Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2006, by and between Comerica Bank and the Company, amending the Loan and Security Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.17

EX-10.20 2 d71202_10-20.htm MATERIAL CONTRACTS

EXHIBIT 10.20

THIRD AMENDMENT
TO
LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

This Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”) is entered into as of September 5, 2006, by and between COMERICA BANK (“Bank”) and SCIENTIFIC LEARNING CORPORATION (“Borrower”).

RECITALS

Borrower and Bank are parties to that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 15, 2004 (as amended from time to time, including without limitation by that certain First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 29, 2004, and that certain Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 2, 2005, together with any related agreements, the “Agreement”). Hereinafter, all indebtedness owing by Borrower to Bank shall be referred to as the “Indebtedness.” The parties desire to amend the Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

AGREEMENT

I.	Incorporation by Reference. The Recitals and the documents referred to therein are incorporated herein by this reference. Except as otherwise noted, the terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement.

II.	Amendment to the Agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent as set forth in Article IV hereof, the Agreement is hereby amended as set forth below.

	A.	The following defined terms are hereby alphabetically added to Section 1.1 of the Agreement or amended and restated in their entirety to read as follows:

		“Letter of Credit” means a commercial or standby letter of credit or similar undertaking issued by Bank at Borrower’s request in accordance with Section 2.1(b).

		“Letter of Credit Sublimit” means a sublimit for Letters of Credit under the Revolving Line not to exceed $1,000,000.

	B.	The first sentence of Section 2.1(a)(i) of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

		“Subject to and upon the terms and conditions o this Agreement (1) Borrower may request Advances in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the Revolving Line, less any amounts outstanding under the Letter of Credit, and (2) amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) may be repaid and reborrowed at any time prior to the Revolving Maturity Date, at which time all Advances under this Section 2.1(a) shall be immediately due and payable.”

	C.	Two new subsections are hereby added to Section 2.1 of the Agreement to read as follows:

		“(b) Letter of Credit Sublimit. Subject to the availability under the Revolving Line, and in reliance on the representations and warranties of Borrower set forth herein, at any time and from time to time from the date hereof through the Business Day immediately prior to the Revolving Maturity Date, Bank shall issue for the account of Borrower such Letters of Credit as Borrower

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	may request by delivering to Bank a duly executed letter of credit application on Bank’s standard form; provided, however, that the outstanding and undrawn amounts under all such Letters of Credit (i) shall not at any time exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, and (ii) shall be deemed to constitute Advances for the purpose of calculating availability under the Revolving Line. Any drawn but unreimbursed amounts under any Letters of Credit shall be charged as Advances against the Revolving Line. All Letters of Credit shall be in form and substance acceptable to Bank in its sole discretion and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Bank’s form application and letter of credit agreement. Borrower will pay any standard issuance and other fees that Bank notifies Borrower it will charge for issuing and processing Letters of Credit.

	(c) Collateralization of Obligations Extending Beyond Maturity. If Borrower has not secured to Bank’s satisfaction its obligations with respect to any Letters of Credit by the Revolving Maturity Date, then, effective as of such date, the balance in any deposit accounts held by Bank and the certificates of deposit or time deposit accounts issued by Bank in Borrower’s name (and any interest paid thereon or proceeds thereof, including any amounts payable upon the maturity or liquidation of such certificates or accounts), shall automatically secure such obligations to the extent of the then continuing or outstanding and undrawn Letters of Credit. Borrower authorizes Bank to hold such balances in pledge and to decline to honor any drafts thereon or any requests by Borrower or any other Person to pay or otherwise transfer any part of such balances for so long as the Letters of Credit are outstanding or continue.”

	D.	Bank’s addresses for notices set forth in Section 10 of the Agreement are hereby amended in their entirety to read as follows:

		“If to Bank:	Comerica Bank
			m/c 4770
			75 E Trimble Road
			San Jose, CA 95131
			Attn: Manager
			FAX: (408) 556-5091

		With a copy to:	Comerica Bank
			5 Palo Alto Square, Suite 800
			3000 El Camino Real
			Palo Alto, CA 94306
			Attn: John Benetti
			FAX: (650) 213-1710”

	E.	Section 13 of the Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

	“13. REFERENCE PROVISION.

	13.1 In the event the Jury Trial Waiver set forth above is not enforceable, the parties elect to proceed under this Judicial Reference Provision.

	13.2 With the exception of the items specified in Section 13.3, below, any controversy, dispute or claim (each, a “Claim”) between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other document, instrument or agreement between the undersigned parties (collectively in this Section, the “Loan Documents”), will be resolved by a reference proceeding in California in accordance with the provisions of Sections 638 et seq. of the California Code of Civil Procedure (“CCP”), or their successor sections, which shall constitute the exclusive remedy for the resolution of any Claim, including whether the Claim is subject to the reference proceeding. Except as otherwise provided in the Loan Documents, venue for the reference proceeding will be

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	in the Superior Court in the County where the real property involved in the action, if any, is located or in a County where venue is otherwise appropriate under applicable law (the “Court”).

	13.3 The matters that shall not be subject to a reference are the following: (i) nonjudicial foreclosure of any security interests in real or personal property, (ii) exercise of selfhelp remedies (including, without limitation, set-off), (iii) appointment of a receiver and (iv) temporary, provisional or ancillary remedies (including, without limitation, writs of attachment, writs of possession, temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions). This Agreement does not limit the right of any party to exercise or oppose any of the rights and remedies described in clauses (i) and (ii) or to seek or oppose from a court of competent jurisdiction any of the items described in clauses (iii) and (iv). The exercise of, or opposition to, any of those items does not waive the right of any party to a reference pursuant to this Agreement.

	13.4 The referee shall be a retired Judge or Justice selected by mutual written agreement of the parties. If the parties do not agree within ten (10) days of a written request to do so by any party, then, upon request of any party, the referee shall be selected by the Presiding Judge of the Court (or his or her representative). A request for appointment of a referee may be heard on an ex parte or expedited basis, and the parties agree that irreparable harm would result if ex parte relief is not granted.

	13.5 The parties agree that time is of the essence in conducting the reference proceedings. Accordingly, the referee shall be requested, subject to change in the time periods specified herein for good cause shown, to (i) set the matter for a status and trial-setting conference within fifteen (15) days after the date of selection of the referee, (ii) if practicable, try all issues of law or fact within one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the conference and (iii) report a statement of decision within twenty (20) days after the matter has been submitted for decision.

	13.6 The referee will have power to expand or limit the amount and duration of discovery. The referee may set or extend discovery deadlines or cutoffs for good cause, including a party’s failure to provide requested discovery for any reason whatsoever. Unless otherwise ordered based upon good cause shown, no party shall be entitled to “priority” in conducting discovery, depositions may be taken by either party upon seven (7) days written notice, and all other discovery shall be responded to within fifteen (15) days after service. All disputes relating to discovery which cannot be resolved by the parties shall be submitted to the referee whose decision shall be final and binding.

	13.7 Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the referee shall determine the manner in which the reference proceeding is conducted including the time and place of hearings, the order of presentation of evidence, and all other questions that arise with respect to the course of the reference proceeding. All proceedings and hearings conducted before the referee, except for trial, shall be conducted without a court reporter, except that when any party so requests, a court reporter will be used at any hearing conducted before the referee, and the referee will be provided a courtesy copy of the transcript. The party making such a request shall have the obligation to arrange for and pay the court reporter. Subject to the referee’s power to award costs to the prevailing party, the parties will equally share the cost of the referee and the court reporter at trial.

	13.8 The referee shall be required to determine all issues in accordance with existing case law and the statutory laws of the State of California. The rules of evidence applicable to proceedings at law in the State of California will be applicable to the reference proceeding. The referee shall be empowered to enter equitable as well as legal relief, enter equitable orders that will be binding on the parties and rule on any motion which would be authorized in a court proceeding, including without limitation motions for summary judgment or summary adjudication. The referee shall issue a decision at the close of the reference proceeding which disposes of all claims of the

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	parties that are the subject of the reference. Pursuant to CCP § 644, such decision shall be entered by the Court as a judgment or an order in the same manner as if the action had been tried by the Court and any such decision will be final, binding and conclusive. The parties reserve the right to appeal from the final judgment or order or from any appealable decision or order entered by the referee. The parties reserve the right to findings of fact, conclusions of laws, a written statement of decision, and the right to move for a new trial or a different judgment, which new trial, if granted, is also to be a reference proceeding under this provision.

	13.9 If the enabling legislation which provides for appointment of a referee is repealed (and no successor statute is enacted), any dispute between the parties that would otherwise be determined by reference procedure will be resolved and determined by arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted by a retired judge or Justice, in accordance with the California Arbitration Act §1280 through §1294.2 of the CCP as amended from time to time. The limitations with respect to discovery set forth above shall apply to any such arbitration proceeding.

	13.10 THE PARTIES RECOGNIZE AND AGREE THAT ALL CONTROVERSIES, DISPUTES AND CLAIMS RESOLVED UNDER THIS REFERENCE PROVISION WILL BE DECIDED BY A REFEREE AND NOT BY A JURY. AFTER CONSULTING (OR HAVING HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT) WITH COUNSEL OF ITS, HIS OR HER OWN CHOICE, EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND FOR THE MUTUAL BENEFIT OF ALL PARTIES, AGREES THAT THIS REFERENCE PROVISION WILL APPLY TO ANY CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CLAIM BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO, THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.”


III.	Legal Effect.

	A.	The Agreement is hereby amended wherever necessary to reflect the changes described above. Borrower agrees that it has no defenses against the obligations to pay any amounts under the Indebtedness.

	B.	Borrower understands and agrees that in modifying the existing Indebtedness, Bank is relying upon Borrower’s representations, warranties, and agreements, as set forth in the Agreement. Except as expressly modified pursuant to this Amendment, the terms of the Agreement remain unchanged, and in full force and effect. Bank’s agreement to modifications to the existing Indebtedness pursuant to this Amendment in no way shall obligate Bank to make any future modifications to the Indebtedness. Nothing in this Amendment shall constitute a satisfaction of the Indebtedness. It is the intention of Bank and Borrower to retain as liable parties, all makers and endorsers of Agreement, unless the party is expressly released by Bank in writing. No maker, endorser, or guarantor will be released by virtue of this Amendment. The terms of this paragraph apply not only to this Amendment, but also to all subsequent loan modification requests.

	C.	This Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument. This is an integrated Amendment and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements regarding the subject matter hereof. All modifications hereto must be in writing and signed by the parties.

IV.	Conditions Precedent. Except as specifically set forth in this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. The effectiveness of this Agreement is conditioned upon receipt by Bank of this Amendment, and any other documents which Bank may require to carry out the terms hereof, including but not limited to the following:

This Amendment, duly executed by Borrower;

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	B.	Corporation Resolutions and Incumbency Certification, duly executed by Borrower;

	C.	A legal fee from the Borrower in the amount of $250; and

	D.	Such other documents, and completion of such other matters, as Bank may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Amendment as of the first date above written.

	SCIENTIFIC LEARNING CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ Jane A. Freeman


	Title:	CFO


	COMERICA BANK

	By:	/s/ Rod Werner


	Title:	SVP

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Corporation Resolutions and Incumbency Certification
Authority to Procure Loans

I certify that I am the duly elected and qualified Secretary of Scientific Learning Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Corporation”); that the following is a true and correct copy of resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation in accordance with its bylaws and applicable statutes

Copy of Resolutions:

Be it Resolved, That

1.	Any one (1) of the following CEO, CFO, General Counsel, Controller (insert titles only) of the Corporation are/is authorized, for, on behalf of, and in the name of the Corporation to:

	(a)	Negotiate and procure loans, letters of credit and other credit or financial accommodations from Comerica Bank, including, without limitation, that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 15, 2004 as may subsequently be amended from time to time, including without limitation by that certain First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 29, 2004, that certain Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 2, 2005, and that certain Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 5, 2006.

	(b)	Discount with the Bank, commercial or other business paper belonging to the Corporation made or drawn by or upon third parties, without limit as to amount;

	(c)	Purchase, sell, exchange, assign, endorse for transfer and/or deliver certificates and/or instruments representing stocks, bonds, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities owned by the Corporation, whether or not registered in the name of the Corporation;

	(d)	Give security for any liabilities of the Corporation to the Bank by grant, security interest, assignment, lien, deed of trust or mortgage upon any real or personal property, tangible or intangible of the Corporation;

	(e)	Issue a warrant or warrants to purchase the Corporation’s capital stock; and

	(f)	Execute and deliver in form and content as may be required by the Bank any and all notes, evidences of Indebtedness, applications for letters of credit, guaranties, subordination agreements, loan and security agreements, financing statements, assignments, liens, deeds of trust, mortgages, trust receipts and other agreements, instruments or documents to carry out the purposes of these Resolutions, any or all of which may relate to all or to substantially all of the Corporation’s property and assets.

2.	Said Bank be and it is authorized and directed to pay the proceeds of any such loans or discounts as directed by the persons so authorized to sign, whether so payable to the order of any of said persons in their individual capacities or not, and whether such proceeds are deposited to the individual credit of any of said persons or not;

3.	Any and all agreements, instruments and documents previously executed and acts and things previously done to carry out the purposes of these Resolutions are ratified, confirmed and approved as the act or acts of the Corporation.

4.	These Resolutions shall continue in force, and the Bank may consider the holders of said offices and their signatures to be and continue to be as set forth in a certified copy of these Resolutions delivered to the Bank, until notice to the contrary in writing is duly served on the Bank (such notice to have no effect on any action previously taken by the Bank in reliance on these Resolutions).

5.	Any person, corporation or other legal entity dealing with the Bank may rely upon a certificate signed by an officer of the Bank to effect that these Resolutions and any agreement, instrument or document executed pursuant to them are still in full force and effect and binding upon the Corporation.

6.	The Bank may consider the holders of the offices of the Corporation and their signatures, respectively, to be and continue to be as set forth in the Certificate of the Secretary of the Corporation until notice to the contrary in writing is duly served on the Bank.

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I further certify that the above Resolutions are in full force and effect as of the date of this Certificate; that these Resolutions and any borrowings or financial accommodations under these Resolutions have been properly noted in the corporate books and records, and have not been rescinded, annulled, revoked or modified; that neither the foregoing Resolutions nor any actions to be taken pursuant to them are or will be in contravention of any provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Corporation or of any agreement, indenture or other instrument to which the Corporation is a party or by which it is bound; and that neither the articles of incorporation nor bylaws of the Corporation nor any agreement, indenture or other instrument to which the Corporation is a party or by which it is bound require the vote or consent of shareholders of the Corporation to authorize any act, matter or thing described in the foregoing Resolutions.

I further certify that the following named persons have been duly elected to the offices set opposite their respective names, that they continue to hold these offices at the present time, and that the signatures which appear below are the genuine, original signatures of each respectively:

(PLEASE SUPPLY GENUINE SIGNATURES OF AUTHORIZED SIGNERS BELOW)

NAME (Type or Print)	TITLE	SIGNATURE

Robert C. Bowen	Chairman, CEO	/s/ Robert C. Bowen


Jane A. Freeman	CFO	/s/ Jane A. Freeman


Linda L. Carloni	General Counsel	/s/ Linda L. Carloni


Jon Corbett	Controller	/s/ Jon Corbett



				–

				–

				–

In Witness Whereof, I have affixed my name as Secretary and have caused the corporate seal (where available) of said Corporation to be affixed
on Sept. 13, 2006

	/ Linda L. Carloni

	Secretary

***

The Above Statements are Correct. /s/ Jane A. Freeman


	SIGNATURE OF OFFICER OR DIRECTOR OR, IF NONE. A SHAREHOLDER OTHER THAN SECRETARY WHEN SECRETARY IS AUTHORIZED TO SIGN ALONE.

Failure to complete the above when the Secretary is authorized to sign alone shall constitute a certification by the Secretary that the Secretary is the sole Shareholder, Director and Officer of the Corporation.

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