SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Exhibit
10.1
Form
8-K
Viking
Systems, Inc.
File
No.
000-49636
SECURITIES
PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 12, 2005, among
(i) Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Viking”), (ii) St. Cloud
Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“St. Cloud”), as “Lead
Lender” and “Collateral Agent” and (iii) St. Cloud, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, and any other
Person signing the signature page of this Agreement as an Investor or that
becomes an Investor after the date hereof in accordance with this Agreement
(collectively, the “Investors”).
Recitals
The
capitalized terms used in these Recitals shall have the respective meanings
set
forth for such terms in Section 1 hereof.
Viking
desires to borrow up to $4,000,000 from Investors on the terms and conditions
of
this Agreement and each of the Investors hereby agrees to make a Loan to
Viking
on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Viking
has agreed to secure the Obligations by granting to the Investors a Third
Priority Lien on the Collateral. Such Third Priority Lien is junior to and
subordinate to a first priority Lien of Silicon Valley Bank and a second
priority lien in favor of St. Cloud as Collateral Agent for a loan transaction
effected March 22, 2005 (the “March 22, 2005 Transaction”).
As
additional consideration for each of the Investors making a Loan to Viking,
each
Investor will be given the right to convert his, her or its Loan into shares
of
Viking’s Common Stock and each Investor will be given a Warrant to purchase
additional shares of Viking Common Stock. The exact terms and conditions
of the
conversion and the Warrant are set forth below.
All
or
some of the Investors hereunder are also investors (the “March 22nd
Investors”) in the March 22, 2005 Transaction. The March 22, 2005 Transaction
included certain agreements between Viking and the March 22nd
Investors relating to a conversion of the March 22nd
Loan
into Viking Common Stock, the issuance of warrants to the March 22nd
Investors, the registration of the loan conversion shares and warrant shares
and
other matters. Under certain circumstances and pursuant to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the terms, rights, conditions and agreements
of
the March 22, 2005 Transaction documents shall be incorporated into this
Agreement as agreed to herein.
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Viking
proposes to offer and sell shares of its capital stock in either (i) a private
equity offering (“PEO”) to be completed within 120 days from the date of this
Agreement, or (ii) a registered public offering with gross offering proceeds
of
not less than $4,000,000 (“Public Offering”) the registration statement for
which will be filed within 45 days from the date of this Agreement. If the
PEO
occurs, the Investors herein shall convert their Loans into the securities
offered in the PEO pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
If in
lieu of a PEO, Viking files a registration statement for the Public Offering
and
the Public Offering Requirements are met, the Investors shall convert their
Loans into shares of Viking’s common stock pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement. If either the PEO has not to be completed within 120 days
from the date hereof or the registration statement for the Public Offering
has
not been filed within 45 days and declared effective by the Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days after filing, the Loans made pursuant
to
this Agreement shall have the same conversion rights, registration rights,
warrant rights and other rights, terms and conditions that the March 22nd
Investors were granted or are subject to pursuant to the March 22, 2005
Transaction Documents.
Each
of
the Investors hereby appoints St. Cloud as the “Collateral Agent” to act
hereunder on behalf of all of the Investors under the Security Agreement.
Simultaneously
with the execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the Investors
(or
an Addendum Agreement to this Agreement, as applicable), (a) each Investor
shall
lend Viking the amount set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex
A
of this
Agreement, which maximum Loan to be made by all Investors as a group is an
aggregate of $4,000,000, and (b) Viking shall issue to each of the Investors
a
Promissory Note in the principal amount of such Investor’s Loan substantially in
the form of Exhibit
A.
In
addition, as of the date hereof, each of the Collateral Agent and Viking
shall
execute and deliver a Security Agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit
B.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements, provisions
and
covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Agreement
1. Definitions.
For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning set
forth
below:
(a) “Agent-Related
Persons”
is
defined in Section 13.3.
(b) “Agent’s
Liens”
is
defined in Section 13.10.
(c) “Business”
is
defined in Section 8.18.
(d) “CERCLA”
is
defined in Section 8.15.
(e) “Closings”
is
defined in Section 3.
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(f) “Closing
Fee”
is
defined in Section 2.3.
(g) “Closing
Date”
is
defined in Section 3.
(h) “Code”
is
defined in Section 8.16.
(i) “Collateral”
means
Viking’s right, title and interest in, to and under all tangible and intangible
personal property of Viking, in each case whether now owned or existing or
hereafter acquired or arising and wherever located.
(j) “Collateral
Agent”
is
defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
(k) “Collateral
Agent Fee”
is
defined in Section 13.2 of this Agreement.
(l) “Common
Stock”
means
the $.001 par value common stock of Viking.
(m) “Conversion
Price”
is
defined in Section 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3.
(n) “Conversion
Rights”
means
each Investor’s right under the Promissory Note, to convert all or part of the
outstanding balance of the Promissory Note into Common Stock at the Conversion
Price.
(o) “Convertible
Securities”
means
any securities of Viking convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable
for
Common Stock.
(p) “Current
Balance Sheet”
is
defined in Section 8.6.
(q) “Default”
means
a
condition or event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute an Event of Default.
(r) “Environment”
means
soil, land surface or subsurface strata, surface waters (including navigable
waters, ocean waters, streams, ponds, drainage basins and wetlands),
groundwater, drinking water supply, stream sediments, ambient air (including
indoor air), plant and animal life and any other environmental medium or
natural
resource.
(s) “Environmental
and Safety Requirements”
shall
mean all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, regulations, rules,
ordinances, and similar provisions having the force or effect of law, all
judicial and administrative orders, judgments, directives, and determinations,
all contractual obligations, permits, licenses and all common law, in each
case
concerning public health and safety, worker health and safety and pollution
or
protection of the environment (including, without limitation, all those relating
to the presence, use, production, generation, handling, transportation,
treatment, storage, disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing,
discharge, release, threatened release, control or cleanup of any hazardous
or
otherwise regulated materials, substances or wastes, chemical substances
or
mixtures, pesticides, pollutants, contaminants, toxic chemicals, petroleum
products or byproducts, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, noise or
radiation), each as amended and as now or hereafter in effect.
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(t) “Event
of Default”
means
the occurrence of any of the conditions or events set forth in Section 6
of the
Promissory Notes.
(u) “Exchange
Act”
is
defined in Section 8.5
(v) “Financial
Statements”
is
defined in Section 8.5.
(w) “First
Closing Date” means
August 12, 2005, or such other date as Viking and St. Cloud mutually agree
upon.
(x) “GAAP”
is
defined in Section 8.5.
(y) “Governmental
Agency”
means
any government or any agency, bureau, commission, court, department, official,
political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government,
whether federal, state or local, domestic or foreign.
(z) “Indemnified
Liabilities”
is
defined in Section 15.
(aa) “Indemnified
Person”
is
defined in Section 15.
(bb) “Investor”
is
defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
(cc) “Lead
Lender/Collateral Agent”
is
defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
(dd) “Lien”
means
any lien, mortgage, pledge, assignment, security interest, charge or encumbrance
of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the
nature
thereof) and any option, trust or other preferential arrangement having the
practical effect of any of the foregoing.
(ee) “Loan”
means
the loan to be made by each of the Investors to Viking pursuant to the terms
of
this Agreement as evidenced by the Promissory Notes in the amount set forth
opposite such Investors’ names on Annex
A
of this
Agreement.
(ff) “Loan
Documents”
means,
collectively, the Promissory Note, Security Instruments, Registration Rights
Agreement, the Warrant and this Agreement, as each may be amended, supplemented
or restated from time to time.
(gg) “March
22, 2005 Transaction”
is
defined in the Recitals.
(hh) “March
22nd
Investors”
is
defined in the Recitals.
(ii) “March
22nd
Loan”
is
the
loan made by the March 22nd
Investors in the March 22, 2005 Transaction.
(jj) “Material
Adverse Change”
is
defined in Section 8.6.
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(kk) “Material
Adverse Effect”
is
defined in Section 8.6.
(ll) “Maturity
Date”
is
defined in Section 2.
(mm) “Multiemployer
Plan”
is
defined in Section 8.16.
(nn) “Obligations”
means
obligations of Viking from time to time arising under or in respect of (i)
the
Loans, (ii) this Agreement and/or (iii) the other Loan Documents owing to
Investors.
(oo) “Parties”
means
Viking, the Lead Lender/Collateral Agent and the Investors.
(pp) “Pension
Plan”
is
defined in Section 8.16.
(qq) “PEO”
is
defined in the Recitals.
(rr) “Person”
shall
mean any corporation, limited liability company, trust, partnership, individual,
association or other entity.
(ss) “Promissory
Note”
shall
mean and refer to each of the Secured Convertible Promissory Notes substantially
in the form of Exhibit “A,” dated as of the applicable Closing Date, and issued
by Viking to evidence the Loans by each of the Secured Parties, as the same
may
be amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.
(tt) “Proprietary
Information”
is
defined in Section 8.10.
(uu) “Public
Offering”
is
defined in the Recitals.
(vv) “Public
Offering Requirements”
means
Viking complying with the following requirements (i) filing within forty-five
(45) days from the date hereof a registration statement with the Securities
and
Exchange Commission for the Public Offering, (ii) such registration statement
is
declared effective within 120 days after it was initially filed by Viking,
and
(iii) a minimum of $4,000,000 in gross proceeds is raised in the Public
Offering.
(ww) “Regulatory
Problem”
shall
mean any transaction, circumstance or situation whereby (i) a Person and
such
Person’s affiliates would own, control or have power over a quantity of
securities of any kind issued by Viking or any other entity greater than
is
permitted under any requirement of any applicable governmental authority,
or
(ii) it has been asserted by any governmental regulatory agency, or such
Person
believes, that such Person or its affiliates are not entitled to hold, or
exercise any significant right under or with respect to, the
Securities.
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(xx) “Regulatory
Violation”
shall
mean, with respect to Lead Lender, (i) a diversion of the proceeds of the
issuance by Viking of the Securities from the use reported thereof on the
SBA
form No. 1031 delivered at Closing, if such diversion was effected without
obtaining the prior written consent of Lead Lender (which may be withheld
in its
sole discretion) or (ii) a change in the principal business activity of Viking
to an ineligible business activity (within the meaning of the SBIC Regulations)
if such change occurs within one year after the date of the
Closing.
(yy) “Required
Investors”
means
Investors holding a majority in interest of the outstanding principal amount
of
the Promissory Notes, including the affirmative vote, consent or approval
(as
applicable) of St. Cloud.
(zz) “St.
Cloud”
is
defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
(aaa) “SBA”
is
defined in Section 3.1.
(bbb) “SBIC”
means
a
small business investment company licensed under the SBIC Act.
(ccc) “SBIC
Act”
means
the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended.
(ddd) “SBIC
Regulations”
means
the Small Business Investment Company Act of 1958, as amended, and the
regulations issued by the SBA thereunder, codified at Title 13 of the Code
of
Federal Regulations (“13
C.F.R.”),
107
and 121, as amended.
(eee) “SEC
Filings”
is
defined in Section 8.11.
(fff) “SEC
Reports”
is
defined in Section 8.11.
(ggg) “Third
Priority”
means,
with respect to any Lien purported to be created in any Collateral pursuant
to
the Security Instruments, that such Lien is the only Lien to which such
Collateral is subject, other than the first priority Lien of Silicon Valley
Bank
granted to Silicon Valley Bank pursuant to that certain Silicon
Valley Bank Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2004,
between
Silicon Valley Bank and Viking (the “SVB Loan Agreement”) and a second priority
lien in favor of St. Cloud as Collateral Agent in connection with the March
22,
2005 Transaction.
(hhh) “Secured
Parties”
means
each of the Investors.
(iii) “Securities”
means
the Promissory Notes, the Warrants and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion
or exercise of the Promissory Notes and the Warrants.
(jjj) “Securities
Act”
is
defined in Section 2.4.
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(kkk) “Security
Agreement”
means
a
security agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit “D” attached hereto, as
the same may be amended, restated or supplemented from time to
time.
(lll) “Security
Instruments”
means
the Security Agreement, and UCC-1 Financing Statement and such other documents
as may be reasonably required by the Investors to establish, preserve and
perfect the Second Priority Lien on the Collateral and secure the Promissory
Note.
(mmm) “Shareholders”
is
defined in Section 13.5.
(nnn) “Transaction
Expenses”
shall
mean and include (i) all out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by Lead
Lender
and Collateral Agent in connection with its due diligence review of Viking,
the
preparation, negotiation, execution, interpretation and enforcement of this
Agreement, the Securities and the other Loan Documents and the agreements
contemplated hereby and thereby, and the consummation of all of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, all travel
expenses incurred by representatives or agents of Lead Lender and Collateral
Agent and all reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants
and
other third parties), (ii) all reasonable fees and expenses incurred with
respect to any amendments or waivers (whether or not the same become effective)
under or in respect of each of the Loan Documents and the other agreements
and
instruments contemplated hereby and thereby, (iii) all recording and filing
fees, stamp and other taxes which may be payable in respect of the execution
and
delivery of the Loan Documents or the issuance, delivery or acquisition of
the
Securities, and (iv) the fees and expenses incurred by Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent in any filing with any governmental agency with respect
to its
investment in Viking or in any other filing with any governmental agency
with
respect to Viking which mentions Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.
(ooo) “Viking”
is
defined in the preamble of this Agreement.
(ppp) “Viking
Benefit Plan”
is
defined in Section 8.16.
(qqq) “Warrant”
means
the Warrant issued to each investor pursuant to this Agreement.
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2. The
Loan.
Viking
agrees to borrow from the Investors, and each Investor, severally and not
jointly, agrees to lend to Viking, subject to the terms and conditions set
forth
herein, the amount set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex
A,
which
Loan by such Investors in the aggregate shall be (a) in the minimum aggregate
principal amount of $400,000 as of the First Closing Date and (b) in the
maximum
aggregate principal amount of $4,000,000 (the “Maximum Aggregate Principal
Amount”). Each Loan shall be due on the date that is twelve months from the date
hereof (“Maturity Date”). If on the First Closing Date, the Company shall not
have issued to the Investors Promissory Notes in the maximum aggregate principal
amount of $4,000,000, Viking shall have the right, at any time on or prior
to
the date that is ninety (90) days after the First Closing Date, to issue
Promissory Notes to one or more Investors in an amount not to exceed the
Maximum
Aggregate Principal Amount, provided that any such additional Investor shall
be
required to execute an Addendum Agreement to this Agreement substantially
in the
form of Exhibit
C.
Any
such additional Person so making a Loan to Viking pursuant to the terms of
this
Agreement shall be considered an “Investor” for purposes of this
Agreement.
2.1 Use
of Loan Proceeds.
The
Loan proceeds shall be used by Viking pursuant to the use of proceeds as
set
forth on the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 3.1.10.
2.2 Promissory
Note and Grant of Security Interest.
Each
Loan shall be evidenced by a Promissory Note and secured by a Third Priority
Lien against all of the Collateral as set forth in the Security Instruments.
On
the First Closing Date, Viking shall execute a Security Agreement which shall
grant to each Investor and Collateral Agent a security interest in the
Collateral in order to secure prompt repayment of any and all Obligations
owed
by Viking to each Investor and in order to secure prompt performance by Viking
of its covenants and obligations under the Loan Documents. The Investors
agree
to enter into a customary subordination agreement as may reasonably be requested
by Silicon Valley Bank relating to the subordination of Investor’s loan to the
rights and preferences of Silicon Valley Bank pursuant to the SVB Loan
Agreement.
2.3 Loan
Closing Fee. On
the
applicable Closing Date for each such Investor, a total of two percent (2%)
of
the Loan from an Investor shall be deducted from the Loan proceeds from such
Investor and shall be retained by such Investor as a closing fee (the “Closing
Fee”). Accordingly, on such Closing Date, Viking shall receive ninety-eight
percent (98%) of the total Loan proceeds and each of the Investors shall
retain
two percent (2%) of such Investor’s Loan as a Closing Fee.
2.4 Accredited
Investors Only.
The
Promissory Notes will be offered and sold to only a limited number of selected
sophisticated Investors, each of whom Viking has reasonable grounds to believe
and does believe, immediately before making an offer, qualifies as an
“accredited investor,” as that term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”),
and has such knowledge and experience of financial and business matters that
such prospective purchaser is capable of evaluating the merits and risks
of
investing in the Promissory Notes.
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3. Deliveries
at Closing.
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the closings of the transactions
contemplated herein (each, a “Closing”) shall take place at offices of Viking,
La Jolla, California, (i) on the First Closing Date, with respect to St.
Cloud,
and (ii) on such other dates as Viking and such other Investor mutually agree
upon, with respect to the other Investor, provided that such date shall be
on or
prior to ninety (90) days from the First Closing Date (as applicable to each
such Investor, a “Closing Date”).
3.1 Deliveries
by Viking at Closing. The
obligations of each Investor under this Agreement are subject to the
fulfillment, on or before the Closing of each of the following conditions,
unless otherwise waived. At the Closing, Viking will have delivered to each
Investor or its counsel all of the following documents:
3.1.1 This
Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;
3.1.2 A
Promissory Note, in the aggregate principal amount of the Loan, signed by
a duly
authorized officer of Viking;
3.1.3 The
Security Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of Viking;
3.1.4 A
certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by the Chief Executive
Officer
and President of Viking, in the form reasonably acceptable to Lead Lender’s
counsel, certifying (i) that the representations and warranties of Viking
contained in Section 11 are true and correct in all respects on and as of
the
Closing with the same effect as though such representations and warranties
had
been made on and as of the Closing Date (except, with respect to Closings
subsequent to the First Closing Date, for changes resulting from the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement); (ii) that Viking has performed
and
complied with all covenants, agreements, obligations and conditions contained
in
the Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on
or
before the Closing; (iii) a true and complete copy of the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Viking, as amended or supplemented to the Closing
Date, and (iv) resolutions of the Board of Directors of Viking (and, if
required, the stockholders of Viking) authorizing the execution, delivery
and
performance of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and the consummation
of
the transactions contemplated thereby.
3.1.5 A
closing
statement (substantially in the form provided by Lead Lender), signed by
a duly
authorized officer of Viking;
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3.1.6 With
respect to each Investor, the Closing Fees and, with respect to the Lead
Lender,
the Transaction Expenses, an estimate of which shall be provided by Lead
Lender
to Viking and which Transaction Expenses may be deducted or withheld from
the
amount paid by Lead Lender to Viking in connection with the Lead Lender’s Loan
at the First Closing; provided, however, that Lead Lender shall provide Viking
with the aggregate amount of Transaction Expenses as of the First Closing
Date
within thirty (30) days after the First Closing Date and to the extent such
amount is less than the estimated amount deducted at the Closing on the First
Closing Date, such difference shall be promptly paid by Lead Lender to Viking,
and to the extent such amount is greater than the estimated amount deducted
at
the Closing on the First Closing Date, such difference shall be promptly
paid by
Viking to Lead Lender;
3.1.7 Completed
Small Business Administration (“SBA”) forms No. 480 (Size Status Declaration),
No. 652 (Assurance of Compliance) and No. 1031 (Portfolio Financing Report,
Parts A and B);
3.1.8 A
certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, signed by the Chief Executive
Officer
and President of Viking, certifying as to the use of proceeds from the issuance
of the Promissory Note.
3.1.9 Such
other documents relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
as
Lead Lender or its counsel may reasonably request.
3.2 Deliveries
by Investor at Closing.
The
obligations of Viking under this Agreement are subject to the fulfillment,
on or
before the Closing of each of the following conditions, unless otherwise
waived.
At the Closing, each Investor will have delivered to Viking or its
counsel:
3.2.1 A
wire
transfer to the account listed in Schedule
3.2.1
hereto in
an
amount equal to such Investor’s Loan less the Closing Fees (and in the case of
Lead Lender, less the Transaction Expenses); and
3.2.2 This
Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of each Investor, or if Investor
is an individual, by such Investor (or, if after the First Closing Date,
an
Addendum Agreement to this Agreement); and
3.2.3 The
Security Agreement, signed by a duly authorized officer of each Investor,
or if
Investor is an individual, by such Investor.
3.3 Warrant
Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement.
The
Warrant to be issued hereunder shall be delivered by Viking to the Investors
as
soon as practical after the terms and conditions of the Warrant are determined
in accordance with Section 5 of this Agreement. The Registration Rights
Agreement to be entered by Viking and the Lenders shall be executed by Viking
and delivered to the Investors as soon as practical after the terms and
conditions of the registration rights have been determined.
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4. Loan
Conversion Terms. Viking
and each of the Lenders acknowledge that Viking intends to attempt to raise
additional capital in either a PEO or a Public Offering. The parties anticipate
that the decision as to whether Viking will effect a PEO or a Public Offering
will be finalized within 45 days from the date of this Agreement. The conversion
terms and Conversion Price of the Loans will depend upon whether a PEO or
a
Public Offering is effected by Viking. The Loan conversion terms are as
follows:
4.1
Loan
Conversion Upon PEO.
In the
event Viking elects to offer its securities in a PEO, Viking shall have the
right to require an Investor to convert all or any portion of such Investor’s
Loan into the securities offered by Viking in such PEO subject to the following:
(i) the conversion price for each Loan converted into the PEO shall be at
a
price which is a 20% discount to PEO offering price; and (ii) Viking shall
have
no right to require an Investor to convert such Investor’s Loan into the PEO
securities unless such PEO is completed within 120 days from the date hereof
and
a minimum gross proceeds of $4,000,000 is raised in the PEO from investors
who
are not Investors under this Agreement. Except as set forth in this Section
4.1,
all terms and conditions of the PEO, including registration rights and warrants
agreements, shall be applicable to the Investors whose Loans are converted
into
PEO securities pursuant to this Section 4.1. If the PEO does not have
Registration Rights, the Equity Securities and Convertible Securities issued
to
the Lenders shall be substantially similar to the Registration Rights provided
to the March 22nd
Investors.
4.2
Loan
Conversion Upon Public Offering.
In the
event Viking elects to offer its securities in a Public Offering, Viking
shall
have the right to require an Investor to convert all or any portion of such
Investor's Loan into shares of Viking Common Stock subject to the following:
(i)
the conversion price for each Loan converted pursuant to this Section 4.2
shall
be at a price which is a 20% discount to the per share Public Offering price;
and (ii) Viking shall have no right to require an Investor to convert such
Investor's Loan under this section 4.2 unless Viking files a registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission within forty-five (45)
days from the date hereof, the Public Offering is for a minimum of $4,000,000
in
gross offering proceeds and such registration statement is declared effective
by
the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days from that date of
the
original filing (the "Public Offering Requirements").
Notwithstanding
anything else contained in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event Viking
completes a Public Offering in which the net offering proceeds exceed
$6,000,000, an Investor may at its sole option require repayment of up to
fifty
percent (50%) of such Investor's Loan with that portion of the net Public
Offering Proceeds which exceed $6,000,000. Any repayment here under shall
be
made on a prorata basis among all of the Investors requiring repayment.
For
example, if (i) net Public Offering Proceeds are $6,500,000, (ii) the total
Loan
is $4,000,000 and (iii) all Investors require repayment, then Viking shall
use
$500,000 of the net Public Offering Proceeds to repay each 12.5% of each
Investor's Loan. If the net Public Offering Proceeds are $7,000,000, then
Viking
shall use $1,000,000 of the net Public Offering Proceeds to repay each 25%
of
each Investor's Loan.
Any
amount of the Loan not repaid with Public Offering Proceeds shall be converted
into Viking Common Stock pursuant to this Section 4.2.
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4.3
Terms
Applicable if PEO or Public Offering Does Not Occur.
In the
event that Viking fails, either (i) within 120 days from the date hereof,
to
complete a PEO, or (ii) to meet the Public Offering Requirements, then in
such
event, the terms and conditions of the Loans shall be identical to the terms,
conditions and procedures of the loans made in the March 22, 2005 Transaction
except the security interest securing the Loans shall be a Third Priority
Lien
and not a second priority lien. Accordingly, if Viking does not complete
a PEO
within 120 days from the date of this Agreement or fails to meet the Public
Offering Requirements, (i) the Lender’s shall be granted Warrants on the same
terms and conditions as the March 22nd
Investors were granted warrants in the March 22, 2005 Transaction, (ii) the
optional and mandatory conversion rights applicable to the March 22nd
Investors shall be applicable to each of the Investors in connection with
their
Loans, and (iii) each of the Investors shall be granted registration rights
which are equivalent to the registration rights granted to March 22nd
Investors in the March 22, 2005 Transaction.
5. Warrants.
As
additional consideration for an Investor making a Loan to Viking pursuant
to
this Agreement, Viking shall issue each Investor a Warrant to purchase shares
of
Viking’s Common Stock. The exact terms and conditions of the Warrant shall be
depend upon whether Viking (i) completes a PEO with warrants, (ii) a PEO
without
warrants, (iii) a Public Offering or neither a PEO or a Public Offering.
Depending upon the circumstances, the Warrant terms are as follows:
5.1 PEO
with Warrants.
If
Viking elects to offer its securities in a PEO and such PEO has Warrants,
the
Loans shall be converted into the PEO securities pursuant to Section 4.1
of this
Agreement and the Investors herein shall be issued Warrants on the same terms
and conditions as all other investors in the PEO, provided however, in no
event
shall the exercise price of the Warrants granted to the Investors under this
Section 5.1 exceed $.60 per share. Accordingly, if the Warrant component
of such
PEO securities is less than $.60 per share, the Investors Warrant exercise
price
under this section 5.1 shall be such lesser price. If the Warrant component
of
such PEO securities is more than $.60 per share, the Investors Warrant exercise
price under this section 5.1 shall be $.60. Furthermore, in the event Investors
are issued Warrants under this Section 5.1, the total number of Warrants
issued
shall be the greater of (i) a Warrant to purchase one (1) share of Common
Stock
for each four (4) shares issuable to Investors under this Section 5.1 or
the
number of Warrant shares issuable under the terms of the PEO.
5.2 PEO
without Warrants.
If
Viking elects to offer its securities in a PEO and such PEO does not include
Warrants as part of the securities issued to the PEO Investors, the Loans
shall
be converted in the PEO securities pursuant to Section 4.1 of this Agreement
and
the Investors herein shall be issued Warrants exercisable at $.60 per share,
subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of such Warrant, and each Warrant
shall be for a term of forty-two (42) months from the date hereof. An Investor
shall be issued a Warrant to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock for each
four (4) shares issuable to investors in the PEO. For example, if an investor
in
the PEO is entitled to be issued, either directly, or upon conversion of
convertible securities, shares of Viking Common Stock, the Investor under
this
Agreement shall be issued a Warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock
for
each four shares of Common Stock issued or issuable in connection with
Convertible Securities offered in the PEO. The form of the Warrant issued
pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall be substantially similar to the Form of
Warrant issued in the March 22nd
Transaction except as other wise provided herein.
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5.3 Public
Offering.
If
Viking elects to offer its securities in a Public Offering and the Loan is
converted into Common Stock pursuant to Section 4.2 of this Agreement, an
Investor shall be issued a Warrant to purchase one (1) share of Common Stock
for
each four (4) shares issuable to Investors in connection with the conversion,
agreed to in Section 4.2 of this Agreement. The number of shares will be
calculated prior to the payoff of a portion of the Loan, if any, at the time
of
the offering. Warrants granted pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall be exercisable
at lesser of $.60 per share or 20% above the price at which the shares are
converted, subject to adjustment pursuant to the terms of such Warrant, and
each
Warrant shall be for a term of forty-two (42) months from the date hereof.
The
form of the Warrant issued pursuant to this Section 5.3 shall be substantially
similar to the Form of Warrant issued in the March 22nd
Transaction except as other wise provided herein.
5.4 Warrant
Terms Applicable if PEO or Public Offering Does Not Occur. In the event neither
a PEO or Public Offering occurs and the Loans are converted in accordance
with
Section 4.3 of this Agreement, the Investors shall be granted Warrants on
the
same terms and conditions as the March 22nd Investors were granted
Warrants.
6. Adjustments
to Conversion Prices.
The
Conversion Prices shall be adjusted pursuant to the provisions of the PEO
or the
March 22 Transaction. If Viking effects a Public Offering, the Conversion
Price
shall be adjusted if Viking:
(i) makes
a
distribution on its Common Stock in shares of its Common Stock;
(ii) subdivides
or reclassifies its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number
of
shares;
(iii) combines
or reclassifies its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number
of
shares;
(iv) makes
a
distribution on its Common Stock in shares of its capital stock other than
Common Stock; and/or
(v) issues,
by reclassification of its Common Stock, any shares of its capital
stock;
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Then
the
Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such action (and the number
and
kind of capital stock purchasable upon conversion of the Promissory Note,
upon
the occurrence of any of the events described in (iv) and (v) above), shall
be
adjusted so that the holder of a Promissory Note upon conversion thereof
shall
be entitled to receive the number of shares of Common Stock (and such other
securities) that the holder of the Promissory Note would have owned or have
been
entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events described above
had
the Promissory Note been converted immediately prior to the happening of
such
event or any record date with respect thereto, and the Default Conversion
Price
immediately prior to such action shall be adjusted proportionately to the
adjustment of the Conversion Price. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section
5 shall become effective immediately after the record date in the case of
a
dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the
effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or issuance. If,
as a
result of an adjustment made pursuant to this Section 5, the holder of the
Promissory Note thereafter surrendered for conversion shall become entitled
to
receive shares of two (2) or more classes of capital stock or shares of Common
Stock and any other class of capital stock of Viking, the Board of Directors
in
good faith shall determine the allocation of the adjusted Conversion Price
and
Default Conversion Price between or among shares of such classes of capital
stock or shares of Common Stock and such other class of capital
stock.
Upon
any
adjustment of the Conversion Price, then and in each such case Viking, at
its
sole expense, shall give written notice thereof (i) by certified or registered
mail, postage prepaid, (ii) by a nationally known overnight delivery service,
or
(iii) delivered by hand, addressed to the holder of the Promissory Note at
his
address as shown on the books of Viking, which notice shall state the conversion
price resulting from such adjustment and adjusted number of shares of Common
Stock or other capital stock, as applicable, issuable upon exercise of the
Promissory Note, setting forth in reasonable detail the method upon which
such
calculation is based.
7. Remedies.
Upon
the occurrence of an Event of Default and the expiration of any notice and
cure
period provided for under the Loan Documents (if any), the entire indebtedness
owed to the Investor shall, at the option of the Investor, immediately become
due and payable without presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of
any
kind, all of which are expressly waived by Viking; provided that the occurrence
of an Event of Default as set forth in Section 6(iv) and Section 6(v) of
the
Promissory Note shall make all sums of principal and interest then remaining
unpaid and all other amounts payable under the Loan Documents due and payable,
all without demand, presentment, notice or protest, all of which hereby are
expressly waived, and will permit Investor to exercise any other right available
to it at law or in equity, all which rights and powers may be exercised
cumulatively. The Investor may proceed with every remedy available at law
or in
equity or provided for in this Agreement or in any of the Loan Documents,
and
all expenses incurred by the Investor in connection with any remedy shall
be
deemed indebtedness of Viking to the Investor. The Collateral Agent, on behalf
of the Investor, may apply the proceeds from any Collateral or from any other
source against any part of the Loans as and in any order the Collateral Agent
sees fit but on a pro rata basis to each Investor.
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No
delay
or failure of an Investor in the exercise of any right or remedy provided
for
under this Agreement or under any of the Loan Documents shall be deemed a
waiver
of such right by the Investor. No exercise or partial exercise or waiver
of any
right or remedy shall be deemed a waiver of any further exercise of such
right
or remedy or of any other right or remedy that the Investor may have under
this
Agreement or under any of the Loan Documents. Enforcement of any of the
Investor’s rights as to any security for the Loan shall not affect the
Investor’s right to enforce payment of the Loan and to recover judgment for any
portion thereof remaining unpaid. The rights and remedies set forth in this
Agreement and in any of the Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive
of
any other right or remedy that an Investor may have.
8. Lead
Lender.
Viking
shall furnish to Lead Lender such financial information as may be reasonably
requested by Lead Lender. Such financial information shall include, but not
be
limited to: (i) audited financial statements within one hundred twenty (120)
days of Viking’s fiscal year end; (ii) internally prepared financial statements
within thirty (30) days of each calendar month end; and (iii) an
annual
budget for the upcoming fiscal year by month within thirty (30) days of fiscal
year end. All financial reports should include a balance sheet, income statement
and statement of cash flows prepared in accordance with GAAP, accompanied
by a
management discussion and analysis of the appropriate reporting
period.
9. Representations
and Warranties of Viking.
Viking
makes the following representa-tions and warran-ties to each Investor, which
representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of the date hereof
and for so long as any portion of any Promissory Note remains
outstanding:
9.1 Existence;
Qualification;
No Subsidiary. Viking
is
a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the
laws of the State of Nevada, and has full corporate power and authority to
conduct its business and own and operate its business as now conducted and
operated and as proposed to be conducted. Viking is licensed or qualified
as a
foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where it
is
required to be so licensed or qualified, except where the failure to be so
licensed or qualified would not materially and adversely affect Viking. Viking
has no subsidiaries.
9.2 Authorization
and Enforceability; Issuance of Common Shares.
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(a) Viking
has the full power and authority and has taken all required corporate and
other
action necessary to permit Viking to execute, deliver, and perform this
Agreement, the Promissory Note, the Security Instruments to issue the
Securities, and none of such actions do or will violate any provision of
Viking’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or conflict with, result in
the breach of, constitute a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse
of
time or both, would constitute a default) under, result in the creation of
a
Lien upon Viking’s capital stock or the assets of Viking pursuant to, give any
third party the right to accelerate any material obligation under, require
any
authorization, consent or approval or other action by or notice to under,
any
agreement, instrument, or understanding to which Viking is a party or by
which
it is bound or any applicable law, regulation, order, or judgment. Each of
these
Loan Agreements constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of Viking,
enforceable against Viking in accordance with its terms, except to the extent
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium,
and
similar laws of general application related to the enforcement of creditor’s
rights generally and general principles of equity.
(b) The
Common Stock to be issued upon the conversion of the Promissory Notes and
the
exercise of warrants, if warrants are issued to the Lenders, will be duly
authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the Promissory
Notes and warrants, respectively, will be validly issued and outstanding
and
will be fully paid and nonassessable. The copies of the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of Viking furnished to Lead Lender’s counsel reflect
all amendments made thereto at any time prior to the Closing and are correct
and
complete in all respects.
9.3 Capitalization.
.As
of the
date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of Viking is comprised
of
100,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
As
of the date of this Agreement, there are 31,919,050 shares of Common Stock
outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. All of Viking’s
outstanding shares of Common Stock are duly and validly issued, fully paid,
and
nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all applicable laws.
Except as set forth on Schedule
9.3
or as
contemplated by this Agreement, (i) there are no outstanding options,
convertible securities, warrants, debentures, phantom stock, stock appreciation
rights, preemptive rights, rights of first offer, rights of first refusal,
antidilution rights, registration rights, or commitments of any kind relating
to
any issued or unissued shares of capital stock (or other equity interests)
of
Viking; (ii) Viking is not subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise)
to repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire any Common Stock; and (iii)
there
are no proxies, voting trust agreements or similar agreements or options
granted
by the holders of Common Stock.
9.4 Private
Sale.
Subject
to the accuracy of an Investor’s representations and warranties in this
Agreement, neither the offer, sale, and issuance of the Securities as
contemplated by this Agreement nor the issuance and delivery of any Common
Stock
upon exercise of the Warrant or pursuant to the conversion of the Promissory
Notes requires or will require registration or qualification under the
Securities Act or any state securities laws. Neither Viking, nor any agent
acting on Viking’s behalf, has offered or solicited or will offer or solicit any
offers to buy any securities from, any Person or Persons so as to require
the
issuance or sale of the Securities to be registered pursuant to the provisions
of Section 5 of the Securities Act or prevent Viking from utilizing the
provisions of Section 25102(f) of the California Corporate Securities Law
of
1968 or any other applicable state securities law exemption from
qualification.
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9.5 Disclosure. Viking’s
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB or the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 its
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2005,
and its Current Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(collectively, the “SEC Filings”) comply with the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), in all material respects, do
not contain any untrue statement of a material fact, and do not omit to state
a
material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light
of
the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The financial
statements (together with the notes to the financial statements) included
in the
SEC Filings (the “Financial Statements”) are in accordance with the books and
records of Viking and the Financial Statements fairly and accurately present
the
financial condition and results of operations, the shareholders’ equity and cash
flows of Viking, as of the dates and for the periods indicated, in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) consistently applied.
Viking has no material liabilities or obligations, absolute, contingent or
otherwise, other than (a) liabilities set forth in the Financial Statements,
(b)
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business subsequent to March
31,
2005, and (c) obligations under contracts and commitments incurred in the
ordinary course of business and not required under GAAP to be reflected in
such
financial statements, which, in both cases, individually or in the aggregate,
are not material to the financial condition, operations or prospects of
Viking.
9.6. Absence
of Certain Changes.
(a) Except
as
set forth in Schedule
9.6,
since
March 31, 2005, Viking has not:
(i) incurred
any liabilities, other than current liabilities incurred, or obligations
under
contracts entered into, in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with
past practice;
(ii) paid,
discharged, or satisfied any claim, lien, or liability, other than any claim,
lien, or liability (A) reflected or reserved against on the consolidated
balance
sheet as of Mach 31, 2005 included in the Financial Statements (the “Current
Balance Sheet”) and paid, discharged, or satisfied in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice since the date of the Current
Balance
Sheet, or (B) incurred and paid, discharged, or satisfied since the date
of the
Current Balance Sheet in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practice;
(iii) sold,
leased, assigned, or otherwise transferred any of its assets or services,
tangible or intangible (other than sales in the ordinary course of business
and
consistent with past practice);
(iv) permitted
any of its assets, tangible or intangible, to become subject to any lien,
security interest, or other charge or encumbrance (other than any Permitted
Lien);
(v) written
off as uncollectible any accounts receivable, except for accounts receivable
aggregating not more than $25,000;
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(vi) terminated
or amended, or suffered the termination or amendment of, other than in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice, or failed
to
perform in all material respects, all its obligations, or suffered or permitted
any material default to exist under, any material agreement, license, or
permit;
(vii) suffered
any damage, destruction, or loss of tangible property (whether or not covered
by
insurance) that, in the aggregate, exceeds $25,000;
(viii) made
any
loan to any person or entity (other than advances to employees in the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practice that do not exceed $25,000
in the aggregate);
(ix) cancelled,
waived, or released any debt, claim, or right in an amount or having a value
exceeding $25,000;
(x) paid
any
amount to, or entered into any agreement, arrangement, or transaction with,
any
affiliate (including its officers, directors, and employees), other than
payments of salary and benefits to employees in the ordinary course of business
and consistent with past practice;
(xi) declared,
set aside, or paid any dividend or distribution with respect to its capital
stock, or redeemed, purchased, or otherwise acquired any of its capital
stock;
(xii) other
than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice,
granted any increase in the compensation of any officer or employee or made
any
other change in employment terms of any officer or employee;
(xiii) issued
or
agreed to issue any securities of any kind, whether or not pursuant to
agreements or rights existing on or before Mach 31, 2005, except pursuant
to
agreements listed in Schedule
9.3;
(xiv) made
any
change in accounting or cash management practices;
(xv) suffered
or caused any other occurrence, event, or transaction outside the ordinary
course of business; or
(xvi) agreed,
in writing or otherwise, to any of the foregoing.
(b) Since
the
March 31, 2005 Balance Sheet, there has not been any material adverse change
(a
“Material Adverse Change” or a “Material Adverse Effect”) in the business,
operations, properties, prospects, assets or condition of Viking, excluding
operating losses in the ordinary course of business, an no event has occurred
or
circumstance exists that may result in such a Material Adverse
Change.
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9.7 Litigation.
As of
the date of this Agreement, no claim, suit, proceeding, or investigation
is
pending or, to the knowledge of Viking, threatened against or affecting Viking
or its officers or directors in their capacities as such.
9.8 Licenses,
Compliance with Law, Other Agreements.
Viking
has
all material franchises, permits, licenses, and other rights to allow it
to
conduct its business and is not in violation, in any material respect, of
any
order or decree of any court, or of any law, order, or regulation of any
governmental agency, or of the provisions of any material contract or agreement
to which it is a party or by it is bound, and neither the Loan Documents,
nor
the transactions contemplated therein will result in any such violation.
Viking
has conducted its business in compliance with all applicable laws, rules,
and
regulations, except to the extent non-compliance could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Viking.
9.9 Third-Party
Approvals. Except
as
set forth in Schedule
9.9,
Viking
is not required to obtain any order, consent, approval, or authorization
of, or
to make any declaration or filing with, any Governmental Agency or other
third
party (including under any state securities or “blue sky” laws) in connection
with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents and related
documents.
9.10 Assets.
(a) Viking
has good and marketable title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all of
its
properties of any kind other than Proprietary Information (as defined below)
and
interests in such properties, which constitute all the properties and interests
in property other than Proprietary Information that are used in the business
of
Viking as conducted or as currently proposed to be conducted, free and clear
of
restrictions or conditions on transfer or assignment and free and clear of
Lines.
(b) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
9.10(b),
Viking
has good title to and exclusive ownership of all patents, patent applications,
trademarks, service marks and domain names, together with the goodwill of
the
business associated therewith, copyrights, trade names, mask works, proprietary
information, know-how, processes, models, designs, trade secrets, customer
and
supplier lists, market surveys, plans, procedures and other intellectual
property rights (collectively the “Proprietary Information”), which are used or
held for use in the operation or conduct of the business of Viking as presently
conducted and currently proposed to be conducted, free and clear of restrictions
or conditions on transfer or assignment and free and clear of payments and
fees
and Liens. The business of Viking as presently conducted and as currently
proposed to be conducted does not and to the knowledge of Viking, will not
conflict or infringe with the Proprietary Information of others. No affiliate,
officer, consultant or employee of Viking has any right in any of the
Proprietary Information.
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(c) Viking
has taken commercially reasonable measures to protect the secrecy, value
and
confidentiality of the Proprietary Information. Viking has not disclosed
the
contents of any Proprietary Information to Persons other than its officers
and
employees or to other Persons who have executed appropriate confidentiality
agreements. To the knowledge of Viking, no officer, consultant or employee
of
Viking is under any restriction, whether contractual, or by virtue of previous
employment or otherwise, that would prevent such Person from performing his
or
her duties for Viking or prevent Viking from using the Proprietary Information.
Viking is not a party to any nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements
not
entered into in the ordinary course of business.
(d) Viking
owns, or has a valid leasehold interest in, all of the equipment and other
fixed
assets of Viking which are necessary and sufficient for the efficient operation
of the business of Viking as currently conducted and currently proposed to
be
conducted and all of such assets are in good operating condition, normal
wear
and tear excepted.
9.11 Employee
Compensation.
All
forms, reports and documents filed by Viking with the SEC on or after January
28, 2004 (“SEC Reports”) list all executive officers of Viking and a description
of all forms of compensation and employee benefits payable to them required
to
be disclosed therein. Except as set forth in the SEC Reports or on Schedule
9.11,
Viking
is not a party to or bound by any employment agreement not terminable at
will or
having more than one month’s severance pay or which requires, or which could
require, compensation and benefits of more than Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000)
per month, collective employment contracts, deferred compensation agreements,
bonus plans, profit sharing plans, pension plans or any other plans or programs
subject to ERISA or health, disability, sick pay or other employee benefits.
Viking believes that relations with its employees are satisfactory
9.12 Material
Agreements.
Except
as attached as exhibits to the SEC Reports or on Schedule
9.12,
Viking
is not a party to, nor is any of its property bound by, (a) any agreement
requiring the performance by Viking
of any
obligation for a period of time extending beyond one year from the date hereof,
calling for or which could result in the payment or receipt of consideration
of
more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), or licensing any material
Proprietary Information of Viking or any third party; (b) any agreement or
understanding between Viking and any officer, employee or consultant of Viking,
other than employee compensation and benefits entered into in the ordinary
course of business; (c) any loan or credit agreements providing for the
extension of credit in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to or from
Viking; (d) any agreements or commitments containing a provision limiting
the
ability of Viking to compete with any Person or engage in any line of business;
(e) any agreement requiring Viking to guaranty the obligations of any Person;
(f) any agreement requiring Viking to provide indemnification to any officer
or
director of Viking; or (g) any agreements providing for the payment of any
royalties based on revenues (or a specific revenue stream) of Viking. There
is
no default or event that with notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute
a default by any party to any of the foregoing agreements. Viking has not
received notice nor does it have knowledge that any party to any of these
agreements intends to cancel or terminate any of these agreements or to exercise
or not exercise any options under any of these agreements or to seek a
renegotiation or adjustment of any material provisions.
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9.13 Insurance.
The
insurance coverage of Viking with respect to its properties, assets and business
is reasonable and customary for corporations engaged in similar lines of
business, including business interruption insurance, and is in full force
and
effect. Viking shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the
insurance policies with respect to such coverage include an additional insured
endorsement payable in favor of Investor, and Viking shall not cancel such
insurance policies without the consent of Collateral Agent.
9.14 Finder’s
or Broker’s Fees. There
are
no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement based on
any
arrangement or agreement binding upon Viking.
9.15 Environmental
and Safety Matters.
(a) Viking
is
now and has always been in compliance in all material respects with all
Environmental and Safety Requirements.
(b) Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, Viking has obtained and complied
with,
and is in compliance with, in all material respects, all permits, licenses
and
other authorizations that may be required pursuant to Environmental and Safety
Requirements for the occupation of its facilities and the operation of its
business.
(c) Viking
has not received any written or oral notice regarding any actual or alleged
material violation of Environmental and Safety Requirements, or any material
liabilities, obligations or responsibilities or potential material liabilities,
obligations or responsibilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent,
unliquidated or otherwise), including any investigatory, remedial or corrective
obligations, relating to Viking or its facilities arising under Environmental
and Safety Requirements, nor is Viking aware of any information which might
form
the basis of any such notice.
(d) None
of
the following exists or, or to the knowledge of Viking, formerly existed
at any
property or facility owned or operated by Viking: (i) underground storage
tanks;
(ii) asbestos-containing material in any form or condition; (iii) materials
or
equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls; (iv) landfills, surface
impoundments, or disposal areas, or (v) maintenance area or vehicle or equipment
wash area.
(e) Viking
has not treated, stored, disposed of, arranged for or permitted the disposal
of,
transported, handled, or released any substance, including any hazardous
substance, or owned or operated any property or facility (and no such property
or facility is contaminated by any such substance) in a manner that has given
or
could give rise to material liabilities, obligations or responsibilities
of
Viking, including any liability for response costs, corrective action costs,
personal injury, property damage, natural resources damages or attorney fees,
pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”) or the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended,
or any other Environmental and Safety Requirements, nor has Viking released
or
waived any third party, either expressly or by operation of law, from any
liability, obligation or responsibility relating to any Environmental and
Safety
Requirements.
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(f) To
the
knowledge of Viking, no facts, events or conditions relating to the past
or
present facilities, properties or operations of Viking will prevent, hinder
or
limit continued compliance in all material respects with Environmental and
Safety Requirements, give rise to any investigatory, remedial or corrective
obligations pursuant to Environmental and Safety Requirements, or give rise
to
any other material liabilities (whether accrued, absolute, contingent,
unliquidated or otherwise) pursuant to Environmental and Safety Requirements,
including any relating to onsite or offsite releases or threatened releases
of
hazardous materials, substances or wastes, personal injury, property damage
or
natural resources damage.
(g) Neither
this Agreement nor the consummation of the transaction that is the subject
of
this Agreement will result in any obligations for site investigation or cleanup,
or notification to or consent of government agencies or third parties, pursuant
to any of the so-called “transaction-triggered” or “responsible property
transfer” Environmental and Safety Requirements.
(h) Viking
has, neither expressly nor by operation of law, assumed nor undertaken any
liability, including any obligation for corrective or remedial action, of
any
other Person relating to Environmental and Safety Requirements.
(i) Viking
has provided each Investor with true, correct and complete copies of all
environmental reports, assessments or investigations and all parts thereof
(including any drafts of such items) regarding any property currently or
formerly owned, leased or operated by such Viking.
9.16 Employee
Benefits and Plans.
(a) Schedule
9.16(a)
sets
forth a true and complete list of each “employee benefit plan” as defined
in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and any other plan, policy, program practice,
agreement, understanding or arrangement (whether written or oral) providing
compensation or other benefits to any current or former director, officer,
employee or consultant (or to any dependent or beneficiary thereof) of Viking
or
any ERISA Affiliates (as defined below), which are now, or were within the
past
six years, maintained, sponsored or contributed to by Viking or any ERISA
Affiliate, or under which Viking or any ERISA Affiliate has any obligation
or
liability, whether actual or contingent, including, without limitation, all
incentive, bonus, deferred compensation, vacation, holiday, cafeteria, medical,
disability, stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation, phantom stock,
restricted stock or other stock-based compensation plans, policies, programs,
practices or arrangements (each a “Viking Benefit Plan”). For purposes of this
Agreement, “ERISA Affiliate” shall mean any entity (whether or not incorporated)
other than Viking that is considered under common control and treated as
one
employer under Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code
of
1986, as amended (the “Code”). Viking does not have, and to the knowledge of
Viking, no other Person, has any express or implied commitment, whether legally
enforceable or not, to modify, change or terminate any Viking Benefit Plan,
other than with respect to a modification, change or termination required
by
ERISA, the Code or any other applicable law or governmental rule or
regulation.
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(b) Each
Viking Benefit Plan has been administered in all material respects in accordance
with its terms and all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code, and
contributions required to be made under the terms of any of the Viking Benefit
Plans as of the date of this Agreement have been timely made or, if not yet
due,
have been properly reflected on the most recent consolidated balance sheet
filed
or incorporated by reference in Parent’s audited consolidated financial
statements prior to the date of this Agreement. With respect to the Viking
Benefit Plans, no event has occurred and, to the knowledge of Viking, there
exists no condition or set of circumstances in connection with which Viking
could be subject to any material liability (other than for routine benefit
liabilities) under the terms of, or with respect to, such Viking Benefit
Plans,
ERISA, the Code or any other applicable law or governmental rule or
regulation.
(c) Except
as
disclosed on Schedule
9.16(c):
(i)
each Viking Benefit Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a),
Section 401(k), Section 401(m) or Section 4975(e)(6) of the Code has received
a
favorable determination letter from the IRS as to its qualified status, and
each
trust established in connection with any Viking Benefit Plan which is intended
to be exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(a) of the Code
is so
exempt, and to Viking’s knowledge no fact or event has occurred that could
reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such
Viking Benefit Plan or the exempt status of any such trust; (ii) to Viking’s
knowledge there has been no prohibited transaction (within the meaning of
Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and other than a transaction
that is exempt under a statutory or administrative exemption) with respect
to
any Viking Benefit Plan that could result in material liability to Viking
or any
ERISA Affiliate; (iii) no suit, administrative proceeding, action or other
litigation has been brought, or to the knowledge of Viking is threatened,
against or with respect to any such Viking Benefit Plan, including any audit
or
inquiry by the IRS or United States Department of Labor (other than routine
benefits claims); (iv) none of the assets of Viking or any ERISA Affiliate
is,
or may reasonably be expected to become, the subject of any lien arising
under
ERISA or Section 412(n) of the Code; (v) neither Viking nor any ERISA Affiliate
has any material liability under ERISA Section 502; (vi) all tax, annual
reporting and other governmental filings required by ERISA and the Code have
been timely filed with the appropriate governmental entity with respect to
each
Viking Benefit Plan; (vii) all contributions and payments to or under each
Viking Benefit Plan which can appropriately be deducted under either Code
Section 162 or 404 are, to the knowledge of Viking, deductible; and (viii)
no excise tax could be imposed upon any Viking under Chapter 43 of the
Code.
(d) No
Viking
Benefit Plan is a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) or
4001(a)(3) of ERISA) (a “Multiemployer Plan”) or is subject to Title IV of ERISA
or Section 412 of the Code, and neither Viking nor any ERISA Affiliate has
sponsored or contributed to or been required to contribute to a Multiemployer
Plan or other pension plan subject to Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of
the
Code (a “Pension Plan”).
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(e) Except
as
set forth on Schedule
9.16(e)
or as
required by applicable law, no Viking Benefit Plan provides any of the following
retiree or post-employment benefits to any person: medical, disability or
life
insurance benefits. No Viking Benefit Plan is a voluntary employee benefit
association under Section 501(a)(9) of the Code. Viking and each of its ERISA
Affiliates are in compliance in all material respects with (i) the requirements
of the applicable health care continuation and notice provisions of the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, and the
regulations (including proposed regulations) thereunder and any similar state
law and (ii) the applicable requirements of the Health Insurance Portability
and
Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, and the regulations
thereunder.
(f)
Viking
does not maintain, sponsor, contribute to or has any liability with respect
to
any employee benefit plan program or arrangement that provides benefits to
non-resident aliens with no United States source income outside of the United
States.
9.17 Taxes.
Viking
has filed all tax returns it was required to file, and has paid all taxes
shown
on those tax returns as owing. Viking has withheld and paid all taxes required
to have been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to
any
employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder, or other third party.
There is no dispute or claim concerning any tax liability of Viking, either
(i)
claimed or raised by any authority in writing or (ii) to the knowledge of
Viking, claimed or raised by any agent of such authority.
9.18 Small
Business Matters.
9.18.1 Viking
acknowledges that Lead Lender is a federally licensed SBIC under the SBIC
Act.
Viking, together with its “affiliates” (as that term is defined in 13 C.F.R.
Section 121.103), is a “small business concern” within the meaning of the SBIC
Regulations, including 13 C.F.R. Section 121.103. After giving effect to
the
transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, Viking will have 500 or
fewer
full-time equivalent employees. The information regarding Viking and its
affiliates set forth in the SBA forms Nos. 480, 652 and 1031 delivered at
the
Closing is accurate and complete. Copies of such forms have been completed
and
executed by Viking and delivered to Lead Lender at the Closing together with
a
written statement of Viking regarding its planned use of the proceeds from
the
transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents. Viking does not presently
engage in, and it shall not hereafter engage in, any activities, nor shall
it
use directly or indirectly the proceeds of the transactions contemplated
by the
Loan Documents for any purpose, for which an SBIC is prohibited from providing
funds by the SBIC Regulations (including 13 C.F.R. Section
107.720).
9.18.2 The
primary business activity of Viking does not involve, directly or indirectly,
providing funds to others, purchasing or discounting debt obligations, factoring
or long-term leasing of equipment with no provision for maintenance or repair,
and Viking is not classified under Section 53 (Real Estate) of the NAICS
manual.
The assets of the business of Viking (the “Business”) will not be reduced or
consumed, generally without replacement, as the life of the Business progresses,
and the nature of the Business does not require that a stream of cash payments
be made to the Business’s financing sources, on a basis associated with the
continuing sale of assets.
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9.19 Solvency.
Viking
is
solvent as of the date of this Agreement and will not become insolvent as
a
result of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or
the other Loan Documents. Viking is, and after giving effect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall be, able to pay its debts as they become
due, and Viking’s property now has, and after giving effect to the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have, a fair salable value greater than the amounts
required to pay its debts (including a reasonable estimate of the amount
of all
contingent liabilities). Viking has adequate capital to carry on its business,
and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
Viking shall have adequate capital to conduct its business. No transfer of
property is being made and no obligation is being incurred in connection
with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement with the intent to hinder,
delay
or defraud either present or future creditors of Viking.
9.20 Disclosure.
Neither
this Agreement, nor any of the other Loan Documents, nor any of the schedules,
attachments, or certificates attached to this Agreement or any of the other
Loan
Documents, delivered by Viking at the Closing, contains any untrue statements
of
a material fact or omits a material fact necessary to make the statements
contained herein or therein not misleading. To Viking’s knowledge, there is no
fact which Viking has not disclosed to Investors, in writing, which could
reasonably be anticipated to have a Material Adverse Effect.
10. Representations
and Warranties of Investors.
Each
Investor represents and warrants to Viking as follows:
(a) The
Investor is an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in Rule 501 of
Regulation D promulgated by the SEC.
(b) Investor
has had the opportunity to ask questions of and to receive answers from Viking
and its executive officers concerning the affairs and prospects of Viking
in
general, has received and read the SEC filings of Viking, and desires no
further
information pertaining to Viking. Investor will rely solely upon (i) such
information and not any other material heretofore received, and (ii)
investigations made by Investor or Investor’s representatives in making
Investor’s investment decision.
(c) In
Investor’s opinion, Investor’s overall commitment to investments that are not
readily marketable is not disproportionate to Investor’s net worth, and in
Investor’s opinion, Investor’s investment in the Promissory Notes will not cause
such overall commitment to such investments to become excessive.
(d) Investor
has, either alone or together with Investor’s purchaser representative, if any,
such knowledge and experience in financial, real estate, and business matters
that Investor is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of this
investment.
(e) Investor
has adequate means of providing for Investor’s current needs and personal
contingencies, and Investor has no need for liquidity in Investor’s investment
in the Promissory Notes. Investor is, able to meet Investor’s obligations
hereunder, and acknowledges that this investment is long-term and speculative
in
nature.
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(f) Investor’s
personal financial circumstances, investment portfolio, and tax bracket are
such
that Investor and Investor’s purchaser representative, if any, believe the
purchase contemplated herein to be a suitable investment. Investor is able
to
bear the economic risk of this investment.
(g) The
address set forth opposite such Investor’s name on Annex
A,
if
Investor is an individual, Investor’s true and correct residence and, if
Investor is an entity, Investor’s principal place of business.
(h) Investor
acknowledges that if a purchaser representative has been utilized by Investor
in
evaluating the investment contemplated hereby, that Investor’s purchaser
representative has advised Investor of the merits and risks of an investment
in
Viking and the suitability of the investment.
(i) Investor
confirms that Investor is financially prepared to hold the Promissory Note
for a
substantial period of time and to withstand the possibility of a loss of
the
investment.
(j) Investor
understands that none of the Promissory Notes have been registered under
the
Securities Act or under any state securities act in reliance on an exemption
for
non-public offerings.
(k) The
Promissory Note which the Investor is purchasing are being acquired solely
for
Investor’s own account, for investment purposes, and are not being purchased
with a view to or for resale, distribution, subdivision, or fractionalization,
and Investor has no plans to enter into any such contract, undertaking,
agreement, or arrangement. Investor agrees that the Promissory Note to be
received will bear a restrictive legend limiting transfer.
(l) If
Investor is a corporation, partnership, or trust, the undersigned is authorized
and otherwise duly qualified to purchase and hold the Promissory Note, and
Investor has its principal place of business as set forth below and was not
formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the Securities, unless otherwise
specifically set forth on the signature page hereof.
(m) Investor
has the full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, and
Investor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and will not conflict or
result in a material breach of any other agreement or obligation to which
Investor is a Party.
11. Affirmative
Covenants of Viking.
Until
the Promissory Notes are paid in full, Viking shall:
11.1 Pay
the Loans.
Duly
and punctually pay or cause to be paid all principal, interest, and other
amounts due on the Promissory Notes on the date, in the place, and in the
manner
set forth in the Loan Documents and perform and observe all other obligations
of
Viking under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
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11.2 Tax
Returns.
File
all federal, state, and local tax returns or requests for extensions that
are
required to be filed and pay and discharge, when payable, all taxes, assessments
and governmental charges imposed upon its properties or upon the income or
profits therefrom received by Viking before delinquent.
11.3 Compliance
With Laws.
Comply
promptly with all laws, rules, regulations, resolutions, ordinances, and
codes
applicable to Viking or the Collateral.
11.4 Compliance
with Agreements.
Comply
with all other material obligations which it incurs pursuant to any contract
or
agreement as such obligations become due, unless and to the extent the same
are
being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and adequate
reserves have been set aside on its books with respect thereto.
11.5
Reporting
Requirements.
Viking
shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents
required of Viking under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Viking
will
furnish to the Investors:
(a) as
soon
as possible, and in any event within ten (10) days after obtaining knowledge,
notice of the occurrence of (A) an Event of Default, (B) an event which,
with
the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event
of
Default, or (C) a Material Adverse Change, the written statement of the Chief
Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer of Viking, setting forth
the
details of such Event of Default, event or Material Adverse Change and the
action which Viking proposes to take with respect thereto;
(b)
promptly
after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all financial statements,
reports, certificates of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer
or
accountants and other information which Viking sends to any holders (other
than
the Promissory Notes) of its securities and, without duplication, the
following:
(i) Within
thirty (30) days after the end of each monthly accounting period in each
fiscal
year (or when furnished to any lender or other third party, if earlier),
(A)
unaudited statements of Viking (prepared in form reasonably satisfactory
to Lead
Lender), certified by Viking’s principal financial officer and principal
executive officer, of income, retained earnings and changes in financial
position for such monthly period and for the period from the beginning of
such
fiscal year to the end of such monthly period and a balance sheet as of the
end
of such monthly period, setting forth in each case comparisons to figures
for
the corresponding periods in the preceding fiscal year and comparisons to
budgets prepared by Viking, and (B) a copy of any borrowing base certificate
or
similar document submitted to any lender or other third party.
(ii) Promptly
upon receipt thereof, any additional reports, management letters or other
detailed information concerning significant aspects of Viking’s operations and
financial affairs or in conjunction with any annual or interim audit given
to
Viking by its independent accountants (and not otherwise contained in other
materials provided pursuant to this Section).
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(iii) Thirty
(30) days prior to the commencement of each fiscal year, a comprehensive
annual
budget or forecast which shall include annual consolidated and consolidating
budgets prepared on a monthly basis for Viking for such fiscal year (displaying
anticipated statements of income, retained earnings, changes in financial
position and balance sheets and containing such internal narrative as
appropriate). In addition, said plan will include a capital expenditure plan
which shall be presented to the Board for its approval within thirty (30)
days
after the commencement of each fiscal year.
(iv) Promptly,
but in any event within three (3) days after Viking’s receipt of notice of the
intention of any customer that has accounted for over ten percent (10%) of
the
Viking’s aggregate revenues for the immediately preceding 12-month period to
cease doing business with Viking or to materially reduce the volume purchased
from Viking.
(v) Within
three (3) business days after transmission thereof, copies of all such financial
statements, proxy statements and reports as Viking sends to its shareholders
(“Shareholders”), and copies of all registration statements and all regular,
special or periodic reports which Viking files with any state securities
regulatory agency, the SEC or with any securities exchange on which any of
its
securities are then listed, and copies of all press releases and other
statements made available generally by Viking to the public concerning material
developments in Viking’s business.
(c)
At
any
time Viking is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Act
and the Exchange Act:
(i) Within
forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarterly accounting period in
each
fiscal year (or furnished to any lender or other third party, if earlier),
unaudited statements of Viking (prepared in form satisfactory to Lead Lender),
certified by Viking’s principal financial officer and principal executive
officer, of income, retained earnings and changes in financial position or
such
quarterly period and for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year
to
the end of such quarterly period and a balance sheet as of the end of such
quarterly period, setting forth in each case comparisons to figures for the
corresponding periods in the preceding fiscal year and comparisons to budgets
prepared by Viking.
(ii) Within
ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year (or furnished to any lender
or other third party, if earlier), statements of income, retained earnings
and
changes in financial position of Viking for such fiscal year, and a balance
sheet of Viking as of the end of such fiscal year, setting forth in each
case in
comparative form corresponding figures for the preceding fiscal
year.
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(iii) All
financial statements required to be delivered hereby shall be (A) prepared
in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, except in the case of unaudited
financial statements, which may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP;
(B)
prepared on a consolidated and consolidating basis, as applicable; (C)
accompanied by a management discussion and analysis of Viking’s financial
condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations, as compared
to the comparable period in the preceding fiscal year; (D) in the case of
annual statements, be audited by an independent accounting firm approved
by the
Board; and (E) in the case of quarterly statements, shall be accompanied by
a compliance certificate from Viking’s principal financial officer and principal
executive officer certifying as to Viking’s compliance with each covenant set
forth in the Loan Documents and that no default has occurred with respect
to
this Agreement, or any of the other Loan Documents or with respect to any
indebtedness in favor of banks or other financial institutions.
(d) promptly
after the commencement thereof, notice of each action, suit or proceeding
before
any court or other governmental authority or other regulatory body or any
arbitrator as to which there is a reasonable possibility of a determination
that
would (A) materially impact the ability of Viking to conduct its business,
(B)
materially and adversely affect the business, operations or financial condition
of Viking taken as a whole, or (C) impair the validity or enforceability
of the
Promissory Notes or the ability of Viking to perform its obligations under
the
Loan Documents;
(e) promptly
upon request, such other information concerning the condition or operations,
financial or otherwise, of Viking as the holder from time to time may reasonably
request.
11.6 Inspection
of Property.
Viking
will permit any representative designated by Lead Lender upon reasonable
notice,
during normal business hours, to (i) visit and inspect any of the properties
of
Viking, (ii) examine the financial records of Viking and make copies thereof
or
extracts therefrom, and (iii) discuss the affairs, finances and accounts
of
Viking with the officers, key employees and independent accountants of Viking.
If Lead Lender has reasonable grounds for conducting an inspection, Viking
shall
reimburse the Lead Lender for all commercially reasonable costs and expenses
incurred by Lead Lender in connection with any such inspection.
11.7 Keeping
of Records and Books of Account.
Viking
will keep adequate records and books of account, with complete entries made
in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, reflecting all
of its
financial and other business transactions.
12. Negative
Covenants of Viking.
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12.1 Until
payment and performance in full of all obligations of Viking to the Investors
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Loan Documents, Viking shall
not
incur any liability or tax under Section 4971 of the Code in respect of an
accumulated funding deficiency (or obtain any waiver under Section 412(d)
of the
Code or Section 303 of ERISA) or incur any material liability to the Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation in connection with any employee benefit plan.
No
Reportable Event, as defined in Title IV of ERISA, will occur or continue
with
respect to any such plan.
12.2 Until
payment and performance in full of all obligations of Viking to the Investors
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the Loan Documents, Viking shall
not, without the prior written consent of the Required Investors, take any
of
the following actions:
(a) Incur
any
indebtedness (other than in the ordinary course of its business or as
contemplated by this Agreement and the Loan Documents) or grant any liens
with
respect to any of its assets;
(b) Guaranty
or otherwise in any way become or be responsible for indebtedness for borrowed
money, or for obligations, in either case of any of its officers, directors
or
principal stockholders or any of their affiliates, contingently or
otherwise;
(c) Declare
or pay dividends or make or authorize any distribution or payment upon any
of
its equity securities, or effect a reverse stock split or subdivision of
any
shares of capital stock of Viking;
(d) Sell,
transfer or dispose of, any of its assets other than in the ordinary course
of
its business and for fair value;
(e) Purchase,
redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any of its capital stock or
securities convertible into, or any option, warrant or other right to acquire
its capital stock now or hereafter outstanding other than pursuant to the
terms
of the Loan Documents;
(f) Repay
out
of the proceeds of the Promissory Notes any indebtedness for borrowed funds
or
any related party obligations except for Promissory Notes heretofore issued
to
the Investors;
(g) Issue
equity below $0.20 per share;
(h) Merge
or
consolidate with any Person, or sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose
of any
of its assets (other than in the ordinary course of business) or liquidate,
dissolve, recapitalize or reorganize in any form of transaction;
(i) Purchase,
lease or otherwise acquire any assets pursuant to a contract requiring
expenditures in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000);
(j) Enter
into the active management or operation of any business other than the business
as currently conducted by Viking;
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(k) Amend
the
articles of incorporation or by-laws of Viking;
(l) Increase
the total number of Directors to more than seven (7) Directors;
(m) Execute,
renew or modify any contract not in the ordinary course of business involving
obligations of Viking in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000);
(o) Increase
compensation or other benefits to any Person, other than in the ordinary
course
of business consistent with past practice with respect to non-officer employees
and except as may be approved by the compensation committee of the Board
of
Directors with respect to executives and officers;
(p) Enter
into any transaction with any affiliate, director, officer, or employee of
Viking involving, in the aggregate, more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000),
except that Borrower may enter into employment arrangements approved by the
compensation committee of the Board of Directors;
(q) Create
or
form a Subsidiary whether by acquisition, new capitalization, merger or
otherwise; provided,
that
in the
event that the Required Investors shall consent to the formation or acquisition
by Viking of any new Subsidiary, or participation in any partnership or joint
venture, whether or not wholly owned, Viking shall promptly and diligently
take
all actions necessary or required by Collateral Agent to cause such corporation,
partnership, or other entity or venture to become a credit party for all
purposes of this Agreement and a “Grantor” under a security agreement in favor
of Collateral Agent, as agent for Investors (or any successor agent), in
form
and substance similar to the Security Agreement;
(r) Enter
or
consummate any off-balance sheet transactions (as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii)
of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act);
(s) Register
any securities under the Securities Act in connection with an underwritten
public offering unless Lead Lender reasonably consents to such registration
(it
being understood that it would not be unreasonable for Lead Lender to withhold
its consent in any such registration in which Investors would not have
registration rights that are pari
passu
with
each other holder of securities of Viking having registration rights);
or
(t) Take
any
action, or fail to take any action, which would result in the invalidity,
abandonment, misuse or unenforceability of any Proprietary Information or
which
would, to the knowledge of Viking, infringe upon or misappropriate any rights
of
other Persons.
13. SBIC
Regulatory Provisions.
13.1 Use
of Proceeds.
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13.1.1 At
such
times as Lead Lender reasonably requests, Viking shall deliver to Lead Lender
a
written statement certified by Viking’s Chief Financial Officer describing in
reasonable detail the use of the proceeds from the transactions contemplated
by
the Loan Documents by Viking. In addition to any other rights granted hereunder,
Viking shall grant Lead Lender and the SBA access to Viking’s books and records
for the purpose of verifying the use of such proceeds and verifying the
certifications made by Viking in SBA forms Nos. 480, 652 and 1031, delivered
pursuant to Section 3.1.10 and
for
the purpose of determining whether the principal business activity of Viking
continues to constitute an eligible business activity (within the meaning
of the
SBIC Regulations).
13.1.2 Viking
shall not use any proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan
Documents substantially for a foreign operation, and no more than forty-nine
percent (49%) of the employees or tangible assets of Viking will be outside
the
United States (unless Viking can show to the SBA’s satisfaction, that proceeds
from the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will be used for
a
specific domestic purpose).
13.1.3 Viking
shall not use any proceeds from the transactions contemplated by the Loan
Documents for any purpose contrary to public interest (including, but not
limited to, activities which are in violation of law) or inconsistent with
free
enterprise, in each case, within the meaning of 13 C.F.R. Section
107.720.
13.2 Regulatory
Violation.
Upon the
occurrence of a Regulatory Violation or in the event that Lead Lender determines
in its good faith judgment that a Regulatory Violation has occurred, in addition
to any other rights and remedies to which it may be entitled as a holder
of the
Securities under any of the Loan Documents, Lead Lender shall have the right
to
the extent required under the SBIC Regulations to demand the immediate repayment
of the principal balance of the Promissory Notes, plus all accrued interest
on
the Promissory Notes, by delivering written notice of such demand to Viking.
Viking shall make such payment by a cashier’s or certified check or by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to Lead Lender within thirty (30)
days
after Viking’s receipt of the demand notice.
13.3 Regulatory
Compliance Cooperation.
In the
event that Lead Lender believes that it has a Regulatory Problem, Lead Lender
shall have the right to transfer its Securities without regard to any
restrictions on transfer set forth in this Agreement or any of the Loan
Documents other than the restrictions under applicable securities law, and
Viking shall take all such actions as are reasonably requested by Lead Lender
in
order to effectuate and facilitate any transfer by Lead Lender of the Securities
then held by Lead Lender to any Person designated by Lead Lender.
13.4 Economic
Impact Information.
Promptly after the end of each calendar year (but in any event prior to
February 28 of each year), Viking shall deliver to Lead Lender a written
assessment of the economic impact of Lead Lender’s investment in Viking,
specifying the full-time equivalent jobs created or retained in connection
with
the investment, the impact of the investment on the businesses of Viking
and on
Taxes paid by Viking and its employees.
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13.5 Business
Activity.
For a
period of one (1) year following the date hereof, Viking will not change
its
business activity if such change would render Viking ineligible to receive
financial assistance from Lead Lender (within the meanings of 13 C.F.R. Sections
107.720 and 107.760(b)).
13.6 Number
of Members.
Viking
will notify Lead Lender from time to time when the number of its shareholders
increases to or above or decreases below fifty (50).
13.7 Compliance
With Non-Discrimination Requirements.
Viking
shall comply at all times with the non-discrimination requirements of 13
C.F.R.
Parts 112, 113 and 117.
14. Lead
Lender and Collateral Agent.
14.1 Appointment
and Authorization. Each
Investor hereby designates and appoints St. Cloud as Lead Lender and Collateral
Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each Lender Investor
irrevocably authorizes the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent to take such
action
on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan
Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly
delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding
any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in
any
other Loan Document, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall not have
any
duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in
the
Security Agreement, nor shall the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent have or
be
deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Investor, and no implied
covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities
shall
be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist
against the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality
of
the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Agreement with
reference to the Collateral Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary
or
other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any
applicable law. Except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement,
the
Agent shall have and may use its sole discretion with respect to exercising
or
refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking
or
refraining from taking any actions which the Collateral Agent is expressly
entitled to take or assert under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
including the exercise of remedies, and any action so taken or not taken
shall
be deemed consented to by the Investors.
14.2 Collateral
Agent Fee.
As
payment in full for its services as Collateral Agent, Viking will pay Collateral
Agent a fee (the “Collateral Agent Fee”) of 1.125% of the total Loan made by the
investors (a maximum of $45,000). The Collateral Agent Fee attributed to
each
Loan will be paid on each Closing Date.
14.3 Delegation
of Duties.
The
Lead Lender and Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through agents, employees or
attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all
matters pertaining to such duties. The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall
not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or
attorney-in-fact that it selects as long as such selection was made without
gross negligence or willful misconduct.
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33
14.4 Liability
of Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.
Neither
the Lead Lender nor the Collateral Agent (together with its affiliates, and
the
officers, directors, employees, counsel, representatives, agents and
attorneys-in-fact of the Agent and such affiliates, the “Agent-Related Persons”)
shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of
them
under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or
the
transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or
willful
misconduct), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of the Investors
for
any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by Viking contained
in
this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report,
statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by
the
Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other
Loan
Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or
sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for any failure
of
Viking or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations
hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation
to any Investor to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance
of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or
any
other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of
Viking.
14.5 Reliance
by Agent.
The Lead
Lender and Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully
protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message,
statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine
and
correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons,
and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to Viking),
independent accountants and other experts selected by the Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent.
14.6 Notice
of Default. The
Lead
Lender and Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice
of
the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless the Lead Lender
and
Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from an Investor or Viking
referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default
and
stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” The Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent will notify the Investors of its receipt of any such notice.
The Lead Lender and Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect
to such
Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Required Investors
in
accordance with the Security Agreement; provided,
however,
that
unless and until the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent has received any such
request, the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent may (but shall not be obligated
to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to
such
Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable.
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34
14.7 Credit
Decision.
Each
Investor acknowledges that none of the Agent-Related Persons has made any
representation or warranty to it, and that no act by the Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of
Viking, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any
Agent-Related Person to any Investor. Each Investor represents to the Lead
Lender and Collateral Agent that it has, independently and without reliance
upon
any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it
has
deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the
business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition
and
creditworthiness of Viking, and all applicable bank regulatory laws relating
to
the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter
into
this Agreement and to extend credit to the Viking. Each Investor also represents
that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person
and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate
at the
time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions
in
taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as
to the
business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition
and
creditworthiness of Viking. Except for notices, reports and other documents
expressly required to be furnished to the Investors by the Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent herein or under the Security Agreement, the Lead Lender
and
Collateral Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any
Investor with any credit or other information concerning the business,
prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or
creditworthiness of Viking which may come into the possession of any of the
Agent-Related Persons.
14.8 Indemnification.
Whether
or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Investors
shall
indemnify upon demand the Agent-Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed
by
or on behalf of Viking and without limiting the obligation of Viking to do
so),
in accordance with their pro rata interest in the aggregate principal amount
of
the Loans, from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities as such term
is
defined in Section 15; provided,
however,
that no
Investor shall be liable for the payment to the Agent-Related Persons of
any
portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting solely from such Person’s
gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing,
each Investor shall reimburse the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent upon demand
for its pro rata interest in the aggregate principal amount of the Loans
of any
costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred
by
the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent in connection with the preparation,
execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement
(whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal
advice in respect of rights or responsibilities
under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated
by
or referred to herein, to the extent that the Lead Lender and Collateral
Agent
is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of Viking. The undertaking
in this Section shall survive the payment of all Obligations hereunder and
the
resignation or replacement of the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent.
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14.9 Agent
in Individual Capacity.
The
Lead Lender and its affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit
for
the account of, accept deposits from, acquire equity interests in and generally
engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or
other
business with Viking
and affiliates as though the Lead Lender were not the Collateral Agent hereunder
and without notice to or consent of the Investors. The Lead Lender or its
affiliates may receive information regarding Viking (including information
that
may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Viking) and the
Investors acknowledge that the Collateral Agent and the Lead Lender shall
be
under no obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to
its
Loans, the Lead Lender shall have the same rights and powers under this
Agreement as any other Investor and may exercise the same as though it were
not
the Collateral Agent, and the terms “Investor” and “Investors” include the Lead
Lender in its individual capacity.
14.10 Successor
Agent.
The
Collateral Agent may resign as Collateral Agent upon at least ten (10) days’
prior notice to the Investors and Viking. Subject to the foregoing, if the
Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Investors shall
appoint from among the Investors a successor agent for the Investors. If
no
successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation
of
the Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent may appoint, after consulting
with
the Investors and Viking, a successor agent from among the Investors. Upon
the
acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, such successor
agent
shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Collateral
Agent and the term “Collateral Agent” shall mean such successor agent and the
retiring Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as Collateral Agent
shall be terminated. After any retiring Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder
as Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article 13
shall
continue to inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken
by it while it was Collateral Agent under this Agreement.
14.11 Collateral
Matters.
(a)
The
Investors hereby irrevocably authorize the Collateral Agent, at its option
and
in its sole discretion, to release any Liens in the Collateral granted to
the
Investors, for the benefit of the Investors pursuant to this Agreement and
the
other Loan Documents (“Agent’s Liens”) (i) upon payment and satisfaction in full
by Viking of all Loans and all other Obligations; (ii) constituting
property being sold or disposed of if Viking certifies to the Collateral
Agent
that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the Security Agreement
(and the Collateral Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate,
without
further inquiry); (iii) constituting property in which Viking owned no
interest at the time the Lien was granted or at any time thereafter; or (iv)
constituting property leased to Viking under a lease which has expired or
been
terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement. Except as provided
above, the Collateral Agent will not release any of the Collateral Agent’s Liens
without the prior written authorization of the Investors; provided
that the
Collateral Agent may, in its discretion, release the Collateral Agent’s Liens on
Collateral valued in the aggregate not in excess of $250,000 during each
fiscal
year without the prior written authorization of the Investors and the Collateral
Agent may release the Collateral Agent’s Liens on Collateral valued in the
aggregate not in excess of $500,000 during each fiscal year with the prior
written authorization of Required Investors. Upon request by the Collateral
Agent or Viking at any time, the Investors will confirm in writing the
Collateral Agent’s authority to release any Agent’s Liens upon particular types
or items of Collateral pursuant to this Section
13.11.
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36
(b) Upon
receipt by the Collateral Agent of any authorization required pursuant to
Section
14.11(a)
from the
Investors of the Collateral Agent’s authority to release Agent’s Liens upon
particular types or items of Collateral, and upon at least five (5) Business
Days prior written request by Viking, the Collateral Agent shall (and is
hereby
irrevocably authorized by the Investors to) execute such documents as may
be
necessary to evidence the release of the Collateral Agent’s Liens upon such
Collateral; provided,
however,
that
(i) the Collateral Agent shall not be required to execute any such document
on
terms which, in the Collateral Agent’s opinion, would expose the Collateral
Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other
than
the release of such Liens without recourse or warranty, and (ii) such release
shall not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any
Liens
(other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of Viking
in
respect of) all interests retained by Viking, including the proceeds of any
sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the
Collateral.
(c)The
Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any of the Investors
to
assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by Viking or is cared for,
protected or insured or has been encumbered, or that the Collateral Agent’s
Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected,
protected or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to exercise
at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure
or
fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers
granted or available to the Collateral Agent pursuant to any of the Loan
Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral,
or
any act, omission or event related thereto, the Collateral Agent may act
in any
manner it may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion given the Collateral
Agent’s own interest in the Collateral in its capacity as one of the Investors
and that the Collateral Agent shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever
to any Investor as to any of the foregoing.
14.12 Restrictions
on Actions by Investors; Sharing of Payments.
(a) Each
of
the Investors agrees that it shall not, without the express consent of all
Investors, and that it shall, to the extent it is lawfully entitled to do
so,
upon the request of all Investors, set off against the Obligations, any amounts
owing by such Investor to Viking or any accounts of Viking now or hereafter
maintained with such Investor. Each of the Investors further agrees that
it
shall not, unless specifically requested to do so by the Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent, take or cause to be taken any action to enforce its rights
under this Agreement or against Viking, including the commencement of any
legal
or equitable proceedings, to foreclose any Lien on, or otherwise enforce
any
security interest in, any of the Collateral.
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37
(b) If
at any
time or times any Investor shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, setoff
or
otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral or any payments with respect to the
Obligations of Viking to such Investor arising under, or relating to, this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents, except for any such proceeds or payments
received by such Investor from the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent pursuant
to
the terms of this Agreement, or (ii) payments from the Lead Lender and
Collateral Agent in excess of such Investor’s ratable portion of all such
distributions by the Agent, such Investor shall promptly (1) turn the same
over
to the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, in kind, and with such endorsements
as
may be required to negotiate the same to the Lead Lender and Collateral Agent,
or in same day funds, as applicable, for the account of all of the Investors
and
for application to the Obligations in accordance with the applicable provisions
of this Agreement, or (2) purchase, without recourse or warranty, an undivided
interest and participation in the Obligations owed to the other Investors
so
that such excess payment received shall be applied ratably as among the
Investors in accordance with their pro rata interest in the aggregate principal
amount of the Loans; provided,
however,
that if
all or part of such excess payment received by the purchasing party is
thereafter recovered from it, those purchases of participations shall be
rescinded in whole or in part, as applicable, and the applicable portion
of the
purchase price paid therefor shall be returned to such purchasing party,
but
without interest except to the extent that such purchasing party is required
to
pay interest in connection with the recovery of the excess payment.
14.13 Agency
for Perfection.
Each
Investor hereby appoints each other Investor as agent for the purpose of
perfecting the Investors’ security interest in assets which, in accordance with
Article 9 of the UCC can be perfected only by possession. Should any Investor
(other than the Collateral Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral,
such
Investor shall notify the Collateral Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the
Collateral Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the
Collateral Agent or in accordance with the Collateral Agent’s
instructions.
14.14 Concerning
the Collateral and the Related Loan Documents.
Each
Investor authorizes and directs the Collateral Agent to enter into the other
Loan Documents, for the ratable benefit and obligation of the Collateral
Agent
and the Investors. Each Investor agrees that any action taken by the Collateral
Agent or Required Investors, as applicable, in accordance with the terms
of this
Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Collateral
Agent
or the Required Investors, as applicable, of their respective powers set
forth
therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably
incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Investors.
The
Investors acknowledge that the Loans and all interest, fees and expenses
hereunder constitute one debt of Viking, secured pari passu
by all
of the Collateral.
14.15 Relation
Among Investors.
The
Investors are not partners or co-venturers, and no Investor shall be liable
for
the acts or omissions of, or (except as otherwise set forth herein in case
of
the Collateral Agent) authorized to act for, any other Investor.
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15. Indemnity
of the Agent and the Investors by Viking. Except
as
set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, Viking agrees to defend,
indemnify and hold the Agent-Related Persons, and each Investor and each
of its
respective officers, directors, employees, counsel, representatives, agents
and
attorneys-in-fact (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any
and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, charges, expenses and disbursements (including attorney
fees) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time (including at
any
time following repayment of the Loans and the termination, resignation or
replacement of the Collateral Agent) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against any such Person in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement
or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, or the transactions
contemplated hereby, or any action taken or omitted by any such Person under
or
in connection with any of the foregoing, including with respect to any
investigation, litigation or proceeding (including any insolvency proceeding
or
appellate proceeding) related to or arising out of this Agreement, any other
Loan Document, or the Loans or the use of the proceeds thereof, whether or
not
any Indemnified Person is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively,
the
“Indemnified Liabilities”); provided, that Viking shall have no obligation
hereunder to any Indemnified Person with respect to Indemnified Liabilities
resulting solely from the willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person.
The
agreements in this Section shall survive payment of all
Obligations.
16. Representation
by Counsel.
Each
party hereto represents and agrees with each other that it has been represented
by or had the opportunity to be represented by, independent counsel of its
own
choosing, and that it has had the full right and opportunity to consult with
its
respective attorney(s), that to the extent, if any, that it desired, it availed
itself of this right and opportunity, that it or its authorized officers
(as the
case may be) have carefully read and fully understand this Agreement in its
entirety and have had it fully explained to them by such party’s respective
counsel, that each is fully aware of the contents thereof and its meaning,
intent and legal effect, and that it or its authorized officer (as the case
may
be) is competent to execute this Agreement free from coercion, duress or
undue
influence. The parties to this Agreement participated jointly in the negotiation
and drafting of this Agreement. If an ambiguity or question of intent or
interpretation arises, then this Agreement will be construed as if drafted
jointly by the parties to this Agreement, and no presumption or burden of
proof
will arise favoring or disfavoring any party to this Agreement by virtue
of the
authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
17. General
Provisions.
17.1 Expenses.
Viking
agrees to pay and save Lead Lender harmless against liability for the payment
of
the Transaction Expenses.
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17.2 Notice.
Any
notice required or desired to be given by the parties hereto shall be in
writing
and may be personally delivered; mailed by regular mail or certified mail,
return receipt requested; sent by telephone facsimile with a hard copy sent
by
regular mail; or sent by a nationally recognized receipted overnight delivery
service, including, by example and not limita-tion, United Parcel Service,
Federal Express, or Airborne Express. Any such notice shall be deemed given
when
personally delivered; if mailed by regular mail, three (3) days after deposit
in
the United States mail, postage prepaid; if mailed by certified mail, return
receipt requested, three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail,
postage prepaid, or on the day of receipt by the recipient, whichever is
sooner;
if sent by telephone facsimile, on the day sent if sent on a business day
during
normal business hours of the recipient or on the next business day if sent
at
any other time; or if sent by overnight delivery service, one (1) business
day
after deposit in the custody of the delivery service. The addresses and
telephone numbers for the mailing, transmitting, or delivering of notices
shall
be as follows:
If
to Lead Lender and Collateral Agent, to:
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St.
Cloud Capital Partners, LP
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00000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
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Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
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|
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
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Attn:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
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|
If
to Viking, to:
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Viking
Systems, Inc.
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0000
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
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|
Xx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
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|
Facsimile:
000-000-0000
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|
Attn:
Xxx Xxxxx
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|
With
copies to:
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Cohne,
Xxxxxxxxx & Xxxxx
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000
Xxxx 000 Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
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Xxxx
Xxxx Xxxx, XX 00000
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Facsimile:
000-000-0000
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Attn:
X. X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
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If
to the Investors:
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(see
signature page or Annex A)
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Notices
of a change of address of a party shall be given in the same manner as all
other
notices as hereinabove provided.
17.3 Terms
Survive.
All
agreements, representations, warranties, and covenants made by Viking shall
survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Loan Documents
and
shall continue in full force and effect so long as any obligation to the
Investor contemplated by this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid and thereafter
as herein provided.
17.4 No
Assignment.
The
parties agree that neither this Agreement nor any of the Loan Documents may
be
assigned by Viking.
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17.5 Governing
Law.
This
Agreement and the Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of California.
17.6 Jurisdiction.
The
Parties agree and consent that the courts of the State of California shall
have
jurisdiction with respect to enforcement of this Agreement or any Loan Documents
executed in connection herewith and shall have jurisdic-tion with respect
to any
disputes or with respect to any legal proceedings involving claims arising
out
of this Agreement or the Loan Documents.
17.7 Amendments.
No
provision or term of this Agreement may be amended, modified, revoked,
supplemented, waived, or otherwise changed, except by a written instrument
duly
executed by Viking and the Investors (including St. Cloud) and designated
as an
amendment, supplement, or waiver. Viking agrees to pay any fees incurred
by
Investors in connection with any consent, waiver or amendment of any Loan
Document.
17.8 Counting
of Days.
Unless
otherwise indicated, the term “days” when used herein shall mean calendar days.
If any time period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday officially recognized
by the State of California, the period shall be deemed to end on the next
succeeding business day.
17.9 Headings.
The
article and section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not
affect the construction hereof.
17.10 Entire
Agreement.
This
Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the final expression of
the
agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the general subject
matter hereof and supersede any previous understanding, negotia-tions, or
discussions, whether written or oral. This Agreement and the Loan Documents
may
not be contradicted by evidence of any alleged oral agreement.
17.11 Conflict.
If the
term of any other Loan Document, except the Promissory Note, shall be in
conflict with this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern to the extent of
the
conflict. If the terms of this Agreement shall be in conflict with the
Promissory Note, the Promissory Note will govern to the extent of the
conflict.
17.12 Use
of Terms.
As used
herein, words in any gender shall be deemed to include the other genders,
and
the singular shall be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa.
17.13 Agency.
Nothing
in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute the creation of a partnership
or joint venture between the Investors and Viking. No Investor is an agent
or
representative of Viking.
17.14 Authority
to File Notices.
Viking
hereby appoints and designates the Collateral Agent as its attorney-in-fact
to
file, for record any notice that the Collateral Agent deems necessary to
protect
the Secured Parties’ interests under the Security Agreement. This power shall be
deemed coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable while any sum or
performance remains due and owing under any of the Loan
Documents.
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17.15 Waiver.
An
Investor shall not be deemed to have waived any rights hereunder unless such
waiver is given in writing and signed by such Investor. No delay or admission
on
the part of an Investor in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver
of
such right or any other right. A written waiver by an Investor of a provision
of
this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of the Investor’s
rights otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other
provision of this Agreement. No prior written waiver by the Investor, nor
any
course of dealing between the Investor and Viking, shall constitute a waiver
of
any of the Investor’s rights or obligations. Whenever the consent of the
Investor is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by
the
Investor in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent in subsequent
instances where such consent is required, and in all cases, such consent
may be
granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Investor.
17.16 Severability.
If a
court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement or
any of
the Loan Documents to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
unenforce-able as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any
such
offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the limits
of
enforceability or validity. However, if the offending provision cannot be
so
modified, it shall be stricken, and all other provisions of this Agreement
in
all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable.
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties to this Agreement has executed this
Agreement on the day and year above written.
VIKING:
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Viking
Systems, Inc.,
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a
Nevada corporation
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By:
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|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx, President
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LEAD
LENDER and COLLATERAL AGENT:
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St.
Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.
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By: SCGP,
LLC
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Its: General
Partner
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By:
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Name: Xxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
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Title: Senior
Managing Member
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Address:
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00000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
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|
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
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|
Facsimile:
(000)000-0000
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|
With
a copy to:
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|
Xxxxxx
& Xxxxxxx LLP
|
|
000
Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
|
|
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
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|
Facsimile:
(000)000-0000
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|
Attention:
W. Xxxx Xxxxxx, Esq.
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43
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
DATED
AS OF August 12, 2005
BY
AND
AMONG
VIKING
SYSTEMS, INC.,
ST.
CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,
AS
“LEAD LENDER” AND “COLLATERAL AGENT”
AND
EACH INVESTOR NAMED THEREIN
The
undersigned hereby executes and delivers the Securities Purchase Agreement
(the
“Securities Purchase Agreement”) to which this Signature Page is attached
effective as of the date of the Agreement, which Securities Purchase Agreement
and Signature Page, together with all counterparts of such Agreement and
signature pages of the other Investors named in such Securities Purchase
Agreement, shall constitute one and the same document in accordance with
the
terms of such Securities Purchase Agreement.
INVESTORS:
|
|
By:
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|
Name: Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|
(Print)
Address 0000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|
Xx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000
|
|
Facsimile
|
|
44
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
DATED
AS OF AUGUST 12, 2005
BY
AND
AMONG
VIKING
SYSTEMS, INC.,
ST.
CLOUD CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.,
AS
“LEAD LENDER” AND “COLLATERAL AGENT”
AND
EACH INVESTOR NAMED THEREIN
The
undersigned hereby executes and delivers the Securities Purchase Agreement
(the
“Securities Purchase Agreement”) to which this Signature Page is attached
effective as of the date of the Agreement, which Securities Purchase Agreement
and Signature Page, together with all counterparts of such Agreement and
signature pages of the other Investors named in such Securities Purchase
Agreement, shall constitute one and the same document in accordance with
the
terms of such Securities Purchase Agreement.
INVESTORS:
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|
By:
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Name: Xxxxx
X. & Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx,
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|
Trustees
udt 11/27/90, community property
|
|
(Print)
Address 00
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
|
Xxxx
Xxxxxx XX 00000
|
|
Facsimile (000)
000-0000
|
|
45
ANNEX
A
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTORS
|
||
Investor
|
Address
|
Loan
|
St.
Cloud Capital Partners, L.P.
|
00000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxx
0000
Xxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile:
(000)000-0000
Attn:
Xxxx Xxxxxxx
|
$300,000
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
|
0000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile:
________
|
$200,000
|
Xxxxx
X. & Xxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Trustees udt 11/27/90, community
property
|
00
Xxxxxx Xxx
Xxxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile:
(000) 000-0000
|
$100,000
|
EXHIBIT
A
PROMISSORY
NOTE
|
EXHIBIT
B
SECURITY
AGREEMENT
|
EXHIBIT
C
FORM
OF ADDENDUM AGREEMENT
ADDENDUM
TO SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This
Addendum to the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Addendum”)
is
made as of August ___, 2005, by and among Viking Systems, Inc., a Nevada
corporation (“Viking”),
and
the individuals and entities listed on the signature page attached hereto
(the “Additional
Investors”).
On
August
___, 2005, Viking entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the
“Securities
Purchase Agreement”)
with
St. Cloud Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“St. Cloud”),
as “Lead Lender” and “Collateral Agent,” and St. Cloud, and Xxxxxx Xxxxxx as
Investors. The Securities Purchase Agreement provides in Section 2 thereof
that
additional Investors may, under the terms and pursuant to the conditions
set
forth therein, become parties to the Securities Purchase Agreement.
AGREEMENT
In
consideration of the mutual promises, covenants and conditions hereinafter
set
forth, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
1. Loan.
Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing (as defined in Section
2
hereof), Viking agrees to borrow from each Additional Investor, and each
Additional Investor, severally and not jointly, agrees to lend to Viking,
the
amount set forth opposite such Additional Investor’s name on Exhibit
A hereto.
Each of the Additional Investors, by their signatures hereto, shall hereby
(i) become parties to the Securities Purchase Agreement, (ii) be
considered an “Investor”
for
all
purposes under the Securities Purchase Agreement and (iii) have all the
rights and obligations of an Investor thereunder.
2. Closing.
The
closing of the transactions contemplated hereunder and under the Securities
Purchase Agreement (the “Closing”)
shall
be held at the offices of _______________________________________________,
California, at _____ __.m., on __________, 2005, or at such other time and
place
as Viking and the Additional Investors may agree.
3. Delivery.
At the
Closing, (i) Viking shall deliver to each Additional Investor or its counsel,
the instruments and documents set forth in Section 3.1 of the Securities
Purchase Agreement; and (ii) each Additional Investor shall deliver to Viking
the instruments and documents set forth in Section 3.2 of the Securities
Purchase Agreement.
4. Representations
and Warranties.
4.1 Representations
and Warranties of Viking.
Each
Additional Investor hereby acknowledges receipt of the Securities Purchase
Agreement and the exhibits thereto. Viking affirms to each Additional Investor
that:
(i) The
representations and warranties of Viking set forth in Section 11 of the
Securities Purchase Agreement were true and correct in all respects when
made;
(ii) Such
representations and warranties, which are incorporated herein by this reference
and made a part hereof, remain true and accurate in all respects as of the
date
hereof, except for changes resulting from the transactions contemplated in
the
Securities Purchase Agreement.
4.2 Representations
and Warranties of Additional Investors.
Each
Additional Investor acknowledges that such Additional Investor has reviewed
the
representations and warranties set forth in Section 12 of the Securities
Purchase Agreement and agrees with Viking that such representations and
warranties, which are incorporated herein by this reference and made a part
hereof, are true and correct as of the date hereof as they relate to such
Additional Investor.
5. Miscellaneous.
5.1 Incorporation
by Reference.
The
provisions set forth in Section 21 of the Purchase Agreement are incorporated
herein by this reference and made a part hereof.
5.2 Counterparts.
This
Addendum may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which may
be
executed by less than all of the Additional Investors, each of which shall
be
enforceable against the parties actually executing such counterparts, and
all of
which together shall constitute one instrument.
The
parties hereto have executed this Addendum as of the date first set forth
above.
VIKING:
|
|
Viking
Systems, Inc.,
|
|
a
Nevada corporation
|
|
By:
|
|
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxx, President
|
|
ADDITIONAL
INVESTORS:
|
|
By:
|
|
Name:
|
|
(Print)
|
|
Title:
|
|
(If
applicable)
|
|
Address
|
|
Facsimile
|