Loan and Security Agreement dated May 8, 2019, by and between Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank

1. ACCOUNTING AND OTHER TERMS

2. LOAN AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

2.1 Promise to Pay.  Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay Bank the outstanding principal amount of all Credit Extensions and accrued and unpaid interest thereon as and when due in accordance with this Agreement.

(a) Availability.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, upon Borrower’s request, during the Draw Period,  Bank shall make up to four (4) advances (each, a “Term Loan Advance”, and collectively, the “Term Loan Advances”) available to Borrower in an aggregate original principal amount not to exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00); provided that, the initial Term Loan Advance shall be made on or about the Effective Date in an original principal amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).    Each Term Loan Advance shall be in an amount equal to at least Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).    After repayment, the Term Loan Advances (or any portion thereof) may not be reborrowed.

(b) Interest Period.  Commencing on the first (1st) Payment Date of the month following the month in which the Funding Date of the applicable Term Loan Advance occurs, and continuing on each Payment Date thereafter, Borrower shall make monthly payments of interest on the principal amount of each Term Loan Advance at the rate set forth in Section 2.2(a).

(c) Repayment.  Commencing on September 1, 2020, and continuing on each Payment Date thereafter, Borrower shall repay the Term Loan Advances in (i) thirty (30) consecutive equal monthly installments of principal, plus (ii) monthly payments of accrued interest at the rate set forth in Section 2.2(a).  All outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest with respect to the Term Loan Advances, and all other outstanding Obligations with respect to the Term Loan Advances, are due and payable in full on the Term Loan Maturity Date. 

(d) Mandatory Prepayment Upon an Acceleration.  If the Term Loan Advances are accelerated following the occurrence of an Event of Default, Borrower shall immediately pay to Bank an amount equal to the sum of: (i) all outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus (ii) the Prepayment Fee, (iii) the Final Payment, (iv) the Unused Term Loan Commitment Fee, and (iv) all other sums, if any, that shall have become due and payable, including interest at the Default Rate with respect to any past due amounts.

(e) Permitted Prepayment of Term Loan Advances.  Borrower shall have the option to prepay all, but not less than all, the Term Loan Advances advanced by Bank under this Agreement, provided Borrower (i) provides written notice to Bank of its election to prepay the Term Loan Advances at least ten  (10) days prior to such prepayment, and (ii) pays, on the date of such prepayment (A) all outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid

interest, (B) the Prepayment Fee, (C) the Final Payment, (D) the Unused Term Loan Commitment Fee, and (E) all other sums, if any, that shall have become due and payable, including interest at the Default Rate with respect to any past due amounts.

2.2 Payment of Interest on the Credit Extensions. 

(a) Interest Rate.  Subject to Section 2.2(b), the principal amount outstanding for each Term Loan Advance shall accrue interest at a floating per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) four percent (4.0%) and (ii) one and one-half of one percent (1.50%) below the Prime Rate, which interest, in each case, shall be payable monthly in accordance with Section 2.2(d) below.    

(b) Default Rate.  Immediately upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Obligations shall bear interest at a rate per annum which is five percent (5.0%) above the rate that is otherwise applicable thereto (the “Default Rate”).  Fees and expenses which are required to be paid by Borrower pursuant to the Loan Documents (including, without limitation, Bank Expenses) but are not paid when due shall bear interest until paid at a rate equal to the highest rate applicable to the Obligations.  Payment or acceptance of the increased interest rate provided in this Section 2.2(b) is not a permitted alternative to timely payment and shall not constitute a waiver of any Event of Default or otherwise prejudice or limit any rights or remedies of Bank. 

(c) Adjustment to Interest Rate.  Changes to the interest rate of any Credit Extension based on changes to the Prime Rate shall be effective on the effective date of any change to the Prime Rate and to the extent of any such change.

(d) Payment; Interest Computation.  Interest is payable monthly on the Payment Date and shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed.  In computing interest, (i) all payments received after 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on any day shall be deemed received at the opening of business on the next Business Day, and (ii) the date of the making of any Credit Extension shall be included and the date of payment shall be excluded; provided, however, that if any Credit Extension is repaid on the same day on which it is made, such day shall be included in computing interest on such Credit Extension.

2.3 Fees.  Borrower shall pay to Bank:

(a) Commitment Fee.  A fully earned, non-refundable commitment fee of Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) on the Effective Date;

(b) Prepayment Fee.  The Prepayment Fee, when due hereunder; 

(c) Final Payment.  The Final Payment, when due hereunder;

(d) Unused Term Loan Commitment Fee.  The Unused Term Loan Commitment Fee, when due hereunder;

(e) Bank Expenses.  All Bank Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses for documentation and negotiation of this Agreement) incurred through and after the Effective Date, when due (or, if no stated due date, upon demand by Bank); and

(f) Good Faith Deposit.  Borrower has paid to Bank a deposit of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) (the “Good Faith Deposit”), to initiate Bank’s due diligence review process.  The Good Faith Deposit shall be utilized toward the payment of Bank Expenses on the Effective Date.

2.4 Payments; Application of Payments; Debit of Accounts.

(a) All payments to be made by Borrower under any Loan Document shall be made in immediately available funds in Dollars, without setoff or counterclaim, before 12:00 p.m. Eastern time on the date when due.  Payments of principal and/or interest received after 12:00 p.m. Eastern time are considered received at the opening of business on the next Business Day.  When a payment is due on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment shall be due the next Business Day, and additional fees or interest, as applicable, shall continue to accrue until paid. 

(b) Bank has the exclusive right to determine the order and manner in which all payments with respect to the Obligations may be applied.  Borrower shall have no right to specify the order or the accounts to which Bank shall allocate or apply any payments required to be made by Borrower to Bank or otherwise received by Bank under this Agreement when any such allocation or application is not specified elsewhere in this Agreement.

(c) Bank may debit any of Borrower’s deposit accounts, including the Designated Deposit Account, for principal and interest payments or any other amounts Borrower owes Bank when due.  These debits shall not constitute a set-off.

2.5 Withholding.  Payments received by Bank from Borrower under this Agreement will be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority (including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto).  Specifically, however, if at any time any Governmental Authority, applicable law, regulation or international agreement requires Borrower to make any withholding or deduction from any such payment or other sum payable hereunder to Bank, Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that the amount due from Borrower with respect to such payment or other sum payable hereunder will be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after the making of such required withholding or deduction, Bank receives a net sum equal to the sum which it would have received had no withholding or deduction been required, and Borrower shall pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority.  Borrower will, upon request, furnish Bank with proof reasonably satisfactory to Bank indicating that Borrower has made such withholding payment; provided, however, that Borrower need not make any withholding payment if the amount or validity of such withholding payment is contested in good faith by appropriate and timely proceedings and as to which payment in full is bonded or reserved against by Borrower.  The agreements and obligations of Borrower contained in this Section 2.5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

3. CONDITIONS OF LOANS

3.1 Conditions Precedent to Initial Credit Extension.  Bank’s obligation to make the initial Credit Extension is subject to the condition precedent that Bank shall have received, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, such documents, and completion of such other matters, as Bank may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate, including, without limitation:

(a) duly executed signatures to the Loan Documents;

(b) duly executed signatures to the Control Agreement, if any;

(c) the Operating Documents and long-form good standing certificates of Borrower certified by the Secretary of State of Delaware and each other jurisdiction in which Borrower is qualified to conduct business, each as of a date no earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date;

(d) duly executed signatures to the completed Borrowing Resolutions for Borrower;

(e) a duly executed secretary’s corporate borrowing certificate of Borrower with respect to Borrower’s Operating Documents, incumbency, specimen signatures and resolutions authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(f) certified copies, dated as of a recent date, of financing statement searches, as Bank may request, accompanied by written evidence (including any UCC termination statements) that the Liens indicated in any such financing statements either constitute Permitted Liens or have been or, in connection with the initial Credit Extension, will be terminated or released;

(g) the Perfection Certificate of Borrower, together with the duly executed signature thereto;

(h) duly executed signatures to the Stock Pledge Agreement;

(i) stock power forms (5 originals) executed by Borrower with respect to capital stock of Securities Corp. and delivery of stock certificates evidencing ownership interest in Securities Corp.;

(j) a legal opinion of Borrower’s counsel dated as of the Effective Date together with the duly executed signature thereto;

(k) with respect to the initial Term Loan Advance, receipt of evidence satisfactory to Bank in Bank’s sole discretion that Borrower is in compliance with the Liquidity Ratio financial covenant set forth in Section 6.7 hereof; and

(l) payment of the fees and Bank Expenses then due as specified in Section 2.3 hereof.

3.2 Conditions Precedent to all Credit Extensions.  Bank’s obligations to make each Credit Extension, including the initial Credit Extension, is subject to the following conditions precedent:

(a) except as otherwise provided in Section 3.4, timely receipt of an executed Payment/Advance Form; 

(b) the representations and warranties in this Agreement shall be true, accurate, and complete in all material respects on the date of the proposed Credit Extension and/or the Payment/Advance Form and on the Funding Date of each Credit Extension; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date, and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or result from the Credit Extension.  Each Credit Extension is Borrower’s representation and warranty on that date that the representations and warranties in this Agreement remain true, accurate, and complete in all material respects; provided, however, that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof; and provided, further that those representations and warranties expressly referring to a specific date shall be true, accurate and complete in all material respects as of such date; and

(c) Bank determines to its reasonable satisfaction that there has not been any material impairment in the general affairs, management, results of operation, financial condition or the prospect of repayment of the Obligations, nor any material adverse deviation by Borrower from the most recent business plan of Borrower presented to and accepted by Bank.

3.3 Covenant to Deliver.   Borrower agrees to deliver to Bank each item required to be delivered to Bank under this Agreement as a condition precedent to any Credit Extension.  Borrower expressly agrees that a Credit Extension made prior to the receipt by Bank of any such item shall not constitute a waiver by Bank of Borrower’s obligation to deliver such item, and the making of any Credit Extension in the absence of a required item shall be in Bank’s sole discretion.

3.4 Procedures for Borrowing.  Subject to the prior satisfaction of all other applicable conditions to the making of a Credit Extension set forth in this Agreement, to obtain a Credit Extension, Borrower shall notify Bank (which notice shall be irrevocable) by electronic mail, facsimile, or telephone by 12:00 p.m. Eastern time at least two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed Funding Date of the Credit Extension.  Together with any such electronic or facsimile notification, Borrower shall deliver to Bank by electronic mail or facsimile a completed Payment/Advance Form executed by an Authorized Signer.  Bank may rely on any telephone notice given by a person whom Bank reasonably believes is an Authorized Signer.  Bank shall credit the Credit Extensions to the Designated Deposit Account.  Bank may make Credit Extensions under this Agreement based on instructions from an Authorized Signer or without instructions if the Credit Extensions are necessary to meet Obligations which have become due. 

4. CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST

4.1 Grant of Security Interest.    Borrower hereby grants Bank, to secure the payment and performance in full of all of the Obligations, a continuing security interest in, and pledges to Bank, the Collateral, wherever located, whether now owned or hereafter acquired or arising, and all proceeds and products thereof.

4.2 Priority of Security Interest.  Borrower represents, warrants, and covenants that the security interest granted herein is and shall at all times continue to be a first priority perfected security interest in the Collateral (subject only to Permitted Liens that are permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to have superior priority to Bank’s Lien under this Agreement).  If Borrower shall acquire a commercial tort claim with a value in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), Borrower shall promptly notify Bank in a writing signed by Borrower of the general details thereof and grant to Bank in such writing a security interest therein and in the proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Bank.

4.3 Authorization to File Financing Statements.  Borrower hereby authorizes Bank to file financing statements, without notice to Borrower, with all appropriate jurisdictions to perfect or protect Bank’s interest or rights hereunder, including a notice that any disposition of the Collateral, by either Borrower or any other Person, shall be deemed to violate the rights of Bank under the Code.  Such financing statements may indicate the Collateral as “all assets of the Debtor” or words of similar effect, or as being of an equal or lesser scope, or with greater detail, all in Bank’s discretion.

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.1 Due Organization, Authorization; Power and Authority.  Borrower is duly existing and in good standing as a Registered Organization in its jurisdiction of formation and is qualified and licensed to do business and is in good standing in any jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership of property requires that it be qualified except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Borrower’s business.  In connection with this Agreement, Borrower has delivered to Bank a completed certificate signed by Borrower, entitled “Perfection Certificate” (the “Perfection Certificate”).  Borrower represents and warrants to Bank that (a) Borrower’s exact legal name is that indicated on the Perfection Certificate and on the signature page hereof; (b) Borrower is an organization of the type and is organized in the jurisdiction set forth in the Perfection Certificate; (c) the Perfection Certificate accurately sets forth Borrower’s organizational identification number or accurately states that Borrower has none; (d) the Perfection Certificate accurately sets forth Borrower’s place of business, or, if more than one, its chief executive office as well as Borrower’s mailing address (if different than its chief executive office); (e) Borrower (and each of its predecessors) has not, in the past five (5) years, changed its jurisdiction of formation, organizational structure or type, or any organizational number assigned by its jurisdiction; and (f) all other information set forth on the Perfection Certificate pertaining to Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is accurate and complete (it being understood and agreed that Borrower may from time to time update certain information in the Perfection Certificate after the Effective Date to the extent permitted by one or more specific provisions in this Agreement).  If Borrower is not now a Registered Organization but later becomes one, Borrower shall promptly notify Bank of such occurrence and provide Bank with Borrower’s organizational identification number.

5.2 Collateral.  Borrower has good title to, rights in, and the power to transfer each item of the Collateral upon which it purports to grant a Lien hereunder, free and clear of any and all Liens except Permitted Liens.  Borrower has no Collateral Accounts at or with any bank or financial institution other than Bank or Bank’s Affiliates except for the Collateral Accounts described in the Perfection Certificate delivered to Bank in connection herewith and which Borrower has taken such actions as are necessary to give Bank a perfected security interest therein, pursuant to the terms of Section 6.6(b).  The Accounts are bona fide, existing obligations of the Account Debtors.  

5.3 Litigation.  There are no actions or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of any Responsible Officer, threatened in writing by or against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving more than, individually or in the aggregate, One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).

5.4 Financial Statements; Financial Condition.  All consolidated financial statements for Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries delivered to Bank fairly present in all material respects Borrower’s consolidated financial condition and Borrower’s consolidated results of operations.  There has not been any material deterioration in Borrower’s consolidated financial condition since the date of the most recent financial statements provided to Bank in accordance with the terms of Section 6 hereof.

5.5 Solvency.  The fair salable value of Borrower’s consolidated assets (including goodwill minus disposition costs) exceeds the fair value of Borrower’s liabilities; Borrower is not left with unreasonably small capital after the transactions in this Agreement; and Borrower is able to pay its debts (including trade debts) as they mature.

5.6 Regulatory Compliance.  Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.  Borrower is not engaged as one of its important activities in extending credit for margin stock (under Regulations X, T and U of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors).  Borrower (a) has complied in all material respects with all Requirements of Law, and (b) has not violated any Requirements of Law the violation of which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its business.  None of Borrower’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets has been used by Borrower or any Subsidiary or, to the best of Borrower’s knowledge, by previous Persons, in disposing, producing, storing, treating, or transporting any hazardous substance other than legally.  Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations of, made all declarations or filings with, and given all notices to, all Governmental Authorities that are necessary to continue their respective businesses as currently conducted.

5.7 Subsidiaries; Investments.  Borrower does not own any stock, partnership, or other ownership interest or other equity securities except for Permitted Investments.

5.8 Tax Returns and Payments; Pension Contributions.  Borrower has timely filed all required tax returns and reports, and Borrower has timely paid all foreign, federal, state and local taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions owed by Borrower except (a) to the extent such taxes are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted, so long as such reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor, or (b) if such taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions do not, individually or in the aggregate, exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00). 

5.9 Use of Proceeds.  Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions as working capital and to fund its general business requirements and not for personal, family, household or agricultural purposes.

5.10 Full Disclosure.  No written representation, warranty or other statement of Borrower in any certificate or written statement given to Bank, as of the date such representation, warranty, or other statement was made, taken together with all such written certificates and written statements given to Bank, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained in the certificates or statements not misleading (it being recognized by Bank that the projections and forecasts provided by Borrower in good faith and based upon reasonable assumptions are not viewed as facts and that actual results during the period or periods covered by such projections and forecasts may differ from the projected or forecasted results).

5.11 Definition of “Knowledge.”  For purposes of the Loan Documents, whenever a representation or warranty is made to Borrower’s knowledge or awareness, to the “best of” Borrower’s knowledge, or with a similar qualification, knowledge or awareness means the actual knowledge, after reasonable investigation, of any Responsible Officer.

6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

6.1 Government Compliance. 

(a) Maintain its and all its Subsidiaries’ legal existence and good standing in their respective jurisdictions of formation and maintain qualification in each jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Borrower’s business or operations.  Borrower shall comply, and have each Subsidiary comply, in all material respects, with all laws, ordinances and regulations to which it is subject.

(b) Obtain all of the Governmental Approvals necessary for the performance by Borrower of its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the grant of a security interest to Bank in all of its property.  Borrower shall promptly provide copies of any such obtained Governmental Approvals to Bank.

6.2 Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates.  Provide Bank with the following:

(a) 10-Q Reports.  Within forty-five (45) days after the last day of each fiscal quarter, Borrower’s 10-Q report;

(b) Monthly Compliance Certificate.  Within thirty (30) days after the last day of each month, a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer, certifying that as of the end of such month, Borrower was in full compliance with all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and setting forth calculations showing compliance with the financial covenants set forth in this Agreement and such other information as Bank may reasonably request;

(c) Board-Approved Projections.  At least annually, but no later than sixty  (60) days after the last day of each fiscal year of Borrower,  and contemporaneously with any updates or changes thereto, annual Board-approved operating budgets and financial projections, in a form acceptable to Bank; 

(d) 10-K Reports and Annual Audited Financial Statements.   As soon as available, but no later than ninety (90) days after the last day of Borrower’s fiscal year, Borrower’s 10-K report, together with audited consolidated financial statements prepared under GAAP, consistently applied, together with an unqualified opinion on the financial statements from an independent certified public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to Bank;

(e) Other Statements.  Within five (5) days of delivery, copies of all statements, reports and notices made available to Borrower’s security holders or to any holders of Subordinated Debt;

(f) SEC Filings.  Within five (5) days of filing, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by Borrower with the SEC, any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC or with any national securities exchange, or distributed to its shareholders, as the case may

be.  Documents required to be delivered pursuant to the terms hereof (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto, on Borrower’s website on the internet at Borrower’s website address; provided, however, Borrower shall promptly notify Bank in writing (which may be by electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents;

(g) Beneficial Ownership Information.  Prompt written notice of any changes to the beneficial ownership information set out in Section 14 of the Perfection Certificate.  Borrower understands and acknowledges that Bank relies on such true, accurate and up-to-date beneficial ownership information to meet Bank’s regulatory obligations to obtain, verify and record information about the beneficial owners of its legal entity customers;

(h) Legal Action Notice.  A prompt report of any legal actions pending or threatened in writing against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that could result in damages or costs to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of, individually or in the aggregate, One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) or more; and

(i) Other Financial Information.  Other financial information reasonably requested by Bank. 

6.3 Inventory; Returns.  Keep all Inventory in good and marketable condition, free from material defects.  Returns and allowances between Borrower and its Account Debtors shall follow Borrower’s customary practices as they exist at the Effective Date.  Borrower must promptly notify Bank of all returns, recoveries, disputes and claims that involve more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00).

6.4 Taxes; Pensions.  Timely file, and require each of its Subsidiaries to timely file, all required tax returns and reports and timely pay, and require each of its Subsidiaries to timely pay, all foreign, federal, state and local taxes, assessments, deposits and contributions owed by Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, except for deferred payment of any taxes contested pursuant to the terms of Section 5.8 hereof, and shall deliver to Bank, on demand, appropriate certificates attesting to such payments, and pay all amounts necessary to fund all present pension, profit sharing and deferred compensation plans in accordance with their terms.

6.5 Insurance.   

(a) Keep its business and the Collateral insured for risks and in amounts standard for companies in Borrower’s industry and location and as Bank may reasonably request.  Insurance policies shall be in a form, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies that are not Affiliates of Borrower, and in amounts that are satisfactory to Bank.  All property policies shall have a lender’s loss payable endorsement showing Bank as lender loss payee.  All liability policies shall show, or have endorsements showing, Bank as an additional insured.  Bank shall be named as lender loss payee and/or additional insured with respect to any such insurance providing coverage in respect of any Collateral.

(b) Ensure that proceeds payable under any property policy are, at Bank’s option, payable to Bank on account of the Obligations. 

(c) At Bank’s request, Borrower shall deliver certified copies of insurance policies and evidence of all premium payments.  Each provider of any such insurance required under this Section 6.5 shall agree, by endorsement upon the policy or policies issued by it or by independent instruments furnished to Bank, that it will give Bank thirty (30) days prior written notice (or ten (10) days prior written notice in the event of cancellation for non-payment) before any such policy or policies shall be materially altered or canceled.  If Borrower fails to obtain insurance as required under this Section 6.5 or to pay any amount or furnish any required proof of payment to third persons and Bank, Bank may make all or part of such payment or obtain such insurance policies required in this Section 6.5, and take any action under the policies Bank deems prudent.    

6.6 Operating Accounts.

(a) Maintain all of its and all of its Subsidiaries’ (excluding Securities Corp.) operating, depository and securities accounts with Bank and Bank’s Affiliates.  In addition to the foregoing, Borrower shall at

all times have on deposit in operating, depository and securities accounts maintained in the name of Borrower with Bank, cash in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) one hundred percent (100.0%) of the Dollar value of Borrower’s consolidated cash, including any Subsidiaries’, Affiliates’, or related entities’ cash, in the aggregate, at all financial institutions, and (ii) one hundred five percent (105.0%) of the then-outstanding Obligations of Borrower to Bank.    Bank may restrict withdrawals or transfers by or on behalf of Borrower that would violate this Section 6.6(a), regardless of whether an Event of Default exists at such time.  Borrower shall also conduct all of its primary banking with Bank and Bank’s Affiliates, including, without limitation, cash management, letters of credit, and business credit cards.   

(b) Provide Bank five (5) days prior written notice before establishing any Collateral Account at or with any bank or financial institution other than Bank or Bank’s Affiliates.  For each Collateral Account that Borrower at any time maintains, Borrower shall cause the applicable bank or financial institution (other than Bank) at or with which any Collateral Account is maintained to execute and deliver a Control Agreement or other appropriate instrument with respect to such Collateral Account to perfect Bank’s Lien in such Collateral Account in accordance with the terms hereunder which Control Agreement may not be terminated without the prior written consent of Bank.  The provisions of the previous sentence shall not apply to deposit accounts exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of Borrower’s employees and identified to Bank by Borrower as such.

6.7 Financial Covenant – Liquidity Ratio.  During the Financial Covenant Testing Period, maintain at all times (subject to period reporting as of the last day of each month), a Liquidity Ratio of at least 1.50:1.0. 

6.8 Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. 

(a) (i) Protect, defend and maintain the validity and enforceability of its Intellectual Property that is material to Borrower’s business; (ii) promptly advise Bank in writing of material infringements or any other event that could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the value of its Intellectual Property; and (iii) not allow any Intellectual Property material to Borrower’s business to be abandoned, forfeited or dedicated to the public without Bank’s written consent. 

(b) Provide written notice to Bank within thirty  (30) days of entering or becoming bound by any Restricted License (other than over-the-counter software that is commercially available to the public).  Borrower shall take such steps as Bank requests to obtain the consent of, or waiver by, any person whose consent or waiver is necessary for (i) any Restricted License to be deemed Collateral and for Bank to have a security interest in it that might otherwise be restricted or prohibited by law or by the terms of any such Restricted License, whether now existing or entered into in the future, and (ii) Bank to have the ability in the event of a liquidation of any Collateral to dispose of such Collateral in accordance with Bank’s rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

6.9 Litigation Cooperation.  From the date hereof and continuing through the termination of this Agreement, make available to Bank, without expense to Bank, Borrower and its officers, employees and agents and Borrower's books and records, to the extent that Bank may deem them reasonably necessary to prosecute or defend any third-party suit or proceeding instituted by or against Bank with respect to any Collateral or relating to Borrower.

6.10 Access to Collateral; Books and Records.  Allow Bank, or its agents, at reasonable times, on three (3) Business Days’ notice (provided no notice is required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to inspect the Collateral and audit and copy Borrower’s Books.  Such inspections or audits shall be conducted no more often than once every twelve (12) months unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing in which case such inspections and audits shall occur as often as Bank shall determine is necessary. The foregoing inspections and audits shall be at Borrower’s expense.

6.11 Further Assurances.  Execute any further instruments and take further action as Bank reasonably requests to perfect or continue Bank’s Lien in the Collateral or to effect the purposes of this Agreement.  Deliver to Bank, within five (5) days after the same are sent or received, copies of all correspondence, reports, documents and other filings with any Governmental Authority regarding compliance with or maintenance of Governmental Approvals or Requirements of Law or that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on any of the Governmental Approvals or otherwise on the operations of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

6.12 Post-Closing Conditions.  Within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date, Borrower shall deliver to Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank, evidence satisfactory to Bank that the insurance policies and endorsements required by Section 6.5 hereof are in full force and effect, together with appropriate evidence showing lender loss payable and/or additional insured clauses or endorsements in favor of Bank.

7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

7.1 Dispositions.    Convey, sell, lease, transfer, assign, or otherwise dispose of (collectively, “Transfer”), or permit any of its Subsidiaries to Transfer, all or any part of its business or property, except for Transfers (a) of Inventory in the ordinary course of business; (b) of worn-out or obsolete Equipment that is, in the reasonable judgment of Borrower, no longer economically practicable to maintain or useful in the ordinary course of business of Borrower; and (c) consisting of Permitted Liens and Permitted Investments.

7.2 Changes in Business, Management, Control, or Business Locations. (a) Engage in or permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any business other than the businesses currently engaged in by Borrower and such Subsidiary, as applicable, or reasonably related thereto; (b) liquidate or dissolve; (c) fail to provide notice to Bank of any Key Person departing from or ceasing to be employed by Borrower within ten (10) days after such Key Person’s departure from Borrower; or (d) permit or suffer any Change in Control.

7.3 Mergers or Acquisitions.    Merge or consolidate, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to merge or consolidate, with any other Person, or acquire, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to acquire, all or substantially all of the capital stock or property of another Person (including, without limitation, by the formation of any Subsidiary).  A Subsidiary may merge or consolidate into another Subsidiary or into Borrower.

7.4 Indebtedness.    Create, incur, assume, or be liable for any Indebtedness, or permit any Subsidiary to do so, other than Permitted Indebtedness.

7.5 Encumbrance.    Create, incur, allow, or suffer any Lien on any of its property, or assign or convey any right to receive income, including the sale of any Accounts, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so, except for Permitted Liens, permit any Collateral not to be subject to the first priority security interest granted herein, or enter into any agreement, document, instrument or other arrangement (except with or in favor of Bank) with any Person which directly or indirectly prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting Borrower or any Subsidiary from assigning, mortgaging, pledging, granting a security interest in or upon, or encumbering any of Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s Intellectual Property, except as is otherwise permitted in Section 7.1 hereof and the definition of Permitted Liens herein.

7.6 Maintenance of Collateral Accounts. Maintain any Collateral Account except pursuant to the terms of Section 6.6(b) hereof.

7.7 Distributions; Investments.    (a) Pay any dividends or make any distribution or payment or redeem, retire or purchase any capital stock; or (b) directly or indirectly make any Investment (including, without limitation, by the formation of any Subsidiary) other than Permitted Investments, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so.

7.8 Transactions with Affiliates.  Directly or indirectly enter into or permit to exist any material transaction with any Affiliate of Borrower, except for transactions that are in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business, upon fair and reasonable terms that are no less favorable to Borrower than would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with a non-affiliated Person.

7.9 Subordinated Debt.  (a) Make or permit any payment on any Subordinated Debt, except under the terms of the subordination, intercreditor, or other similar agreement to which such Subordinated Debt is subject, or (b) amend any provision in any document relating to the Subordinated Debt which would increase the amount thereof, provide for earlier or greater principal, interest, or other payments thereon, or adversely affect the subordination thereof to Obligations owed to Bank.

7.10 Compliance.    Become an “investment company” or a company controlled by an “investment company”, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or undertake as one of its important activities extending credit to purchase or carry margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), or use the proceeds of any Credit Extension for that purpose; fail to (a) meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, (b) prevent a Reportable Event or Prohibited Transaction, as defined in ERISA, from occurring, or (c) comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the failure of any of the conditions described in clauses (a) through (c) which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Borrower’s business; or violate any other law or regulation, if the violation could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Borrower’s business, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so; withdraw or permit any Subsidiary to withdraw from participation in, permit partial or complete termination of, or permit the occurrence of any other event with respect to, any present pension, profit sharing and deferred compensation plan which could reasonably be expected to result in any liability of Borrower, including any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or its successors or any other governmental agency.

8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

8.1 Payment Default.  Borrower fails to (a) make any payment of principal or interest on any Credit Extension when due, or (b) pay any other Obligations within three (3) Business Days after such Obligations are due and payable (which three (3) Business Day cure period shall not apply to payments due on the Term Loan Maturity Date).  During the cure period, the failure to make or pay any payment specified under clause (b) hereunder is not an Event of Default (but no Credit Extension will be made during the cure period);

8.2 Covenant Default. 

(a) Borrower fails or neglects to perform any obligation in Sections 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8(b),  or 6.12, or violates any covenant in Section 7; or

(b) Borrower fails or neglects to perform, keep, or observe any other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any Loan Documents, and as to any default (other than those specified in this Section 8) under such other term, provision, condition, covenant or agreement that can be cured, has failed to cure the default within ten (10) days after the occurrence thereof; provided, however, that if the default cannot by its nature be cured within the ten (10) day period or cannot after diligent attempts by Borrower be cured within such ten (10) day period, and such default is likely to be cured within a reasonable time, then Borrower shall have an additional period (which shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) days) to attempt to cure such default, and within such reasonable time period the failure to cure the default shall not be deemed an Event of Default (but no

Credit Extensions shall be made during such cure period).  Cure periods provided under this section shall not apply, among other things, to financial covenants or any other covenants set forth in clause (a) above;

8.3 Material Adverse Change.  A Material Adverse Change occurs;

8.4 Attachment; Levy; Restraint on Business. 

(a) (i) The service of process seeking to attach, by trustee or similar process, any funds of Borrower or of any entity under the control of Borrower (including a Subsidiary), or (ii) a notice of lien or levy is filed against any of Borrower’s assets by any Governmental Authority, and the same under subclauses (i) and (ii) hereof are not, within ten (10) days after the occurrence thereof, discharged or stayed (whether through the posting of a bond or otherwise); provided, however, no Credit Extensions shall be made during any ten (10) day cure period; or

(b) (i) any material portion of Borrower’s assets is attached, seized, levied on, or comes into possession of a trustee or receiver, or (ii) any court order enjoins, restrains, or prevents Borrower from conducting all or any material part of its business; 

8.5 Insolvency.  (a) Borrower is unable to pay its debts (including trade debts) as they become due or otherwise becomes insolvent; (b) Borrower begins an Insolvency Proceeding; or (c) an Insolvency Proceeding is begun against Borrower and is not dismissed or stayed within thirty (30) days (but no Credit Extensions shall be made while any of the conditions described in clause (a) exist and/or until any Insolvency Proceeding is dismissed);

8.6 Other Agreements.  There is, under any agreement to which Borrower is a party with a third party or parties, (a) any default resulting in a right by such third party or parties, whether or not exercised, to accelerate the maturity of any Indebtedness in an amount individually or in the aggregate in excess of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00); or (b) any breach or default by Borrower, the result of which could have a material adverse effect on Borrower’s business;

8.7 Judgments; Penalties.  One or more fines, penalties or final judgments, orders or decrees for the payment of money in an amount, individually or in the aggregate, of at least Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) (not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which liability has been accepted by such insurance carrier) shall be rendered against Borrower by any Governmental Authority, and the same are not, within ten (10) days after the entry, assessment or issuance thereof, discharged, satisfied, or paid, or after execution thereof, stayed or bonded pending appeal, or such judgments are not discharged prior to the expiration of any such stay (provided that no Credit Extensions will be made prior to the satisfaction, payment, discharge, stay, or bonding of such fine, penalty, judgment, order or decree);

8.8 Misrepresentations.  Borrower or any Person acting for Borrower makes any representation, warranty, or other statement now or later in this Agreement, any Loan Document or in any writing delivered to Bank or to induce Bank to enter this Agreement or any Loan Document, and such representation, warranty, or other statement is incorrect in any material respect when made;

8.9 Subordinated Debt.  Any document, instrument, or agreement evidencing any Subordinated Debt shall for any reason be revoked or invalidated or otherwise cease to be in full force and effect, any Person shall be in breach thereof or contest in any manner the validity or enforceability thereof or deny that it has any further liability or obligation thereunder, or the Obligations shall for any reason be subordinated or shall not have the priority contemplated by this Agreement; or

8.10 Governmental Approvals.    Any Governmental Approval shall have been (a) revoked, rescinded, suspended, modified in an adverse manner or not renewed in the ordinary course for a full term or (b) subject to any decision by a Governmental Authority that designates a hearing with respect to any applications for renewal of any of such Governmental Approval or that could result in the Governmental Authority taking any of the actions described in clause (a) above, and such decision or such revocation, rescission, suspension, modification or non-renewal (i) causes, or could reasonably be expected to cause, a Material Adverse Change, or (ii) adversely affects the legal qualifications of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to hold such Governmental Approval in any applicable

jurisdiction and such revocation, rescission, suspension, modification or non-renewal could reasonably be expected to affect the status of or legal qualifications of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to hold any Governmental Approval in any other jurisdiction.

9. BANK’S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

9.1 Rights and Remedies.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Bank may, without notice or demand, do any or all of the following:

(a) declare all Obligations immediately due and payable (but if an Event of Default described in Section 8.5 occurs all Obligations are immediately due and payable without any action by Bank);

(b) stop advancing money or extending credit for Borrower’s benefit under this Agreement or under any other agreement between Borrower and Bank;

(c) demand that Borrower (i) deposit cash with Bank in an amount equal to at least (x) one hundred five percent (105.0%) of the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate face amount of all Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars remaining undrawn, and (y) one hundred ten percent (110.0%) of the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate face amount of all Letters of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency remaining undrawn (plus, in each case, all interest, fees, and costs due or to become due in connection therewith (as estimated by Bank in its good faith business judgment)), to secure all of the Obligations relating to such Letters of Credit, as collateral security for the repayment of any future drawings under such Letters of Credit, and Borrower shall forthwith deposit and pay such amounts, and (ii) pay in advance all letter of credit fees scheduled to be paid or payable over the remaining term of any Letters of Credit;

(d) terminate any FX Contracts;

(e) verify the amount of, demand payment of and performance under, and collect any Accounts and General Intangibles, settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with Account Debtors for amounts on terms and in any order that Bank considers advisable, and notify any Person owing Borrower money of Bank’s security interest in such funds;

(f) make any payments and do any acts it considers necessary or reasonable to protect the Collateral and/or its security interest in the Collateral.  Borrower shall assemble the Collateral if Bank requests and make it available as Bank designates.  Bank may enter premises where the Collateral is located, take and maintain possession of any part of the Collateral, and pay, purchase, contest, or compromise any Lien which appears to be prior or superior to its security interest and pay all expenses incurred. Borrower grants Bank a license to enter and occupy any of its premises, without charge, to exercise any of Bank’s rights or remedies;

(g) apply to the Obligations (i) any balances and deposits of Borrower it holds, or (ii) any amount held by Bank owing to or for the credit or the account of Borrower;

(h) ship, reclaim, recover, store, finish, maintain, repair, prepare for sale, advertise for sale, and sell the Collateral.  Bank is hereby granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license or other right to use, without charge, Borrower’s labels, Patents, Copyrights, mask works, rights of use of any name, trade secrets, trade names, Trademarks, and advertising matter, or any similar property as it pertains to the Collateral, in completing production of, advertising for sale, and selling any Collateral and, in connection with Bank’s exercise of its rights under this Section, Borrower’s rights under all licenses and all franchise agreements inure to Bank’s benefit;

(i) place a “hold” on any account maintained with Bank and/or deliver a notice of exclusive control, any entitlement order, or other directions or instructions pursuant to any Control Agreement or similar agreements providing control of any Collateral;

(j) demand and receive possession of Borrower’s Books; and

(k) exercise all rights and remedies available to Bank under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the Code (including disposal of the Collateral pursuant to the terms thereof).

9.2 Power of Attorney.  Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints Bank as its lawful attorney-in-fact, exercisable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to:  (a) endorse Borrower’s name on any checks or other forms of payment or security; (b) sign Borrower’s name on any invoice or bill of lading for any Account or drafts against Account Debtors; (c) settle and adjust disputes and claims about the Accounts directly with Account Debtors, for amounts and on terms Bank determines reasonable; (d) make, settle, and adjust all claims under Borrower’s insurance policies; (e) pay, contest or settle any Lien, charge, encumbrance, security interest, and adverse claim in or to the Collateral, or any judgment based thereon, or otherwise take any action to terminate or discharge the same; and (f) transfer the Collateral into the name of Bank or a third party as the Code permits.  Borrower hereby appoints Bank as its lawful attorney-in-fact to sign Borrower’s name on any documents necessary to perfect or continue the perfection of Bank’s security interest in the Collateral regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred until all Obligations have been satisfied in full and Bank is under no further obligation to make Credit Extensions hereunder.  Bank’s foregoing appointment as Borrower’s attorney in fact, and all of Bank’s rights and powers, coupled with an interest, are irrevocable until all Obligations have been fully repaid and performed and Bank’s obligation to provide Credit Extensions terminates.

9.3 Protective Payments.  If Borrower fails to obtain the insurance called for by Section 6.5 or fails to pay any premium thereon or fails to pay any other amount which Borrower is obligated to pay under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or which may be required to preserve the Collateral, Bank may obtain such insurance or make such payment, and all amounts so paid by Bank are Bank Expenses and immediately due and payable, bearing interest at the then highest rate applicable to the Obligations, and secured by the Collateral.  Bank will make reasonable efforts to provide Borrower with notice of Bank obtaining such insurance at the time it is obtained or within a reasonable time thereafter.  No payments by Bank are deemed an agreement to make similar payments in the future or Bank’s waiver of any Event of Default.

9.4 Application of Payments and Proceeds Upon Default.  If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Bank shall have the right to apply in any order any funds in its possession, whether from Borrower account balances, payments, proceeds realized as the result of any collection of Accounts or other disposition of the Collateral, or otherwise, to the Obligations.  Bank shall pay any surplus to Borrower by credit to the Designated Deposit Account or to other Persons legally entitled thereto; Borrower shall remain liable to Bank for any deficiency.  If Bank, directly or indirectly, enters into a deferred payment or other credit transaction with any purchaser at any sale of Collateral, Bank shall have the option, exercisable at any time, of either reducing the Obligations by the principal amount of the purchase price or deferring the reduction of the Obligations until the actual receipt by Bank of cash therefor.

9.5 Bank’s Liability for Collateral.  So long as Bank complies with reasonable banking practices regarding the safekeeping of the Collateral in the possession or under the control of Bank, Bank shall not be liable or responsible for: (a) the safekeeping of the Collateral; (b) any loss or damage to the Collateral; (c) any diminution in the value of the Collateral; or (d) any act or default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, or other Person.  Borrower bears all risk of loss, damage or destruction of the Collateral.

9.6 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.  Bank’s failure, at any time or times, to require strict performance by Borrower of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall not waive, affect, or diminish any right of Bank thereafter to demand strict performance and compliance herewith or therewith.  No waiver hereunder shall be effective unless signed by the party granting the waiver and then is only effective for the specific instance and purpose for which it is given.  Bank’s rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are cumulative.  Bank has all rights and remedies provided under the Code, by law, or in equity.  Bank’s exercise of one right or remedy is not an election and shall not preclude Bank from exercising any other remedy under this Agreement or other remedy available at law or in equity, and Bank’s waiver of any Event of Default is not a continuing waiver.  Bank’s delay in exercising any remedy is not a waiver, election, or acquiescence. 

9.7 Demand Waiver.  Borrower waives demand, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, notice of any default, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or renewal of accounts, documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees held by Bank on which Borrower is liable.

10. NOTICES

11. CHOICE OF LAW, VENUE and JURY TRIAL WAIVER

12. GENERAL PROVISIONS

12.1 Termination Prior to Term Loan Maturity Date; Survival.  All covenants, representations and warranties made in this Agreement shall continue in full force until this Agreement has terminated pursuant to its terms and all Obligations have been satisfied.  So long as Borrower has satisfied the Obligations (other than inchoate indemnity obligations and, any other obligations which, by their terms, are to survive the termination of this Agreement, and any Obligations under Bank Services Agreements that are cash collateralized in accordance with Section 4.1 of this Agreement), this Agreement may be terminated prior to the Term Loan Maturity Date by Borrower, effective three (3) Business Days after written notice of termination is given to Bank.  Those obligations that are expressly specified in this Agreement as surviving this Agreement’s termination shall continue to survive notwithstanding this Agreement’s termination. 

12.2 Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement binds and is for the benefit of the successors and permitted assigns of each party.  Borrower may not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations under it without Bank’s prior written consent (which may be granted or withheld in Bank’s discretion).  Bank has the right, without the consent of or notice to Borrower, to sell, transfer, assign, negotiate, or grant participation in all or any part of, or any interest in, Bank’s obligations, rights, and benefits under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

12.3 Indemnification.  Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Bank and its directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, or any other Person affiliated with or representing Bank (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless against:  (i) all obligations, demands, claims, and liabilities (collectively, “Claims”) claimed or asserted by any other party in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents; and (ii) all losses or expenses (including Bank Expenses) in any way suffered, incurred, or paid by such Indemnified Person as a result of, following from, consequential to, or arising from transactions between Bank and Borrower (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), except for Claims and/or losses directly caused by such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

12.4 Time of Essence.  Time is of the essence for the performance of all Obligations in this Agreement.

12.5 Severability of Provisions.  Each provision of this Agreement is severable from every other provision in determining the enforceability of any provision.

12.6 Correction of Loan Documents.  Bank may correct patent errors and fill in any blanks in the Loan Documents consistent with the agreement of the parties so long as Bank provides Borrower with written notice of such correction and allows Borrower at least ten (10) days to object to such correction.  In the event of such objection, such correction shall not be made except by an amendment signed by both Bank and Borrower.

12.7 Amendments in Writing; Waiver; Integration.  No purported amendment or modification of any Loan Document, or waiver, discharge or termination of any obligation under any Loan Document, shall be enforceable or admissible unless, and only to the extent, expressly set forth in a writing signed by the party against which enforcement or admission is sought.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no oral promise or statement, nor any action, inaction, delay, failure to require performance or course of conduct shall operate as, or evidence, an amendment, supplement or waiver or have any other effect on any Loan Document.  Any waiver granted shall be limited to the specific circumstance expressly described in it, and shall not apply to any subsequent or other circumstance, whether similar or dissimilar, or give rise to, or evidence, any obligation or commitment to grant any further waiver.  The Loan Documents represent the entire agreement about this subject matter and supersede prior negotiations or agreements.  All prior agreements, understandings, representations, warranties, and negotiations between the parties about the subject matter of the Loan Documents merge into the Loan Documents.

12.8 Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, is an original, and all taken together, constitute one Agreement.

12.9 Confidentiality.  In handling any confidential information, Bank shall exercise the same degree of care that it exercises for its own proprietary information, but disclosure of information may be made: (a) to Bank’s Subsidiaries or Affiliates (such Subsidiaries and Affiliates, together with Bank, collectively, “Bank Entities”); (b) to prospective transferees or purchasers of any interest in the Credit Extensions (provided, however, Bank shall use its best efforts to obtain any prospective transferee’s or purchaser’s agreement to the terms of this provision); (c) as required by law, regulation, subpoena, or other order; (d) to Bank’s regulators or as otherwise required in connection with Bank’s examination or audit; (e) as Bank considers appropriate in exercising remedies under the Loan Documents; and (f) to third-party service providers of Bank so long as such service providers have executed a confidentiality agreement with Bank with terms no less restrictive than those contained herein.  Confidential information does not include information that is either: (i) in the public domain or in Bank’s possession when disclosed to Bank, or becomes part of the public domain (other than as a result of its disclosure by Bank in violation of this Agreement) after disclosure to Bank; or (ii) disclosed to Bank by a third party, if Bank does not know that the third party is prohibited from disclosing the information.

12.10 Right of Set Off.    Borrower hereby grants to Bank, a lien, security interest and right of set off as security for all Obligations to Bank, whether now existing or hereafter arising upon and against all deposits, credits, collateral and property, now or hereafter in the possession, custody, safekeeping or control of Bank or any entity under the control of Bank (including a Bank subsidiary) or in transit to any of them.  At any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, without demand or notice, Bank may set off the same or any part thereof and apply the same to any liability or obligation of Borrower even though unmatured and regardless of the adequacy of any other collateral securing the Obligations.  ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO REQUIRE BANK TO EXERCISE ITS RIGHTS OR REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY OTHER COLLATERAL WHICH SECURES THE OBLIGATIONS, PRIOR TO EXERCISING ITS RIGHT OF SETOFF WITH RESPECT TO SUCH DEPOSITS, CREDITS OR OTHER PROPERTY OF BORROWER ARE HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVED.

12.11 Electronic Execution of Documents.  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature” and words of like import in any Loan Document shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping systems, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

12.12 Captions.  The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.

12.13 Construction of Agreement.  The parties mutually acknowledge that they and their attorneys have participated in the preparation and negotiation of this Agreement.  In cases of uncertainty this Agreement shall be construed without regard to which of the parties caused the uncertainty to exist.

12.14 Relationship.  The relationship of the parties to this Agreement is determined solely by the provisions of this Agreement.  The parties do not intend to create any agency, partnership, joint venture, trust, fiduciary or other relationship with duties or incidents different from those of parties to an arm’s-length contract.

12.15 Third Parties.  Nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, is intended to: (a) confer any benefits, rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any persons other than the express parties to it and their respective permitted successors and assigns; (b) relieve or discharge the obligation or liability of any person not an express party to this Agreement; or (c) give any person not an express party to this Agreement any right of subrogation or action against any party to this Agreement.

13. DEFINITIONS

13.1 Definitions.  As used in the Loan Documents, the word “shall” is mandatory, the word “may” is permissive, the word “or” is not exclusive, the words “includes” and “including” are not limiting, the singular includes the plural, and numbers denoting amounts that are set off in brackets are negative.  As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

(a) its Copyrights, Trademarks and Patents;

(b) any and all trade secrets and trade secret rights, including, without limitation, any rights to unpatented inventions, know-how, and operating manuals;

(c) any and all source code;

(d) any and all design rights which may be available to such Person;

(e) any and all claims for damages by way of past, present and future infringement of any of the foregoing, with the right, but not the obligation, to sue for and collect such damages for said use or infringement of the Intellectual Property rights identified above; and

(f) all amendments, renewals and extensions of any of the Copyrights, Trademarks or Patents.

(a) Borrower’s Indebtedness to Bank under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(b) Indebtedness existing on the Effective Date and shown on the Perfection Certificate;

(c) Subordinated Debt;

(d) unsecured Indebtedness to trade creditors incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(e) Indebtedness incurred as a result of endorsing negotiable instruments received in the ordinary course of business;

(f) Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted under clauses (a) and (c) of the definition of Permitted Liens hereunder; and

(g) extensions, refinancings, modifications, amendments and restatements of any items of Permitted Indebtedness (a) through (f) above, provided that the principal amount thereof is not increased or the terms thereof are not modified to impose more burdensome terms upon Borrower or its Subsidiary, as the case may be.

(a) Investments (including, without limitation, Subsidiaries) existing on the Effective Date and shown on the Perfection Certificate;

(b) Investments consisting of Cash Equivalents; and

(c) cash Investments by Borrower in Securities Corp.; provided that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Investment.

(a) Liens existing on the Effective Date and shown on the Perfection Certificate or arising under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(b) Liens for taxes, fees, assessments or other government charges or levies, either (i) not due and payable or (ii) being contested in good faith and for which Borrower maintains adequate reserves on its Books, provided that no notice of any such Lien has been filed or recorded under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations adopted thereunder;

(c) purchase money Liens or capital leases (i) on Equipment acquired or held by Borrower incurred for financing the acquisition of the Equipment securing no more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) in the aggregate amount outstanding, or (ii) existing on Equipment when acquired, if the Lien is confined to the property and improvements and the proceeds of the Equipment; and

(d) Liens incurred in the extension, renewal or refinancing of the indebtedness secured by Liens described in (a) through (c), but any extension, renewal or replacement Lien must be limited to the property encumbered by the existing Lien and the principal amount of the indebtedness may not increase.

(a) for a prepayment of the Term Loan Advances made on or prior to May 8, 2020,  three percent (3.0%) of the then outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances immediately prior to the date of such prepayment;  

(a) for a prepayment of the Term Loan Advances made after May 8, 2020, but on or prior to May 8, 2021, two percent (2.0%) of the then outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances immediately prior to the date of such prepayment

(a) for a prepayment of the Term Loan Advances made after May 8, 2021,  but before the Term Loan Maturity Date,  one percent (1.0%) of the then outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan Advances immediately prior to the date of such prepayment.