PROMISSORYNOTE
EX-10.1 2 exhibit101.htm PROMISSORY NOTE exhibit101.htm
Exhibit 10.1
PROMISSORY NOTE
$2,500,000.00 &# 160; May 21, 2008
SonomaWest Holdings, Inc.
2064 Highway 116 North
Sebastopol, California 95472
(Hereinafter referred to as "Borrower")
Wachovia Bank, National Association
Shelton, Connecticut 06484
(Hereinafter referred to as “Bank")
Borrower promises to pay to the order of Bank, in lawful money of the United States of America by mailing to the address specified hereinafter or wherever else Bank may specify, the sum of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($2,500,000.00) or such sum as may be advanced and outstanding from time to time, with interest on the unpaid principal balance at the rate and on the terms provided in this Promissory Note (including all renewals, extensions or modifications hereof, this "Note").
USE OF PROCEEDS. Borrower shall use the proceeds of the loan(s) evidenced by this Note for the commercial purposes of Borrower, as follows: partial financing of tax liability relating to the distribution of MetroPCS Communications Inc. shares of stock.
SECURITY. Borrower has granted or will grant Bank a security interest in the collateral described in the Loan Documents and such other security instruments as are executed from time to time, including, but not limited to real and personal property collateral described in that certain Deed of Trust, Assignment of Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing (“Deed of Trust”) of even date herewith, as modified, restated or replaced from time to time.
INTEREST RATE. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of this Note from the date hereof at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 2.25%, as that rate may change from day to day in accordance with changes in the LIBOR Market Index Rate ("Interest Rate"). "LIBOR Market Index Rate", for any day, means the rate for 1 month U.S. dollar deposits as reported on Telerate Successor Page 3750 as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on such day, or if such day is not a London business day, then the immediately preceding London business day (or if not so reported, then as determined by Bank from another recognized source or interbank quotation).
DEFAULT RATE. In addition to all other rights contained in this Note, if a Default (as defined herein) occurs and as long as a Default continues, all outstanding Obligations, other than Obligations under any swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time) between Borrower and Bank or its affiliates, shall bear interest at the Interest Rate plus 3% ("Default Rate"). The Default Rate shall also apply from acceleration until the Obligations or any judgment thereon is paid in full.
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INTEREST AND FEE(S) COMPUTATION. Interest and fees, if any, shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days in the applicable period ("Actual/360 Computation"). The Actual/360 Computation determines the annual effective interest yield by taking the stated (nominal) rate for a year's period and then dividing said rate by 360 to determine the daily periodic rate to be applied for each day in the applicable period. Application of the Actual/360 Computation produces an annualized effective rate exceeding the nominal rate.
AUTOMATIC DEBIT OF CHECKING ACCOUNT FOR LOAN PAYMENT. Borrower authorizes Bank to debit demand deposit account number 2000038276040 or any other account designated in writing by Borrower, beginning July 1, 2008 for any payments due under this Note. Borrower further certifies that Borrower holds legitimate ownership of this account and preauthorizes this periodic debit as part of its right under said ownership and acknowledges and agrees that this debit is not a set-off.
REPAYMENT TERMS. This Note shall be due and payable in consecutive monthly payments of accrued interest only, commencing on June 1, 2008, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until fully paid. In any event, all principal and accrued interest shall be due and payable on May 1, 2011.
APPLICATION OF PAYMENTS. Monies received by Bank from any source for application toward payment of the Obligations shall be applied first to accrued interest and then to principal. If a Default occurs, monies may be applied to the Obligations in any manner or order deemed appropriate by Bank.
If any payment received by Bank under this Note or other Loan Documents is rescinded, avoided or for any reason returned by Bank because of any adverse claim or threatened action, the returned payment shall remain payable as an obligation of all persons liable under this Note or other Loan Documents as though such payment had not been made.
DEFINITIONS. Loan Documents. The term "Loan Documents", as used in this Note and the other Loan Documents, refers to the Deed of Trust and all other documents executed in connection with or related to the loan evidenced by this Note and any prior notes which evidence all or any portion of the loan evidenced by this Note, and any letters of credit issued pursuant to any loan agreement to which this Note is subject, any applications for such letters of credit and any other documents executed in connection therewith or related thereto, and may include, without limitation, a commitment letter that survives closing, a loan agreement, this Note, guaranty agreements, security agreements, security instruments, financing statements, mortgage instruments, any renewals or modifications, whenever any of the foregoing are executed, but does not include swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time). Obligations. The term "Obligations", as used in this Note and the other Loan Documents, refers to any and all indebtedness and other obligations under this Note, all other obligations under any other Loan Document(s), and all obligations under any swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time) between Borrower and Bank, or its affiliates, whenever executed. Certain Other Terms. All terms that are used but not otherwise defined in any of the Loan Documents shall have the definitions provided in the Uniform Commercial Code.
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LATE CHARGE. If any payments are not timely made, Borrower shall also pay to Bank a late charge equal to 5% of each payment past due for 10 or more days. This late charge shall not apply to payments due at maturity or by acceleration hereof, unless such late payment is in an amount not greater than the highest periodic payment due hereunder.
Acceptance by Bank of any late payment without an accompanying late charge shall not be deemed a waiver of Bank's right to collect such late charge or to collect a late charge for any subsequent late payment received.
ATTORNEYS' FEES AND OTHER COLLECTION COSTS. Borrower shall pay all of Bank's reasonable third-party expenses actually incurred to enforce or collect any of the Obligations including, without limitation, reasonable arbitration, paralegals', attorneys' and experts' fees and expenses, whether incurred without the commencement of a suit, in any trial, arbitration, or administrative proceeding, or in any appellate or bankruptcy proceeding.
USURY. If at any time the effective interest rate under this Note would, but for this paragraph, exceed the maximum lawful rate, the effective interest rate under this Note shall be reduced to equal the maximum lawful rate, and any amount received by Bank in excess of such rate shall be applied to principal and then to fees and expenses, or, if no such amounts are owing, returned to Borrower.
DEFAULT. If any of the following occurs, a default ("Default") under this Note shall exist: Nonpayment; Nonperformance. The failure of timely payment or performance of the Obligations under this Note or any other Loan Document for ten (10) days. False Warranty. A warranty or representation made in the Loan Documents or furnished Bank in connection with the loan evidenced by this Note proves materially false, or if of a continuing nature, becomes materially false. Cross Default. At Bank's option, any failure of timely payment or performance of any obligation under any other Loan Documents. Cessation; Bankruptcy. The dissolution of, termination of existence of appointment of a receiver for, assignment for the benefit of creditors of, or commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding by or against Borrower or any party to the Loan Documents. Material Capital Structure or Business Alteration. Without prior written consent of Bank, (i) a material alteration in the kind or type of Borrower's business; (ii) the sale of substantially all of the business or assets of Borrower or a material portion (10% or more) of such business or assets if such a sale is outside the ordinary course of business of Borrower or more than 25% of the outstanding stock or voting power of or in any such entity in a single transaction or a series of transactions; (iii) the acquisition of substantially all of the business or assets or more than 25% of the outstanding stock or voting power of any other entity; or (iv) should any Borrower enter into any merger or consolidation. Material Adverse Change. Bank determines in good faith, in its sole discretion, that the prospects for payment or performance of the Obligations are materially impaired or there has occurred a material adverse change in the business or prospects of Borrower, financial or otherwise.
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REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT. If a Default occurs under this Note or any Loan Documents, Bank may at any time thereafter, take the following actions: Bank Lien. Foreclose its security interest as provided in the Deed of Trust. Acceleration Upon Default. Accelerate the maturity of this Note and, at Bank’s option, any or all other Obligations, other than Obligations under any swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time) between Borrower and Bank, or its affiliates, which shall be due in accordance with and governed by the provisions of said swap agreements; whereupon this Note and the accelerated Obligations shall be immediately due and payable; provided, however, if the Default is based upon a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding commenced by or against Borrower or any guarantor or endorser of this Note, all Obligations (other than Obligations under any swap agreement as referenced above) shall automatically and immediately be due and payable. Cumulative. Exercise any rights and remedies as provided under the Note and other Loan Documents, or as provided by law or equity.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Borrower shall deliver to Bank, within 90 days after the close of each fiscal year, audited financial statements reflecting its operations during such fiscal year, including, without limitation, a balance sheet, profit and loss statement and statement of cash flows, with supporting schedules and in reasonable detail, prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year. All such statements shall be reviewed by an independent certified public accountant reasonably acceptable to Bank. The opinion of such independent certified public accountant shall not be acceptable to Bank if qualified due to any limitations in scope imposed by Borrower or any other person or entity. Any other qualification of the opinion by the accountant shall render the acceptability of the financial statements subject to Bank's approval.
TAX RETURNS. Borrower shall deliver to Bank, within 15 days of filing or on October 15th of each year, whichever is earlier, complete copies of federal and state tax returns, as applicable, together with all schedules thereto, each of which shall be signed and certified by Borrower to be true and complete copies of such returns. In the event an extension is filed, Borrower shall deliver a copy of the extension within 30 days of filing.
PROPERTY REPORTS. Borrower shall deliver to Bank, within 30 days after the close of each fiscal year and, if requested by Bank, within 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, rent roll financial statements relating to the operation of the Property, including, without limitation, a balance sheet, income and expense statement and statement of cash flows, with supporting schedules; and summary of leases, as applicable; all in reasonable detail, prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION. Borrower shall deliver to Bank such information as Bank may reasonably request from time to time, including without limitation, financial statements and information pertaining to Borrower's financial condition. Such information shall be true, complete, and accurate.
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WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS. No waivers, amendments or modifications of this Note and other Loan Documents shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an officer of Bank. No waiver by Bank of any Default shall operate as a waiver of any other Default or the same Default on a future occasion. Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of Bank in exercising any right, power, or remedy under this Note and other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.
Except to the extent otherwise provided by the Loan Documents or prohibited by law, each Borrower and each other person liable under this Note waives presentment, protest, notice of dishonor, demand for payment, notice of intention to accelerate maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, notice of sale and all other notices of any kind. Further, each agrees that Bank may (i) extend, modify or renew this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by this Note, and/or (ii) grant releases, compromises or indulgences with respect to any collateral securing this Note, or with respect to any Borrower or other person liable under this Note or any other Loan Documents, all without notice to or consent of each Borrower and other such person, and without affecting the liability of each Borrower and other such person; provided, Bank may not extend, modify or renew this Note or make a novation of the loan evidenced by this Note without the consent of the Borrower, or if there is more than one Borrower, without the consent of at least one Borrower; and further provided, if there is more than one Borrower, Bank may not enter into a modification of this Note which increases the burdens of a Borrower without the consent of that Borrower.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. Assignment. This Note and the other Loan Documents shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. Bank's interests in and rights under this Note and the other Loan Documents are freely assignable, in whole or in part, by Bank. In addition, nothing in this Note or any of the other Loan Documents shall prohibit Bank from pledging or assigning this Note or any of the other Loan Documents or any interest therein to any Federal Reserve Bank. Borrower shall not assign its rights and interest hereunder without the prior written consent of Bank, and any attempt by Borrower to assign without Bank's prior written consent is null and void. Any assignment shall not release Borrower from the Obligations. Organization; Powers. Borrower represents that Borrower (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its state of organization, and is authorized to do business in each other jurisdiction wherein its ownership of property or conduct of business legally requires such organization; (ii) has the power and authority to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as now contemplated; and (iii) has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform, and by all necessary action has authorized the execution, delivery and performance of, all of its
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obligations under this Note and any other Loan Document to which it is a party. Compliance with Laws. Borrower represents that Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to its properties, operations, business, and finances, including, without limitation, any federal or state laws relating to liquor (including 18 U.S.C. § 3617, et seq.) or narcotics (including 21 U.S.C. § 801, et seq.) and/or any commercial crimes; all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect the environment; and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), if applicable. None of Borrower, or any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower is a Sanctioned Person or has any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or does business in or with, or derives any of its operating income from investments in or transactions with, Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Countries in violation of economic sanctions administered by OFAC. The proceeds from the Loan will not be used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country. “OFAC” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. “Sanctioned Country” means a country subject to a sanctions program identified on the list maintained by OFAC and available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/index.shtml, or as otherwise published from time to time. “Sanctioned Person” means (i) a person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals or Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sdn/index.shtml, or as otherwise published from time to time, or (ii) (A) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (B) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country, or (C) a person resident in a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC. Applicable Law; Conflict Between Documents. This Note and, unless otherwise provided in any other Loan Document, the other Loan Documents shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. If the terms of this Note should conflict with the terms of any loan agreement or any commitment letter that survives closing, the terms of this Note shall control. Swap Agreements. All swap agreements (as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, as in effect from time to time), if any, between Borrower and Bank or its affiliates are independent agreements governed by the written provisions of said swap agreements, which will remain in full force and effect, unaffected by any repayment, prepayment, acceleration, reduction, increase or change in the terms of this Note, except as otherwise expressly provided in said written swap agreements, and any payoff statement from Bank relating to this Note shall not apply to said swap agreements except as otherwise expressly provided in such payoff statement. Jurisdiction. Borrower irrevocably agrees to non-exclusive personal jurisdiction in the state named in the Bank’s address on the first page hereof. Severability. If any provision of this Note or of the other Loan Documents shall be prohibited or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective but only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Note or other such document. Payments. All payments shall be mailed to Bank at Commercial Payment Processing Center, Linden Center, 100 N. Main Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101, NC6885; or other such address as provided by Bank in writing. Notices. Any notices to Borrower shall be sufficiently given, if in writing and mailed or delivered to the Borrower's address shown above or such other address as provided hereunder, and to Bank, if in writing and mailed or delivered to Wachovia Bank, National Association, 5 Research Drive, Shelton, Connecticut 06484 or such other address as Bank may specify in writing from time to time. In the event that Borrower changes Borrower's address at any time prior to the date the Obligations are paid in full, Borrower agrees to promptly give written notice of said change of address by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, all charges prepaid. Plural; Captions. All references in the Loan Documents to Borrower, guarantor, person, document or other nouns of reference mean both the singular and plural form, as the case may be, and the term "person" shall mean any individual, person or entity. The captions contained in the Loan Documents are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of the Loan Documents. Advances. Bank may, in its sole discretion, make other advances which shall be deemed to be advances under this Note, even though the stated principal amount of this Note may be exceeded as a result thereof.
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Posting of Payments. All payments received during normal banking hours after 2:00 p.m. local time at the address for payments set forth above shall be deemed received at the opening of the next banking day. Joint and Several Obligations. If there is more than one Borrower, each is jointly and severally obligated together with all other parties obligated for the Obligations. Fees and Taxes. Borrower shall promptly pay all documentary, intangible recordation and/or similar taxes on this transaction whether assessed at closing or arising from time to time. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY; WAIVER OF PUNITIVE DAMAGES. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO, INCLUDING BANK BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IN ANY JUDICIAL, MEDIATION OR ARBITRATION PROCEEDING OR ANY CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF OR BE IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT BETWEEN OR AMONG THEM OR THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY OR RELATED HERETO, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY PARTY HAVE A REMEDY OF, OR BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR, (1) INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR (2) PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT OR CLAIM TO PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES THEY MAY HAVE OR WHICH MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY SUCH PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY, WHETHER THE SAME IS RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION, MEDIATION, JUDICIALLY OR OTHERWISE. Patriot Act Notice. To help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. For purposes of this section, account shall be understood to include loan accounts. Final Agreement. This Note and the other Loan Documents represent the final agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and may not be contradicted by evidence of prior, contemporaneous or subsequent agreements of the parties. There are no unwritten agreements between the parties.
ARBITRATION. Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of any judicial proceeding, any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to the Loan Documents between parties hereto (a “Dispute”) shall be resolved by binding arbitration conducted under and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the “Arbitration Rules”) of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) and the Federal Arbitration Act. Disputes may include, without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, a dispute as to whether a matter is subject to arbitration, or claims arising from documents executed in the future, but shall specifically exclude claims brought as or converted to class actions. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision does not apply to disputes under or related to swap agreements. Special Rules. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city named in the address of Bank first stated above. A hearing shall begin within 90 days of demand for arbitration and all hearings shall conclude within 120 days of demand for arbitration. These time limitations may not be extended unless a party shows cause for extension and then for no more than a total of 60 days. The expedited procedures set forth in Rule 51 et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.00. Arbitrators shall be licensed attorneys selected from the Commercial Financial Dispute Arbitration Panel of the AAA. The parties do not waive applicable Federal or state
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substantive law except as provided herein. Preservation and Limitation of Remedies. Notwithstanding the preceding binding arbitration provisions, the parties agree to preserve, without diminution, certain remedies that any party may exercise before or after an arbitration proceeding is brought. The parties shall have the right to proceed in any court of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise or prosecute the following remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose against any real or personal property or other security by exercising a power of sale or under applicable law by judicial foreclosure including a proceeding to confirm the sale; (ii) all rights of self-help including peaceful occupation of real property and collection of rents, set-off, and peaceful possession of personal property; (iii) obtaining provisional or ancillary remedies including injunctive relief, sequestration, garnishment, attachment, appointment of receiver and filing an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when applicable, a judgment by confession of judgment. Any claim or controversy with regard to any party’s entitlement to such remedies is a Dispute. Waiver of Jury Trial.THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BY AGREEING TO BINDING ARBITRATION THEY HAVE IRREVOCABLY WAIVED ANY RIGHT THEY MAY HAVE TO JURY TRIAL WITH REGARD TO A DISPUTE AS TO WHICH BINDING ARBITRATION HAS BEEN DEMANDED.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, on the day and year first above written, has caused this Note to be duly executed under seal.
SonomaWest Holdings, Inc.
By: /s/ Walker R. Stapleton
Walker R. Stapleton
Its: Chief Executive Officer
