EBITDA: EBITDA plus, with respect to any Target that is owned by the
Borrowers for which the Agent has received financial statements pursuant to Section 10.1.2(c) for
less than twelve (12) fiscal months, Pro Forma EBITDA allocated to each month prior to the
Acquisition thereof included in the trailing twelve (12) fiscal month period for which EBITDA is
being calculated, minus with respect to any Asset Disposition consummated within the period in
question, EBITDA attributable to the Subsidiary, profit centers, or other asset which is the
subject of such Asset Disposition from the beginning of such period until the date of consummation
of such Asset Disposition.
Adjusted Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio, determined on a consolidated basis
for
Borrowers and Subsidiaries for the most recent twelve fiscal month period, of (a) Adjusted
EBITDA minus Capital Expenditures (except those financed with Borrowed Money other than
Revolver Loans) and cash taxes paid (other than to the extent deducted in calculating EBITDA for
the applicable measurement period), to (b) Fixed Charges minus, without duplication,
interest and principal payments on Borrowed Money for such twelve fiscal month period that would
have been paid from the proceeds of any Asset Dispositions consummated within such twelve fiscal
month period if such Asset Disposition was consummated on the first day of such twelve fiscal month
period.
Affiliate: with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with
the Person specified. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power
to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the
ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and
“Controlled” have correlative meanings.
Agent Indemnitees: Agent and its officers, directors, employees, Affiliates, agents
and attorneys.
Agent Professionals: attorneys, accountants, appraisers, auditors, business valuation
experts, environmental engineers or consultants, turnaround consultants, and other professionals
and experts retained by Agent.
Allocable Amount: as defined in Section 5.11.3.
Anti-Terrorism Laws: any laws relating to terrorism or money laundering, including the
Patriot Act.
Applicable Law: all laws, rules, regulations and governmental binding guidelines
applicable to the Person, conduct, transaction, agreement or matter in question, including all
applicable statutory law, common law and equitable principles, and all provisions of constitutions,
treaties, statutes, rules, regulations, orders and decrees of Governmental Authorities.
Applicable Margin: with respect to any Type of Loan, the margin set forth below, and
with respect the fee payable pursuant to Section 3.2.1, the unused line fee percentage (the
“Unused Line Fee Percentage”) set forth below, in each case as determined by the Revolver
Utilization for the last Fiscal Quarter:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base Rate |
|
LIBOR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolver |
|
Revolver |
|
Unused Line Fee |
Level |
|
Revolver Utilization |
|
Loans |
|
Loans |
|
Percentage |
I
|
|
> $100,000,000
|
|
|
1.50 |
% |
|
|
3.00 |
% |
|
|
0.375 |
% |
II
|
|
> 50,000,000 < $100,000,000
|
|
|
1.25 |
% |
|
|
2.75 |
% |
|
|
0.500 |
% |
III
|
|
< 50,000,000
|
|
|
1.00 |
% |
|
|
2.50 |
% |
|
|
0.625 |
% |
Until October 1, 2010, margins and the unused line fee percentage shall be determined as if Level
III were applicable. On October 1, 2010 and thereafter, the margins and the Unused Line Fee
Percentage shall be subject to increase or decrease based on the Revolver Utilization as determined
by Agent for the last Fiscal Quarter, which change shall be effective on the first day of the
Fiscal Quarter immediately following such Fiscal Quarter.
Approved Fund: any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making,
purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in its
ordinary course
-3-
of activities, and is administered or managed by a Lender, an entity that
administers or manages a Lender, or an Affiliate of either.
Asset Disposition: a sale, lease, license, consignment, transfer or other disposition
of Property of an Obligor, including a disposition of Property in connection with a sale-leaseback
transaction or synthetic lease.
Assignment and Acceptance: an assignment agreement between a Lender and Eligible
Assignee, in the form of Exhibit C.
Availability: the Borrowing Base minus the principal balance of all Revolver Loans.
Availability Reserve: the sum (without duplication) of (a) the Inventory Reserve; (b)
the Rent and Charges Reserve; (c) the LC Reserve; (d) the Bank Product Reserve; (e) the aggregate
amount of liabilities secured by Liens upon Collateral that are senior to Agent’s Liens (but
imposition of any such reserve shall not waive an Event of Default arising therefrom, if any); and
(f) such additional reserves, in such amounts and with respect to such matters, as Agent in its
Permitted Discretion may elect to impose from time to time.
Bank of America: Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association, and its
successors and assigns.
Bank of America Indemnitees: Bank of America and its officers, directors, employees,
Affiliates, agents and attorneys.
Bank Product: any of the following products, services or facilities extended to any
Borrower or Subsidiary by a Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) Cash Management Services; (b)
products under Hedging Agreements; (c) commercial credit card and merchant card services; and (d)
leases and other banking products or services as may be requested by any Borrower or Subsidiary,
other than Letters of Credit; provided, however, that for any of the foregoing to
be included as an “Obligation” for purposes of a distribution under Section 5.6.1, the applicable
Secured Party and Obligor must have provided written notice to Agent no later than the third day
following the establishment of the Bank Product of (i) the existence of such Bank Product and (ii)
the maximum dollar amount of obligations arising thereunder to be included as a Bank Product
Reserve (“Bank Product Amount”). The Bank Product Amount may be changed from time to time
upon written notice to Agent by the Secured Party and Obligor. No Bank Product Amount may be
established or increased at any time that a Default or Event of Default exists, or if a reserve in
such amount would cause an Overadvance.
Bank Product Amount: as defined in the definition of Bank Product.
Bank Product Debt: Debt and other obligations of an Obligor relating to Bank Products.
Bank Product Reserve: the aggregate amount of reserves established by Agent from time
to time in its discretion in respect of Bank Product Debt.
Bankruptcy Code: Title 11 of the United States Code.
Base Rate: for any day, a per annum rate equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate
for such day; (b) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 0.50%; and (c) LIBOR for a 30 day
interest period as determined on such day, plus 1.5%.
-4-
Base Rate Loan: any Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Base Rate Revolver Loan: a Revolver Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Board of Governors: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
Borrowed Money: with respect to any Obligor, without duplication, its (a) Debt that
(i) arises from the lending of money by any Person to such Obligor, (ii) is evidenced by notes,
drafts, bonds, debentures, credit documents or similar instruments, (iii) accrues interest or is a
type upon which interest charges are customarily paid (excluding trade payables owing in the
Ordinary Course of Business), or (iv) was issued or assumed as full or partial payment for
Property; (b) Capital Leases; (c) reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit; and
(d) guaranties of any Debt of the foregoing types owing by another Person.
Borrower Agent: as defined in Section 4.4.
Borrowing: a group of Loans of one Type that are made on the same day or are converted
into Loans of one Type on the same day.
Borrowing Base: on any date of determination, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the
aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments, minus the LC Reserve; or (b) the sum of the
Accounts Formula Amount, plus the Inventory Formula Amount, plus the Segregated
Account Cash Balance, minus the Availability Reserve.
Borrowing Base Certificate: a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to
Agent, by which Borrowers certify calculation of the Borrowing Base.
Business Day: any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial
banks are authorized to close under the laws of, or are in fact closed in, North Carolina, Ohio or
Illinois, and if such day relates to a LIBOR Loan, any such day on which dealings in Dollar
deposits are conducted between banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market.
Capital Expenditures: all liabilities incurred or expenditures made by a Borrower or
Subsidiary for the acquisition of fixed assets, or any improvements, replacements, substitutions or
additions thereto with a useful life of more than one year.
Capital Lease: any lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting
purposes in accordance with GAAP.
Cash Collateral: cash, and any interest or other income earned thereon, that is
delivered to Agent to Cash Collateralize any Obligations.
Cash Collateral Account: a demand deposit, money market or other account established
by Agent at such financial institution as Agent may select in its discretion, which account shall
be subject to Agent’s Liens for the benefit of Secured Parties.
Cash Collateralize: the delivery of cash to Agent, as security for the payment of
Obligations, in an amount equal to (a) with respect to LC Obligations, 105% of the aggregate LC
Obligations, and (b) with respect to any inchoate, contingent or other Obligations (including
Obligations arising under Bank Products), Agent’s good faith estimate of the amount due or to
become due, including all fees and other amounts relating to such Obligations. “Cash
Collateralization” has a correlative meaning.
-5-
Cash Equivalents: (a) marketable obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by,
and backed by the full faith and credit of, the United States government, maturing within 12 months
of the date of acquisition; (b) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances
maturing within 12 months of the date of acquisition, and overnight bank deposits, in each case
which are issued by a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state or
district thereof, rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s at the time of
acquisition, and (unless issued by a Lender) not subject to offset rights; (c) repurchase
obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying investments of the types described
in clauses (a) and (b) entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause
(b); (d) commercial paper rated A-1 (or better) by S&P or P-1 (or better) by Moody’s, and maturing
within nine months of the date of acquisition; and (e) shares of any money market fund that has
substantially all of its assets invested continuously in the types of investments referred to
above, has net assets of at least $500,000,000 and has the highest rating obtainable from either
Moody’s or S&P.
Cash Management Services: any services provided from time to time by any Lender or any
of its Affiliates to any Borrower or Subsidiary in connection with operating, collections, payroll,
trust, or other depository or disbursement accounts, including automated clearinghouse, e-payable,
electronic funds transfer, wire transfer, controlled disbursement, overdraft, depository,
information reporting, lockbox and stop payment services.
CERCLA: the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (42
U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.).
Change in Law: the occurrence, after the date hereof, of (a) the adoption or taking
effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty; (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or
treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental
Authority; or (c) the making or issuance of any request, binding guideline or directive by any
Governmental Authority.
Change of Control:
(a) Unless pursuant to mergers, consolidations or other business combinations permitted by
Section 10.2.9(a), Olympic Steel ceases to own and control, beneficially and of record, directly or
indirectly, all Equity Interests in any other Borrower or any Inactive Subsidiary;
(b) the acquisition of ownership or voting control, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of
record, on or after the Closing Date, by any Person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”),
as then in effect), of shares representing more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate
Ordinary Voting Power represented by the issued and outstanding capital stock of Olympic Steel;
(c) the occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of
directors of Olympic Steel by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of
Olympic Steel nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated, unless approved by the then majority of
directors; or
(d) unless permitted by clause (g) of the definition of the term “Permitted Asset Disposition”
or in connection with a transaction permitted by Section 10.2.9(a), the sale or transfer of all or
substantially all of a Borrower’s assets are sold or transferred, in a single transaction or a
series of related transactions, to any person (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities
Exchange Commission under the 1934 Act, as in effect on the Closing Date) or related persons
constituting a group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Commission under
the 1934 Act, as in effect on the Closing Date).
-6-
For purposes of this definition, “Ordinary Voting Power” means the aggregate voting power
attributable to all shares of Voting Stock of Olympic Steel for purposes of electing directors of
Olympic Steel; and “Voting Stock” means shares of capital stock of any class or classes of a Person
the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect corporate
directors (or Persons performing similar functions).
Claims: all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, judgments,
proceedings, interest, costs and expenses of any kind (including remedial response costs,
reasonable attorneys’ fees and Extraordinary Expenses) at any time (including after Full Payment of
the Obligations, resignation or replacement of Agent, or replacement of any Lender) incurred by or
asserted against any Indemnitee in any way relating to (a) any Loans, Letters of Credit, Loan
Documents, or the use thereof or transactions relating thereto, (b) any action taken or omitted to
be taken by any Indemnitee in connection with any Loan Documents, (c) the existence or perfection
of any Liens, or realization upon any Collateral, (d) exercise of any rights or remedies under any
Loan Documents or Applicable Law, or (e) failure by any Obligor to perform or observe any terms of
any Loan Document, in each case including all costs and expenses relating to any investigation,
litigation, arbitration or other proceeding (including an Insolvency Proceeding or appellate
proceedings), whether or not the applicable Indemnitee is a party thereto.
Closing Date: as defined in Section 6.1.
Code: the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Collateral: all Property described in Section 7.1, all Property described in any
Security Documents as security for any Obligations, and all other Property that now or hereafter
secures (or is intended to secure) any Obligations.
Commitment: for any Lender, the aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolver Commitment.
“Commitments” means the aggregate amount of all Revolver Commitments.
Commitment Termination Date: the earliest to occur of (a) the Revolver Termination
Date; (b) the date on which Borrowers terminate the Revolver Commitments pursuant to Section 2.1.4;
and (c) the date on which the Revolver Commitments are terminated pursuant to Section 11.2.
Compliance Certificate: a certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit E or
otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which Borrowers certify compliance with
Section 10.3 and calculate the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the applicable period (regardless of
whether compliance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is tested for such period).
Contingent Obligation: any obligation of a Person arising from a guaranty, indemnity
or other assurance of payment or performance of any Debt, lease, dividend or other obligation
(“primary obligations”) of another obligor (“primary obligor”) in any manner,
whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person under any (a) guaranty,
endorsement, co-making or sale with recourse of an obligation of a primary obligor; (b) obligation
to make take-or-pay or similar payments regardless of nonperformance by any other party to an
agreement; and (c) arrangement (i) to purchase any primary obligation or security therefor, (ii) to
supply funds for the purchase or payment of any primary obligation, (iii) to maintain or assure
working capital, equity capital, net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (iv) to purchase
Property or services for the purpose of assuring the ability of the primary obligor to perform a
primary obligation, or (v) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the holder of any primary
obligation against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be
deemed to be the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation (or, if less, the maximum
amount for which such Person may be liable under the instrument evidencing the Contingent
Obligation) or, if not
-7-
stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability with respect thereto.
Continuing Letters of Credit: letters of credit issued by Comerica Bank copies of
which are attached as Exhibit F.
Covenant Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on the day that Availability is
less than the greater of (X) $20,000,000 and (Y) 15% of the aggregate amount of Revolver
Commitments on such day; and (b) continuing until the day Availability has been greater than the
greater of (X) $20,000,000 and (Y) 15% of the aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments, in the case
of clauses (b)(X)and (b)(Y), for a period of 30 consecutive days.
CWA: the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq.).
Debt: as applied to any Person, without duplication, (a) all Borrowed Money; (b) all
Contingent Obligations; (c) all reimbursement obligations in connection with letters of credit
issued for the account of such Person; and (d) in the case of a Borrower, the Obligations. The
Debt of a Person shall include any recourse Debt of any partnership in which such Person is a
general partner or joint venturer.
Default: an event or condition that, with the lapse of time or giving of notice, would
constitute an Event of Default.
Default Rate: for any Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest
not paid when due), 2% plus the interest rate otherwise applicable thereto.
Defaulting Lender: any Lender, as determined by the Agent, that (a) fails to make any
payment or provide funds to Agent or any Borrower as required hereunder or fails otherwise to
perform its obligations under any Loan Document, and such failure is not cured within one Business
Day, or (b) is the subject of any Insolvency Proceeding. Any Defaulting Lender shall cease to be a
Defaulting Lender in the event and on the date that the Agent determines that a Defaulting Lender
has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender.
Deposit Account Control Agreements: the Deposit Account control agreements to be
executed by an institution maintaining a Deposit Account for a Borrower, in favor of Agent, for the
benefit of Secured Parties, as security for the Obligations.
Distribution: any declaration or payment of a distribution, interest or dividend on
any Equity Interest (other than payment-in-kind); any distribution, advance or repayment of Debt to
a holder of Equity Interests; or any purchase, redemption, or other acquisition or retirement for
value of any Equity Interest.
Dollars: lawful money of the United States.
Dominion Account: a special account established by Borrowers at Bank of America or
another bank acceptable to Agent, over which Agent has exclusive control for withdrawal purposes.
Earn-Out Obligations: unsecured obligations incurred or owing by one or more Borrowers
to seller(s) in a Permitted Acquisition to be satisfied by payment in cash and representing
“earn-outs” and other agreements to make any payment the amount of which is, or the terms of
payment of which are, in any respect subject to or contingent upon the revenues, income, cash flow,
profits or other result of operations of any Person or business.
-8-
EBITDA: determined on a consolidated basis for Borrowers and Subsidiaries, net income,
calculated before (i) interest expense, (ii) provision for income taxes, (iii) depreciation and
amortization expense (including, without limitation, amortization of intangible assets and
amortization of deferred financing fees and costs), (iv) gains or losses arising from the sale of
capital assets, (v) non-cash gains and losses arising from the write-up or write-down, as
applicable, of assets, and any other non-cash losses and non-cash charges (other than those
representing a reserve for or actual cash item in any future period), but in each case excluding
any charge that relates to the write-down or write-off of inventory, (vi) income tax refunds
received in cash, (vii) non-cash share based compensation expense and other non-cash expenses
(including non-cash expenses related to purchase accounting adjustments), and (viii) any
extraordinary non-cash gains (in each case, to the extent included in determining net income).
Eligible Account: an Account owing to a Borrower that arises in the Ordinary Course of
Business from the sale of goods or rendition of services, is payable in Dollars and is deemed by
Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, to be an Eligible Account. Without limiting the foregoing, no
Account shall be an Eligible Account if (a) it is unpaid for more than 60 days after the original
due date, or more than 90 days after the original invoice date; (b) 25% or more of the Accounts
owing by the Account Debtor are not Eligible Accounts under the foregoing clause; (c) when
aggregated with other Accounts owing by the Account Debtor and its Affiliates, it exceeds 25% of
the aggregate Eligible Accounts (or such higher percentage as Agent may establish for the Account
Debtor from time to time); (d) it does not conform in any material respect with a covenant or
representation herein; (e) it is owing by a creditor or supplier, or is otherwise subject to a
potential offset, counterclaim, dispute, deduction, discount, recoupment, reserve, defense,
chargeback, credit or allowance (but ineligibility shall be limited to the amount thereof); (f) an
Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Account Debtor; or the Account Debtor
has failed, has suspended or ceased doing business, is liquidating, dissolving or winding up its
affairs, or is not Solvent other than Accounts approved by Agent in its sole discretion owing to a
Borrower pursuant to an order granting critical vendor status to a Borrower; or the Borrower is not
able to bring suit or enforce remedies against the Account Debtor through judicial process; (g) the
Account Debtor is organized or has its principal offices or all or substantially all of its assets
outside the United States or Canada, unless Agent has consented thereto in its sole discretion as a
result of Agent’s determination that such Account Debtor has a significant United States presence;
(h) it is owing by a Government Authority, unless the Account Debtor is the United States or any
department, agency or instrumentality thereof and the Account has been assigned to Agent in
compliance with the Assignment of Claims Act; (i) it is not subject to a duly perfected, first
priority Lien in favor of Agent, or is subject to any other Lien (other than inchoate Liens
permitted by Section 10.2.2 that are at all times junior to Agent’s Liens (provided Agent
may impose a Reserve in the amount of the obligations secured by such Lien)); (j) the goods giving
rise to it have not been delivered to and accepted by the Account Debtor, the services giving rise
to it have not been accepted by the Account Debtor, or it otherwise does not represent a final
sale; (k) it is evidenced by Chattel Paper or an Instrument of any kind, or has been reduced to
judgment; (l) its payment has been extended, the Account Debtor has made a partial payment (solely
with respect to the invoice relating to such Account), or it arises from a sale on a
cash-on-delivery basis; (m) it arises from a sale to an Affiliate, from a sale on a xxxx-and-hold,
guaranteed sale, sale-or-return, sale-on-approval, or other repurchase or return basis, or from a
sale to a Person for personal, family or household purposes; (n) it represents a progress billing
or retainage, or relates to services for which a performance, surety or completion bond or similar
assurance has been issued; or (o) it includes a billing for interest, fees or late charges, but
ineligibility shall be limited to the extent thereof. In calculating delinquent portions of
Accounts under clauses (a) and (b), credit balances more than 90 days old will be excluded.
Eligible Assignee: a Person that is (a) a Lender, U.S.-based Affiliate of a Lender or
Approved Fund; (b) any other financial institution approved by Agent (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld) and Borrower Agent (which approval by Borrower Agent shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed, and shall be deemed given if no objection is made within five
Business Days after notice of the
-9-
proposed assignment; provided that no consent of the Borrower Agent shall be required
if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), that is organized under the laws of the
United States or any state or district thereof, has total assets in excess of $5 billion, extends
asset-based lending facilities in its ordinary course of business and whose becoming an assignee
would not constitute a prohibited transaction under Section 4975 of the Code or any other
Applicable Law; and (c) during any Event of Default, any Person acceptable to Agent in its
discretion.
Eligible In-Transit Inventory: Inventory owned by a Borrower that would be Eligible
Inventory if it were not subject to a Document and in transit from a foreign location to a location
of the Borrower within the United States, and that Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems to be
Eligible In-Transit Inventory. Without limiting the foregoing, no Inventory shall be Eligible
In-Transit Inventory unless it (a) is subject to a negotiable Document showing Agent (or, with the
consent of Agent, the applicable Borrower) as consignee, which Document is in the possession of
Agent or such other Person as Agent shall approve; (b) is fully insured in a manner satisfactory to
Agent; (c) has been identified to the applicable sales contract and title has passed to the
applicable Borrower; (d) is not sold by a vendor that has a right to reclaim, divert shipment of,
repossess, stop delivery, claim any reservation of title or otherwise assert Lien rights against
the Inventory, or with respect to whom any Borrower is in default of any obligations; (e) is
subject to purchase orders and other sale documentation satisfactory to Agent; (f) is shipped by a
common carrier that is not affiliated with the vendor; and (g) is being handled by a customs
broker, freight-forwarder or other handler that has delivered a Lien Waiver.
Eligible Inventory: Inventory owned by a Borrower that Agent, in its Permitted
Discretion, deems to be Eligible Inventory. Without limiting the foregoing, no Inventory shall be
Eligible Inventory unless it (a) is finished goods or raw materials, and not packaging or shipping
materials, labels, samples, display items, bags, replacement parts or manufacturing supplies; (b)
is not held on consignment (unless approved by Agent and Agent has received acceptable
documentation requested by it with respect thereto), nor subject to any deposit or downpayment; (c)
is in new and saleable condition and is not damaged, defective, shopworn or otherwise unfit for
sale; (d) is not slow-moving or obsolete (unless otherwise determined by Agent) or unmerchantable,
and does not constitute returned or repossessed goods; (e) meets in all material respects all
standards imposed by any Governmental Authority, and complies in all materials respects with
applicable Environmental Laws; (f) conforms in all material respects with the covenants and
representations herein; (g) is subject to Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien, and no other
Lien (other than inchoate Liens permitted by Section 10.2.2 that are at all times junior to Agent’s
Liens (provided Agent may impose a Reserve in the amount of the obligations secured by such
Lien); (h) is within the continental United States or Canada, is not in transit except between
locations of Borrowers; (i) is not subject to any warehouse receipt or negotiable Document; (j) is
not subject to any License or other arrangement that restricts such Borrower’s or Agent’s right to
dispose of such Inventory, unless Agent has received an appropriate Lien Waiver; (k) is not located
on leased premises or in the possession of a warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper,
freight forwarder or other Person, unless the lessor or such Person has delivered a Lien Waiver or
an appropriate Rent and Charges Reserve has been established; (l) is reflected in the details of a
current perpetual inventory report; and (m) is located at any location if the aggregate book value
of Inventory at any such location (as reflected in the current perpetual inventory report) is less
than $50,000 (unless otherwise determined by Agent it its sole discretion).
Enforcement Action: any action to enforce any Obligations or Loan Documents or to
realize upon any Collateral (whether by judicial action, self-help, notification of Account
Debtors, exercise of setoff or recoupment, or otherwise).
Environmental Laws: all Applicable Laws (including all permits, rules, and regulations
promulgated by regulatory agencies), relating to pollution, protection of the environment and/or
the
-10-
health/safety of Persons from exposure to Hazardous Materials (but excluding occupational
safety and health, to the extent regulated by OSHA), including CERCLA, RCRA and CWA.
Environmental Notice: a notice (whether written or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, oral)
from any Governmental Authority or other Person of any possible noncompliance with, investigation
of a possible violation of, litigation relating to, or potential fine or liability (i) under any
Environmental Law, or with respect to (ii) any Environmental Release, (iii) environmental pollution
or (iv) exposure to Hazardous Materials.
Environmental Release: a release as defined in CERCLA or under any other Environmental
Law.
Equity Interest: the interest of any (a) shareholder in a corporation; (b) partner in
a partnership (whether general, limited, limited liability or joint venture); (c) member in a
limited liability company; or (d) other Person having any other form of equity security or
ownership interest.
ERISA: the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
ERISA Affiliate: any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common
control with an Obligor within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections
414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).
ERISA Event: (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal
by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a
plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a
cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a
complete or partial withdrawal by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or
notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent
to terminate, the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of
ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer
Plan; (e) any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate fails to meet any funding obligations with respect to any
Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, or requests a minimum funding waiver; (f) an event or condition
which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of
a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the imposition of any
liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under
Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate.
Event of Default: as defined in Section 11.
Excluded Accounts: as defined in Section 8.5.
Excluded Equity: (i) any voting stock in excess of 65% of the outstanding voting stock
of any Foreign Subsidiary and (ii) any Equity Interest in G.S.P., LLC or OLP, LLC held by an
Obligor in each case to the extent the terms of the organizational documents of G.S.P., LLC or OLP,
LLC, as applicable, do not permit the grant of a security interest in G.S.P., LLC or OLP, LLC, as
applicable, by the holder thereof or the approval or consent to the creation of a security interest
in such Equity Interest that is required under such organizational documents has not been obtained.
For the purposes of this definition, “voting stock” means, with respect to any issuer, the issued
and outstanding shares of each class of Equity Interests of such issuer entitled to vote (within
the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.956-2(c)(2)).
Excluded Tax: with respect to Agent, any Lender, Issuing Bank or any other recipient
of a payment to be made by or on account of any Obligation, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by (in
whole or in part) its overall revenue, overall net income (however denominated), net assets,
capital or net worth
-11-
and franchise taxes imposed on it in lieu thereof, by the jurisdiction (or any political
subdivision thereof) (i) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its
principal office is located, (ii) in which it is doing business or with which it has a present or
former connection, in each case, other than as a result of the Loan Documents, or (iii) in the case
of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located; (b) any branch profits taxes
imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which any
Borrower is located; (c) any backup withholding of tax required by the Code to be withheld from
amounts payable to a Lender that has failed to comply with Section 5.10; and (d) in the case of a
Foreign Lender, any United States withholding of tax that is (i) required pursuant to laws in force
at the time such Lender becomes a Lender (or designates a new Lending Office) hereunder, or (ii)
attributable to such Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to
comply with Section 5.10, except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any)
was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive
additional amounts from Borrowers with respect to such withholding of tax.
Extraordinary Expenses: all costs, expenses or advances that Agent may incur during an
Event of Default, or during the pendency of an Insolvency Proceeding of an Obligor, including those
relating to (a) any audit, inspection, repossession, storage, repair, appraisal, insurance,
manufacture, preparation or advertising for sale, sale, collection, or other preservation of or
realization upon any Collateral; (b) any action, arbitration or other proceeding (whether
instituted by or against Agent, any Lender, any Obligor, any representative of creditors of an
Obligor or any other Person) in any way relating to any Collateral (including the validity,
perfection, priority or avoidability of Agent’s Liens with respect to any Collateral), Loan
Documents, Letters of Credit or Obligations, including any lender liability or other Claims; (c)
the exercise, protection or enforcement of any rights or remedies of Agent in, or the monitoring
of, any Insolvency Proceeding; (d) settlement or satisfaction of any taxes, charges or Liens with
respect to any Collateral; (e) any Enforcement Action; (f) negotiation and documentation of any
modification, waiver, workout, restructuring or forbearance with respect to any Loan Documents or
Obligations; and (g) Protective Advances. Such costs, expenses and advances include transfer fees,
Other Taxes, storage fees, insurance costs, permit fees, utility reservation and reasonable standby
fees, legal fees, appraisal fees, brokers’ fees and commissions, auctioneers’ fees and commissions,
accountants’ fees, environmental study fees, wages and salaries paid to employees of any Obligor or
independent contractors in liquidating any Collateral, and travel expenses.
Federal Funds Rate: (a) the weighted average of interest rates on overnight federal
funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on
the applicable Business Day (or on the preceding Business Day, if the applicable day is not a
Business Day), as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the next Business Day; or
(b) if no such rate is published on the next Business Day, the average rate (rounded up, if
necessary, to the nearest 1/8 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on the applicable day on such
transactions, as determined by Agent.
Fee Letter: the fee letter agreement dated April 21, 2010, among Bank of America,
N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC and Olympic Steel.
Fiscal Quarter: each period of three fiscal months, commencing on the first day of a
Fiscal Year.
Fiscal Year: the fiscal year of Borrowers and Subsidiaries for accounting and tax
purposes, ending on December 31 of each year.
Fixed Assets Debt Documents: as defined in Section 10.2.1(l).
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio: the ratio, determined on a consolidated basis for
Borrowers and Subsidiaries for the most recent twelve fiscal month period, of (a) EBITDA
minus Capital Expenditures
-12-
(except those financed with Borrowed Money other than Revolver Loans) and cash taxes paid
(other than to the extent deducted in calculating EBITDA for the applicable measurement period), to
(b) Fixed Charges.
Fixed Charges: the sum of interest expense (other than payment-in-kind), all principal
payments made on Borrowed Money (other than a Revolver Loan), and Distributions (other than
Upstream Payments) and repurchases of Equity Interests made by or on behalf of Olympic Steel.
FLSA: the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
Foreign Lender: any Lender that is not a U.S. person as defined in Section 7701(a)(3)
of the Code.
Foreign Plan: any employee benefit plan or arrangement (a) maintained or contributed
to by any Obligor or Subsidiary that is not subject to the laws of the United States; or (b)
mandated by a government other than the United States for employees of any Obligor or Subsidiary.
Foreign Subsidiary: a Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” under
Section 957 of the Code, such that a guaranty by such Subsidiary of the Obligations or a Lien on
the assets of such Subsidiary to secure the Obligations would result in material tax liability to
Borrowers.
Full Payment: with respect to any Obligations, (a) the full and indefeasible cash
payment thereof (other than inchoate or contingent or reimbursable obligations for which no claim
has been asserted), including any interest, fees and other charges accruing during an Insolvency
Proceeding (whether or not allowed in the proceeding); (b) if such Obligations are LC Obligations
or inchoate or contingent in nature (other than inchoate or contingent or reimbursable obligations
for which no claim has been asserted), Cash Collateralization thereof (or delivery of a standby
letter of credit acceptable to Agent in its discretion, in the amount of required Cash Collateral);
and (c) a release of any Claims of Obligors against Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank arising on or
before the payment date. No Loans shall be deemed to have been paid in full until all Commitments
related to such Loans have expired or been terminated.
GAAP: generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States from
time to time.
Governmental Approvals: all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and
exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and required reports to, all Governmental
Authorities.
Governmental Authority: any federal, state, municipal, foreign or other governmental
department, agency, commission, board, bureau, court, tribunal, instrumentality, political
subdivision, or other entity or officer exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or
administrative functions for or pertaining to any government or court, in each case whether
associated with the United States, a state, district or territory thereof, or a foreign entity or
government.
G.S.P., LLC: G.S.P., LLC., a Michigan limited liability company.
Guarantor Payment: as defined in Section 5.11.3.
Guarantors: each Person who guarantees payment or performance of any Obligations.
Guaranty: each guaranty agreement executed by a Guarantor in favor of Agent.
Hazardous Materials: all pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, wastes, and any other
infectious,
-13-
carcinogenic, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic or otherwise hazardous substances or
materials (whether solids, liquids or gases) subject to regulation, control or remediation under
applicable Environmental Laws.
Hedging Agreement: an agreement relating to any swap, cap, floor, collar, option,
forward, cross right or obligation, or combination thereof or similar transaction, with respect to
interest rate, foreign exchange, currency, commodity, credit or equity risk.
Inactive Subsidiaries: each of Olympic Receivables Inc., Olympic Trading, G.S.P., LLC,
Olyac and Olympic Receivables LLC, unless any of the foregoing Persons joins this Agreement as a
Borrower and becomes a Borrower hereunder pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to
Agent.
Increased Amount Date: as defined in Section 2.2.
Indemnified Taxes: Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
Indemnitees: Agent Indemnitees, Lender Indemnitees, Issuing Bank Indemnitees and Bank
of America Indemnitees.
Insolvency Proceeding: any case or proceeding commenced by or against a Person under
any state, federal or foreign law for, or any agreement of such Person to, (a) the entry of an
order for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or any other insolvency, debtor relief or debt
adjustment law; (b) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, administrator, conservator
or other custodian for such Person or any part of its Property; or (c) an assignment or trust
mortgage for the benefit of creditors.
Intellectual Property: all intellectual and similar Property of a Person, including
inventions, designs, patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade secrets,
confidential or proprietary information, customer lists, know-how, software and databases; all
embodiments or fixations thereof and all related documentation, applications, registrations and
franchises; all licenses or other rights to use any of the foregoing; and all books and records
relating to the foregoing.
Intellectual Property Claim: any claim or assertion (whether in writing, by suit or
otherwise) that a Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s ownership, use, marketing, sale or distribution of any
Inventory, Equipment, Intellectual Property or other Property violates another Person’s
Intellectual Property.
Interest Period: as defined in Section 3.1.3.
Inventory: as defined in the UCC, including all goods intended for sale, lease,
display or demonstration; all work in process; and all raw materials, and other materials and
supplies of any kind that are or could be used in connection with the manufacture, printing,
packing, shipping, advertising, sale, lease or furnishing of such goods, or otherwise used or
consumed in a Borrower’s business (but excluding Equipment).
Inventory Formula Amount: the lesser of (a) $90,000,000 or (b) the sum of (X) the
lesser of (i) 70% of the Value of Eligible Inventory; and (ii) 85% of the NOLV Percentage of the
Value of Eligible Inventory; plus (Y) the lesser of (i) 70% of the Value of Eligible In-Transit
Inventory; and (ii) 85% of the NOLV Percentage of the Value of Eligible In-Transit Inventory.
Inventory Reserve: reserves established by Agent to reflect factors that may
negatively impact the Value of Inventory, including the determination of the Value of Inventory on
the basis of the lower of cost or market, change in salability, obsolescence, seasonality, theft,
shrinkage, imbalance, change in
-14-
composition or mix, markdowns and vendor chargebacks.
Investment: any acquisition of all or substantially all assets of a Person; any
acquisition of record or beneficial ownership of any Equity Interests of a Person; or any advance
or capital contribution to or other investment in a Person.
IRS: the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Issuing Bank: (i) Bank of America or an Affiliate of Bank of America and (ii) solely
with respect to the Continuing Letters of Credit, Comerica Bank.
Issuing Bank Indemnitees: Issuing Bank and its officers, directors, employees,
Affiliates, agents and attorneys.
Joint Venture: a corporation, association, joint stock company, business trust,
limited liability company or any other business entity of which not more than fifty percent (50%)
of the outstanding voting stock, share capital, membership or other interests, as the case may be,
is owned either directly or indirectly by any Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries.
Joinder Agreement: an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
LC Application: an application by Borrower Agent to Issuing Bank for issuance of a
Letter of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to Issuing Bank.
LC Conditions: the following conditions necessary for issuance of a Letter of Credit:
(a) each of the conditions set forth in Section 6; (b) after giving effect to such issuance, total
LC Obligations do not exceed the Letter of Credit Subline, no Overadvance exists and, if no
Revolver Loans are outstanding, the LC Obligations do not exceed the Borrowing Base (without giving
effect to the LC Reserve for purposes of this calculation); (c) the expiration date of such Letter
of Credit is (i) no more than 365 days from issuance, in the case of standby Letters of Credit,
(ii) no more than 120 days from issuance, in the case of documentary Letters of Credit, and (iii)
at least 20 Business Days prior to the Revolver Termination Date; (d) the Letter of Credit and
payments thereunder are denominated in Dollars; and (e) the purpose and form of the proposed Letter
of Credit is satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank in their reasonable discretion.
LC Documents: all documents, instruments and agreements (including LC Requests and LC
Applications) delivered by Borrowers or any other Person to Issuing Bank or Agent in connection
with issuance, amendment or renewal of, or payment under, any Letter of Credit.
LC Obligations: the sum (without duplication) of (a) all amounts owing by Borrowers
for any drawings under Letters of Credit; (b) the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of
Credit; and (c) all fees and other amounts owing with respect to Letters of Credit.
LC Request: a request for issuance of a Letter of Credit, to be provided by Borrower
Agent to Issuing Bank, in form satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank.
LC Reserve: the aggregate of all LC Obligations, other than (a) those that have been
Cash Collateralized; and (b) if no Default or Event of Default exists, those constituting charges
owing to the Issuing Bank.
Lender Indemnitees: Lenders and their officers, directors, employees, Affiliates,
agents and attorneys.
-15-
Lenders: as defined in the preamble to this Agreement, including Agent in its capacity
as a provider of Swingline Loans and any other Person who hereafter becomes a “Lender” pursuant to
an Assignment and Acceptance or a Joinder Agreement.
Lending Office: the office designated as such by the applicable Lender at the time it
becomes party to this Agreement or thereafter by notice to Agent and Borrower Agent.
Letter of Credit: (i) Continuing Letters of Credit and (ii) any other standby or
documentary letter of credit issued by Issuing Bank for the account of a Borrower, or any
indemnity, guarantee, exposure transmittal memorandum or similar form of credit support issued by
Agent or Issuing Bank for the benefit of a Borrower.
Letter of Credit Subline: $30,000,000.
LIBOR: for any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Loan, the per annum rate of
interest (rounded up, if necessary, to the nearest 1/8th of 1%), determined by Agent at
approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to commencement of such Interest
Period, for a term comparable to such Interest Period, equal to (a) the British Bankers Association
LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source
designated by Agent); or (b) if BBA LIBOR is not available for any reason, the interest rate at
which Dollar deposits in the approximate amount of the LIBOR Loan would be offered by Bank of
America’s London branch to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market. If the Board of
Governors imposes a Reserve Percentage with respect to LIBOR deposits, then LIBOR shall be the
foregoing rate, divided by 1 minus the Reserve Percentage.
LIBOR Loan: each set of LIBOR Revolver Loans having a common length and commencement
of Interest Period.
LIBOR Revolver Loan: a Revolver Loan that bears interest based on LIBOR.
License: any license or agreement under which an Obligor is authorized to use
Intellectual Property in connection with any manufacture, marketing, distribution or disposition of
Collateral, any use of Property or any other conduct of its business.
Licensor: any Person from whom an Obligor obtains the right to use any Intellectual
Property.
Lien: any Person’s interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by,
such Person, whether such interest is based on common law, statute or contract, including liens,
security interests, pledges, hypothecations, statutory trusts, reservations, exceptions,
encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other
title exceptions and encumbrances affecting Property.
Lien Waiver: an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which (a)
for any material Collateral located on leased premises, the lessor waives or subordinates any Lien
it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to permit Agent to enter upon the premises and remove the
Collateral or to use the premises to store or dispose of the Collateral; (b) for any Collateral
held by a warehouseman, processor, shipper, customs broker or freight forwarder, such Person waives
or subordinates any Lien it may have on the Collateral, agrees to hold any Documents in its
possession relating to the Collateral as agent for Agent, and agrees to deliver the Collateral to
Agent upon request; (c) for any Collateral held by
-16-
a repairman, mechanic or bailee, such Person acknowledges Agent’s Lien, waives or subordinates
any Lien it may have on the Collateral, and agrees to deliver the Collateral to Agent upon request;
and (d) for any Collateral subject to a Licensor’s Intellectual Property rights, the Licensor
grants to Agent the right, vis-à-vis such Licensor, to enforce Agent’s Liens with respect to the
Collateral, including the right to dispose of it with the benefit of the Intellectual Property,
whether or not a default exists under any applicable License.
Loan: a Revolver Loan.
Loan Account: the loan account established by each Lender on its books pursuant to
Section 5.8.
Loan Documents: this Agreement, Other Agreements and Security Documents.
Loan Year: each 12 month period commencing on the Closing Date and on each anniversary
of the Closing Date.
Margin Stock: as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors.
Material Adverse Effect: the effect of any event or circumstance that, taken alone or
in conjunction with other events or circumstances, (a) has or could be reasonably expected to have
a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations, Properties (taken as a whole),
liabilities or financial condition of the Obligors (taken as a whole), on the enforceability of any
Loan Documents, or on the validity or priority of Agent’s Liens on any material portion of the
Collateral; (b) impairs the ability of any Obligor to perform any material obligations under the
Loan Documents, including repayment of any Obligations; or (c) otherwise impairs the ability of
Agent or any Lender to enforce or collect any Obligations or to realize upon any Collateral.
Material Contract: any agreement or arrangement to which a Borrower or Subsidiary is
party (other than the Loan Documents) (a) that is deemed to be a material contract under any
securities law applicable to such Obligor, including the Securities Act of 1933; (b) for which
breach, termination, nonperformance or failure to renew could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect; or (c) that relates to Subordinated Debt, or Debt in an aggregate amount
of $1,000,000 or more.
Moody’s: Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc., and its successors.
Multiemployer Plan: any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section
4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make
contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make
contributions.
Net Proceeds: with respect to an Asset Disposition, proceeds (including, when
received, any deferred or escrowed payments) received by a Borrower or Subsidiary in cash from such
disposition, net of (a) reasonable and customary costs and expenses actually incurred in connection
therewith, including legal fees and sales commissions; (b) amounts applied to repayment of Debt
secured by a Permitted Lien which is either (i) senior to Agent’s Liens on Collateral sold or (ii)
on assets other than Collateral; (c) transfer or similar taxes; and (d) reserves for indemnities,
until such reserves are no longer needed.
New Revolver Commitments: as defined in Section 2.2.
New Lender: as defined in Section 2.2.
New Revolver Loan: as defined in Section 2.2.
-00-
XXXX Xxxxxxxxxx: the net orderly liquidation value of Inventory, expressed as a
percentage, expected to be realized at an orderly, negotiated sale held within a reasonable period
of time, net of all liquidation expenses, as determined from the most recent appraisal of
Borrowers’ Inventory performed by an appraiser and on terms satisfactory to Agent.
Notes: each Revolver Note or other promissory note executed by a Borrower to evidence
any Obligations.
Notice of Borrowing: a Notice of Borrowing to be provided by Borrower Agent to request
a Borrowing of Revolver Loans, in form satisfactory to Agent.
Notice of Conversion/Continuation: a Notice of Conversion/Continuation to be provided
by Borrower Agent to request a conversion or continuation of any Loans as LIBOR Loans, in form
satisfactory to Agent.
Obligations: all (a) principal of and premium, if any, on the Loans, (b) LC
Obligations and other obligations of Obligors with respect to Letters of Credit, (c) interest,
expenses, fees and other sums payable by Obligors under Loan Documents, (d) obligations of Obligors
under any indemnity for Claims, (e) Extraordinary Expenses, (f) Bank Product Debt to the extent
designated as such in writing to Agent by the applicable Lender or its Affiliate and a Borrower,
and (g) other Debts, obligations and liabilities of any kind owing by Obligors pursuant to the Loan
Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether evidenced by a note or other writing,
whether allowed in any Insolvency Proceeding, whether arising from an extension of credit, issuance
of a letter of credit, acceptance, loan, guaranty, indemnification or otherwise, and whether direct
or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, primary or secondary, or joint or
several.
Obligor: each Borrower, Guarantor, or other Person (other than Olympic Receivables
Inc.) that is liable for payment of any Obligations or that has granted a Lien in favor of Agent on
its assets to secure any Obligations.
OLP, LLC: OLP, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.
Olyac: Olyac, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Olympic Receivables Inc.: Olympic Steel Receivables, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Olympic Receivables LLC: Olympic Steel Receivables, L.L.C., a Delaware limited
liability company.
Olympic Trading: Olympic Steel Trading, Inc., an Ohio corporation.
Ordinary Course of Business: the ordinary course of business of any Borrower or
Subsidiary, consistent with past practices and undertaken in good faith.
Organic Documents: with respect to any Person, its charter, certificate or articles of
incorporation, bylaws, articles of organization, limited liability agreement, operating agreement,
members agreement, shareholders agreement, partnership agreement, certificate of partnership,
certificate of formation, voting trust agreement, or similar agreement or instrument governing the
formation or operation of such Person.
OSHA: the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970.
-18-
Other Agreement: each Note; LC Document; Fee Letter; Lien Waiver; Borrowing Base
Certificate, Compliance Certificate, financial statement or report delivered hereunder (other than
projections and any other forward looking statement); or other document, instrument or agreement
(other than this Agreement or a Security Document) now or hereafter delivered by an Obligor or
other Person to Agent or a Lender in connection with any transactions relating hereto.
Other Taxes: all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or
property taxes, similar charges or similar levies arising from any payment made under any Loan
Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan
Document.
Overadvance: as defined in Section 2.1.5.
Overadvance Loan: a Base Rate Revolver Loan made when an Overadvance exists or is
caused by the funding thereof.
Participant: as defined in Section 13.2.
Patent Assignment: each patent collateral assignment agreement pursuant to which an
Obligor assigns to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, such Obligor’s interests in its
patents, as security for the Obligations.
Patriot Act: the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools
Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (2001).
Payment Item: each check, draft or other item of payment payable to a Borrower,
including those constituting proceeds of any Collateral.
PBGC: the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Pension Plan: any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section
3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is
sponsored or maintained by any Obligor or ERISA Affiliate or to which the Obligor or ERISA
Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or
other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the
preceding five plan years.
Permitted Acquisition: any Acquisition by a Borrower (i) of substantially all of the
assets of a Target, which assets are located in the United States or (ii) 100% of the Equity
Interest of a Target organized under the laws of any State in the United States or the District of
Columbia, in each case, to the extent that each of the following conditions shall have been
satisfied:
(a) such Acquisition is not a hostile or contested Acquisition and has been approved by the
board of directors (or other similar body) and/or the stockholders or other equityholders of the
Target;
(b) the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition is a business Borrowers are
permitted to engage in pursuant to Section 10.2.16;
(c) to the extent the Acquisition will be financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of
any Loan, the conditions set forth in Section 6.2 shall have been satisfied;
(d) both immediately before and after giving effect to such Acquisition, (A) each of the
representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct in all material respects
(without
-19-
duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein) (except (i) any such
representation or warranty which relates to a specified prior date and (ii) to the extent Agent has
been notified in writing by Borrowers that any representation or warranty is not correct in all
material respects and the Required Lenders have explicitly waived in writing compliance with such
representation or warranty) and (B) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result
therefrom;
(e) Borrowers shall have furnished to Agent (and Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders)
at least ten (10) days (or such shorter period as is acceptable to Agent) prior to the consummation
thereof:
(i) notice of such Acquisition;
(ii) a draft of the purchase agreement and draft schedules and exhibits thereto
(followed by a copy of the final and executed purchase agreement and all schedules and
exhibits thereto no later than the date of the consummation of such Acquisition but prior to
such consummation) and all other business and financial information reasonably requested by
Agent (or any Lender through Agent), including projections of the Borrowing Base and
Availability; provided that if the proposed Acquisition is for a total consideration
of $5,000,000 or less, the information required to be delivered pursuant to this clause (ii)
shall be delivered to Agent only upon request by Agent,
(iii) pro forma financial statements of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries after
giving effect to the consummation of such Acquisition and a pro forma Compliance
Certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, demonstrating that immediately
after giving effect to such Acquisition, the Adjusted Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
(recomputed for the most recent month for which financial statements have been delivered) is
at least 1.10 to 1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal months then most recently ended;
(f) immediately before and after giving effect to such Acquisition, both actual and pro forma,
respectively, Availability exceeds 25% of the aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments then in
effect and Agent shall have received a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent,
from a knowledgeable Senior Officer of Borrower Agent, certifying (and showing the calculations
therefor in reasonable detail) compliance with the requirements of this clause;
(g) if such Acquisition is an acquisition of the Equity Interest of a Person, such Acquisition
shall be structured either as a merger into one of the Borrowers or in such a way that the Target
shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of one of the Borrowers and a Borrower hereunder pursuant to
documentation reasonably satisfactory to Agent pursuant to Section 10.1.9 hereof substantially
contemporaneously with the consummation of such Acquisition;
(h) no Borrower shall, as a result of or in connection with any such Acquisition, assume or
incur any (i) Debt (other than Revolver Loans), other than (x) (I) such Debt which does not exceed
$5,000,000 (exclusive of any Earn-Out Obligations) in the aggregate outstanding at any time for all
Permitted Acquisitions and which constitutes deferred purchase price owed to the applicable seller
and (II) the existing Debt of the Target which is assumed and not incurred in contemplation of such
Acquisition to the extent such Debt is separately permitted under Section 10.2.1(c), Section
10.2.1(e), Section 10.2.1(i) or Section 10.2.1(o) or (y) Earn-Out Obligations permitted under
clause (i) of the definition of the term “Permitted Contingent Obligations”, or (ii)
contingent liabilities (whether relating to environmental, tax, litigation, or other matters and
other than Earn-Out Obligations permitted under clause (i) of the definition of the term
“Permitted Contingent Obligations”) that, in the case of this clause
-20-
(ii), could reasonably be expected, as of the date of such Acquisition, to result in
the existence or occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect; and
(i) all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, on any property which constitutes Collateral under
this Agreement and which is acquired (or whose owner’s Equity Interest is acquired) shall be
terminated.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Accounts or Inventory acquired in a Permitted Acquisition
shall be included as Eligible Accounts, Eligible Inventory or Eligible In-Transit Inventory until a
field examination (and, if required by Agent, an Inventory appraisal) with respect thereto has been
completed to the satisfaction of Agent, including the establishment of Reserves required in Agent’s
Permitted Discretion; provided that field examinations and appraisals in connection with
Permitted Acquisitions shall not count against the limited number of field examinations or
appraisals for which expense reimbursement may be sought under Section 10.1.1(b) hereof.
Permitted Asset Disposition: as long as no Default or Event of Default exists (except
with respect to clause (a), clause (g) or clause (h) of this definition)
and all Net Proceeds are remitted to Agent (except with respect to Asset Disposition described in
clause (a) of this definition, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in a Dominion
Account), Asset Disposition that is (a) a sale of Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b)
disposition of obsolete, worn out or permanently retired assets or the disposition in the Ordinary
Course of Business of assets no longer used (unless it is no longer used primarily in order to take
advantage of this clause (b)) or useful in the conduct of Borrowers’ business; (c) a disposition of
Inventory that is obsolete, unmerchantable or otherwise unsalable in the Ordinary Course of
Business; (d) termination of a lease of real or personal Property that is not necessary for the
Ordinary Course of Business, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and
does not result from an Obligor’s default; (e) Asset Dispositions in which the sales price is at
least the fair market value of the assets sold and the aggregate fair market or book value
(whichever is greater) of such Asset Sales is less than $250,000 in any Fiscal Year and at least
80% of the consideration received is cash or Cash Equivalents; (f) sales of Equity Interests in
Olympic Steel under any employee stock purchase plan or employee stock option agreement and other
sales of Equity Interests in Olympic Steel which do not result in a Change of Control; (g)
transfers or other Asset Dispositions (other than transfers or Asset Dispositions of its own Equity
Interests) by any Borrower (other than Olympic Steel) to any other Borrower, (h) an Asset
Disposition constituting Cash Equivalents; (i) any trade-in or replacement of an asset (other than
Collateral) in the Ordinary Course of Business; (j) Asset Dispositions constituting mergers,
consolidations or other business combinations permitted by Section 10.2.9(a): and (k) approved in
writing by Agent and Required Lenders.
Permitted Contingent Obligations: Contingent Obligations (a) arising from endorsements
of Payment Items for collection or deposit in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) arising from
Hedging Agreements permitted hereunder; (c) existing on the Closing Date, and any extension or
renewal thereof that does not increase the amount of such Contingent Obligation when extended or
renewed; (d) incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business with respect to surety, appeal or
performance bonds, or other similar obligations; (e) arising from customary indemnification
obligations in favor of purchasers in connection with dispositions of assets permitted hereunder;
(f) arising under the Loan Documents; (g) arising under guarantees of the Subordinated Debt,
provided that such guarantee shall be subordinated to the same extent as the Subordinated
Debt is subordinated to Obligations; (h) arising with respect to customary indemnification
obligations in favor of sellers in connection with Permitted Acquisitions; (i) Earn-Out Obligations
incurred in connection with Permitted Acquisitions as long as the maximum amount of all liabilities
that may arise pursuant to all such Earn-Out Obligations does not exceed $2,000,000 in the
aggregate, (j) arising with respect to customary provisions of any customer agreement or purchase
order incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business; or (k) in an aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or
less at any time.
-21-
Permitted Discretion: a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of
discretion from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender.
Permitted Lien: as defined in Section 10.2.2.
Permitted Purchase Money Debt: Purchase Money Debt of Borrowers and Subsidiaries that
is unsecured or secured only by a Purchase Money Lien, as long as the aggregate amount does not
exceed $5,000,000 at any time.
Person: any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint
venture, joint stock company, land trust, business trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental
Authority or other entity.
Plan: any employee benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA)
established by an Obligor or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the
Code or Title IV of ERISA, an ERISA Affiliate.
Prime Rate: the rate of interest announced by Bank of America from time to time as its
prime rate. Such rate is set by Bank of America on the basis of various factors, including its
costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference
point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above or below such rate. Any change in such
rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified
in the public announcement of such change.
Pro Forma EBITDA means, with respect to any Target, EBITDA for such Target for the
most recent twelve (12) fiscal month period preceding the acquisition thereof, adjusted by
verifiable expense reductions, if any, which are expected to be realized, in each case calculated
on a month by month basis by the Borrowers and consented to by the Agent.
Pro Rata: with respect to any Lender, a percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal
place) determined (a) while Revolver Commitments are outstanding, by dividing the amount of such
Lender’s Revolver Commitment by the aggregate amount of all Revolver Commitments; and (b) at any
other time, by dividing the amount of such Lender’s Loans and LC Obligations by the aggregate
amount of all outstanding Loans and LC Obligations.
Properly Contested: with respect to any obligation of an Obligor, (a) the obligation
is subject to a bona fide dispute regarding amount or the Obligor’s liability to pay; (b) the
obligation is being properly contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted
and diligently pursued; (c) appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (d)
non-payment could not have a Material Adverse Effect, nor result in forfeiture or sale of any
assets of the Obligor; (e) no Lien is imposed on assets of the Obligor, unless bonded and stayed to
the satisfaction of Agent; and (f) if the obligation results from entry of a judgment or other
order, such judgment or order is stayed pending appeal or other judicial review.
Property: any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or
mixed, or tangible or intangible.
Protective Advances: as defined in Section 2.1.6.
Purchase Money Debt: (a) Debt (other than the Obligations) for payment of any of the
purchase price of fixed assets; (b) Debt (other than the Obligations) incurred within 20 days
before or after
-22-
acquisition of any fixed assets, for the purpose of financing any of the purchase price
thereof; and (c) any renewals, extensions or refinancings (but not increases) thereof.
Purchase Money Lien: a Lien that secures Purchase Money Debt, encumbering only the
fixed assets acquired with such Debt and constituting a Capital Lease or a purchase money security
interest under the UCC.
RCRA: the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 6991-6991i).
Real Estate: all right, title and interest (whether as owner, lessor or lessee) in any
real Property or any buildings, structures, parking areas or other improvements thereon.
Refinancing Conditions: the following conditions for Refinancing Debt: (a) it is in
an aggregate principal amount that does not exceed the principal amount of the Debt being extended,
renewed or refinanced (other than an increase in an aggregate principal amount resulting solely
from any capitalized or payment-in-kind interest); (b) it has a final maturity no sooner than, a
weighted average life no less than, and, unless otherwise approved by Agent, an interest rate no
greater than, the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced; (c) if subordinated, it is
subordinated to the Obligations at least to the same extent as the Debt being extended, renewed or
refinanced or otherwise on terms and conditions acceptable to Agent; (d) with respect to
Refinancing Debt with a principal amount in excess of $5,000,000, the representations, covenants
and defaults applicable to it are no less favorable (taken as a whole) in any material respect to
Borrowers than those applicable to the Debt being extended, renewed or refinanced, unless otherwise
approved by Agent; (e) no additional Lien is granted to secure it (other than additional Permitted
Liens on Property not constituting Collateral); (f) no additional Person is obligated on such Debt;
and (g) upon giving effect to it, no Default or Event of Default exists.
Refinancing Debt: Borrowed Money that is the result of an extension, renewal or
refinancing of Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(b), (d), (f), (l), (m) or (o).
Reimbursement Date: as defined in Section 2.3.2.
Rent and Charges Reserve: the aggregate of (a) all past due rent and other amounts
owing by an Obligor to any landlord, warehouseman, processor, repairman, mechanic, shipper, freight
forwarder, broker or other Person who possesses any Collateral or could assert a Lien on any
Collateral; and (b) a reserve at least equal to three months rent and other periodic charges that
would reasonably be expected to be payable to any such Person, unless it has executed a Lien
Waiver.
Report: as defined in Section 12.2.3.
Reportable Event: any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than
events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.
Reporting Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on the day that an Event of
Default occurs, or Availability is less than $25,000,000; and (b) continuing until the day no
Default or Event of Default has existed for a period of 30 consecutive days and Availability has
been greater than $25,000,000 for a period of 30 consecutive days.
Required Lenders: Lenders (subject to Section 4.2) having (a) Revolver Commitments in
excess of 50% of the aggregate Revolver Commitments; and (b) if the Revolver Commitments have
terminated, Loans in excess of 50% of all outstanding Loans; provided, that if, at any
time, there are four Lenders hereunder (other than Defaulting Lenders) that are non-Affiliates,
then “Required Lenders” shall mean at
-23-
least two (2) Lenders that are non-Affiliates and that constitute “Required Lenders” as
determined in accordance with the foregoing calculation.
Reserve Percentage: the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, rounded up to the
nearest 1/8th of 1%) applicable to member banks under regulations issued from time to time by the
Board of Governors for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency,
supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently
referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities”).
Restricted Investment: any Investment by a Borrower or Subsidiary, other than (a)
Investments in Subsidiaries to the extent existing on the Closing Date and other Investments
existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 10.2.5; (b) Cash Equivalents that are
subject to Agent’s Lien and control, pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory
to Agent; (c) loans and advances permitted under Section 10.2.7; (d) Investments pursuant to
Hedging Agreements permitted hereunder; (e) Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy
or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent Accounts and disputes with, customers and
suppliers, in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business; (f) Investments constituting deposits
made in connection with the purchase of goods or services in the Ordinary Course of Business in an
aggregate amount for such deposits not to exceed $500,000 at any one time; (g) Investments in or to
OLP, LLC existing on the Closing Date; (h) so long as no Default or Event of Default exists,
additional Investments in OLP, LLC not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year; (i)
so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, Investments in Joint Ventures and Foreign
Subsidiaries not to exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year; (j) so long as no
Default or Event of Default exists, other Investments not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate; (k)
the investment of funds under the terms of the Olympic Steel, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation
Plan dated effective December 1, 2004 and any other compensation plan established after the Closing
Date in the Ordinary Course of Business; (l) Permitted Acquisitions; and (m) formation, creation or
acquisition of one or more Subsidiaries after the Closing Date in accordance with Section 10.1.9
that become Borrowers hereunder. In valuing any Investments for the purpose of applying the
limitations set forth in any of the foregoing clauses of this definition (except as otherwise
expressly provided herein), such Investment shall be taken at the original cost thereof, without
allowance for any subsequent write-offs or appreciation or depreciation, but less any amount repaid
or recovered on account of capital or principal.
Restrictive Agreement: an agreement (other than a Loan Document) that conditions or
restricts the right of any Borrower, Subsidiary or other Obligor to incur or repay Borrowed Money,
to grant Liens on any assets, to declare or make Distributions to a Borrower, to modify, extend or
renew any agreement evidencing Borrowed Money, or to repay any intercompany Debt.
Revolver Commitment: for any Lender, its obligation to make Revolver Loans and to
participate in LC Obligations up to the maximum principal amount shown on Schedule 1.1 (subject to
any increase permitted pursuant to Section 2.2), or as hereafter determined pursuant to each
Assignment and Acceptance to which it is a party. “Revolver Commitments” means the
aggregate amount of such commitments of all Lenders.
Revolver Loan: a loan made pursuant to Section 2.1, and any Swingline Loan,
Overadvance Loan or Protective Advance.
Revolver Note: a promissory note to be executed by Borrowers in favor of a Lender in
the form of Exhibit A, which shall be in the amount of such Lender’s Revolver Commitment and shall
evidence the Revolver Loans made by such Lender.
Revolver Termination Date: June 30, 2015.
-24-
Revolver Utilization: the average daily balance of Revolver Loans and stated amount
of Letters of Credit during any Fiscal Quarter.
Royalties: all royalties, fees, expense reimbursement and other amounts payable by a
Borrower under a License.
Sale and Leaseback Transaction: as defined in Section 10.2.20.
S&P: Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The XxXxxx-Xxxx Companies,
Inc., and its successors.
Secured Parties: Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders and providers of Bank Products.
Security Documents: the Guaranties, Patent Assignments, Trademark Security Agreements,
Deposit Account Control Agreements, and all other documents, instruments and agreements now or
hereafter securing (or given with the intent to secure) any Obligations.
Segregated Account Cash Balance: aggregate amount of Cash Equivalents credited to or
on deposit in a segregated securities account maintained with Bank of America over which Agent has
exclusive control and which is subject to a control agreement in favor of Agent, for the benefit of
Secured Parties, providing for “control” of such securities account within the meaning of Articles
8 and 9 of the UCC.
Senior Officer: the chairman of the board, president, chief executive officer, chief
operating officer, chief financial officer or treasurer of a Borrower or, if the context requires,
an Obligor.
Settlement Report: a report delivered by Agent to Lenders summarizing the Revolver
Loans and participations in LC Obligations outstanding as of a given settlement date, allocated to
Lenders on a Pro Rata basis in accordance with their Revolver Commitments.
Solvent: as to any Person, such Person (a) owns Property whose fair salable value is
greater than the amount required to pay all of its debts (including contingent, subordinated,
unmatured and unliquidated liabilities); (b) owns Property whose present fair salable value (as
defined below) is greater than the probable total liabilities (including contingent, subordinated,
unmatured and unliquidated liabilities) of such Person as they become absolute and matured; (c) is
able to generally pay all of its debts as they mature; (d) has capital that is not unreasonably
small for its business and is sufficient to carry on its business and transactions and all business
and transactions in which it is about to engage; (e) is not “insolvent” within the meaning of
Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (f) has not incurred (by way of assumption or
otherwise) any obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any Loan Documents, or
made any conveyance in connection therewith, with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either
present or future creditors of such Person or any of its Affiliates. “Fair salable value”
means the amount that could be obtained for assets within a reasonable time, either through
collection or through sale under ordinary selling conditions by a capable and diligent seller to an
interested buyer who is willing (but under no compulsion) to purchase.
Subordinated Debt: Debt incurred by a Borrower that is expressly subordinate and
junior in right of payment to Full Payment of all Obligations, and is on terms (including maturity,
interest, fees, repayment, covenants and subordination) reasonably satisfactory to Agent.
Subsidiary: any entity more than 50% of whose voting securities or Equity Interests is
owned by a Borrower or any combination of Borrowers (including indirect ownership by a Borrower
through other
-25-
entities in which the Borrower directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the voting
securities or Equity Interests).
Sweep Trigger Period: the period (a) commencing on the day that an Event of Default
occurs, or Availability is less than the greater of (X) $22,000,000 and (Y) 15% of the aggregate
amount of Revolver Commitments on such date; and (b) continuing until the day no Default or Event
of Default exists and Availability has been greater than the greater of (X) $22,000,000 and (Y) 15%
of the aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments, in the case of clauses (b)(X)and
(b)(Y), for a period of 30 consecutive days.
Swingline Loan: any Borrowing of Base Rate Revolver Loans funded with Agent’s funds,
until such Borrowing is settled among Lenders or repaid by Borrowers.
Target: any Person or business unit or asset group of any Person acquired or proposed
to be acquired in an Acquisition.
Taxes: all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings
(including backup withholding), assessments, similar fees or similar charges imposed by any
Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
Trademark Security Agreement: each trademark security agreement pursuant to which an
Obligor grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a Lien on such Obligor’s interests in
trademarks, as security for the Obligations.
Transferee: any actual or potential Eligible Assignee, Participant or other Person
acquiring an interest in any Obligations.
Type: any type of a Loan (i.e., Base Rate Loan or LIBOR Loan) that has the same
interest option and, in the case of LIBOR Loans, the same Interest Period.
UCC: the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of
Illinois or, when the
laws of any other jurisdiction govern the perfection or enforcement of any Lien, the Uniform
Commercial Code of such jurisdiction.
Unfunded Pension Liability: the excess of a Pension Plan’s benefit liabilities under
Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plan’s assets, determined in
accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the
Code for the applicable plan year.
Unused Line Fee Percentage: as defined in the definition of the term “Applicable
Margin”.
Upstream Payment: a Distribution by a Subsidiary of a Borrower to such Borrower or to
another Subsidiary of such Borrower that is an Obligor.
Value: (a) for Inventory, its value determined on the basis of the lower of cost or
market, calculated on actual cost specific identification basis, and excluding any portion of cost
attributable to intercompany profit among Borrowers and their Affiliates; and (b) for an Account,
its face amount, net of any returns, rebates, discounts (calculated on the shortest terms),
credits, allowances or Taxes (including sales, excise or other taxes) that have been or could be
claimed by the Account Debtor or any other Person.
-26-
1.2 Accounting Terms. Under the Loan Documents (except as otherwise specified herein), all accounting terms shall
be interpreted, all accounting determinations shall be made, and all financial statements shall be
prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with the most recent audited
financial statements of Borrowers delivered to Agent before the Closing Date and using the same
inventory valuation method as used in such financial statements, except for any change required or
permitted by GAAP if Borrowers’ certified public accountants concur in such change, the change is
disclosed to Agent, and Section 10.3 is amended in a manner satisfactory to Required Lenders to
take into account the effects of the change. If the Borrowers adopt the International Financial
Reporting Standards, and such change in accounting principles and/or adoption of such standards
results in a change in the method or results of calculation of financial covenants and/or defined
terms contained in this Agreement, then at the option of the Required Lenders or the Borrowers, the
parties will enter into good faith negotiations to amend such financial covenants and/or defined
terms in such manner as the parties shall agree, each acting reasonably, in order to reflect fairly
such changes and/or adoption so that the criteria for evaluating the financial condition of the
Borrowers shall be the same in commercial effect after, as well as before, such changes and/or
adoption are made (in which case the method and calculation of financial covenants and/or the
defined terms related thereto hereunder shall be determined in the manner so agreed).
1.3 Uniform Commercial Code. As used herein, the following terms are defined in
accordance with the UCC in effect in the State of
Illinois from time to time: “Chattel Paper,”
“Commercial Tort Claim,” “Deposit Account,” “Document,” “Equipment,” “General Intangibles,”
“Goods,” “Instrument,” “Investment Property,” “Letter-of-Credit Right” and “Supporting Obligation.”
1.4 Certain Matters of Construction. The terms “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and other
words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section,
paragraph or subdivision. Any pronoun used shall be deemed to cover all genders. In the
computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, “from” means “from
and including,” and “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding.” The terms “including” and
“include” shall mean “including, without limitation” and, for purposes of each Loan Document, the
parties agree that the rule of ejusdem generis shall not be applicable to limit any provision.
Section titles appear as a matter of convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of
any Loan Document. All references to (a) laws or statutes include all related rules, regulations,
interpretations, amendments and successor provisions; (b) any document, instrument or agreement
include any amendments, waivers and other modifications, extensions or renewals (to the extent
permitted by the Loan Documents); (c) any section mean, unless the context otherwise requires, a
section of this Agreement; (d) any exhibits or schedules mean, unless the context otherwise
requires, exhibits and schedules attached hereto, which are hereby incorporated by reference; (e)
any Person include successors and assigns; (f) unless otherwise specified, time of day mean Chicago
time of day (daylight or standard, as applicable); or (g) discretion of Agent, Issuing Bank or any
Lender mean the sole and absolute discretion of such Person acting reasonably. All calculations of
Value, fundings of Loans, issuances of Letters of Credit and payments of Obligations shall be in
Dollars and, unless the context otherwise requires, all determinations (including calculations of
Borrowing Base and financial covenants) made from time to time under the Loan Documents shall be
made in light of the circumstances existing at such time. Borrowing Base calculations shall be
consistent with historical methods of valuation and calculation, and otherwise satisfactory to
Agent (and not necessarily calculated in accordance with GAAP). Borrowers shall have the burden of
establishing any alleged negligence, misconduct or lack of good faith by Agent, Issuing Bank or any
Lender under any Loan Documents. No provision of any Loan Documents shall be construed against any
party by reason of such party having, or being deemed to have, drafted the provision. Whenever the
phrase “to the best of Borrowers’ knowledge” or words of similar
import are used in any Loan Documents, it means actual knowledge of a Senior Officer, or
knowledge that a Senior Officer would have obtained if he or she had engaged in good faith
-27-
and
diligent performance of his or her duties, including reasonably specific inquiries of employees or
agents and a good faith attempt to ascertain the matter to which such phrase relates.
SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES
2.1 Revolver Commitment.
2.1.1 Revolver Loans. Each Lender agrees, severally on a Pro Rata basis up
to its Revolver Commitment, on the terms set forth herein, to make Revolver Loans to Borrowers from
time to time through the Commitment Termination Date. The Revolver Loans may be repaid and
reborrowed as provided herein. In no event shall Lenders have any obligation to honor a request
for a Revolver Loan if the unpaid balance of Revolver Loans outstanding at such time (including the
requested Loan) would exceed the Borrowing Base.
2.1.2 Revolver Notes. The Revolver Loans made by each Lender and interest
accruing thereon shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and such Lender. At the request of any
Lender, Borrowers shall deliver a Revolver Note to such Lender.
2.1.3 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of Revolver Loans shall be used by
Borrowers solely (a) to satisfy existing Debt; (b) to pay fees and transaction expenses associated
with the closing of this credit facility; (c) to pay Obligations in accordance with this Agreement;
(d) for working capital and other lawful general corporate purposes of Borrowers and (e) to issue
Letters of Credit in accordance with the terms hereof.
2.1.4 Voluntary Reduction or Termination of Revolver Commitments.
(a) The Revolver Commitments shall terminate on the Revolver Termination Date,
unless sooner terminated in accordance with this Agreement. Upon at least 30 days prior written
notice to Agent, Borrowers may, at their option, terminate the Revolver Commitments and this credit
facility. Any notice of termination given by Borrowers shall be irrevocable;
provided that such notice may state that such notice is conditioned upon the
effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by Borrowers (by
notice to the Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not
satisfied. On the termination date, Borrowers shall make Full Payment of all Obligations.
(b) Borrowers may permanently reduce the Revolver Commitments, on a Pro Rata basis
for each Lender, upon at least 30 days prior written notice to Agent, which notice shall specify
the amount of the reduction and shall be irrevocable once given. Each reduction shall be in a
minimum amount of $5,000,000, or an increment of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.
2.1.5 Overadvances. If the aggregate Revolver Loans exceed the Borrowing
Base (“Overadvance”) at any time, the excess amount shall be payable by Borrowers on demand
by Agent or Required Lenders, but all such Revolver Loans shall nevertheless constitute Obligations
secured by the Collateral and entitled to all benefits of the Loan Documents. Unless its authority
has been revoked in writing by Required Lenders, Agent may require Lenders to honor requests for
Overadvance Loans and to forbear from requiring Borrowers to cure an Overadvance, (a) when no other
Event of Default is known
to Agent, as long as (i) the Overadvance does not continue for more than 30 consecutive days
(and no Overadvance may exist for at least five consecutive days thereafter before further
Overadvance Loans are required), and (ii) the Overadvance is not known by Agent to exceed 10% of
the aggregate Commitments then in effect; and (b) regardless of whether an Event of Default exists,
if Agent discovers an Overadvance not previously known by it to exist, as long as from the date of
such discovery the
-28-
Overadvance (i) is not increased by more than 10% of the aggregate Commitments
then in effect, and (ii) does not continue for more than 30 consecutive days; provided,
however, that there shall be no more than three separate Overadvances in any Loan Year. In
no event shall Overadvance Loans be required that would cause the outstanding Revolver Loans and LC
Obligations to exceed the aggregate Revolver Commitments. Any funding of an Overadvance Loan or
sufferance of an Overadvance shall not constitute a waiver by Agent or Lenders of the Event of
Default caused thereby. In no event shall any Borrower or other Obligor be deemed a beneficiary of
this Section nor authorized to enforce any of its terms.
2.1.6 Protective Advances. Agent shall be authorized, in its discretion, at
any time that any conditions in Section 6 are not satisfied, to make Base Rate Revolver Loans
(“Protective Advances”) (a) up to an aggregate amount of $2,500,000 outstanding at any
time, if Agent deems such Loans necessary or desirable to preserve or protect Collateral, or to
enhance the collectibility or repayment of Obligations; or (b) to pay any other amounts chargeable
to Obligors under any Loan Documents, including costs, fees and expenses; provided that,
the aggregate amount of outstanding Protective Advances plus the outstanding Revolver Loans and LC
Obligations shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments. Each Lender shall participate in
each Protective Advance on a Pro Rata basis. Required Lenders may at any time revoke Agent’s
authority to make further Protective Advances by written notice to Agent. Absent such revocation,
Agent’s determination that funding of a Protective Advance is appropriate shall be conclusive.
2.2 Incremental Facilities.
(a) Borrower Agent may by written notice to Agent elect to request, on behalf of
Borrowers, prior to the Revolver Termination Date, an increase to the existing Revolver Commitments
(any such increase, the “New Revolver Commitments”), by an amount not in excess of
$50,000,000 in the aggregate and not less than $20,000,000 individually (or such lesser amount
which (i) shall be approved by Agent or (ii) shall constitute the difference between $50,000,000
and all such New Revolver Commitments obtained prior to such date), and integral multiples of
$5,000,000 in excess of that amount. Each such notice shall specify (A) the date (each, an
“Increased Amount Date”) on which Borrowers propose that the New Revolver Commitments shall
be effective, which shall be a date not less than 10 Business Days after the date on which such
notice is delivered to Agent and (B) the identity of each Lender or other Person that is an
Eligible Assignee (each, a “New Lender”) to whom Borrowers propose any portion of such New
Revolver Commitments be allocated and the amounts of such allocations; provided that Agent
may elect or decline to arrange such New Revolver Commitments in its sole discretion and any Lender
approached to provide all or a portion of the New Revolver Commitments may elect or decline, in its
sole discretion, to provide a New Revolver Commitment. Such New Revolver Commitments shall become
effective as of such Increased Amount Date; provided that (1) no Default or Event of
Default shall exist on such Increased Amount Date before or after giving effect to such New
Revolver Commitments; (2) Borrower Agent shall have delivered pro forma financial statements and a
pro forma Compliance Certificate, dated as of the Increased Amount Date, in form and substance
satisfactory to Agent, demonstrating that immediately after giving effect to such New Revolver
Commitment, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (recomputed for the most recent Fiscal Quarter for
which financial statements have been delivered) is at least 1.10 to 1.00 for the period of twelve
fiscal months
then most recently ended; (3) the New Revolver Commitments shall be effected pursuant to one
or more Joinder Agreements executed and delivered by Borrowers, the New Lender and Agent, each of
which shall be recorded by Agent, (4) each New Lender shall be subject to the requirements set
forth in, and shall deliver the documents required to be delivered pursuant to, Sections 5.10.1 and
5.10.2; (5) Borrowers shall make any payments required pursuant to Section 3.9 in connection with
the New Revolver Commitments and the re-allocation of loans contemplated by Section 2.2(b) below;
and (6)
-29-
Borrowers shall deliver or cause to be delivered any customary legal opinions or other
documents reasonably requested by Agent in connection with any such transaction.
(b) On any Increased Amount Date on which New Revolver Commitments are effected,
subject to the satisfaction of the foregoing terms and conditions, (i) each of the Lenders shall
assign to each of the New Lenders, and each of the New Lenders shall purchase from each of the
Lenders, at the principal amount thereof (together with accrued interest), such interests in the
Revolver Loans outstanding on such Increased Amount Date as shall be necessary in order that, after
giving effect to all such assignments and purchases, such Revolver Loans will be held by existing
Lenders and New Lenders ratably in accordance with their Revolver Commitments after giving effect
to the addition of such New Revolver Commitments to the Revolver Commitments, (ii) each New
Revolver Commitment shall be deemed for all purposes a Revolver Commitment and each Loan made
thereunder (a “New Revolver Loan”) shall be deemed, for all purposes, a Revolver Loan and (iii)
each New Lender shall become a Lender with respect to the New Revolver Commitment and all matters
relating thereto.
(c) Agent shall notify Lenders promptly upon receipt of Borrower Agent’s notice of
each Increased Amount Date and in respect thereof (i) the New Revolver Commitments and the New
Lenders, and (ii) the respective interests in each Lender’s Revolver Loans subject to the
assignments contemplated by this Section 2.2.
(d) The terms and provisions of the New Revolver Loans shall be identical to the
Revolver Loans. Each Joinder Agreement may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such
amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in
the opinion of Agent to effect the provision of this Section 2.2.
2.3 Letter of Credit Facility.
2.3.1 Issuance of Letters of Credit. Issuing Bank agrees to issue Letters
of Credit from time to time until 30 days prior to the Revolver Termination Date (or until the
Commitment Termination Date, if earlier), on the terms set forth herein, including the following:
(a) Each Borrower acknowledges that Issuing Bank’s willingness to issue any Letter
of Credit is conditioned upon Issuing Bank’s receipt of a LC Application with respect to the
requested Letter of Credit, as well as such other instruments and agreements as Issuing Bank may
customarily require for issuance of a letter of credit of similar type and amount. Issuing Bank
shall have no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit unless (i) Issuing Bank receives a LC
Request and LC Application at least three Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance;
(ii) each LC Condition is satisfied; and (iii) if a Defaulting Lender exists, such Lender or
Borrowers have entered into arrangements satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Bank to eliminate any
funding risk associated with the Defaulting Lender. If Issuing Bank receives written notice from a
Lender at least five Business Days before issuance of a Letter of Credit that any LC Condition has
not been satisfied, Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue the requested Letter of Credit
(or any other) until such notice is withdrawn in writing by that Lender or until Required Lenders
have waived such condition in accordance with this Agreement. Prior
to receipt of any such notice, Issuing Bank shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any
failure of LC Conditions.
(b) Letters of Credit may be requested by a Borrower only (i) to support obligations
of such Borrower or its Subsidiaries incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business; or (ii) for other
purposes as Agent and Lenders may approve from time to time in writing. The renewal or extension
of any Letter of Credit shall be treated as the issuance of a new Letter of Credit, except that
delivery of a new LC Application shall be required at the discretion of Issuing Bank.
-30-
(c) Borrowers assume all risks of the acts, omissions or misuses of any Letter of
Credit by the beneficiary. In connection with issuance of any Letter of Credit, none of Agent,
Issuing Bank or any Lender shall be responsible for the existence, character, quality, quantity,
condition, packing, value or delivery of any goods purported to be represented by any Documents;
any differences or variation in the character, quality, quantity, condition, packing, value or
delivery of any goods from that expressed in any Documents; the form, validity, sufficiency,
accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any Documents or of any endorsements thereon; the time,
place, manner or order in which shipment of goods is made; partial or incomplete shipment of, or
failure to ship, any goods referred to in a Letter of Credit or Documents; any deviation from
instructions, delay, default or fraud by any shipper or other Person in connection with any goods,
shipment or delivery; any breach of contract between a shipper or vendor and a Borrower; errors,
omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable,
telegraph, telex, telecopy, e-mail, telephone or otherwise; errors in interpretation of technical
terms; the misapplication by a beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof; or any
consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Issuing Bank, Agent or any Lender, including
any act or omission of a Governmental Authority. The rights and remedies of Issuing Bank under the
Loan Documents shall be cumulative. Issuing Bank shall be fully subrogated to the rights and
remedies of each beneficiary whose claims against Borrowers are discharged with proceeds of any
Letter of Credit.
(d) In connection with its administration of and enforcement of rights or remedies
under any Letters of Credit or LC Documents, Issuing Bank shall be entitled to act, and shall be
fully protected in acting, upon any certification, documentation or communication in whatever form
believed by Issuing Bank, in good faith, to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or
made by a proper Person. Issuing Bank may consult with and employ legal counsel, accountants and
other experts to advise it concerning its obligations, rights and remedies, and shall be entitled
to act upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any
advice given by such experts. Issuing Bank may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection
with any matter relating to Letters of Credit or LC Documents, and shall not be liable for the
negligence or misconduct of agents and attorneys-in-fact selected with reasonable care.
2.3.2 Reimbursement; Participations.
(a) If Issuing Bank honors any request for payment under a Letter of Credit,
Borrowers shall pay to Issuing Bank, on the same day (“Reimbursement Date”), the amount
paid by Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit, together with interest at the interest rate for
Base Rate Revolver Loans from the Reimbursement Date until payment by Borrowers. The obligation of
Borrowers to reimburse Issuing Bank for any payment made under a Letter of Credit shall be
absolute, unconditional, irrevocable, and joint and several, and shall be paid without regard to
any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or the existence of any claim,
setoff, defense or other right that Borrowers may have at any time against the beneficiary.
Whether or not Borrower Agent submits a Notice of Borrowing, Borrowers shall be deemed to have
requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Revolver Loans in an amount necessary to pay all amounts due
Issuing Bank on any Reimbursement Date and each
Lender agrees to fund its Pro Rata share of such Borrowing whether or not the Commitments have
terminated, an Overadvance exists or is created thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are
satisfied.
(b) Upon issuance of a Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to have
irrevocably and unconditionally purchased from Issuing Bank, without recourse or warranty, an
undivided Pro Rata
interest and participation in all LC Obligations relating to the Letter of
Credit. If Issuing Bank makes any payment under a Letter of Credit and Borrowers do not reimburse
such payment on the Reimbursement Date, Agent shall promptly notify Lenders and each Lender shall
promptly (within one Business Day) and unconditionally pay to Agent, for the benefit of Issuing
Bank, the Lender’s Pro Rata
-31-
share of such payment. Upon request by a Lender, Issuing Bank shall
furnish copies of any Letters of Credit and LC Documents in its possession at such time.
(c) The obligation of each Lender to make payments to Agent for the account of
Issuing Bank in connection with Issuing Bank’s payment under a Letter of Credit shall be absolute,
unconditional and irrevocable, not subject to any counterclaim, setoff, qualification or exception
whatsoever, and shall be made in accordance with this Agreement under all circumstances,
irrespective of any lack of validity or unenforceability of any Loan Documents; any draft,
certificate or other document presented under a Letter of Credit having been determined to be
forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
inaccurate in any respect; or the existence of any setoff or defense that any Obligor may have with
respect to any Obligations. Issuing Bank does not assume any responsibility for any failure or
delay in performance or any breach by any Borrower or other Person of any obligations under any LC
Documents. Issuing Bank does not make to Lenders any express or implied warranty, representation
or guaranty with respect to the Collateral, LC Documents or any Obligor. Issuing Bank shall not be
responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties
contained in, or for the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any
LC Documents; the validity, genuineness, enforceability, collectibility, value or sufficiency of
any Collateral or the perfection of any Lien therein; or the assets, liabilities, financial
condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any Obligor.
(d) No Issuing Bank Indemnitee shall be liable to any Lender or other Person for any
action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with any LC Documents except as a result of its
actual gross negligence or willful misconduct. Issuing Bank shall not have any liability to any
Lender if Issuing Bank refrains from any action under any Letter of Credit or LC Documents until it
receives written instructions from Required Lenders.
2.3.3 Cash Collateral. If any LC Obligations, whether or not then due or
payable, shall for any reason be outstanding at any time (a) that an Event of Default exists, (b)
that Availability is less than zero, (c) after the Commitment Termination Date, or (d) within 20
Business Days prior to the Revolver Termination Date, then Borrowers shall, at Issuing Bank’s or
Agent’s request, Cash Collateralize the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit and pay
to Issuing Bank the amount of all other LC Obligations. Borrowers shall, on demand by Issuing Bank
or Agent from time to time, Cash Collateralize the LC Obligations of any Defaulting Lender. If
Borrowers fail to provide any Cash Collateral as required hereunder, Lenders may (and shall upon
direction of Agent) advance, as Revolver Loans, the amount of the Cash Collateral required (whether
or not the Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are
satisfied).
SECTION 3. INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES
3.1 Interest.
3.1.1 Rates and Payment of Interest.
(a) The Obligations shall bear interest (i) if a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate in
effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for Base Rate Revolver Loans; (ii) if a LIBOR
Loan, at LIBOR for the applicable Interest Period, plus the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Revolver
Loans; and (iii) if any other Obligation (including, to the extent permitted by law, interest not
paid when due), at the Base Rate in effect from time to time, plus the Applicable Margin for Base
Rate Revolver Loans. Interest shall accrue from the date the Loan is advanced or the Obligation is
incurred or payable, until paid by Borrowers. If a Loan is repaid on the same day made, one day’s
interest shall accrue.
-32-
(b) During an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to any Borrower, or during any
other Event of Default if Agent or Required Lenders in their discretion so elect, outstanding
Obligations shall bear interest at the Default Rate (whether before or after any judgment). Each
Borrower acknowledges that the cost and expense to Agent and Lenders due to an Event of Default are
difficult to ascertain and that the Default Rate is a fair and reasonable estimate to compensate
Agent and Lenders for this.
(c) Interest accrued on the Loans shall be due and payable in arrears, (i) on the
first day of each month; (ii) on any date of prepayment, with respect to the principal amount of
Loans being prepaid; and (iii) on the Commitment Termination Date. Interest accrued on any other
Obligations shall be due and payable as provided in the Loan Documents and, if no payment date is
specified, shall be due and payable on demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest accrued at
the Default Rate shall be due and payable on demand.
3.1.2 Application of LIBOR to Outstanding Loans.
(a) Borrowers may on any Business Day, subject to delivery of a Notice of
Conversion/Continuation, elect to convert any portion of the Base Rate Loans to, or to continue any
LIBOR Loan at the end of its Interest Period as, a LIBOR Loan. During any Default or Event of
Default, Agent may (and shall at the direction of Required Lenders) declare that no Loan may be
made, converted or continued as a LIBOR Loan.
(b) Whenever Borrowers desire to convert or continue Loans as LIBOR Loans, Borrower
Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, no later than 11:00 a.m. at least three
Business Days before the requested conversion or continuation date. Promptly after receiving any
such notice, Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Each Notice of Conversion/Continuation shall
be irrevocable, and shall specify the amount of Loans to be converted or continued, the conversion
or continuation date (which shall be a Business Day), and the duration of the Interest Period
(which shall be deemed to be 30 days if not specified). If, upon the expiration of any Interest
Period in respect of any LIBOR Loans, Borrowers shall have failed to deliver a Notice of
Conversion/Continuation, they shall be deemed to have elected to convert such Loans into Base Rate
Loans.
3.1.3 Interest Periods. In connection with the making, conversion or
continuation of any LIBOR Loans, Borrowers shall select an interest period (“Interest
Period”) to apply, which interest period shall be 30, 60, or 90 days; provided,
however, that:
(a) the Interest Period shall commence on the date the Loan is made or continued as,
or converted into, a LIBOR Loan, and shall expire on the numerically corresponding day in the
calendar month at its end;
(b) if any Interest Period commences on a day for which there is no corresponding
day in the calendar month at its end or if such corresponding day falls after the last Business Day
of such month, then the Interest Period shall expire on the last Business Day of such month; and if
any Interest Period would expire on a day that is not a Business Day, the period shall expire on
the next Business Day; and
(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolver Termination Date.
3.1.4 Interest Rate Not Ascertainable. If Agent shall determine that on any
date for determining LIBOR, due to any circumstance affecting the London interbank market, adequate
and fair
-33-
means do not exist for ascertaining such rate on the basis provided herein, then Agent
shall immediately notify Borrowers of such determination. Until Agent notifies Borrowers that such
circumstance no longer exists, the obligation of Lenders to make LIBOR Loans shall be suspended,
and no further Loans may be converted into or continued as LIBOR Loans.
3.2 Fees.
3.2.1 Unused Line Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the Pro Rata
benefit of Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender for so long as such Defaulting Lender has not
funded its Pro Rata share of a Revolver Loan), a fee equal to the Unused Line Fee Percentage (set
forth in the definition of the term “Applicable Margin”) per annum times the amount by which the
Revolver Commitments (other than Revolving Commitments of a Defaulting Lender for so long as such
Defaulting Lender has not funded its Pro Rata share of a Revolver Loan) exceed the average daily
balance of Revolver Loans and stated amount of Letters of Credit during any month. Such fee shall
be payable in arrears, on the first day of each month and on the Commitment Termination Date.
3.2.2 LC Facility Fees. Borrowers shall pay (a) to Agent, for the Pro Rata
benefit of Lenders, a fee equal to the Applicable Margin in effect for LIBOR Revolver Loans times
the average daily stated amount of Letters of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly in
arrears, on the first day of each month; (b) to Agent, for its own account, a fronting fee equal to
0.25% per annum on the stated amount of each Letter of Credit, which fee shall be payable monthly
in arrears, on the first day of each month; and (c) to Issuing Bank, for its own account, all
customary charges associated with the issuance, amending, negotiating, payment, processing,
transfer and administration of Letters of Credit, which charges shall be paid as and when incurred.
During an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to any Borrower, or during any other Event of Default
if Agent or Required Lenders in their discretion so elect, the fee payable under clause (a) shall
be increased by 2% per annum.
3.2.3 Agent Fees. In consideration of Agent’s syndication of the
Commitments and service as Agent hereunder, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for its own account, the
fees described in the Fee Letter.
3.3 Computation of Interest, Fees, Yield Protection. All interest, as well as fees and
other charges calculated on a per annum basis, shall be computed for the actual days elapsed, based
on a year of 360 days. Each determination by Agent of any interest, fees or interest rate
hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. All fees
shall be fully earned when due and shall not be subject to rebate, refund or proration. All fees
payable under Section 3.2 are compensation for services and are not, and shall not be
deemed to be, interest or any other charge for the use, forbearance or detention of money. A
certificate as to amounts payable by Borrowers under Section 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9 or 5.9, submitted
to Borrower Agent by Agent or the affected Lender, as applicable, shall be final, conclusive and
binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and Borrowers shall pay such amounts to the
appropriate party within 10 days following receipt of the certificate.
3.4 Reimbursement Obligations. Borrowers shall reimburse Agent for all Extraordinary
Expenses. Borrowers shall also reimburse Agent for all reasonable out-of-pocket and allocated
internal legal, accounting, appraisal, consulting, and other fees, costs and expenses incurred by
it in connection with (a) negotiation and preparation of any Loan Documents, including any
amendment or other modification thereof; (b) administration of and actions relating to any
Collateral, Loan Documents and transactions contemplated thereby, including any actions taken to
perfect or maintain priority of Agent’s Liens on any Collateral, to maintain any insurance required
hereunder or to verify Collateral; and (c) subject to the limits of Section 10.1.1(b), each
inspection, audit or appraisal with respect to any Obligor or Collateral, whether prepared by
Agent’s personnel or a third party. All reasonable
legal,
accounting
-34-
and consulting fees shall be
charged to Borrowers by Agent’s professionals at their full hourly rates, regardless of any reduced
or alternative fee billing arrangements that Agent, any Lender or any of their Affiliates may have
with such professionals with respect to this or any other transaction. If, for any reason
(including inaccurate reporting on financial statements or a Compliance Certificate), it is
determined that (i) a higher Applicable Margin should have applied to a period than was actually
applied, then the proper margin shall be applied retroactively and Borrowers shall immediately pay
to Agent, for the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders, an amount equal to the difference between the amount
of interest and fees that would have accrued using the proper margin and the amount actually paid
and (ii) a lower Applicable Margin should have applied to a period than was actually applied, then,
neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to repay any interest or fees to Borrowers;
provided, if, no Event of Default exists, the amount equal to the difference between the amount of
interest and fees actually paid and the amount of interest and fees that would have accrued using
the proper Applicable Margin shall be credited in a manner reasonably acceptable to Agent against
interest and fees payable hereunder in the next succeeding period; provided, further, if as a
result of any restatement or other event a proper calculation of the Applicable Margin would have
resulted in higher pricing for one or more periods and lower pricing for one or more other periods
(due to the shifting of income or expenses from one period to another period or any similar
reason), then the amount payable by Borrowers pursuant to clause (i) above shall be based upon the
excess, if any, of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for all applicable
periods over the amount of interest and fees paid for all such periods. All amounts payable by
Borrowers under this Section shall be due on demand.
3.5 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Applicable Law has made it unlawful, or
that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable
Lending Office to make, maintain or fund LIBOR Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates
based upon LIBOR, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority
of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market,
then, on notice thereof by such Lender to Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue
LIBOR Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to LIBOR Loans shall be suspended until such Lender
notifies Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon
delivery of such notice, Borrowers shall prepay or, if applicable, convert all LIBOR Loans of such
Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender
may lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may
not lawfully continue to maintain such LIBOR
Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on
the amount so prepaid or converted.
3.6 Inability to Determine Rates. If Required Lenders notify Agent for any reason in
connection with a request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to or continuation of, a LIBOR Loan
that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market
for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do
not exist for determining LIBOR for the requested Interest Period, or (c) LIBOR for the requested
Interest Period does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such
Loan, then Agent will promptly so notify Borrower Agent and each Lender. Thereafter, the
obligation of Lenders to make or maintain LIBOR Loans shall be suspended until Agent (upon
instruction by Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, Borrower Agent
may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of a LIBOR Loan
or, failing that, will be deemed to have submitted a request for a Base Rate Loan.
3.7 Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy.
3.7.1 Change in Law. If any Change in Law shall:
-35-
(a) impose modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan,
insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or
credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in
LIBOR) or Issuing Bank;
(b) subject any Lender or Issuing Bank to any Tax with respect to any Loan, Loan
Document, Letter of Credit or participation in LC Obligations, or change the basis of taxation of
payments to such Lender or Issuing Bank in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other
Taxes covered by Section 5.9 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax
payable by such Lender or Issuing Bank); or
(c) impose on any Lender or Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other
condition, cost or expense affecting any Loan, Loan Document, Letter of Credit or participation in
LC Obligations; and the result thereof shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or
maintaining any LIBOR Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase
the cost to such Lender or Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of
Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to
reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or Issuing Bank hereunder
(whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or Issuing
Bank, Borrowers will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, such additional amount or
amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, for such additional costs
incurred or reduction suffered.
3.7.2 Capital Adequacy. If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines that any
Change in Law affecting such Lender or Issuing Bank or any Lending Office of such Lender or such
Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would
have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s, Issuing Bank’s or holding
company’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement, or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s
Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or participations in LC Obligations, to a level below that
which such Lender, Issuing Bank or holding company would have achieved but for such Change in Law
(taking into consideration such
Lender’s, Issuing Bank’s and holding company’s policies with respect to capital adequacy),
then from time to time Borrowers will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such
additional amount or amounts as will compensate it or its holding company for any such reduction
suffered.
3.7.3 Compensation. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing
Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of its right to
demand such compensation, but Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing
Bank for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than six months prior to the date
that the Lender or Issuing Bank notifies Borrower Agent of the Change in Law giving rise to such
increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s intention to claim
compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or
reductions is retroactive, then the six-month period referred to above shall be extended to include
the period of retroactive effect thereof).
3.8 Mitigation. If any Lender gives a notice under Section 3.5 or requests compensation
under Section 3.7, or if Borrowers are required to pay additional amounts with respect to a Lender
under Section 5.9, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending
Office or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or
Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (a) would eliminate
the need for such notice or reduce amounts payable or to be withheld in the future, as applicable;
and (b) would not subject the Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be
disadvantageous to it. Borrowers shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any
Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
-36-
3.9 Funding Losses. If for any reason (other than default by a Lender) (a) any Borrowing
of, or conversion to or continuation of, a LIBOR Loan does not occur on the date specified therefor
in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation (whether or not withdrawn), (b) any
repayment or conversion of a LIBOR Loan occurs on a day other than the end of its Interest Period,
or (c) Borrowers fail to repay a LIBOR Loan when required hereunder, then Borrowers shall pay to
Agent its customary administrative charge and to each Lender all losses and expenses that it
sustains as a consequence thereof, including loss of anticipated profits and any loss or expense
arising from liquidation or redeployment of funds or from fees payable to terminate deposits of
matching funds. Lenders shall not be required to purchase Dollar deposits in the London interbank
market or any other offshore Dollar market to fund any LIBOR Loan, but the provisions hereof shall
be deemed to apply as if each Lender had purchased such deposits to fund its LIBOR Loans.
3.10 Maximum Interest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan
Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the
maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by Applicable Law (“maximum rate”). If
Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the maximum rate, the excess
interest shall be applied to the principal of the Obligations or, if it exceeds such unpaid
principal, refunded to Borrowers. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged or
received by Agent or a Lender exceeds the maximum rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by
Applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee or premium
rather than interest; (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof; and (c) amortize,
prorate, allocate and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the
contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
SECTION 4. LOAN ADMINISTRATION
4.1 Manner of Borrowing and Funding Revolver Loans.
4.1.1 Notice of Borrowing.
(a) Whenever Borrowers desire funding of a Borrowing of Revolver Loans, Borrower
Agent shall give Agent a Notice of Borrowing. Such notice must be received by Agent no later than
12:00 noon (i) on the Business Day of the requested funding date, in the case of Base Rate Loans,
and (ii) at least three Business Days prior to the requested funding date, in the case of LIBOR
Loans. Notices received after 12:00 noon shall be deemed received on the next Business Day. Each
Notice of Borrowing shall be irrevocable and shall specify (A) the amount of the Borrowing, (B) the
requested funding date (which must be a Business Day), (C) whether the Borrowing is to be made as
Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans, and (D) in the case of LIBOR Loans, the duration of the applicable
Interest Period (which shall be deemed to be 30 days if not specified).
(b) Unless payment is otherwise timely made by Borrowers, the becoming due of any
Obligations (whether principal, interest, fees or other charges, including Extraordinary Expenses,
LC Obligations, Cash Collateral and Bank Product Debt) shall be deemed to be a request for
Base
Rate Revolver Loans on the due date, in the amount of such Obligations. The proceeds of such
Revolver Loans shall be disbursed as direct payment of the relevant Obligation. In addition, Agent
may, at its option, charge such Obligations then due and owing against the Loan or any operating,
investment or other account of a Borrower maintained with Agent or any of its Affiliates.
(c) If Borrowers establish a controlled disbursement account with Agent or any
Affiliate of Agent, then the presentation for payment of any check or other item of payment drawn
on such account at a time when there are insufficient funds to cover it shall be deemed to be a
request for
-37-
Base Rate Revolver Loans on the date of such presentation, in the amount of the check
and items presented for payment. The proceeds of such Revolver Loans may be disbursed directly to
the controlled disbursement account or other appropriate account.
4.1.2 Fundings by Lenders. Each Lender shall timely honor its Revolver
Commitment by funding its Pro Rata share of each Borrowing of Revolver Loans that is properly
requested hereunder. Except for Borrowings to be made as Swingline Loans, Agent shall endeavor to
notify Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing (or deemed request for a Borrowing) by 12:00 noon on the
proposed funding date for Base Rate Loans or by 3:00 p.m. at least two Business Days before any
proposed funding of LIBOR Loans. Each Lender shall fund to Agent such Lender’s Pro Rata share of
the Borrowing to the account specified by Agent in immediately available funds not later than 2:00
p.m. on the requested funding date, unless Agent’s notice is received after the times provided
above, in which event Lender shall fund its Pro Rata share by 11:00 a.m. on the next Business Day.
Subject to its receipt of such amounts from Lenders, Agent shall disburse the proceeds of the
Revolver Loans as directed by Borrower Agent. Unless Agent shall have received (in sufficient time
to act) written notice from a Lender that it does not intend to fund its Pro Rata share of a
Borrowing, Agent may assume that such Lender has deposited or promptly will deposit its share with
Agent, and Agent may disburse a corresponding amount to Borrowers. If a Lender’s share of any
Borrowing or of any settlement pursuant to Section 4.1.3(b) is not received by Agent, then
Borrowers agree to repay to Agent on demand the amount of such share, together with interest
thereon from the date disbursed until repaid, at the rate applicable to the Borrowing.
4.1.3 Swingline Loans; Settlement.
(a) Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, advance Swingline Loans to Borrowers,
up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $20,000,000, unless the funding is specifically required
to be made by all Lenders hereunder. Each Swingline Loan shall constitute a Revolver Loan for all
purposes, except that payments thereon shall be made to Agent for its own account. The obligation
of Borrowers to repay Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by the records of Agent and need not be
evidenced by any promissory note.
(b) To facilitate administration of the Revolver Loans, Lenders and Agent agree
(which agreement is solely among them, and not for the benefit of or enforceable by any Borrower)
that settlement among them with respect to Swingline Loans and other Revolver Loans may take place
on a date determined from time to time by Agent, which shall occur at least once each week. On
each settlement date, settlement shall be made with each Lender in accordance with the Settlement
Report delivered by Agent to Lenders. Between settlement dates, Agent may in its discretion apply
payments on Revolver Loans to Swingline Loans, regardless of any designation by Borrower or any
provision herein to the contrary. Each Lender’s obligation to make settlements with Agent is
absolute and unconditional, without offset, counterclaim or other defense, and whether or not the
Commitments have terminated, an Overadvance exists or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied.
If, due to an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to a Borrower or otherwise, any Swingline Loan may
not be settled among Lenders hereunder, then each Lender shall be deemed to have purchased from
Agent a Pro Rata participation in each unpaid Swingline Loan and shall transfer the amount of such
participation to Agent, in immediately available funds, within one Business Day after Agent’s
request therefor.
4.1.4 Notices. Each Borrower authorizes Agent and Lenders to extend,
convert or continue Loans, effect selections of interest rates, and transfer funds to or on behalf
of Borrowers based on telephonic or e-mailed instructions. Borrowers shall confirm each such
request by prompt delivery to Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation,
if applicable, but if it differs in any material respect from the action taken by Agent or Lenders,
the records of Agent and Lenders shall govern. Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any
liability for any loss suffered by a Borrower as a
-38-
result of Agent or any Lender acting upon its
understanding of telephonic or e-mailed instructions from a person believed in good faith by Agent
or any Lender to be a person authorized to give such instructions on a Borrower’s behalf.
4.2 Defaulting Lender. Agent may (but shall not be required to), in its discretion,
retain any payments or other funds received by Agent that are to be provided to a Defaulting Lender
hereunder, and may apply such funds to such Lender’s defaulted obligations or readvance the funds
to Borrowers in accordance with this Agreement. The failure of any Lender to fund a Loan, to make
any payment in respect of LC Obligations or to otherwise perform its obligations hereunder shall
not relieve any other Lender of its obligations, and no Lender shall be responsible for default by
another Lender. Lenders and Agent agree (which agreement is solely among them, and not for the
benefit of or enforceable by any Borrower) that, solely for purposes of determining a Defaulting
Lender’s right to vote on matters relating to the Loan Documents and to share in payments, fees and
Collateral proceeds thereunder, a Defaulting Lender shall not be deemed to be a “Lender” until all
its defaulted obligations have been cured.
4.3 Number and Amount of LIBOR Loans; Determination of Rate. Each Borrowing of LIBOR
Loans when made shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000, plus any increment of $1,000,000 in
excess thereof. Upon determining LIBOR for any Interest Period
requested by Borrowers, Agent shall promptly notify Borrowers thereof by telephone or
electronically and, if requested by Borrowers, shall confirm any telephonic notice in writing.
4.4 Borrower Agent. Each Borrower hereby designates Olympic Steel (“Borrower
Agent”) as its representative and agent for all purposes under the Loan Documents, including
requests for Loans and Letters of Credit, designation of interest rates, delivery or receipt of
communications, preparation and delivery of Borrowing Base and financial reports, receipt and
payment of Obligations, requests for waivers, amendments or other accommodations, actions under the
Loan Documents (including in respect of compliance with covenants), and all other dealings with
Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender. Borrower Agent hereby accepts such appointment. Agent and
Lenders shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, any notice or
communication (including any notice of borrowing) delivered by Borrower Agent on behalf of any
Borrower. Agent and Lenders may give any notice or communication with a Borrower hereunder to
Borrower Agent on behalf of such Borrower. Each of Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall have the
right, in its discretion, to deal exclusively with Borrower Agent for any or all purposes under the
Loan Documents. Each Borrower agrees that any notice, election, communication, representation,
agreement or undertaking made on its behalf by Borrower Agent shall be binding upon and enforceable
against it.
4.5 One Obligation. The Loans, LC Obligations and other Obligations shall constitute one
general obligation of Borrowers and (unless otherwise expressly provided in any Loan Document)
shall be secured by Agent’s Lien upon all Collateral; provided, however, that Agent
and each Lender shall be deemed to be a creditor of, and the holder of a separate claim against,
each Borrower to the extent of any Obligations jointly or severally owed by such Borrower.
4.6 Effect of Termination. On the effective date of any termination of the Commitments,
all Obligations shall be immediately due and payable, and any Lender may terminate its and its
Affiliates’ Bank Products (including, only with the consent of Agent, any Cash Management
Services). All undertakings of Borrowers (other than those that survive by their terms) contained
in the Loan Documents shall survive any termination until Full Payment of the Obligations, and
Agent shall retain its Liens in the Collateral and all of its rights and remedies under the Loan
Documents until Full Payment of the Obligations. Notwithstanding Full Payment of the Obligations,
Agent shall not be required to terminate its Liens in any Collateral unless, with respect to any
damages Agent may incur as a result of the dishonor or return of Payment Items applied to
Obligations, Agent receives (a) a written agreement, executed by
-39-
Borrowers, indemnifying Agent and
Lenders from any such damages; or (b) such Cash Collateral as Agent, in its reasonable discretion,
deems necessary to protect against any such damages. Sections 2.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 5.5, 5.9,
5.10, 12, 14.2 and this Section, and the obligation of each Obligor and Lender with respect to each
indemnity given by it in any Loan Document, shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations and any
release relating to this credit facility.
4.7 Renewal Discussions.
Provided that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Agent agrees to
enter into discussions with Borrower Agent, upon a request from Borrower Agent, regarding an
extension
of the then applicable Revolver Termination Date to a date that is one year later than the
Revolver Termination Date then in effect.
SECTION 5. PAYMENTS
5.1 General Payment Provisions. All payments of Obligations shall be made in Dollars,
without offset, counterclaim or defense of any kind, free of (and without deduction for) any Taxes,
and in immediately available funds, not later than 1:00 p.m. on the due date. Any payment after
such time shall be deemed made on the next Business Day. Any payment of a LIBOR Loan prior to the
end of its Interest Period shall be accompanied by all amounts due under Section 3.9. Any
prepayment of Loans shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans and then to LIBOR Loans.
5.2 Repayment of Revolver Loans. Revolver Loans shall be due and payable in full on the
Revolver Termination Date, unless payment is sooner required hereunder. Revolver Loans may be
prepaid from time to time, without penalty or premium. Concurrently with any Asset Disposition,
Borrowers shall repay the Revolver Loans (or in the case of Asset Disposition permitted by
clause (a) of the definition of the term “Permitted Asset Disposition”, deposit the
proceeds thereof in a Dominion Account) in an amount equal to the Net Proceeds of such Asset
Disposition. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if an Overadvance exists, Borrowers
shall, on the sooner of Agent’s demand or the first Business Day after any Borrower has knowledge
thereof, repay the outstanding Revolver Loans in an amount sufficient to reduce the principal
balance of Revolver Loans to the Borrowing Base.
5.3 [Intentionally Omitted].
5.4 Payment of Other Obligations. Obligations other than Loans, including LC Obligations
and Extraordinary Expenses, shall be paid by Borrowers as provided in the Loan Documents or, if no
payment date is specified, on demand.
5.5 Marshaling; Payments Set Aside. None of Agent or Lenders shall be under any
obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Obligor or against any Obligations. If any
payment by or on behalf of Borrowers is made to Agent, Issuing Bank or any Lender, or Agent,
Issuing Bank or any Lender exercises a right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such
setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential,
set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by Agent, Issuing Bank or
such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other Person, then to the
extent of such recovery, the Obligation originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights
and remedies relating thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such
payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred.
5.6 Post-Default Allocation of Payments.
-40-
5.6.1 Allocation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, during
an Event of Default, monies to be applied to the Obligations, whether arising from payments by
Obligors, realization on Collateral, setoff or otherwise, shall be allocated as follows:
(a) first, to all costs and expenses, including Extraordinary Expenses,
owing to Agent;
(b) second, to all amounts owing to Agent on Swingline Loans;
(c) third, to all amounts owing to Issuing Bank on LC Obligations;
(d) fourth, to all Obligations constituting fees (excluding amounts relating
to Bank Products);
(e) fifth, to all Obligations constituting interest (excluding amounts
relating to Bank Products);
(f) sixth, to provide Cash Collateral for outstanding Letters of Credit;
(g) seventh, to all other Obligations, other than (A) Bank Product Debt
relating to Bank Products described in clauses (a), (c) and (d) of the
definition thereof and (B) such amount of Bank Product Debt relating to Bank Products described in
clause (b) of the definition thereof that exceeds the amount of the Bank Product Reserve as
determined by Agent and established in respect of such Bank Product Debt; and
(h) last, to Bank Product Debt relating to Bank Products described in
clauses (a), (c) and (d) of the definition thereof and such amount of Bank
Product Debt relating to Bank Products described in clause (b) of the definition thereof
that exceeds the amount of the Bank Product Reserve as determined by Agent and established in
respect of such Bank Product Debt.
Amounts shall be applied to each category of Obligations set forth above until Full Payment thereof
and then to the next category. If amounts are insufficient to satisfy a category, they shall be
applied on a pro rata basis among the Obligations in the category. Amounts distributed with
respect to any Bank Product Debt shall be the applicable Bank Product Amount last reported to
Agent. Agent shall have no obligation to calculate the amount to be distributed with respect to
any Bank Product Debt, but may rely upon written notice of the amount (setting forth a reasonably
detailed calculation) from the Secured Party. In the absence of such notice, Agent may assume the
amount to be distributed is the Bank Product Amount last reported to it. The allocations set forth
in this Section are solely to determine the rights and priorities of Agent and Lenders as among
themselves, and may be changed by agreement among them without the consent of any Obligor. This
Section is not for the benefit of or enforceable by any Borrower.
5.6.2 Erroneous Application. Agent shall not be liable for any application
of amounts made by it in good faith and, if any such application is subsequently determined to have
been made in error, the sole recourse of any Lender or other Person to which such amount should
have been made shall be to recover the amount from the Person that actually received it (and, if
such amount was received by any Lender, such Lender hereby agrees to return it).
5.7 Application of Payments. The ledger balance in the main Dominion Account as of the
end of a Business Day shall be
applied to the Obligations at the beginning of the next Business Day, during any Sweep Trigger
Period. If, as a result of such application, a credit balance exists, the balance
-41-
shall not accrue
interest in favor of Borrowers and shall be made available to Borrowers as long as no Event of
Default exists. Each Borrower irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any
payments or Collateral proceeds while an Event of Default exists, and agrees that Agent shall have
the continuing, exclusive right to apply and reapply same against the Obligations, in such manner
as Agent deems advisable, while an Event of Default exists.
5.8 Loan Account; Account Stated.
5.8.1 Loan Account. Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual and
customary practices an account or accounts (“Loan Account”) evidencing the Debt of
Borrowers resulting from each Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit from time to time. Any
failure of Agent to record anything in the Loan Account, or any error in doing so, shall not limit
or otherwise affect the obligation of Borrowers to pay any amount owing hereunder. Agent may
maintain a single Loan Account in the name of Borrower Agent, and each Borrower confirms that such
arrangement shall have no effect on the joint and several character of its liability for the
Obligations.
5.8.2 Entries Binding. Entries made in the Loan Account shall constitute
presumptive evidence of the information contained therein. If any information contained in the
Loan Account is provided to or inspected by any Person, then such information shall be conclusive
and binding on such Person for all purposes absent manifest error, except to the extent such Person
notifies Agent in writing within 30 days after receipt or inspection that specific information is
subject to dispute.
5.9 Taxes.
5.9.1 Payments Free of Taxes. All payments by Obligors of Obligations shall
be free and clear of and without reduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes. If Applicable
Law requires any Obligor or Agent to withhold or deduct any Tax (including backup withholding or
withholding of Tax), the withholding or deduction shall be based on information provided pursuant
to Section 5.10 and the Obligor or Agent, as applicable, shall pay the amount withheld or deducted
to the relevant Governmental Authority. If the withholding or deduction is made on account of
Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable by Borrowers shall be increased so that Agent,
Lender or Issuing Bank, as applicable, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received
if no such withholding or deduction (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable
under this Section) had been made. Without limiting the foregoing, Borrowers shall timely pay all
Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authorities.
5.9.2 Payment. Borrowers shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse
(within 10 days after demand therefor) Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank for any Indemnified Taxes or
Other Taxes (including those attributable to amounts payable under this Section) withheld or
deducted by any Obligor or Agent, or paid by Agent, any Lender or Issuing Bank, with respect to any
Obligations, Letters of Credit or Loan Documents, whether or not such Taxes were properly asserted
by the relevant Governmental Authority, and including all penalties, interest and reasonable
expenses relating thereto, as well as any amount that a Lender or Issuing Bank fails to pay
indefeasibly to Agent under Section 5.10; provided,that Borrowers shall not be obligated
to indemnify Agent or any Lender or Issuing Bank for any interest, additions to tax or penalties
resulting from such Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as
determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. A
certificate as to the amount of any such payment or liability delivered to Borrower Agent by Agent,
or by a Lender or Issuing Bank (with a copy to Agent), shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by a Borrower, Borrower Agent shall deliver to
Agent a receipt from the Governmental Authority or other evidence of payment reasonably
satisfactory to Agent.
-42-
5.10 Lender Tax Information.
5.10.1 Status of Lenders. Each Lender shall deliver documentation and
information to Agent and Borrower Agent, at the times and in form required by Applicable Law or
reasonably requested by Agent or Borrower Agent, sufficient to permit Agent or Borrowers to
determine (a) whether or not payments made with respect to Obligations are subject to Taxes, (b) if
applicable, the required rate of withholding or deduction, and (c) such Lender’s entitlement to any
available exemption from, or reduction of, applicable Taxes for such payments or otherwise to
establish such Lender’s status for withholding of tax purposes in the applicable jurisdiction.
5.10.2 Documentation. If a Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the
United States, any Lender that is a “United States person” within the meaning of section
7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to Agent and Borrower Agent IRS Form W-9 or such other
documentation or information prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Agent or
Borrower Agent to determine whether such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information
reporting requirements. If any Foreign Lender is entitled to any exemption from or reduction of
withholding of tax for payments with respect to the Obligations, it shall deliver to Agent and
Borrower Agent, on or prior to the date on which it becomes a Lender hereunder (and from time to
time thereafter upon request by Agent or Borrower Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally
entitled to do so), (a) IRS Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty
to which the United States is a party; (b) IRS Form W-8ECI; (c) IRS Form W-8IMY and all required
supporting documentation; (d) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the
exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, IRS Form W-8BEN and a
certificate showing such Foreign Lender is not (i) a “bank” within the meaning of section
881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (ii) a “10 percent shareholder” of any Obligor within the meaning of
section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (iii) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section
881(c)(3)(C) of the Code; or (e) any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for
claiming exemption from or a reduction in withholding of tax, together with such supplementary
documentation necessary to allow Agent and Borrowers to determine the withholding or deduction
required to be made.
5.10.3 Lender Obligations. Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall promptly
notify Borrowers and Agent of any change in circumstances that would change any claimed Tax
exemption or reduction. Each Lender and Issuing Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse
(within 10 days after demand therefor) Borrowers and Agent for any Taxes, losses, claims,
liabilities, penalties, interest and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by or
asserted against a Borrower or Agent by any Governmental Authority due to such Lender’s or Issuing
Bank’s failure to deliver, or inaccuracy or deficiency in, any documentation required to be
delivered by it pursuant to this Section. Each Lender and Issuing Bank authorizes Agent to set off
any amounts due to Agent under this Section against any amounts payable to such Lender or Issuing
Bank under any Loan Document.
5.11 Nature and Extent of Each Borrower’s Liability.
5.11.1 Joint and Several Liability. Each Borrower agrees that it is jointly
and severally liable for, and absolutely and unconditionally guarantees to Agent and Lenders the
prompt payment and performance of, all Obligations and all agreements under the Loan Documents.
Each Borrower agrees that its guaranty obligations hereunder constitute a continuing guaranty of
payment and not of collection, that such obligations shall not be discharged until Full Payment of
the Obligations, and that such obligations are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of (a) the
genuineness, validity, regularity, enforceability, subordination or any future modification of, or
change in, any Obligations or Loan Document, or any other document, instrument or agreement to
which any Obligor is or may become a party or be bound; (b) the absence of any action to enforce
this Agreement (including this Section) or any other Loan Document, or any waiver, consent or
indulgence of any kind by Agent or any Lender with
-43-
respect thereto; (c) the existence, value or
condition of, or failure to perfect a Lien or to preserve rights against, any security or guaranty
for the Obligations or any action, or the absence of any action, by Agent or any Lender in respect
thereof (including the release of any security or guaranty); (d) the insolvency of any Obligor; (e)
any election by Agent or any Lender in an Insolvency Proceeding for the application of Section
1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code; (f) any borrowing or grant of a Lien by any other Borrower, as
debtor-in-possession under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; (g) the disallowance of
any claims of Agent or any Lender against any Obligor for the repayment of any Obligations under
Section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; or (h) any other action or circumstances that
might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor,
except Full Payment of all Obligations.
5.11.2 Waivers.
(a) Each Borrower expressly waives all rights that it may have now or in the future
under any statute, at common law, in equity or otherwise, to compel Agent or Lenders to marshal
assets or to proceed against any Obligor, other Person or security for the payment or performance
of any Obligations before, or as a condition to, proceeding against such Borrower. Each Borrower
waives all defenses available to a surety, guarantor or accommodation co-obligor other than Full
Payment of all Obligations. It is agreed among each Borrower, Agent and Lenders that the
provisions of this Section 5.11 are of the essence of the transaction contemplated by the Loan
Documents and that, but for such provisions, Agent and Lenders would decline to make Loans and
issue Letters of Credit. Each Borrower acknowledges that its guaranty pursuant to this Section is
necessary to the conduct and promotion of its business, and can be expected to benefit such
business.
(b) Agent and Lenders may, in their discretion, pursue such rights and remedies as
they deem appropriate, including realization upon Collateral by judicial foreclosure or
non-judicial sale or enforcement, without affecting any rights and remedies under this Section
5.11. If, in taking any action in connection with the exercise of any rights or remedies, Agent or
any Lender shall forfeit any other rights or remedies, including the right to enter a deficiency
judgment against any Borrower or other Person, whether because of any Applicable Laws pertaining to
“election of remedies” or otherwise, each Borrower consents to such action and waives any claim
based upon it, even if the action may result in loss of any rights of subrogation that any Borrower
might otherwise have had. Any election of remedies that results in denial or impairment of the
right of Agent or any Lender to seek a deficiency judgment against any Borrower shall not impair
any other Borrower’s obligation to pay the full amount of the Obligations. Each Borrower waives
all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies, such as nonjudicial foreclosure
with respect to any security for the Obligations, even though that election of remedies destroys
such Borrower’s rights of subrogation against any other Person. Agent may bid all or a portion of
the Obligations at any foreclosure or trustee’s sale or at any private sale, and the amount of such
bid need not be paid by Agent but shall be credited against the Obligations. The amount of the
successful bid at any such sale, whether Agent or any other Person is the successful bidder, shall
be conclusively deemed to be the fair market value of the Collateral, and the difference between
such bid amount and the remaining balance of the Obligations shall be conclusively deemed to
be the amount of the Obligations guaranteed under this Section 5.11, notwithstanding that any
present or future law or court decision may have the effect of reducing the amount of any
deficiency claim to which Agent or any Lender might otherwise be entitled but for such bidding at
any such sale.
5.11.3 Extent of Liability; Contribution.
(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Borrower’s liability under
this Section 5.11 shall be limited to the greater of (i) all amounts for which such Borrower is
primarily liable, as described below, and (ii) such Borrower’s Allocable Amount.
-44-
(b) If any Borrower makes a payment under this Section 5.11 of any Obligations
(other than amounts for which such Borrower is primarily liable) (a “Guarantor Payment”)
that, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments previously or concurrently made by any other
Borrower, exceeds the amount that such Borrower would otherwise have paid if each Borrower had paid
the aggregate Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payments in the same proportion that such
Borrower’s Allocable Amount bore to the total Allocable Amounts of all Borrowers, then such
Borrower shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and to be
reimbursed by, each other Borrower for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their
respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment. The
“Allocable Amount” for any Borrower shall be the maximum amount that could then be
recovered from such Borrower under this Section 5.11 without rendering such payment voidable under
Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state fraudulent transfer or conveyance
act, or similar statute or common law.
(c) Nothing contained in this Section 5.11 shall limit the liability of any Borrower
to pay Loans made directly or indirectly to that Borrower (including Loans advanced to any other
Borrower and then re-loaned or otherwise transferred to, or for the benefit of, such Borrower), LC
Obligations relating to Letters of Credit issued to support such Borrower’s business, and all
accrued interest, fees, expenses and other related Obligations with respect thereto, for which such
Borrower shall be primarily liable for all purposes hereunder. Agent and Lenders shall have the
right, at any time in their discretion, to condition Loans and Letters of Credit upon a separate
calculation of borrowing availability for each Borrower and to restrict the disbursement and use of
such Loans and Letters of Credit to such Borrower.
5.11.4 Joint Enterprise. Each Borrower has requested that Agent and Lenders
make this credit facility available to Borrowers on a combined basis, in order to finance
Borrowers’ business most efficiently and economically. Borrowers’ business is a mutual and
collective enterprise, and the successful operation of each Borrower is dependent upon the
successful performance of the integrated group. Borrowers believe that consolidation of their
credit facility will enhance the borrowing power of each Borrower and ease administration of the
facility, all to their mutual advantage. Borrowers acknowledge that Agent’s and Lenders’
willingness to extend credit and to administer the Collateral on a combined basis hereunder is done
solely as an accommodation to Borrowers and at Borrowers’ request.
5.11.5 Subordination. Each Borrower hereby subordinates any claims,
including any rights at law or in equity to payment, subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration,
contribution, indemnification or set off, that it may have at any time against any other Obligor,
howsoever arising, to the Full Payment of all Obligations.
SECTION 6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
6.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans. In addition to the conditions set forth in
Section 6.2, Lenders shall not be required to fund any requested Loan, issue any Letter of Credit,
or otherwise extend credit to Borrowers hereunder, until the date (“Closing Date”) that
each of the following conditions has been satisfied:
(a) Notes shall have been executed by Borrowers and delivered to each Lender that
requests issuance of a Note. Each other Loan Document shall have been duly executed and delivered
to Agent by each of the signatories thereto, and each Obligor shall be in compliance with all terms
thereof.
-45-
(b) Agent shall have made or provisions shall have been made for all filings or
recordations necessary to perfect its Liens in the Collateral, as well as UCC and Lien searches and
other evidence satisfactory to Agent that such Liens are the only Liens upon the Collateral, except
Permitted Liens.
(c) Agent shall have received duly executed agreements establishing each Dominion
Account and related lockbox, in form and substance, and with financial institutions, satisfactory
to Agent.
(d) Agent shall have received certificates, in form and substance satisfactory to
it, from a knowledgeable Senior Officer of each Borrower certifying that, after giving effect to
the initial Loans and transactions hereunder, (i) such Borrower is Solvent; (ii) no Default or
Event of Default exists; (iii) the representations and warranties set forth in Section 9 are true
and correct in all material respect (without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained
therein); and (iv) such Borrower has complied with all agreements and conditions to be satisfied by
it under the Loan Documents.
(e) Agent shall have received a certificate of a duly authorized officer of each
Obligor, certifying (i) that attached copies of such Obligor’s Organic Documents are true and
complete, and in full force and effect, without amendment except as shown; (ii) that an attached
copy of resolutions authorizing execution and delivery of the Loan Documents is true and complete,
and that such resolutions are in full force and effect, were duly adopted, have not been amended,
modified or revoked; and (iii) to the title, name and signature of each Person authorized to sign
the Loan Documents. Agent may conclusively rely on this certificate until it is otherwise notified
by the applicable Obligor in writing.
(f) Agent shall have received a written opinion of Xxxxx Day, as well as any local
counsel to Borrowers, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.
(g) Agent shall have received copies of the charter documents of each Obligor,
certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of
organization. Agent shall have received good standing certificates for each Obligor, issued by the
Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Obligor’s jurisdiction of organization and
each jurisdiction where such Obligor’s conduct of business or ownership of Property necessitates
qualification and where failure to be so qualified would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
(h) Agent shall have received copies of policies or certificates of insurance for
the insurance policies carried by Borrowers, together with lender’s loss payable endorsement with
respect to property insurance policies related to the Collateral and additional insured
endorsements with respect to liability insurance policies, all in compliance with the Loan
Documents.
(i) Agent shall have completed its business, financial and legal due diligence of
Obligors (including evidence that Borrowers have received all governmental and third party consents
and approvals necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereunder), including an
appraisal of Borrowers’ Inventory, a roll-forward of its previous field examination, with results
satisfactory to Agent. No material adverse change in the financial condition of the Obligors
(taken as a whole) since December 31, 2009 or in the quality, quantity or value of the Collateral
(taken as a whole) shall have occurred since May 25, 2010.
(j) Borrowers shall have paid all fees and expenses to be paid to Agent and Lenders
on the Closing Date.
-46-
(k) Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate prepared as of May 31,
2010. Upon giving effect to the initial funding of Loans and issuance of Letters of Credit, and
the payment by Borrowers of all fees and expenses incurred in connection herewith as well as any
payables stretched beyond their customary payment practices, Availability shall be at least
$25,000,000.
(l) Agent shall have received financial projections of the Borrowers for fiscal
years 2010-2012, evidencing Borrowers’ compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section
10.3 and interim financial statements for the Borrowers as of a date not more than thirty (30) days
prior to the Closing Date.
(m) Since December 31, 2009 there has not been a material disruption of or material
adverse change in the financial, banking or capital markets (as determined by Agent in its
discretion) that would impair, in Agent’s reasonable judgment, a successful syndication of the
Revolver Commitments.
(n) All conditions precedent in any other Loan Document shall be satisfied.
6.2 Conditions Precedent to All Credit Extensions. Agent, Issuing Bank and Lenders shall
not be required to fund any Loans or arrange for issuance of any Letters of Credit, unless the
following conditions are satisfied:
(a) No Default or Event of Default shall exist at the time of, or result from, such
funding or issuance;
(b) The representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents shall
be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality qualifier
contained therein) on the date of, and upon giving effect to, such funding or issuance (except for
representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date);
(c) No event shall have occurred or circumstance exist that has or could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and
(d) With respect to issuance of a Letter of Credit, the LC Conditions shall be
satisfied.
Each request (or deemed request) by Borrowers for funding of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of
Credit shall constitute a representation by Borrowers that the foregoing conditions are satisfied
on the date of such request and on the date of such funding or issuance.
SECTION 7. COLLATERAL
7.1 Grant of Security Interest. To secure the prompt payment and performance of all
Obligations, each Borrower hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a continuing
security interest in and Lien upon all Property (other than Real Estate, Equipment and fixtures) of
such Borrower, including all of the following Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
and wherever located:
(a) all Accounts;
(b) all Chattel Paper, including electronic chattel paper;
-47-
(c) all Commercial Tort Claims, including those shown on Schedule 9.1.16;
(d) all Deposit Accounts;
(e) all Documents;
(f) all General Intangibles, including Intellectual Property;
(g) all Goods, including Inventory (but excluding Equipment and fixtures);
(h) all Instruments;
(i) all Investment Property;
(j) all Letter-of-Credit Rights;
(k) all Supporting Obligations;
(l) all monies, whether or not in the possession or under the control of Agent, a
Lender, or a bailee or Affiliate of Agent or a Lender, including any Cash Collateral;
(m) all accessions to, substitutions for, and all replacements, products, and cash
and non-cash proceeds of the foregoing, including proceeds of and unearned premiums with respect to
insurance policies, and claims against any Person for loss, damage or destruction of any
Collateral; and
(n) all books and records (including customer lists, files, correspondence, tapes,
computer programs, print-outs and computer records) pertaining to the foregoing.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the security interest
attach to, or the terms “Collateral” be deemed to include the following (collectively, the
“Excluded Property”): (i) Excluded Equity, (ii) any “intent to use” trademark applications
for which a statement of use has not been filed (but only until such statement is filed), and (iii)
any lease, license, contract or agreement to which a Borrower is a party, in any case if and for so
long as and to the extent that (A) such lease, license, contract or agreement prohibits or requires
the consent of any Person other than a Borrower which has not been obtained as a condition to the
creation by such Borrower of a Lien on any right, title or interest in such lease, license,
contract or agreement or any of such Borrower’s rights or interests thereunder or (B) to the extent
that any Applicable Law prohibits the creation of a Lien thereon, but only, with respect to the
prohibition in (A) and (B), to the extent, and for as long as, such prohibition is not terminated
or rendered unenforceable or otherwise deemed ineffective by the UCC or any other Applicable Law;
provided, however, “Excluded Property” shall not include any proceeds, products,
substitutions or replacements of Excluded Property (unless such proceeds, products, substitutions
or replacements would otherwise constitute Excluded Property).
7.2 Lien on Deposit Accounts; Cash Collateral
7.2.1 Deposit Accounts. To further secure the prompt payment and
performance of all Obligations, each Borrower hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured
Parties, a continuing security interest in and Lien upon all amounts credited to any Deposit
Account of such Borrower, including any sums in any blocked or lockbox accounts or in any accounts
into which such sums are swept. Each Borrower hereby authorizes and directs each bank or other
depository to deliver to Agent,
-48-
upon request, all balances in any Deposit Account (other than an Excluded Account) maintained
by such Borrower, without inquiry into the authority or right of Agent to make such request.
7.2.2 Cash Collateral. Any Cash Collateral may be invested, at Agent’s
discretion, in Cash Equivalents, but Agent shall have no duty to do so, regardless of any agreement
or course of dealing with any Borrower, and shall have no responsibility for any investment or
loss. Each Borrower hereby grants to Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a security
interest in all Cash Collateral held from time to time and all proceeds thereof, as security for
the Obligations, whether such Cash Collateral is held in a Cash Collateral Account or elsewhere.
Agent may apply Cash Collateral to the payment of any Obligations, in such order as Agent may
elect, as they become due and payable. Each Cash Collateral Account and all Cash Collateral shall
be under the sole dominion and control of Agent. No Borrower or other Person claiming through or
on behalf of any Borrower shall have any right to any Cash Collateral, until Full Payment of all
Obligations.
7.3 [Intentionally Omitted].
7.4 Other Collateral.
7.4.1 Commercial Tort Claims. Borrowers shall promptly notify Agent in
writing if any Borrower has a Commercial Tort Claim (other than, as long as no Event of Default
exists, a Commercial Tort Claim for less than $100,000), shall promptly amend Schedule 9.1.16 to
include such claim, and shall take such actions as Agent deems appropriate to subject such claim to
a duly perfected, first priority Lien in favor of Agent (for the benefit of Secured Parties).
7.4.2 Certain After-Acquired Collateral. Borrowers shall promptly notify
Agent in writing if, after the Closing Date, any Borrower obtains any interest in any Collateral
consisting of Deposit Accounts, Chattel Paper, Documents, Instruments, Intellectual Property,
Investment Property or Letter-of-Credit Rights (other than, as long as no Event of Default exists,
any Collateral consisting of Chattel Paper, Documents, Instruments, Intellectual Property,
Investment Property or Letter-of-Credit Rights with a value of less than $1,000,000 in the
aggregate for all such Chattel Paper, Documents, Instruments, Intellectual Property, Investment
Property and Letter-of-Credit Rights) and, upon Agent’s request, shall promptly take such actions
as Agent deems appropriate to effect Agent’s duly perfected, first priority Lien upon such
Collateral, including obtaining any appropriate possession, control agreement or Lien Waiver. If
any Collateral is in the possession of a third party, at Agent’s request, Borrowers shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an acknowledgment that such third party holds the
Collateral for the benefit of Agent.
7.5 No Assumption of Liability. The Lien on Collateral granted hereunder is given as security only and shall not subject
Agent or any Lender to, or in any way modify, any obligation or liability of Borrowers relating to
any Collateral.
7.6 Further Assurances. Promptly upon request, Borrowers shall deliver such instruments, assignments, title
certificates, or other documents or agreements, and shall take such actions, as Agent deems
appropriate under Applicable Law to evidence or perfect its Lien on any Collateral, or otherwise to
give effect to the intent of this Agreement. Each Borrower authorizes Agent to file any financing
statement that indicates the Collateral as “all assets (other than equipment and fixtures)” or “all personal property
(other than equipment and fixtures)” of such Borrower, or words to similar effect, and ratifies any
action taken by Agent before the Closing Date to effect or perfect its Lien on any Collateral.
7.7 Release of Collateral. At the time that Lenders authorize Agent to release Liens pursuant to Section 12.2.1(a) and
subject to Section 4.6, the Collateral shall be released from the Lien
-49-
created hereby and all
rights to the Collateral shall revert to the Borrowers. At the request of any Borrower following
any such termination, the Agent shall deliver to such Borrower any Collateral of such Borrower held
by the Agent hereunder and execute and deliver to such Borrower such documents as such Grantor
shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.
SECTION 8. COLLATERAL ADMINISTRATION
8.1 Borrowing Base Certificates. By the 20th day of each month, Borrowers shall deliver to Agent (and Agent shall promptly
deliver same to Lenders) a Borrowing Base Certificate prepared as of the close of business of the
previous month, and at such other times as Agent may request during any Reporting Trigger Period.
All calculations of Availability in any Borrowing Base Certificate shall originally be made by
Borrowers and certified by a Senior Officer, provided that Agent may from time to time
review and adjust any such calculation (a) to reflect its reasonable estimate of declines in value
of any Collateral, due to collections received in the Dominion Account or otherwise; (b) to adjust
advance rates to reflect changes in dilution, quality, mix and other factors affecting Collateral;
and (c) to the extent the calculation is not made in accordance with this Agreement or does not
accurately reflect the Availability Reserve.
8.2 Administration of Accounts.
8.2.1 Records and Schedules of Accounts. Each Borrower shall keep accurate
and complete records of its Accounts, including all payments and collections thereon, and shall
submit to Agent sales, collection, reconciliation and other reports in form satisfactory to Agent,
on such periodic basis as Agent may request (but in any event no less frequently than monthly), and
Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders. Each Borrower shall also provide to Agent (and Agent
shall promptly deliver same to Lenders), on or before the 20th day of each month and at such other
times as Agent may request during any Reporting Trigger Period, a detailed aged trial balance of
all Accounts as of the end of the preceding month and as of the end of such other period as Agent
may request during any Reporting Trigger Period, specifying each Account’s Account Debtor name and
address, amount, invoice date and due date, showing any discount, allowance, credit, authorized
return or dispute, and including such proof of delivery, copies of invoices and invoice registers,
copies of related documents, repayment histories, status reports and other information as Agent may
reasonably request. If Accounts in an aggregate face amount of $5,000,000 or more cease to be
Eligible Accounts, Borrowers shall notify Agent of such occurrence promptly (and in any event
within one Business Day) after any Borrower has knowledge thereof.
8.2.2 Taxes. If an Account of any Borrower includes a charge for any Taxes,
Agent is authorized, in its discretion, to pay the amount thereof to the proper taxing authority
for the account of such Borrower and to charge Borrowers therefor; provided, however, that neither
Agent nor Lenders shall be liable for any Taxes that may be due from Borrowers or with respect to
any Collateral.
8.2.3 Account Verification. Whether or not a Default or Event of Default
exists, Agent shall have the right at any time, in the name of Agent, any designee of Agent or any
Borrower, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Accounts of Borrowers
by mail, telephone or otherwise. Borrowers shall cooperate fully with Agent in an effort to
facilitate and promptly conclude any such verification process; provided that Agent shall
use reasonable efforts to notify Borrower Agent of such verification.
8.2.4 Maintenance of Dominion Account. Borrowers shall maintain Dominion
Accounts pursuant to lockbox or other arrangements acceptable to Agent. Borrowers shall obtain an
agreement (in form and substance satisfactory to Agent) from each lockbox servicer and Dominion
-50-
Account bank, establishing Agent’s control over and Lien in the lockbox or Dominion Account, which
may be exercised by Agent during any Sweep Trigger Period, requiring immediate deposit of all
remittances received in the lockbox to a Dominion Account, and waiving offset rights of such
servicer or bank, except for customary administrative charges. If a Dominion Account is not
maintained with Bank of America, Agent may, during any Sweep Trigger Period, require immediate
transfer of all funds in such account to a Dominion Account maintained with Bank of America. Agent
and Lenders assume no responsibility to Borrowers for any lockbox arrangement or Dominion Account,
including any claim of accord and satisfaction or release with respect to any Payment Items
accepted by any bank.
8.2.5 Proceeds of Collateral. Borrowers shall request in writing and
otherwise take all reasonably necessary steps to ensure that all payments on Accounts or otherwise
relating to Collateral are made directly to a Dominion Account (or a lockbox relating to a Dominion
Account). If any Borrower or Subsidiary receives cash or Payment Items with respect to any
Collateral, it shall hold same in trust for Agent and promptly (not later than the next Business
Day) deposit same into a Dominion Account.
8.3 Administration of Inventory.
8.3.1 Records and Reports of Inventory. Each Borrower shall keep accurate
and complete records of its Inventory, including costs and daily withdrawals and additions, and
shall submit to Agent inventory and reconciliation reports in form satisfactory to Agent, on such
periodic basis as Agent may request (but in any event no less frequently than monthly), and Agent
shall promptly deliver same to Lenders. Each Borrower shall conduct a physical inventory at least
once per calendar year (and on a more frequent basis if requested by Agent during any Reporting
Trigger Period) and periodic cycle counts consistent with historical practices, and shall provide
to Agent a report (Agent shall promptly deliver same to Lenders) based on each such inventory and
count promptly upon completion thereof, together with such supporting information as Agent may
request. Agent may participate in and observe each physical count at no cost to Borrowers unless
such participation or observation takes place during the annual inspection under Section 10.1.1
hereunder.
8.3.2 Returns of Inventory. No Borrower shall return any Inventory to a
supplier, vendor or other Person, whether for cash, credit or otherwise, unless (a) such return is
in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) no Event of Default or Overadvance exists or would result
therefrom; (c) Agent is promptly notified if the aggregate Value of all Inventory returned in any
month exceeds $5,000,000; and (d) any payment received by a Borrower for a return is promptly
remitted to Agent for application to the Obligations.
8.3.3 Acquisition, Sale and Maintenance. No Borrower shall acquire or
accept any Inventory on consignment or approval, and shall take all steps to assure that all
Inventory is produced in accordance with Applicable Law, including the FLSA in all material
respects. Borrowers shall use, store and maintain all Inventory with reasonable care and caution, in accordance with applicable
standards of any insurance and in conformity with all Applicable Law in all material respects, and
shall make current rent payments (within applicable grace periods provided for in leases) at all
locations where any Collateral is located.
8.4 Administration of Equipment.
8.4.1 [Reserved]
8.4.2 [Reserved]
-51-
8.4.3 Condition of Equipment. The Equipment is in good operating condition
and repair, and all necessary replacements and repairs (in the business judgment of the Borrowers)
have been made, reasonable wear and tear excluded.
8.5 Administration of Deposit Accounts. Schedule 8.5 sets forth all Deposit Accounts maintained by Borrowers, including all
Dominion Accounts. Each Borrower shall take all actions necessary to establish Agent’s control of
each such Deposit Account (other than an account exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes or
employee benefits, zero balance disbursement accounts (it being understood and agreed that
Borrowers shall not maintain cash on deposit in disbursement accounts in excess of outstanding
checks and wire transfers payable from such accounts and amounts necessary to meet minimum balance
requirements) or accounts containing not more than $100,000 in the aggregate for all such accounts
at any time (collectively, the “Excluded Accounts”)). Each Borrower shall be the sole
account holder of each Deposit Account and shall not allow any other Person (other than Agent) to
have control over a Deposit Account or any Property deposited therein. Each Borrower shall
promptly notify Agent of any opening or closing of a Deposit Account and, with the consent of
Agent, will amend Schedule 8.5 to reflect same. Each Borrower shall (i) request in writing and
otherwise take such reasonable steps to ensure that all Account Debtors forward payment directly to
lockboxes and Dominion Accounts maintained pursuant to and in accordance with Section 8.2.4, and
(ii) deposit or cause to be deposited promptly, and in any event no later than the first Business
Day after the date of receipt thereof, all cash, checks, drafts or other similar items of payment
relating to or constituting payments made in respect of any and all Collateral (whether or not
otherwise delivered to a lockbox) into one or more Dominion Accounts. All Net Proceeds of the sale
or other disposition of any Collateral, shall be deposited directly into the applicable Dominion
Accounts.
8.6 General Provisions.
8.6.1 Location of Collateral. All tangible items of Collateral (other than
Inventory in transit, Collateral in the possession of Agent or a Lender, or at locations at which
the aggregate value of Collateral does not exceed $25,000 for each such location and $100,000 in
the aggregate for all such locations) shall at all times be kept by Borrowers at the business
locations set forth in Schedule 8.6.1, except that Borrowers may (a) make sales or other
dispositions of Collateral in accordance with Section 10.2.6; and (b) move Collateral to another
location in the United States, provided that such location is or will be identified on the
first Borrowing Base Certificate that is delivered after Collateral is moved to such location.
8.6.2 Insurance of Collateral; Condemnation Proceeds.
(a) Each Borrower shall maintain insurance with respect to the Collateral, covering
casualty, hazard, theft, malicious mischief, flood and other risks, in amounts, with endorsements
and with insurers (with a Best Rating of at least A7, unless otherwise approved by Agent)
satisfactory to Agent (it being understood and agreed that the insurance of the Borrowers in place
on the Closing Date and insurers providing it are satisfactory to Agent). All proceeds under each
policy in respect of Collateral shall be payable to Agent. From time to time upon request,
Borrowers shall deliver to Agent the originals or certified copies of its insurance policies.
Unless Agent shall agree otherwise, each policy shall include satisfactory endorsements (i) showing
Agent as loss payee in respect of the property insurance policies relating to the Collateral and
additional insured in respect of the liability insurance policies, as applicable; (ii) requiring 30
days prior written notice to Agent in the event of cancellation of the policy for any reason
whatsoever; and (iii) specifying that the interest of Agent shall not be impaired or invalidated by
any act or neglect of any Borrower or the owner of the Property, nor by the occupation of the
premises for purposes more hazardous than are permitted by the policy. If any Borrower fails to
provide and pay for any insurance, Agent may, at its option, but shall not be required to, procure
the
-52-
insurance and charge Borrowers therefor. Each Borrower agrees to deliver to Agent, promptly as
rendered, copies of all reports made to insurance companies. While no Event of Default exists,
Borrowers may settle, adjust or compromise any insurance claim relating to Collateral, as long as
the proceeds are delivered to Agent. If an Event of Default exists, only Agent shall be authorized
to settle, adjust and compromise such claims relating to Collateral.
(b) Any Net Proceeds of insurance relating to any Collateral and any awards arising
from condemnation of any Collateral shall be paid to Agent. Any such proceeds or awards that
relate to Collateral shall be applied to payment of the Revolver Loans, and then to any other
Obligations outstanding.
8.6.3 Protection of Collateral. All expenses of protecting, storing,
warehousing, insuring, handling, maintaining and shipping any Collateral, all Taxes payable with
respect to any Collateral (including any sale thereof), and all other payments required to be made
by Agent to any Person to realize upon any Collateral, shall be borne and paid by Borrowers. Agent
shall not be liable or responsible in any way for the safekeeping of any Collateral, for any loss
or damage thereto (except for reasonable care in its custody while Collateral is in Agent’s actual
possession), for any diminution in the value thereof, or for any act or default of any
warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency or other Person whatsoever, but the same shall be at
Borrowers’ sole risk.
8.6.4 Defense of Title to Collateral. Each Borrower shall at all times
defend its title to Collateral and Agent’s Liens therein against all Persons, claims and demands
whatsoever, except Permitted Liens.
8.7 Power of Attorney. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints Agent (and all Persons designated
by Agent) as such Borrower’s true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact) for the purposes provided
in this Section. Agent, or Agent’s designee, may, without notice and in either its or a Borrower’s
name, but at the cost and expense of Borrowers:
(a) Endorse a Borrower’s name on any Payment Item or other proceeds of Collateral
(including proceeds of insurance) that come into Agent’s possession or control; and
(b) During an Event of Default, (i) notify any Account Debtors of the assignment of
their Accounts, demand and enforce payment of Accounts by legal proceedings or otherwise, and
generally exercise any rights and remedies with respect to Accounts; (ii) settle, adjust, modify,
compromise, discharge or release any Accounts or other Collateral, or any legal proceedings brought
to collect Accounts or Collateral; (iii) sell or assign any Accounts and other Collateral upon
such terms, for such amounts and at such times as Agent deems advisable; (iv) collect, liquidate
and receive balances in Deposit Accounts or investment accounts, and take control, in any manner,
of proceeds of Collateral; (v) prepare, file and sign a Borrower’s name to a proof of claim or
other document in a bankruptcy of an Account Debtor, or to any notice, assignment or satisfaction
of Lien or similar document; (vi) receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to a Borrower, and
notify postal authorities to deliver any such mail to an address designated by Agent; (vii) endorse
any Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, xxxx of lading, or other document or agreement relating to
any Accounts, Inventory or other Collateral; (viii) use a Borrower’s stationery and sign its name
to verifications of Accounts and notices to Account Debtors; (ix) use information contained in any
data processing, electronic or information systems relating to Collateral; (x) make and adjust
claims under insurance policies; (xi) take any action as may be necessary or appropriate to obtain
payment under any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance or other instrument for which a Borrower is
a beneficiary; and (xii) take all other actions as Agent deems appropriate to fulfill any
Borrower’s obligations under the Loan Documents.
-53-
SECTION 9. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
9.1 General Representations and Warranties. To induce Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make available the
Commitments, Loans and Letters of Credit, each Borrower represents and warrants that:
9.1.1 Organization and Qualification. Each Borrower and Subsidiary is duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization. Each Borrower and Subsidiary is duly qualified, authorized to do business and in
good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where failure to be so qualified could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
9.1.2 Power and Authority. Each Obligor is duly authorized to execute,
deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party. The execution, delivery and
performance of the Loan Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not (a)
require any consent or approval of any holders of Equity Interests of any Obligor, other than those
already obtained; (b) contravene the Organic Documents of any Obligor; (c) violate or cause a
default under any Applicable Law or Material Contract; or (d) result in or require the imposition
of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any Property of any Obligor.
9.1.3 Enforceability. Each Loan Document is a legal, valid and binding
obligation of each Obligor party thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except to the
extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws generally affecting creditors’ rights and by
equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law).
9.1.4 Capital Structure. Schedule 9.1.4 shows, as of the Closing Date for
each Borrower and Subsidiary, (A) its name and its jurisdiction of organization and (B) other than
with respect to Olympic Steel, its authorized and issued Equity Interests, the holders of its
Equity Interests, and all agreements binding on such holders with respect to their Equity
Interests. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.4, in the five years preceding the Closing Date, no
Borrower or Subsidiary has acquired any substantial assets from any other Person nor been the
surviving entity in a merger or combination. Each Borrower has good title to its Equity Interests
in its Subsidiaries, subject only to Agent’s Lien and Permitted Liens, and all such Equity
Interests are duly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. There are no outstanding purchase
options, warrants, subscription rights, agreements to issue or sell, convertible interests, phantom rights or powers of attorney relating to Equity Interests of any Borrower
(other than Olympic Steel) or any Subsidiary.
9.1.5 Title to Properties; Priority of Liens. Each Borrower and Subsidiary
has good and marketable title to (or valid leasehold interests in) all of its Real Estate, and good
title to all of its personal Property, including all Property reflected in any financial statements
delivered to Agent or Lenders, in each case free of Liens except Permitted Liens or any defects in
title which do not constitute Liens and that individually or in the aggregate could not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Borrower and Subsidiary has paid and
discharged all lawful claims that, if unpaid, could become a Lien on its Properties, other than
Permitted Liens. Subject to any actions required to be taken solely by Agent, including the filing
of UCC-1 financing statements, all Liens of Agent in the Collateral are duly perfected, first
priority Liens, subject only to Permitted Liens that are expressly allowed to have priority over
Agent’s Liens.
-54-
9.1.6 Accounts. Agent may rely, in determining which Accounts are Eligible
Accounts, on all statements and representations made by Borrowers with respect thereto. Borrowers
warrant, with respect to each Account at the time it is shown as an Eligible Account in a Borrowing
Base Certificate, that:
(a) it is genuine and in all respects what it purports to be, and is not evidenced
by a judgment;
(b) it arises out of a completed, bona fide sale and delivery of goods in the
Ordinary Course of Business, and substantially in accordance with any purchase order, contract or
other document relating thereto;
(c) it is for a sum certain, maturing as stated in the invoice covering such sale, a
copy of which has been furnished or is available to Agent on request;
(d) it is not subject to any offset, Lien (other than Agent’s Lien), deduction,
defense, dispute, counterclaim or other adverse condition except as arising in the Ordinary Course
of Business and disclosed in the Borrowing Base Certificate and, if requested since the date of the
last Borrowing Base Certificate, otherwise disclosed to Agent; and it is absolutely owing by the
Account Debtor, without contingency in any respect;
(e) no purchase order, agreement, document or Applicable Law restricts assignment of
the Account to Agent (regardless of whether, under the UCC, the restriction is ineffective), and
the applicable Borrower is the sole payee or remittance party shown on the invoice;
(f) no extension, compromise, settlement, modification, credit, deduction or return
has been authorized with respect to the Account, except discounts or allowances granted in the
Ordinary Course of Business for prompt payment that are reflected on the face of the invoice
related thereto and in the reports submitted to Agent hereunder; and
(g) to the Borrowers’ knowledge, (i) there are no facts or circumstances that are
reasonably likely to impair the enforceability or collectibility of such Account; (ii) the Account
Debtor had the capacity to contract when the Account arose, continues to meet the applicable
Borrower’s customary credit standards, is Solvent, is not contemplating or subject to an Insolvency
Proceeding, and has not failed, or suspended or ceased doing business; and (iii) there are no
proceedings or actions threatened or pending against any Account Debtor that could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the Account Debtor’s financial condition.
9.1.7 Financial Statements. The consolidated and consolidating balance
sheets, and related statements of income, cash flow and shareholder’s equity, of Borrowers and
Subsidiaries that have been and are hereafter delivered to Agent and Lenders, are prepared in
accordance with GAAP (subject to year-end adjustments and the omission of notes thereto in the case
of interim statements), and fairly present in all material respects the financial positions and
results of operations of Borrowers and Subsidiaries at the dates and for the periods indicated.
All projections and other forward looking statements delivered from time to time to Agent and
Lenders have been prepared in good faith, based on assumptions believed to be reasonable in light
of the circumstances at such time, it being recognized that actual results may materially differ
therefrom. Since December 31, 2009, there has been no change in the financial condition of any
Borrower or Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No
financial statement (excluding projections and other forward looking statements) delivered to Agent
or Lenders at the time furnished contains any untrue statement of a material fact, nor
-55-
fails to
disclose any material fact necessary to make such statement not materially misleading. Each
Borrower and Subsidiary is Solvent.
9.1.8 Surety Obligations. No Borrower or Subsidiary is obligated as surety
or indemnitor under any bond or other contract that assures payment or performance of any
obligation of any Person, except as permitted hereunder.
9.1.9 Taxes. Each Borrower and Subsidiary has filed all income and other
material tax returns and other reports that it is required by law to file, and has, to the best of
Borrowers’ knowledge, paid, or made provision for the payment of, all Taxes due and owing (whether
or not shown or reportable on any tax returns or other reports), except to the extent being
Properly Contested. The provision for Taxes on the books of each Borrower and Subsidiary is
adequate for all years not closed by applicable statutes, and for its current Fiscal Year.
9.1.10 Brokers. There are no brokerage commissions, finder’s fees or
investment banking fees payable in connection with any transactions contemplated by the Loan
Documents.
9.1.11 Intellectual Property. Each Borrower and Subsidiary owns or has the
lawful right to use all Intellectual Property necessary for the conduct of its business, without,
to any Borrower’s knowledge, conflict with any rights of others. There is no pending or, to any
Borrower’s knowledge, threatened Intellectual Property Claim with respect to any Borrower, any
Subsidiary or any of their Property (including any Intellectual Property). Except as disclosed on
Schedule 9.1.11, as of the Closing Date, no Borrower or Subsidiary pays or owes any Royalty or
other compensation to any Person with respect to any Intellectual Property. All federally
registered Intellectual Property (other than off-the-shelf software) owned, used or licensed by, or
otherwise subject to any interests of, any Borrower or Subsidiary is, as of the Closing Date, shown
on Schedule 9.1.11.
9.1.12 Governmental Approvals. Each Borrower and Subsidiary has, is in
compliance with, and is in good standing with respect to, all material Governmental Approvals
necessary to conduct its business and to own, lease and operate its Properties. All necessary
import, export or other licenses, permits or certificates for the import or handling of any goods
or other Collateral have been procured and are in effect, and Borrowers and Subsidiaries have
complied with all foreign and domestic laws with respect to the shipment and importation of any
goods or Collateral, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
9.1.13 Compliance with Laws. Each Borrower and Subsidiary has duly
complied, and its Properties and business operations are in compliance, in all material respects
with all Applicable Law, except where noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. As of the Closing Date, there have been no citations, notices or orders
of material noncompliance issued to any Borrower or Subsidiary under any Applicable Law, and there
have been no citations, notices or orders of material noncompliance issued to any Borrower or Subsidiary under any Applicable Law
after the Closing Date of which Borrower Agent has not provided notice thereof to Agent. No
Inventory has been produced in violation of the FLSA.
9.1.14 Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except as disclosed on Schedule
9.1.14 or as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material
Adverse Effect: no Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s past or present operations, Real Estate, or other
Properties are subject to any federal, state, or local investigation to determine whether any
remedial action is needed to address any environmental pollution, Hazardous Material or
environmental clean-up; no Borrower or Subsidiary has received any Environmental Notice; and no
Borrower or Subsidiary is aware
-56-
of any reasonably likely liability with respect to any
Environmental Release, environmental pollution, or Hazardous Material on any Real Estate now or
previously owned, leased, or operated by it.
9.1.15 Burdensome Contracts. No Borrower or Subsidiary is a party or
subject to any contract, agreement or charter restriction that would reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect. No Borrower or Subsidiary is, as of the Closing Date, party or subject
to any Restrictive Agreement, except as shown on Schedule 9.1.15. No such Restrictive Agreement
prohibits the execution, delivery or performance of any Loan Document by an Obligor.
9.1.16 Litigation. Except as shown on Schedule 9.1.16, there are no
proceedings or investigations pending or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, threatened against any
Borrower or Subsidiary, or any of their businesses or Properties, that (a) relate to any Loan
Documents or transactions contemplated thereby; or (b) would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Except as shown on such Schedule or as provided in a notice to Agent
pursuant to Section 7.4.1, no Obligor has a Commercial Tort Claim (other than, as long as no
Default or Event of Default exists, a Commercial Tort Claim for less than $100,000). No Borrower
or Subsidiary is in default in any material respect with respect to any order, injunction or
judgment of any Governmental Authority.
9.1.17 No Defaults. No event or circumstance has occurred or exists that
constitutes a Default or Event of Default. No Borrower or Subsidiary is in default (after giving
effect to any applicable cure period) under any Material Contract or in the payment of any Borrowed
Money in excess of $2,500,000. There is no basis upon which any party (other than a Borrower or
Subsidiary) could terminate a Material Contract prior to its scheduled termination date.
9.1.18 ERISA. Except as disclosed on Schedule 9.1.18 or as would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each Plan is in compliance in with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code,
and other federal and state laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of
the Code has received a favorable determination letter (or, in the case of a prototype or volume
submitter plan, an opinion letter) from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently
being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the knowledge of Borrowers, nothing has
occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification. Each Obligor and ERISA
Affiliate has made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and
no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section
412 of the Code has been made with respect to any Plan.
(b) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, threatened claims,
actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan. There has
been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to
any Plan.
(c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no
Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability; (iii) no Obligor or ERISA Affiliate has incurred,
or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension
Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iv) no Obligor or
ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has
occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such
liability) under Section 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (v) no
Obligor or ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or
4212(c) of ERISA.
-57-
(d) With respect to any Foreign Plan, (i) all employer and employee contributions
required by law or by the terms of the Foreign Plan have been made, or, if applicable, accrued, in
accordance with normal accounting practices; (ii) the fair market value of the assets of each
funded Foreign Plan, the liability of each insurer for any Foreign Plan funded through insurance,
or the book reserve established for any Foreign Plan, together with any accrued contributions, is
sufficient to procure or provide for the accrued benefit obligations with respect to all current
and former participants in such Foreign Plan according to the actuarial assumptions and valuations
most recently used to account for such obligations in accordance with applicable generally accepted
accounting principles; and (iii) it has been registered as required and has been maintained in good
standing with applicable regulatory authorities.
9.1.19 Trade Relations. There exists no actual or threatened termination,
limitation or modification of any business relationship between any Borrower or Subsidiary and any
customer or supplier, or any group of customers or suppliers, who individually or in the aggregate
are material to the business of such Borrower or Subsidiary, except in each case as would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There exists no condition or
circumstance that could reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of any Borrower or
Subsidiary to conduct its business at any time hereafter in substantially the same manner as
conducted on the Closing Date.
9.1.20 Labor Relations. Except as described on Schedule 9.1.20, as of the
Closing Date, no Borrower or Subsidiary is party to or bound by any collective bargaining
agreement, management agreement or consulting agreement. There are no material grievances,
disputes or controversies with any union or other organization of any Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s
employees, or, to any Borrower’s knowledge, any asserted or threatened strikes, work stoppages or
demands for collective bargaining, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
9.1.21 Payable Practices. No Borrower or Subsidiary has made any material
change in its historical accounts payable practices from those in effect on the Closing Date.
9.1.22 Not a Regulated Entity. No Obligor is (a) an “investment company” or
a “person directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of an investment company” within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (b) subject to regulation under the Federal
Power Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, any public utilities code or any other Applicable Law
regarding its authority to incur Debt.
9.1.23 Margin Stock. No Borrower or Subsidiary is engaged, principally or
as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. No Loan proceeds or Letters of Credit will be used by
Borrowers to purchase or carry, or to reduce or refinance any Debt incurred to purchase or carry,
any Margin Stock or for any related purpose governed by Regulations T, U or X of the Board of
Governors.
9.1.24 Inactive Subsidiaries. No Inactive Subsidiary (a) has any assets
with a net book value which, when taken together with the net book value of the assets of all other
Inactive Subsidiaries exceeds $500,000 in the aggregate, (b) has any material liabilities or (c) is
engaged in any trade or business (other than the maintenance of its existence and activities
incidental thereto).
9.2 Complete Disclosure. No Loan Document contains any untrue statement of a material fact, nor fails to disclose
any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading.
There is no fact or circumstance that any Obligor has failed to disclose to Agent in writing that
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
-58-
SECTION 10. COVENANTS AND CONTINUING AGREEMENTS
10.1 Affirmative Covenants. As long as any Commitments or Obligations are outstanding, each Borrower shall, and shall
cause each Subsidiary to:
10.1.1 Inspections; Appraisals.
(a) Permit Agent from time to time, subject (except when a Default or Event of
Default exists) to reasonable notice and normal business hours, to visit and inspect the Properties
of any Borrower or Subsidiary, inspect, audit and make extracts from any Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s
books and records, and discuss with its officers, employees, agents, advisors and independent
accountants such Borrower’s or Subsidiary’s business, financial condition, assets, prospects and
results of operations. Lenders may participate in any such visit or inspection, at their own
expense. Neither Agent nor any Lender shall have any duty to any Borrower to make any inspection,
nor to share any results of any inspection, appraisal or report with any Borrower. Borrowers
acknowledge that all inspections, appraisals and reports are prepared by Agent and Lenders for
their purposes, and Borrowers shall not be entitled to rely upon them.
(b) Reimburse Agent for all reasonable out-of-pocket and allocate internal charges,
costs and expenses of Agent in connection with (i) examinations of any Obligor’s books and records
or any other financial or Collateral matters as Agent deems appropriate, up to one time per Loan
Year; and (ii) appraisals of Inventory, up to one time per Loan Year; provided,
however, that if an examination or appraisal is initiated during any Reporting Trigger
Period, all reasonable out-of-pocket and allocated internal charges, costs and expenses therefor
shall be reimbursed by Borrowers without regard to such limits. Subject to and without limiting
the foregoing, Borrowers specifically agree to pay Agent’s then standard charges for each day that
an employee of Agent or its Affiliates is engaged in any examination activities, and shall pay the
standard charges of Agent’s examination group (for the information purposes only, the per day per
field examiner charge as of the date hereof is currently $1,000 per day). This Section shall not
be construed to limit Agent’s right to conduct examinations or to obtain appraisals at any time in
its discretion, nor to use third parties for such purposes.
10.1.2 Financial and Other Information. Keep adequate records and books of
account with respect to its business activities, in which proper entries are made in accordance
with GAAP reflecting all financial transactions; and furnish to Agent and Lenders:
(a) as soon as available, and in any event within 120 days after the close of each
Fiscal Year, balance sheets as of the end of such Fiscal Year and the related statements of income,
cash flow and shareholders’ equity for such Fiscal Year, on consolidated bases for Borrowers and
Subsidiaries, which consolidated statements shall be audited and certified (without a “going
concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the
scope of such audit) by a firm of independent certified public accountants of recognized standing
selected by Borrowers and acceptable to Agent (it being agreed that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is
acceptable to Agent), and shall set forth in comparative form corresponding figures for the
preceding Fiscal Year and other information acceptable to Agent; provided, however, that
such requirements for the furnishing of such annual financial statements may be fulfilled by the
furnishing of the annual report of Borrowers and Subsidiaries on Form 10-K (within the 120 day
period set forth herein), which includes financial statements, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, for the applicable Fiscal Year, and notice to Agent of such filing (within the
120 day period set forth herein);
-59-
(b) as soon as available, and in any event within 45 days after the end of each
Fiscal Quarter, unaudited balance sheets as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and the related
statements of income and cash flow for such Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year
then elapsed, on consolidated bases for Borrowers and Subsidiaries, setting forth in comparative
form corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and certified by the chief financial
officer of Borrower Agent as prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly presenting the financial
position and results of operations for such Fiscal Quarter and period, subject to normal year-end
adjustments and the absence of footnotes; provided, however, that such requirements for the
furnishing of such quarterly financial statements may be fulfilled by the furnishing of the
quarterly report of Borrowers and Subsidiaries on Form 10-Q (within the 45 day period set forth
herein), which includes financial statements, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
for the applicable Fiscal Quarter, and notice to Agent of such filing (within the 45 day period set
forth herein)
(c) as soon as available, and in any event within 30 days after the end of each
fiscal month (except for the last month of each Fiscal Year, in which case, within 60 days after
the end of such fiscal month), unaudited balance sheets as of the end of such fiscal month and the
related statements of income and cash flow for such fiscal month and for the portion of the Fiscal
Year then elapsed, on consolidated bases for Borrowers and Subsidiaries, setting forth in
comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and certified by the chief
financial officer of Borrower Agent as prepared in accordance with GAAP and fairly presenting the
financial position and results of operations for such month and period, subject to normal year-end
adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(d) concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clauses (a), (b) and
(c) above, or more frequently if requested by Agent while an Event of Default exists, a Compliance
Certificate executed by the chief financial officer of Borrower Agent;
(e) concurrently with delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above,
copies of all management letters and other material reports submitted to Borrowers by their
accountants in connection with such financial statements;
(f) not later than 30 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, projections of
Borrowers’ consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, cash flow and Availability for the
next Fiscal Year, month by month;
(g) at Agent’s request, a listing of each Borrower’s trade payables, specifying the
trade creditor and balance due, and a detailed trade payable aging, all in form satisfactory to
Agent;
(h) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of any proxy statements,
financial statements or reports that any Borrower has made generally available to its
shareholders in their capacities as such; copies of any regular, periodic and special reports
or registration statements or prospectuses that any Borrower files with the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any other Governmental Authority, or any securities exchange; and copies of any press
releases or other statements made available by a Borrower to the public concerning material changes
to or developments in the business of such Borrower;
(i) promptly upon Agent’s or any Lender request, copies of any annual report filed
or to be filed in connection with each Plan or Foreign Plan; and
-60-
(j) such other reports and information (financial or otherwise) as Agent may
reasonably request from time to time in connection with any Collateral or any Borrower’s,
Subsidiary’s or other Obligor’s financial condition or business.
10.1.3 Notices. Notify Agent and Lenders in writing, promptly after a
Borrower’s obtaining knowledge thereof, of any of the following that affects an Obligor: (a) the
threat or commencement of any proceeding or investigation, whether or not covered by insurance,
that would have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) any pending or threatened labor dispute, strike or
walkout, or the expiration of any material labor contract; (c) any material default under or
termination of a Material Contract (other than a termination in accordance with its terms); (d) the
existence of any Default or Event of Default; (e) any judgment in an amount exceeding $1,000,000;
(f) the assertion of any Intellectual Property Claim, that would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect; (g) any violation or asserted violation of any Applicable Law (including
ERISA, OSHA, FLSA, or any Environmental Laws) that would have a Material Adverse Effect; (h) any
Environmental Release by an Obligor or on any Property owned, leased or occupied by an Obligor; or
receipt of any Environmental Notice, in each case that would reasonably be expected to result in
liability of Borrowers in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate; (i) the occurrence of any ERISA
Event that would reasonably be expected to result in liability of Borrowers in excess of $1,000,000
in the aggregate; (j) the discharge of or any withdrawal or resignation by Borrowers’ independent
accountants; or (k) any opening of a new office or place of business, at least 30 days prior to
such opening.
10.1.4 Landlord and Storage Agreements. Upon request, provide Agent with
copies of all existing agreements, and promptly after execution thereof provide Agent with copies
of all future agreements, between an Obligor and any landlord, warehouseman, processor, shipper,
bailee or other Person that owns any premises at which any Collateral in excess of $100,000 may be
kept or that otherwise may possess or handle any Collateral in excess of $100,000.
10.1.5 Compliance with Laws. Comply with all Applicable Laws, including
ERISA, Environmental Laws, FLSA, OSHA, Anti-Terrorism Laws, and laws regarding collection and
payment of Taxes, and maintain all Governmental Approvals necessary to the ownership of its
Properties or conduct of its business, unless failure to comply (other than failure to comply with
Anti-Terrorism Laws) or maintain would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any Environmental Release occurs at
or on any Properties of any Borrower or Subsidiary, in each case that would reasonably be expected
to result in liability of Borrowers in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate it shall act promptly
and diligently to investigate and report to Agent and all required Governmental Authorities the
extent of, and to take remedial action required by Environmental Law to respond to such
Environmental Release, whether or not directed to do so by any Governmental Authority.
10.1.6 Taxes. Pay and discharge all federal and other material Taxes prior
to the date on which they become delinquent or penalties attach, unless such Taxes are being
Properly Contested.
10.1.7 Insurance. In addition to the insurance required hereunder with
respect to Collateral, maintain insurance with insurers with a Best Rating of at least A7, unless
otherwise approved by Agent, (a) with respect to the Properties and business of Borrowers and
Subsidiaries of such type (including product liability, workers’ compensation, larceny,
embezzlement, or other criminal misappropriation insurance), in such amounts, and with such
coverages and deductibles as are customary for companies similarly situated; and (b) business
interruption insurance in an amount not less than $15,000,000, with deductibles and subject to an
Insurance Assignment satisfactory to Agent.
-61-
10.1.8 Licenses. Keep each License affecting any Collateral (including the
manufacture, distribution or disposition of Inventory) or any other material Property of Borrowers
and Subsidiaries in full force and effect; promptly notify Agent of any proposed modification to
any such License, or entry into any new License, pay all Royalties in the Ordinary Course of
Business; and notify Agent of any default or breach asserted by any Person to have occurred under
any material License.
10.1.9 Future Subsidiaries. Promptly (and in any event, within 30 days)
notify Agent upon any Person becoming a Subsidiary and, if such Person is not a Foreign Subsidiary,
cause it to either become a Borrower hereunder or guaranty the Obligations, in either case in a
manner satisfactory to Agent, and to execute and deliver such documents, instruments and agreements
and to take such other actions as Agent shall require to evidence and perfect a Lien in favor of
Agent (for the benefit of Secured Parties) on all assets of such Person (other than Real Estate,
Equipment and fixtures), including delivery of such customary legal opinions, in form and substance
satisfactory to Agent, as it shall deem appropriate.
10.1.10 Post-Closing Undertaking. On or before (A) the 60th day following
the Closing Date, Borrowers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or cause to be
delivered to Agent (unless waived by Agent or unless such deadline is extended by Agent in writing,
in each case in its sole discretion), Lien Waivers with respect to each of the locations at which
Eligible Inventory is located and such other locations set forth in Schedule 8.6.1 and (B) the 10th
Business Day following the Closing Date, Borrowers shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Agent
(unless such deadline is extended by Agent in writing in its sole discretion) original stock
certificates representing all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in each of Xxxxxxx
Group and Oly NC.
10.2 Negative Covenants. As long as any Commitments or Obligations are outstanding, each Borrower shall not, and
shall cause each Subsidiary not to:
10.2.1 Permitted Debt. Create, incur, guarantee or suffer to exist any
Debt, except:
(a) the Obligations;
(b) Subordinated Debt;
(c) Permitted Purchase Money Debt;
(d) Borrowed Money (other than the Obligations, Subordinated Debt and Permitted
Purchase Money Debt), but only to the extent outstanding on the Closing Date and not satisfied with
proceeds of the initial Loans;
(e) Bank Product Debt;
(f) Debt permitted to be assumed or incurred in a Permitted Acquisition pursuant to
clause (h) (other than clause (h)(x)(II)) of the definition of the term “Permitted
Acquisition”;
(g) Permitted Contingent Obligations;
(h) Refinancing Debt as long as each Refinancing Condition is satisfied;
(i) Debt in respect of Taxes, to the extent that payment thereof shall not at the
time be required to be made in accordance with Section 10.1.6;
-62-
(j) Debt arising from judgments or decrees in circumstances not constituting an
Event of Default under Section 11.1(h);
(k) intercompany loans by a Borrower to another Borrower but only to the extent
permitted under Section 10.2.7(e);
(l) Debt secured by Liens permitted by Section 10.2.2(q) as long as, in each case,
(i) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (recomputed
for the most recent month for which financial statements have been delivered by adding such Debt to
the amount of Fixed Charges as if such Debt was incurred on the first day of the period of twelve
fiscal months then most recently ended) is at least 1.25 to 1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal
months then most recently ended, (ii) Agent has received projections taking into account such Debt
(prepared by the Borrowers in good faith, based on assumptions believed to be reasonable in light
of the circumstances at such time) showing that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall
continue to be at least 1.25 to 1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal months subsequent to the
incurrence of such Debt, (iii) after giving effect to the incurrence of such Debt, Availability is
greater than 25% of the aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments then in effect, and (iv) such Debt
has other terms and is evidenced and governed by documents that have been approved by Agent in
advance in writing (such documents being the “Fixed Assets Debt Documents”) and Agent has
received copies of all such Fixed Assets Debt Documents, certified as true and complete copies
thereof;
(m) Debt issued under Olympic Steel’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, as may be
amended from time to time, as long as, in each case, (i) after giving effect to the incurrence of
such Debt, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (recomputed for the most recent month for which
financial statements have been delivered by adding such Debt to the amount of Fixed Charges as if
such Debt was incurred on the first day of the period of twelve fiscal months then most recently
ended) is at least 1.25 to 1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal months then most recently ended,
(ii) Agent has received projections taking into account such Debt (prepared by the Borrowers in
good faith, based on assumptions believed to be reasonable in light of the circumstances at such
time) showing that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall continue to be at least 1.25 to
1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal months subsequent to the incurrence of such Debt, and (iii)
Availability is greater than 25% of the aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments then in effect;
(n) current unsecured trade, utility or nonextraordinary accounts payable (including
without limitation, operating leases and short term Debt owed to vendors) arising in the Ordinary
Course of Business; and
(o) Debt consisting of Capital Leases secured by Liens permitted by Section
10.2.2(k) as long as the aggregate amount of any such Debt incurred after the Closing
Date does not exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate during the term of this Agreement (for the
avoidance of doubt, Debt permitted by Section 10.2.1(l) above shall not constitute Debt permitted
by this Section 10.2.1(o)).
10.2.2 Permitted Liens. Create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its
Property, except the following (collectively, “Permitted Liens”):
(a) Liens in favor of Agent;
(b) Purchase Money Liens securing Permitted Purchase Money Debt;
(c) Liens for Taxes not yet delinquent or being Properly Contested;
-63-
(d) statutory Liens (including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s,
repairmen’s and landlord’s Liens but excluding Liens for Taxes or imposed under ERISA) arising in
the Ordinary Course of Business, but only if (i) payment of the obligations secured thereby is not
overdue for a period of more than 30 days or is being Properly Contested; provided,
however, that a reserve or other appropriate provisions shall have been made therefor, and
(ii) such Liens do not materially impair the value or use of the Property or materially impair
operation of the business of any Borrower or Subsidiary;
(e) Liens incurred or deposits made in the Ordinary Course of Business to secure the
performance of tenders, bids, leases (whether operating leases or Capital Leases), trade contracts
(except those relating to Borrowed Money), statutory obligations (including workers’ compensation,
unemployment insurance and other social security legislation), liability to insurance carriers
under insurance or self-insurance arrangements, surety, customs, stay and appeal bonds, performance
and return of money bonds, and other similar obligations, or arising as a result of progress
payments under government contracts, as long as, in the case of any such Liens that are on any
asset or property that constitutes Collateral, such Liens are at all times junior to Agent’s Liens;
(f) Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business that are subject to Lien
Waivers;
(g) Liens arising by virtue of a judgment or judicial order against any Borrower or
Subsidiary, or any Property of a Borrower or Subsidiary other than an attachment or judgment Lien
constituting an Event of Default under Section 11.1(h), as long as such Liens are (i) in existence
for less than 30 consecutive days or being Properly Contested, and (ii) in the case of any such
Liens that are on any asset or property that constitutes Collateral, at all times junior to Agent’s
Liens;
(h) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, covenants or other agreements of record,
and other similar charges or encumbrances on Real Estate, that do not secure any monetary
obligation and do not interfere with the Ordinary Course of Business;
(i) normal and customary rights of setoff upon deposits in favor of depository
institutions, and Liens of a collecting bank on Payment Items in the course of collection;
(j) leases or subleases of Real Estate granted to third parties in the Ordinary
Course of Business and not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of
business by any Borrower or Subsidiary;
(k) any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any operating lease or
Capital Lease permitted by Section 10.2.1(n) and Section 10.2.1(o);
(l) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to
secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the Ordinary Course
of Business;
(m) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any governmental
office or agency to control or regulate the use of any Real Estate;
(n) licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights granted
by any Borrower or Subsidiary in the Ordinary Course of Business and not interfering in any
material respect with the ordinary conduct of business by any Borrower or Subsidiary;
-64-
(o) Liens created under the Sale and Leaseback Transactions permitted under Section
10.2.20, provided that any such Liens do not at any time encumber any Property other than
the Property which is the subject of such Sale and Leaseback Transaction; and
(p) the Investments permitted under clause (f) of the definition of the term
“Restricted Investments”, to the extent such Investments constitute Liens;
(q) Liens created after the Closing Date on any Real Estate, fixtures and/or
Equipment (other than Equipment subject to Purchase Money Liens permitted hereunder) owned or
acquired by any Borrower or Subsidiary securing Debt permitted by Section 10.2.1(l) as long as
Agent shall have received such access and other customary intercreditor agreements with the holders
of such Debt or their agents (on behalf of such holders), all in form and substance satisfactory to
Agent, in its sole discretion, as Agent may request; and
(r) existing Liens shown on Schedule 10.2.2.
10.2.3 Inactive Subsidiaries. No Inactive Subsidiary shall (a) acquire any
assets which, when taken together with the net book value of the assets of all other Inactive
Subsidiaries exceeds $500,000 in the aggregate, (b) incur any liabilities (whether to an Affiliate
or otherwise) other than for franchise taxes, maintenance fees and other de minimus expenses or (c)
engage in any trade or business (other than the maintenance of its existence and activities
incidental thereto).
10.2.4 Distributions; Upstream Payments. Declare or make any Distributions,
except Upstream Payments; or create or suffer to exist any encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of a Subsidiary to make any Upstream Payment, except for restrictions under the Loan
Documents, under Applicable Law or in effect on the Closing Date as shown on Schedule 9.1.15 and
except, as long as no Event of Default exists or would result therefrom:
(a) Distributions by Olympic Steel to the holders of its Equity Interests payable
solely in common stock of the type currently held by such holders;
(b) Olympic Steel may issue stock option, restricted stock unit, share or other
Equity Interest under its 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan or any other stock option, restricted stock
unit, share or other Equity Interest plan of Olympic Steel;
(c) (i) Distributions by Olympic Steel to, and repurchases by Olympic Steel of
Equity Interests from, the holders of Equity Interests of Olympic Steel not to exceed $2,500,000 in
the aggregate during any Fiscal Year; and (ii) Distributions by Olympic Steel to, and repurchases
by Olympic Steel of Equity Interests from, the holders of Equity Interests of Olympic Steel in
excess of $2,500,000 in the aggregate during any Fiscal Year as long as (A) not less than five (5)
Business Day prior to the date of such proposed Distribution or repurchase, Agent shall have received written notice thereof
together with pro forma financial statements and a pro forma Compliance Certificate, dated as of
the date of the proposed Distribution or repurchases, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent,
demonstrating that immediately after giving effect to such proposed Distribution or repurchase, the
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (recomputed for the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which financial
statements have been delivered by adding such proposed Distribution or repurchase to the amount of
Fixed Charges as of the last day of such Fiscal Quarter) is at least 1.10 to 1.00 for the period of
twelve fiscal months then most recently ended and (B) after giving effect to any such proposed
Distribution or repurchase, Availability is greater than 25% of the aggregate amount of Revolver
Commitments then in effect.
-65-
10.2.5 Restricted Investments. Make any Restricted Investment.
10.2.6 Disposition of Assets. Make any Asset Disposition, except a
Permitted Asset Disposition or a transfer of Property by a Subsidiary or Obligor to a Borrower.
10.2.7 Loans. Make any loans or other advances of money to any Person,
except (a) advances to an officer or employee for salary, travel expenses, commissions and similar
items in the Ordinary Course of Business; (b) (i) loans and advances to employees, officers and
directors in connection with equity incentive arrangements in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$675,000 plus accrued interest at any time outstanding, provided that the proceeds of such
loans and advances are paid to any Borrower or Subsidiary, as applicable, in connection with such
equity incentive arrangements and (ii) other loans and advances to employees in aggregate amount
not to exceed $500,000 at any time outstanding; (c) prepaid expenses and extensions of trade credit
made in the Ordinary Course of Business; (d) deposits with financial institutions permitted
hereunder; and (e) as long as no Event of Default under Section 11.1(a), 11.1(b) or 11.1(k),
intercompany loans by a Borrower to another Borrower.
10.2.8 Restrictions on Payment of Certain Debt. Make
(a) any payments (whether voluntary or mandatory, or a prepayment, redemption,
retirement, defeasance or acquisition) with respect to any Subordinated Debt, except regularly
scheduled payments of principal, interest and fees, but only to the extent permitted under any
subordination agreement relating to such Debt; or
(b) any voluntary payment, prepayment, redemption, retirement, defeasance or
acquisition of (i) Borrowed Money (other than the Obligations and Debt described in the immediately
succeeding clause (ii)) prior to its due date under the agreements evidencing such Debt as in
effect on the Closing Date (or as amended thereafter with the consent of Agent) or (ii) Debt
permitted by Section 10.2.1(l) or Section 10.2.1(m) prior to its due date under the agreements
evidencing such Debt, unless, in the case of each clause (i) and (ii), (A) after giving effect to
such payment, prepayment, redemption, retirement or defeasance, (x) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
(recomputed for the most recent month for which financial statements have been delivered) is at
least 1.25 to 1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal months then most recently ended, (y) Agent has
received projections taking into account such payment, prepayment, redemption, retirement or
defeasance (prepared by the Borrowers in good faith, based on assumptions believed to be reasonable
in light of the circumstances at such time) showing that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall
continue to be at least 1.25 to 1.00 for the period of twelve fiscal months subsequent to such
payment, prepayment, redemption, retirement or defeasance, and (z) after giving effect to such
payment, prepayment, redemption, retirement or defeasance, Availability is greater than 25% of the
aggregate amount of Revolver Commitments then in effect or (B) such payment, prepayment,
redemption, retirement or defeasance is consented to in writing by Agent.
10.2.9 Fundamental Changes.
(a) Merge, combine or consolidate with any Person, or liquidate, wind up its affairs
or dissolve itself, in each case whether in a single transaction or in a series of related
transactions, except for mergers or consolidations (i) of a wholly-owned Subsidiary with another
wholly-owned Subsidiary (provided that in the case any such Subsidiary is a Borrower, the
Subsidiary that is a Borrower shall survive such merger or consolidation), or into a Borrower, (ii)
of a Borrower with another Borrower (provided that in the case any such Borrower is Olympic
Steel, Olympic Steel shall survive such merger or consolidation), (iii) which constitutes a
Permitted Acquisition or (iv) except that any Subsidiary or
-66-
Borrower (other than Olympic Steel) may
liquidate or dissolve into a Borrower if the Borrowers determine in good faith that such
liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrowers; or
(b) Without at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice to Agent and the
acknowledgement of Agent that all actions required by Agent, including those to continue the
perfection of its Liens, have been completed, change its name or conduct business under any
fictitious name; change its tax, charter or other organizational identification number; or change
its form or state of organization.
10.2.10 Subsidiaries. Form or acquire any Subsidiary after the Closing
Date, except in accordance with Sections 10.1.9 and 10.2.5; or permit any existing Subsidiary to
issue any additional Equity Interests except director’s qualifying shares.
10.2.11 Organic Documents. Amend, modify or otherwise change any of its
Organic Documents as in effect on the Closing Date except to the extent that any such amendment or
change (i) does not violate the terms and conditions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents, (ii) does not materially adversely affect the interest of the Lenders as creditors under
this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other document or instrument in any respect, (iv)
is required by Applicable Law or (v) could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
10.2.12 Tax Consolidation. File or consent to the filing of any
consolidated income tax return with any Person other than Borrowers and Subsidiaries.
10.2.13 Accounting Changes. Make any material change in accounting
treatment or reporting practices, except as required or permitted by GAAP, from GAAP to IFRS and in
accordance with Section 1.2; or change its Fiscal Year.
10.2.14 Restrictive Agreements. Become a party to any Restrictive
Agreement, except a Restrictive Agreement (a) in effect on the Closing Date; (b) governing Liens on
fixed assets in the Fixed Asset Debt Documents as long as no provision contained therein prohibits
or restricts the indebtedness or performance of any obligations by an Obligor under the Loan
Document or the Liens granted on the Collateral in favor of Agent; (c) relating to other secured
Debt permitted hereunder, as long as no provision contained therein prohibits or restricts the
indebtedness or performance of any obligations by an Obligor under the Loan Document or the Liens
granted on the Collateral in favor of Agent; (d) constituting customary restrictions on assignment
in leases and other contracts; (e) relating to Subordinated Debt as long as no provision contained
therein prohibits or restricts the indebtedness or performance of any obligations by an Obligor
under the Loan Document or the Liens granted on the Collateral in favor of Agent; and (f) relating
to Debt permitted under Section 10.2.1(m) as long as no provision contained therein prohibits or
restricts the indebtedness or performance of any obligations by an Obligor under the Loan Document
or the Liens granted on the Collateral in favor of Agent.
10.2.15 Hedging Agreements. Enter into any Hedging Agreement, except to
hedge risks arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not for speculative purposes, including
for the avoidance of doubt, material Hedging Agreements in the Ordinary Course of Business and not
for speculative purposes.
10.2.16 Conduct of Business. Engage in any business, other than the
business conducted by the Borrowers as conducted on the Closing Date, businesses reasonably related
thereto, logical extensions thereof and, in each case, any activities incidental thereto.
10.2.17 Affiliate Transactions. Enter into or be party to any transaction
with an Affiliate, except (a) transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; (b) payment of
reasonable
-67-
compensation to officers and employees for services actually rendered, and loans and
advances permitted by Section 10.2.7; (c) payment of customary directors’ fees and indemnities; (d)
transactions solely among Obligors and their Subsidiaries not prohibited under the Loan Documents;
(e) transactions with Affiliates that were entered into prior to the Closing Date, as shown on
Schedule 10.2.17; (f) Distributions to any Affiliate of Olympic Steel permitted by Section
10.2.4(b), and (g) transactions with Affiliates in the Ordinary Course of Business, upon fair and
reasonable terms (which, if involving payment or payment obligations in excess of $2,500,000, have
been fully disclosed to Agent) and no less favorable (considered as a whole) than would be obtained
in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a non-Affiliate.
10.2.18 Plans. Become party to any Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Plan,
other than any in existence on the Closing Date or which related to a Target and arise due to a
Permitted Acquisition so long as such new Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Plan is not entered into in
connection with such Permitted Acquisition.
10.2.19 Amendments to Subordinated Debt or Fixed Assets Debt Documents.
Except to the extent permitted pursuant to a subordination and/or intercreditor agreement, if any,
related to the Subordinated Debt or the Debt issued under the Fixed Assets Debt Documents or as may
be agreed by Agent, amend, supplement or otherwise modify any Fixed Assets Debt Document or any
document, instrument or agreement relating to any Subordinated Debt, if such modification (a)
increases the principal balance of such Debt (excluding increases in the principal balance solely
as a result of any capitalized interest or payment-in-kind interest), or increases any required
payment of principal or interest; (b) accelerates the date on which any installment of principal or
any interest is due, or adds any additional mandatory redemption, put or mandatory prepayment
provisions; (c) shortens the final maturity date or otherwise accelerates amortization; (d)
increases the interest rate; (e) increases or adds any fees or charges; (f) modifies any covenant
in a manner or adds any representation, covenant or default that is more onerous or restrictive in
any material respect for any Borrower or Subsidiary, or that is otherwise materially adverse to any
Borrower, any Subsidiary or Lenders; or (g) results in the Obligations not being fully benefited by
the subordination or intercreditor provisions thereof, if applicable.
10.2.20 Sale and Leaseback. Enter into any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by any Borrower or Subsidiary of real or personal Property which has been
or is to be sold or transferred by such Borrower or such Subsidiary to such Person or to any other
Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such Person on the security of such
Property or of rental obligations of such Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be (each
such arrangement being a “Sale and Leaseback Transaction”), provided that (i) the
Net Proceeds of such sale are applied to the Obligations outstanding relating to Revolver Loans
(without resulting in a reduction of the Commitments) and (ii) the aggregate fair market value
(measured at the time of the applicable sale or transfer) of all Property covered by all Sale and
Leaseback Transactions entered into during the term of this Agreement that are outstanding at any
time shall not exceed $5,000,000.
10.3 Financial Covenants. As long as any Commitments or Obligations are outstanding, Borrowers shall maintain a Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.10 to 1.00 for each period of twelve fiscal months ending
during or immediately before any Covenant Trigger Period.
SECTION 11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES ON DEFAULT
11.1 Events of Default. Each of the following shall be an “Event of Default” hereunder, if the same shall
occur for any reason whatsoever, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or
otherwise:
-68-
(a) A Borrower fails to pay (i) the principal or any interest on Obligations when
due (whether at stated maturity, on demand, upon acceleration or otherwise), (ii) any reimbursement
obligations for any payment made under a Letter of Credit or (iii) any fees and charges payable to
the Lenders or Agent hereunder and, in the case of such failure to pay any interest or fees or
charges, such failure continues for three (3) Business Days;
(b) A Borrower fails to pay Obligations (other than Obligations described in clause
(a) above) when due (whether at stated maturity, on demand, upon acceleration or otherwise) and
such failure continues for three (3) Business Days;
(c) Any representation, warranty or other written statement of an Obligor made in
connection with any Loan Documents or transactions contemplated thereby is incorrect or misleading
in any material respect when made or deemed made;
(d) A Borrower breaches or fail to perform any covenant contained in Section 7.2,
7.4, 7.6, 8.1, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.6.2, 10.1.1, 10.1.2, 10.1.3(d), 10.1.7, 10.1.10, 10.2 or 10.3;
(e) An Obligor breaches or fails to perform any other covenant contained in any Loan
Documents, and such breach or failure is not cured within 30 days after a Senior Officer of such
Obligor has knowledge thereof or receives notice thereof from Agent, whichever is sooner; provided,
however, that such notice and opportunity to cure shall not apply if the breach or failure to
perform is not capable of being cured within such period or is a willful breach by an Obligor;
(f) A Guarantor repudiates, revokes or attempts to revoke its Guaranty; an Obligor
or third party (other than a third party with no reasonable basis or standing, as determined by
Agent in its sole discretion) denies or contests the validity or enforceability of any Loan
Documents or Obligations, or the perfection or priority of any Lien granted to Agent; or any Loan
Document ceases to be in full force or effect for any reason (other than a waiver or release by
Agent and Lenders or other than a termination in accordance with its terms);
(g) Any breach or default of an Obligor occurs under any document, instrument or
agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Properties is bound, relating to any
Debt (other than the Obligations) in excess of $2,500,000, if the maturity of or any payment with
respect to such Debt may be accelerated or demanded due to such breach;
(h) Any judgment or order for the payment of money is entered against an Obligor in
an amount that exceeds, individually or cumulatively with all unsatisfied judgments or orders
against all Obligors, $2,500,000 (net of any insurance coverage therefor acknowledged in writing by
the insurer) and such judgments or orders shall not have been paid and satisfied,
vacated, discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within 30 days from the entry thereof;
(i) A loss, theft, damage or destruction occurs with respect to any Collateral if
the amount not covered by insurance exceeds $2,500,000;
(j) An Obligor is enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by any Governmental
Authority from conducting any material part of its business; an Obligor suffers the loss,
revocation or termination of any material license, permit, lease or agreement necessary to its
business; there is a cessation of any material part of an Obligor’s business for a material period
of time; any material Collateral or Property of an Obligor is taken or impaired through condemnation; an Obligor
-69-
agrees to or commences any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its
affairs except as permitted by Section 10.2.9; or a Borrower is not Solvent;
(k) An Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by an Obligor; an Obligor makes an offer
of settlement, extension or composition to its unsecured creditors generally; a trustee is
appointed to take possession of any substantial Property of or to operate any of the business of an
Obligor; or an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against an Obligor and: the Obligor consents to
institution of the proceeding, the petition commencing the proceeding is not timely contested by
the Obligor, the petition is not dismissed within 60 days after filing, or an order for relief is
entered in the proceeding;
(l) (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan
(A) that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in liability of Obligors to one or
more Pension Plans, Multiemployer Plans or PBGC in excess of $2,500,000 in the aggregate, or (B)
that constitutes grounds for appointment of a trustee for or termination by the PBGC of any Pension
Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (ii) Obligors or ERISA Affiliates fail to pay when due any installment
payment with respect to their withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under one or more
Multiemployer Plans in excess of $2,500,000 in the aggregate; or (iii) any event similar to the
foregoing occurs or exists with respect to one or more Foreign Plans, which, if similar to the
foregoing clause (i)(A) or clause (ii), would result in liability of Obligors in
excess of $2,500,000;
(m) An Obligor or any of its Senior Officers is criminally indicted or convicted for
(i) a felony committed in the conduct of the Obligor’s business, or (ii) violating any state or
federal law (including the Controlled Substances Act, Money Laundering Control Act of 1986 and
Illegal Exportation of War Materials Act) that could lead to forfeiture of any material Property or
any Collateral; or
(n) A Change of Control occurs; or
(o) any event occurs or condition exists that has a Material Adverse Effect.
11.2 Remedies upon an Event of Default. If an Event of Default described in Section 11.1(k) occurs with respect to any Borrower,
then to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, all Obligations shall become automatically due and
payable and all Commitments shall terminate, without any action by Agent or notice of any kind. In
addition, or if any other Event of Default exists, Agent may in its discretion (and shall upon
written direction of Required Lenders) do any one or more of the following from time to time:
(a) declare any Obligations immediately due and payable, whereupon they shall be due
and payable without diligence, presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby waived by Borrowers to the fullest extent permitted by law;
(b) terminate, reduce or condition any Commitment, or make any adjustment to the
Borrowing Base;
(c) require Obligors to Cash Collateralize LC Obligations, Bank Product Debt and
other Obligations that are contingent or not yet due and payable, and, if Obligors fail promptly to
deposit such Cash Collateral, Agent may (and shall upon the direction of Required Lenders) advance the
required Cash Collateral as Revolver Loans (whether or not an Overadvance exists or is created
thereby, or the conditions in Section 6 are satisfied); and
(d) exercise any other rights or remedies afforded under any agreement, by law, at
equity or otherwise, including the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC. Such
rights and
-70-
remedies include the rights to (i) take possession of any Collateral; (ii) require
Borrowers to assemble Collateral, at Borrowers’ expense, and make it available to Agent at a place
designated by Agent; (iii) enter any premises where Collateral is located and store Collateral on
such premises until sold (and if the premises are owned or leased by a Borrower, Borrowers agree
not to charge for such storage); and (iv) sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral in its then
condition, or after any further manufacturing or processing thereof, at public or private sale,
with such notice as may be required by Applicable Law, in lots or in bulk, at such locations, all
as Agent, in its discretion, deems advisable. Each Borrower agrees that 10 days notice of any
proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral by Agent shall be reasonable. Agent shall have
the right to conduct such sales on any Obligor’s premises, without charge, and such sales may be
adjourned from time to time in accordance with Applicable Law. Agent shall have the right to sell,
lease or otherwise dispose of any Collateral for cash, credit or any combination thereof, and Agent
may purchase any Collateral at public or, if permitted by law, private sale and, in lieu of actual
payment of the purchase price, may set off the amount of such price against the Obligations.
11.3 License. Agent is hereby granted an irrevocable, non-exclusive license or other right to use,
license or sub-license (without payment of royalty or other compensation to any Person) any or all
Intellectual Property of Borrowers, computer hardware and software, trade secrets, brochures,
customer lists, promotional and advertising materials, labels, packaging materials and other
Property, in advertising for sale, marketing, selling, collecting, completing manufacture of, or
otherwise exercising any rights or remedies with respect to, any Collateral. Each Borrower’s
rights and interests under Intellectual Property shall inure to Agent’s benefit.
11.4 Setoff. At any time an Event of Default exists, Agent, Issuing Bank, Lenders, and any of their
Affiliates are authorized, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever
currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by Agent,
Issuing Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of an Obligor
against any Obligations, irrespective of whether or not Agent, Issuing Bank, such Lender or such
Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although
such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of Agent, Issuing
Bank, such Lender or such Affiliate different from the branch or office holding such deposit or
obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of Agent, Issuing Bank, each Lender and each such
Affiliate under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights
of setoff) that such Person may have.
11.5 Remedies Cumulative; No Waiver.
11.5.1 Cumulative Rights. All agreements, warranties, guaranties,
indemnities and other undertakings of Borrowers under the Loan Documents are cumulative and not in
derogation of each other. The rights and remedies of Agent and Lenders are cumulative, may be
exercised at any time and from time to time, concurrently or in any order, and are not exclusive of
any other rights or remedies available by agreement, by law, at equity or otherwise. All such
rights and remedies shall continue in full force and effect until Full Payment of all Obligations.
11.5.2 Waivers. No waiver or course of dealing shall be established by (a) the
failure or delay of Agent or any Lender to require strict performance by Borrowers with any terms
of the Loan Documents, or to exercise any rights or remedies with respect to Collateral or
otherwise; (b) the making of any Loan or issuance of any Letter of Credit during a Default, Event
of Default or other failure to satisfy any conditions precedent; or (c) acceptance by Agent or any
Lender of any payment or performance by an Obligor under any Loan Documents in a manner other than
that specified therein. It is expressly acknowledged by Borrowers that any failure to satisfy a
financial covenant on a measurement date shall not be cured or remedied by satisfaction of such
covenant on a subsequent date.
-71-
SECTION 12. AGENT
12.1 Appointment, Authority and Duties of Agent.
12.1.1 Appointment and Authority. Each Lender appoints and designates Bank
of America as Agent hereunder. Agent may, and each Lender authorizes Agent to, enter into all Loan
Documents to which Agent is intended to be a party and accept all Security Documents, for Agent’s
benefit and the Pro Rata benefit of Lenders. Each Lender agrees that any action taken by Agent or
Required Lenders in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Documents, and the exercise by Agent
or Required Lenders of any rights or remedies set forth therein, together with all other powers
reasonably incidental thereto, shall be authorized by and binding upon all Lenders. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Agent shall have the sole and exclusive authority to (a)
act as the disbursing and collecting agent for Lenders with respect to all payments and collections
arising in connection with the Loan Documents; (b) execute and deliver as Agent each Loan Document,
including any intercreditor or subordination agreement, and accept delivery of each Loan Document
from any Obligor or other Person; (c) act as collateral agent for Secured Parties for purposes of
perfecting and administering Liens under the Loan Documents, and for all other purposes stated
therein; (d) manage, supervise or otherwise deal with Collateral; and (e) take any Enforcement
Action or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral under the Loan
Documents, Applicable Law or otherwise. The duties of Agent shall be ministerial and
administrative in nature, and Agent shall not have a fiduciary relationship with any Lender,
Secured Party, Participant or other Person, by reason of any Loan Document or any transaction
relating thereto. Agent alone shall be authorized to determine whether any Accounts or Inventory
constitute Eligible Accounts, Eligible In-Transit Inventory or Eligible Inventory, or whether to
impose or release any reserve, and to exercise its Permitted Discretion in connection therewith,
which determinations and judgments, if exercised in good faith, shall exonerate Agent from
liability to any Lender or other Person for any error in judgment.
12.1.2 Duties. Agent shall not have any duties except those expressly set
forth in the Loan Documents. The conferral upon Agent of any right shall not imply a duty on
Agent’s part to exercise such right, unless instructed to do so by Required Lenders in accordance
with this Agreement.
12.1.3 Agent Professionals. Agent may perform its duties through agents and
employees. Agent may consult with and employ Agent Professionals, and shall be entitled to act
upon, and shall be fully protected in any action taken in good faith reliance upon, any advice
given by an Agent Professional. Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of
any agents, employees or Agent Professionals selected by it with reasonable care.
12.1.4 Instructions of Required Lenders. The rights and remedies conferred
upon Agent under the Loan Documents may be exercised without the necessity of joinder of any other
party, unless required by Applicable Law. Agent may request instructions from Required Lenders
with respect to any act (including the failure to act) in connection with any Loan Documents, and
may seek assurances to its satisfaction from Lenders of their indemnification obligations under
Section 12.6 against all Claims that could be incurred by Agent in connection with any act. Agent
shall be entitled to refrain from any act until it has received such instructions or assurances,
and Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Instructions of
Required Lenders shall be binding upon all Lenders, and no Lender shall have any right of action
whatsoever against Agent as a result of Agent acting or refraining from acting in accordance with
the instructions of Required Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, instructions by and consent
of all Lenders shall be required in the circumstances described in Section
14.1.1, and in no event shall Required Lenders, without the prior written consent of each
Lender, direct Agent to accelerate and demand payment of Loans held by one Lender without
accelerating and demanding payment of all other Loans, nor to terminate the Commitments of one
Lender without
-72-
terminating the Commitments of all Lenders. In no event shall Agent be required to
take any action that, in its opinion, is contrary to Applicable Law or any Loan Documents or could
subject any Agent Indemnitee to personal liability.
12.2 Agreements Regarding Collateral and Field Examination Reports.
12.2.1 Lien Releases; Care of Collateral. Lenders authorize Agent to
release any Lien with respect to any Collateral (a) upon Full Payment of the Obligations; (b) that
is the subject of an Asset Disposition which Borrowers certify in writing to Agent is a Permitted
Asset Disposition or a Lien which Borrowers certify is a Permitted Lien entitled to priority over
Agent’s Liens (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate without further inquiry);
(c) that does not constitute a material part of the Collateral (except as permitted by Section
14.1.1(d)(iv) to the extent permitted with the consent of the Required Lenders); or (d) with the
written consent of all Lenders. Lenders authorize Agent to subordinate its Liens to any Purchase
Money Lien permitted hereunder. Agent shall have no obligation to assure that any Collateral
exists or is owned by a Borrower, or is cared for, protected or insured, nor to assure that Agent’s
Liens have been properly created, perfected or enforced, or are entitled to any particular
priority, nor to exercise any duty of care with respect to any Collateral.
12.2.2 Possession of Collateral. Agent and Lenders appoint each Lender as
agent (for the benefit of Secured Parties) for the purpose of perfecting Liens in any Collateral
held or controlled by such Lender, to the extent such Liens are perfected by possession or control.
If any Lender obtains possession or control of any Collateral, it shall notify Agent thereof and,
promptly upon Agent’s request, deliver such Collateral to Agent or otherwise deal with it in
accordance with Agent’s instructions.
12.2.3 Reports. Agent shall promptly forward to each Lender, when complete,
copies of any field audit, examination or appraisal report prepared by or for Agent with respect to
any Obligor or Collateral (“Report”). Each Lender agrees (a) that neither Bank of America
nor Agent makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any Report,
and shall not be liable for any information contained in or omitted from any Report; (b) that the
Reports are not intended to be comprehensive audits or examinations, and that Agent or any other
Person performing any audit or examination will inspect only specific information regarding
Obligations or the Collateral and will rely significantly upon Borrowers’ books and records as well
as upon representations of Borrowers’ officers and employees; and (c) to keep all Reports
confidential and strictly for such Lender’s internal use, and not to distribute any Report (or the
contents thereof) to any Person (except to such Lender’s Participants, attorneys and accountants)
or use any Report in any manner other than administration of the Loans and other Obligations. Each
Lender agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Agent and any other Person preparing a Report from any
action such Lender may take as a result of or any conclusion it may draw from any Report, as well
as from any Claims arising as a direct or indirect result of Agent furnishing a Report to such
Lender.
12.3 Reliance By Agent. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in
relying, upon any certification, notice or other communication (including those by telephone,
telex, telegram, telecopy or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been
signed, sent or made by the proper Person, and upon the advice and statements of Agent
Professionals.
12.4 Action Upon Default. Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless it
has received written notice from a Lender or Borrower specifying the occurrence and nature thereof.
If any Lender acquires knowledge of a Default or Event of Default, it shall promptly notify Agent
and the other Lenders thereof in writing. Each Lender agrees that, except as otherwise provided in
any Loan Documents or with the written consent of Agent and Required Lenders, it will not take any
Enforcement Action, accelerate Obligations under any Loan Documents, or exercise any
-73-
right that it might otherwise have under Applicable Law to credit bid at foreclosure sales, UCC sales or other
similar dispositions of Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, a Lender may take
action to preserve or enforce its rights against an Obligor where a deadline or limitation period
is applicable that would, absent such action, bar enforcement of Obligations held by such Lender,
including the filing of proofs of claim in an Insolvency Proceeding.
12.5 Ratable Sharing. If any Lender shall obtain any payment or reduction of any
Obligation, whether through set-off or otherwise, in excess of its share of such Obligation,
determined on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.6.1, as applicable, such Lender
shall forthwith purchase from Agent, Issuing Bank and the other Lenders such participations in the
affected Obligation as are necessary to cause the purchasing Lender to share the excess payment or
reduction on a Pro Rata basis or in accordance with Section 5.6.1, as applicable. If any of such
payment or reduction is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender, the purchase shall be
rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest. No
Lender shall set off against any Dominion Account without the prior consent of Agent.
12.6 Indemnification of Agent Indemnitees. EACH LENDER SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS
AGENT INDEMNITEES, TO THE EXTENT NOT REIMBURSED BY OBLIGORS (BUT WITHOUT LIMITING THE
INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS OF OBLIGORS UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS), ON A PRO RATA BASIS, AGAINST ALL
CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY AGENT INDEMNITEE, PROVIDED THE CLAIM RELATES
TO OR ARISES FROM AN AGENT INDEMNITEE ACTING AS OR FOR AGENT (IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT)
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT NO LENDER SHALL BE LIABLE TO ANY AGENT INDEMNITEE TO THE
EXTENT SUCH LIABILITY HAS RESULTED PRIMARILY FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF
SUCH AGENT INDEMNITEE, AS DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN A FINAL NON-APPEALABLE
JUDGMENT OR ORDER. In Agent’s discretion, it may reserve for any such Claims made against an Agent
Indemnitee, and may satisfy any judgment, order or settlement relating thereto, from proceeds of
Collateral prior to making any distribution of Collateral proceeds to Lenders. If Agent is sued by
any receiver, bankruptcy trustee, debtor-in-possession or other Person for any alleged preference
or fraudulent transfer, then any monies paid by Agent in settlement or satisfaction of such
proceeding, together with all interest, costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in
the defense of same, shall be promptly reimbursed to Agent by each Lender to the extent of its Pro
Rata share.
12.7 Limitation on Responsibilities of Agent. Agent shall not be liable to Lenders for any
action taken or omitted to be taken under the Loan Documents, except for losses directly and solely
caused by Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Agent does not assume any responsibility
for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by any Obligor or Lender of any obligations
under the Loan Documents. Agent does not make to Lenders any express or implied warranty,
representation or guarantee with respect to any Obligations, Collateral, Loan Documents or Obligor.
No Agent Indemnitee shall be responsible to Lenders for any
recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in any Loan
Documents; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any Loan
Documents; the genuineness, enforceability, collectibility, value, sufficiency, location or
existence of any Collateral, or the validity, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein;
the validity, enforceability or collectibility of any Obligations; or the assets, liabilities,
financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any
Obligor or Account Debtor. No Agent Indemnitee shall have any obligation to any Lender to
ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance or
performance by any Obligor of any terms of the Loan Documents, or the satisfaction of any
conditions precedent contained in any Loan Documents.
-74-
12.8 Successor Agent and Co-Agents.
12.8.1 Resignation; Successor Agent. Subject to the appointment and
acceptance of a successor Agent as provided below, Agent may resign at any time by giving at least
30 days written notice thereof to Lenders and Borrowers. Upon receipt of such notice, Required
Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Agent which shall be (a) a Lender or an
Affiliate of a Lender; or (b) a commercial bank that is organized under the laws of the United
States or any state or district thereof, has a combined capital surplus of at least $500,000,000
and (provided no Event of Default exists) is reasonably acceptable to Borrowers. If no successor
agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of Agent, then Agent may appoint
a successor agent from among Lenders. Upon acceptance by a successor Agent of an appointment to
serve as Agent hereunder, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with
all the powers and duties of the retiring Agent without further act, and the retiring Agent shall
be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder but shall continue to have the benefits of
the indemnification set forth in Sections 12.6 and 14.2. Notwithstanding any Agent’s resignation,
the provisions of this Section 12 shall continue in effect for its benefit with respect to any
actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while Agent. Any successor to Bank of America by merger
or acquisition of stock or this loan shall continue to be Agent hereunder without further act on
the part of the parties hereto, unless such successor resigns as provided above.
12.8.2 Separate Collateral Agent. It is the intent of the parties that
there shall be no violation of any Applicable Law denying or restricting the right of financial
institutions to transact business in any jurisdiction. If Agent believes that it may be limited in
the exercise of any rights or remedies under the Loan Documents due to any Applicable Law, Agent
may appoint an additional Person who is not so limited, as a separate collateral agent or
co-collateral agent. If Agent so appoints a collateral agent or co-collateral agent, each right
and remedy intended to be available to Agent under the Loan Documents shall also be vested in such
separate agent. Every covenant and obligation necessary to the exercise thereof by such agent
shall run to and be enforceable by it as well as Agent. Lenders shall execute and deliver such
documents as Agent deems appropriate to vest any rights or remedies in such agent. If any
collateral agent or co-collateral agent shall die or dissolve, become incapable of acting, resign
or be removed, then all the rights and remedies of such agent, to the extent permitted by
Applicable Law, shall vest in and be exercised by Agent until appointment of a new agent.
12.9 Due Diligence and Non-Reliance. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that it has,
independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lenders, and based upon such documents,
information and analyses as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis of each Obligor
and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to fund Loans and participate in LC
Obligations hereunder. Each Lender has made such inquiries concerning the Loan Documents, the
Collateral and each Obligor as such Lender feels necessary. Each Lender further acknowledges and
agrees that the other Lenders and Agent have made no representations or warranties concerning any
Obligor, any Collateral or the legality, validity, sufficiency
or enforceability of any Loan Documents or Obligations. Each Lender will, independently and
without reliance upon the other Lenders or Agent, and based upon such financial statements,
documents and information as it deems appropriate at the time, continue to make and rely upon its
own credit decisions in making Loans and participating in LC Obligations, and in taking or
refraining from any action under any Loan Documents. Except for notices, reports and other
information expressly requested by a Lender, Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide
any Lender with any notices, reports or certificates furnished to Agent by any Obligor or any
credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition, business or Properties of
any Obligor (or any of its Affiliates) which may come into possession of Agent or any of Agent’s
Affiliates.
12.10 Replacement of Certain Lenders. If a Lender (a) is a Defaulting Lender, (b) fails to
give its consent to any amendment, waiver or action for which consent of all Lenders was required
and
-75-
Required Lenders consented or (c) has requested a payment pursuant to Section 3.7 or 5.9, then,
in addition to any other rights and remedies that any Person may have, Agent may (or if requested
by Borrowers, shall), by notice to such Lender within 120 days after such event, require such
Lender to assign all of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents to Eligible Assignee(s)
specified by Agent (or, in the case of a request by Borrowers, to Eligible Assignee(s) specified by
the Borrowers that have been consented to by Agent), pursuant to appropriate Assignment and
Acceptance(s) and within 20 days after Agent’s notice. Agent is irrevocably appointed as
attorney-in-fact to execute any such Assignment and Acceptance if the Lender fails to execute same.
Such Lender shall be entitled to receive, in cash, concurrently with such assignment, all amounts
owed to it under the Loan Documents, including all principal, interest and fees through the date of
assignment (but excluding any prepayment charge).
12.11 Remittance of Payments and Collections.
12.11.1 Remittances Generally. All payments by any Lender to Agent shall be
made by the time and on the day set forth in this Agreement, in immediately available funds. If no
time for payment is specified or if payment is due on demand by Agent and request for payment is
made by Agent by 12:00 noon on a Business Day, payment shall be made by Lender not later than 2:00
p.m. on such day, and if request is made after 12:00 noon, then payment shall be made by 11:00 a.m.
on the next Business Day. Payment by Agent to any Lender shall be made by wire transfer, in the
type of funds received by Agent. Any such payment shall be subject to Agent’s right of offset for
any amounts due from such Lender under the Loan Documents.
12.11.2 Failure to Pay. If any Lender fails to pay any amount when due by
it to Agent pursuant to the terms hereof, such amount shall bear interest from the due date until
paid at the rate determined by Agent as customary in the banking industry for interbank
compensation. In no event shall Borrowers be entitled to receive credit for any interest paid by a
Lender to Agent, nor shall any Defaulting Lender be entitled to interest on any amounts held by
Agent pursuant to Section 4.2.
12.11.3 Recovery of Payments. If Agent pays any amount to a Lender in the
expectation that a related payment will be received by Agent from an Obligor and such related
payment is not received, then Agent may recover such amount from each Lender that received it. If
Agent determines at any time that an amount received under any Loan Document must be returned to an
Obligor or paid to any other Person pursuant to Applicable Law or otherwise, then, notwithstanding
any other term of any Loan Document, Agent shall not be required to distribute such amount to any
Lender. If any amounts received and applied by Agent to any Obligations are later required to be
returned by Agent
pursuant to Applicable Law, each Lender shall pay to Agent, on demand, such Lender’s Pro Rata
share of the amounts required to be returned.
12.12 Agent in its Individual Capacity. As a Lender, Bank of America shall have the same
rights and remedies under the other Loan Documents as any other Lender, and the terms “Lenders,”
“Required Lenders” or any similar term shall include Bank of America in its capacity as a Lender.
Each of Bank of America and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, maintain deposits or credit
balances for, invest in, lend money to, provide Bank Products to, act as trustee under indentures
of, serve as financial or other advisor to, and generally engage in any kind of business with,
Obligors and their Affiliates, as if Bank of America were any other bank, without any duty to
account therefor (including any fees or other consideration received in connection therewith) to
the other Lenders. In their individual capacity, Bank of America and its Affiliates may receive
information regarding Obligors, their Affiliates and their Account Debtors (including information
subject to confidentiality obligations), and each Lender agrees that Bank of America and its
Affiliates shall be under no obligation to provide such information to Lenders, if acquired in such
individual capacity and not as Agent hereunder.
-76-
12.13 Agent Titles. Each Lender, other than Bank of America, that is designated (on the
cover page of this Agreement or otherwise) by Bank of America as an “Agent” or “Arranger” of any
type shall not have any right, power, responsibility or duty under any Loan Documents other than
those applicable to all Lenders, and shall in no event be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship
with any other Lender.
12.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Section 12 is an agreement solely among Lenders
and Agent, and shall survive Full Payment of the Obligations. This Section 12 (other than Section
12.10) does not confer any rights or benefits upon Borrowers or any other Person. As between
Borrowers and Agent, any action that Agent may take under any Loan Documents or with respect to any
Obligations shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized and directed by Lenders.
SECTION 13. BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS
13.1 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of Borrowers, Agent, Lenders, and their respective successors and assigns, except that (a) no
Borrower shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under any Loan
Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 13.3. Agent
may treat the Person which made any Loan as the owner thereof for all purposes until such Person
makes an assignment in accordance with Section 13.3. Any authorization or consent of a Lender
shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent transferee or assignee of such Lender.
13.2 Participations.
13.2.1 Permitted Participants; Effect. Any Lender may, in the ordinary
course of its business and in accordance with Applicable Law, at any time sell to a financial
institution (“Participant”)
a participating interest in the rights and obligations of such Lender under any Loan
Documents. Despite any sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant, such Lender’s
obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall remain solely
responsible to the other parties hereto for performance of such obligations, such Lender shall
remain the holder of its Loans and Commitments for all purposes, all amounts payable by Borrowers
shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participating interests, and Borrowers and
Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the Loan
Documents. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters
under the Loan Documents, and Agent and the other Lenders shall not have any obligation or
liability to any such Participant. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a
Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 5.9 unless Borrowers agree otherwise in
writing.
13.2.2 Voting Rights. Each Lender shall retain the sole right to approve,
without the consent of any Participant, any amendment, waiver or other modification of any Loan
Documents other than that which forgives principal, interest or fees, reduces the stated interest
rate or fees payable with respect to any Loan or Commitment in which such Participant has an
interest, postpones the Commitment Termination Date or any date fixed for any regularly scheduled
payment of principal, interest or fees on such Loan or Commitment, or releases any Borrower,
Guarantor or the Collateral in excess of the amount set forth in Section 14.1.1(d)(iv).
13.2.3 Benefit of Set-Off. Borrowers agree that each Participant shall have
a right of set-off in respect of its participating interest to the same extent as if such interest
were owing directly to a Lender, and each Lender shall also retain the right of set-off with
respect to any participating interests sold by it. By exercising any right of set-off, a
Participant agrees to share with Lenders all amounts received through its set-off, in accordance
with Section 12.5 as if such Participant were a Lender.
-77-
13.3 Assignments.
13.3.1 Permitted Assignments. A Lender may assign to an Eligible Assignee
any of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents, as long as (a) each assignment is of a
constant, and not a varying, percentage of the transferor Lender’s rights and obligations under the
Loan Documents and, in the case of a partial assignment, is in a minimum principal amount of
$10,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion) and integral multiples of
$1,000,000 in excess of that amount; (b) except in the case of an assignment in whole of a Lender’s
rights and obligations, the aggregate amount of the Commitments retained by the transferor Lender
is at least $10,000,000 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in its discretion); and (c) the parties
to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to Agent, for its acceptance and recording, an
Assignment and Acceptance. Nothing herein shall limit the right of a Lender to pledge or assign
any rights under the Loan Documents to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank or the United States Treasury
as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors and any Operating
Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, or (ii) counterparties to swap agreements relating to
any Loans; provided, however, that any payment by Borrowers to the assigning Lender
in respect of any Obligations assigned as described in this sentence shall satisfy Borrowers’
obligations hereunder to the extent of such payment, and no such assignment shall release the
assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Agreement to the contrary, no Lender may sell, assign or transfer all or any part of its rights,
benefits or obligations under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents if such sale, assignment
or transfer would result in a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code.
13.3.2 Effect; Effective Date. Upon delivery to Agent of an assignment
notice in the form of Exhibit D and a processing fee of $3,500 (unless otherwise agreed by Agent in
its discretion), the assignment shall become effective as specified in the notice, if it complies
with this Section 13.3. From such effective date, the Eligible Assignee shall for all purposes be
a Lender under the Loan Documents, and shall have all rights and obligations of a Lender
thereunder. Upon consummation of an assignment, the transferor Lender, Agent and Borrowers shall
make appropriate arrangements for issuance of replacement and/or new Notes, as applicable. The
transferee Lender shall comply with Section 5.10 and deliver, upon request, an administrative
questionnaire satisfactory to Agent.
SECTION 14. MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 Consents, Amendments and Waivers.
14.1.1 Amendment. No modification of any Loan Document, including any
extension or amendment of a Loan Document or any waiver of a Default or Event of Default, shall be
effective without the prior written agreement of Agent (with the consent of Required Lenders) and
each Obligor party to such Loan Document; provided, however, that
(a) without the prior written consent of Agent, no modification shall be effective
with respect to any provision in a Loan Document that relates to any rights, duties or discretion
of Agent;
(b) without the prior written consent of Issuing Bank, no modification shall be
effective with respect to any LC Obligations or Section 2.3;
(c) without the prior written consent of Agent and each affected Lender, no
modification shall be effective that would (i) increase the Commitment of such Lender; (ii) reduce the
-78-
amount of, or waive or delay payment of, any principal, interest or fees payable to such
Lender; or (iii) extend the Revolver Termination Date;
(d) without the prior written consent of all Lenders (except a Defaulting Lender as
provided in Section 4.2), no modification shall be effective that would (i) alter Section 5.6, 7.1
(except to add Collateral) or 14.1.1; (ii) amend the definition of Borrowing Base (or any defined
term used in such definition), Pro Rata or Required Lenders; (iii) increase any advance rate, or
(except in the case of any amendment necessary to implement the terms of the New Revolver
Commitments in accordance with the terms hereof (which shall be in writing and need only be
executed by Agent and Borrowers) increase total Commitments; (iv) release Collateral with a book
value greater than $10,000,000 during any calendar year, except as currently contemplated by the
Loan Documents; or (v) release any Obligor from liability for any Obligations, if such Obligor is
Solvent at the time of the release except for any merger, consolidation, dissolution or
liquidation of an Obligor permitted by Section 10.2.9(a); and
(e) any amendment necessary to implement the terms of the New Revolver Commitments
in accordance with the terms hereof shall be in writing and need only be executed by Agent and
Borrowers.
14.1.2 Limitations. The agreement of Borrowers shall not be necessary to
the effectiveness of any modification of a Loan Document that deals solely with the rights and
duties of
Lenders, Agent and/or Issuing Bank as among themselves. Only the consent of the parties to
the Fee Letter or any agreement relating to a Bank Product shall be required for any modification
of such agreement, and any non-Lender that is party to a Bank Product agreement shall have no right
to participate in any manner in modification of any other Loan Document. Any waiver or consent
granted by Agent or Lenders hereunder shall be effective only if in writing and only for the matter
specified.
14.1.3 Payment for Consents. No Borrower will, directly or indirectly, pay
any remuneration or other thing of value, whether by way of additional interest, fee or otherwise,
to any Lender (in its capacity as a Lender hereunder) as consideration for agreement by such Lender
with any modification of any Loan Documents, unless such remuneration or value is concurrently
paid, on the same terms, on a Pro Rata basis to all Lenders providing their consent.
14.2 Indemnity. SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE, EACH BORROWER SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD
HARMLESS THE INDEMNITEES AGAINST ANY CLAIMS THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY
INDEMNITEE, INCLUDING CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF AN INDEMNITEE. In no event shall any
party to a Loan Document have any obligation thereunder to indemnify or hold harmless an Indemnitee
with respect to a Claim that is determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of
competent jurisdiction to result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such
Indemnitee.
14.3 Notices and Communications.
14.3.1 Notice Address. Subject to Section 4.1.4, all notices and other
communications by or to a party hereto shall be in writing and shall be given to any Borrower, at
Borrower Agent’s address shown on the signature pages hereof, and to any other Person at its
address shown on the signature pages hereof (or, in the case of a Person who becomes a Lender after
the Closing Date, at the address shown on its Assignment and Acceptance), or at such other address
as a party may hereafter specify by notice in accordance with this Section 14.3. Each such notice
or other communication shall be effective only (a) if given by facsimile transmission, when
transmitted to the applicable facsimile number, if confirmation of receipt is received; (b) if
given by mail, three Business
-79-
Days after deposit in the U.S. mail, with first-class postage
pre-paid, addressed to the applicable address; or (c) if given by personal delivery, when duly
delivered to the notice address with receipt acknowledged. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
notice to Agent pursuant to Section 2.1.4, 2.3, 3.1.2, 4.1.1 or 5.3.3 shall be effective until
actually received by the individual to whose attention at Agent such notice is required to be sent.
Any written notice or other communication that is not sent in conformity with the foregoing
provisions shall nevertheless be effective on the date actually received by the noticed party. Any
notice received by Borrower Agent shall be deemed received by all Borrowers.
14.3.2 Electronic Communications; Voice Mail. Electronic mail and internet
websites may be used only for routine communications, such as financial statements, Borrowing Base
Certificates and other information required by Section 10.1.2, administrative matters, distribution
of Loan Documents for execution, and matters permitted under Section 4.1.4. Agent and Lenders make
no assurances as to the privacy and security of electronic communications. Except as set forth in
the preceding sentence, electronic and voice mail may not be used as effective notice under the
Loan Documents.
14.3.3 Non-Conforming Communications. Agent and Lenders may rely upon any
notices purportedly given by or on behalf of any Borrower even if such notices were not made in a
manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not confirmed, or if the terms thereof, as
understood by the recipient, varied from a later confirmation. Each Borrower shall indemnify and
hold harmless each Indemnitee from any liabilities, losses, costs and expenses arising from any
telephonic communication purportedly given by or on behalf of a Borrower.
14.4 Performance of Borrowers’ Obligations. Agent may, in its discretion at any time and
from time to time, at Borrowers’ expense, pay any amount or, upon notice to Borrower Agent unless
an Event of Default exists, do any act required of a Borrower under any Loan Documents or otherwise
lawfully requested by Agent to (a) enforce any Loan Documents or collect any Obligations; (b)
protect, insure, maintain or realize upon any Collateral; or (c) defend or maintain the validity or
priority of Agent’s Liens in any Collateral, including any payment of a judgment, insurance
premium, warehouse charge, finishing or processing charge, or landlord claim, or any discharge of a
Lien. All reasonable payments, costs and expenses (including Extraordinary Expenses) of Agent
under this Section shall be reimbursed to Agent by Borrowers, on demand, with interest from the
date incurred to the date of payment thereof at the Default Rate applicable to Base Rate Revolver
Loans. Any payment made or action taken by Agent under this Section shall be without prejudice to
any right to assert an Event of Default or to exercise any other rights or remedies under the Loan
Documents.
14.5 Credit Inquiries. Each Borrower hereby authorizes Agent and Lenders (but they shall
have no obligation) to respond to usual and customary credit inquiries from third parties
concerning any Borrower or Subsidiary.
14.6 Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of the Loan Documents shall be
interpreted in such manner as to be valid under Applicable Law. If any provision is found to be
invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the
remaining provisions of the Loan Documents shall remain in full force and effect.
14.7 Cumulative Effect; Conflict of Terms. The provisions of the Loan Documents are
cumulative. The parties acknowledge that the Loan Documents may use several limitations, tests or
measurements to regulate similar matters, and they agree that these are cumulative and that each
must be performed as provided. Except as otherwise provided in another Loan Document (by specific
reference to the applicable provision of this Agreement), if any provision contained herein is in
direct conflict with any provision in another Loan Document, the provision herein shall govern and
control.
-80-
14.8 Counterparts. Any Loan Document may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.
This Agreement shall become effective when Agent has received counterparts bearing the signatures
of all parties hereto. Delivery of a signature page of any Loan Document by telecopy or other
electronic means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such
agreement.
14.9 Entire Agreement. Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents. The Loan Documents
constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and
supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the
subject matter hereof.
14.10 Relationship with Lenders. The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several, and
no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Commitments of any other Lender. Amounts
payable hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt. It shall not be
necessary for Agent or any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for
such purposes. Nothing in this Agreement and no action of Agent or Lenders pursuant to the Loan
Documents shall be deemed to constitute Agent and Lenders to be a partnership, association, joint
venture or any other kind of entity, nor to constitute control of any Borrower.
14.11 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each
transaction contemplated by any Loan Document, Borrowers acknowledge and agree that (a)(i) this
credit facility and any related arranging or other services by Agent, any Lender, any of their
Affiliates or any arranger are arm’s-length commercial transactions between Borrowers and such
Person; (ii) Borrowers have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to
the extent they have deemed appropriate; and (iii) Borrowers are capable of evaluating and
understanding, and do understand and accept, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions
contemplated by the Loan Documents; (b) each of Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger
is and has been acting solely as a principal in connection with this credit facility, is not the
financial advisor, agent or fiduciary for Borrowers, any of their Affiliates or any other Person,
and has no obligation with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents except as
expressly set forth therein; and (c) Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger may be
engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of Borrowers
and their Affiliates, and have no obligation to disclose any of such interests to Borrowers or
their Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Borrower hereby waives
and releases any claims that it may have against Agent, Lenders, their Affiliates and any arranger
with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any
aspect of any transaction contemplated by a Loan Document.
14.12 Confidentiality. Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank agrees to maintain the
confidentiality of all Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a)
to its Affiliates, and to its and their partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors
and representatives (provided such Persons are informed of the confidential nature of the
Information and instructed to keep it confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any
governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it or
its Affiliates; (c) to the extent required by Applicable Law or by any subpoena or other legal
process; (d) to any other party hereto; (e) in connection with any action or proceeding, or other
exercise of rights or remedies, relating to any Loan Documents or Obligations; (f) subject to an
agreement containing provisions substantially the same as this Section, to any Transferee or any
actual or prospective party (or its advisors) to any Bank Product; (g) with the consent of Borrower
Agent; or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result
of a breach of this Section or (ii) is available to Agent, any Lender, Issuing Bank or any of their
Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Borrowers. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Agent and Lenders may publish or disseminate general information describing this credit
facility, including the
-81-
names and addresses of Borrowers and a general description of Borrowers’ businesses, and may
use Borrowers’ logos, trademarks or product photographs in advertising materials, provided,
however, that (i) Agent and Lenders provide Borrowers with a copy for their review
reasonably prior to publishing or disseminating such information and (ii) such general information
does not include any information required to be kept confidential by this Section 14.12. As used
herein, “Information” means all information received from an Obligor or Subsidiary relating
to it or its business. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information pursuant
to this Section shall be deemed to have complied if it exercises the same degree of care that it
accords its own confidential information. Each of Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank acknowledges
that (i) Information may include material non-public information concerning an Obligor or
Subsidiary; (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public
information; and (iii) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with
Applicable Law, including federal and state securities laws.
14.13 GOVERNING LAW.
THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, UNLESS OTHERWISE
SPECIFIED, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY
CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).
14.14 Consent to Forum.
14.14.1
Forum.
EACH BORROWER HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT SITTING IN OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE CITY OF
CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS, IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS,
AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH BORROWER
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING SUCH COURT’S
PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM. EACH PARTY HERETO
IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1.
Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any
Obligor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner
permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by
Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction.
14.15 Waivers by Borrowers. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, each
Borrower waives (a) the right to trial by jury (which Agent, Issuing Bank and each Lender hereby
also waives) in any proceeding or dispute of any kind relating in any way to any Loan Documents,
Obligations or Collateral; (b) presentment, demand, protest, notice of presentment, default,
non-payment, maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any commercial
paper, accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper and guaranties at any time held by Agent on
which a Borrower may in any way be liable, and hereby ratifies anything Agent may do in this
regard; (c) notice prior to taking possession or control of any Collateral; (d) any bond or
security that might be required by a court prior to allowing Agent to exercise any rights or
remedies; (e) the benefit of all valuation, appraisement and exemption laws; (f) any claim against
Agent or any Lender, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential, exemplary or
punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) in any way relating to any Enforcement Action, Obligations, Loan Documents or
transactions relating thereto; and (g) notice of acceptance hereof. Each party hereto acknowledges
that the foregoing waivers are a material inducement to each other party hereto entering into this
Agreement and that each party hereto is relying upon the foregoing in their dealings with each
other party hereto. Each party hereto has reviewed the foregoing waivers with its legal counsel
and has
-82-
knowingly and voluntarily waived its jury trial and other rights following consultation
with legal counsel. In the event of litigation, this Agreement may be filed as a written consent
to a trial by the court.
14.16 Patriot Act Notice. Agent and Lenders hereby notify Borrowers that pursuant to the
requirements of the Patriot Act, Agent and Lenders are required to obtain, verify and record
information that identifies each Borrower, including its legal name, address, tax ID number and
other information that will allow Agent and Lenders to identify it in accordance with the Patriot
Act. Agent and Lenders will also require information regarding each personal guarantor, if any,
and may require information regarding Borrowers’ management and owners, such as legal name,
address, social security number and date of birth.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank; signatures begin on following page]
-83-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of the date set forth
above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORROWERS:
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary |
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary |
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Treasurer
and Assistant Secretary |
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary |
|
|
|
OLY STEEL WELDING, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and
Treasurer |
|
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of the date set forth
above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORROWERS:
OLY STEEL NC, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
|
XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary |
|
|
|
IS ACQUISITION, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary |
|
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered as of the date set forth
above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
AGENT AND LENDERS:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent and Lender
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Senior Vice President |
|
|
|
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Lender
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Vice President |
|
|
|
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Lender
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Vice President |
|
|
|
COMERICA BANK,
as Lender
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
|
|
|
|
Name: |
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Title: |
Vice President |
|
|
REVOLVER NOTE
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC., an Ohio corporation (“
Olympic Steel”),
OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE,
INC., an Ohio corporation (“
Olympic Lafayette”),
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC., a
Minnesota corporation (“
Olympic Minneapolis”),
OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC., an Iowa
corporation (“
Olympic Iowa”),
OLY STEEL WELDING, INC., a Michigan corporation (“
Oly
Welding”),
OLY STEEL NC, INC., a Delaware corporation (“
Oly NC”),
XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W,
INC., a North Carolina corporation (“
Xxxxxxx Group”),
IS ACQUISITION, INC., an Ohio
corporation, (“
IS Acquisition”, and together with Olympic Steel, Olympic Lafayette, Olympic
Minneapolis, Olympic Iowa, Oly Welding, Oly NC and Xxxxxxx Group, collectively,
“
Borrowers”), for value received, hereby unconditionally promise to pay, on a joint and
several basis, to the order of
(“
Lender”), the principal sum
of
DOLLARS ($
), or such lesser amount as may be advanced by Lender
as Revolver Loans and owing as LC Obligations from time to time under the Loan Agreement described
below, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon. Terms are used herein as defined in
the
Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 30, 2010, among Borrowers, Bank of America, N.A.,
as Agent, Lender, and certain other financial institutions, as such agreement may be amended,
modified, renewed or extended from time to time (“
Loan Agreement”).
Principal of and interest on this Note from time to time outstanding shall be due and payable as
provided in the Loan Agreement. This Note is issued pursuant to and evidences Revolver Loans and
LC Obligations under the Loan Agreement, to which reference is made for a statement of the rights
and obligations of Lender and the duties and obligations of Borrowers. The Loan Agreement contains
provisions for acceleration of the maturity of this Note upon the happening of certain stated
events, and for the borrowing, prepayment and reborrowing of amounts upon specified terms and
conditions.
The holder of this Note is hereby authorized by Borrowers to record on a schedule annexed to
this Note (or on a supplemental schedule) the amounts owing with respect to Revolver Loans and LC
Obligations, and the payment thereof. Failure to make any notation, however, shall not affect the
rights of the holder of this Note or any obligations of Borrowers hereunder or under any other Loan
Documents.
Time is of the essence of this Note. Each Borrower and all endorsers, sureties and guarantors
of this Note hereby severally waive demand, presentment for payment, protest, notice of protest,
notice of intention to accelerate the maturity of this Note, diligence in collecting, the bringing
of any suit against any party, and any notice of or defense on account of any extensions, renewals,
partial payments, or changes in any manner of or in this Note or in any of its terms, provisions
and covenants, or any releases or substitutions of any security, or any delay, indulgence or other
act of any trustee or any holder hereof, whether before or after maturity. Borrowers jointly and
severally agree to pay, and to save the holder of this Note harmless against, any liability for the
payment of all costs and expenses (including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees) if this
Note is collected by or through an attorney-at-law.
In no contingency or event whatsoever shall the amount paid or agreed to be paid to the holder
of this Note for the use, forbearance or detention of money advanced hereunder exceed the highest
lawful rate permitted under Applicable Law. If any such excess amount is inadvertently paid by
Borrowers or
inadvertently received by the holder of this Note, such excess shall be returned to Borrowers
or credited as a payment of principal, in accordance with the Loan Agreement. It is the intent
hereof that Borrowers not pay or contract to pay, and that holder of this Note not receive or
contract to receive, directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that
which may be paid by Borrowers under Applicable Law.
This Note shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Illinois, without giving effect to any
conflict of law principles (but giving effect to federal laws relating to national banks).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Revolver Note is executed as of the date set forth above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLY STEEL WELDING, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLY STEEL NC, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IS ACQUISITION, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
JOINDER AGREEMENT
THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of [ ___, 20___] (this “Joinder Agreement”),
by and among [NEW LENDERS] (each a “New Lender” and collectively the “New
Lenders”), OLYMPIC STEEL, INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic Steel”), OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE,
INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic Lafayette”), OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC., a
Minnesota corporation (“Olympic Minneapolis”), OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC., an Iowa
corporation (“Olympic Iowa”), OLY STEEL WELDING, INC., a Michigan corporation (“Oly
Welding”), OLY STEEL NC, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Oly NC”), XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W,
INC., a North Carolina corporation (“Xxxxxxx Group”), IS ACQUISITION, INC., an Ohio
corporation (“IS Acquisition”, and together with Olympic Steel, Olympic Lafayette, Olympic
Minneapolis, Olympic Iowa, Oly Welding, Oly NC and Xxxxxxx Group, collectively,
“Borrowers”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as agent for the
Lenders (together with its successors and assigns, “Agent”).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, reference is hereby made to the
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30,
2010 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the
“
Loan Agreement’’; the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein being used
herein as therein defined), by and among the Lenders party thereto from time to time, Borrowers and
Agent; and
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement, Borrowers may increase the
existing Revolver Commitments by entering into one or more Joinder Agreements with the New Lenders.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and agreements, provisions and covenants
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Each New Lender party hereto hereby agrees to commit to provide its respective Commitment as
set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto (with respect to such New Lender, its “New Revolver
Commitment” and collectively, the “New Revolver Commitments”, on [___, 201_]
(the “Increased Amount Date”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below:
Each New Lender (i) confirms that it has received copies of the Loan Agreement and such other
Loan Documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and
decision to enter into this Joinder Agreement; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without
reliance upon 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 credit decisions in taking or not taking
action under the Loan Agreement; (iii) appoints and authorizes Agent to take such action as agent
on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan Agreement as are delegated to Agent by the
terms thereof, together with such powers as are incidental thereto; and (iv) agrees that it will
perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan
Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
Each New Lender hereby agrees to make its New Revolver Commitment on the following terms and
conditions:
1. |
|
[insert any agreed upon terms to the extent consistent with Section 2.2 of the Credit
Agreement]. |
|
2. |
|
[New Lenders. Each New Lender acknowledges and agrees that upon its execution of this
Joinder Agreement that such New Lender shall become a “Lender” under, and for all purposes of,
the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall be subject to and bound by the
terms thereof, and shall perform all the obligations of and shall have all rights of a Lender
thereunder.]1 |
|
3. |
|
Loan Agreement Governs. Except as set forth in this Joinder Agreement, New Revolver
Commitments shall otherwise be subject to the provisions of the Loan Agreement and the other
Loan Documents. |
|
4. |
|
Borrower’s Certifications. By its execution of this Joinder Agreement, each Borrower hereby
certifies that: |
|
i. |
|
The representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan
Documents are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of
any materiality qualifier contained therein) on and as of the date hereof to
the same extent as though made on and as of the date hereof (except for
representations and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date) |
|
|
ii. |
|
No Default or Event of Default exists on the Increased Amount
Date before or after giving effect to the New Revolver Commitments; and |
|
|
iii. |
|
Each Borrower has satisfied all conditions which Section 2.2 of
the Loan Agreement provides shall be performed or satisfied by it on or before
the Increased Amount Date. |
|
|
iv. |
|
Set forth on Attachment A are pro forma financial
statements and a pro forma Compliance Certificate, dated as of the Increased
Amount Date, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, demonstrating that
immediately after giving effect to such New Revolver Commitment, the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio (recomputed for the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which
financial statements have been delivered) is at least 1.10 to 1.00 for the
period of twelve months then most recently ended. |
5. |
|
Borrower Covenants. By its execution of this Joinder Agreement, Borrowers hereby covenants
that on the Increased Amount Date: |
|
i. |
|
Borrowers shall make any payments required pursuant to Section
3.9 of the Loan Agreement in connection with the New Revolver Commitments and
the re-allocation of loans contemplated by Section 2.2(b) of the Loan
Agreement; and |
|
|
ii. |
|
Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered any customary
legal opinions or |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Insert bracketed language if the lending institution is not already a
Lender. |
|
|
|
other documents reasonably requested by Agent in connection with in
connection with this Joinder Agreement. |
6. |
|
Eligible Assignee. By its execution of this Joinder Agreement, each New Lender represents
and warrants that it is an Eligible Assignee. |
|
7. |
|
Notice. For purposes of the Loan Agreement, the initial notice address of each New Lender
shall be as set forth below its signature below. |
|
8. |
|
Non-US Lenders. For each New Lender, delivered herewith to Agent and Borrower Agent are such
forms, certificates or other evidence with respect to United States federal income tax
withholding matters as such New Lender may be required to deliver to Agent and Borrower Agent
pursuant to Sections 5.10.1 and 5.10.2 of the Loan Agreement. |
|
9. |
|
Recordation of the New Revolver Commitments. Upon execution and delivery hereof, Agent will
record New Revolver Loans made by New Lenders in accordance with the terms of the Loan
Agreement. |
|
10. |
|
Amendment, Modification and Waiver. This Joinder Agreement may not be amended, modified or
waived except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed and delivered on behalf of
each of the parties hereto. |
|
11. |
|
Entire Agreement. This Joinder Agreement, the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents
constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and thereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both written and
verbal, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject matter hereof. |
|
12. |
|
GOVERNING LAW. THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. |
|
13. |
|
Severability. Any term or provision of this Joinder Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent
of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the
remaining terms and provisions of this Joinder Agreement or affecting the validity or
enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Joinder Agreement in any other
jurisdiction. If any provision of this Joinder Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable,
the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as would be enforceable. |
|
14. |
|
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement. |
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused its duly authorized officer to execute
and deliver this Joinder Agreement as of [ , ].
|
|
|
|
|
|
[NAME OF NEW LENDER]
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
Notice Address:
Attention:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
OLY STEEL WELDING, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
OLY STEEL NC, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IS ACQUISITION, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
[Authorized Officer] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consented to by:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
SCHEDULE A
TO JOINDER AGREEMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Lender |
|
Type of Commitment |
|
Amount |
[
]
|
|
New Revolver Commitment
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT C
to
Loan and Security Agreement
ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
Reference is made to the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 30, 2010, as amended
(“Loan Agreement”), among OLYMPIC STEEL, INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic
Steel”), OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic Lafayette”),
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC., a Minnesota corporation (“Olympic Minneapolis”), OLYMPIC
STEEL IOWA, INC., an Iowa corporation (“Olympic Iowa”), OLY STEEL WELDING, INC., a
Michigan corporation (“Oly Welding”), OLY STEEL NC, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Oly
NC”), XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC., a North Carolina corporation (“Xxxxxxx Group”), IS
ACQUISITION, INC., an Ohio corporation, (“IS Acquisition”, and together with Olympic Steel,
Olympic Lafayette, Olympic Minneapolis, Olympic Iowa, Oly Welding, Oly NC and Xxxxxxx Group,
collectively, “Borrowers”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as agent (“Agent”) for the
financial institutions from time to time party to the Loan Agreement (“Lenders”), and such
Lenders. Terms are used herein as defined in the Loan Agreement.
(“Assignor”) and
(“Assignee”) agree as follows:
1. Assignor hereby assigns to Assignee and Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from Assignor
(a) a principal amount of $
of Assignor’s outstanding Revolver Loans and $ of
Assignor’s participations in LC Obligations, and (b) the amount
of $ of Assignor’s
Revolver Commitment (which represents ___% of the total Revolver Commitments) (the foregoing items
being, collectively, the “Assigned Interest”), together with an interest in the Loan
Documents corresponding to the Assigned Interest. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date
(“Effective Date”) indicated in the corresponding Assignment Notice delivered to Agent,
provided such Assignment Notice is executed by Assignor, Assignee, Agent and Borrower Agent, if
applicable. From and after the Effective Date, Assignee hereby expressly assumes, and undertakes
to perform, all of Assignor’s obligations in respect of the Assigned Interest, and all principal,
interest, fees and other amounts which would otherwise be payable to or for Assignor’s account in
respect of the Assigned Interest shall be payable to or for Assignee’s account, to the extent such
amounts accrue on or after the Effective Date.
2. Assignor (a) represents that as of the date hereof, prior to giving effect to this
assignment, its Revolver Commitment is $
,the outstanding balance of its Revolver Loans and participations in LC
Obligations is $
; (b) makes no representation or warranty and
assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or
in connection with the Loan Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability,
genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Agreement or any other instrument or document
furnished pursuant thereto, other than that Assignor is the legal and beneficial owner of the
interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse
claim; and (c) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to
the financial condition of Borrowers or the performance by Borrowers of their obligations under the
Loan Documents. [Assignor is attaching the Note[s] held by it and requests that Agent exchange
such Note[s] for new Notes payable to Assignee [and Assignor].]
3. Assignee (a) represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter into this
Assignment and Acceptance; (b) confirms that it has received copies of the Loan Agreement and such
other Loan Documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis
and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (c) agrees that it shall, independently
and without reliance upon Assignor and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action
under the Loan Documents; (d) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (e) appoints and authorizes
Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Loan
Agreement as are delegated to Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are
incidental thereto; (f) agrees that it will observe and perform all obligations that are required
to be performed by it as a “Lender” under the Loan Documents; and (g) represents and warrants that
the assignment evidenced hereby will not result in a non-exempt “prohibited transaction” under
Section 406 of ERISA.
4. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Illinois. If any provision is
found to be invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such
invalidity and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
5. Each notice or other communication hereunder shall be in writing, shall be sent by
messenger, by telecopy or facsimile transmission, or by first-class mail, shall be deemed given
when sent and shall be sent as follows:
|
(a) |
|
If to Assignee, to the following address (or to such other
address as Assignee may designate from time to time): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
|
If to Assignor, to the following address (or to such other
address as Assignor may designate from time to time): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments hereunder shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available Dollars as follows:
If to Assignee, to the following account (or to such other account as Assignee may designate
from time to time):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ABA No.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account No.
|
|
|
|
|
Reference:
|
If to Assignor, to the following account (or to such other account as Assignor may designate
from time to time):
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Assignment and Acceptance is executed as of .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(“Assignee”) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(“Assignor”) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT D
to
Loan and Security Agreement
ASSIGNMENT NOTICE
Reference is made to (1) the Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 30, 2010, as amended
(“Loan Agreement”), among OLYMPIC STEEL, INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic
Steel”), OLYMPIC STEEL LAFAYETTE, INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic Lafayette”),
OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS, INC., a Minnesota corporation (“Olympic Minneapolis”), OLYMPIC
STEEL IOWA, INC., an Iowa corporation (“Olympic Iowa”), OLY STEEL WELDING, INC., a
Michigan corporation (“Oly Welding”), OLY STEEL NC, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Oly
NC”), XXXXXXX GROUP-PS&W, INC., a North Carolina corporation (“Xxxxxxx Group”), IS
ACQUISITION, INC., an Ohio corporation (“IS Acquisition”, and together with Olympic Steel,
Olympic Lafayette, Olympic Minneapolis, Olympic Iowa, Oly Welding, Oly NC and Xxxxxxx Group,
collectively, “Borrowers”), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as agent (“Agent”) for the
financial institutions from time to time party to the Loan Agreement (“Lenders”), and such
Lenders; and (2) the Assignment and Acceptance dated as of
, 20___(“Assignment
Agreement”), between
(“Assignor”) and
(“Assignee”). Terms are used herein as defined in the Loan Agreement.
Assignor hereby notifies Borrowers and Agent of Assignor’s intent to assign to Assignee
pursuant to the Assignment Agreement (a) a principal amount of $
of Assignor’s outstanding
Revolver Loans and $
of Assignor’s participations in LC Obligations, and (b) the amount
of $
of Assignor’s Revolver Commitment (which represents ___% of the total Revolver
Commitments) (the foregoing items being, collectively, the “Assigned Interest”), together
with an interest in the Loan Documents corresponding to the Assigned Interest. This Agreement
shall be effective as of the date (“Effective Date”) indicated below, provided this
Assignment Notice is executed by Assignor, Assignee, Agent and Borrower Agent, if applicable.
Pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, Assignee has expressly assumed all of Assignor’s obligations
under the Loan Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Interest, as of the Effective Date.
For purposes of the Loan Agreement, Agent shall deem Assignor’s Revolver Commitment to be
reduced by $
, and Assignee’s Revolver Commitment to be increased by $
.
The address of Assignee to which notices and information are to be sent under the terms of the
Loan Agreement is:
The address of Assignee to which payments are to be sent under the terms of the Loan Agreement
is shown in the Assignment and Acceptance.
This Notice is being delivered to Borrowers and Agent pursuant to Section 13.3 of the Loan
Agreement. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this Notice by executing and returning to
Assignee and Assignor a copy of this Notice.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Assignment Notice is executed as of .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(“Assignee”) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(“Assignor”) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED,
AS OF THE DATE SET FORTH ABOVE:
BORROWER AGENT:*
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC.
|
|
|
* |
|
No signature required if Assignee is a Lender, U.S.-based Affiliate of a Lender or Approved
Fund, or if an Event of Default exists. |
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent
EXHIBIT E
to
Loan and Security Agreement
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
The undersigned, duly appointed and acting Chief Financial Officer of OLYMPIC STEEL, INC., an
Ohio corporation (“Olympic Steel”), a Borrower Agent for itself and OLYMPIC STEEL
LAFAYETTE, INC., an Ohio corporation (“Olympic Lafayette”), OLYMPIC STEEL MINNEAPOLIS,
INC., a Minnesota corporation (“Olympic Minneapolis”), OLYMPIC STEEL IOWA, INC., an Iowa
corporation (“Olympic Iowa”), OLY STEEL WELDING, INC., a Michigan corporation
(“Oly Welding”), OLY STEEL NC, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Oly NC”), XXXXXXX
GROUP-PS&W, INC., a North Carolina corporation (“Xxxxxxx Group”), IS ACQUISITION, INC., an
Ohio corporation (“IS Acquisition”, and together with Olympic Steel, Olympic Lafayette,
Olympic Minneapolis, Olympic Iowa, Oly Welding, Oly NC and Xxxxxxx Group, collectively,
“Borrowers”), being duly authorized, hereby delivers this Compliance Certificate to the
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as agent (“Agent”) for the financial institutions
from time to time party to the Loan Agreement referenced below (“Lenders”), pursuant to
Section 10.1.2(d) of that certain Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of ___, 2010,
among the Borrowers, the Lenders party thereto, and the Agent, as such agreement may be amended,
restated, or otherwise modified from time to time, reference to which hereby is made (the “Loan
Agreement”). Terms defined in the Loan Agreement, wherever used herein, shall have the same
meanings as are prescribed by the Loan Agreement.
|
1. |
|
The Borrower Agent hereby delivers to the Agent [check as applicable]: |
|
|
[_] |
|
the consolidated audited Fiscal Year-end financial statements of Borrowers and
Subsidiaries and accountant’s certificate required by Section 10.1.2(a) of the Loan
Agreement, each dated as of ___, 201_; |
|
|
[_] |
|
the consolidating unaudited Fiscal Quarter-end financial statements of
Borrowers and Subsidiaries required by Section 10.1.2(b) of the Loan Agreement, dated
as of , 201_; |
|
|
[_] |
|
the consolidated unaudited month-end financial statements required by
Section 10.1.2(c) of the Loan Agreement, dated as of ___, 201_; |
Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently
throughout the periods reflected therein [(other than for omission of footnotes and subject to
year-end audit adjustments)] and fairly present in all material respects the financial position and
results of operations of the Borrowers and Subsidiaries at the dates and for the periods indicated.
2. The undersigned hereby certifies to the Agent and the Lenders that (a) the representations
and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects
on and as of the date of this Compliance Certificate as if made on and as of the date hereof
(without duplication of any materiality qualifier contained therein and except for representations
and warranties that expressly relate to an earlier date) and (b) except as set forth on Exhibit
A hereto, the Obligors are, at the date of this Compliance Certificate, in compliance in all
material respects with all of their respective covenants and agreements in the Loan Agreement and
the other Loan Documents.
3. The undersigned hereby further certifies to the Agent and the Lenders [check as
applicable]:
|
[_] |
|
No Default or Event of Default exists as of the date hereof. |
|
|
[_] |
|
One or more Defaults or Events of Default exist as of the date hereof.
Included within Exhibit A attached hereto is a written description specifying each such
Default or Event of Default, its nature, when it occurred, and the steps being taken by
the Obligors with respect thereto. Except as so specified, no Default or Event of
Default exists as of the date hereof. |
4. Exhibit B attached hereto sets forth the calculations the Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio as of the effective date of the financial statements referenced in paragraph 1
preceding.
5. The undersigned hereby certifies that [no] [Covenant Trigger Period][Reporting Trigger
Period][Sweep Trigger Period] commenced during the period covered by the financial statements
referenced in paragraph 1 of this Compliance Certificate.
Date of execution of this Compliance Certificate: , 201___.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BORROWER AGENT:
OLYMPIC STEEL, INC., for itself and as agent for the other Borrowers
|
|
|
By: |
|
|
|
|
Name: |
|
|
|
|
Title: |
|
|
|
EXHIBIT E
to
Loan and Security Agreement
Continuing Letters of Credit
Intentionally Omitted
SCHEDULE 1.1
to
Loan and Security Agreement
COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lender |
|
Revolver Commitment |
|
|
Total Commitments |
|
Bank of America, N.A. |
|
$ |
45,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
45,000,000 |
|
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
|
$ |
35,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
35,000,000 |
|
KeyBank National Association |
|
$ |
25,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
25,000,000 |
|
Comerica Bank |
|
$ |
20,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,000,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
125,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCHEDULE 8.5
to
Loan and Security Agreement
DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depository Bank |
|
Account Name |
|
Type of Account |
|
Account Number |
KeyBank National Association |
|
NA |
|
Concentration Account |
|
359681226437 |
Bank of America, N.A. |
|
Connecticut |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
0000-0000-0000 |
Bank of America, N.A. |
|
Southern |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
00000000 |
Bank of America, N.A. |
|
Southern |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
334010352417 |
Comerica |
|
Detroit |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
1851893915 |
F&M Trust — Memorial Square Office |
|
Chambersburg |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
0000000 |
PNC Bank, National Association |
|
Philadelphia |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
8550421359 |
Xxxxx Fargo, NA. |
|
Chicago |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
4121316137 |
Xxxxx Fargo, N.A. |
|
Coil |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
1062238 |
Xxxxx Fargo, N.A. |
|
Iowa |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
3001011514 |
Xxxxx Fargo, N.A. |
|
Plate |
|
Xxxxx Cash |
|
0000000000 |
SCHEDULE 8.6.1
to
Loan and Security Agreement
BUSINESS LOCATIONS
Chief Executive Office: 0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Other Locations:
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxx 00000
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx., Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
000 Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
00000 00xx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxx 00000
0000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
0000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
0000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000
000 Xxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
000-X Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000
One Media Place, 0000 X. Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx – Xxxxx 000, Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
00000 Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx, Xxxx 00000
0000 00xx Xxxxxx XX, Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
The following bailees, warehouseman, similar parties and consignees hold inventory of a
Borrower or Subsidiary:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warehouse Name |
|
Address |
|
City |
|
State |
|
Zip code |
Albany Mfg. Co. |
|
00000 XX XX 00 |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Capacity Warehouse Distribution |
|
00000 Xxxx Xxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Central 57 |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Chemcoaters |
|
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Cleveland division |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Electric Coating Technologies |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxx Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Empire Stevedoring |
|
0000 Xxxxxx X 00/00 |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxxxx Industries |
|
00 X Xxxx Xx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Feralloy Processing |
|
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xx. |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Ferrous Metal |
|
00000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Ferrous South — Stock |
|
00 Xxxxxx Xx 000 |
|
Xxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx 000 |
|
Xxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Gateway Co. |
|
000 X Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
GM Stainless |
|
00 XxXxxxx Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
0000 |
Gradall (Rear dock) |
|
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx X.X. |
|
Xxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Gulf Stream Marine |
|
C/O Greensport Terminal, 00000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxxxxx Steel |
|
0000 Xxxx’x Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxxxxx Steel |
|
000 Xxxxx Xx |
|
Xxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxxxxx Steel — Cleveland |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Hendrick |
|
0 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Hendrick |
|
0000 Xxxxxx Xx. |
|
Xxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Hendrick |
|
0 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Indiana Pickling |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxx & Xxxx |
|
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Logistec USA, Inc. |
|
000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X. X Xxx 0000 |
|
Xxx Xxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Main Steel |
|
000 Xxxxxxx Xx., Xx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Main Steel — Bartlett |
|
000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warehouse Name |
|
Address |
|
City |
|
State |
|
Zip code |
Main Steel — Harmony |
|
0 Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Main Steel — Union, NJ |
|
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Main Steel (Wheeling) |
|
000 X Xxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Main Steel |
|
0000-X Xxxxxxxx Xx. |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Maryland Metals |
|
0000X Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx. |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Moses Lake |
|
0000 00XX XX XX |
|
Xxxxx Xxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
NACME |
|
000 X 000XX XX |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Ohio Pickling & Processing |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Panther Precision Machine |
|
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxx XX |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Precoat Metals — Portage |
|
6300 US 00 Xxxxx 000 |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Precoat/Midwest Metals Granite |
|
00 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Pro-Fabricators, Inc. |
|
00000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxxx Steel Pickling |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Schebler Company |
|
XXX 00 & Xxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Service Steel |
|
X.X. Xxx 0000 |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Shear-Rite |
|
00 Xxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
South Jersey Port Corporation |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Specialty Metals |
|
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
SSTOR |
|
00 Xxxxxxx Xx. Xxx. |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Steel Warehouse of Chattanooga |
|
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Stock — JBI |
|
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Storage & Processors |
|
X/X Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, 00000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
The Material Works |
|
000 Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx |
|
Xxx Xxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
TSA ARLINGTON |
|
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxx Xx. |
|
Xxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Uniserv |
|
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Vision Pickling & Processing |
|
0000 Xxxxx Xxxxx 00 |
|
Xxxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxx Steel |
|
0000 Xxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Xxxxx Industries, Inc. |
|
00000 Xxxxxxxx Xxx |
|
Xxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warehouse Name |
|
Address |
|
City |
|
State |
|
Zip code |
Werk Brau |
|
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|
Xxxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Worthington Steel |
|
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx 00 |
|
Xxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
Worthington Steel — Porter |
|
000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
Xxxxxx |
|
XX |
|
00000 |
SCHEDULE 9.1.4
to
Loan and Security Agreement
NAMES AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE
1. |
|
The corporate names and jurisdictions of organization of each Borrower and Subsidiary, and
authorized and issued Equity Interests of each Borrower (other than Olympic Steel) and
Subsidiary are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number and Class of |
|
|
|
|
Number and Class of |
|
Issued Share and |
Name |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Authorized Shares |
|
Record Owner |
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
Ohio
|
|
20,000,000 common shares
no par value
5,000,000 preferred shares
|
|
10,883,411 common
shares as of April
29, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Lafayette,
Inc.
|
|
Ohio
|
|
850 shares common stock,
no par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Minneapolis,
Inc.
|
|
Minnesota
|
|
100 shares common stock,
no par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Iowa, Inc.
|
|
Iowa
|
|
100 shares common stock,
no par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel
Minneapolis, Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oly Steel Welding, Inc.
|
|
Michigan
|
|
60,000 shares common
stock, no par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Receivables
L.L.C.
|
|
Delaware
|
|
NA
|
|
99% membership
interests issued to
Olympic Steel, Inc.
1% membership
interest issued to
Olympic Steel
Receivables, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oly Steel NC, Inc.
|
|
Delaware
|
|
100 shares common stock,
no par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xxxxxxx Group-PS&W, Inc.
|
|
North Carolina
|
|
100,000 shares common
stock, no par value
|
|
5,000 shares (owned
by Oly Steel NC,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IS Acquisition, Inc.
|
|
Ohio
|
|
100 shares common stock,
$.01 par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olyac, Inc.
|
|
Delaware
|
|
100 shares common stock,
$.01 par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number and Class of |
|
|
|
|
Number and Class of |
|
Issued Share and |
Name |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Authorized Shares |
|
Record Owner |
Olympic Steel Receivables,
Inc.
|
|
Delaware
|
|
850 shares common stock,
$.01 par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Trading, Inc.
|
|
Ohio
|
|
850 shares common stock,
no par value
|
|
100 shares (owned
by Olympic Steel,
Inc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
G.S.P., LLC
|
|
Michigan
|
|
NA
|
|
100% membership
interest issued to
Oly Steel Welding,
Inc. |
2. |
|
All agreements binding on holders of Equity Interests of Borrowers (other than Olympic
Steel) and Subsidiaries with respect to such interests are as follows: |
None.
3. |
|
In the five years preceding the Closing Date, no Borrower or Subsidiary has acquired any
substantial assets from any other Person nor been the surviving entity in a merger or
combination, except: |
Xxxxxxx / PS&W — June 2006
Integrity Stainless — Jan 2010
SCHEDULE 9.1.11
to
Loan and Security Agreement
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS AND LICENSES
1. |
|
Borrowers’ and Subsidiaries’ federally registered patents: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Status in Patent |
|
Federal |
|
|
Patent |
|
Owner |
|
Office |
|
Registration No. |
|
Registration Date |
None.
2. |
|
Borrowers’ and Subsidiaries’ federally registered trademarks: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Status in Trademark |
|
Federal |
|
|
Trademark |
|
Owner |
|
Office |
|
Registration No. |
|
Registration Date |
OLY-FLATBRITE
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
Registered
|
|
2994499
|
|
09/13/05 |
3. |
|
Borrowers’ and Subsidiaries’ federally registered copyrights: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright |
|
Claimant |
|
Copyright Number |
|
Registration Date |
Contra Program
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
TXu110424
|
|
04/16/82 |
4. |
|
Borrowers’ and Subsidiaries’ licenses (other than routine business licenses, authorizing
them to transact business in local jurisdictions): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licensor |
|
Description of License |
|
Term of License |
|
Royalties Payable |
None.
SCHEDULE 9.1.14
to
Loan and Security Agreement
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
None.
SCHEDULE 9.1.15
to
Loan and Security Agreement
RESTRICTIVE AGREEMENTS
None.
SCHEDULE 9.1.16
to
Loan and Security Agreement
LITIGATION
1. |
|
Proceedings and investigations pending against Borrowers or Subsidiaries: |
None.
2. |
|
Threatened proceedings or investigations of which any Borrower or Subsidiary is aware: |
None.
3. |
|
Pending Commercial Tort Claim of any Obligor: |
None.
SCHEDULE 9.1.18
to
Loan and Security Agreement
PENSION PLAN DISCLOSURES
None.
SCHEDULE 9.1.20
to
Loan and Security Agreement
LABOR CONTRACTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parties |
|
Type of Agreement |
|
Term of Agreement |
MN Coil (Int’l Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs,
Warehousemen & Helpers of
America) |
|
Union contract |
|
September 30, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MN Plate (Int’l Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs,
Warehousemen & Helpers of
America) |
|
Union contract |
|
March 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Detroit (Int’l Union of Operating Engineers) |
|
Union contract |
|
August 31, 2012 |
SCHEDULE 10.2.2
to
Loan and Security Agreement
EXISTING LIENS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
Olympic Steel Iowa, Inc.
|
|
IA
|
|
State
|
|
Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A.
|
|
UCC: X10000874-0
File Date: 1/8/10
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Lafayette, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
MISA Metal Blanking, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00064987591
File Date: 6/12/03
Amendment: 20040980626
File Date: 4/5/04
Continuation: 20081540578
File Date: 6/2/08
|
|
Steel coils pursuant to Toll Agreement between Secured Party and Debtor
*Notice Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Lafayette, Inc.
Lafeyette Steel & Processing
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Marubeni-Itochu Steel America, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00112477802
File Date: 3/5/07
|
|
Steel coils pursuant to Toll Agreement between Secured Party and Debtor
*Notice Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Lafayette, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
ArcelorMittal USA Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00131740511
File Date: 12/19/08
|
|
Steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Minneapolis, Inc.
|
|
MN
|
|
State
|
|
Genie Industries, Inc.
|
|
UCC: 200916492845
File Date: 6/19/09
|
|
Steel Plates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel Minneapolis, Inc.
|
|
MN
|
|
State
|
|
Steel Technologies Inc.
|
|
UCC: 200917354768
File Date: 9/11/09
|
|
All steel coils
*Filed for notice purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
|
|
MN
|
|
State
|
|
Coilplus-Pennsylvania, Inc.
Coilplus, Inc.
Coilplus-North Carolina, Inc.
|
|
UCC: 201019255215
File Date: 2/24/10
|
|
Secured Parties shall ship to Debtors carbon steel products to be stored or processed
*Filing for notification purposes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: AP322923
File Date: 3/27/01
Amendment: 20060470692
File Date: 2/16/06
Continuation: 20060470644
File Date: 2/16/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: AP322924
File Date: 3/27/01
Amendment: 20060470658
File Date: 2/16/06
Continuation: 20060470622
File Date: 2/16/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: OH00056944086
File Date: 10/28/02
Continuation: 20071980324
File Date: 7/17/07
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00058857144
File Date: 1/10/03
Continuation: 20071980756
File Date: 7/13/07
Continuation: 20072120760
File Date: 7/31/07
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Maxus Leasing Group, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00074298229
File Date: 2/26/04
Amendment: 20041470256
File Date: 5/21/04
Continuation: 20082960426
File Date: 10/21/08
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance, a division of Key
Corporate Capital Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00078771227
File Date: 6/24/04
Continuation: 20090820344
File Date: 3/23/09
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance, a division of Key
Corporate Capital Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00082121488
File Date: 10/4/04
Continuation: 20091830344
File Date: 7/2/09
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance, a division of Key
Corporate Capital Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00085212868
File Date: 1/4/05
Continuation: 00000000000
File Date: 10/14/09
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00088837603
File Date: 4/29/05
Continuation: 20100280188
File Date: 1/28/10
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00094686478
File Date: 10/26/05
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: OH00098932122
File Date: 2/21/06
|
|
In-Lieu Filing
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Amended: Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC
Original secured Party: Fleet Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: OH00101778716
File Date: 5/4/06
Amendment: 20061280150
File Date: 5/31/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Precautionary Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC
|
|
UCC: OH00102805958
File Date: 6/2/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Precautionary Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC
|
|
UCC: OH00104254840
File Date: 7/10/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Precautionary Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Mitsui Steel, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00104285007
File Date: 7/11/06
|
|
All steel coils owned or acquired by Mitsui Steel, inc. and secured or placed on the
premises of Olympic Steel, Inc.
*Filed for Notice purposes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00106062380
File Date: 8/31/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Xxxxxx Leasing Corp
|
|
UCC: OH00106131135
File Date: 9/1/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC
|
|
UCC: OH00106731531
File Date: 9/19/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Precautionary Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Greater Bay Bank N.A.
|
|
UCC: OH00116955294
File Date: 7/6/07
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed for Notice purposes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00119579683
File Date: 9/28/07
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00119585656
File Date: 9/28/07
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
NMHG Financial Services, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00125614435
File Date: 4/11/08
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Alliance Steel Corporation
|
|
UCC: OH00129035118
File Date: 8/19/08
|
|
Steel and other products owned by Xxxxxx (Secured Party) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Key Equipment Finance Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00131165854
File Date: 11/24/08
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
ArcelorMittal USA Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00131740733
File Date: 12/19/08
|
|
Steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
A2 Sales, LLC d/b/a Alliance Steel 1, LLC
|
|
UCC: OH00132225388
File Date: 1/9/09
|
|
Steel and other products owned by Xxxxxx (Secured Party) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
SSAB Turnplat AB
|
|
UCC: OH00135020670
File Date: 5/29/09
|
|
Consigned Inventory of steel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
National City Bank, as Agent
Shiloh Industries, Inc.
|
|
UCC: OH00135824816
File Date: 7/7/09
|
|
Any and all inventory and/or equipment of Xxxxxx/Consignor
*Precautionary Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
IBM Credit LLC
|
|
UCC: OH00139340995
File Date: 12/29/09
|
|
Equipment
*Precautionary Filing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00139387458
File Date: 12/30/09
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00139387569
File Date: 12/30/09
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00139387670
File Date: 12/30/09
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00139599285
File Date: 1/11/10
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00140091949
File Date: 2/3/10
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00140092062
File Date: 2/3/10
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
US Bancorp
|
|
UCC: OH00140691234
File Date: 3/9/10
|
|
Equipment
*For informational purposes only
|
Olympic Steel, Inc.
|
|
OH
|
|
State
|
|
Capital One Equipment Leasing & Finance
|
|
UCC: OH00142167679
File Date: 5/13/10
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amended: Xxxxxxx Group-PS&W, Inc.
Original Debtor: Precision Steel
& Welding, Inc.
|
|
NC
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: 20010000689
File Date: 1/3/01
Amendment: 20050102434B
File Date: 10/25/05
Continuation: 20050102435C
File Date: 10/25/05
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UCC Filing No./Filing |
|
|
Debtor |
|
State |
|
Jurisdiction |
|
Secured Party |
|
Date |
|
Collateral |
Amended: Xxxxxxx Group-PS&W, Inc.
Original Debtor: Precision Steel
& Welding, Inc.
|
|
NC
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: 20010000690
File Date: 1/3/01
Continuation: 20050102429G
File Date: 10/25/05
Amendment: 20050102427E
File Date: 10/25/05
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amended: Xxxxxxx Group-PS&W, Inc.
Original Debtor: Precision Steel
& Welding, Inc.
|
|
NC
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: 20010025017
File Date: 3/3/01
Continuation: 20060011143K
File Date: 2/3/06
Amendment: 20060011142J
File Date: 2/3/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Xxxxxxx Group-PS&W, Inc.
|
|
NC
|
|
State
|
|
General Electric Capital Corporation
|
|
UCC: 20060017280H
File Date: 2/20/06
|
|
LEASED EQUIPMENT
*Filed Solely as a precaution |
SCHEDULE 10.2.5
to
Loan and Security Agreement
EXISTING INVESTMENTS
Oly Steel Welding, Inc. owns 50% of the membership interest in OLP, LLC.
SCHEDULE 10.2.17
to
Loan and Security Agreement
EXISTING AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS
A related entity owns and leases to Olympic Steel, Inc. the warehouse located at 0000 Xxxxxxxx
Xxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000.