Business Loan Agreement between Champion Industries, Inc. and One Valley Bank, N.A. dated May 6, 1999
Contract Categories:
Business Finance
›
Loan Agreements
Summary
Champion Industries, Inc. entered into a business loan agreement with One Valley Bank, National Association, for a principal amount of $2,690,937.87, effective May 6, 1999, and maturing on May 6, 2002. The agreement outlines the terms under which the bank will provide commercial loans to Champion Industries, including conditions for loan advances, required documentation, and representations and warranties by the borrower. The agreement remains in effect until all debts are repaid and both parties agree in writing to terminate it.
EX-10.4 5 w44743ex10-4.txt BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT 1 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) EXHIBIT 10.4 LOAN AGREEMENT
BORROWER: LENDER: CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. (TIN: 55-0717455) One Valley Bank, National Association 2450 FIRST AVENUE Corporate Banking HUNTINGTON, WV ###-###-#### One Valley Square, P.O. Box 1793 Charleston, WV 25326 THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT between CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. ("Borrower") and One Valley Bank, National Association ("Lender") is made and executed on the following terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans and other financial accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement. All such loans and financial accommodations, together with all future loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower, are referred to in this Agreement individually as the "Loan" and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands and agrees that: (a) In granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth in this Agreement; (b) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (c) all such Loans shall be and shall remain subject to the following terms and conditions of this Agreement. TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of May 6, 1999, and shall continue thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been performed in full and the parties terminate this Agreement in writing. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial Loan Advance and each subsequent Loan Advance under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents. Loan Documents. Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory to Lender the following documents for the Loan: (a) the Note, (b) Security Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral, (c) Financing Statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (d) evidence of insurance as required below; and (e) any other documents required under this Agreement or by Lender or its counsel. Borrower's Authorization. Borrower shall have provided in form and substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the Related Documents, and such other authorizations and other documents and instruments as Lender or its counsel, in their sole discretion, may require. Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this Agreement or any Related Document. Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct. Exhibit (10.4)-p1 2 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) No Event of Default. There shall not exist at the time of any advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists: Organization. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of West Virginia and is validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its businesses or financial condition. Authorization. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Borrower, to the extent to be executed, delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (a) any provision of its articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower. Financial Information. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements. Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms. Properties. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's properties free and clear of all liens and security interests, and has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement under, any other name for at least the last five (5) years. Hazardous Substances. Except as disclosed to Lender in writing, no property of Borrower ever has been, or ever will be so long as this Agreement remains in effect, used for the generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance, as those terms are defined in the "CERCLA," "SARA," applicable state or Federal laws, or regulations adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous waste and hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (b) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims and losses resulting from a breach of this provision of this Agreement. This obligation to indemnify shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the satisfaction of this Agreement. Exhibit (10.4)-p2 3 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) Commercial Purposes. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for business or commercial related purposes. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will: Litigation. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any guarantor of the Loan which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any guarantor of the Loan. Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with accounting principles acceptable to Lender, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times. Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower's balance sheet and income statement for the year ended, compiled by a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender. All financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with accounting principles acceptable to Lender, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct. . Additional Information. Furnish such additional information and statements, lists of assets and liabilities, aging of receivables and payables, inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns, and other reports with respect to Borrower's financial condition and business operations as Lender may request from time to time. Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in writing. Performance. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely manner, and promptly notify Lender if Borrower learns of the occurrence of any event which constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents. Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations respecting its properties, charters, businesses and operations, including without limitation, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and with all minimum funding standards and other requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit plans. Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense. Exhibit (10.4)-p3 4 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender: INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money, including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell, transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or encumber any of Borrower's assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts, except to Lender. CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (a) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate with any other entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure. LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor other than in the ordinary course of business. CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if: (a) Borrower or any guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement that Borrower or any guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any guarantor, or in the value of any collateral securing any Loan; (d) any guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such guarantor's. guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender; or (e) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure, even though no Event of Default shall have occurred. YEAR 2000. Borrower warrants and represents that all software utilized in the conduct of Borrower's, business will have appropriate capabilities and compatibility for operation to handle calendar dates falling on or after January 1, 2000, and all information pertaining to such calendar dates, in the same manner and with the same functionality as the software does respecting calendar dates falling on or before December 31, 1999. Further, Borrower warrants and represents that the data-related user interface functions, data-fields, and date-related program instructions and functions of the software include the indication of the century. MINIMUM FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO. The Borrower shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated Cash Flow from Operations divided by Fixed Charges, Exhibit (10.4)-p4 5 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the previous four fiscal quarters then ended, to be less than 1.05 to 1.00 through October 31, 1999, and to be less than 1.10 to 1.0 thereafter. LEVERAGE RATIO. The Borrower shall not at any time permit the ratio of Total Senior Indebtedness divided to EBITDA to be greater than: 2.50 to 1.0 as of October 31, 1998 2.50 to 1.0 as of October 31, 1999 2.25 to 1.0 as of October 31, 2000 and 2.0 to 1.0 as of October 31 of each year thereafter MINIMUM TANGIBLE NET WORTH. The Borrower shall not at any time permit Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be less than the sum of (i) 90% of Tangible Net Worth on the Closing Date, (ii) an amount equal to 50% of the consolidated Net Income and (iii) 100% of the proceeds of all stock issued by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. RIGHT OF SETOFF. Borrower grants to Lender a contractual security interest in, and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to Lender all Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including without limitation ail accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future, excluding however all IRA and Keogh accounts, and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against any and all such accounts. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Agreement: DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the Loans. Other Defaults. Failure of Borrower to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower default under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay the Loans or perform Borrower's obligations under this Agreement or any related document. FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower is false or misleading in any material respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter. Insolvency. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower. CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor of any grantor of collateral for the Loan This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit accounts with Lender. Exhibit (10.4)-p5 6 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness. Lender, at its option, may, but shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Lender, and, in doing so, cure the Event of Default. Change In Ownership. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower. ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. Insecurity. Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure. EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement immediately will terminate and, at Lender's option, ail Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies. Borrower acknowledges having read all the provisions of this business loan agreement, and Borrower agrees to its terms. This agreement is dated as of May 6, 1999. Borrower: Champion Industries, Inc. Exhibit (10.4)-p6 7 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) PROMISSORY NOTE
PROMISE TO PAY. CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. ("Borrower") promises to pay to One Valley Bank, National Association ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Two Million Six Hundred Ninety Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty Seven & 87/100 Dollars ($2,690,937.87), together with interest at the rate of 6.750% per annum on the unpaid principal balance from May 6, 1999, until paid in full. PAYMENT. Borrower will pay this loan in 35 payments of $82,921.07 each payment and an irregular last payment estimated at $82,920.71. Borrower's first payment is due June 6, 1999, and all subsequent payments are due on the same day of each month after that. Borrower's final payment will be due on May 6, 2002, and will be for all principal and all accrued interest not yet paid. Payments include principal and interest. The annual interest rate for this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding. Borrower will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may designate in writing. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to accrued unpaid interest, then to principal, and any remaining amount to any unpaid collection costs and late charges. PREPAYMENT; MINIMUM INTEREST CHARGE. In any event, even upon full prepayment of this Note, Borrower understands that Lender is entitled to a minimum interest charge of $25.00. Other than Borrower's obligation to pay any minimum interest charge, Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments under the payment schedule. Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due and may result in Borrower making fewer payments. LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 days or more late, Borrower will be charged 5.000% of the regularly scheduled payment or $25.00, whichever is greater. DEFAULT. Borrower will be in default if any of the following happens: (a) Borrower fails to make any payment when due. (b) Borrower breaks any promise Borrower has made to Lender, or Borrower fails to comply with or to perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Note or any agreement related to this Note, or in any other agreement or loan Borrower has with Lender. (c) Borrower defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the Related Documents. (d) Any representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf is false or misleading in any material respect either now or at the time made or furnished. (e) Borrower becomes insolvent, a receiver is appointed for any part of Borrower's property, Borrower makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or any proceeding is commenced either by Borrower or against Borrower under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws. (f) Any creditor tries to take any of Borrower's property on or in which Lender has a lien or security interest. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. (g) Any guarantor dies or any of the other events described in this default section occurs with respect to any guarantor of this Note. (h) A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. (i) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure. Exhibit (10.4)-p7 8 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) If any default, other than a default in payment, is curable and if Borrower has not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Note within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no event of default will have occurred) if Borrower, after receiving written notice from Lender demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within ten (10) days; or (b) if the cure requires more than ten (10) days, immediately initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical. LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal balance on this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, without notice, and then Borrower will pay that amount. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower also will pay Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. If not prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law. This Note has been delivered to Lender and accepted by Lender in the State of West Virginia. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Kanawha County, the State of West Virginia. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the right to any jury trial In any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender or Borrower against the other. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia. RIGHT OF SETOFF. Borrower grants to Lender a contractual security interest in, and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers to Lender all Borrower's right, title and interest in and to, Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including without limitation all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future, excluding however all IRA and Keogh accounts, and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on this Note against any and all such accounts. COLLATERAL. This Note is secured by a Security Agreement dated May 6, 1999 securing 1st lien on specific equipment as listed on Attachment A. REPRICING. The interest rate shall remain fixed for six months from the date of the Note at which time Lender reserves the right to reprice the Loan in six month intervals based on the six month Libor Rate plus 1.75%. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of dishonor. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan, or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fail to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THE NOTE. Exhibit (10.4)-p8 9 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT is entered Into between CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. (referred to below as "Grantor"); and One Valley Bank, National Association (referred to below as "Lender"). For valuable consideration, Grantor grants to Lender a security interest in the Collateral to secure the Indebtedness and agrees that Lender shall have the rights stated in this Agreement with respect to the Collateral, in addition to all other rights which Lender may have by law. DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Commercial Security Agreement, as this Commercial Security Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Commercial Security Agreement from time to time. Collateral. The word "Collateral" means the following described property of Grantor, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located: 1st lien on specific Equipment as listed on attachment A In addition, the word "Collateral" includes all the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located: (a) All attachments, accessions, accessories, tools, parts, supplies, increases, and additions to and all replacements of and substitutions for any property described above. (b) All products and produce of any of the property described in this Collateral section. (c) All accounts, general intangibles, instruments, rents, monies, payments, and all other rights, arising out of a sale, lease, or other disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral section. (d) All proceeds (including insurance proceeds) from the sale, destruction, loss, or other disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral section. (e) All records and data relating to any of the property described in this Collateral section, whether in the form of a writing, photograph, microfilm, microfiche, or electronic media, together with all of Grantor's right, title, and interest in and to all computer software required to utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or data on electronic media. Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section titled "Events of Default." Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in connection with the Indebtedness. Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by the Note, including all principal and interest, together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Grantor is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents. In addition, the word "Indebtedness" includes all other obligations, debts and liabilities, plus interest Exhibit (10.4)-p9 10 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) thereon, of Grantor, or any one or more of them, to Lender, as well as all claims by Lender against Grantor, or any one or more of them, whether existing now or later; whether they are voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated; whether Grantor may be liable individually or jointly with others; whether Grantor may be obligated as guarantor, surety, accommodation party or otherwise; whether recovery upon such indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and whether such indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable. Note. The word "Note" means the note or credit agreement dated May 6, 1999, in the principal amount of $2,690,937.87 from CHAMPION INDUSTRIES, INC. to Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancing of, consolidations of and substitutions for the note or credit agreement. RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness. RIGHT OF SETOFF. Grantor hereby grants Lender a contractual security interest in and hereby assigns, conveys, delivers, pledges, and transfers all of Grantor's right, title and interest in and to Grantor's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account), including all accounts held jointly with someone else and all accounts Grantor may open in the future, excluding, however, all IRA and Keogh accounts, and all trust accounts for which the grant of a security interest would be prohibited by law. Grantor authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all Indebtedness against any and all such accounts. OBLIGATIONS OF GRANTOR. Grantor warrants and covenants to Lender as follows: PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTEREST. Grantor agrees to execute such financing statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Lender to perfect and continue Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Upon request of Lender, Grantor will deliver to Lender any and all of the documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Grantor will note Lender's interest upon any and all chattel paper if not delivered to Lender for possession by Lender. Except in the ordinary course of its business, Grantor shall not remove the Collateral from its existing locations without the prior written consent of Lender. REMOVAL OF COLLATERAL. Grantor shall keep the Collateral (or to the extent the Collateral consists of intangible property such as accounts, the records concerning the Collateral) at Grantor's address shown above, or at such other locations as are acceptable to Lender. Except in the ordinary course of its business, including the sales of inventory, Grantor shall not remove the Collateral from its existing locations without the prior written consent of Lender. To the extent that the Collateral consists of vehicles, or other titled property, Grantor shall not take or permit any action which would require application for certificates of title for the vehicles outside the State of West Virginia, without the prior written consent of Lender. TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING COLLATERAL. Except for inventory sold or accounts collected in the ordinary course of Grantor's business, Grantor shall not sell, offer to sell, or otherwise transfer or dispose of the Collateral. Grantor shall not pledge, mortgage, encumber or otherwise permit the Collateral to be subject to any lien., security interest, encumbrance, or charge, other than the security interest provided for in this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Lender. Title. Grantor represents and warrants to Lender that it holds good and marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances except far the -fier: of this Agreement. No financing statement covering any of the Collateral is on file in any public office otherthan those which reflect the security interest created by this Agreement or to which Lender has specifically Exhibit (10.4)-p10 11 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) consented. Grantor shall defend Lender's rights in the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other persons. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF COLLATERAL. Grantor shall maintain all tangible Collateral in good condition and repair. Grantor will not commit or permit damage to or destruction of the Collateral or any part of the Collateral. Lender and its designated representatives and agents shall have the right at all reasonable times to examine, inspect, and audit the Collateral wherever located. Grantor shall immediately notify Lender of all cases involving the return, rejection, repossession, loss or damage of or to any Collateral; of any request for credit or adjustment or of any other dispute arising with respect to the Collateral; and generally of all happenings and events affecting the Collateral or the value or the amount of the Collateral.Compliance With Governmental Requirements. Grantor shall comply promptly with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of all governmental authorities, now or hereafter in effect, applicable to the ownership, production, disposition, or use of the Collateral, including without limitation payment when due of all taxes, assessments and liens upon the Collateral. Maintenance of Casualty Insurance. Grantor shall procure and maintain all risks insurance, including without limitation fire, theft and liability coverage together with such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to the Collateral, in form, amounts, coverages and basis reasonably acceptable to Lender and issued by a company or companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Grantor, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least twenty (20) days' prior written notice to Lender and not including any disclaimer of the insurer's liability for failure to give such a notice. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Grantor or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest, Grantor will provide Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require. EXPENDITURES BY LENDER. If not discharged or paid when due, Lender may (but shall not be obligated to) discharge or pay any amounts required to be discharged or paid by Grantor under this Agreement, including without limitation all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances, and other claims, at any time levied or placed on the Collateral. Lender also may (but shall not be obligated to) pay all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving the Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Grantor. All such expenses shall become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (a) be payable on demand, (b) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due during either (i) the term of any applicable insurance policy or (ii) the remaining term of the Note, or (c) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note's maturity. This Agreement also will secure payment of these amounts. Such right shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies to which Lender may be entitled upon the occurrence of an Event of Default. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement: DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Grantor to make any payment when due on the Indebtedness. Other Defaults. Failure of Grantor to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents or in any other agreement between Lender and Grantor. Exhibit (10.4)-p11 12 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower default under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay the Loans or perform Borrower's obligations under this Agreement or any related document. False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Grantor under this Agreement, the or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished. DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral documents to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason. INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Grantor's existence as a going business, the insolvency of Grantor, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Grantor's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Grantor. CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Grantor or by any governmental agency against the Collateral or any other collateral securing the Indebtedness. This includes a garnishment of any of Grantor's deposit accounts with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Grantor as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute. EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or such Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent. Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Grantor's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired. INSECURITY. Lender, in good faith, deems itself insecure. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT. If an Event of Default occurs under this Agreement, at any time thereafter, Lender shall have all the rights of a secured party under the West Virginia Uniform Commercial Code. In addition and without limitation, Lender may exercise any one or more of the following rights and remedies: Accelerate Indebtedness. Lender may declare the entire Indebtedness, including any prepayment penalty which Grantor would be required to pay, immediately due and payable, without notice. SELL THE COLLATERAL. Lender shall have full power to sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise deal with the Collateral or proceeds thereof in its own name or that of Grantor. Lender may sell the Collateral at public auction or private sale. Unless the Collateral threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, Lender will give Grantor reasonable notice of the time after which any private sale or any other intended disposition of the Collateral is to be made. The requirements of reasonable notice shall be met if such notice is given at least ten (10) days before the time of the sale or disposition. All expenses relating to the disposition of the Collateral, including without limitation the expenses of retaking, holding insuring, preparing for sale and selling the Collateral, shall become a part of the Indebtedness secured by this Agreement and shall be payable on demand, with interest at the Note rate from date of expenditure until repaid. Exhibit (10.4)-p12 13 EXHIBIT SECTION EXHIBIT (10.4) OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. Lender shall have all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, as may be amended from time to time. In addition, Lender shall have and may exercise any or all other rights and remedies it may have available at law, in equity, or otherwise. CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. All of Lender's rights and remedies, whether evidenced by this Agreement or the Related Documents or by any other writing, shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Grantor under this Agreement, after Grantor's failure to perform, shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its remedies. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement: Applicable Law. This Agreement has been delivered to Lender and accepted by Lender in the State of West Virginia. If there is a lawsuit, Grantor agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of West Virginia. Lender and Grantor hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender or Grantor against the other. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of West Virginia. ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Grantor agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Grantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs arid expenses include Lender's attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (and including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Grantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court. Waiver. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Grantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender. Exhibit (10.4)-p13
