Current assets

EX-10.1 2 a00533exv10w1.txt EXHIBIT 10.1 Exhibit 10.1 [BANK OF AMERICA LOGO] LOAN AGREEMENT This Agreement dated as of June 28, 2004, is between Bank of America, N.A. (the "Bank") and Cohu, Inc. (the "Borrower"). 1. FACILITY NO. 1: LINE OF CREDIT AMOUNT AND TERMS 1.1 Line of Credit Amount. (a) During the availability period described below, the Bank will provide a line of credit to the Borrower. The amount of the line of credit (the "Facility No. 1 Commitment") is Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00). (b) This is a revolving line of credit. During the availability period, the Borrower may repay principal amounts and reborrow them. (c) The Borrower agrees not to permit the principal balance outstanding to exceed the Facility No. 1 Commitment. If the Borrower exceeds this limit, the Borrower will immediately pay the excess to the Bank upon the Bank's demand. 1.2 Availability Period. The line of credit is available between the date of this Agreement and July 1, 2005, or such earlier date as the availability may terminate as provided in this Agreement (the "Facility No. 1 Expiration Date"). 1.3 Repayment Terms. (a) The Borrower will pay interest on July 1, 2004, and then on the same day of each month thereafter until payment in full of any principal outstanding under this facility. (b) The Borrower will repay in full any principal, interest or other charges outstanding under this facility no later than the Facility No. 1 Expiration Date. 1.4 Interest Rate. (a) The interest rate is a rate per year equal to the Bank's Prime Rate. (b) The Prime Rate is the rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by the Bank as its Prime Rate. The Prime Rate is set by the Bank based on various factors, including the Bank's costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans. The Bank may price loans to its customers at, above, or below the Prime Rate. Any change in the Prime Rate shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of a change in the Bank's Prime Rate. 1.5 Letters of Credit. (a) During the availability period, at the request of the Borrower, the Bank will issue: (i) commercial letters of credit with a maximum maturity of one hundred eighty (180) days but not to extend more than one hundred eighty (180) days beyond the Facility No. 1 Expiration Date. Each commercial letter of credit will require drafts payable at sight. (ii) standby letters of credit with a maximum maturity of three hundred sixty-five (365) days but not to extend more than three hundred sixty-five (365) days beyond the Facility No. 1 Expiration Date. (b) In calculating the principal amount outstanding under the Facility No. 1 Commitment, the calculation shall include the amount of any letters of credit outstanding, including amounts drawn on any letters of credit and not yet reimbursed. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 1 (c) The following letters of credit are outstanding from the Bank for the account of the Borrower:
Letter of Credit Number Amount - ----------------------- ------ 3055074 $1,690,055.80 ###-###-#### $ 845,027.90
As of the date of this Agreement, these letters of credit shall be deemed to be outstanding under this Agreement, and shall be subject to all the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement. (e) The Borrower agrees: (i) Any sum drawn under a letter of credit may, at the option of the Bank, be added to the principal amount outstanding under this Agreement. The amount will bear interest and be due as described elsewhere in this Agreement. (ii) If there is a default under this Agreement, to immediately prepay and make the Bank whole for any outstanding letters of credit. (iii) The issuance of any letter of credit and any amendment to a letter of credit is subject to the Bank's written approval and must be in form and content satisfactory to the Bank and in favor of a beneficiary acceptable to the Bank. (iv) To sign the Bank's form Application and Agreement for Commercial Letter of Credit or Application and Agreement for Standby Letter of Credit, as applicable. (v) To pay any issuance and/or other fees that the Bank notifies the Borrower will be charged for issuing and processing letters of credit for the Borrower. (vi) To allow the Bank to automatically charge its checking account for applicable fees, discounts, and other charges. 2. FEES AND EXPENSES 2.1 Fees. (a) Unused Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay a fee on any difference between the Facility No. 1 Commitment and the amount of credit it actually uses, determined by the average of the daily amount of credit outstanding during the specified period. The fee will be calculated at 0.125% per year. The calculation of credit outstanding shall not include the undrawn amount of letters of credit. This fee is due on June 30, 2004, payable on the 10th day of the following month, and on the same day of each following quarter until the expiration of the availability period. 2.2 Expenses. The Borrower agrees to immediately repay the Bank for expenses that include, but are not limited to, filing, recording and search fees, appraisal fees, title report fees, and documentation fees. 2.3 Reimbursement Costs. (a) The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Bank for any expenses it incurs in the preparation of this Agreement and any agreement or instrument required by this Agreement. Expenses include, but are not limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees, including any allocated costs of the Bank's in-house counsel to the extent permitted by applicable law. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 2 3. DISBURSEMENTS, PAYMENTS AND COSTS 3.1 Disbursements and Payments. (a) Each payment by the Borrower will be made in U.S. Dollars and immediately available funds by direct debit to a deposit account as specified below or, for payments not required to be made by direct debit, by mail to the address shown on the Borrower's statement or at one of the Bank's banking centers in the United States. (b) Each disbursement by the Bank and each payment by the Borrower will be evidenced by records kept by the Bank. In addition, the Bank may, at its discretion, require the Borrower to sign one or more promissory notes. 3.2 Telephone and Telefax Authorization. (a) The Bank may honor telephone or telefax instructions for advances or repayments and telefax requests for the issuance of letters of credit given, or purported to be given, by any one of the individuals authorized to sign loan agreements on behalf of the Borrower, or any other individual designated by any one of such authorized signers. (b) Advances will be deposited in and repayments will be withdrawn from account number 14505-50312 owned by the Borrower or such other of the Borrower's accounts with the Bank as designated in writing by the Borrower. (c) The Borrower will indemnify and hold the Bank harmless from all liability, loss, and costs in connection with any act resulting from telephone or telefax instructions the Bank reasonably believes are made by any individual authorized by the Borrower to give such instructions. This paragraph will survive this Agreement's termination, and will benefit the Bank and its officers, employees, and agents. 3.3 Direct Debit (Pre-Billing). (a) The Borrower agrees that the Bank will debit deposit account number 14505-50312 owned by the Borrower or such other of the Borrower's accounts with the Bank as designated in writing by the Borrower (the "Designated Account") on the date each payment of principal and interest and any fees from the Borrower becomes due (the "Due Date"). (b) Prior to each Due Date, the Bank will mail to the Borrower a statement of the amounts that will be due on that Due Date (the "Billed Amount"). The bill will be mailed a specified number of calendar days prior to the Due Date, which number of days will be mutually agreed from time to time by the Bank and the Borrower. The calculations in the bill will be made on the assumption that no new extensions of credit or payments will be made between the date of the billing statement and the Due Date, and that there will be no changes in the applicable interest rate. (c) The Bank will debit the Designated Account for the Billed Amount, regardless of the actual amount due on that date (the "Accrued Amount"). If the Billed Amount debited to the Designated Account differs from the Accrued Amount, the discrepancy will be treated as follows: (i) If the Billed Amount is less than the Accrued Amount, the Billed Amount for the following Due Date will be increased by the amount of the discrepancy. The Borrower will not be in default by reason of any such discrepancy. (ii) If the Billed Amount is more than the Accrued Amount, the Billed Amount for the following Due Date will be decreased by the amount of the discrepancy. Regardless of any such discrepancy, interest will continue to accrue based on the actual amount of principal outstanding without compounding. The Bank will not pay the Borrower interest on any overpayment. (d) The Borrower will maintain sufficient funds in the Designated Account to cover each debit. If there are insufficient funds in the Designated Account on the date the Bank enters any debit authorized by this Agreement, the Bank may reverse the debit. (e) The Borrower may terminate this direct debit arrangement at any time by sending written notice to the Bank at the address specified at the end of this Agreement. If the Borrower terminates this arrangement, then the principal amount outstanding under this Agreement will at the option of the Bank bear interest at a rate per annum which is 0.5 percentage point(s) higher than the rate of interest otherwise provided under this Agreement. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 3 3.4 Banking Days. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, a banking day is a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close, or are in fact closed, in the state where the Bank's lending office is located, and, if such day relates to amounts bearing interest at an offshore rate (if any), means any such day on which dealings in dollar deposits are conducted among banks in the offshore dollar interbank market. All payments and disbursements which would be due on a day which is not a banking day will be due on the next banking day. All payments received on a day which is not a banking day will be applied to the credit on the next banking day. 3.5 Interest Calculation. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, all interest and fees, if any, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. This results in more interest or a higher fee than if a 365-day year is used. Installments of principal which are not paid when due under this Agreement shall continue to bear interest until paid. 3.6 Default Rate. Upon the occurrence of any default under this Agreement, all amounts outstanding under this Agreement, including any interest, fees, or costs which are not paid when due, will at the option of the Bank bear interest at a rate which is 2.0 percentage point(s) higher than the rate of interest otherwise provided under this Agreement. This may result in compounding of interest. This will not constitute a waiver of any default. 3.7 Interest Compounding. At the Bank's sole option in each instance, any interest, fees, or costs which are not paid when due under this Agreement shall bear interest from the due date at the Bank's Prime Rate plus 1.0 percentage point(s). This may result in compounding of interest. 4. CONDITIONS Before the Bank is required to extend any credit to the Borrower under this Agreement, it must receive any documents and other items it may reasonably require, in form and content acceptable to the Bank, including any items specifically listed below. 4.1 Authorizations. If the Borrower or any guarantor is anything other than a natural person, evidence that the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower and/or such guarantor of this Agreement and any instrument or agreement required under this Agreement have been duly authorized. 4.2 Governing Documents. If required by the Bank, a copy of the Borrower's organizational documents. 4.3 Payment of Fees. Payment of all fees and other amounts due and owing to the Bank, including without limitation payment of all accrued and unpaid expenses incurred by the Bank as required by the paragraph entitled "Reimbursement Costs." 4.4 Good Standing. Certificates of good standing for the Borrower from its state of formation and from any other state in which the Borrower is required to qualify to conduct its business. 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES When the Borrower signs this Agreement, and until the Bank is repaid in full, the Borrower makes the following representations and warranties. Each request for an extension of credit constitutes a renewal of these representations and warranties as of the date of the request: 5.1 Formation. If the Borrower is anything other than a natural person, it is duly formed and existing under the laws of the state or other jurisdiction where organized. 5.2 Authorization. This Agreement, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder, are within the Borrower's powers, have been duly authorized, and do not conflict with any of its organizational papers. 5.3 Enforceable Agreement. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its terms, and any instrument or agreement required hereunder, when executed and delivered, will be similarly legal, valid, binding and enforceable. 5.4 Good Standing. In each state in which the Borrower does business, it is properly licensed, in good standing, and, where required, in compliance with fictitious name statutes. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 4 5.5 No Conflicts. This Agreement does not conflict with any law, agreement, or obligation by which the Borrower is bound. 5.6 Financial Information. All financial and other information that has been or will be supplied to the Bank is sufficiently complete to give the Bank accurate knowledge of the Borrower's (and any guarantor's) financial condition, including all material contingent liabilities. Since the date of the most recent financial statement provided to the Bank, there has been no material adverse change in the business condition (financial or otherwise), operations, properties or prospects of the Borrower (or any guarantor). If the Borrower is comprised of the trustees of a trust, the foregoing representations shall also pertain to the trustor(s) of the trust. 5.7 Lawsuits. There is no lawsuit, tax claim or other dispute pending or threatened against the Borrower which, if lost, would impair the Borrower's financial condition or ability to repay the loan, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank. 5.8 Permits, Franchises. The Borrower possesses all permits, memberships, franchises, contracts and licenses required and all trademark rights, trade name rights, patent rights, copyrights and fictitious name rights necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged. 5.9 Other Obligations. The Borrower is not in default on any obligation for borrowed money, any purchase money obligation or any other material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank. 5.10 Tax Matters. The Borrower has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax for any year and all taxes due have been paid, except as have been disclosed in writing to the Bank. 5.11 No Event of Default. There is no event which is, or with notice or lapse of time or both would be, a default under this Agreement. 5.12 Insurance. The Borrower has obtained, and maintained in effect, the insurance coverage required in the "Covenants" section of this Agreement. 6. COVENANTS The Borrower agrees, so long as credit is available under this Agreement and until the Bank is repaid in full: 6.1 Use of Proceeds. (a) To use the proceeds of Facility No. 1 only for working capital. 6.2 Financial Information. To provide the following financial information and statements in form and content acceptable to the Bank, and such additional information as requested by the Bank from time to time: (a) Within ninety (90) days of the fiscal year end, the annual financial statements of the Borrower. These financial statements must be audited (with an opinion satisfactory to the Bank) by a Certified Public Accountant acceptable to the Bank. The statements shall be prepared on a consolidated basis. (b) Within forty-five (45) days of the period's end (including the last period in each fiscal year), quarterly financial statements of the Borrower, certified and dated by an authorized financial officer. These financial statements may be company-prepared. The statements shall be prepared on a consolidated basis. (c) Copies of the Form 10-K Annual Report and Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the Borrower concurrent with the date of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 6.3 Tangible Net Worth. To maintain on a consolidated basis Tangible Net Worth equal to at least One Hundred Sixty Million Dollars ($160,000,000). "Tangible Net Worth" means the value of total assets (including leaseholds and leasehold improvements and reserves against assets but excluding goodwill, patents, trademarks, trade names, organization expense, unamortized debt discount and expense, capitalized or deferred research and development costs, deferred marketing expenses, and other like intangibles, and monies due from affiliates, officers, directors, employees, shareholders, members or managers) less Standard Loan Agreement v.6 5 total liabilities, including but not limited to accrued and deferred income taxes, but excluding the non-current portion of Subordinated Liabilities. "Subordinated Liabilities" means liabilities subordinated to the Borrower's obligations to the Bank in a manner acceptable to the Bank in its sole discretion. 6.4 Unencumbered Liquid Assets. To hold on a consolidated basis Unencumbered Liquid Assets having an aggregate market value of not less than Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,0000). For the purposes of this Agreement, "Unencumbered Liquid Assets" shall mean the following assets owned by the Borrower (excluding assets of any retirement plan) which (i) are not the subject of any lien, pledge, security interest or other arrangement with any creditor to have its claim satisfied out of the assets (or proceeds thereof) prior to the general creditors of the Borrower, and (ii) may be converted to cash within five (5) days: (a) Cash or cash equivalents held in the United States; (b) United States Treasury or governmental agency obligations which constitute full faith and credit of the United States of America; (c) Commercial paper rated P-1 or A1 by Moody's or S&P, respectively; (d) Medium and long-term securities rated investment grade by one of the rating agencies described in (c) above; (e) Eligible Stocks ; (f) Mutual funds quoted in The Wall Street Journal which invest primarily in the assets described in (a) - (e) above. For purposes of this Agreement, "Eligible Stocks" means any common or preferred stock which (i) is not subject to statutory or contractual restrictions on sales, (ii) is traded on a U.S. national stock exchange or included in the National Market tier of NASDAQ and (iii) has, as of the close of trading on the applicable exchange (excluding after hours trading), a per share price of at least $15. 6.5 Limitation On Losses. Not to incur on a consolidated basis a net loss before taxes and extraordinary items in excess of Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000) in any annual accounting period. 6.6 Capital Expenditures. Not to spend or incur obligations (including the total amount of any capital leases) to acquire fixed assets for more than Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000) in any single fiscal year. 6.7 Other Debts. Not to have outstanding or incur any direct or contingent liabilities or lease obligations (other than those to the Bank), or become liable for the liabilities of others, without the Bank's written consent. This does not prohibit: (a) Acquiring goods, supplies, or merchandise on normal trade credit. (b) Endorsing negotiable instruments received in the usual course of business. (c) Obtaining surety bonds in the usual course of business. (d) Liabilities, lines of credit and leases in existence on the date of this Agreement disclosed in writing to the Bank. (e) Additional debts and lease obligations for business purposes which do not exceed a total principal amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) outstanding at any one time. 6.8 Other Liens. Not to create, assume, or allow any security interest or lien (including judicial liens) on property the Borrower now or later owns, except: (a) Liens and security interests in favor of the Bank. (b) Liens for taxes not yet due. (c) Liens outstanding on the date of this Agreement disclosed in writing to the Bank. (d) Additional purchase money security interests in assets acquired after the date of this Agreement, if the total principal amount of debts secured by such liens does not exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) at any one time. 6.9 Maintenance of Assets. (a) Not to sell, assign, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any part of the Borrower's business or the Borrower's assets except in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 6 (b) Not to sell, assign, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets for less than fair market value, or enter into any agreement to do so. (c) Not to enter into any sale and leaseback agreement covering any of its fixed assets. (d) To maintain and preserve all rights, privileges, and franchises the Borrower now has. (e) To make any repairs, renewals, or replacements to keep the Borrower's properties in good working condition. 6.10 Additional Negative Covenants. Not to, without the Bank's written consent: (a) Enter into any consolidation, merger, or other combination, or become a partner in a partnership, a member of a joint venture, or a member of a limited liability company. (b) Acquire or purchase a business or its assets for a consideration, including assumption of direct or contingent debt, in excess of Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) in the aggregate. (c) Engage in any business activities substantially different from the Borrower's present business. (d) Liquidate or dissolve the Borrower's business. (e) Voluntarily suspend the Borrower's business for more than five (5) days in any 30-day period. 6.11 Bank as Principal Depository. To maintain the Bank as its principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of business, cash management, operating and administrative deposit accounts. 6.12 Notices to Bank. To promptly notify the Bank in writing of: (a) Any lawsuit over Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00) against the Borrower (or any guarantor or, if the Borrower is comprised of the trustees of a trust, any trustor). (b) Any substantial dispute between any governmental authority and the Borrower (or any guarantor or, if the Borrower is comprised of the trustees of a trust, any trustor). (c) Any event of default under this Agreement, or any event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an event of default. (d) Any material adverse change in the Borrower's (or any guarantor's, or, if the Borrower is comprised of the trustees of a trust, any trustor's) business condition (financial or otherwise), operations, properties or prospects, or ability to repay the credit. (e) Any change in the Borrower's name, legal structure, place of business, or chief executive office if the Borrower has more than one place of business. (f) Any actual contingent liabilities of the Borrower (or any guarantor or, if the Borrower is comprised of the trustees of a trust, any trustor), and any such contingent liabilities which are reasonably foreseeable, where such liabilities are in excess of One Million and 00/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the aggregate. 6.13 Insurance. (a) General Business Insurance. To maintain insurance as is usual for the business it is in. 6.14 Compliance with Laws. To comply with the laws (including any fictitious or trade name statute), regulations, and orders of any government body with authority over the Borrower's business. 6.15 ERISA Plans. Promptly during each year, to pay and cause any subsidiaries to pay contributions adequate to meet at least the minimum funding standards under ERISA with respect to each and every Plan; file each annual report required to be filed pursuant to ERISA in connection with each Plan for each year; and notify the Bank within ten (10) days of the occurrence of any Reportable Event that might constitute grounds for termination of any capital Plan by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or for the appointment by the appropriate United States District Court of a trustee to Standard Loan Agreement v.6 7 administer any Plan. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time. Capitalized terms in this paragraph shall have the meanings defined within ERISA. 6.16 Books and Records. To maintain adequate books and records. 6.17 Audits. To allow the Bank and its agents to inspect the Borrower's properties and examine, audit, and make copies of books and records at any reasonable time. If any of the Borrower's properties, books or records are in the possession of a third party, the Borrower authorizes that third party to permit the Bank or its agents to have access to perform inspections or audits and to respond to the Bank's requests for information concerning such properties, books and records. 6.18 Cooperation. To take any action reasonably requested by the Bank to carry out the intent of this Agreement. 7. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 7.1 Indemnity Regarding Hazardous Substances. The Borrower will indemnify and hold harmless the Bank from any loss or liability the Bank incurs in connection with or as a result of this Agreement, which directly or indirectly arises out of the use, generation, manufacture, production, storage, release, threatened release, discharge, disposal or presence of a hazardous substance. This indemnity will apply whether the hazardous substance is on, under or about the Borrower's property or operations or property leased to the Borrower. The indemnity includes but is not limited to attorneys' fees (including the reasonable estimate of the allocated cost of in-house counsel and staff). The indemnity extends to the Bank, its parent, subsidiaries and all of their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors, attorneys and assigns. 7.2 Definition of Hazardous Substances. "Hazardous substances" means any substance, material or waste that is or becomes designated or regulated as "toxic," "hazardous," "pollutant," or "contaminant" or a similar designation or regulation under any federal, state or local law (whether under common law, statute, regulation or otherwise) or judicial or administrative interpretation of such, including without limitation petroleum or natural gas. This indemnity will survive repayment of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank. 8. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES If any of the following events of default occurs, the Bank may do one or more of the following: declare the Borrower in default, stop making any additional credit available to the Borrower, and require the Borrower to repay its entire debt immediately and without prior notice. If an event which, with notice or the passage of time, will constitute an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Bank has no obligation to make advances or extend additional credit under this Agreement. In addition, if any event of default occurs, the Bank shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under any instruments and agreements required by or executed in connection with this Agreement, as well as all rights and remedies available at law or in equity. If an event of default occurs under the paragraph entitled "Bankruptcy," below, with respect to the Borrower, then the entire debt outstanding under this Agreement will automatically be due immediately. 8.1 Failure to Pay. The Borrower fails to make a payment under this Agreement when due. 8.2 Other Bank Agreements. Any default occurs under any other agreement the Borrower (or any Obligor) or any of the Borrower's related entities or affiliates has with the Bank or any affiliate of the Bank. For purposes of this Agreement, "Obligor" shall mean any guarantor, any party pledging collateral to the Bank, or, if the Borrower is comprised of the trustees of a trust, any trustor. 8.3 Cross-default. Any default occurs under any agreement in connection with any credit the Borrower (or any Obligor) or any of the Borrower's related entities or affiliates has obtained from anyone else or which the Borrower (or any Obligor) or any of the Borrower's related entities or affiliates has guaranteed. 8.4 False Information. The Borrower or any Obligor has given the Bank false or misleading information or representations. 8.5 Bankruptcy. The Borrower, any Obligor, or any general partner of the Borrower or of any Obligor files a bankruptcy petition, a bankruptcy petition is filed against any of the foregoing parties, or the Borrower, any Obligor, or any general partner of the Borrower or of any Obligor makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 8 8.6 Receivers. A receiver or similar official is appointed for a substantial portion of the Borrower's or any Obligor's business, or the business is terminated, or, if any Obligor is anything other than a natural person, such Obligor is liquidated or dissolved. 8.7 Judgments. Any judgments or arbitration awards are entered against the Borrower or any Obligor, or the Borrower or any Obligor enters into any settlement agreements with respect to any litigation or arbitration, in an aggregate amount of Two Million and 00/100 Dollars ($2,000,000.00) or more in excess of any insurance coverage. 8.8 Material Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs, or is reasonably likely to occur, in the Borrower's (or any Obligor's) business condition (financial or otherwise), operations, properties or prospects, or ability to repay the credit. 8.9 Government Action. Any government authority takes action that the Bank believes materially adversely affects the Borrower's or any Obligor's financial condition or ability to repay. 8.10 Default under Related Documents. Any default occurs under any guaranty, subordination agreement, security agreement, deed of trust, mortgage, or other document required by or delivered in connection with this Agreement or any such document is no longer in effect, or any guarantor purports to revoke or disavow the guaranty. 8.11 ERISA Plans. Any one or more of the following events occurs with respect to a Plan of the Borrower subject to Title IV of ERISA, provided such event or events could reasonably be expected, in the judgment of the Bank, to subject the Borrower to any tax, penalty or liability (or any combination of the foregoing) which, in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Borrower: (a) A reportable event shall occur under Section 4043(c) of ERISA with respect to a Plan. (b) Any Plan termination (or commencement of proceedings to terminate a Plan) or the full or partial withdrawal from a Plan by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate. 8.12 Other Breach Under Agreement. A default occurs under any other term or condition of this Agreement not specifically referred to in this Article. This includes any failure or anticipated failure by the Borrower (or any other party named in the Covenants section) to comply with the financial covenants set forth in this Agreement, whether such failure is evidenced by financial statements delivered to the Bank or is otherwise known to the Borrower or the Bank. 9. ENFORCING THIS AGREEMENT; MISCELLANEOUS 9.1 GAAP. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, all financial information provided to the Bank and all financial covenants will be made under generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied. 9.2 California Law. This Agreement is governed by California state law. 9.3 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is binding on the Borrower's and the Bank's successors and assignees. The Borrower agrees that it may not assign this Agreement without the Bank's prior consent. The Bank may sell participations in or assign this loan, and may exchange financial information about the Borrower with actual or potential participants or assignees. If a participation is sold or the loan is assigned, the purchaser will have the right of set-off against the Borrower. 9.4 Arbitration and Waiver of Jury Trial (a) This paragraph concerns the resolution of any controversies or claims between the parties, whether arising in contract, tort or by statute, including but not limited to controversies or claims that arise out of or relate to: (i) this agreement (including any renewals, extensions or modifications); or (ii) any document related to this agreement (collectively a "Claim"). For the purposes of this arbitration provision only, the term "parties" shall include any parent corporation, subsidiary or affiliate of the Bank involved in the servicing, management or administration of any obligation described or evidenced by this agreement. (b) At the request of any party to this agreement, any Claim shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U. S. Code) (the "Act"). The Act will apply even though this agreement provides that it is governed by the law of a specified state. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 9 (c) Arbitration proceedings will be determined in accordance with the Act, the applicable rules and procedures for the arbitration of disputes of JAMS or any successor thereof ("JAMS"), and the terms of this paragraph. In the event of any inconsistency, the terms of this paragraph shall control. (d) The arbitration shall be administered by JAMS and conducted, unless otherwise required by law, in any U. S. state where real or tangible personal property collateral for this credit is located or if there is no such collateral, in the state specified in the governing law section of this agreement. All Claims shall be determined by one arbitrator; however, if Claims exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), upon the request of any party, the Claims shall be decided by three arbitrators. All arbitration hearings shall commence within ninety (90) days of the demand for arbitration and close within ninety (90) days of commencement and the award of the arbitrator(s) shall be issued within thirty (30) days of the close of the hearing. However, the arbitrator(s), upon a showing of good cause, may extend the commencement of the hearing for up to an additional sixty (60) days. The arbitrator(s) shall provide a concise written statement of reasons for the award. The arbitration award may be submitted to any court having jurisdiction to be confirmed and enforced. (e) The arbitrator(s) will have the authority to decide whether any Claim is barred by the statute of limitations and, if so, to dismiss the arbitration on that basis. For purposes of the application of the statute of limitations, the service on JAMS under applicable JAMS rules of a notice of Claim is the equivalent of the filing of a lawsuit. Any dispute concerning this arbitration provision or whether a Claim is arbitrable shall be determined by the arbitrator(s). The arbitrator(s) shall have the power to award legal fees pursuant to the terms of this agreement. (f) This paragraph does not limit the right of any party to: (i) exercise self-help remedies, such as but not limited to, setoff; (ii) initiate judicial or non-judicial foreclosure against any real or personal property collateral; (iii) exercise any judicial or power of sale rights, or (iv) act in a court of law to obtain an interim remedy, such as but not limited to, injunctive relief, writ of possession or appointment of a receiver, or additional or supplementary remedies. (g) The procedure described above will not apply if the Claim, at the time of the proposed submission to arbitration, arises from or relates to an obligation to the Bank secured by real property. In this case, all of the parties to this agreement must consent to submission of the Claim to arbitration. If both parties do not consent to arbitration, the Claim will be resolved as follows: The parties will designate a referee (or a panel of referees) selected under the auspices of JAMS in the same manner as arbitrators are selected in JAMS administered proceedings. The designated referee(s) will be appointed by a court as provided in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 638 and the following related sections. The referee (or presiding referee of the panel) will be an active attorney or a retired judge. The award that results from the decision of the referee(s) will be entered as a judgment in the court that appointed the referee, in accordance with the provisions of California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 644 and 645. (h) The filing of a court action is not intended to constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the suing party, thereafter to require submittal of the Claim to arbitration. (i) By agreeing to binding arbitration, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of any Claim. Furthermore, without intending in any way to limit this agreement to arbitrate, to the extent any Claim is not arbitrated, the parties irrevocably and voluntarily waive any right they may have to a trial by jury in respect of such Claim. This provision is a material inducement for the parties entering into this agreement. 9.5 Severability; Waivers. If any part of this Agreement is not enforceable, the rest of the Agreement may be enforced. The Bank retains all rights, even if it makes a loan after default. If the Bank waives a default, it may enforce a later default. Any consent or waiver under this Agreement must be in writing. 9.6 Attorneys' Fees. The Borrower shall reimburse the Bank for any reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the Bank in connection with the enforcement or preservation of any rights or remedies under this Agreement and any other documents executed in connection with this Agreement, and in connection with any amendment, waiver, "workout" or restructuring under this Agreement. In the event of a lawsuit or arbitration proceeding, the prevailing party is entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in connection with the lawsuit or arbitration proceeding, as determined by the court or arbitrator. In the event that any case is commenced by or against the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any similar or successor statute, the Bank is entitled to recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Bank related to the preservation, protection, or enforcement of any rights of the Bank in such a case. As used in this paragraph, "attorneys' fees" includes the allocated costs of the Bank's in-house counsel. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 10 9.7 One Agreement. This Agreement and any related security or other agreements required by this Agreement, collectively: (a) represent the sum of the understandings and agreements between the Bank and the Borrower concerning this credit; (b) replace any prior oral or written agreements between the Bank and the Borrower concerning this credit; and (c) are intended by the Bank and the Borrower as the final, complete and exclusive statement of the terms agreed to by them. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any other agreements required by this Agreement, this Agreement will prevail. Any reference in any related document to a "promissory note" or a "note" executed by the Borrower and dated as of the date of this Agreement shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement, as now in effect or as hereafter amended, renewed, or restated. 9.8 Indemnification. The Borrower will indemnify and hold the Bank harmless from any loss, liability, damages, judgments, and costs of any kind relating to or arising directly or indirectly out of (a) this Agreement or any document required hereunder, (b) any credit extended or committed by the Bank to the Borrower hereunder, and (c) any litigation or proceeding related to or arising out of this Agreement, any such document, or any such credit. This indemnity includes but is not limited to attorneys' fees (including the allocated cost of in-house counsel). This indemnity extends to the Bank, its parent, subsidiaries and all of their directors, officers, employees, agents, successors, attorneys, and assigns. This indemnity will survive repayment of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank. All sums due to the Bank hereunder shall be obligations of the Borrower, due and payable immediately without demand. 9.9 Notices. Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or in another agreement between the Bank and the Borrower, all notices required under this Agreement shall be personally delivered or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, or by overnight courier, to the addresses on the signature page of this Agreement, or sent by facsimile to the fax numbers listed on the signature page, or to such other addresses as the Bank and the Borrower may specify from time to time in writing. Notices and other communications shall be effective (i) if mailed, upon the earlier of receipt or five (5) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class, postage prepaid, (ii) if telecopied, when transmitted, or (iii) if hand-delivered, by courier or otherwise (including telegram, lettergram or mailgram), when delivered. 9.10 Headings. Article and paragraph headings are for reference only and shall not affect the interpretation or meaning of any provisions of this Agreement. 9.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in as many counterparts as necessary or convenient, and by the different parties on separate counterparts each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same agreement. 9.12 Prior Agreement Superseded. This Agreement supersedes the Business Loan Agreement entered into as of June 15, 1998, between the Bank and the Borrower, and any credit outstanding thereunder shall be deemed to be outstanding under this Agreement. Standard Loan Agreement v.6 11 This Agreement is executed as of the date stated at the top of the first page. Bank: Borrower: Bank of America, N.A. Cohu, Inc. By: /s/ John H. Allen By: /s/ Gordon W. Wiens - ---------------------------- --------------------------------------------- (Sgd.) John H. Allen, CFO (Sgd.) Gordon W. Wiens, Senior Vice President Address where notices to the Address where notices to the Bank are to be sent: Borrower are to be sent: San Diego Middle Market Banking Office #2704 CA0-103-15-25 12367 Crosthwaite Circle 450 B St. Poway, CA 92064 San Diego, CA 92101 Standard Loan Agreement v.6 12