Bank Line of Credit Agreement
Contract Categories:
Business Finance
- Credit Agreements
EX-10.2 3 c66612ex10-2.txt BANK LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENT EXHIBIT 10.2 - BANK LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENT CREDIT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT is dated to be effective as of March 31, 2001, by and between CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Minnesota corporation ("Borrower"), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as successor in interest to Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association ("Bank"). RECITALS Borrower has requested that Bank extend or continue credit to Borrower as described below, and Bank has agreed to provide such credit to Borrower on the terms and conditions contained herein. NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Bank and Borrower hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE I CREDIT TERMS SECTION 1.1. LINE OF CREDIT. (a) Line of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Bank hereby agrees to make advances to Borrower from time to time up to and including April 30, 2002, not to exceed at any time the aggregate principal amount of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00) ("Line of Credit"), the proceeds of which shall be used to finance accounts receivable and inventory. Borrower's obligation to repay advances under the Line of Credit shall be evidenced by a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Line of Credit Note"), all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference. (b) Letter of Credit Subfeature. As a subfeature under the Line of Credit, Bank agrees from time to time during the term thereof to issue or cause an affiliate to issue standby or documentary letters of credit for the account of Borrower to finance accounts receivable and inventory (each, a "Letter of Credit" and collectively, "Letters of Credit"); provided however, that the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall not at any time exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). The form and substance of each Letter of Credit shall be subject to approval by Bank, in its sole discretion. No Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date subsequent to the maturity date of the Line of Credit. The undrawn amount of all Letters of Credit shall be reserved under the Line of Credit and shall not be available for borrowings thereunder. Each Letter of Credit shall be subject to the additional terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit agreements, applications and any related documents required by Bank in connection with the issuance thereof. Each draft paid under a Letter of Credit shall be deemed an advance under the Line of Credit and shall be repaid by Borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement applicable to such advances; provided however, that if advances under the Line of Credit are not available, for any reason, at the time any draft is paid, then Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank the full amount of such draft, together with interest thereon from the date such draft is paid to the date such draft is fully repaid by Borrower, at the rate of interest applicable to advances under the Line of Credit. In such event Borrower agrees that Bank, in its sole discretion, may debit any account maintained by Borrower with Bank for the amount of any such draft. (c) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of the Line of Credit borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions contained herein or in the Line of Credit Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any time exceed the maximum principal amount available thereunder, as set forth above. SECTION 1.2. INTEREST/FEES. (a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit shall bear interest, and the amount of each draft paid under any Letter of Credit or Standby Letter of Credit shall bear interest from the date such draft is paid to the date such amount is fully repaid by Borrower, at the rate of interest set forth in each promissory note or other instrument executed in connection therewith. (b) Prime Rate. The term "Prime Rate" shall mean at any time the rate of interest most recently announced within Bank at its principal office as its Prime Rate, with the understanding that the Prime Rate is one of Bank's base rates and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto, and is evidenced by the recording thereof in such internal publication or publications as Bank may designate. Each change in the rate of interest shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced within Bank. (c) Computation and Payment. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed. Interest shall be payable at the times and place set forth in each promissory note or other instrument required hereby. (d) Unused Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank a fee equal to 20 basis points on the average daily unused amount of the Line of Credit, which fee shall be calculated on a 360 day basis by Bank and shall be due and payable quarterly by Borrower in arrears. (e) Letter of Credit Fees. Borrower shall pay to Bank fees upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, upon the payment or negotiation of each draft under any Letter of Credit and upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including without limitation, the transfer, amendment or cancellation of any Letter of Credit) determined in accordance with Bank's standard fees and charges then in effect for such activity. SECTION 1.3. COLLATERAL. As security for all indebtedness of Borrower to Bank under the Line of Credit, Borrower hereby grants to Bank security interests of first priority in all Borrower's accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and general intangibles. All of the foregoing shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of such security agreements, financing statements, deeds of trust and other documents as Bank shall reasonably require, all in form and substance satisfactory to Bank. Borrower shall reimburse Bank immediately upon demand for all costs and expenses incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing security, including without limitation, filing and recording fees and costs of appraisals, audits and title insurance. 2 ARTICLE II REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to Bank, which representations and warranties shall survive the execution of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect until the full and final payment, and satisfaction and discharge, of all obligations of Borrower to Bank subject to this Agreement. SECTION 2.1. LEGAL STATUS. Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Minnesota, and is qualified or licensed to do business (and is in good standing as a foreign corporation, if applicable) in all jurisdictions in which such qualification or licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed could have a material adverse effect on Borrower. SECTION 2.2. AUTHORIZATION AND VALIDITY. This Agreement and each promissory note, contract, instrument and other document required hereby or at any time hereafter delivered to Bank in connection herewith (collectively, the "Loan Documents") have been duly authorized, and upon their execution and delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will constitute legal, valid and binding agreements and obligations of Borrower or the party which executes the same, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms. SECTION 2.3. NO VIOLATION. The execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of each of the Loan Documents do not violate any provision of any law or regulation, or contravene any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws of Borrower, or result in any breach of or default under any contract, obligation, indenture or other instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound. SECTION 2.4. LITIGATION. There are no pending, or to the best of Borrower's knowledge threatened, actions, claims, investigations, suits or proceedings by or before any governmental authority, arbitrator, court or administrative agency which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operation of Borrower other than those disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof. SECTION 2.5. CORRECTNESS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The financial statement of Borrower dated December 31, 2000, a true copy of which has been delivered by Borrower to Bank prior to the date hereof, (a) is complete and correct and presents fairly the financial condition of Borrower, (b) discloses all liabilities of Borrower that are required to be reflected or reserved against under generally accepted accounting principles, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, and (c) has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the date of such financial statement there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged, pledged, granted a security interest in or otherwise encumbered any of its assets or properties except in favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing. SECTION 2.6. INCOME TAX RETURNS. Borrower has no knowledge of any pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any year. SECTION 2.7. NO SUBORDINATION. There is no agreement, indenture, contract or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be bound that requires the subordination in right of payment of any of Borrower's obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower. 3 SECTION 2.8. PERMITS, FRANCHISES. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter possess, all permits, consents, approvals, franchises and licenses required and rights to all trademarks, trade names, patents, and fictitious names, if any, necessary to enable it to conduct the business in which it is now engaged in compliance with applicable law. SECTION 2.9. ERISA. Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended or recodified from time to time ("ERISA"); Borrower has not violated any provision of any defined employee pension benefit plan (as defined in ERISA) maintained or contributed to by Borrower (each, a "Plan"); no Reportable Event as defined in ERISA has occurred and is continuing with respect to any Plan initiated by Borrower; Borrower has met its minimum funding requirements under ERISA with respect to each Plan; and each Plan will be able to fulfill its benefit obligations as they come due in accordance with the Plan documents and under generally accepted accounting principles. SECTION 2.10. OTHER OBLIGATIONS. 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. SECTION 2.11. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof, Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal or state environmental, hazardous waste, health and safety statutes, and any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, which govern or affect any of Borrower's operations and/or properties, including without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, as any of the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time. None of the operations of Borrower is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether any remedial action involving a material expenditure is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment. Borrower has no material contingent liability in connection with any release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment. ARTICLE III CONDITIONS SECTION 3.1. CONDITIONS OF INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of Bank to extend any credit contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of all of the following conditions: (a) Approval of Bank Counsel. All legal matters incidental to the extension of credit by Bank shall be satisfactory to Bank's counsel. (b) Documentation. Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, each of the following, duly executed: (i) This Agreement and each promissory note or other instrument required hereby. (ii) UCC-1. (iii) Security Agreements. (iv) Borrowing Resolution. (v) Certificate of Incumbency. (vi) Such other documents as Bank may require under any other Section of this Agreement. 4 (c) Financial Condition. There shall have been no material adverse change, as determined by Bank, in the financial condition or business of Borrower, nor any material decline, as determined by Bank, in the market value of any collateral required hereunder or a substantial or material portion of the assets of Borrower. (d) Insurance. Borrower shall have delivered to Bank evidence of insurance coverage on all Borrower's property, in form, substance, amounts, covering risks and issued by companies satisfactory to Bank, and where required by Bank, with loss payable endorsements in favor of Bank. SECTION 3.2. CONDITIONS OF EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT. The obligation of Bank to make each extension of credit requested by Borrower hereunder shall be subject to the fulfillment to Bank's satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (a) Compliance. The representations and warranties contained herein and in each of the other Loan Documents shall be true on and as of the date of the signing of this Agreement and on the date of each extension of credit by Bank pursuant hereto, with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no Event of Default as defined herein, and no condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute such an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist. (b) Documentation. Bank shall have received all additional documents which may be required in connection with such extension of credit. ARTICLE IV AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS Borrower covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower shall, unless Bank otherwise consents in writing: SECTION 4.1. PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay all principal, interest, fees or other liabilities due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and place and in the manner specified therein. SECTION 4.2. ACCOUNTING RECORDS. Maintain adequate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit and examine such books and records, to make copies of the same, and to inspect the properties of Borrower. SECTION 4.3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Provide to Bank all of the following, in form and detail satisfactory to Bank: 5 (a) not later than 90 days after and as of the end of each fiscal year, an annual audited financial statement of Borrower, prepared by an independent certified public accountant with an unqualified opinion, to include balance sheet and income statement. (b) not later than 45 days after and as of the end of each quarter, a financial statement of Borrower, prepared by Borrower, to include balance sheet and income statement; (c) contemporaneously with each quarterly financial statement of Borrower required during periods of borrowing or prior to an initial advance hereby, a compliance certificate of the President or Chief Financial Officer that said financial statements are accurate and that there exists no Event of Default nor any condition, act or event which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default; (d) from time to time such other information as Bank may reasonably request. SECTION 4.4. COMPLIANCE. Preserve and maintain all licenses, permits, governmental approvals, rights, privileges and franchises necessary for the conduct of its business; and comply with the provisions of all documents pursuant to which Borrower is organized and/or which govern Borrower's continued existence and with the requirements of all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental authority applicable to Borrower and/or its business. SECTION 4.5. INSURANCE. Maintain and keep in force insurance of the types and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to that of Borrower, including but not limited to fire, extended coverage, public liability, flood, property damage and workers' compensation, with all such insurance carried with companies and in amounts satisfactory to Bank, and deliver to Bank from time to time at Bank's request schedules setting forth all insurance then in effect. SECTION 4.6. FACILITIES. Keep all properties useful or necessary to Borrower's business in good repair and condition, and from time to time make necessary repairs, renewals and replacements thereto so that such properties shall be fully and efficiently preserved and maintained. SECTION 4.7. TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when due any and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or personal, including without limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local property taxes and assessments, except such (a) as Borrower may in good faith contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, and (b) for which Borrower has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction, for eventual payment thereof in the event Borrower is obligated to make such payment. SECTION 4.8. LITIGATION. Promptly give notice in writing to Bank of any litigation pending or threatened against Borrower. SECTION 4.9. FINANCIAL CONDITION. Maintain Borrower's financial condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and used consistently with prior practices (except to the extent modified by the definitions herein): (a) Current Ratio not at any time less than 2.0 to 1.0, with "Current Ratio" defined as total current assets divided by total current liabilities. 6 (b) Total Liabilities divided by Tangible Net Worth not at any time greater than .75 to 1.0, with "Total Liabilities" defined as the aggregate of current liabilities and non-current liabilities less subordinated debt, and with "Tangible Net Worth" defined as total assets less total liabilities and less the following types of assets: (1) leasehold improvements; (2) receivables and other investments in or amounts due from any shareholder, director, officer, employee or other person or entity related to or affiliated with the Borrower; and (3) goodwill, patents, copyrights, mailing lists, trade names, trademarks, servicing rights, organizational and franchise costs, bond underwriting costs and other like assets properly classified as intangible. (c) Net profitability not less than one dollar ($1) on a quarterly basis, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2001. SECTION 4.10. NOTICE TO BANK. Promptly (but in no event more than five (5) days after the occurrence of each such event or matter) give written notice to Bank in reasonable detail of: (a) the occurrence of any Event of Default, or any condition, event or act which with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both would constitute an Event of Default; (b) any change in the name [or the organizational structure] of Borrower; (c) the occurrence and nature of any Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, each as defined in ERISA, or any funding deficiency with respect to any Plan; or (d) any termination or cancellation of any insurance policy which Borrower is required to maintain, or any uninsured or partially uninsured loss through liability or property damage, or through fire, theft or any other cause affecting Borrower's property. ARTICLE V NEGATIVE COVENANTS Borrower further covenants that so long as Bank remains committed to extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated) of Borrower to Bank under any of the Loan Documents remain outstanding, and until payment in full of all obligations of Borrower subject hereto, Borrower will not without Bank's prior written consent: SECTION 5.1. USE OF FUNDS. Use any of the proceeds of any credit extended hereunder except for the purposes stated in Article I hereof. SECTION 5.2. OTHER INDEBTEDNESS. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any indebtedness or liabilities in excess of $100,000.00 resulting from borrowings, loans or advances, whether secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, joint or several, except (a) the liabilities of Borrower to Bank, and (b) any other liabilities of Borrower existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof. SECTION 5.3. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION, TRANSFER OF ASSETS. Merge into or consolidate with any other entity; make any substantial change in the nature of Borrower's business as conducted as of the date hereof; acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other entity; nor sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial or material portion of Borrower's assets except in the ordinary course of its business. SECTION 5.4. LOANS, ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS. Make any loans or advances to or investments in any person or entity, except any of the foregoing existing as of, and disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof. 7 SECTION 5.5. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS. Declare or pay any dividend or distribution either in cash, stock or any other property on Borrower's stock now or hereafter outstanding, nor redeem, retire, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of any class of Borrower's stock now or hereafter outstanding. SECTION 5.6. PLEDGE OF ASSETS. Mortgage, pledge, grant or permit to exist a security interest in, or lien upon, all or any portion of Borrower's assets now owned or hereafter acquired, except any of the foregoing in favor of Bank or which is existing as of, and disclosed to Bank in writing prior to, the date hereof. ARTICLE VI EVENTS OF DEFAULT SECTION 6.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement: (a) Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Loan Documents. (b) Any financial statement or certificate furnished to Bank in connection with, or any representation or warranty made by Borrower or any other party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when furnished or made. (c) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any obligation, agreement or other provision contained herein or in any other Loan Document (other than those referred to in subsections (a) and (b) above), and with respect to any such default which by its nature can be cured, such default shall continue for a period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence. (d) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation, or any defined event of default, under the terms of any contract or instrument (other than any of the Loan Documents) pursuant to which Borrower has incurred any indebtedness from borrowed money in the amount of $50,000.00 or more to any person or entity, including Bank. (e) The filing of a notice of judgment lien against Borrower; or the recording of any abstract of judgment against Borrower in any county in which Borrower has an interest in real property; or the service of a notice of levy and/or of a writ of attachment or execution, or other like process, against the assets of Borrower; or the entry of a judgment against Borrower in each case which involves an obligation in excess of $50,000.00 and which continues unsatisfied for more than 30 days without a stay of execution. (f) Borrower shall become insolvent, or shall suffer or consent to or apply for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of itself or any of its property, or shall generally fail to pay its debts as they become due, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; Borrower shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or seeking reorganization, in order to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors or any other relief under the Bankruptcy Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended or recodified from time to time ("Bankruptcy Code"), or under any state or federal law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in effect; or any involuntary petition or proceeding pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, 8 reorganization or other relief for debtors is filed or commenced against Borrower and remains undismissed for a period of sixty days, or Borrower shall file an answer admitting the jurisdiction of the court and the material allegations of any involuntary petition; or Borrower shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be entered against Borrower by any court of competent jurisdiction under the Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable state or federal law relating to bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors. (g) The dissolution or liquidation of Borrower; or Borrower, or any of its directors, stockholders or members, shall take action seeking to effect the dissolution or liquidation of Borrower. SECTION 6.2. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default: (a) all indebtedness of Borrower under each of the Loan Documents, any term thereof to the contrary notwithstanding, shall at Bank's option and without notice become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Borrower; (b) the obligation, if any, of Bank to extend any further credit under any of the Loan Documents shall immediately cease and terminate; and (c) Bank shall have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents, or accorded by law, including without limitation the right to resort to any or all security for any credit subject hereto and to exercise any or all of the rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant to applicable law. All rights, powers and remedies of Bank may be exercised at any time by Bank and from time to time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, are cumulative and not exclusive, and shall be in addition to any other rights, powers or remedies provided by law or equity. ARTICLE VII MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 7.1. NO WAIVER. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising any right, power or remedy under any of the Loan Documents shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of any breach of or default under any of the Loan Documents must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing. SECTION 7.2. NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands which any party is required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address: BORROWER: CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Attn: Robert Barniskis 12500 Whitewater Dr. Minnetonka, MN ###-###-#### BANK: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Attn: Kent Paulson 7901 Xerxes Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55432 MAC# N9307-013 9 or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to all other parties. Each such notice, request and demand shall be deemed given or made as follows: (a) if sent by hand delivery, upon delivery; (b) if sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy, upon receipt. SECTION 7.3. COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by Bank in connection with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, Bank's continued administration hereof and thereof, and the preparation of any amendments and waivers hereto and thereto, (b) the enforcement of Bank's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to Bank under any of the Loan Documents, and (c) the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to any of the Loan Documents, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any Borrower or any other person or entity. SECTION 7.4. SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties; provided however, that Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest hereunder without Bank's prior written consent. Bank reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or grant participations in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank's rights and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection therewith, Bank may disclose all documents and information which Bank now has or may hereafter acquire relating to any credit subject hereto, Borrower or its business, or any collateral required hereunder. SECTION 7.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement between Borrower and Bank with respect to each credit subject hereto and supersede all prior negotiations, communications, discussions and correspondence concerning the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in writing signed by each party hereto. SECTION 7.6. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement is made and entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall be a third party beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action or claim in connection with, this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents to which it is not a party. SECTION 7.7. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents. SECTION 7.8. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this Agreement. 10 SECTION 7.9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. SECTION 7.10. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. SECTION 7.11. ARBITRATION. (a) Arbitration. The parties hereto agree, upon demand by any party, to submit to binding arbitration all claims, disputes and controversies between or among them (and their respective employees, officers, directors, attorneys, and other agents), whether in tort, contract or otherwise arising out of or relating to in any way (i) the loan and related Loan Documents which are the subject of this Agreement and its negotiation, execution, collateralization, administration, repayment, modification, extension, substitution, formation, inducement, enforcement, default or termination; or (ii) requests for additional credit. (b) Governing Rules. Any arbitration proceeding will (i) proceed in a location in Minnesota selected by the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"); (ii) be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9 of the United States Code), notwithstanding any conflicting choice of law provision in any of the documents between the parties; and (iii) be conducted by the AAA, or such other administrator as the parties shall mutually agree upon, in accordance with the AAA's commercial dispute resolution procedures, unless the claim or counterclaim is at least $1,000,000.00 exclusive of claimed interest, arbitration fees and costs in which case the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the AAA's optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes (the commercial dispute resolution procedures or the optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes to be referred to, as applicable, as the "Rules"). If there is any inconsistency between the terms hereof and the Rules, the terms and procedures set forth herein shall control. Any party who fails or refuses to submit to arbitration following a demand by any other party shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by such other party in compelling arbitration of any dispute. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party that is a bank of the protections afforded to it under 12 U.S.C. Section 91 or any similar applicable state law. (c) No Waiver of Provisional Remedies, Self-Help and Foreclosure. The arbitration requirement does not limit the right of any party to (i) foreclose against real or personal property collateral; (ii) exercise self-help remedies relating to collateral or proceeds of collateral such as setoff or repossession; or (iii) obtain provisional or ancillary remedies such as replevin, injunctive relief, attachment or the appointment of a receiver, before during or after the pendency of any arbitration proceeding. This exclusion does not constitute a waiver of the right or obligation of any party to submit any dispute to arbitration or reference hereunder, including those arising from the exercise of the actions detailed in sections (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph. (d) Arbitrator Qualifications and Powers. Any arbitration proceeding in which the amount in controversy is $5,000,000.00 or less will be decided by a single arbitrator selected according to the Rules, and who shall not render an award of greater than $5,000,000.00. Any dispute in which the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000,000.00 shall be decided by majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators; provided however, that all three arbitrators must actively participate in all hearings and deliberations. The arbitrator will be a neutral attorney licensed in the State of Minnesota or a neutral retired judge of the state or federal judiciary of {State Name}, 11 in either case with a minimum of ten years experience in the substantive law applicable to the subject matter of the dispute to be arbitrated. The arbitrator will determine whether or not an issue is arbitratable and will give effect to the statutes of limitation in determining any claim. In any arbitration proceeding the arbitrator will decide (by documents only or with a hearing at the arbitrator's discretion) any pre-hearing motions which are similar to motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim or motions for summary adjudication. The arbitrator shall resolve all disputes in accordance with the substantive law of Minnesota and may grant any remedy or relief that a court of such state could order or grant within the scope hereof and such ancillary relief as is necessary to make effective any award. The arbitrator shall also have the power to award recovery of all costs and fees, to impose sanctions and to take such other action as the arbitrator deems necessary to the same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure or other applicable law. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of a provisional or ancillary remedy shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration if any other party contests such action for judicial relief. (e) Discovery. In any arbitration proceeding discovery will be permitted in accordance with the Rules. All discovery shall be expressly limited to matters directly relevant to the dispute being arbitrated and must be completed no later than 20 days before the hearing date and within 180 days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. Any requests for an extension of the discovery periods, or any discovery disputes, will be subject to final determination by the arbitrator upon a showing that the request for discovery is essential for the party's presentation and that no alternative means for obtaining information is available. (f) Class Proceedings and Consolidations. The resolution of any dispute arising pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be determined by a separate arbitration proceeding and such dispute shall not be consolidated with other disputes or included in any class proceeding. (g) Payment Of Arbitration Costs And Fees. The arbitrator shall award all costs and expenses of the arbitration proceeding. (h) Miscellaneous. To the maximum extent practicable, the AAA, the arbitrators and the parties shall take all action required to conclude any arbitration proceeding within 180 days of the filing of the dispute with the AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration proceeding may disclose the existence, content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by a party required in the ordinary course of its business or by applicable law or regulation. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the parties potentially applies to a dispute, the arbitration provision most directly related to the Loan Documents or the subject matter of the dispute shall control. This arbitration provision shall survive termination, amendment or expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the parties. 12 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first written above. WELLS FARGO BANK, CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION By: By: ------------------------ ----------------------------- Robert Barniskis, CFO Title: By: -------------------------- ------------------------ 13 REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT NOTE $2,500,000.00 Bloomington, Minnesota March 31, 2001 FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION ("Borrower") promises to pay to the order of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank") at its office at Minn RCBO-REG Coml Bloom Mid Mkt, 7900 Xerxes Ave. South, Bloomington, Minnesota 55431, or at such other place as the holder hereof may designate, in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds, the principal sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000.00), or so much thereof as may be advanced and be outstanding, with interest thereon, to be computed on each advance from the date of its disbursement as set forth herein. INTEREST: (a) Interest. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate in effect from time to time. The "Prime Rate" is a base rate that Bank from time to time establishes and which serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto. Each change in the rate of interest hereunder shall become effective on the date each Prime Rate change is announced within Bank. (b) Payment of Interest. Interest accrued on this Note shall be payable on the last day of each month, commencing April 30, 2001. (c) Default Interest. From and after the maturity date of this Note, or such earlier date as all principal owing hereunder becomes due and payable by acceleration or otherwise, the outstanding principal balance of this Note shall bear interest until paid in full at an increased rate per annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year, actual days elapsed) equal to four percent (4%) above the rate of interest from time to time applicable to this Note. BORROWING AND REPAYMENT: (a) Borrowing and Repayment. Borrower may from time to time during the term of this Note borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings, and reborrow, subject to all of the limitations, terms and conditions of this Note and of any document executed in connection with or governing this Note; provided however, that the total outstanding borrowings under this Note shall not at any time exceed the principal amount stated above. The unpaid principal balance of this obligation at any time shall be the total amounts advanced hereunder by the holder hereof less the amount of principal payments made hereon by or for any Borrower, which balance may be endorsed hereon from time to time by the holder. The outstanding principal balance of this Note shall be due and payable in full on April 30, 2002. (b) Advances. Advances hereunder, to the total amount of the principal sum stated above, may be made by the holder at the oral or written request of any person, with respect to advances deposited to the credit of any deposit account of any Borrower, which advances, when so deposited, shall be conclusively presumed to have been made to or for the benefit of each Borrower regardless of the fact that persons other than those authorized to request advances may have authority to draw against such account. The holder shall have no obligation to determine whether any person requesting an advance is or has been authorized by any Borrower. (c) Application of Payments. Each payment made on this Note shall be credited first, to any interest then due and second, to the outstanding principal balance hereof. 14 EVENTS OF DEFAULT: This Note is made pursuant to and is subject to the terms and conditions of that certain Credit Agreement between Borrower and Bank dated as of March 31, 2001, as amended from time to time (the "Credit Agreement"). Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation under this Note, or any defined event of default under the Credit Agreement, shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Note. MISCELLANEOUS: (a) Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the holder of this Note, at the holder's option, may declare all sums of principal and interest outstanding hereunder to be immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, notice of nonperformance, notice of protest, protest or notice of dishonor, all of which are expressly waived by each Borrower, and the obligation, if any, of the holder to extend any further credit hereunder shall immediately cease and terminate. Each Borrower shall pay to the holder immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of the holder's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by the holder in connection with the enforcement of the holder's rights and/or the collection of any amounts which become due to the holder under this Note, and the prosecution or defense of any action in any way related to this Note, including without limitation, any action for declaratory relief, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any Borrower or any other person or entity. (b) Obligations Joint and Several. Should more than one person or entity sign this Note as a Borrower, the obligations of each such Borrower shall be joint and several. (c) Governing Law. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note as of the date first written above. CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION By: ------------------------- Robert Barniskis, CFO 15 SECURITY AGREEMENT WELLS FARGO BANK EQUIPMENT - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. For valuable consideration, the undersigned CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, or any of them ("Debtor"), hereby grants and transfers to WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank") a security interest in all goods, tools, machinery, furnishings, furniture and other equipment, now or at any time hereafter, and prior to the termination hereof, owned or acquired by Debtor, wherever located, whether in the possession of Debtor or any other person and whether located on Debtor's property or elsewhere, and all improvements, replacements, accessions and additions thereto (collectively called "Collateral"), together with whatever is receivable or received when any of the Collateral or proceeds thereof are sold, leased, collected, exchanged or otherwise disposed of, whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary, including without limitation, (a) all accounts, contract rights, chattel paper, instruments, documents, general intangibles and rights to payment of every kind now or at any time hereafter arising out of any such sale, lease, collection, exchange or other disposition of any of the foregoing, (b) all rights to payment, including returned premiums, with respect to any insurance relating to any of the foregoing, and (c) all rights to payment with respect to any cause of action affecting or relating to any of the foregoing (hereinafter called "Proceeds"). 2. OBLIGATIONS SECURED. The obligations secured hereby are the payment and performance of: (a) all present and future Indebtedness of Debtor to Bank; (b) all obligations of Debtor and rights of Bank under this Agreement; and (c) all present and future obligations of Debtor to Bank of other kinds. The word "Indebtedness" is used herein in its most comprehensive sense and includes any and all advances, debts, obligations and liabilities of Debtor, or any of them, heretofore, now or hereafter made incurred or created, whether voluntary or involuntary and however arising, whether due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined, and whether Debtor may be liable individually or jointly with others, or whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter becomes unenforceable. 3. TERMINATION. This Agreement will terminate upon the performance of all obligations of Debtor to Bank, including without limitation, the payment of all Indebtedness of Debtor to Bank, and the termination of all commitments of Bank to extend credit to Debtor, existing at the time Bank receives written notice from Debtor of the termination of this Agreement. 4. OBLIGATIONS OF BANK. Bank has no obligation to make any loans hereunder. Any money received by Bank in respect of the Collateral may be deposited, at Bank's option, into a non-interest bearing account over which Debtor shall have no control, and the same shall, for all purposes, be deemed Collateral hereunder. 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Debtor represents and warrants to Bank that: (a) Debtor is the owner and has possession or control of the Collateral and Proceeds; (b) Debtor has the right to grant a security interest in the Collateral and Proceeds; (c) all Collateral and Proceeds are genuine, free from liens, adverse claims, setoffs, default, prepayment, defenses and conditions precedent of any kind or character, except the lien created hereby or as otherwise agreed to by Bank, or as heretofore disclosed by Debtor to Bank, in writing; (d) all statements contained herein are true and complete in all material respects; (e) no financing statement covering any of the Collateral or Proceeds, and naming any secured party other than Bank, is on file in any public office; and (f) Debtor is not in the business 16 of selling goods of the kind included within the Collateral subject to this Agreement, and Debtor acknowledges that no sale of any Collateral, including without limitation, any Collateral which Debtor may deem to be surplus, has been or shall be consented to or acquiesced in by Bank, except as specifically set forth in writing by Bank. 6. COVENANTS OF DEBTOR. (a) Debtor agrees in general: (i) to pay Indebtedness secured hereby when due; (ii) to indemnify Bank against all losses, claims, demands, liabilities and expenses of every kind caused by property subject hereto; (iii) to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by Bank in the perfection and preservation of the Collateral or Bank's interest therein and/or the realization, enforcement and exercise of Bank's rights, powers and remedies hereunder; (iv) to permit Bank to exercise its powers; (v) to execute and deliver such documents as Bank deems necessary to create, perfect and continue the security interests contemplated hereby; and (vi) not to change its chief place of business or the places where Debtor keeps any of the Collateral or Debtor's records concerning the Collateral and Proceeds without first giving Bank written notice of the address to which Debtor is moving same. (b) Debtor agrees with regard to the Collateral and Proceeds, unless Bank agrees otherwise in writing: (i) to insure the Collateral with Bank as loss payee, in form, substance and amounts, under agreements, against risks and liabilities, and with insurance companies satisfactory to Bank; (ii) to operate the Collateral in accordance with all applicable statutes, rules and regulations relating to the use and control thereof, and not to use the Collateral for any unlawful purpose or in any way that would void any insurance required to be carried in connection therewith; (iii) not to permit any lien on the Collateral or Proceeds, including without limitation, liens arising from repairs to or storage of the Collateral, except in favor of Bank; (iv) to pay when due all license fees, registration fees and other charges in connection with any Collateral; (v) not to remove the Collateral from Debtor's premises unless the Collateral consists of mobile goods as defined in the Minnesota Uniform Commercial Code, in which case Debtor agrees not to remove or permit the removal of the Collateral from its state of domicile for a period in excess of thirty (30) calendar days; (vi) not to sell, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, nor permit the transfer by operation of law of, any of the Collateral or Proceeds or any interest therein; (vii) not to rent, lease or charter the Collateral; (viii) to permit Bank to inspect the Collateral at any time; (ix) to keep, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, complete and accurate records regarding all Collateral and Proceeds, and to permit Bank to inspect the same and make copies thereof at any reasonable time; (x) if requested by Bank, to receive and use reasonable diligence to collect Proceeds, in trust and as the property of Bank, and to immediately endorse as appropriate and deliver such Proceeds to Bank daily in the exact form in which they are received together with a collection report in form satisfactory to Bank; (xi) not to commingle Proceeds or collections thereunder with other property; (xii) to give only normal allowances and credits and to advise Bank thereof immediately in writing if they affect any Collateral or Proceeds in any material respect; (xiii) in the event Bank elects to receive payments of Proceeds hereunder, to pay all expenses incurred by Bank in connection therewith, including expenses of accounting, correspondence, collection efforts, reporting to account or contract debtors, filing, recording, record keeping and expenses incidental thereto; and (xiv) to provide any service and do any other acts which may be necessary to maintain, preserve and protect all Collateral and, as appropriate and applicable, to keep the Collateral in good and saleable condition and repair, to deal with the Collateral in accordance with the standards and practices adhered to generally by owners of like property, and to keep all Collateral and Proceeds free and clear of all defenses, rights of offset and counterclaims. 17 7. POWERS OF BANK. Debtor appoints Bank, effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, its true attorney in fact to perform any of the following powers, which are coupled with an interest, are irrevocable until termination of this Agreement and may be exercised from time to time by Bank's officers and employees, or any of them, whether or not Debtor is in default: (a) to perform any obligation of Debtor hereunder in Debtor's name or otherwise; (b) to give notice to account debtors or others of Bank's rights in the Collateral and Proceeds, to enforce the same and make extension agreements with respect thereto; (c) to release persons liable on Proceeds and to give receipts and acquittances and compromise disputes in connection therewith; (d) to release security; (e) to resort to security in any order; (f) to prepare, execute, file, record or deliver notes, assignments, schedules, designation statements, financing statements, continuation statements, termination statements, statements of assignment, applications for registration or like papers to perfect, preserve or release Bank's interest in the Collateral and Proceeds; (g) to receive, open and read mail addressed to Debtor; (h) to take cash, instruments for the payment of money and other property to which Bank is entitled; (i) to verify facts concerning the Collateral and Proceeds by inquiry of obligors thereon, or otherwise, in its own name or a fictitious name; (j) to endorse, collect, deliver and receive payment under instruments for the payment of money constituting or relating to Proceeds; (k) to prepare, adjust, execute, deliver and receive payment under insurance claims, and to collect and receive payment of and endorse any instrument in payment of loss or returned premiums or any other insurance refund or return, and to apply such amounts received by Bank, at Bank's sole option, toward repayment of the Indebtedness or replacement of the Collateral; (l) to exercise all rights, powers and remedies which Debtor would have, but for this Agreement, with respect to all the Collateral and Proceeds subject hereto; (m) to enter onto Debtor's premises in inspecting the Collateral; and (n) to do all acts and things and execute all documents in the name of Debtor or otherwise, deemed by Bank as necessary, proper and convenient in connection with the preservation, perfection or enforcement of its rights hereunder. 8. PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS, TAXES, CHARGES, LIENS AND ASSESSMENTS. Debtor agrees to pay, prior to delinquency, all insurance premiums, taxes, charges, liens and assessments against the Collateral and Proceeds, and upon the failure of Debtor to do so, Bank at its option may pay any of them and shall be the sole judge of the legality or validity thereof and the amount necessary to discharge the same. Any such payments made by Bank shall be obligations of Debtor to Bank, due and payable immediately upon demand, together with interest at a rate determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 hereof, and shall be secured by the Collateral and Proceeds, subject to all terms and conditions of this Agreement. 9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement: (a) any Event of Default as defined in the Credit Agreement between Debtor and Bank; (b) any representation or warranty made by any Debtor herein shall prove to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when made; and (c) Bank, in good faith, believes any or all of the Collateral and/or Proceeds to be in danger of misuse, dissipation, commingling, loss, theft, damage or destruction, or otherwise in jeopardy or unsatisfactory in character or value. 10. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Bank shall have the right to declare immediately due and payable all or any Indebtedness secured hereby and to terminate any commitments to make loans or otherwise extend credit to Debtor. Bank shall have all other rights, powers, privileges and remedies granted to a secured party upon default under the Minnesota Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise provided by law, including without limitation, the right to contact all persons obligated to Debtor on any Collateral or Proceeds 18 and to instruct such persons to deliver all Collateral and/or Proceeds directly to Bank. All rights, powers, privileges and remedies of Bank shall be cumulative. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising any right, power, privilege or remedy hereunder shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power, privilege or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power, privilege or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, privilege or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of any default hereunder, or any such waiver of any provisions or conditions hereof, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in writing. It is agreed that public or private sales, for cash or on credit, to a wholesaler or retailer or investor, or user of property of the types subject to this Agreement, or public auction, are all commercially reasonable since differences in the sales prices generally realized in the different kinds of sales are ordinarily offset by the differences in the costs and credit risks of such sales. While an Event of Default exists: (a) Debtor will deliver to Bank from time to time, as requested by Bank, current lists of all Collateral and Proceeds; (b) Debtor will not dispose of any of the Collateral or Proceeds except on terms approved by Bank; (c) at Bank's request, Debtor will assemble and deliver all Collateral and Proceeds, and books and records pertaining thereto, to Bank at a reasonably convenient place designated by Bank; and (d) Bank may, without notice to Debtor, enter onto Debtor's premises and take possession of the Collateral. 11. DISPOSITION OF COLLATERAL AND PROCEEDS. Upon the transfer of all or any part of the Indebtedness, Bank may transfer all or any part of the Collateral or Proceeds and shall be fully discharged thereafter from all liability and responsibility with respect to any of the foregoing so transferred, and the transferee shall be vested with all rights and powers of Bank hereunder with respect to any of the foregoing so transferred; but with respect to any Collateral or Proceeds not so transferred, Bank shall retain all rights, powers, privileges and remedies herein given. Any proceeds of any disposition of any of the Collateral or Proceeds, or any part thereof, may be applied by Bank to the payment of expenses incurred by Bank in connection with the foregoing, including reasonable attorneys' fees, and the balance of such proceeds may be applied by Bank toward the payment of the Indebtedness in such order of application as Bank may from time to time elect. 12. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. Until all Indebtedness shall have been paid in full and all commitments by Bank to extend credit to Debtor have been terminated, the power of sale and all other rights, powers, privileges and remedies granted to Bank hereunder shall continue to exist and may be exercised by Bank at any time and from time to time irrespective of the fact that the Indebtedness or any part thereof may have become barred by any statute of limitations, or that the personal liability of Debtor may have ceased, unless such liability shall have ceased due to the payment in full of all Indebtedness secured hereunder. 13. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) The obligations of Debtor are joint and several; (b) effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Debtor waives any right (i) to require Bank to make any presentment or demand, or give any notice of nonpayment or nonperformance, protest, notice of protest or notice of dishonor hereunder, (ii) to direct the application of payments or security for any Indebtedness of Debtor, or indebtedness of customers of Debtor, or (iii) to require proceedings against others or to require exhaustion of security; and (c) Debtor hereby consents to extensions, forbearances or alterations of the terms of Indebtedness, the release or substitution of security, and the release of any guarantors; provided however, that in each instance, Bank believes in good faith that the action in question is commercially reasonable in that it does not unreasonably increase the risk of nonpayment of the Indebtedness to which the action applies. Until all Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, no 19 Debtor shall have any right of subrogation or contribution, and each Debtor hereby waives any benefit of or right to participate in any of the Collateral or Proceeds or any other security now or hereafter held by Bank. 14. NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands required under this Agreement must be in writing, addressed to Bank at the address specified in any other loan documents entered into between Debtor and Bank and to Debtor at the address of its chief executive office (or personal residence, if applicable) specified below or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to each other party, and shall be deemed to have been given or made as follows: (a) if personally delivered, upon delivery; (b) if sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy, upon receipt. 15. COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Debtor shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel), incurred by Bank in exercising, following the occurrence of any Event of Default, any right, power, privilege or remedy conferred by this Agreement or in the enforcement thereof, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to Debtor or in any way affecting any of the Collateral or Bank's ability to exercise any of its rights or remedies with respect thereto. All of the foregoing shall be paid by Debtor with interest from the date of demand until paid in full at a rate per annum equal to the greater of ten percent (10%) or Bank's Prime Rate in effect from time to time, but not in excess of the maximum rate permitted under applicable Minnesota law. 16. SUCCESSORS; ASSIGNS; AMENDMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties, and may be amended or modified only in writing signed by Bank and Debtor. 17. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this Agreement. 18. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. Debtor warrants that its chief executive office (or personal residence, if applicable) is located at the following address: 12500 Whitewater Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55343. Debtor warrants that the Collateral (except goods in transit) is located or domiciled at the following additional addresses: NONE 20 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed to be effective as of March 31, 2001. CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION By: ------------------------- Robert Barniskis, CFO By: ------------------------- 21 CONTINUING SECURITY AGREEMENT WELLS FARGO BANK RIGHTS TO PAYMENT AND INVENTORY - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. For valuable consideration, the undersigned CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, or any of them ("Debtor"), hereby grants and transfers to WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank") a security interest in all accounts, deposit accounts, chattel paper, instruments, documents and general intangibles (collectively called "Rights to Payment"), now existing or at any time hereafter, and prior to the termination hereof, arising (whether they arise from the sale, lease or other disposition of inventory or from performance of contracts for service, manufacture, construction, repair or otherwise or from any other source whatsoever), including all securities, guaranties, warranties, indemnity agreements, insurance policies and other agreements pertaining to the same or the property described therein, and in all goods returned by or repossessed from Debtor's customers, together with a security interest in all inventory, goods held for sale or lease or to be furnished under contracts for service, goods so leased or furnished, raw materials, component parts, work in process or materials used or consumed in Debtor's business and all warehouse receipts, bills of lading and other documents evidencing goods owned or acquired by Debtor, and all goods covered thereby, now or at any time hereafter, and prior to the termination hereof, owned or acquired by Debtor, wherever located, and all products thereof (collectively called "Inventory"), whether in the possession of Debtor, warehousemen, bailees or any other person, or in process of delivery, and whether located at Debtor's places of business or elsewhere (with all Rights to Payment and Inventory referred to herein collectively as the "Collateral"), together with whatever is receivable or received when any of the Collateral or proceeds thereof are sold, leased, collected, exchanged or otherwise disposed of, whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary, including without limitation, all Rights to Payment, including returned premiums, with respect to any insurance relating to any of the foregoing, and all Rights to Payment with respect to any cause of action affecting or relating to any of the foregoing (hereinafter called "Proceeds"). 2. OBLIGATIONS SECURED. The obligations secured hereby are the payment and performance of: (a) all present and future Indebtedness of Debtor to Bank; (b) all obligations of Debtor and rights of Bank under this Agreement; and (c) all present and future obligations of Debtor to Bank of other kinds. The word "Indebtedness" is used herein in its most comprehensive sense and includes any and all advances, debts, obligations and liabilities of Debtor, or any of them, heretofore, now or hereafter made, incurred or created, whether voluntary or involuntary and however arising, whether due or not due, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, determined or undetermined, and whether Debtor may be liable individually or jointly with others, or whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter becomes unenforceable. 3. TERMINATION. This Agreement will terminate upon the performance of all obligations of Debtor to Bank, including without limitation, the payment of all Indebtedness of Debtor to Bank, and the termination of all commitments of Bank to extend credit to Debtor, existing at the time Bank receives written notice from Debtor of the termination of this Agreement. 4. OBLIGATIONS OF BANK. Bank has no obligation to make any loans hereunder. Any money received by Bank in respect of the Collateral may be deposited, at Bank's option, into a non-interest bearing account over which Debtor shall have no control, and the same shall, for all purposes, be deemed Collateral hereunder. 22 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Debtor represents and warrants to Bank that: (a) Debtor is the owner and has possession or control of the Collateral and Proceeds; (b) Debtor has the right to grant a security interest in the Collateral and Proceeds; (c) all Collateral and Proceeds are genuine, free from liens, adverse claims, setoffs, default, prepayment, defenses and conditions precedent of any kind or character, except the lien created hereby or as otherwise agreed to by Bank, or as heretofore disclosed by Debtor to Bank, in writing; (d) all statements contained herein and, where applicable, in the Collateral are true and complete in all material respects; (e) no financing statement covering any of the Collateral or Proceeds, and naming any secured party other than Bank, is on file in any public office; (f) all persons appearing to be obligated on Rights to Payment and Proceeds have authority and capacity to contract and are bound as they appear to be; (g) all property subject to chattel paper has been properly registered and filed in compliance with law and to perfect the interest of Debtor in such property; and (h) all Rights to Payment and Proceeds comply with all applicable laws concerning form, content and manner of preparation and execution, including where applicable Federal Reserve Regulation Z and any State consumer credit laws. 6. COVENANTS OF DEBTOR. (a) Debtor agrees in general: (i) to pay Indebtedness secured hereby when due; (ii) to indemnify Bank against all losses, claims, demands, liabilities and expenses of every kind caused by property subject hereto; (iii) to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by Bank in the perfection and preservation of the Collateral or Bank's interest therein and/or the realization, enforcement and exercise of Bank's rights, powers and remedies hereunder; (iv) to permit Bank to exercise its powers; (v) to execute and deliver such documents as Bank deems necessary to create, perfect and continue the security interests contemplated hereby; and (vi) not to change its chief place of business or the places where Debtor keeps any of the Collateral or Debtor's records concerning the Collateral and Proceeds without first giving Bank written notice of the address to which Debtor is moving same. (b) Debtor agrees with regard to the Collateral and Proceeds, unless Bank agrees otherwise in writing: (i) to insure Inventory and, where applicable, Rights to Payment with Bank as loss payee, in form, substance and amounts, under agreements, against risks and liabilities, and with insurance companies satisfactory to Bank; (ii) not to use any Inventory for any unlawful purpose or in any way that would void any insurance required to be carried in connection therewith; (iii) not to remove Inventory from Debtor's premises, except for deliveries to buyers in the ordinary course of Debtor's business and except Inventory which consists of mobile goods as defined in the Minnesota Uniform Commercial Code, in which case Debtor agrees not to remove or permit the removal of the Inventory from its state of domicile for a period in excess of thirty (30) calendar days; (iv) not to permit any lien on the Collateral or Proceeds, including without limitation, liens arising from the storage of Inventory, except in favor of Bank; (v) not to sell, hypothecate or dispose of, nor permit the transfer by operation of law of, any of the Collateral or Proceeds or any interest therein, except sales of Inventory to buyers in the ordinary course of Debtor's business; (vi) to furnish reports to Bank of all acquisitions, returns, sales and other dispositions of Inventory in such form and detail and at such times as Bank may require; (vii) to permit Bank to inspect the Collateral at any time; (viii) to keep, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, complete and accurate records regarding all Collateral and Proceeds, and to permit Bank to inspect the same and make copies thereof at any reasonable time; (ix) if requested by Bank, to receive and use reasonable diligence to collect Rights to Payment and Proceeds, in trust and as the property of Bank, and to immediately endorse as appropriate and deliver such Rights to Payment and Proceeds to Bank 23 daily in the exact form in which they are received together with a collection report in form satisfactory to Bank; (x) not to commingle Rights to Payment, Proceeds or collections thereunder with other property; (xi) to give only normal allowances and credits and to advise Bank thereof immediately in writing if they affect any Rights to Payment or Proceeds in any material respect; (xii) on demand, to deliver to Bank returned property resulting from, or payment equal to, such allowances or credits on any Rights to Payment or Proceeds or to execute such documents and do such other things as Bank may reasonably request for the purpose of perfecting, preserving and enforcing its security interest in such returned property; (xiii) from time to time, when requested by Bank, to prepare and deliver a schedule of all Collateral and Proceeds subject to this Agreement and to assign in writing and deliver to Bank all accounts, contracts, leases and other chattel paper, instruments, documents and other evidences thereof; (xiv) in the event Bank elects to receive payments of Rights to Payment or Proceeds hereunder, to pay all expenses incurred by Bank in connection therewith, including expenses of accounting, correspondence, collection efforts, reporting to account or contract debtors, filing, recording, record keeping and expenses incidental thereto; and (xv) to provide any service and do any other acts which may be necessary to maintain, preserve and protect all Collateral and, as appropriate and applicable, to keep all Collateral in good and saleable condition, to deal with the Collateral in accordance with the standards and practices adhered to generally by users and manufacturers of like property, and to keep all Collateral and Proceeds free and clear of all defenses, rights of offset and counterclaims. 7. POWERS OF BANK. Debtor appoints Bank, effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, its true attorney in fact to perform any of the following powers, which are coupled with an interest, are irrevocable until termination of this Agreement and may be exercised from time to time by Bank's officers and employees, or any of them, whether or not Debtor is in default: (a) to perform any obligation of Debtor hereunder in Debtor's name or otherwise; (b) to give notice to account debtors or others of Bank's rights in the Collateral and Proceeds, to enforce the same and make extension agreements with respect thereto; (c) to release persons liable on Collateral or Proceeds and to give receipts and acquittances and compromise disputes in connection therewith; (d) to release security; (e) to resort to security in any order; (f) to prepare, execute, file, record or deliver notes, assignments, schedules, designation statements, financing statements, continuation statements, termination statements, statements of assignment, applications for registration or like papers to perfect, preserve or release Bank's interest in the Collateral and Proceeds; (g) to receive, open and read mail addressed to Debtor; (h) to take cash, instruments for the payment of money and other property to which Bank is entitled; (i) to verify facts concerning the Collateral and Proceeds by inquiry of obligors thereon, or otherwise, in its own name or a fictitious name; (j) to endorse, collect, deliver and receive payment under instruments for the payment of money constituting or relating to Proceeds; (k) to prepare, adjust, execute, deliver and receive payment under insurance claims, and to collect and receive payment of and endorse any instrument in payment of loss or returned premiums or any other insurance refund or return, and to apply such amounts received by Bank, at Bank's sole option, toward repayment of the Indebtedness or replacement of the Collateral; (l) to exercise all rights, powers and remedies which Debtor would have, but for this Agreement, with respect to all Collateral and Proceeds subject hereto; (m) to enter onto Debtor's premises in inspecting the Collateral; (n) to make withdrawals from and to close deposit accounts or other accounts with any financial institution, wherever located, into which Proceeds may have been deposited, and to apply funds so withdrawn to payment of the Indebtedness; (o) to preserve or release the interest evidenced by chattel paper to which Bank is entitled hereunder and to endorse and deliver evidences of title incidental thereto; and (p) to do all acts and things and execute all documents in the name of Debtor or otherwise, deemed 24 by Bank as necessary, proper and convenient in connection with the preservation, perfection or enforcement of its rights hereunder. 8. PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS, TAXES, CHARGES, LIENS AND ASSESSMENTS. Debtor agrees to pay, prior to delinquency, all insurance premiums, taxes, charges, liens and assessments against the Collateral and Proceeds, and upon the failure of Debtor to do so, Bank at its option may pay any of them and shall be the sole judge of the legality or validity thereof and the amount necessary to discharge the same. Any such payments made by Bank shall be obligations of Debtor to Bank, due and payable immediately upon demand, together with interest at a rate determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 hereof, and shall be secured by the Collateral and Proceeds, subject to all terms and conditions of this Agreement. 9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement: (a) any Event of Default as defined in the Credit Agreement between Debtor and Bank; (b) any representation or warranty made by any Debtor herein shall prove to be incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when made; and (c) Bank, in good faith, believes any or all of the Collateral and/or Proceeds to be in danger of misuse, dissipation, commingling, loss, theft, damage or destruction, or otherwise in jeopardy or unsatisfactory in character or value. 10. REMEDIES. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, Bank shall have the right to declare immediately due and payable all or any Indebtedness secured hereby and to terminate any commitments to make loans or otherwise extend credit to Debtor. Bank shall have all other rights, powers, privileges and remedies granted to a secured party upon default under the Minnesota Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise provided by law, including without limitation, the right to contact all persons obligated to Debtor on any Collateral or Proceeds and to instruct such persons to deliver all Collateral and/or Proceeds directly to Bank. All rights, powers, privileges and remedies of Bank shall be cumulative. No delay, failure or discontinuance of Bank in exercising any right, power, privilege or remedy hereunder shall affect or operate as a waiver of such right, power, privilege or remedy; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power, privilege or remedy preclude, waive or otherwise affect any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, privilege or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind by Bank of any default hereunder, or any such waiver of any provisions or conditions hereof, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in writing. It is agreed that public or private sales, for cash or on credit, to a wholesaler or retailer or investor, or user of property of the types subject to this Agreement, or public auction, are all commercially reasonable since differences in the sales prices generally realized in the different kinds of sales are ordinarily offset by the differences in the costs and credit risks of such sales. While an Event of Default exists: (a) Debtor will deliver to Bank from time to time, as requested by Bank, current lists of all Collateral and Proceeds; (b) Debtor will not dispose of any of the Collateral or Proceeds except on terms approved by Bank; (c) at Bank's request, Debtor will assemble and deliver all Collateral and Proceeds, and books and records pertaining thereto, to Bank at a reasonably convenient place designated by Bank; and (d) Bank may, without notice to Debtor, enter onto Debtor's premises and take possession of the Collateral. With respect to any sale by Bank of any Collateral subject to this Agreement, Debtor hereby expressly grants to Bank the right to sell such Collateral using any or all of Debtor's trademarks, trade names, trade name rights and/or proprietary labels or marks. 11. DISPOSITION OF COLLATERAL AND PROCEEDS. Upon the transfer of all or any part of the Indebtedness, Bank may transfer all or any part of the Collateral or Proceeds 25 and shall be fully discharged thereafter from all liability and responsibility with respect to any of the foregoing so transferred, and the transferee shall be vested with all rights and powers of Bank hereunder with respect to any of the foregoing so transferred; but with respect to any Collateral or Proceeds not so transferred, Bank shall retain all rights, powers, privileges and remedies herein given. Any proceeds of any disposition of any of the Collateral or Proceeds, or any part thereof, may be applied by Bank to the payment of expenses incurred by Bank in connection with the foregoing, including reasonable attorneys' fees, and the balance of such proceeds may be applied by Bank toward the payment of the Indebtedness in such order of application as Bank may from time to time elect. 12. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. Until all Indebtedness shall have been paid in full and all commitments by Bank to extend credit to Debtor have been terminated, the power of sale and all other rights, powers, privileges and remedies granted to Bank hereunder shall continue to exist and may be exercised by Bank at any time and from time to time irrespective of the fact that the Indebtedness or any part thereof may have become barred by any statute of limitations, or that the personal liability of Debtor may have ceased, unless such liability shall have ceased due to the payment in full of all Indebtedness secured hereunder. 13. MISCELLANEOUS. (a) The obligations of Debtor are joint and several; (b) effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Debtor hereby waives any right (i) to require Bank to make any presentment or demand, or give any notice of nonpayment or nonperformance, protest, notice of protest or notice of dishonor hereunder, (ii) to direct the application of payments or security for any Indebtedness of Debtor, or indebtedness of customers of Debtor, or (iii) to require proceedings against others or to require exhaustion of security; and (c) Debtor hereby consents to extensions, forbearances or alterations of the terms of Indebtedness, the release or substitution of security, and the release of any guarantors; provided however, that in each instance, Bank believes in good faith that the action in question is commercially reasonable in that it does not unreasonably increase the risk of nonpayment of the Indebtedness to which the action applies. Until all Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, no Debtor shall have any right of subrogation or contribution, and each Debtor hereby waives any benefit of or right to participate in any of the Collateral or Proceeds or any other security now or hereafter held by Bank. 14. NOTICES. All notices, requests and demands required under this Agreement must be in writing, addressed to Bank at the address specified in any other loan documents entered into between Debtor and Bank and to Debtor at the address of its chief executive office (or personal residence, if applicable) specified below or to such other address as any party may designate by written notice to each other party, and shall be deemed to have been given or made as follows: (a) if personally delivered, upon delivery; (b) if sent by mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class and postage prepaid; and (c) if sent by telecopy, upon receipt. 15. COSTS, EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Debtor shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees (to include outside counsel fees and all allocated costs of Bank's in-house counsel), expended or incurred by Bank in exercising, following the occurrence of any Event of Default, any right, power, privilege or remedy conferred by this Agreement or in the enforcement thereof, whether incurred at the trial or appellate level, in an arbitration proceeding or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any bankruptcy proceeding (including without limitation, any adversary proceeding, contested matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to Debtor 26 or in any way affecting any of the Collateral or Bank's ability to exercise any of its rights or remedies with respect thereto. All of the foregoing shall be paid by Debtor with interest from the date of demand until paid in full at a rate per annum equal to the greater of ten percent (10%) or Bank's Prime Rate in effect from time to time, but not in excess of the maximum rate permitted under applicable Minnesota law. 16. SUCCESSORS; ASSIGNS; AMENDMENT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties, and may be amended or modified only in writing signed by Bank and Debtor. 17. SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions of this Agreement. 18. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. Debtor warrants that its chief executive office (or personal residence, if applicable) is located at the following address: 12500 Whitewater Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55343. Debtor warrants that the Collateral (except goods in transit) is located or domiciled at the following additional addresses: NONE IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed to be effective as of March 31, 2001. CHECK TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION By: ------------------------- Robert Barniskis, CFO By: ------------------------- 27
